The Hidden Gem
of Sun Wukong

Let’s venture into the mythical world of Wukong, where untold stories and timeless wisdom await

Who Is Sun Wukong?

Background

Sun Wukong is a character originated from the Chinese classic, “Journey to the West”. He has made a profound impact across Eastern and Western cultures, and influenced a wide array of media, from traditional art to modern comics and animations. An example of his early influence is an 1824 Japanese woodblock print. Another famous inspiration is the creation of Son Goku in the “Dragon Ball” series, a character that itself became a global phenomenon.

Known for his mischief, bravery, and magical powers, Wukong has transcended beyond his original contexts, symbolizing global heroism. Wukong’s enduring legacy continues to inspire major comic publishers like DC and Marvel in their artworks. Recently, his story inspired the video game Black Myth: Wukong, gaining more attention from new audiences.

A Glance at Journey to the West

“Journey to the West” is a legendary mythological tale based on the real-life story of Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk in China who embarked on a journey to India to retrieve sacred scriptures.

This series has been retold by Grandmaster JinBodhi, the founder of Bodhi Meditation. With a deep foundation in meditation practice, Grandmaster JinBodhi offers unique interpretations that uncover Buddhist cultivation methods, secrets to enlightenment, and even keys to success in life!

Picture source from web

“Only by enduring hardship can one rise above others”

Grandmaster JinBodhi

Sun Wukong is no ordinary monkey

Sun Wukong, also known as Monkey King and Stone Monkey is the legendary character from “Journey to the West”. He was born from a magical stone atop the Flowers and Fruit Mountain. Grandmaster JinBodhi explains that this signifies Heaven and Earth are his parents.

One day, a deep sense of unease struck Wukong, filled with premonitions that his happiness and his companions might not be eternal. This spurred him on a quest for immortality.

Grandmaster JinBodhi mentioned that Sun Wukong is a distinctive monkey as he has a strong desire to pursue immortality and boldly decided to take immediate action upon knowing what needs to be done.

After years of searching, Wukong finally met the immortal Master Subodhi who taught him Taoist practices. Little did he know, these teachings would grant him supernatural powers.

Name: Sun Wukong

Alias (es):
The Great Sage, Monkey King, Stone Monkey

Nature Habitat:
Water Curtain Cave

Relationship:
Subodhi (Master)

Powers & Abilities

The 72 Earthly Transformations

Being a master in 72 transformations, Wukong can shapeshift, command wind, and even clone himself.

The Somersault Cloud

With one flip, Wukong can travel 108,000 miles in an instant. The Somersault Cloud is likely even faster than a rocket, almost instantaneous. The true cloud-soaring art involves flying up onto the clouds in an instant, and being able to traverse the 4 seas in a single day.

Magical Weapon

The Gold-Tipped Staff also known as Ruyi Jingu Bang

Sun Wukong discovered his magical weapon during his visit to the Dragon King’s palace. At first, the Dragon King presented several massive weapons, none were to Wukong’s liking. Then, he spotted a magical iron pillar in the Dragon King’s treasury, which was used to measure the depth of the sea.

With a touch, the pillar transformed into the mighty Ruyi Jingu Bang — a gold-tipped staff that could expand, shrink, and change size at will. Only Wukong had the strength to wield this magical weapon, which weighed 13,500 pounds. The gold-tipped staff became Wukong’s iconic weapon.

Wukong is extremely strong, surpassing most deities in the Celestial court with ease. Only a few powerful beings like Erlang Shen and the Bull demon King were able to rival his strength. Ultimately, it was only the Buddha who could trap him under the Five Elements Mountain for 500 years.

Curious about what happens next? Discover the thrilling adventures and life wisdoms hidden in Journey to the West with Grandmaster JinBodhi.

10 Mysterious Facts About Wukong

1. What Does Sun Wukong’s Name Symbolize?

Wukong’s name is given by Master Subodhi. Grandmaster JinBodhi explains that the surname ‘Sun’, when picked apart, comprises the Chinese characters that symbolize a small child, signifying unlimited potential for growth. The name “Wukong,” means awakening to emptiness.

Master Subodhi is a supremely enlightened being who already knew Wukong’s fate from beginning to end. This name holds a deep meaning that encapsulates his journey to enlightment.

2. How Is Wukong Different From Other Monkeys?

Sun Wukong came into the world from a magical stone atop the Flower and Fruit Mountain. The rock radiated a faint light and gradually emitted subtle warmth for two to three days. Then, the rock cracked open, emerged a stone monkey, fathered by the Heavens and mothered by the Earth.

Grandmaster JinBodhi explains that the birth of Sun Wukong is a divine event. He is different from ordinary monkeys and humans. The stone gave birth to him, therefore Heaven and Earth are his parents. His miraculous origin signifies his unique nature and the destiny that awaits him.

3. How did Wukong Gain Incredible Abilities/Supernatural Skills?

Wukong learned Taoist arts from Master Subodhi, starting with basic skills like human speech, manners, and performing various household chores. He practiced diligently for 6 to 7 years.

The potential of Wukong as a perfect candidate to master mystical arts was destined. Recognizing this, Master Subodhi entrusted him with the secret teachings of the 72 Transformations and Somersault Cloud, unlocking Wukong’s incredible powers.

4. Does The Flower and Fruit Mountain Holds Any Special Meaning?

The Flower and Fruit Mountain is the homeland of Wukong. Grandmaster JinBodhi explains the words “flower” and “fruit” in the name suggest a place abundant with beautiful flora and fauna and many sweet fruits. This makes it an ideal habitat for monkeys and other animals, providing them with plenty of food sources from plants and fruits. It is akin to a utopian paradise, a secluded haven of beauty and sustenance.

5. Why Is There Existing Furniture In The Water-Curtain Cave?

To begin with, the Water-Curtain Cave is the residence place of Wukong and his fellow companions, located in the Flower and Fruit Mountain. This place is incredibly big, it’s large enough to accommodate a thousand monkeys.

Interestingly when Wukong first discovered this cave, it was fully furnished with stone furniture and household items. Grandmaster JinBodhi states that the furniture was not placed by anyone in the cave. It is naturally occurring.

6. Why Master Subodhi Let Wukong Perform Household Chores?

Engaging in daily household chores is a form of spiritual practice that develops our organizational, management, observational, and expressive abilities. 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. This teaches the agility of movements, attention to detail, balance, and observational skills. Additionally, it improves our operational and executive skills, contributing to one’s overall credibility.

This shows the profound impact of seemingly ordinary tasks on personal development and spiritual growth.

7. Why Is Sun Wukong The Only One Who Can Wield The Gold-Tipped Staff?

Firstly, it is because Sun Wukong was born with Divine strength. Moreover, his birth is miraculous as he emerged from a stone. Grandmaster JinBodhi further reminds everyone of a special code. In the life-and-death records, Wukong’s identification number is 1350. The weight of the staff is 13,500 pounds. The number is the same, just with an extra zero at the end.

The fact that the weight of the staff corresponds to Wukong’s life code is certainly not a coincidence. This feels similar to a story in Europe. There was a wise king named King Arthur. Someone placed a mysterious sword in a stone. No man could pull it out. But King Arthur did so effortlessly. Even after he put it back, no one could remove it, yet he could easily do so again.

So, akin to the story of King Arthur’s sword, this magical weapon is custom-made for Wukong, therefore only he can wield the magical Gold-Tipped Staff.

8. Why Was Wukong Trapped Under The Five Elements Mountain For 500 Years?

After defeating several deities, Wukong boldly challenged the Jade Emperor, claiming that he should be the ruler of Heaven. Grandmaster JinBodhi reveals that Wukong’s inner demons had overtaken him, rendering him like a madman, impervious to reason. Recognizing this, the Buddha trapped Wukong under the Five Elements Mountain.

The Five Elements Mountain restrained Wukong’s physical movements, while the Six-Syllable Mantra restrained his heart and inner demons—his wildness, restlessness, and reckless fury. This is to temper his arrogance and rebellious spirit.

Trapped under the mountain for 500 years, this period became a turning point for Wukong. He used this time to reflect, learn, and ultimately cultivate true wisdom.

9. Why Did Master Subodhi Drive Sun Wukong Away?

Master Subodhi is a supremely enlightened being, a person with boundless magical powers, and an immortal. He already knew Wukong’s fate from beginning to end, and what greater destiny awaited him. So, it can be said that he was in a hurry to send Wukong on to his next task while not revealing the secrets of Heaven.

10. How Can I Practice To Be Spiritually Enlightened Like Wukong?

Wukong’s path to supernatural power and enlightenment is deeply connected to spiritual cultivation. In the early stages of his training, Wukong practiced patience, focus, and discipline, all essential components of meditation. Through meditation practices, Wukong cultivated inner strength to tame his rebellious nature and ultimately follow the path towards enlightenment.

From ancient times to the present, many people have been exploring cultivation methods and mystical practices that promise spiritual enlightenment. Bodhi Meditation is a global meditation organization founded by Grandmaster JinBodhi, which focuses on teaching and disseminating meditation methods. Bodhi Meditation has spread to more than 50 countries and regions and has established official Bodhi Meditation Centers in more than 10 countries.

Bodhi Meditation advocates utilizing meditation to boost energy, inspire compassion, and relax the body and mind to achieve lasting tranquility, good health and happiness. Many of our practitioners around the world have rediscovered health and happiness through meditation.

Featured Highlights

Explore “Journey to the West” with Grandmaster JinBodhi—don’t miss out on these exciting videos!

Wukong is born from stone!

Wukong became the disciple of Master Subodhi and mastered the 72 Transformations.
During Wukong’s battle against the Demon King, he transformed his hair into hundreds of small monkeys.
Wukong spent day and night with the celestial horses.
Wukong transformed into a three-headed, six-armed monkey and battled against Nezha!
Erlang Shen vs Wukong, who will win?

Our Wukong Collection

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Sun Wukong

The legendary Monkey King gained his supernatural abilities through spiritual cultivation. Through persistent practices, his mischievous nature was tempered. Ultimately he achieved spiritual enlightenment, boundless wisdom and inner peace. This tea pet embodies courage and wisdom, radiating positive energy, helps in building confidence while fostering imagination and creativity.