Chapter one
The divine root conceives, its source revealed.
Mind and nature nurtured, the Great Dao is born.
línggēnyùyùnyuánliúchū灵根育孕源流出xīnxìngxiūchídàdàoshēng心性修持大道生
How to read this chart:
The Creation of the World
NarrativeThe text describes the creation of the universe by Pan Gu, the division into twelve epochs, and the formation of Heaven, Earth, and living beings. It sets up the origin of the East Pūrvavideha Continent.
Flower-Fruit Mountain's Immortal Stone
Flower-Fruit MountainAn immortal stone on Flower-Fruit Mountain (huaguo shan, 花果山), nourished by celestial energies, splits open to give birth to a divine stone monkey named Wukong. His emergence sends golden light visible at the Celestial Palace.
The Jade Emperor's Divine Response
Hall of Divine MistsCelestial ministers report to the Jade Emperor about Wukong's birth. The Emperor acknowledges it as a natural occurrence of Heaven and Earth, dismissing concern.
Wukong's Life on Flower-Fruit Mountain
Flower-Fruit MountainWukong explores the mountain, befriends animals, and lives freely. During a hot day, he leads other monkeys to discover a waterfall's source.
The Water-Curtain Cave
Water-Curtain CaveWukong leaps into the waterfall and discovers a stone cave with iron bridges, stoves, beds, and an inscribed tablet. He declares it a perfect home for the monkeys.
Ascension to the Handsome Monkey King
Water-Curtain CaveThe stone monkey leads other monkeys into a hidden cave, claiming it as their home. He braves the dangerous waterfall to discover the cave, earning the monkeys’ admiration. The monkeys celebrate and declare him king. The stone monkey formally assumes the title 'Handsome Monkey King (meihou wang, 美猴王)' after proving himself. The monkeys live happily in the cave for many years, until a new concern emerges.
Crisis of Mortality and Quest for Immortality
Flower-Fruit MountainDuring a feast, a monkey remarks that none can escape death, prompting Wukong to fear aging and mortality. Wukong expresses his determination to escape death and vows to seek immortality by learning from Buddhas or immortals.
Journey Begins on the Raft
South JambudvipaWukong builds a raft and sets sail across the ocean to find immortality, encountering humans and observing their worldly concerns.
Woodcutter's Encounter
Mountain of Mind and HeartAfter years of searching, Wukong reaches a sacred mountain where he hears a woodcutter singing a mysterious song about wisdom and reclusion. After initial confusion, the woodcutter explains he learned the song from an immortal neighbor. Wukong asks for directions to the immortal's cave, and the woodcutter guides him to the Mountain of Mind and Heart. Inspired by the song’s meaning, Wukong sets out in search of its source.
Arrival at Subodhi's Cave
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsWukong reaches the cave described as a paradisiacal realm, meets an immortal youth who ushers him to Patriarch Subodhi. After verifying Wukong's origin story (born from a stone), Subodhi formally accepts him as a disciple, giving him the name 'Sun Wukong' (Wake-to-the-Void), marking his entry into spiritual cultivation.