Session 46: Master, Monkey, and Pigsy: A Pilgrimage in Teamwork

As Sanzang, Wukong, and the newly-joined Pigsy continue their westward journey, they meet an old man who offers them lodging before their next trial at Yellow Wind Ridge.

Session Focus:

In this session, we’ll step into the shoes of a “team observer.” How does Sanzang lead as the head of the pilgrimage? What traits of leadership does he embody? How do Monkey and Pigsy interact with each other—and with their master? And what can these dynamics teach us about team building, management, and cooperation in our own lives?

Key Questions for contemplation:

Sanzang said, “…How lucky that there is a family living by our path. Let's spend the night here and set off again tomorrow morning."

"Well said," put in Pig. "I'm a bit hungry, and if we begged some food from that house I'd have more strength for carrying the luggage."

"Homesick ghost," remarked Brother Monkey, "you've only been away from home for a few days, but you're already regretting that you came."

"Elder brother," Pig replied, "I can't live on wind and mist like you. You couldn't realize how the hunger's been gnawing at my stomach all these days I've been following our master."

"Pig," said Sanzang, "if your heart is still at home, you are not intended for a religious life, and you'd better go back.”

The oafish Pig fell to his knees and pleaded, "Master, please don't pay any attention to what my elder brother says: it's an insult. He says I wish I hadn't come, but in fact I've had no regrets at all. I may be stupid, but I'm straight. I just said that I was hungry and want to beg for some food, and he starts calling me a homesick ghost. But the Bodhisattva told me about the prohibitions, and you have been so kind to me; so I really do want to serve you on your journey to the West. I'll never have any regrets, I swear I won't. This is what they call 'cultivating conduct the hard way'. What right have you to say I shouldn't be a monk?"

"Very well then," said Sanzang, "up you get.”

Q1: How would you describe the team dynamics here?

What early challenges do you see in the pilgrim team?

What does Pigsy’s reaction reveal about his character and intentions?

"I am a monk from the Great Tang in the East," Sanzang replied, "and I bear an imperial command to worship the Buddha in the Thunder Monastery and ask for the scriptures…”

Q2: What do you notice about Sanzang’s consistent introduction of himself, regardless of when, where, or to whom?

Why do you think he was chosen—and is qualified—to lead the pilgrimage, even though he doesn’t appear the strongest?

What leadership traits stand out in Sanzang?

"I am a monk from the Great Tang in the East," Sanzang replied, "and I bear an imperial command to worship the Buddha in the Thunder Monastery and ask for the scriptures…”

"You'll never get there," said the old man with a wave of his hand and a shake of his head. "It's impossible to get scriptures from the Western Heaven. If you want scriptures you'd better go to the Eastern Heaven." Sanzang said nothing as he asked himself why the old man was telling them to go East when the Bodhisattva had instructed them to go West. How could the scriptures be obtained in the East, he asked himself. In his embarrassment he was at loss for words, so he made no reply.

Q3: Why does the old man suggest going East instead of West?

What do you see in Sanzang’s internal struggle?

How might this moment test his leadership and discernment?