Session 35: Wukong Returns to Sanzang and Is Tamed by the Spell

Is your heart unsettled?

Do you have your own “spell” to calm and guide it?

After Wukong angrily leaves his master Sanzang, he visits the Dragon King of the Eastern Ocean, who gently persuades him to change his mind. Meanwhile, Bodhisattva Guanyin gives Sanzang the golden band and the tightening spell, tools to help tame Wukong’s unruly nature.

Session Focus:

We’ll explore what we can learn from how the Dragon King and Bodhisattva Guanyin helped Wukong return, and reflect on the deeper meaning of the golden band.

Key Questions for contemplation:

Q1: Do you think the Dragon King was expecting Wukong’s visit?

What clues suggest he was prepared?

Q2: What is the story of “Presenting the Shoe Three Times at the Yi Bridge” about?

What lesson or insight do you personally gain from it?

Why do you think the Dragon King chose to share this story with Wukong?

(After hearing the Dragon King told the story of Zhang Liang) Monkey hummed and hawed, but said nothing.

Q3: What do you think was going on in Wukong’s mind at that moment?

What can we learn from the Dragon King’s approach in speaking with Wukong?

What does this teach us about helping others change?

"Will you accept my instruction now?" Sanzang asked.

"Yes," Monkey replied.

"Will you misbehave again in future?"

"I certainly won't," said Monkey.

Although he had made this verbal promise, he was still nurturing evil thoughts, and he shook his needle in the wind till it was as thick as a ricebowl. He turned on the Tang Priest, and was on the point of finishing him off when the terrified Sanzang recited the spell two or three more times.

Q4: What do you see in Wukong’s state of mind and character at this moment?

What does this reveal about human nature?

Sanzang said, ”I used to wear them when I was young. With that hat on you can recite scriptures without ever having been taught them, and if you wear that tunic you can perform the rituals without any practice.” "Dear master, please let me wear them," Monkey pleaded…."My head aches, my head aches," cried Brother Monkey, but his master went on and recited the spell several times more. Monkey, now rolling in agony, tore the hat to shreds, and Sanzang stopped reciting the spell for fear he would break the golden band.

Q5: Why does Sanzang (who is a merciful monk) accept using the golden headband and the spell to tame Wukong to follow his instructions? Isn’t that against compassion?

Do you think Sanzang ‘lied’ about the hat's origin and tunic when he tried to make Wukong wear them? Does he break the precept of ‘lying”?

Q6: What is the symbolic meaning of the golden band?

In your own life, what might be your “golden band” — something that keeps you patient, calm, and disciplined when your mind is restless? Share your “golden band” stories!