Chapter seven
From the Eight Trigrams Brazier, the Great Sage escapes.
Beneath the Five Phases Mountain, Wukong is stilled.
bāguàlúzhōngtáodàshèng八卦炉中逃大圣wǔxíngshānxiàdìngxīnyuán五行山下定心猿
How to read this chart:
Wukong's Resistance to Execution
HeavenWukong is bound to a demon-subduing pillar and subjected to weapons, fire, and thunder, but remains unharmed due to his diamond body from consuming elixir and peaches. Laozi suggests smelting him in the Brazier of Eight Trigrams.
Wukong in the Brazier of Eight Trigrams
Tushita PalaceLaozi places Wukong in the brazier. Wukong hides in the Xun trigram compartment (wind, less fire), gaining his fiery eyes. After 49 days, he escapes, kicks over the brazier, and defeats the guardians.
Wukong's Rampage in Heaven
Hall of Divine MistsWukong battles Numinous Officer Wang and then thirty-six thunder deities, using transformations to dominate the fight.
Jade Emperor Dispatches Envoys to the West
HeavenDisturbed by Wukong's rampage, the Jade Emperor orders the Wandering Minister of Inspection and the Immortal Master of Blessed Wings to travel to the Western Region and request Buddha's intervention.
Envoys Petition Buddha for Aid
Spirit MountainThe envoys arrive at Spirit Mountain, are received by the Four Vajra-Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas, and present their petition to Buddha, explaining Wukong's rebellion and invulnerability.
Tathagata Confronts Wukong
Hall of Divine MistsTathagata disperses the deities, questions Wukong, and challenges him to escape from his palm. Wukong boasts of his powers and attempts the challenge.
Wukong's Attempt to Escape Buddha's Palm
Buddha's PalmBuddha wagers that Wukong cannot leap out of his palm. Wukong somersaults away, finds five flesh-pink pillars supporting green air, writes a message on one and urinates at the base, believing he has reached the edge of Heaven. When he returns, Buddha reveals the pillars are his own fingers, showing Wukong never left his palm.
Sealing and Guarding Wukong
After Wukong tries to escape, Buddha flips his hand and transforms his fingers into the Five-Elements Mountain, pinning Wukong beneath it. Ananda affixes a golden tag inscribed with 'Om mani padme hum' to the mountain, sealing Wukong in place. Buddha instructs the local earth spirit and the Fearless Guards of Five Quarters to watch over Wukong, feeding him iron pellets when hungry and melted copper when thirsty.
Great Banquet for Peace in Heaven
HeavenAfter Wukong's defeat, a grand banquet is held to celebrate peace, with offerings and music.