Session 22: Zhu Wuneng (Pigsy) and the Jade Dragon Are Subdued by Guanyin

In this session, we encounter Zhu Wuneng, widely known as Pigsy, one of the most humorous yet deeply symbolic characters in Journey to the West. Once a high-ranking celestial general, he fell from grace due to his indulgence in desires but was later awakened by Guanyin’s wisdom and chose to reform himself, joining the pilgrimage. We also witness the Jade Dragon’s plea for redemption, as Guanyin intervenes to spare his life, assigning him a vital role in the journey. Lastly, Guanyin pays a fateful visit to the Monkey King, who has been imprisoned under Five Elements Mountain for five centuries. With her profound insight and compassion, she subdues his heart, preparing him for the arrival of the scripture seeker.

Key Questions for contemplation:

"By the Bodhisattva of the Southern Sea do you mean Guanyin Who Eliminates the Three Calamities and Saves from the Eight Disasters (Difficulties)?” the monster (Pigsy) asked….The monster kowtowed to her and shouted in a shrill voice, "Forgive me, Bodhisattva, forgive me."

Q: What are the "Three Calamities" and "Eight Disasters"?

Why was Pigsy so respectful and eager to meet Guanyin?

Q: What led to Pigsy's downfall, and how does his story reflect the consequences of indulgence?

"Future!" said the monster angrily. "According to you I should have lived on air! As the saying goes, 'By the government's law you're beaten to death, and by the Buddha's law you starve to death.' Clear off! Clear off! If you don't I'll capture this pilgrim and eat this plump and tender old woman. I don't give a hoot if it's double sinning, triple sinning, or sinning a thousand or ten thousand times over.”

Q: What does Pigsy’s attitude reveal about his mindset?

Q: How does Guanyin shift his perspective through wisdom and compassion?

Guanyin ordered him to adhere to the truth and eat only vegetarian food, cutting out the five pungent vegetables as well as the three forbidden things; wild goose, dog and fish.

Q: Why did Guanyin give specific order regarding Pigsy’s diet?

What is the significance of the diet?

Why wild goose, dog and fish were forbidden in the diet? What do they represent?

Guanyin gave him the surname Zhu ("Pig") because of his appearance, and gave him the Buddhist name Zhu Wuneng ("Pig Awakened to Power (Ability)”).

Q: What is the significance of this name?

How does this compare to Sha Wujing ("Awakened to Purity") and Sun Wukong ("Awakened to Emptiness")?

Q: What was the Jade Dragon’s past, and why was he punished?

What role did Guanyin assign to the Jade Dragon in the pilgrimage?

Q: What was Wukong’s initial reaction when he met Guanyin?

How did Guanyin use her wisdom to pacify his rebellious nature?Q: Do you think Guanyin fully believed Wukong’s repentance? Why or why not?

When an idea is born in a man's mind

It is known throughout Heaven and Earth.

If good and evil are not rewarded and punished

The world is bound to go to the bad.

Q: What is your interpretation of the above verse?

Q: Why did Guanyin instruct the local gods to remain silent about her mission?