CHAPTER TWO: A. THE DAO OF IMMORTALITY

In the story, the Monkey King was given a name, and he was excited and expressed his appreciation to Patriarch Bodhi.

The patriarch then instructed the assembly to lead Sun Wukong outside the two gates, where he should be taught the proper manners, movements, and etiquette.

The cultivators followed the instructions and escorted Wukong.

After respectfully greeting his senior brothers, he arranged his sleeping quarters in the courtyard.

The following day, Sun Wukong diligently studied language, courtesy, and Buddhist scriptures. He had philosophical discussions with his senior brothers, followed by practicing calligraphy and burning incense.

This became his daily routine.

During his free time, he swept the floors, tended to the gardens, nurtured flowers and trees, searched for firewood, kindled flames, and carried water and supplies, ensuring nothing was left unprepared. Time passed swiftly in the abode, and six or seven years had effortlessly slipped away before he knew it.

One day, the patriarch took his place on the elevated platform, calling all the immortals together for a profound discourse. It was a mesmerizing scene: heavenly flowers gently fell while golden lotuses sprang forth from the ground. He skillfully conveyed the teachings of the Three Vehicles[1], encompassing the essence of all phenomena.

With a graceful wave of his whisk, pearls and jewels showered around, and his booming voice echoed, shaking the heavens. He spoke about the Dao for a while, then delved into meditation. The three paths merged seamlessly, guiding them to the heart of sincerity and truth, revealing the profound nature of the uncreated.

Upon hearing the teachings, Sun Wukong couldn't contain his excitement. He scratched his head, grinned, and couldn't help but dance and leap joyfully.

Suddenly, the patriarch noticed and asked, "Why are you acting so wild and not paying attention to my words?"

Sun Wukong's response brimmed with sincerity as he spoke, "Master, I hung on to your every word, soaking in the profound teachings. But as those soul-stirring melodies reached my ears, sheer delight overpowered me, and I couldn't help but dance with abandon. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me, master."

"How long have you been in the abode?" The patriarch asked.

"I had no clue about time back then. All I remember is the hearth being cold, and I often went to the back of the mountain to gather firewood. I discovered a hill covered in great peach trees there, and I snacked seven times on juicy peaches." Sun Wukong answered.

"That mountain is called the Ripe Peach Hill. If you ate seven times, it must have been seven years. What do you want to learn from me?"

"I want to learn some immortal techniques and gain wisdom under your guidance," Sun Wukong replied.

"In our school, there are 360 branches of the Way[2] , and each branch leads to enlightenment. Do you have a preference for any particular branch?" The patriarch asked.

"I will wholeheartedly follow your guidance, master." Sun Wukong bowed.

"Let me teach you the 'Techniques' branch of the Dao. How about that?"

"What's this 'Techniques' branch for?" Sun Wukong asked.

"In the 'Techniques' branch, we learn about inviting immortals, divination, fortune-telling, and other practices that help us understand auspicious and inauspicious signs," the patriarch answered.

"Can these practices grant immortality?" Sun Wukong asked.

"No, they cannot."

"Not learning, not learning."

"Let me teach you the 'Flow' path. How about that?" the patriarch continued,

"What's the meaning of the 'Flow' path?" Sun Wukong asked again.

"The 'Flow' path includes Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Yin-Yang philosophy, Mohism, and medicine. People may study scriptures, recite Buddhist chants, and engage in practices to seek truth and enlightenment."

"Will this lead to immortality?" Sun Wukong asked.

"If you seek immortality, it's like relying on a single pillar within a wall." The patriarch replied.

"Master, I'm straightforward and unfamiliar with metaphors." Sun Wukong scratched his head. "What do you mean by 'relying on a single pillar within a wall'?"

"When building a house, one places a pillar between the walls to make it sturdy. However, the whole building will crumble if that single pillar collapses one day." The patriarch explained.

"So, it won't last long. Not learning, not learning." The monkey king shook his head.

"Shall I teach you the 'Stillness' path?" The patriarch asked.

"What's this 'Stillness' path all about?"

"It involves resting and guarding the grain, seeking tranquility through meditation, observing dietary restrictions, practicing sleep and standing exercises, and attaining deep concentration and sitting in meditation." The patriarch explained,

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"Can this lead to longevity?" Sun Wukong asked.

"It's like an unbaked clay brick." The patriarch replied.

"Master, you sure have a way with words! I'm not good at using jargon. What do you mean by 'unbaked clay brick'?" Sun Wukong chuckled.

The patriarch explained, "It's like a clay brick that's molded but hasn't been tempered by water and fire. Once a heavy rain pours down, it will collapse."

"So, it won't last long either. Not learning, not learning." Sun Wukong responded.

"I shall teach you the way of 'Action.' What do you think of this path?" The patriarch asked.

"So what's this path of Action all about?"

"It involves various actions and efforts: gathering Yin and replenishing Yang, using bows and crossbows, massaging one's navel and controlling the breath, concocting elixirs, firing cannons, refining minerals, and even consuming women's milk."

"Can this lead to immortality?" Sun Wukong asked.

"It's like trying to catch the moon's reflection in the water." The patriarch answered.

"What do you mean by 'catching the moon's reflection in water'?" Sun Wukong scratched his head again.

The patriarch said, "The moon may be seen in the sky, and its reflection may appear in the water, but you can never touch it; in the end, it's all an illusion. Though it seems possible to catch it, in reality, you'll only end up with empty hands. "

"And wet," Sun Wukong added. "Then, I won't take this path."

Upon hearing this, the patriarch uttered a loud "tut" and leaped down from the high platform, holding a disciplinary ruler, and pointed at Wukong, saying, "You, little monkey, with all this lack of learning, what are you waiting for?"

He approached Wukong and gave him three strikes on the head. Then, turning his back to the crowd, he walked inside and closed the middle door, leaving everyone behind in fear and dismay.

They all blamed Wukong, saying, "You naughty monkey, you have no manners at all. The master taught you the ways of the Dao. Why don't you learn? How dare you talk back to him? Who knows when he will come out after such a confrontation!"

At this moment, they all resented and despised him. However, Wukong remained unperturbed, wearing a smile on his face. Little did they know, the Monkey King had already unraveled the mystery in his mind. That's why he didn't argue with anyone and patiently endured the situation.

The patriarch's three strikes signaled him to be mindful during a specific time. Turning his back and closing the door was a secret signal, telling Wukong to enter through the back door and receive the Dao teachings in secret.

On that day, Wukong waited full of joy and anticipation in front of the Three Stars Cave, hoping for the day to pass quickly.

As dusk approached, he went to bed with the others, pretending to close his eyes while keeping his mind alert. He feared losing track of time in the mountain without the sound of bells or arrows. So he counted his breaths. Around midnight, Wukong quietly got up, dressed himself, and sneaked out of the main entrance, away from the others.

> Beneath the moon's clear, chilly glow,

> Across vast realms, no dust does blow.

> In deep trees, birds find their rest,

> From the source, waters gently crest.

>

> Fireflies' glimmer, shadows sprawl,

> Geese in formation, letters scrawl.

> At midnight's third watch, truth we seek,

> The Way, with strength, sincere and meek.

As Wukong followed the old path to the back door, he noticed that the door was half open. Sun Wukong was delighted, thinking, "The master left the door open for me to receive his teachings." He cautiously approached the door, gently pushed it open, and slipped inside. Quietly, he went to where the patriarch's bed was. There, he saw the patriarch lying peacefully, fast asleep. Not wanting to disturb him, Sun Wukong knelt by the bedside.

Before long, the patriarch woke up, stretching his body. He began to sing softly:

> "Challenging! Challenging! Challenging! The Dao is profound,

> Don't treat the Golden Elixir[3] as commonplace, it's renowned.

> Without meeting a true sage to impart the secrets grand,

> Mere talk leaves the tongue dry, unable to withstand!"

Sun Wukong called out promptly, "Master, your disciple has been waiting here for quite some time."

The patriarch recognized Sun Wukong's voice and, donning his robe, sat in a meditation posture. "You cheeky monkey! Why aren't you sleeping at the front but sneaking to the back?"

Sun Wukong explained, "Master, in front of the congregation yesterday, you permitted me to receive your teachings at the third watch through the back door. So I dared to pay my respects at your feet."

The patriarch, delighted at the recognition of Sun Wukong's cleverness, thought to himself, "Indeed, he must be born of Heaven and Earth; otherwise, how could he have deciphered the hidden message?"

Sun Wukong continued, "Here, no one but me has the ability. I implore you, master, in your boundless compassion, to teach me the path to immortality. I shall forever remember your kindness."

The patriarch replied, "You have the affinity, and I am pleased to speak. Now that you've understood the hidden riddles, come closer, listen carefully, and I shall pass on the marvelous Dao of immortality." Sun Wukong thanked him with deep bowing, focused intently, and returned to kneeling at the patriarch's feet. The patriarch then began to recite:

> "The mysteries of Dao are revealed,

> Care for your life, its truth concealed.

> Within you lies the vital force,

> Guard it well, don't let it course.

>

> Keep it hidden, safe inside,

> Receive my teachings with humble pride.

> Remember well the words I say,

> Shun wicked desires, find a cool way.

>

> Find clarity, shine bright as day,

> Like the moon's glow at a dais' display.

> In darkness, the rabbit and in light, the crow hide,

> Turtles and snakes intertwine with pride.

>

> Bound together, spirit and life,

> In the fire, the golden lotus thrives.

> Harmonizing elements, grand and profound,

> Completing the journey, become sage and unbound."

At this moment, the truth was laid bare, and Sun Wukong's heart sang with joy. He carefully memorized the instructions. Thanking the patriarch deeply, he quietly exited through the back door to take a look.

A gentle white light appeared in the east, while golden rays shone brightly in the west.

Following the familiar path, he returned to the front door, gently pushed it open, and sat in his original spot. Shaking the beddings, he exclaimed, "Daylight, daylight! Time to rise!"

The others were still asleep, unaware that Sun Wukong had already gained some benefits.

From that day onwards, the handsome Monkey King kept a low profile, maintaining his secret practice and adjusting his breathing throughout the day.

[1] In Buddhism, "The Three Vehicles" refer to the three main paths or vehicles that lead to enlightenment or liberation. They are:

1. Theravada: Also known as the "Hinayana" or "The Small Vehicle," this path strives for individual liberation and enlightenment through personal discipline and meditation.

2. Mahayana: Known as "The Great Vehicle," this path emphasizes compassion and the desire to attain enlightenment not only for oneself but also for the benefit of all sentient beings.

3. Vajrayana: Also called "The Diamond Vehicle" or "Tantric Buddhism," this path is a branch of Mahayana and incorporates esoteric practices, rituals, and the use of mantras and visualizations to achieve rapid enlightenment.

[2] The Way refers to Dao. Daoism, also spelled as Daoism, is a philosophical and religious tradition that originated in ancient China. It is one of the major indigenous belief systems in the country, alongside Confucianism and Buddhism. Daoism is based on the teachings of the Dao, which can be translated as "the Way" or "the Path."

[3] "Golden Elixir" or "Golden Pill" (金丹 Jindan) is a concept in Daoist alchemy. The Golden Elixir represents the ultimate goal of Daoist inner cultivation, where the practitioner seeks to refine and transmute their inner energies to attain immortality or spiritual enlightenment.