As destiny had it, carried by favorable winds, the Monkey King sailed effortlessly and reached the shores of the Northwestern coast in the Region of the Enigmatic Southern Peaks. Using his bamboo pole to test the waters, he found it shallow and decided to abandon the raft, leaping ashore. There, he encountered people fishing, hunting wild geese, collecting clams, and harvesting salt by the seaside.
In a playful move, he acted like a tiger, hissing and clawing. That frightened the folks so much that they dropped their baskets and nets, fleeing in all directions. Catching one person who couldn't escape, he took the man's clothes and wore them himself. Mimicking the locals, he confidently strolled through towns and markets, copying their manners and speech. He lived amongst them, eating and sleeping as they did, but his mind was fully engrossed in seeking knowledge about Buddhism, immortals, and divine wisdom, in a relentless search for the secret to eternal life.
Observing how ordinary people chased after fame and fortune with little regard for the true essence of life, he couldn't help but reflect on the futility of human pursuits. Everywhere he looked, people seemed consumed by the desire for titles and wealth, but few seemed to prioritize the well-being of their own lives. It was a sad reality that:
> In ceaseless chase of titles and gain, when shall they cease?
> Early rise, late slumber, freedom finds no release.
> On donkeys and mules, they dream of noble steeds,
> From officials to prime ministers, power's longing feeds.
>
> Worries of sustenance, burdened by toil's yoke,
> Fear not Yama's call, as life's veils are spoke.
> Riding through existence, fleeting and fleet,
> Seeking riches, status, in pursuits incomplete.
>
> Descendants and heirs, seeking fortune's embrace,
> Yet rare is the soul, willing to retrace.
The Monkey King observed the superficiality of human desires and the lack of genuine concern for the eternal aspect of life. With this understanding, he continued his quest for the path of immortality and spiritual enlightenment.
The Monkey King traveled across the region of the Enigmatic Southern Peaks, wandered along the Great Wall, and explored small towns and counties. Eight or nine years had passed without him finding any trace of the immortal path. Eventually, he arrived at the vast Western Sea, thinking immortals must be beyond the sea. He fashioned a raft again and sailed across the Western Sea until he reached the Cowherd's Territory. He disembarked and searched the land extensively, hoping to find divine beings. After a long time, he came across a beautiful and majestic mountain with deep and serene forests. Fearless of wild beasts, he climbed to the mountaintop to take a look. It was truly a marvelous mountain:
> A thousand peaks stand like a forest of spears,
> Ten thousand feet high, their screens unfurl.
> The sun casts a gentle glow on emerald green,
> Rain leaves a cold, bluish tinge to be seen.
>
> Thin vines twine around ancient trees,
> An ancient crossing to realms of reverie.
> Exotic flowers and auspicious grass grow,
> Tall bamboos and majestic pines bestow.
>
> Tall bamboos and majestic pines endure,
> Green all year, blessings they secure.
> Exotic flowers and auspicious grass to show,
> Unfading throughout the seasons they go.
>
> Melancholy birds' cries draw near,
> Fresh springs murmur, crystal clear.
> Zigzagging valleys adorned with orchids rare,
> Everywhere, cliffs covered in moss with care.
>
> Undulating mountains hold dragon veins,
> Where sages of hidden names remain.
The Monkey King marveled at the beauty of the mountain and suspected that it must be inhabited by great sages or immortal beings. He hoped that this place might hold the secret to eternal life and decided to explore further.
While observing, the Monkey King suddenly heard voices coming from the deep woods. He hurriedly walked towards the sound, listening attentively. It turned out to be the sound of someone singing a song:
> "Watchin' the chess game, old board all worn,
> Choppin' wood with a steady beat, strollin' through the valley at morn.
> Sellin' firewood, buyin' me some wine,
> Laughin' like a madman, feelin' just fine.
>
> In the clear autumn sky, I lay by a pine,
> Under the moon's gentle light, a peaceful sleep is mine.
> Wakin' up at break of day,
> In these familiar woods, I find my way.
>
> Climbin' cliffs, crossin' ridges, with my trusty axe,
> Cutting through them withered vines, no need to relax.
> Gatherin' 'em all, bundlin' 'em tight,
> Off to the market, singin' with delight.
>
> No competition, no fuss, prices stayin' the same,
> I ain't one for schemes, just playin' life's game.
> No need for glory, no need for fame,
> Simple and content, life's joy I claim.
>
> Meetin' folks, some like sages and some like saints,
> Sittin' quiet, talkin' 'bout life's simple paints.
> No pride or shame, just peace and accord,
> On the Yellow Court path, I find my reward. "
The Monkey King was thrilled to hear these words, thinking, "There must be immortal beings hiding here!" He quickly jumped into the woods and took a closer look. There, he saw a woodcutter diligently chopping wood. The woodcutter's appearance was quite simple.
On his head, he wore a hat made from fresh bamboo shoots with their outer skin removed. His clothes were made of cotton spun from wood fibers. Around his waist, he had a belt made of silk produced by elderly silkworms. He wore straw sandals on his feet, made from dried grass. In his hands, he held a sharp steel axe, and on his back, he carried a bundle of hemp rope for hauling. He skillfully climbed tall pine trees and split dry wood, showing that he was a skilled woodcutter.
The Monkey King approached and called out, "Respected immortal, I am your disciple."
The woodcutter was taken aback and quickly put down his axe. He turned around and replied, "I am not worthy of such honor, how can I be called an 'immortal'?"
The Monkey King said, "You may not be an immortal, but you spoke words of an immortal just now!"
The woodcutter asked in confusion, "What immortal words did I speak?"
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The Monkey King replied, "When I arrived at the forest just now, I heard you sing about sages, saints, and the Yellow Court. The 'Yellow Court' refers to true Daoist teachings, so how can you not be an immortal?"
The woodcutter chuckled and explained, "I'll be honest with you. The words I said are from a poem called 'Full Court of Fragrance,' which was taught to me by an immortal living nearby. He saw how troubled and burdened I was with my daily life, so he taught me this poem to recite whenever I feel distressed. It helps me calm my mind and relieve my worries. I was feeling a bit down just now, and that's why I was reciting it. I never expected you to overhear me."
The Monkey King suggested, "Since you have an immortal as your neighbor, why not learn from him to achieve immortality and eternal youth?"
The woodcutter replied, "My life has been full of hardships. Since I was young, my parents raised me until I was around eight or nine years old. Unfortunately, my father passed away, leaving my mother as a widow. I have no siblings, only myself, so I have to take care of her. Now that she's old, I can't leave her alone. Our land is barren, and we struggle to make ends meet. I have no choice but to chop firewood and sell it in the market to earn a little money. With that, I buy some rice and cook for my mother. I cannot abandon her to pursue immortality."
The Monkey King said, "Based on what you've told me, you are a filial and virtuous person. You will surely be rewarded in the future. Please show me the way to that immortal home, so I can visit him."
The woodcutter replied, "It's not far, not far at all. This mountain is called Small Spirit Terrace Mountain. Inside the mountain, there is a cave called Slanting Moon Three Stars cave, and inside that abode lives an immortal patriarch named Bodhi. He has numerous disciples. Currently, there are around thirty to forty people practicing under his guidance. Just follow that small path, head south for about seven to eight miles, and you'll reach his place."
The Monkey King held onto the woodcutter's hand and said, "Brother, please come with me. If I gain any benefits, I won't forget your guidance."
The woodcutter replied, "You are not very flexible in your thinking. I already explained this to you earlier. If I go with you, won't it disrupt my business? Who will take care of my elderly mother? I need to chop firewood, so you go ahead on your own."
The Monkey King bid farewell to the woodcutter and left the deep forest. He found the road and crossed over a hill. After about seven to eight miles, he saw a cave residence.
The cave entrance was tightly closed, and there was silence and no sign of anyone around. Then he turned around and saw a stone stele standing on the cliff, about three zhang tall and more than eight chi wide. On it were ten large characters inscribed: "Small Spirit Terrace Mountain, Slanting Moon Three Stars Cave."
"The people here are honest. There really is this mountain and this cave!" The Monkey King exclaimed. He observed for a while but didn't dare to knock on the door. Instead, he leaped onto the branches of a pine tree, plucked pine nuts, and played around.
After a short while, the cave door creaked open, and a handsome youth walked out. He had a glorious and extraordinary appearance, unlike commoners. He was truly remarkable.
> With double silk bands in coiled hair,
> Wide robe with sleeves that catch the air.
> Appearance and self are set apart,
> Heart and world both free from art.
>
> A guest beyond worldly things,
> An eternal child in mountain springs.
> Untouched by worldly affairs,
> Longevity like nature's heirs.
>
> Unstained by the dust of the world's pace,
> Through the cycles, floating with grace.
"Who's causing a commotion here?" The young cultivator exclaimed.
The Monkey King leaped down from the tree and respectfully said, "I am a disciple on a quest to learn the ways of immortality. I wouldn't dare cause any disturbance here."
"Are you really seeking the path of immortality?" The boy asked, chuckling.
"Yes."
"My master is currently resting, preparing to give a sermon,” the young cultivator said. "He hasn't explained the reason yet, but he sent me out to open the door. He said, 'There's a cultivator outside; go and receive him.' I suppose that must be you?"
The Monkey King laughed and said, "Yes, it's me."
"Then follow me inside."
They passed through layers of deep pavilions and magnificent palaces, and he couldn't describe the tranquil rooms and secluded residences enough. Finally, they arrived beneath a jade platform, where the Patriarch Bodhi sat upright. Thirty young cultivators stood on both sides of him.
The patriarch looked like a wise and serene golden immortal with a wondrous appearance from the Western Pure Land. His actions were beyond birth and death, and his whole being radiated boundless compassion. His serene nature naturally followed the changes, and his true self was beyond all distinctions. He possessed complete vitality and spirit, and his profound understanding impacted his bearing. In emptiness and stillness, he naturally adapted to transformations. He was indeed the embodiment of longevity, adorned with the dignified presence of a great Dharma master who had enlightened minds throughout eons.
Upon seeing the Patriarch, the Monkey King immediately prostrated himself and kowtowed countless times, repeatedly saying, "Master, Master, your disciple offers sincere respects, sincere respects."
The patriarch asked, "Where are you from? Tell me your hometown and name clearly before you bow again."
The Monkey King replied, "I am from the Water Curtain Cave on the Flower Fruit Mountain in Aolai Country of the Eastern Divine Continent."
The patriarch sternly commanded, "Get out! You are just a trickster and deceiver. How can you be cultivating any true path here?"
The Monkey King hurriedly kowtowed and said, "I speak the truth. I am not deceiving you."
The patriarch asked, "If you are honest, then why do you claim to be from the Eastern Divine Continent? It is separated from here by two vast oceans and the entire Southern Savanna Continent. How could you possibly reach here?"
The Monkey King kowtowed and explained, "I crossed the seas and traveled through different lands for more than ten years before finally finding my way here."
The patriarch said, "Since you have gradually come here, it's alright. What is your surname?"
The Monkey King replied, "I’m not surly. If people scold me, I don't get angry; if they hit me, I don't get upset. I just accompany them with a gesture and let it pass. I’m sure I’m not surly."
The patriarch said, "It's not about that. What were your parents' surnames?"
The Monkey King said, "I also have no parents."
The patriarch asked, "Since you have no parents, were you born in a tree?"
The Monkey King explained, "Though I was not born in a tree, I developed from a stone. I only remember there was a celestial stone on Flower Fruit Mountain. When it cracked open one year, I was born from it."
Hearing this, the patriarch was secretly delighted and said, "So, you were indeed born from the creation of heaven and earth. Stand up and let me see you."
The Monkey King jumped up and walked back and forth with a hobbling gait. The patriarch laughed and said, "Though your appearance is crude, you resemble a monkey that eats pine cones. I shall give you a surname that signifies your nature. The character for monkey '猢' (Hú) contains an ancient moon (古月). '古' (Gǔ) means old, and '月' (Yuè) means moon, which represents femaleness. The old moon cannot produce something new. No, that's not for you. Instead, I'll name you '猻' (Sūn), which means monkeys as well but includes the character '子' (Zǐ) representing sons. It is appropriate for a young and tender one like you. Your family name will be '孫' (Sūn)."
The Monkey King heard this and was overjoyed. He kowtowed to the patriarch and said, "Great! Great! Great! Today, I finally know my surname. I respectfully ask the master to kindly give me a given name."
The patriarch replied, "In our lineage, there are twelve characters used for naming. You will be the tenth disciple to receive a name. The twelve characters are Guǎng, 'Dà, Zhì, 'Huì, Zhēn, Rú, Xìng, 'Hǎi, Yǐng, Wù, Yuán, and Jué. Your name will be Wù, which means 'understanding.' Your Dharma name will be Sūn Wùkōng which means ‘the monkey awakens from emptiness’. How about that?"
The Monkey King happily exclaimed, "Great! Great! Great! From now on, I will be called Sūn Wùkōng." This name says:
> In the beginning of chaos, there was no name.
> To break through ignorance, one must understand.
We still don't know what path lies ahead. Let's find out in the next chapter.