Session 12: Monkey King Accepts the Title of "Great Sage Equalling Heaven"
- liz zhang
- Jan 14
- 1 min read
In this session, the Monkey King, outraged upon learning the low grade of his celestial job as Protector of the Horses, stormed out of Heaven and returned to the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. Flattered by two Devil Kings, he eagerly embraced the self-proclaimed title "Great Sage Equalling Heaven.”
Session Focus:
We will examine how the Monkey King’s mindset and character evolve, focusing on his growing arrogance, unruly behavior, and increasing susceptibility to flattery and desire.
Key Questions for Reflection:
Q: What were the responsibilities of the Protector of the Horses?
How did the Monkey King perform in this role?
How long did he serve in the post?
Q: What was the official grade of this position, according to his celestial colleagues?
Q: How did the Monkey King react upon hearing the grade?
What do you think triggered his outrage?
Q: According to his monkeys, how long was the Monkey King gone?
How do you interpret the phrase, "A day in heaven lasts as long as a year on earth"?
Q: Who visited the Monkey King upon his return to the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit?
What was their intention in visiting him?
Q: What suggestion did the Devil Kings make to the Monkey King after hearing his story?
How did the Monkey King react to this idea?
Q: What is the symbolic meaning of the Devil Kings in this story?
Q: Why is the main character referred to as "the Monkey King" in Chapter 4, rather than "Sun Wukong"?
I am Chuan, living in Prague of Czech Republic.
When Sun Wukong first took on the job of "Protector of the Horses," he diligently cared for the horses and raised them to be strong and healthy. However, when he heard that his position was considered the lowest, not even ranked among celestial roles in the Heavenly Court, he couldn't bear it. He felt underestimated by the Jade Emperor, believing his talents being wasted, and feeling insulted.
When Sun Wukong was born as the stone monkey, he paid respect to heaven and earth—this proves that Sun Wukong's original nature was very good, and that his heart was very kind and pure. Later, he became the Handsome Monkey King of his monkeys.…
I am Nobu, currently living in Prague.
The Devil Kings appear enticing. When I was focusing on my self-improvement journey, my employer offered me a promotion that would take me away from my cultivation environment. The promotion was alluring—much like the golden robes offered by the Devil Kings. My colleagues highly recommended the opportunity, reminiscent of the flattering words spoken by the Devil Kings. Additionally, some of my inner thoughts imagined myself rising high on the corporate ladder, admired by colleagues, friends, and family—similar to how other monkeys fuel desires within.
Unlike the Monkey King, who was in an environment with only one choice that pushed him further away from being "Sun Wukong" (a cultivator), I was fortunate to be…