#Tang monk

[chernobog13]

The Journey to the West crew in what their true sizes would be, relative to each other, by Yipao (user-9572.artstation.com).

[m1nsur0]

三藏经

[winterpower98]

My friend @lunar-wandering mentioned that Wukong and Ao Lie have the same vibes as Shane and Ryan from Watcher and my brain spiraled from there

[reginleif-valkyrie]

Journey to the West 2009/10

Back when Sanzang and Wukong are at Guanyin’s temple and the cassock is stolen.

And then Wukong runs away.

Out of all the series I’ve seen, this one is different in a good way.

It doesn’t follow the original story very well, but I do applaud it for making Sanzang more like he should be. They fix how stupid he is or as they say in the book ‘his head was full of water’ and he doesn’t come off as needlessly cruel.

For example, White Bone Demon.

That whole mess happens, however, while sitting in her jail cell, Sanzang explains to Wujing/Sandy that he knew Wukong was telling the truth but he pretended not to to teach Wukong a lesson about being violent and impatient and after failing three times, Sanzang sends him away. This makes a lot more sense than Sanzang blindly believing Bajie/Piggsy for no reason. To me though, a lesson doesn’t really work when someone doesn’t know you’re trying to teach them.

I like this Sanzang. He’s strict but not cruel. He tries to talk to the demons that kidnap him and reason with them. His interaction with Red Boy is touching if at times feels silly. He also has a sense of humor at times. I’m only at episode 20ish, so he might change.

At the end of each adventure, the group talks about what happened and what the take away lesson was/supposed to be. I know some people don’t like being ‘beat over the head’ with an explanation, but I do. I don’t always understand what’s going on nor do I get subtext.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this series when they smooshed together White Bone Demon’s story and Yellow Tiger’s. Despite only being 3 episodes, it felt like it dragged on and added nothing to the story, but past that, it runs more smoothly.

It also really goes hard into the whole demons and humans can be in love. It’s kind of funny especially if you’re a Wukong/Sanzang shipper.

[journeytothewestresearch]

Rare JTTW Puppet Play

I am proud to host a guest post by @ryin-silverfish about a rare JTTW puppet play from Quanzhou, Fujian province, China. The play is roughly from the Yuan to early-Ming period, meaning that it predates the 1592 edition of the novel. There are parallels with the finished work, pointing to a possible influence, or at the very least, they borrowed from the same source. But there are many differences as well. The most surprising for me are:

Sha Wujing is the one who transforms into a white horse.

Erlang becomes one of Tripitaka's disciples after being demoted for flirting with a heavenly maiden.

An example of modern Quanzhou string puppetry depicting a battle between Sun Wukong and Princess Iron Fan.

[crzyimp]

Another Sun Au: Tang Monk and Young Sun

Author's Note: Written for the discord JTTW server event! Ngl this is one of my guilty pleasures and one I often think about/daydream. This is a intro to hopefully more(when I have time to write) of my au. Also open for any questions(and requests if it sparks my mood) related to Journey to the west :3

Warnings: None

Words: Roughly 1.65k

Special thanks and shoutout to @sparrow-in-boots for being my beta reader! Check out their blog(s) and art!!

“Baldy monky! I'm here for the secret lesson!” A jovial voice shrieks, the voice bouncing and echoing in his cell. It wouldn't be a secret for long with how loud she's being, but then again, not a single adult yaoguai monkey stopped her yet, nor did the Great Sage make an appearance since that day. So much trust to allow her to roam free like this or how overconfident the ruler of the mountain seems to be, with no care that even children can come and go as they please.

He opens and closes his mouth, as if to say something, before calmly replying to her; “Young Sun,” he wants to keep his distance, at least emotional and personal, “Refrain from shouting, remember inside voices, less you draw six ears.” Especially when any day his head will be on a platter for the Great Sage and his sworn brothers as the grandest of grand feasts. “And please do not call me ‘Baldy Monky’, it's rude.”

Finally she comes into his view with a blank expression, but her eyes sparkle with innocent joy. “Sorry, shifu.” Young Sun whispers, crouching next to his bars. “I got excited about today's lessons.” Tripitaka sighs, tries his best to smile at her, only to falter when she flinches. “I'm really sorry for being loud. Please don't be mad at me.” He can only blink and look at her.

Mad at her? Sure, he was mad and frustrated, but at his situation rather than her; Tripitaka was meant to be journeying to the West to gather the scriptures to bring back to the Tang Empire, along with his small party. The travel was ruinously cut short after they were captured by yaoguai, with Tripitaka as the sole survivor who witnessed the others devoured. He would’ve met the same fate, but fate was crueler. The Heaven-Equaling Great Sage, the one who wreaked havoc in heaven and escaped from Budda’s imprisonment, happened to pay a visit to his lowly general's home. The look from those fiery eyes petrified his very soul that day, before the Great Sage declared that he will stay at the Flower Fruit Mountain for a celebration in the coming weeks, as the main course. “Dis….Young Sun, let us start with your lesson.” He shifts to face her, his beads - bless the Merciful Bodhisattva they didn't strip from him - cupped together in his hands.

“Okay, Shifu.” Young Sun mimics him, albeit clumsily, her thin and hairy arms shuffling her equally hairy legs to cross together like his. His lips twitches, as he fondly looks at her and reminded how at her age he did the very same thing: full of energy and wonderment for the world with a yearning to learn and to help; until the iron bars between them came back to his view and the bleak reminder of his future. Despite this, he begins the first teachings of Buddhism, blessed that at least this persistent, curious monkey wants to learn.

It wasn't even a day after his arrival that Young Sun met him for the first time.

“I am Sun Yángguāng, the youngest and first to be born in 500 years! Who are you, ape? And why are you bald?”

He was so terrified and shocked at their first, but short meeting together as the Great Sage and his four ape generals were there as well. Tripitaka can't recall if it was one of the generals or the Great Sage himself who whisked her away for a scolding. Not that it did much, as she found ways to visit him and learn much of the outside world and Buddhism through him.

“Um…shifu..” Her voice was quiet and unsure, something that must've been on her mind for some time.

“We're not meant to talk during meditation.” He replies.

“I know but…” Young Sun sighs and Tripitaka opens his eyes to look at her. “...I'm conflicted, each day draws nearer to the King's grand feast with the other sages and your…” She bites down at her lip, her eyes move to the ground when they meet his. Ah, this topic again. He remembers how jovial she was at the beginning of the feast and the special occasion until she realized what it meant for him. A topic that is that left her more somber and haunted by restless nights, though this never stopped her from visits and lessons.

“I cannot be biased and say I wish to die, Young Sun. I wish to live so that I continue my journey, but if I am fated to die here, then so be it.” He accepted this, it breaks his heart that he'll fail before he even began,but he'll atone in his next life. He just never expected this would also break her heart, someone who only knew him for a short time. Tripitaka watches as she bows her head and her knuckles turn white with her colorful hanfu bunched up between her fingers; her body shakes with a sharp inhale. He doesn't say a word, nor comforts or cries, he accepts his death and so must she.

No words were exchanged between them after that, Young Sun collects herself and leaves with her head high, but her eyes clouded. Tripitaka inhales deeply and returns to his meditation. That was the last time he saw her, never returning for lessons or visits again; the small ray of sunshine made his lonesome cell dark and alone with his thoughts.

Days or weeks have passed, and Tripitaka wasn't certain how long he's been trapped, but none of that matter as today was his final day in this life. The guards came and announced it before they escorted him from the dingy dungeon to the opulent stone palace. So many twists and turns that made his head spin. It was like a labyrinth and only the residents would know the exit. It was hopeless to even attempt an escape. Before the guards arrived in a room with a tray of food and wine. So the Great Sage had some compassion to allow him one final supper, even if it was back handed to him.

The guards toss him onto the stone floor, the rugs his only means to dampen his fall and the cold before they turn and slam the door with a laugh. He can still hear them through the thick wood as he dusts himself off. If he listens more closely, he can hear the chattering of servants as he sits with his eyes closed.

“Today's finally here!”

“All the Sages under one roof like before the Great War. This will be the perfect mend between our alliance!”

“I heard the Demon Bull King is bringing his son, but not his first wife. I wonder if one of his servants has juicy gossip about that.”

“Grandfather Sun has picked such a perfect day to celebrate, such an auspicious day!”

“Shifu.” A hush whisper against his ear and hands quickly press to stop any sounds of panic slipping through his mouth. “It's me, Young Sun.” Tripitaka finally relaxes and opens his eyes as her arms slip past his head. “I meditated and reflected before I finally found the answer.” He shuffles until he can see Young Sun and softly gasps at the sight. “I decided to fully dedicate myself to be your disciple and helping you on your journey.”

The candle's lights shine beautifully against her freshly shaven head and just beyond, over her shoulder from his view, a hidden passage. “We don't have much time Shifu, we have to hurry before they find ou-”

Just as Young Sun helps bring her master to his feet, a scream bounces and echoes off the walls, cutting through all else and sending the whole palace in a flurry. “Yángguāng! Someone took our Yángguāng!”

Sun Yángguāng wastes no time as she guides her master through the secret passage and closes it behind them. She has to be quick and clever for them to escape. She hoped Aunty RinRin wouldn't check up on her for another thirty minutes, but she should've expected today's excitement that Aunty Rinrin wanted her to look her best for the guests. Her hands reach for his, and she presses a finger to her lip before navigating the secret passage; crossing one room to reach a new one without notice. One day, Young Sun will apologize for the fright she given to Aunty RinRin over the mess of her room, but not today.

The two pause and stop whenever footsteps drawing near are heard, only to go a different direction. She leads downwards, deeper into the stone palace, “Trust me, Shifu.” As if she knew his doubts, and gave a squeeze to the monk's hand. Tripitaka says nothing, but squeezes her hand back.

The smell of a salty breeze, cracks of moonlight dances on the small craven dock. “This is how the elders survived the burning.” Young Sun helps Tripitaka into the small boat, barely enough room for the two of them between boxes and jars. “Forgive me for my absence. I was getting preparations ready, and it wasn't easy to go unnoticed. It's the downside of being the youngest and only mortal of my kingdom.”

He watches her untie the ropes and use the oar to push away from dry land. “I hope the king was drinking his fill before that scream, I don't think I can outsmart him when his mind isn't dull with wine. Hopefully there is mercy and we leave without his notice.”

Gently, the oar glides and swishes in the water as the boat exits the cave and into the open; neither of them dare light a lantern nor talk as the sounds of shouting and soon fighting rang out from the island. They keep their eyes forward as the sounds are slowly drowned by the waves splashing against the boat on their journey to the west.

[pizzaapplecheese]

Chapter 56: Tripitaka and Wukong

(note: I just started reading chapter 56, so I don't have the complete information)

I found it super strange that Tripitaka is GENUINELY shocked that Wukong killed the bandits, I was under the impression he expected that of Wukong from watching OSP's videos. Like he doesn't even take Bajie seriously when he told him that the Bandits were killed.

at first I found it strange that Tripitaka straight up seemed shocked that Wukong killed them, when all he have been doing in the book was murder left and right, when I realised something. Most of these murders were done without Tripitaka's knowledge. In Tripitaka's perspective:

Golden and Silver horned demons - It is unsure if he saw the demon going into the vase.

Ghost King - no murder

Red Boy - no murder

Iguana Dragon - no murder

3 Daoist sage - 3 sages were killed though it would be hard to pin the blame on Wukong since he was sneaky about it

Guanyin's fish - no murder

Golden helmet demon - no murder

Kingdom of Women - no murder

Last time he saw Wukong kill someone was during the White Bone Demon arc at longest and at least it would be from the 3 Daoist sage. Did he believe that Wukong changed? What is more interesting is just seeing Tripitaka's reaction to the whole situation, he prays for the Bandits and is snappy towards Wukong, even going as far an insulting him. (Like even I was concerned, he never does that in story before, sure he may call his disciples ugly and all, but I cannot think of a time where he insulted them)

Tripitaka ask their souls to only file a complaint against Wukong, as he warned them and other 3 (Bajie, Wujing, and horse) took no part in this, which makes Wukong laugh and pins the blame on Tripitaka.

His argument is on the same level as teenagers who go "well I didn't ask to be born, so it is your fault" or "I didn't ask to go to school, so don't be surprised that I am failing." Which makes Tripitaka even more shocked and upset at Wukong who doesn't even show an inch of remorse during this whole situation. He even says that his prayer was meant to make Wukong appreciate life and become more virtuous, Which Wukong makes fun of.

It is so interesting to read these 2 during this arc so far because you can see how they are starting to become estranged to one another.

Tripitaka throughout this arc is so shocked and upset at Wukong's actions, while Wukong is showing no remorse and is instead finding humour in it and pushing the responsibility to Tripitaka, making this whole situation worse.

you can even see at the end of the last image Tripitaka is trying hard to contain his anger and not lash out and instead ignore this.

[blackchrysalys]

Dear Tang Sanzang,

I hope this letter finds you well and happy. During our last lecture with Buddha you apologised for being a 'bad master' and before I could reply you escaped left and so after thinking about it for the past few days, I've decided to write you this letter.

Ever since I've returned to flower fruit mountain, everything's seemed different. My children were happier, the mountain looked even more bountiful than before and my home somehow felt safer, which baffled me. The realization dawned upon me later. The mountain hadn't changed, I had. My people seemed happy because they were always happy, I just failed to see that. My younger self was always so focused on making things better for them that he didn't realise that things were always great. That his family didn't need the 'great sage equal to heaven' to keep them happy, they just needed their Monkey King with them. Thank you for helping me see that.

There are many other things you taught me that I'm truly grateful for and I'd like to thank you in person when you come over next week. So, please do come.

Your faithful disciple,

Sun Wukong

P.S. A few of my monkeys have been experimenting with the fruits and nuts here and made this really sweet dish you have to try. I recommend bringing your almond cookies. They'll go great with them.

P.S. I don't take responsibility if the cookies get stolen. My children can be grabby.

[themissdnl]

Random head cannons for the jttw gang

Okay, one for each

Sun Wukong: After being sealed away for, 500-years, he developed autophobia: fear of being alone. He'd scream for who knows how long but due to the seal, he could hear beings outside but they could only hear him if they stepped into the tunnel- which tend to freak them out more than incite them to come inside.

He also has a potent fear of failure, throughout his life he never really dealt with it. There was the fall to the Celestial Realm, and Buddha, but it hasn't quite hit him yet- more so he's avoiding it. The "Great Handsome Monkey King: Great Sage (Equal to Heaven)", just doesn't fail. He can't. Ergo, he doesn't know how to cope or deal with failure, it just doesn't compute. He tends to have an avoidance habit with things like this, or joke it off.

He's also asexual aromantic, he holds value over platonic or familial relationships over everything else. In-part due to the fact he was born without a biological family. This is why he's eager to make friends and family members out of people he likes. Unfortunately, he's very poor at managing said relationships.

Pigsy: Like with his LMK incarnation, he's a great cook. It was something he got into rather recently, in order to woo Cuilan and show her he was serious about bettering himself, he picked up cooking as humans can't really eat demon slop (to put it generously) that he'd been eating.

He also likes poetry, but is poor at writing it and prefers to read or recite.

He's adept at wind magic which he used to quell seas which he was Reed-Parting Marshal in the Celestial Realm, or at least break up dangerous waves. He also uses it to amp up his flying in bursts. Instead of the 72-Transformations he settled for the 34 pack because it was something easier to handle and he didn't need to warp his physical form because (at the time) he was actually rather handsome and didn't like messing with his image too much, this bit him latter on but he still isn't bothered to go the whole yard.

He's a hopeless admirer of beauty in all things, not just women, but wherever he sees it, but tries to hide it where he feels would be too "out of norm" which is why only certain things slips out. Cuilan got to see this side of him because he slipped up about scenery and enjoyed it.

Sandy: Being a water demon, he needs more well- water, than the rest of the group to keep hydrated. Thankfully, because of his water magic, it's never in short supply, but he finds it more taxing to do if he's over heated.

He also likes poetry.

Post-journey, he's either like to continue being a guard to Tripataka, possibly his monastery, or be hermit out in the woods, enjoying nature.

Ao Li: Being a son of a sea king, he's not actually very good at utilizing his fire-breath. He can spew it yes, but has haphazard control over it. He's somewhat insecure about that.

As a horse, he likes his snout getting stroked by Tripataka (in particular) but allows that others to do so because it sooths him. He tries not to show it with the others.

He wanted to be a proper prince growing up, getting married in all that, but after his banishment, plenty of time to think, he realizes he doesn't really know what that means for him. Or if he even wants it anymore but does want his family back.

He doesn't like his horns being touched. They're like his pride and joy. Tripataka can tho.

Tripataka: Every year, he grieves his mother's death wherever he's at, creating a makeshift grave if need be. He's tried to move on but has difficulty understanding what she did, even though he knows what brought it on. Part of why he wants to get the scrolls is to hopefully put her spirit at rest, thereby getting closure for himself.

He just does not know how to handle women, growing up in a monastery and is rather intimidated by them. Utter blue-screen when confronted. He does his best to be cordial and respectful even still.

[chernobog13]

Breaking the law, breaking the law!

Wukong, what have you done this time!

[masterhallmark]

Btw you can watch the 1980's Journey to the West series with English Subtitles on YouTube on a couple of channels.

This sparks joy because that's how I watched it in high school (back when very few non-Asian people even knew what it was) and I was worried it might not be available anymore.

[chernobog13]

After a long day on a Journey to the West everyone just wants to go night-night.

Painting by Menghui He.

[ningadudexx]

who up journeying to they west ⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️ 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🐎

the first one is a screenshot redraw of this frame cause it freaking rocks 🔥🔥🔥

the show has been out since 1986 and also the novel has been out since the 16th century.... but ill spoiler warninf just in case... anyone in audience from the 16th century tonite ⁉️🙋‍♂️🙋🙋‍♀️

[sunsetstarfire]

THE PAWS

SUN WUKONG HAS PAWS !!!! /Pos

SSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO CUTEEEEEEEE

I LOVE THIS DUO

I LOVE THEIR DYNAMIC

I LOVE THESE TWO SO MUCH

I LOVE YOUR ART SO MUCH DUDE !!!!!!!

My friend @lunar-wandering mentioned that Wukong and Ao Lie have the same vibes as Shane and Ryan from Watcher and my brain spiraled from there

[reginleif-valkyrie]

Journey to the West 2009/10

Wukong taunting the black bear who stole Sanzang’s cassock.

Sanzang looks like he’s about to slap a bitch.

[journeytothewestresearch]

Fun JTTW Text Reference for Artists

I've written at length about Sun Wukong's golden headband (here, here, here, and here). Anyone who has read the novel will know that it is used to rein in Monkey's unruly behavior through the application of pain. Such events have been portrayed by artists like Chen Huiguan in his Newly Illustrated and Complete Journey to the West (Chen Huiguan Xinhui Quanben Xiyouji, 陈惠冠新绘全本西游记, 2001) and Tianwaitang in his piece Tripitaka's Curse (2010).

But I've never seen someone depict the instance with the greatest potential for an everlasting visual impact. In chapter 27, Tripitaka angrily recites the tightening spell 20 times to punish Monkey for killing what he thought was an innocent woman (it wasn't). This causes our hero's head to deform like a cartoon character!

The sight so frightened the Tang Monk that he fell from his horse. Lying on the road, he did not speak another word except to recite the Tight-Fillet Spell back and forth exactly twenty times. Alas, poor Pilgrim's head was reduced to an hourglass-shaped gourd! As the pain was truly unbearable, he had to roll up to the Tang Monk and plead, "Master, please don't recite anymore. Say what you have to say" (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 2, p. 23) 唐僧一見，驚下馬來，睡在路傍，更無二話，只是把緊箍兒咒顛倒足足念了二十遍。可憐把個行者頭勒得似個亞腰兒葫蘆，十分疼痛難忍，滾將來哀告道：「師父莫念了，有甚話說了罷。」

The original Chinese lists the "double-waisted" calabash gourd (yayao'er hulu, 亞腰兒葫蘆). I hope this gives artists an idea of what Wukong's head would look like.

I've previously noted how the novel describes Sun Wukong as an actual monkey, and it's because of this that the headband would likely rest on his eye orbits. I imagine his head being squeezed into the shape of a calabash gourd would make his eyes comically (or grotesquely) bulge, too.