西游记
Journey to the West
Chinese Philosophy · bookJourney to the West (西游记, Xiyou Ji) is a Ming-dynasty novel attributed to Wu Cheng'en, shaped by the historical pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang and later Buddhist, Taoist, and popular traditions. Its pilgrimage narrative follows Xuanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing through trials of discipline, desire, and transformation.
About the Work
Traditional attribution: this is a received text associated with its named tradition or figure.
Xīyóu Jì
What Are the Key Facts About Journey to the West?
- Tradition: Chinese Philosophy
- Chinese: 西游记
- Category: Book
- Definition: Journey to the West (西游记, Xiyou Ji) is a Ming-dynasty novel attributed to Wu Cheng'en, shaped by the historical pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang and later Buddhist, Taoist, and popular traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Journey to the West
What is Journey to the West?
Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 16th c.) is a Chinese novel by Wu Cheng'en blending mythology, comedy, and Buddhist/Daoist allegory, following the monk Xuanzang's pilgrimage to India for scriptures.
Who are the main characters?
The pious monk Tang Sanzang, the mischievous Monkey King (Sun Wukong), the pig Zhu Bajie, the sand monk Sha Wujing, and the dragon-horse, escorted by the bodhisattva Guanyin.
What is the Monkey King's significance?
Sun Wukong embodies rebellious vitality and eventual enlightenment; his subjugation and service dramatize taming the ego on the path to awakening.
What is its philosophical meaning?
Beneath adventure it is a spiritual allegory of self-cultivation: trials as karmic obstacles, the journey as the mind's purification toward Buddhism.