In “Journey to the West,” Sun Wukong’s bravery and perseverance led him from the Flower and Fruit Mountain to the distant Western Continent of Cattle-Gift. His journey culminated at Slanted Moon, Three Star Cave, where he finally met Master Subodhi.
Sun Wukong became the disciple of Master Subodhi and began learning Dao Arts.
This article highlights the journey of Sun Wukong learning Dao Arts from Master Subodhi, revealing the true essence of learning each skill leading to immortality.
Sun Wukong’s Humble Beginnings: The True Essence of Mastering Household Chores
In the beginning, Master Subodhi arranged for him to learn human speech, manners, and engaged in various household chores including carrying water, chopping wood, cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning.
Throughout 6 to 7 years of diligent learning, Sun Wukong also acquired reading and writing skills, expanding his cultural knowledge. These basic skills laid the groundwork for his later spiritual and martial achievements.
According to Grandmaster JinBodhi, learning household chores enhances hand-eye coordination, agility, and physical dexterity. For instance, imagine navigating through a crowded space while carrying a bowl of hot noodle soup; you can’t trip or burn yourself, spill the soup, or hurt others.
What does this teach? It teaches the agility of movements, attention to detail, balance, and observational skills. Grandmaster JinBodhi explains, engaging in daily household chores is a form of spiritual practice that develops our organizational, management, observational, and expressive abilities. Additionally, it improves our operational and executive skills, contributing to one’s overall credibility.
This embodies the true essence and most exciting part of Sun Wukong’s journey, illustrating the profound impact of seemingly ordinary tasks on personal development and spiritual growth.
Master Subodhi’s Secret Teachings to Sun Wukong
One day, Master Subodhi announced to Sun Wukong that he would pass on his dharma teachings. As Master Subodhi introduced each dharma to Sun Wukong, he deliberately refused learning. He exclaimed that he is only willing to learn dharma leading to immortality.
Hitting the table in anger, Master Subodhi stood up and took out his disciplinary ruler. He hit Wukong on the head 3 times, then walked away with his hands behind his back. Looking at this, Wukong was secretly delighted that his opportunity had finally arrived.
When night fell and all the other disciples were sound asleep, Wukong stealthily entered his master’s room and knelt before the bed. Master Subodhi was in meditation posture and woke up Master Subodhi.
Master Subodhi opened his eyes and surprised to see Wukong. Wukong explained, yesterday Master knocked his head 3 times and then turned away with hands behind the back. It was a sign for him to find Master at midnight and enter through the back door.
Hearing this, Master was secretly pleased and agreed to teach him the art of immortality. He knew that Wukong had the skill of deep understanding, making him a great candidate for learning dharma.
Grandmaster JinBodhi said the dharma teaching to transform Wukong’s ordinary life, free him from the shackles of the Six Realms is precious. There’s a saying: “The dharma shall not be passed to a third person; the secrets of Heaven must not be disclosed.” Hence, only a few destined individuals are fortunate to learn the dharma. This is the will of the Heavens and the rule of the Universe.
Transcend The Three Calamities
Sun Wukong continued to diligently practice for another 3 years, and his cultivation foundation became solidified. At this stage, Master Subodhi felt that Wukong almost reached the stage of becoming an immortal.
However, to become a true immortal, Wukong must confront the inevitable three calamities:
- The Heavenly Thunder Calamity: This will occur in 500 years from now. To avoid this disaster, Sun Wukong needs to have a clear mind and true insight.
- The Heavenly Fire Calamity: Following another 500 years, marking 1,000 years from now, Wukong will face the Heavenly Fire Calamity. This fire, known as ‘Yin Fire,’ does not burn like ordinary celestial or earthly flames. It starts burning from the bottom of the feet, through all internal organs, turning them into ash. This turns thousand years of cultivation into nothing but dust and illusion.
- The Heavenly Wind Calamity: After another 500 years, making it 1,500 years in total, Wukong will face the Heavenly Wind Calamity. This wind, called ‘bi wind,’ is not like ordinary breezes; it descends from above, penetrating all internal organs, causing flesh and bone to dissolve into nothing.
Immediately, Wukong was terrified and said he can’t make it through all that!
Interestingly, Master Subodhi assured him that Wukong, being unique, need not avoid these calamities.
Wukong sincerely asked Master to teach him the method to avoid three calamities. Master Subodhi agreed, and Wukong began learning the art of the 72 Earthly Transformations.
Grandmaster JinBodhi reveals that the term “three calamities”, symbolizes three significant events, or blessings fated to transform Wukong. For an ordinary human to reach immortality, one must not only overcome the said “3 calamities” but also endure and brace through at least 30 great calamities on the journey to enlightenment.
The structure of human body is not made to last for millions or billions of years. Instead, it will naturally decay in one century. Therefore, only when one overcome three calamities, transformation at genetic level will be possible, life can be prolonged, to live as long as the Universe.
This interpretation reframes the challenges of spiritual cultivation as opportunities for profound transformation, rather than mere tests of endurance.
The Sudden Expulsion of Sun Wukong | A Greater Destiny Awaits
Day by day, as Sun Wukong practice the skills taught by Master Subodhi, he got more power and strength. The story takes a dramatic turn when Master Subodhi expels Wukong for a trivial mistake, like demonstrating his powers in front of other disciples.
In this event, Grandmaster JinBodhi explains Master Subodhi is a supremely enlightened being, with boundless magical powers. He already knew Wukong’s fate from beginning to end, and a greater destiny awaited him. He was in a hurry to send Wukong on to his next task.
The master-disciple relationship is complex, apparent rejection can be a step towards a greater purpose.
To discover this series on YouTube:
Journey to the West with Grandmaster JinBodhi Episode 1
Journey to the West with Grandmaster JinBodhi Episode 2
