Session 19: The Monkey King is Pressed Under the Five-Element Mountain

This session covers one of the most iconic moments in Journey to the West! The Grate Sage, who had been invincible against celestial forces, believed himself capable of surpassing the Buddha, only to find that he could not leap beyond the palm of his hand. Ultimately, the Buddha subdues him by pressing him under the Five-Element Mountain, marking a significant turning point in his journey.

Session Focus:

We will discuss:

✔ Why Sun Wukong could not leap beyond the Buddha’s palm.

✔ Why the Buddha pressed him under the Five-Element Mountain.

✔ The deeper symbolism of the Five-Element Mountain and its relevance to life today.

Key Questions for contemplation:

Q: In his self-introduction to the Buddha, what key message does Sun Wukong convey about himself?

The Buddha said, “The Jade Emperor has trained himself since childhood, and suffered hardship for one thousand, seven hundred and fifty kalpas. Each kalpa is 129,600 years, so you can work out for yourself how long it has taken him to be able to enjoy this great and infinite Way.”

Q: How do you interpret the Buddha’s response?

Q: How did Sun Wukong respond to the Buddha’s explanation?

What does this reveal about Sun Wukong’s understanding of power?

Q: What was the bet the Buddha make with the Monkey King?

Q: Why did the Buddha use a challenge rather than force?

Q: Why did Sun Wukong believe he would win the bet?

Q: How did Sun Wukong try to prove he reached beyond the palm of the Buddha?

What does this reveal about his character?

Q: What was his reaction of the Great Sage when he discovered the truth?

Why did he refuse to believe it at first?

Q: What did the Buddha do to subdue Sun Wukong?

Q: Why couldn’t the Monkey King fly by somersault beyond the palm of the Buddha?

Q: What is the connotation of the Five-Element Mountain?

What is the Five-Element Mountain that traps us or deprives us of freedom in today's world?