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Journey to the West | Full Story, Summary & Moral Lessons

• February 19, 2024

“Journey to the West” stands as one of the pinnacles of  Chinese  literature, a riveting blend of mythology, folklore, humor, and  spirituality . 

Authored by Wu Cheng’en in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty, this epic novel has transcended its cultural origins to become a global literary treasure!

The narrative follows the perilous journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, historically known, as he travels to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures. Accompanied by his three disciples— Sun Wukong , Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—each with their own unique abilities, their quest is filled with divine interventions, battles with demons, and moral lessons.

Many of which we will be getting to know today!

Table of Contents

Historical Context

The “Journey to the West” is deeply entwined with the real-life travels of Xuanzang (602-664 CE), whose  pilgrimage  to India and back took 17 years, a journey undertaken to obtain authentic Buddhist scriptures. 

Wu Cheng’en’s fictionalized account, however, does more than narrate a religious quest; it weaves a rich story of Chinese myths,  Taoist  and  Buddhist  philosophy, and satirical commentary on the social issues of his time, making it a multifaceted work of art.

If you’re interested in watching the Journey to the West, I highly recommend the  1986 series  as it’s often lauded as being not only the most accurate but also you can really feel the love and respect given to the adaptation.

Key Characters

Tang Sanzang

Tang Sanzang, also known as Tripitaka , stands at the heart of “Journey to the West” as its protagonist. His mission to retrieve sacred  Mahayana Buddhist  scriptures from India serves as the narrative’s driving force. Tang Sanzang embodies virtues such as humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his spiritual quest. 

His portrayal as the epitome of piety and moral integrity offers a rich canvas against which his interactions with disciples and various challenges unfold.

Tang Sanzang’s personality is a blend of devout faith and moral steadfastness. He is the moral compass for his disciples, guiding them not only towards their external goal but also on their internal journeys of growth and  enlightenment . 

Despite his virtues, Tang Sanzang is not portrayed as infallible. His naivety and strict adherence to religious doctrines sometimes lead him into trouble, requiring rescue by his more worldly and powerful disciples. This aspect of his character highlights the novel’s exploration of the balance between innocence and wisdom, as well as the necessity of worldly knowledge in achieving spiritual goals.

Throughout the novel, Tang Sanzang undergoes significant development. His journey is not only a physical one across dangerous terrains but also a spiritual odyssey that tests and refines his character. He learns to balance his strict moral codes with the practicalities of the world, growing in understanding and compassion towards his disciples and the beings they encounter.

Sun Wukong , famously known as the Monkey King , is one of the most beloved characters in “Journey to the West.” 

His origins are as magical as his personality; born from a stone egg on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, Sun Wukong acquires supernatural powers through Taoist practices. 

His abilities include shape-shifting, immense strength, and the ability to travel vast distances in a single somersault. Despite his powers, Sun Wukong’s early journey is marked by rebellion and pride, leading him to challenge the heavens themselves.

His initial defiance against the celestial order and subsequent punishment—being imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha—sets the stage for his redemption arc. 

His release by Tang Sanzang and commitment to protect the monk on the journey to India is a turning point, marking his transition from a rebellious figure to a devoted disciple. This journey serves as a path of self-discovery and spiritual maturation for Sun Wukong, as he confronts challenges that test his ingenuity, patience, and fidelity.

The Monkey King’s personality is multifaceted; he is cunning and playful, yet capable of profound wisdom and bravery. His loyalty to Tang Sanzang is unwavering, and he becomes the monk’s most powerful protector, using his abilities to overcome demons and obstacles that the pilgrimage encounters. Sun Wukong’s transformation from a mischievous troublemaker to a protector embodies the novel’s themes of redemption and the possibility of spiritual growth regardless of one’s past.

In terms of symbolic significance, Sun Wukong represents the untamed mind and the potential for enlightenment within all beings. His journey from arrogance to enlightenment mirrors the Buddhist path, emphasizing the importance of humility, learning, and devotion. 

Through Sun Wukong, “Journey to the West” explores the idea that even the most unruly spirits can achieve enlightenment through perseverance, guidance, and self-reflection.

Zhu Bajie, often referred to as Pigsy , is known for his complex and somewhat contradictory character traits. Originally a marshal in the celestial army, Zhu Bajie was banished to the mortal realm as a punishment for his indiscretions in heaven, particularly with the Moon Goddess,  Chang’e . 

Transformed into a pig-human hybrid, his appearance reflects his base nature and penchant for indulgence, especially in food and women. Despite these flaws, Zhu Bajie becomes one of Tang Sanzang’s disciples, joining the quest to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures from India.

Zhu Bajie’s personality is marked by a mix of bravery and cowardice, loyalty and self-interest, wisdom and folly. He often provides comic relief in the story through his antics and bumbling mistakes, yet his character also displays moments of insight and bravery. 

His earthly desires and tendencies towards laziness often put him at odds with his more disciplined and spiritually focused companions, particularly Sun Wukong, with whom he shares a rivalry.

While he deeply respects Tang Sanzang and is committed to the pilgrimage, his weaknesses often lead to complications and challenges for the group. However, these shortcomings make his moments of courage and sacrifice all the more significant, highlighting the theme of redemption and the possibility of moral and spiritual growth regardless of one’s past actions or nature.

Zhu Bajie’s character serves as a reflection on human nature, embodying the struggles between base desires and higher aspirations, between selfishness and altruism. His journey alongside Tang Sanzang is as much about his own redemption and transformation as it is about the physical pilgrimage to India.

Sha Wujing, or Sandy , is the third disciple who joins Tang Sanzang. Once a celestial general, Sha Wujing was banished to the mortal world as punishment for a transgression in heaven, where he was transformed into a river ogre. 

His frightening appearance belies a kind heart and a steadfast, loyal nature. Recognizing his past mistakes, Sha Wujing seeks redemption through service to Tang Sanzang on the perilous journey to the West.

Characteristically, Sha Wujing is the embodiment of stoicism and reliability. Compared to the more flamboyant Sun Wukong and the often comically flawed Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing’s demeanor is subdued and earnest. 

He is less prone to the antics and disputes that sometimes ensnare his fellow disciples, showcasing a level of maturity and wisdom that stabilizes the group. His role is often that of the peacemaker, bridging gaps between his more temperamental companions and ensuring the pilgrimage remains focused on its spiritual goals.

Armed with a magic staff that he uses to combat demons and other threats, he is a formidable fighter in his own right. His knowledge of aquatic environments also proves invaluable, as many of the journey’s challenges take place near or in water.

The Journey to the West

The Origins

In the lush, mystical expanse of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, a stone egg, nurtured by the elements and the heavens, gave birth to Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. This miraculous birth marked the beginning of an extraordinary being destined to leave an indelible mark on the realms of gods and mortals alike. Possessing incredible strength, agility, and a keen intellect from birth, Sun Wukong quickly established himself as the king of the monkeys, securing their loyalty through his bravery and wisdom.

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and the fear of death, Sun Wukong embarked on a quest for immortality. His journey led him to the tutelage of a Taoist sage, from whom he learned the secrets of magical arts, shape-shifting, and the way of immortality. These newfound powers, coupled with his natural cunning and prowess, made Sun Wukong a being of unmatched ability.

However, with great power came a great desire for recognition and respect. Sun Wukong’s ambitions soon turned him against the celestial order. Seeking to claim his place among the gods and immortals, he caused havoc in the heavens, challenging the authority of the Jade Emperor himself. His antics and defiance led to a celestial war between his monkey army and the heavenly forces.

The turmoil caused by Sun Wukong could not go unpunished. Despite his might, he was eventually captured by the combined efforts of the Buddha and the celestial army. To curb his rebellious spirit, Buddha imprisoned Sun Wukong under the Five Elements Mountain, sealing him with a magical spell for five hundred years. This punishment was not just a consequence of his actions but also a pivotal moment of transformation. Under the mountain, Sun Wukong was forced to reflect on his deeds and the consequences of his unchecked ambition.

This period of imprisonment was a crucible, tempering Sun Wukong’s fiery spirit with a newfound understanding of responsibility and the importance of humility. It was here, in the shadow of his actions and under the weight of the mountain, that the foundation was laid for his redemption and eventual role as a protector on the journey to the West.

The Calling of Tang Sanzang

In the empire of the Tang Dynasty, under the watchful eyes of celestial beings, the birth of Tang Sanzang was foretold with a prophecy. He was destined to be no ordinary monk, but one whose journey would mark a pivotal moment in the spiritual fabric of the world. From an early age, Tang Sanzang displayed an uncommon devotion to his Buddhist faith, his heart set on understanding the deepest truths of existence and alleviating the suffering of all beings. His life was filled with piety, scholarship, and an unwavering commitment to the path of enlightenment, setting him apart as a vessel for divine purpose.

The turning point in Tang Sanzang’s life came through a divine revelation, where the  Bodhisattva Guanyin  presented him with a mission of paramount importance. He was to travel to the Western regions of India to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures not yet available in  China . These texts held the key to deepening the spiritual understanding and salvation for countless souls in his homeland. This was not just a journey across lands; it was a pilgrimage that would test the limits of his faith, endurance, and spirit.

The gravity of this mission was clear; the scriptures were vital for the propagation of Buddhism in China, promising a new era of spiritual insight and enlightenment. However, the path to the West was fraught with perils beyond imagination—demons, treacherous landscapes, and trials that would challenge the very essence of his being. It was a journey that no one could undertake alone and survive, let alone succeed.

Recognizing the monumental challenges that lay ahead, the Bodhisattva Guanyin promised Tang Sanzang divine assistance in the form of disciples who would protect and guide him through the dangers. These disciples, each with their own paths to redemption and enlightenment, were destined to be united with Tang Sanzang, forming an unlikely fellowship bound by a shared mission.

Thus began Tang Sanzang’s journey, a quest that was not only his own but one that carried the hopes and spiritual aspirations of the entire Buddhist community. With the divine mandate bestowed upon him, Tang Sanzang set forth, stepping into the annals of legend.

Assembling the Disciples

As Tang Sanzang began his perilous journey to the West, the first to join him was none other than Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Freed from his five-century imprisonment under the Five Elements Mountain by Tang Sanzang himself, Sun Wukong was bound to him by a vow. This vow, forged in the fires of redemption (and the head-tightening band), was Sun Wukong’s promise to protect Tang Sanzang throughout the journey. The release symbolized not only Sun Wukong’s second chance but also the formation of an unbreakable bond between the disciple and his master. With his unparalleled martial prowess and magical abilities, Sun Wukong was a formidable protector, one whose loyalty and dedication to Tang Sanzang’s mission were beyond question.

The next to join this celestial mission was Zhu Bajie, once a marshal in the heavens, now living as a half-human, half-pig being as punishment for his lascivious behavior in the celestial realm. Encountered by Tang Sanzang and Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie was persuaded to join the pilgrimage, seeking redemption for his past misdeeds.

Sha Wujing, the third disciple, was once a celestial general who, due to a grave mistake, was banished to a river, taking the form of a fearsome water ogre. His encounter with Tang Sanzang and the promise of redemption through service transformed Sha Wujing from a feared monster into a loyal disciple.

Together, these three disciples, each with their unique strengths, weaknesses, and backgrounds, formed the core of Tang Sanzang’s entourage. Their assembly was no mere coincidence but a divinely orchestrated gathering of souls seeking redemption, enlightenment, and the fulfillment of a sacred mission.

Trials and Tribulations

As Tang Sanzang and his newly assembled disciples embarked on their journey to the West, they were soon met with a series of trials that tested their resolve, unity, and individual capabilities. These challenges served not only as obstacles to be overcome but also as crucibles for character development and bonding among the pilgrims.

One of the first major trials they faced was the Black Wind Mountain, where a fierce demon known for capturing and eating travelers threatened their mission. It was here that Sun Wukong’s prowess and quick thinking were first put to the test, showcasing his ability to protect Tang Sanzang against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Another significant challenge came in the form of the White Bone Demon, a creature capable of changing its form to deceive and capture Tang Sanzang. This trial tested not only the physical strength of the disciples but also their wisdom and ability to see through deception.

These early trials also brought to the forefront the dynamics and interactions among the disciples. Sun Wukong’s impulsive nature and readiness to use force were often at odds with Tang Sanzang’s more compassionate and pacifistic approach, leading to tensions within the group. Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing, each with their distinct personalities and strengths, found themselves navigating the complex dynamics between their desire for redemption and the often chaotic leadership of Sun Wukong.

The Final Challenges

As Tang Sanzang and his disciples neared the end of their epic quest to retrieve the sacred scriptures from the West, they encountered the Fiery Mountain, a vast barrier of flames that seemed insurmountable. This natural obstacle was a metaphor for the burning trials of the spirit, a test of their resolve and unity. To pass, they needed the fan of the Princess Iron Fan, a task that proved to be as much about diplomacy and wisdom as it was about strength and courage. The quest for the fan was marked by deception and challenges that tested their patience and ingenuity, especially for Sun Wukong, whose confrontations with the Princess pushed him to find non-violent solutions.

Following this, the pilgrims faced the ordeal of the Tenfold Maze, a bewildering labyrinth that tested their mental endurance and faith. The Maze, crafted by powerful magic, represented the inner confusions and doubts that can lead one astray from the path of enlightenment. Each turn and dead end forced the disciples to rely not just on Sun Wukong’s strength or Zhu Bajie’s might, but on Tang Sanzang’s unwavering faith and Sha Wujing’s quiet determination. It was their unity and collective wisdom that eventually led them through the maze, symbolizing the triumph of shared purpose over individual despair.

Perhaps the most significant trial came in the form of a spiritual challenge directly from the Buddha. Before granting them the scriptures, Buddha tasked Tang Sanzang and his disciples with a final test of their virtues and understanding of the Buddhist teachings. This trial was not about battling demons or overcoming physical barriers but confronting their inner selves and the essence of their journey. Each disciple, including Tang Sanzang, faced manifestations of their past errors, fears, and desires, challenging them to apply the lessons of compassion, humility, and perseverance they had learned on their journey.

The confrontation with their inner demons was a profound moment for the pilgrims, especially for Sun Wukong, whose journey from rebel to protector had been fraught with pride and anger. For Zhu Bajie, it was a moment to transcend his baser instincts and desires, while Sha Wujing confronted the solitude and obscurity of his existence with newfound peace. For Tang Sanzang, it was the ultimate test of his faith and his commitment to his mission, proving his worthiness to receive the sacred texts.

Arrival in the West

After overcoming the final, daunting challenges set before them, Tang Sanzang and his disciples reached their sacred destination in the West. It was here, in the presence of the Buddha, that they were finally granted the sacred scriptures.

The attainment of the sacred scriptures was an achievement of monumental significance. For Tang Sanzang, it represented the fulfillment of a divine mission entrusted to him, affirming his unwavering faith and dedication. The scriptures themselves were not just texts but beacons of wisdom, destined to enlighten countless generations to come. Their acquisition symbolized the bridging of divine knowledge from the West to the East, promising an era of spiritual awakening and understanding for Tang Sanzang’s homeland.

For the disciples, the journey to the West and the acquisition of the scriptures were transformative. Sun Wukong, once a rebellious figure driven by pride and the desire for immortality, emerged as a being of enlightenment, his actions tempered by wisdom and compassion. The journey refined his character, turning his immense power and cunning into instruments of protection and service to a cause greater than himself. 

Upon their return to the Tang Empire, the pilgrims were received with reverence. The sacred scriptures were translated and spread, seeding the growth of Buddhism and its teachings throughout the land. The disciples, each awarded divine recognition for their service, achieved a form of enlightenment that transcended their former selves ( Both Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang were turned into Buddhas .)

Summary of the Journey to the West

“Journey to the West” is a chronicling of the pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang and his quest to retrieve sacred scriptures from India. Alongside him are his three disciples: Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, with his unparalleled martial prowess and magical abilities; Zhu Bajie, the gluttonous and lecherous pig demon with a heart of gold; and Sha Wujing, the steadfast and reliable river demon. Each disciple, once celestial beings now seeking redemption for past transgressions, brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the journey, creating a dynamic and sometimes volatile mix of personalities.

The narrative begins with the birth and rise of Sun Wukong, who, after acquiring magical powers and challenging the heavens, is imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha for his arrogance. Meanwhile, Tang Sanzang, chosen by the  Bodhisattva Guanyin , embarks on a mission to the West to obtain Buddhist sutras that will enlighten the East. Along the way, he liberates and recruits Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, who vow to protect him in exchange for their spiritual redemption.

Their journey is fraught with peril, encountering a series of demons and monsters intent on capturing Tang Sanzang for their own gain. Each challenge tests the group’s resolve, faith, and unity, with Sun Wukong’s quick wit and might often saving the day. Despite their differences and the difficulties they face, the pilgrims learn valuable lessons in compassion, patience, humility, and perseverance. These trials serve not only as physical obstacles but as spiritual tests, refining each disciple’s character and strengthening their bonds.

The pilgrimage is marked by significant trials, from battling the fiery Red Boy and outsmarting the cunning Spider Demons to navigating the treacherous Flaming Mountain and the illusion-filled Tenfold Maze. Each ordeal brings them closer together, teaching them the importance of teamwork, sacrifice, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Upon reaching the West and passing the final tests set by the Buddha, Tang Sanzang and his disciples are granted the scriptures. Their return to the Tang Empire is triumphant, with each disciple achieving enlightenment and recognition for their service. The sacred texts they bring back promise a new era of spiritual awakening for their homeland.

• Loyalty and Devotion:  The loyalty of Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing to Tang Sanzang is a central theme that underscores the importance of fidelity in the face of adversity. Their unwavering commitment to protect their master and ensure the successful retrieval of the sacred scriptures speaks to the value of loyalty in achieving a higher spiritual purpose.
• Perseverance through Trials:  The pilgrims’ journey is fraught with challenges that test their resolve, faith, and endurance. Each trial, whether it be a confrontation with demons or overcoming natural obstacles, symbolizes the inner struggles individuals face on their path to enlightenment.
• The Quest for Enlightenment: At its heart, “Journey to the West” is a spiritual odyssey that mirrors the Buddhist path to enlightenment. The journey to retrieve the scriptures symbolizes the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, essential for  liberation  from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. The transformations of the characters, especially the disciples, reflect the individual’s journey toward enlightenment, marked by self-discovery, repentance, and spiritual growth.
• The Battle between Good and Evil: The frequent encounters with demons and the celestial trials faced by Tang Sanzang and his disciples embody the eternal struggle between good and evil. This theme is not only external, in the battles with literal demons, but also internal, representing the moral and spiritual conflicts within each character.

• Characters as Symbolic Archetypes: The main characters of “Journey to the West” are rich in symbolic significance. Sun Wukong, with his rebellious nature and transformative journey, symbolizes the untamed mind and the potential for enlightenment through discipline and self-cultivation. Zhu Bajie represents human desires and flaws, highlighting the struggles and potential for redemption despite one’s imperfections. Sha Wujing embodies steadfastness and humility, qualities essential for spiritual progress.
• Events as Metaphors for Spiritual Lessons: Many of the events and trials encountered by the pilgrims are metaphors for spiritual lessons. For example, the crossing of the Flaming Mountain can be seen as a metaphor for overcoming the burning passions and attachments that hinder spiritual growth. The encounters with various demons can represent the overcoming of personal obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
• The Journey Itself: The journey to the West is symbolic of the Buddhist path towards enlightenment. It is fraught with difficulties and distractions, much like the spiritual journey of an individual.

Moral Lessons

• Redemption and the Potential for Change : The characters of “Journey to the West,” especially the disciples of Tang Sanzang, embody the theme of redemption and the belief in the potential for change. Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, each banished for their transgressions, find in their journey an opportunity for transformation. Their willingness to protect Tang Sanzang and endure hardships for the sake of obtaining the sacred scriptures illustrates the possibility of redemption, regardless of past misdeeds. This reflects the Buddhist concept of  karma  and the idea that positive actions can counteract negative past actions, leading to spiritual growth and liberation.
• Virtue and Moral Integrity : Throughout the novel, Tang Sanzang serves as a moral compass, embodying virtue and moral integrity. His compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment to non-violence, even in the face of danger, highlight the importance of upholding one’s principles. Tang Sanzang’s interactions with demons, often opting for understanding and conversion rather than conflict, reinforce the novel’s message that compassion and wisdom are more powerful than force.
• The Pursuit of Knowledge and Enlightenment : “Journey to the West” places great emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment, both as a personal quest and for the benefit of others. The journey to obtain the Buddhist scriptures symbolizes the quest for spiritual knowledge and truth. This quest is not portrayed as easy or straightforward but rather as a path filled with obstacles that require perseverance, sacrifice, and moral fortitude to overcome.
• Humility and Self-Cultivation : Finally, “Journey to the West” teaches the importance of humility and self-cultivation. The characters, particularly Sun Wukong, learn to temper their pride and recognize their limitations. This humility, coupled with a commitment to self-improvement and spiritual cultivation, is portrayed as essential for growth and enlightenment. The novel thus conveys the moral lesson that true strength and wisdom come from understanding oneself, acknowledging one’s flaws, and striving for self-betterment.

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Journey to the West

The Journey to the West was a peregrination to deliver sacred texts from India to China taken by the pilgrims .

• 3 Appearances
• 5 References
• 6 Navigation

History [ ]

Long after Sun Wukong was defeated by the Jade Emperor, Tang Sanzang was sent on a journey to delivery sacred texts from the west. He soon found and freed the Monkey King, who was imprisoned in Five Phases Mountain . Sun Wukong was quickly given a circlet , which would constrict around his head at the will of the Great Monk, should he disobey.

After a while, Tang Sanzang would become accompanied by Ao Lie, The White Horse Dragon, who would become his steed. He came to Wukong and Tang Sanzang while they were arguing on a bridge above a river.

Eventually they would be joined by Zhu Ganglie, the Celestial Swine, who had kidnapped chief of a villages daughter. He also at one point allowed them to eat at his restaurant. Eventually, Tang Sanzang would also change the Celestial Swine's name to Zhu Bajie.

Later, they would be accompanied by Sha Wujing, the Guardian of the Flowing Sand River , after defeating him in battle.

During the journey, the four had to protect Tang Sanzang from demons that wanted to eat him in order to gain immortality.

At one point, Monkey King created a video game that was based off of the journey. [2]

Sometime after the final battle with Lady Bone Demon , MK discovered the Scroll of Memory , which contained the history of the journey. When Monkey King, Pigsy, Tang, and Sandy were imprisoned in the scroll, MK and Mei, with the help of the Azure Lion, went inside to rescue them, and partook in the journey. [3]

Appearances [ ]

• Since 2021, a specific set focusing on Journey to the West has been released alongside the other sets once per year.
• This is further evidenced by MK and Tang not recognizing characters featured in the real-life version of the book, such as the Azure Lion and the Six-Eared Macaque .

References [ ]

• ↑ Adams, Jeremy (May 16, 2021). It is not a direct 1:1 representation to JTW by design. It gives us more freedom with stories and characters and hopefully points people to search and experience JTW themselves (Reply). Twitter. Archived from the original on August 28, 2022.
• ↑ Siders, Shaene. " Game On ". Monkie Kid . Season 2. Episode 16.
• ↑ Breen, David. " New Adventures ". Monkie Kid . Season 4. Episode 36.

Navigation [ ]

• 2 Monkey King

World History Edu

• Journey to the West

Journey to the West: Origin Story, Themes & Symbolism of the Famed Classical Chinese Novel

by World History Edu · August 28, 2024

Journey to the West (Chinese: 西游记, Xī Yóu Jì) is a revered classical novel by Ming dynasty scholar Wu Cheng’en. Image: An illustrated edition of the story

Journey to the West is one of the most revered and influential works in Chinese literature. The classical novel is attributed to Wu Cheng’en, a scholar and poet of the Ming dynasty.

First published in the 16th century, the novel has since become a staple of Chinese culture, inspiring countless adaptations in literature, theater, film, television, and even modern pop culture. Journey to the West is not just a fantastical adventure story; it is also a profound exploration of Chinese religious beliefs, philosophy, and cultural values.

10 Greatest Chinese Philosophers

Plot Summary

Journey to the West is based on the historical pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuánzàng (known as Tripitaka or Tang Sanzang in the novel) who traveled to India in the 7th century to retrieve Buddhist scriptures and bring them back to China. However, the novel turns this journey into a highly imaginative and allegorical narrative, blending history, mythology, and folklore.

The story can be divided into several key sections:

Introduction: The Origins of the Monkey King

The Monkey King fighting a wind demon

The novel opens with the birth of its most famous character, the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) . Born from a stone egg atop the Flower-Fruit Mountain, Sun Wukong is endowed with extraordinary strength and intelligence. He quickly rises to become the Monkey King, ruling over his tribe of monkeys.

However, Sun Wukong’s ambition leads him to challenge the celestial order. He acquires supernatural powers, including the ability to transform into 72 different forms, and steals the peaches of immortality from Heaven. His rebelliousness eventually provokes the wrath of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven, who orders his capture. After a series of epic battles, Sun Wukong is finally subdued by the Buddha himself and imprisoned under a mountain for 500 years as punishment.

The Quest Begins: The Pilgrimage to India

Image: The four protagonists—Monkey King, Tang Sanzang (on the White Dragon Horse), Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—depicted on Beijing’s Summer Palace Long Corridor.

Five centuries later, the Bodhisattva Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara in Sanskrit) is tasked by the Buddha to find a monk who will undertake a pilgrimage to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures from India. She selects Xuánzàng, a pious and devout monk, for this mission.

Knowing that the journey will be fraught with danger, Guanyin recruits three supernatural beings to accompany and protect Xuánzàng: Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy). Each of these characters represents different aspects of the human condition, and their interactions provide much of the novel’s humor and moral lessons.

• Sun Wukong (The Monkey King) : He symbolizes human ambition, cunning, and irreverence but is also a loyal and brave protector.
• Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) : A former heavenly marshal banished to Earth for his gluttony and lust, he represents human weaknesses such as laziness and greed.
• Sha Wujing (Sandy) : A river ogre with a more subdued personality, he embodies the quieter virtues of patience and perseverance.

The three disciples, along with a dragon prince who transforms into Xuánzàng’s white horse, set out on the journey.

Adventures and Trials

The bulk of Journey to the West consists of the adventures and trials the pilgrims face as they travel westward. These episodes are episodic in nature, with each chapter often focusing on a new challenge, usually in the form of demons, monsters, or spiritual tests. Some of the most famous episodes include:

• The White Bone Demon : A demoness who tries to eat Xuánzàng’s flesh to gain immortality. Sun Wukong sees through her disguises and kills her, but Xuánzàng, unable to see the demon’s true nature, rebukes Sun Wukong and temporarily dismisses him from the group.
• The Red Boy : The son of the Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan, who captures Xuánzàng and nearly kills him before being subdued by Sun Wukong with the help of Guanyin.
• The Flaming Mountains : The pilgrims must cross a mountain range that is literally on fire. Sun Wukong eventually borrows the magical fan of Princess Iron Fan to extinguish the flames.

Throughout these trials, the pilgrims learn important lessons about the virtues of patience, humility, cooperation, and faith. Sun Wukong, in particular, undergoes significant character development, gradually learning to temper his impulsiveness and rebelliousness with discipline and self-control.

The Monkey King’s imprisonment was ended when a monk released him. Sun Wukong then proceeded to accompany the monk on a journey to retrieve Buddhist sutras from India. Image: An illustration of the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang (also know as Tripitaka)

Conclusion: The Attainment of Enlightenment

After 81 hardships, the pilgrims finally reach India and obtain the sacred scriptures. However, they initially receive blank scrolls, a test of their sincerity and understanding. Only after expressing their confusion and disappointment do they receive the true scriptures.

Upon their return to China, the pilgrims are rewarded for their efforts. Xuánzàng and his disciples achieve spiritual enlightenment and are granted various honors and titles. Sun Wukong, for instance, attains Buddhahood, finally completing his journey from rebellious trickster to enlightened being.

Themes and Symbolism

Image: Earliest known edition of the book, published by the Shidetang Hall of Jinling, from the 16th century

Journey to the West is rich in themes and symbolism, many of which are deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

The Quest for Enlightenment

At its core, the novel is an allegory for the spiritual journey toward enlightenment. Each character’s personal flaws and strengths represent different obstacles and aids on this path. Xuánzàng’s unwavering devotion and humility, despite his occasional naivety, represent the ideal qualities of a spiritual seeker.

Human Weaknesses and Virtues

The disciples, particularly Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, embody various human weaknesses such as pride, greed, lust, and anger. Their interactions and growth throughout the journey illustrate the importance of overcoming these flaws through discipline, perseverance, and faith.

An illustration of Shā Wùjìng from Journey to the West

The Power of Cooperation

The success of the pilgrimage hinges on the cooperation between the pilgrims, each of whom brings unique strengths to the group. Their teamwork, despite their differences and occasional conflicts, highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in overcoming challenges.

Buddhist and Daoist Philosophy

The novel is deeply infused with Buddhist teachings, particularly the concept of karma, the cycle of rebirth, and the quest for enlightenment. Daoist themes, such as the pursuit of immortality and the balance of opposites (yin and yang), also play a significant role in the narrative.

Critique of Authority

Journey to the West also contains subtle critiques of authority, particularly the corruption and inefficiency of the bureaucracy, whether celestial or earthly. Sun Wukong’s rebelliousness and his frequent clashes with heavenly authorities can be seen as a challenge to the rigid structures of power.

Literary Style and Structure

Journey to the West is known for its lively and engaging literary style. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with action, humor, and vivid descriptions. The episodic structure of the novel allows for a variety of adventures and encounters, each of which can be enjoyed independently while contributing to the overall narrative.

Wu Cheng’en’s use of language is masterful, blending classical Chinese prose with colloquial expressions and dialogue. The novel also incorporates poetry, which characters use to express their thoughts and emotions, adding a lyrical dimension to the story.

Historical and Cultural Context

Journey to the West was written during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), a period of relative stability and prosperity in China. This era saw a flourishing of literature, theater, and the arts, as well as a renewed interest in classical Chinese culture and values. The novel reflects the syncretism of Chinese religious and philosophical traditions, particularly the blending of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism, which was characteristic of the Ming period.

The novel also reflects the Ming dynasty’s fascination with the exotic and the unknown, as represented by the journey to the distant land of India. The descriptions of foreign lands, creatures, and deities in the novel capture the imagination and curiosity of the time.

Influence and Legacy

Image: The 1592 Shidetang Hall edition, the earliest printed version of Journey to the West, includes captioned cross-page illustrations of various scenes.

Journey to the West has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and literature. It is considered one of the “Four Great Classical Novels” of Chinese literature, alongside Water Margin , Romance of the Three Kingdoms , and Dream of the Red Chamber . The novel’s characters, particularly Sun Wukong, have become iconic figures in Chinese folklore and popular culture.

The story has been adapted into numerous forms of media, including opera, theater, film, television, comics, and video games. Some of the most famous adaptations include the 1960s Chinese TV series Journey to the West , the Japanese anime series Saiyūki ( Monkey Magic ), and the Dragon Ball franchise, which was heavily inspired by the novel.

In addition to its cultural impact, Journey to the West has also been the subject of extensive academic study, both in China and internationally. Scholars have explored its religious, philosophical, and literary dimensions, as well as its influence on later works of Chinese and global literature.

Journey to the West is a timeless masterpiece that transcends its historical and cultural origins. It is a story that combines adventure, humor, and profound wisdom, offering insights into the human condition and the spiritual quest for enlightenment. Whether read as an entertaining fantasy or as an allegory for deeper philosophical truths, Journey to the West continues to captivate readers and inspire generations of storytellers.

Sun Wukong in Chinese Mythology: Origin Story, Powers, Abilities, & Importance

Frequently Asked Questions About Journey to the West

The legacy of Journey to the West as one of the greatest works of world literature is firmly established, and its influence will undoubtedly continue to resonate for centuries to come. Image: 18th-century Chinese illustration depicting a scene from Journey to the West

What is Journey to the West ?

Journey to the West is a classic Chinese novel, written in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty and attributed to Wu Cheng’en. It is considered one of the “Four Great Classical Novels” of Chinese literature. The novel is a fictionalized and highly imaginative account of the pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuánzàng to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures. The story combines elements of mythology, folklore, religion, and adventure.

Who are the main characters in Journey to the West ?

Illustration of Sun Wukong with his magical staff.

The main characters are:

• Sun Wukong (The Monkey King): A powerful and mischievous monkey who becomes Xuánzàng’s disciple and protector.
• Xuánzàng (Tripitaka): The pious Buddhist monk who leads the pilgrimage to India.
• Zhu Bajie (Pigsy): A former heavenly marshal turned into a pig-like creature due to his indulgent and lazy nature.
• Sha Wujing (Sandy): A river ogre who serves as the group’s dependable and loyal companion.
• The White Dragon Horse: A dragon prince who transforms into a horse to carry Xuánzàng on the journey.

The Monkey King’s imprisonment was ended when a monk released him. Sun Wukong then proceeded to accompany the monk on a journey to retrieve Buddhist sutras from India.

What is the significance of the novel’s title, Journey to the West ?

The title refers to the westward journey undertaken by the monk Xuánzàng from China to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. The “West” symbolizes India, which was the birthplace of Buddhism and the source of the sacred texts that Xuánzàng sought to bring back to China.

What are the major themes in Journey to the West ?

The novel explores several major themes, including:

• The quest for enlightenment: The pilgrimage represents the spiritual journey towards enlightenment, with each character’s growth symbolizing progress on this path.
• Overcoming human weaknesses: The characters, particularly the disciples, embody various human flaws, such as greed, pride, and lust, which they must overcome throughout the journey.
• Cooperation and teamwork: The success of the journey depends on the cooperation between the pilgrims, each of whom has unique strengths and weaknesses.
• Buddhist and Daoist philosophy: The novel incorporates Buddhist teachings on karma, rebirth, and the pursuit of enlightenment, as well as Daoist ideas about immortality and the balance of opposites.

What is the historical background of Journey to the West ?

Journey to the West was written during the Ming dynasty, a period marked by cultural flourishing and a revival of classical Chinese literature. The novel draws on the historical pilgrimage of the monk Xuánzàng in the 7th century, but it greatly embellishes the story with fantastical elements, blending history, mythology, and folklore.

How does Journey to the West reflect Chinese religious and philosophical beliefs?

The novel is deeply rooted in Chinese religious and philosophical traditions, particularly Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. It explores Buddhist concepts such as karma, the cycle of rebirth, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Daoist themes, such as the quest for immortality and the harmony of opposites, also play a significant role. Confucian values, such as loyalty, duty, and respect for hierarchy, are reflected in the characters’ relationships and interactions.

What role does Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, play in the novel?

Image: Global Star Productions

Sun Wukong is one of the most iconic characters in Chinese literature. He is a mischievous and rebellious monkey who acquires great power through his supernatural abilities. Initially defiant of authority, Sun Wukong is eventually subdued and becomes Xuánzàng’s most loyal disciple. Throughout the journey, he uses his strength, intelligence, and magical abilities to protect Xuánzàng and overcome various challenges. His character arc reflects the taming of wild impulses and the journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

What are some of the famous episodes in Journey to the West ?

Some of the most famous episodes include:

• The Birth of the Monkey King: The origin of Sun Wukong and his rise to power.
• The White Bone Demon: Sun Wukong’s battle with a shape-shifting demoness who tries to deceive and harm Xuánzàng.
• The Red Boy: The encounter with the fiery demon Red Boy, who captures Xuánzàng and nearly kills him.
• The Flaming Mountains: The pilgrims’ struggle to cross a mountain range that is perpetually on fire.

How does Journey to the West end?

After enduring 81 hardships and trials, the pilgrims finally reach India and obtain the sacred Buddhist scriptures. However, they initially receive blank scrolls as a test of their sincerity and understanding. After proving their worth, they receive the true scriptures. Upon returning to China, the pilgrims are rewarded for their efforts. Xuánzàng and his disciples achieve spiritual enlightenment, with Sun Wukong attaining Buddhahood.

Why is Journey to the West considered a classic?

Journey to the West is considered a classic because of its rich narrative, memorable characters, and deep exploration of spiritual and philosophical themes. It is a work that combines entertainment with moral lessons, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The novel has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and has inspired countless adaptations in literature, theater, film, television, and beyond.

How has Journey to the West influenced popular culture?

Journey to the West has had a significant influence on popular culture, both in China and internationally. The character of Sun Wukong, in particular, has become a cultural icon, appearing in various forms of media, including television series, films, comics, and video games. Notable adaptations include the 1960s Chinese TV series Journey to the West , the Japanese anime series Saiyūki ( Monkey Magic ), and the Dragon Ball franchise, which was inspired by the novel.

Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong is a 2024 action RPG developed by Game Science, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Released on August 20 for PlayStation 5 and Windows, it follows Sun Wukong, receiving favorable reviews and selling more than 9.5 million units within days.

Who is Wu Cheng’en, and what is his connection to the novel?

Wu Cheng’en is traditionally credited as the author of Journey to the West . He was a scholar and poet during the Ming dynasty, known for his satirical and imaginative writing. Although his authorship was not confirmed until much later, Wu Cheng’en is now widely recognized as the author of this masterpiece.

What is the structure of Journey to the West ?

The novel is divided into 100 chapters, which can be roughly grouped into four main sections:

• Chapters 1-7: The birth and early adventures of Sun Wukong.
• Chapters 8-12: The background and introduction of Xuánzàng and his mission.
• Chapters 13-99: The journey to India, filled with various adventures and trials.
• Chapter 100: The return to China and the pilgrims’ rewards.

Humor plays a significant role in Journey to the West , often used to highlight the flaws and follies of the characters, particularly Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie. The novel’s use of satire and playful language adds a layer of entertainment while also providing social and moral commentary. Image: The golden statues showing the four heroes and the White Dragon Horse at the Rua Yai City Pillar Shrine in Suphan Buri, Thailand

What are some of the adaptations of Journey to the West ?

Journey to the West has been adapted into numerous forms, including:

• TV series and films: Various adaptations, such as the 1986 Chinese TV series Journey to the West and Stephen Chow’s films A Chinese Odyssey and Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons .
• Literature: Retellings and sequels, including Anthony C. Yu’s English translation and Jin Yong’s novel The Deer and the Cauldron , which references the novel.
• Theater and opera: Traditional Chinese operas and modern stage adaptations.
• Comics and manga: Works like Osamu Tezuka’s Boku no Son Gokū and the Dragon Ball series by Akira Toriyama, which draw inspiration from the novel.
• Video games: Titles like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and various RPGs that incorporate characters and themes from the novel.

How does the novel depict the relationship between the mortal and the divine?

Journey to the West blurs the lines between the mortal and the divine, portraying gods, demons, and supernatural beings as fallible and often humorous characters. The novel reflects the idea that enlightenment and virtue are attainable by mortals, and that even divine beings are not immune to flaws and challenges.

10 Chinese Gods and Goddesses and their Powers

What are the “Four Great Classical Novels” of Chinese literature?

The “Four Great Classical Novels” of Chinese literature are:

• Journey to the West (西游记)
• Water Margin (水浒传)
• Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义)
• Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦)

These works are considered the most important and influential novels in Chinese literary history.

What is the significance of the number 81 in the novel?

The number 81 is significant in Buddhist tradition, often associated with trials and tests. In Journey to the West , the pilgrims face 81 hardships before attaining the sacred scriptures, symbolizing the completion of a spiritual journey and the attainment of enlightenment after overcoming numerous challenges.

How does the novel address the theme of redemption?

Redemption is a key theme in Journey to the West , particularly in the character arcs of Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie. Sun Wukong’s journey from a rebellious troublemaker to a disciplined protector and eventual Buddha reflects the possibility of redemption through repentance, discipline, and spiritual growth. Zhu Bajie’s ongoing struggles with his base instincts also illustrate the difficult but rewarding path to redemption.

An illustration of Zhu Bajie, one of the four heroes in the novel.

Why is Journey to the West still relevant today?

Journey to the West remains relevant today because of its universal themes, such as the quest for self-improvement, the struggle against one’s flaws, and the importance of cooperation and faith. The novel’s blend of adventure, humor, and spiritual insight continues to resonate with readers, and its characters and stories have become an integral part of global culture.

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Journey to the West: Volume I

85 pages • 2 hours read

The Journey to the West: Volume I

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Chapters 6-10

Chapters 11-15

Chapters 16-20

Chapters 21-25

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

The Journey to the West: Volume I (1983) , translated and edited by Anthony C. Yu, contains the first 25 chapters of a 100-chapter hero’s epic , an allegory designed to impart knowledge on how to behave and what values to extol. Originally published in the late 16th century during the late Ming Dynasty, this epic is “loosely based on the famous pilgrimage of Xuanzang…the monk who went from China to India in quest of Buddhist scriptures” (1). Xuanzang lived from approximately 596 to the year 664. This journey was part of a movement of pilgrimages to the west for universal truth imparted by Buddha. There are two original components to the text, one attributed to the author Yang Zhihe, the other attributed to the compiler Zhu Dingchen.  

For an abridged translation of Wu Cheng'en's full work, please refer to the study guide for Monkey: A Folk Novel of China (1942), translated by Arthur Waley.

Plot Summary

Shortly after the formation of the universe, a monkey is born from an immortal stone, possessing the traits of both the Yin and Yang. He becomes a king of other monkeys , and then trains in the Way, a Daoist discipline which earns him the ability to travel great distances with ease and to transform himself. Unfortunately, he angers his master and is cast out, at which point his selfishness and greed take hold of him. He develops an inferiority complex that leads to his offending Heaven. To get him under control, the ruler of Heaven—the Jade Emperor—offers him a fake title and gifts. When the monkey offends Heaven again, he flees to Earth, where a Heavenly army pursues him. 

Wukong defies this army, until the Emperor’s nephew Erlang and the highest sage, Laozi, work together to trap him. The Jade Emperor sentences Wukong to death. Wukong is captured by the Buddha, Tathāgata , and imprisoned by five mountains on the promise that he can one day redeem himself. Guanyin and Hui’an leave to find the pilgrim that Tathāgata calls for to quest for knowledge, and Guanyin promises three monsters—and Wukong—opportunities for redemption. For Wukong, he will have to serve the pilgrim. The pilgrim, Xuanzang, grows up an orphan named and raised by a monk. He learns the Way, and when he’s 18, he finds out who his parents were and how they were wronged by bandits. He avenges his parents, and after his mother’s suicide, Xuanzang returns to the monastic lifestyle.

Emperor Tang Taizong is supposed to save the Dragon King from execution after the Dragon King ruins a fortune teller, but he fails because the executioner and judge, Wei, kills the Dragon King while dreaming. Taizong dies of sadness, and in the Underworld, promises to send food and hold a mass for the trapped souls so they can be reborn—he’s then sent back to the world of the living because he still has another 20 years to live. Taizong makes good on his promises.

At a mass sanctioned by Taizong and led by Xuanzang, Guanyin shows up and announces the quest to the west; Xuanzang volunteers. Xuanzang, also called Tripitaka, is helped along his journey and in return, saves a man’s father’s spirit. The man then agrees to guide him; when they are on a mountain, they hear Wukong cry out for his master. Tripitaka frees Wukong; they’re attacked, and Wukong kills the bandits attacking them. Tripitaka chides him, and Wukong flees. Guanyin helps Tripitaka control Wukong, who now goes by Pilgrim. Later, they gain control of the dragon that Guanyin promised redemption to when she turns it into a horse. Along their journey, Pilgrim is becoming a better soul, but he still has lessons to learn, such as how to curb his pride and vanity—a lesson he must learn when the abbot at the monastery of Guanyin tries to steal Tripitaka’s holy cassock because Pilgrim wanted to show it off.

Pilgrim and Guanyin work together to subdue a bear monster and regain the heavenly cassock for Tripitaka; Guanyin reminds Pilgrim to be good and not lazy. Despite this, Pilgrim continues to cause trouble for the remainder of Volume I of The Journey to the West , though as the entire epic contains 100 chapters, and Volume I is only the first 25, the monkey still has time to achieve redemption and enlightenment.

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‘Journey to the West’: Why the classic Chinese novel’s mischievous monkey – and his very human quest – has inspired centuries of adaptations

Associate Professor of Chinese Studies , College of the Holy Cross

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One summer afternoon in the late 1980s, my mother and I passed by a tea house on our trip out of town. The crowded building was usually a boisterous place filled with chatter, laughter, and the happy, clacking shuffle of mahjong tiles. At the moment we were passing, however, a great hush came over the teahouse: People were held spellbound by the black-and-white glow of a small TV in a corner, playing an episode of the series “Journey to the West.”

The TV series was adapted from a 16th century Chinese novel with the same title that has undergone numerous adaptations and has captured the imagination of Chinese people to this day. Like many kids in China, I was fascinated by the magic Monkey King, the beloved superhero in the novel, who went through amazing adventures with other pilgrims in their quest for Buddhist scriptures. While I had to quickly walk by the teahouse in order to catch our bus that day, this moment flashed back to me from time to time, making me wonder what made “Journey to the West” so fascinating for people of all ages and backgrounds.

After graduating from college, I embarked on the next chapter of my academic journey in the United States and reconnected with “Journey to the West” from a different perspective. Now, as a scholar with expertise in traditional Chinese literature , I am interested in the development of literary and cultural traditions around the story, including how it has been translated and reimagined by many artists .

While deeply enmeshed in Chinese traditions, the story also resonates with readers from diverse cultures. “Journey to the West” creates shared ground by highlighting the quest for a common humanity, epitomized by its best-loved character, the Monkey King – a symbol of the human mind.

One journey, many stories

Scholars usually trace the beginning of this literary tradition to a Buddhist monk, Xuanzang , who set out on an epic pilgrimage to India in 627 C.E. He was determined to consult and bring back Sanskrit copies of Buddhist scriptures, rather than rely on previous Chinese translations. He did so after nearly 17 years and devoted the rest of his life to translating the scriptures.

The journey has inspired a wide variety of representations in literature, art and religion, making a lasting impact on Chinese culture and society. Legends began to emerge during Xuanzang’s lifetime. Over centuries, they gradually evolved into a distinct tradition of storytelling, often focused on how Xuanzang overcame obstacles with the help of supernatural companions.

This culminated in a 16th century Chinese novel, “Journey to the West.” By this point, the hero of the story had already shifted from Xuanzang to one of his disciples: the Monkey King of Flower-Fruit Mountain, who serves as Xuanzang’s protector. The Monkey King possesses strong magical powers – transforming himself, cloning himself and even performing somersaults that fly him more than 30,000 miles at once.

Despite this novel’s dominance, the broader tradition around “Journey to the West” encompasses a wide variety of stories in diverse forms. The canonic novel itself grew out of this collective effort, and its authorship is still debated – even as it continues to inspire new adaptations.

The deeper journey

Central to all Journey to the West stories is a theme of pilgrimage, which immediately raises a question regarding the nature of the novel: What is the journey really about?

Centuries-long debates about the journey’s deeper message center on the 16th century novel. Traditional commentators in late imperial China adopted a variety of approaches to the novel and underscored its connections with different religious and philosophical doctrines: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and syntheses of those teachings.

For example, all these teachings highlight the role of the “xin” – a Chinese word for mind and heart – in self-cultivation. While Confucian readers might see the plot of “Journey to the West” as the quest for a more moral life, Buddhists might decipher it as an inward journey toward enlightenment.

In the early 20th century, Chinese scholar and diplomat Hu Shi criticized traditional allegorical interpretations, which he feared would make the novel seem less approachable for the general public.

His opinion influenced Arthur Waley’s “Monkey ,” an abridged English translation of “Journey to the West” published in 1942, which has contributed to the canonization of the novel abroad . To a considerable extent, “Monkey” turns the pilgrims’ journey into Monkey’s own journey of self-improvement and personal growth.

Recent scholarship has further underlined religious and ritual connotations of the novel from different perspectives, and debates over the issue continue. But few people would deny that one idea plays a crucial role: the Monkey King as a symbol of the mind.

Mind monkey

There has been a long tradition in Chinese culture that associates the image of a simian creature with the human mind. On the one hand, a monkey often symbolizes a restless mind, calling for discipline and cultivation. On the other hand, an active mind also opens up the opportunity to challenge the status quo and even transcend it, progressing to a higher state.

The Monkey King in the novel demonstrates this dual dimension of the mind . He vividly displays adaptability in exploring uncharted territories and adjusting to changing circumstances – and learning to rely on teamwork and self-discipline, not merely his magic powers.

Before being sent on the pilgrimage, the Monkey King’s quest for self-gratification wreaked havoc in heaven and led to his imprisonment by the Buddha. The goddess Guanyin agreed to give him a second chance on the condition that he join the other pilgrims and assist them. His journey is fraught with the tensions between self-discipline and self-reliance, as he learns how to channel his physical and mental powers for good.

The Monkey King’s human qualities, from arrogance to fear, endow him with universal appeal. Readers gradually witness his self-improvement, revealing a common human quest. They may frown upon how the Monkey King is entrapped within his own ego, yet respect his courage in challenging authority and battling adversity. While his mischievous tricks give a good laugh, his loyalty to the monk Xuanzang and his sense of righteousness make a lasting impression.

Reviewing Waley’s “Monkey” in 1943 , Chinese-American writer Helena Kuo commented of the pilgrims: “Humanity would have missed a great deal if they have been exemplary characters.” Indeed, each one depicts humanity’s quest for a better self, particularly the main character. Monkeying around on the path of life, this simian companion captivates readers – and makes them consider their own journey.

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Journey to the West Research

A repository for research on the great 16th-century chinese classic, archive #11 – pdfs of the journey to the west 2012 revised edition.

Note : The additional archived translations have been moved to a new location. See the 08-09-23 update below.

Last updated : 08-09-2023

Here I present PDFs comprising the complete four volume 2012 revised edition of The Journey to the West ( Xiyouji ,  西遊記 )   translated by Anthony C. Yu (October 6, 1938 – May 12, 2015). This is considered THE most accurate translation of the tale available. I hope those who read and enjoy the digital version will support the official release.

Yu was Carl Darling Buck Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Humanities and Professor Emeritus of Religion and Literature in the  Chicago Divinity School . I shared a long email correspondence with Prof. Yu, during which we became friends. He was always quick to answer my many questions. His translation remains a treasure trove of explanatory notes and sources.

1. Book blurb

Anthony C. Yu’s translation of  The Journey to the West , initially published in 1983, introduced English-speaking audiences to the classic Chinese novel in its entirety for the first time […] With over a hundred chapters written in both prose and poetry,  The Journey to the West  has always been a complicated and difficult text to render in English while preserving the lyricism of its language and the content of its plot. But Yu has successfully taken on the task, and in this new edition he has made his translations even more accurate and accessible. The explanatory notes are updated and augmented, and Yu has added new material to his introduction, based on his original research as well as on the newest literary criticism and scholarship on Chinese religious traditions. He has also modernized the transliterations included in each volume, using the now-standard Hanyu Pinyin romanization system. Perhaps most important, Yu has made changes to the translation itself in order to make it as precise as possible ( source ).

2. PDF Files

Click to access the-journey-to-the-west-wu-chengen_-anthony-c.-yu-the-journey-to-the-west-volume-1-university-of-chicago-press-2013.pdf

Click to access the-journey-to-the-west-2012-volume-2.pdf

Click to access the-journey-to-the-west-2012-volume-3.pdf

Click to access the-journey-to-the-west-2012-volume-4.pdf

The cover of volume one ( larger version ).

Update : 03-01-22

I’ve archived a scan of the original Chinese version of the 1592 edition of the novel.

Archive #31 – The Original 1592 Edition of Journey to the West, Complete with Pictures

Update : 07-26-23

I have archived the first complete 1835 Japanese translation of JTTW. It includes amazing woodblock prints.

Archive #41 – PDFs of The Illustrated Journey to the West (Ehon Saiyuki, 繪本西遊記, 1835)

Update : 08-09-23

I have archived a list of other foreign language translations of Journey to the West , including complete and abridged editions.

• English (W. J. F. Jenner and Arthur Waley)

Archive #42 – PDFs of Journey to the West Translations

These have been posted for educational purposes. No malicious copyright infringement is intended. Please support the official release.

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13 thoughts on “ archive #11 – pdfs of the journey to the west 2012 revised edition ”.

thanks for posting these! any chance you can post epubs as well?

Much appreciated for sharing these.

Volumes 1 and 4 have all the poems cut off on the right margin… sadness… Is there any chance you might post these again without this error?

My copy has the same thing. However, the letters are still there, just not visible. If you copy the poems and paste them into Word or an email, you can see them. I’m not sure why they are cut off like that.

What I’ve heard is that it’s because a pdf leaves certain margins in the document that aren’t always present in the original document, usually for printing convenience. Google tells me you can fix it by setting a custom page size like mentioned here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/text-cuts-off-left-and-right-when-i-print-or-save/52b64dc4-2c99-4e7b-94d8-e61c426b2a62 , though I don’t know if that’s exactly the problem you’re having, or if you can do that with an epub. If you have the time, you could test it out. I would, but word isn’t properly converting the pdf to an editable format for me.

I have updated the PDFs.

Thank you sooo much! They are really helpful!

Hello there! I’d be interested to know if you have any information on the Chinese illustrated “comics” from the 60s/70s? I believe they had English translations as well. I grew up with them and now have idea how to track them down.

Note: I wonder if the covers of the Yu editions may be from those comics?

Are you talking about manhua or the smaller lianhuanhua comics? I know there have been many.

The covers from Yu’s edition are illustrations from a Qing-era edition of the novel.

https://journeytothewestresearch.com/2021/02/07/archive-20-qing-period-color-illustrated-complete-edition-of-journey-to-the-west/

Hi! I read the beginning of Chapter 2 in Volume One in which Monkey dances with excitement at least a few times. That leads me to wonder: does he have autism, is it just a monkey thing, or is it something that represents his childlike state of mind before he eventually grows out of it? What are your thoughts?

I think Sun was just excited by what he heard. Remember that his species is known as the “Stone Monkey of Numinous Wisdom” (Lingming shihou, 靈明石猴). The term “numinous wisdom” (lingming, 靈明) refers to religious or spiritual knowledge. This allows him to understand the deep spiritual subjects that Subodhi teaches.

According to Chinese sources, Yu is not the most accurate, is the best, the most detailed. But the most accurate would be Jenner’s as it is the original work in its entirety, but because of that it lacks precision in regards to context, culture, art.

Wanted to point that out.

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Yoshitoshi's 'A Modern "Journey to the West" ( Tsūzoku saiyūki )' (1864-65)

Introduction, main characters.

• 玄奘 三藏 - Genjō-sanzō - The monk Xuanzang (Xuanzang-sanzang in Chinese - the second part of the name literally means "Three Baskets [of Buddhist teaching]"); he is drawn as a younger monk, with a mark on this forehead, often astride a horse (see below)
• 孫悟空 - Son Gokū - The Monkey God or Monkey King (Sun Wukong in Chinese); the most intelligent and powerful of the companions, he is always drawn as a monkey
• 豬 八戒 - Cho Hakkai - Pigsy (Zhu Bajie in Chinese - literally, "Eight-Precepts Pig" or "Pig of the Eight Prohibitions"); he is always drawn as a pig (although the shape of his snout looks more like an alligator than that of a modern farm pig)
• 沙 悟淨 - Sa Gojō - Sandy or Friar Sand (Sha Wujing in Chinese - literally, "Sand Awakened to Purity"); he is drawn as an old monk
• 玉龍三太子 - ? - The Third Prince of the Dragon-King (Yulong Santaizi in Chinese); usually drawn as a white horse, ridden by Genjō-sanzō

Technical details

• Dates: 1864 (10) - 1865 (8)
• Size: Ōban
• Signed: Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi
• Seals: Unread
• Publisher: Fukuta
• Block carvers: Unread

Previous cataloguings

Journey to the West: Introduction

by That's Mandarin | Oct 11, 2022 | Guest Blogs & Media

To spark your interest, our guest author Jeff Pepper from Imagin8 Press has shared a brief introduction of the book.

TIP: Scroll the the bottom of the article to discover links to a version of the book written for English-speaking students of Chinese!

Q: What is Journey to the West about?

Journey to the West (西游记, Xīyóu Jì), is a Chinese novel written in the 16th century by Wu Cheng’en (吴承恩, Wú Chéng’ēn).

It is probably the most famous and best-loved novel in China and is considered one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. Its place in Chinese literature is roughly comparable to Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey in Western literature. Wikipedia sums up the book’s role perfectly, saying, “Enduringly popular, the tale is at once a comic adventure story, a humorous satire of Chinese bureaucracy, a spring of spiritual insight, and an extended allegory in which the group of pilgrims journeys towards enlightenment by the power and virtue of cooperation.”

Q: Is Journey to the West based on a real story?

The novel’s storyline is loosely based on an actual journey by a Buddhist monk also called Xuanzang who traveled from the city of Chang’an (today’s Xi’an) westward to India in 629 A.D. and returned 17 years later with priceless knowledge and texts of Buddhism.

Q: In short, what is Journey to the West about?

A long time ago, in a magical version of ancient China, the great Tang Empire is ruled by an emperor named Taizong. Due to a mixup involving the wrongful execution of a dragon king, Taizong falls ill, dies, and is dragged down to the underworld. There he comes face to face with the Ten Kings of the Underworld, survives a harrowing journey through hell, and finally escapes with the help of a deceased courtier.

When Taizong returns to the human world he is a changed man. He decides to send a monk to the Western Heaven (that is, India), to visit the Buddha, obtain holy scriptures, and bring them back to the people of the Tang Empire. This task is nearly impossible, requiring the crossing of thousands of miles of wild and dangerous territory. With guidance from the bodhisattva Guanyin, the emperor selects a young monk named Xuanzang.

Xuanzang is a brilliant young man but has a complicated history. In an earlier lifetime centuries before, he was a student of the Buddha but was careless in his studies. Expelled from the Buddha’s temple, he spent the next ten lifetimes meditating and acquiring merit. As an infant in his current lifetime he is nearly killed by bandits, placed in a floating basket by his widowed mother and sent downriver, rescued by a monk, and raised in a monastery. At age eighteen he learns his true history, and goes off to avenge his father’s death.

Later he is chosen by Taizong to undertake the epic journey to the west. Now called Tangseng (“monk from Tang”), he faces a near-impossible task: he must cross hundreds of mountains and thousands of rivers, and survive encounters with a horrifying series of bandits, monsters, demons, ghosts, evil kings, scheming monks, false Buddhas, and much more.

Q: How about the Monkey King and other famous characters?

Tangseng could never survive the journey on his own. Fortunately he acquires three powerful but deeply flawed disciples.

First is the monkey king Sun Wukong (孙悟空, S ūn W ù kōng , his name means “ape awakened to the void”), who he frees from a 500-year imprisonment under a mountain in punishment for creating havoc in heaven.

Second is Zhu Bajie (猪八戒, Zhū Bājiè, “pig of the eight prohibitions”), a gluttonous pig-man who is constantly fighting, and often succumbing to, his desires for food, sex and comfort.

And third is Sha Wujing (沙悟净, Shā Wùjìng, “sand seeking purity”), a reformed man-eating river demon.

All three have been converted to Buddhism by the monk, but they often slip back into their bad habits and cause Tangseng a great deal of trouble. Fortunately they all have great magical powers which come in handy for battling demons and monsters, and saving Tangseng from all sorts of trouble.

The story of this journey is described in this epic novel.

Q: How long is the original book?

The original Journey to the West is a very long book. It contains 100 chapters and is 588,000 Chinese characters long. It uses a very large vocabulary of 4,500 different words, over 90% of which are not included in HSK Levels 1-6, making it quite difficult for most non-native Chinese speakers to read.

The novel is also available in English translation, the best one being by the scholar Dr. Anthony Yu. His version fills four volumes and runs over 2,300 pages.

Q: Is the book suitable for Chinese beginners?

Fortunately for people learning to read Chinese, there is now another way to read this book. My writing partner Xiao Hui Wang and I have spent the last five years writing a series of 31 books that retell the Journey to the West story in language that is accessible to anyone learning to read Chinese at the HSK 3 level. The stories in these books are told in a way that matches the original as closely as possible, but because they are graded readers they are much easier to read. The first book, Rise of the Monkey King, is relatively short and uses just 512 Chinese words. Each book adds more new words and slightly increases the length of the story and complexity of the writing, leading step by step to the longest and most challenging book, Book 31, The Final Trial. All told, the entire series uses about 2,200 different Chinese words excluding proper nouns.

Fortunately, the original novel is not written as a single continuous story, but is broken up into more or less standalone episodes, each one between one and four chapters in length. This makes it possible to read and enjoy any of the 31 graded readers without having to read the ones that came before it.

Each book is written in Simplified Chinese. The books include pinyin, English translation, and a glossary. Free audio versions of each book are available free of charge on YouTube.

Q: Where can I get these books?

A list of all 31 books in the series, along with short descriptions and links to the Amazon product pages and free YouTube audiobooks, can be found on the Imagin8 Press home page, www.imagin8press.com .

by Jeff Pepper

Jeff Pepper ([email protected]) is President and CEO of Imagin8 Press , and has written dozens of books about Chinese language and culture.

Over his thirty-five year career he has founded and led several successful computer software firms, including one that became a publicly traded company. He’s authored two software related books and has been awarded three U.S. patents.

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Journey to the West: A 400-Year-Old Tale

Molly Thanrongvoraporn recently interned in the Department of Public Affairs and Marketing at Freer|Sackler.

There will always be a special place in my heart for Journey to the West . It’s a magical tale that has captivated both children and adults for centuries. Growing up in a half-Thai, half-Chinese household, I couldn’t escape its spell. How could anyone resist the fantastic journey to India undertaken by a Buddhist monk, an invincible magic monkey, a gluttonous pig monster, a humble fish monster, and a quiet dragon-in-disguise horse? Oh, the good old Saturday mornings of sitting around the table watching the Monkey King defeat demons. It makes me nostalgic!

Journey to the West (aka Journey ) is one of those stories that brings together East Asian people of all ages, especially when you’re partly Chinese. My grandmother and I are able to discuss the same story even though we were born fifty years apart. As one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, Journey was adapted into many forms, ranging from Beijing opera to animation spin-offs. My earliest memory of it is the 1988 film  Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West . As I was growing up, television series, cartoons, and movies telling this tale were released every few years to people who knew the story by heart. Regardless, we all rejoiced with every new version we could find.

The one element of the novel that appears most frequently in popular culture is the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Many actors have tried their hand at portraying the character. Just this year, Donnie Yen starred in  The Monkey King , a new adaptation made with a big budget and plenty of special effects. Although the entire story is loosely based on Journey , Akira Toriyama ’s Dragon Ball protagonist Son Goku is heavily influenced by Wukong. Goku has the same name (but in Japanese), rides on a cloud, carries a magic staff, and had a monkey tail as a kid.

My favorite Wukong is the one and only Hong Kong comedy king, Stephen Chow , who created a bombastically funny version in Jeffrey Lau’s A Chinese Odyssey series. Focusing on how one may suffer with love and lust, the loose adaptation traces Wukong’s journey of self-redemption from an arrogant lying individual to a faithful follower of the Longevity Monk. Chow’s Wukong has set a high standard for any future adapters of the tale.

Catch Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons on Friday, August 15, at 7 pm, and A Chinese Odyssey Parts I and II at 1 and 3 pm on Sunday, August 17, at the Freer. These films conclude the 19th Annual Made in Hong Kong Film Festival, cosponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Washington, DC.

Read Molly’s previous post on Hong Kong films .

See all posts by this author

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Middle and high schools in 3 counties to receive helmet covers in memory of Cohen Craddock

by DANIEL BURBANK

Boone County, W.Va. — Boone Memorial Health leaders heard about Cohen Craddock, a teenager who died during football practice two weeks ago, and joined forces to create a non-profit.

Ryan Craddock's Cohen's dad said they launched a non-profit called: "Caps for Cohen." Craddock said Cohen would have turned 14 on September 2 and wanted to make sure no family goes through what they experienced.

"The way I see it, this is Cohen reaching out from the grave [and] still helping people," Cohen's dad Ryan Craddock said.

Boone Memorial Health CEO Virgil Underwood said the hospital purchased around 500 soft-shell helmet covers called Guardian Caps. Every middle and high school in Boone, Logan and Lincoln counties will receive them.

"We are so incredibly proud of the Craddock family. You know, this story is not a Boone Memorial Health story, this is a story about an exceptional young man and an amazing family who is taking their grief and turning it into something positive," Underwood said.

Craddock said the program has already raised more than $8500 to purchase additional Guardian Caps. Senator Mike Stuart plans to propose new legislation to require helmets for student athletes. If a bill passes during next year's session, it may not be active until 2026.

"We're wanting to do an initial push now. That's the reason why we're raising money to try to get these kids in these helmets now without waiting," Craddock said, "I can't stress that enough. I feel like if my child would have been wearing the Guardian Cap, it'd have been a totally different outcome."

Craddock said he tries to stay busy but reality has not set in that he will never get to hug his son again. Was written, the new legislation will be called "The Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act."

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Addison's Achievers: Young man's journey from surgeries to medical brigades

by Addison Albert

Sara and Eric DeVecchis were pregnant with their first and only child in 2003.

Thomas DeVecchis was born with a bi-lateral cleft lip and palate, meaning he was born without a roof of his mouth, a protruding lip, and an irregular nostril, making it difficult for him to eat and breathe.

"You just adapt and do what you have to do to encourage him to feel better and hold him in a position that he was comfortable in,” Sara said. “We just prayed a lot and were supportive of each other.”

At 3 weeks old, Thomas was given a retainer that was taped to his face so that he could eat.

At 3 months old, he had his first surgery, which would be followed by 20 more before his 18th birthday.

"Thomas though was a trooper through it all,” Sara said. “Super strong positive. He wanted to see the procedure that was going to be done on him. He would watch videos that the doctors would give him of procedures. He has shadowed them, his plastic surgeons, now that he's in college and watched them do surgeries, and he was just very into knowing what was going to happen."

His most recent surgery was on his jaw.

"I was pretty miserable,” Thomas said. “I had an NG tube, which is basically a tube that goes down your throat into your stomach and helps you not throw up, but it was just really, really awful and a lot of pain, and all I got thinking about was getting out and almost ripping it out myself because it was that miserable.

"Before I was born, I was always in the hospital planning my first group of surgeries so for me it really just a part of life. It’s kind of hard to explain that to people but once you go through something so many times, it just becomes natural almost."

Thomas wore braces for 14 years. He spent endless hours at the Cleft-Craniofacial Center at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He was braces free his sophomore year of college and is now a senior at West Virginia University.

"I've spent a lot of time in hospitals and have received some tremendous care over the years, and I just want to be able to do the same for someone like me," he said.

Thomas is on a pre-med track, majoring in immunology and microbiology and studying to take the MCAT soon. In his free time, he also goes back to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh to talk with kids who are going through the same surgeries he has gone through for cleft lip.

"I've had so much help with a great support team, my family, my friends, and if I can give help to others who might not have the same resources that I did, or have access to and still do, that anything I can do to help ease the pain and ease the stress a little bit for someone, I’m willing to do that," Thomas said.

And his desire to help people is not limited to those in the state, or even with his condition. Thomas has worked with WVU Global Medical and Dental Brigades since he was a freshman in college, traveling to underserved countries to provide medical and dental care to those who are less fortunate.

"Traveling to different countries is very scary, and it can be dangerous because they are guarded by the military there, but just to see him send the pictures and the joy in how it makes him feel to give back and help these people not as fortunate as us in the United States," Sara said.

"In Panama, we dug about 500 meters for a trench for a water pipe to supply the community of Lajas Blancas, which is very, very far out and isolated about 6 months out of the year due to flooding and they have no fresh water," Thomas said.

He has traveled Honduras and Panama to help not only with water supply but dental care and medical care, providing antibiotics to children and even tooth fillings to adults, all while living in the villages himself.

"Once you are actually there and working with people, I think it really opens your mind again as to how privileged we are here, even just in Weirton, West Virginia or in Morgantown where I am now, and the things that we have available to us. And once you go there, once I feel like you’re always going to have a calling to go back and help out in any way that you can," Thomas said.

Sara says she is proud of Thomas, that she could have never imagined her son, after going through so much as a child, that he would be able to give even more back to others as an adult.

If you or someone you know needs more information about cleft lip, Sara advises asking your doctor for help in locating a specialist and always be your own medical advocate for your child.

If you would like to nominate someone as an Addison's Achiever, click here .