Chapter two
Enlightened to Bodhi's true and wondrous principles.
Severing demons, returning to the source, uniting the primal spirit.
wùchèpútízhēnmiàolǐ悟彻菩提真妙理duànmóguīběnhéyuánshén断魔归本合元神
How to read this chart:
Wukong's Initiation and Daily Life at the Cave
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsAfter being named 'Sun Wukong,' he is taught etiquette and routines by Subhuti's congregation. He adapts to life in the cave, learning scriptures, calligraphy, and chores over six or seven years.
The Patriarch's Lecture and Wukong's Inquiry
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsDuring a lecture on Daoist doctrine, Wukong joyfully dances. The Patriarch questions his behavior and reveals he has been at the cave for seven years based on Wukong's peach-eating count.
Patriarch Offers and Wukong Rejects Various Daoist Practices
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsThe Patriarch introduces four Daoist schools (Method, Schools, Silence, Action), each dismissed by Wukong as temporary or impractical. Their dialogue highlights Wukong's skepticism of conventional paths to immortality.
Wukong's Secret Preparation for Midnight Revelation
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsAfter the Patriarch angrily departs, Wukong deciphers secret instructions from his actions. At midnight, he follows them by sneaking out and preparing for a hidden lesson as dawn approaches.
Wukong's Secret Visit and Immortality Lesson
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsWukong enters through the rear door at night, finds the sleeping Patriarch, and waits until he awakens. The Patriarch tests Wukong with a riddle about immortality, then teaches him oral formulas on preserving life energy (semen, breath, spirit) and achieving spiritual transcendence.
Three-Year Spiritual Training
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsOver three years, Wukong secretly practices breathing exercises. The Patriarch later acknowledges his progress but warns of impending 'three calamities'—thunder (after 500 years), Yin fire (second 500 years), and Mighty Wind (third 500 years)—that threaten to undo his immortality.
Mastery of Transformations
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsThe Patriarch teaches Wukong the Art of Earthly Multitude (72 transformations).
Learning Cloud-Somersault Technique
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsThe Patriarch explains the concept of cloud-soaring and teaches Wukong the cloud-somersault technique. After persistent pleading, Wukong learns an oral formula to perform a somersault covering 108,000 miles.
Transformation Display
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsThe disciples challenge Wukong to transform into a pine tree, which he successfully does. The Patriarch reprimands them for disrupting cultivation practices and warns Wukong about the dangers of showcasing such abilities.
Departure from Master
Cave of Slanting Moon and Three StarsThe Patriarch orders Wukong to leave, forbidding him from mentioning their master-disciple relationship. Wukong vows not to reveal the Patriarch's teachings and departs via cloud-somersault.
Return to Flower-Fruit Mountain
Water-Curtain CaveWukong returns home and reunites with his subjects. The monkeys inform him that a demon named the Demon King of Confusion has been terrorizing them and seizing their cave.
Preparation for Confrontation
Flower-Fruit MountainAfter learning of the demon's tyranny, Wukong resolves to confront him. He departs northward via cloud-somersault to locate the Demon King and exact revenge.
Wukong Confronts the Demon King
Water-Belly CaveThe Monkey King confronts the Demon King of Confusion about alleged bullying of his young monkeys. The two engage in tense dialogue before initiating combat. The Monkey King uses his magical abilities, creating hundreds of little monkeys from his hairs to overwhelm the Demon King of Confusion. He defeats the demon by cleaving its skull with a scimitar.
Rescue and Return
Water-Belly CaveWukong rescues monkeys kidnapped by the Demon King of Confusion, burns the cave to ashes, and guides them back home using a magical spell. The rescued monkeys express gratitude and confusion about their return.
Homecoming Celebration
Water-Curtain CaveThe Monkey King is celebrated for subduing the demon and returning with new skills. He recounts his journey, sharing secrets of immortality. The monkeys inquire about Wukong's identity. After he introduces himself as Sun Wukong, they celebrate him as their leader, calling themselves the 'Sun Family' and honoring him with coconut wine, fruits, and divine flowers in a joyous gathering.