Session 39: The pilgrims Encounters the First Life Crisis at the Guanyin Temple

In a world where appearances can be deceiving, how do we discern sincerity from self-interest? This week’s story offers a stark reminder: betrayal sometimes comes disguised in robes of virtue. As our pilgrims encounter their first true life-threatening crisis on the journey, we’re invited to examine not only the characters’ choices—but also our own.

The monks of Guanyin Temple plot to steal the prized cassock, resorting to arson. Wukong’s quick thinking saves Sanzang (using the Anti-fire Cover from Heaven) but fails to prevent the cassock’s theft by the Black Wind Cave monster.

Session Focus:

We’ll analyze how Wukong handles this crisis differently from past impulsivity. What reveals his growing maturity—or lingering flaws?

Key Questions for contemplation:

Q1: Why do the monks, despite their moral vows, scheme to kill for the cassock?

The monkey saw that the monks had piled firewood and straw all around the meditation hall and were setting it alight. Smiling to himself he thought, "So my master was right. This is their idea. They want to kill us and keep our cassock. I wish I could lay into them with my cudgel. If only I wasn't forbidden to use it, I could kill the lot of them; but the master would only be angry with me for murdering them. Too bad. I'll just have to take my chances as they come, and finish them off."

Q2: How does Wukong’s inner conflict show his growth from impulsive violence to more measured thought?

The splendid Monkey leapt in through the Southern Gate of Heaven with a single somersault, startling the heavenly warriors into bowing and bending low as they all said, "Oh no, oh no! The fellow who turned Heaven upside down is here again."

"There's no need to stand on courtesy or be alarmed, gentlemen," said Monkey with a wave of his hand, "I've come to find the Broad−Visioned Heavenly King."

The Heavenly King replied. "If villains are trying to burn him, you should rescue him with water. What do you need my Anti−fire Cover for?"

Monkey continued. "If I try to save him with water, he may still be hurt even if he isn't burnt up. I can only keep him free from injury if you lend me that cover; and with that it doesn't matter how much burning they do. Buck up, buck up! It may be too late already. Don't mess up what I've got to do down there."

"You monkey," said the Heavenly King with a laugh, "You're as wicked as ever, thinking only of yourself and never of others."

"Hurry up, hurry up," Monkey pleaded. "You'll ruin everything if you go on nattering." The Heavenly King, no longer able to refuse, handed the cover to Monkey.

Q3: How do Wukong's words contrast with his past image of chaos?

What new qualities—such as concern, foresight, or accountability—are now visible?

The monster from the Black Wind cave rushed forward with long strides and was just calling for water when he noticed that the rooms at the back were not burning as there was someone on the roof keeping the wind away. The moment he realized this and rushed in to look, he saw a magic glow and propitious vapours coming from a black felt bundle on the table. On opening it he found it contained a brocade cassock that was a rare treasure. His mind disturbed by the sight of this valuable object, he forgot about putting out the fire or calling for water and grabbed the cassock, which he made off with in the general confusion. Then he went straight back to his cave by cloud.

Q4: What does this reveal about the power of desire?

What parallels do you see with the monks’ behavior earlier?