great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

Monkey King was born from a mythical stone formed from the primal forces of chaos,located on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. After joining a clan of monkeys, we can see the “actions” of Monkey King. He earned their respect by discovering the Water Curtain Cave behind a large a waterfall and then made for their new home. “We didn’t know where this water comes from,since we have nothing to do today, let us follow the stream up to its source to have some fun.” We can see Monkey King’s action is very decisive, and charismatic. He soon realized that despite his power over the monkeys, he was still only mortal, here his “action” is decide to travel to the civilized lands. “Tomorrow I shall leave of you all and go down the mountain. Even if I have to wander with the clouds to the corners of the sea or journey to the distant edges of heaven, I intend to find these three kinds of people.”

Songyun Hei

Susanna Domosi:

Monkey is given the name Wake-to-Vacuity at the end of chapter 1. The significance of this could be seen as Monkey having to be awaken in order to come to vacuity. Vacuity can be defined as emptiness; getting rid of the idea that you are an individual because in spirituality, we are all connected as one. In other words, vacuity is immortality, the goal that Monkey sets out on a journey to achieve. Wisdom is one of the Six Perfections, one of the ways to enlightenment. Monkey demonstrates wisdom when he realizes that there is more to be accomplished in life than living with the other monkeys inside the waterfall: “Though we are not subject to the laws of man today, nor need we be threatened by the rule of any bird or beast, old age and physical decay in the future will disclose the secret sovereignty of Yama, King of the Underworld” (Wu Cheng’en, 428). Monkey is awaken with wisdom to strive to become immortal.
Wisdom is the possession of knowledge based on experiences. When monkey journeys through the West, his wisdom grows by observing the life of humans he encounters: “He saw, however, that the people of the world were all seekers after profit and fame: there was not one who showed concern for his appointed end” (Wu Cheng’en, 430). Monkey seeking immortality gains him wisdom on his journey to becoming awaken, achieving vacuity, and being names Wake-to-Vacuity.This allows him to understand that “profit” and “fame” are not items of real value.
Jiwoo Han:
In addition to what my partners stated, Monkey’s wisdom is the key to make it for him to where an immortal and his disciples live. It also gives him a chance to be one of the disciples and to become immortal in the end. He said “I have no cause for unhappiness. But I have a misgiving about the future, which troubles me sorely” (Wu Cheng’en). He is not content with his present life and it makes him look for something which is enlightenment. He also said “Is there no way by which, instead of being born again on earth, I might live forever among the people of the sky?” (Wu Cheng’en). He knows that he is not capable of avoiding mortality. His wisdom makes him go off on a journey to relieve a misgiving about his future life. He would never leave his home and get a chance to become immortal without wisdom. Therefore, wisdom is the key to awaken him to vacuity.

Daphne Young:
I agree with Susanna when she says vacuity, or emptiness, is immortality and Monkey gains wisdom on his journey to achieving vacuity. Building on that, immortality can also be seen as infinity, having no end. When one thinks that one knows all one’s world is very small and finite. If one does not seek to obtain more knowledge, one’s world is limited to only what they know or think they know. The more one knows, the more knowledge and wisdom one gains, the more infinite one’s world becomes. Monkey’s name, Wake-to-Vacuity, means a journey to enlightenment. It means to rid the idea of individuality as we are all connected one way or another in the world. “Smashing stubborn vacuity requires wake-to-vacuity.” (436) In Monkey’s journey, he will gain a lot of wisdom. The more wisdom he gains, the more he devotes his life to helping Tripitaka get to where he needs to go. “During the course of the pilgrimage, the monkey becomes increasingly bound both to his master and to the quest itself…the quest becomes…a structured series of challenges by which he can focus and discipline his rambunctious intellect.” (423)

Jacqueline:

Our group chose the theme of action to relate to Monkey’s name of Wake- to- Vacuity. From the beginning of the story, it is apparent that Monkey is a creature of action. When his fellows search for the source of the stream, Monkey volunteers to be discover what is on the other side of the waterfall. When Monkey shouts, “’I’ll go in! What a monkey! For today his fame will spread wide,’” it is shown that Monkey is eager to become elevated above the rest of the monkeys. His name of Wake – to – Vacuity hints at the fact that Monkey might be on a long journey towards enlightenment, and his motives for his actions prove this. He demonstrates this theme of action through his decision to set out and find the answer to the group’s mortality problem. As Monkey exclaims, “’Tomorrow I shall leave of you all and go down the mountain. Even if I have to wander with the clouds to the corners of the sea or journey to the distant edges of heaven, I intend to find these three kinds of people,’” it becomes questionable for a second time whether or not Monkey is taking his actions for him or for the others. In each instance, Monkey’s reasoning for action are uncertain, and it seems as though he has a long way to go before he gets to the emptiness, just as his name suggests.

Francesca:

The meaning of action typically means to achieve an aim or to commit an act. As Jacqueline has mentioned, that from the beginning of the story that Monkey seems to be a creature of action. We see this early in the chapter when Monkey takes on his first action. The Monkeys finally find out where the stream takes them to and they say “If any of us had the ability to penetrate the curtain and find out where the water comes from without hurting himself, we would honor him as king.” Monkey then of course is the first to volunteer as Jacqueline described his eagerness, which then helps because he becomes The Handsome Monkey King. As we move further into the chapter, Monkey has decided to take on the action of leaving and going down the mountain to find three people. These people are intended to help him figure out how to become immortal. As Monkey begins his journey, Monkey is brought to “The Mountain of Mind and Heart”, where he meets an immortal by the name of Patriarch Subodhi. Subodhi eventually gives Monkey a new name. “You will hence be given the religious name ‘Wake-to-vacuity’ (wukong). All right?”. The name ‘Wake-to-vacuity’ I believe connects with the theme of action because once Monkey complete his first task by going into the waterfall he began his journey to enlightenment. Once you find “Vacuity” which is the meaning of emptiness, you have nothing else to do. As Monkey continues to go on this Journey to find these people, he will continue to take action. Once he has found his answer his task is done and all if left is emptiness.

Annie:

We choose the theme of action that suits to Monkey’s name of wake to vacuity. Having action, ones not afraid to do something and that is what we see in monkey. In the beginning we can tell that Monkey is a character that’s above the rest, he is active. The monkeys said “we none of us know where this stream comes from” although they were curious enough to find where the stream goes no one was actually brave enough except Monkey. Exactly how Jacqueline puts it that “Monkey is a creature of action” his first action in the first chapter was when he volunteered to go through the waterfall which led him to become the Monkey King. In the name Wake to Vacuity, like what Francesca said vacuity is the meaning of emptiness and the name itself that Subodhi gave monkey wasn’t just any name, but also religious. The actions of Monkey is very persistent for example he left the waterfall to find how to be immortal, basically he does what he wants. From the text, “to break the stubborn vacuity one needs to wake to vacuity”, Monkey’s actions are at times stubborn and uncertain and as he continues his journey, little by little the emptiness will be filled.

Despite the fact that Monkey has lived a seemingly full life— king of the monkeys, living within a beautiful waterfall, having been around hundreds of years— he can’t seem to shake the feeling that something is missing in his life. This is obvious in the quote, “Though I am very happy at the moment, I am a little concerned about the future. Hence I’m distressed.” This is where one can see how the name Wake-to-Vacuity is so appropriate. This is the moment in which he realizes that he needs something more than what he already has, hence his realization to emptiness or wake to vacuity. And thus his journey begins, leading us to one of the Six Perfections— action. He embarks on this journey in his attempt to find meaning to his life. And he’s obviously willing to go through great lengths to reach his destination as evident in, “Your pupil drifted across the oceans and trudged through many regions for more than ten years before finding this place.” This is where we can wonder if Monkey is all about action. In the sense that he has this idea of finding something more but he’s acting before he can fully think it through. Already he has spent ten years of his life in an attempt to achieve more, therefore wasting time

– Aly Yoon

Aly, you make a great point and I agree with you when you state that his name, Wake-to-Vacuity, relates to the theme of action. Wake-to-Vacuity can be interpreted as a realization of the emptiness the Monkey feels in his life. In order for Monkey to make something out of the remaining time he has left to live, he has to become involved and be in action. The idea of action is first seen when the monkeys are traveling up the waterfall and they become curious to know what is behind the curtain. Without hesitation, Monkey volunteers to be the one to travel into the waterfall. Moreover, before he embarks on his journey, Monkey exclaims, “Tomorrow I shall take leave of you all and go down the mountain. Even if I have to wander with the clouds to the corners of the sea or journey to the distant edges of Heaven, I intend to find these three kinds of people.” This quote portrays the idea of action by showing us that Monkey is determined and will not return unless he completes his goal. Lastly, Aly, you mention something interesting. “Already he has spent ten years of his life in an attempt to achieve more, therefore wasting time.” This can be interpreted in many ways. The way that I see it related back to the theme. At least, Monkey decided to act upon the situation and embark on a journey that would impact him deeply.

– Jorge Moreno

Jorge and Aly you both give great examples of how the name, Wake-to-Vacuity, relates to the theme of action.  The way I believe Monkey’s name can relate to the theme of action is because he feels his life is empty or the beginning, he needs to take action to apply meaning to life and fill it with meaning.  The quote “If we die, shall we not have lived in vain, not being able to rank forever among the Heavenly beings” helps support action because it explains how he wants to go out and be able to make his life impact the world.  From what I read, I can tell Monkey is willing to do whatever it takes to find the meaning and understanding that his life may need.  Another quote “Going through big cities and visiting small towns, he unwittingly spent eight or nine years” portrays his will and dedication to action to have a fulfilled life.  Because his name is Wake-to-Vacuity, it is also a portrayal that his journey of action is just beginning and will take all his will power to reach his goal.

– Preston Cheung

Before the Monkey began his journey for immortality and before he was given the name “Wake-to Vacuity” one of the six perfections that I noticed was generosity. The monkey had shown to be generous when he offered to find where the water was coming from, even though there was a risk he could hurt himself. He also appeared to be generous by sharing that he found a stone mansion for all the monkeys to settle in which was referred to as “The Blessed Land of the Flower-Fruit Mountain, The Cave Heaven of the Water-Curtain Cave.” Lastly the Monkey was generous when he decided to go on the journey to seek immortality for him and the rest of the monkeys. The Monkey said “Tomorrow I shall take leave of you all and go down the mountain. Even if I have to wander with the clouds to the corners of the sea or journey to the distant edges of Heaven.” In my opinion the monkey was generous because he was willing to leave his happy life to seek something that he wasn’t sure he could find. The monkey was a king who was always surrounded by others that constantly praised him, however as he embarked on this journey outside of his kingdom without his pupil, he was no longer king… he was alone, which brought upon feelings of emptiness, which is why he was given the name “Wake-to Vacuity” which means an awake to emptiness.

At the end of the chapter, Monkey was given the name “Wake-to-Vacuity” which refers to the emptiness he is feeling. He desires to become immortal to avoid death, but without the wisdom of immortals he may never achieve his goal. Monkey has a vacuity of wisdom, which explains why he abandoned his kingdom in pursuit of his self-fulfilling interests. Monkey journeys to the immortals to fill the void in his life. He lacks wisdom because he does not accept the fact that only the Buddhas, immortals, and holy sages “can avoid the Wheel of Transmigration as well as the process of birth and destruction and live as long as heaven and earth, the mountains and the streams.” Instead of accepting death as a part of life, Monkey tries to evade his fate and live in eternity. Along the way Monkey finds a woodcutter who is caring for his mother. While speaking to the woodcutter, the woodcutter claimed, “…So there is no alternative but for me alone to support and care for my mother.” This is something that Monkey totally ignored previously in the beginning of the chapter. Unlike the woodcutter, Monkey abandoned his subjects who are lost without his leadership.

                                                                                                        -Joseph Morreale

When the Patriarch tells the Monkey King “though your features are not the most attractive, you do resemble a monkey that feeds on pine seeds.” It makes me think about a Buddhist term adopted in Daoism, called monkey mind. Meaning unsettled, restless, confused and so forth. Which is connected to what The Patriarch then proceeds to name him “Wake-to-Vacuity” and like Joseph said it refers to the emptiness the Monkey King is feeling. The Monkey King spent years trying to find the way to immortality. And when he gets to the mountain and runs into the woodcutter, we are able to really get the sense of how empty he is without the gift of immortality. He believes immortality is the only way to be happy and get the most out of life. For instance, once the woodcutter told the Monkey King where to find the immortal one, he still insisted on the woodcutter to join him. However, the woodcutter basically tells him that they have separate paths and his is not to find immortality. His path is to continue to work and take care of his mother for the rest of his life. Like he said here “if I go with you, won’t I be neglecting my livelihood? And who will take care of my mother? I must chop my firewood. You go on by yourself!”

                                                                                                      -Keauna

“ … If we die, shall we not haved lived in vain, not being able to rank forever among the Heavenly beings?” – The Monkey says this to other monkeys informing that they, as well as him should not live a life in vain and to be one of the highest in the heavens. By using his words of wisdom the monkeys now understood his reasoning , his actions and his search for immortality. In a way the monkey king is not only searching for immorality but also searching for wisdom. Along the way he meets a woodcutter who contradicts his story. The woodcutter explains how he has responsibilities which he cannot drop to go looking for immortality vs the monkey king who left the other monkeys behind. “ According to what you have said, you are indeed a gentleman of filial piety, and you will be rewarded in the future.” said by the monkey king to the woodcutter.  This is another act of wisdom by the monkey king , showing he is fathom and respectful of the woodcutters views and does not suppress it but rather open to it.

                                                                                                       -Bintou Samura

Maria Loginova:

The significance of Monkey being given the name Sun Wukong, meaning “Wake-to-Vacuity” can be due to his journey towards wisdom. Wake to Vacuity can be defined as beginning a journey to empty the illusion that one is separate from everyone else. To be exposed to emptiness is to open the self to the truth; that people are all connected. In order for Monkey to achieve enlightenment, he must combat the six perfections. One of the six perfections, wisdom is important to Monkey because to be wise is not only to be smart but understand what will make the journey to enlightenment successful. On page 434, the immortal youth asked Monkey, “Are you a seeker of the Way?”, this highlights the importance of wisdom in attaining enlightenment and surpassing emptiness as to be a seeker is to actively learn and try to understand. Monkey needs to experience wisdom in not only learning about the Daoist ways but also learning what the deeper meaning to his journey is. For example, on page 433, the woodcutter said “What a bonehead fellow you are!… I have just finished telling you these things, and you still don’t understand. If I go with you, won’t I be neglecting my livelihood? And who will take care of my mother?…” This shows that Monkey needs to find wisdom within himself and learn from the people around him. Monkey expressed gratitude towards the woodcutter who told Monkey about his life and the commitments he has to others. Monkey needs to think about the paradox that he in fact left the other monkeys behind without a king.
Nicole Mazza:

Great response Maria! I like how you incorporated the meaning of sun wukongs name into the dialogue between him and the woodcutter. I agree that monkey is in search for wisdom. He spends a lot of time on his journey looking for answers on ways to find eternal life. I also realize that monkey is in search of something deeper than eternal life, a life with meaning. His thirst for wisdom derives from his emptiness in his current life. According to the text you referred to, it seems that monkey becomes persistent and more optimistic as his journey continues regardless of any negative comments given by the wood cutter. Monkey realizes there has to be more to life than what he already has lived. One part of the story stood out to me where it explains monkeys journey. “ The monkey king searched diligently for the way of immortality, but he had no chance of meeting it” page 431. This was interesting to me because it can be interpreted in different ways. Monkey could’ve had no way of meeting immortality because he had yet to find someone to explain the ways of eternal life, or immortality can be seen as a way to fulfill his emptiness and he felt that he’d never find it. I Also believe monkey looks for deeper meaning to take into a potential eternal life. When being asked what his surname was he replies “i have no xing. If a man rebukes me, i am not offended; if he hits me, i am not angered…” Page 435. This was interesting due to it being similar to Buddhist religion where they practice this kind of peace for their own deeper searching within themselves.

Tara Lewkowicz:

Nicole, I liked your response however I had a different perspective with Monkey’s encounter with the woodcutter. I thought that what the woodcutter was saying to Monkey was indeed negative, however Monkey could have taken that knowledge and gained wisdom from it. He could have had a small look at the life of someone who actually is discontent and has valid reasons to feel that way. Monkey was given the name Sun Wukong which translates to “ Wake to Vacuity”. Vacuity to me means emptiness or the lack of content. Monkey’s journey towards wisdom intertwines with the thought of him having to wake up from “vacuity”. He should learn to be content with the knowledge he has discovered, and life he has lived. On page 428 Monkey was explaining to the other Monkeys why he was not content, in which he said “ If we die, shall we not have lived in vain, not being able to rank forever among the Heavenly beings?” Monkey felt that although their lives on the immortal mountain was nice, he wanted to search for more. Monkey can potentially overcome this feeling of discontent by achieving one of the six perfections which is wisdom. Wisdom would allow Monkey to realize the beauty he has in his life, and learn from and take in the things he discovers through his journey. While on his journey, Monkey discovers a woodcutter who is singing a tune. Monkey immediately assumed he was immortal but was later told on page 433 “ the tune of that lyric is named ‘ A Court Full of Blossoms,’ and it was taught to me by an immortal, a neighbor of mine. He saw that I had to struggle to make a living and that my days were full of worries: so he told me to recite the poem whenever I was troubled.” Monkey was unaware of the feeling of struggle to make a living and having to worry about surviving each day. Monkey would obtain wisdom from understanding the woodcutters life and realizing that his life is much more fulfilling than he thinks it is.

Monkey embarks on a journey to find immortality by any means necessary. This quest goes on from one continent to another for about ten years. This shows what kind of patience he has for what he’s doing to get there in the process. His struggle to meet the master was a testament to his patience. Once he finally meets the the master he gave him the name and title that only validated what the Monkey King was feeling, that emptiness. Wukong (Wake-to-Vacuity) was now his name. He gave up a lifestyle where there was nothing wrong to be able to fill void that he felt inside by going on this new adventure. “He stared at the place for a long time but dared not knock. Instead, he jumped onto the branch of a pine tree, picked a few pine seeds and ate them, and began to play.” Nothing was stopping him from knocking the door when he finally reached his destination after all these years, but he took his time and let itself work things out. “If a man rebukes me, I am not offended; if he hits me, I am not angered. In fact, I simply repay him with a ceremonial greeting and that’s all.” All this patience combined with the emptiness, there is no room for anger or ill intent in his heart, just the clarity he seeks.

– Onu Mezbah

I completely agree with my classmate, I think that patience is one of the biggest themes in this story and one of the most distinct characteristics in Monkey.  Of course one can argue that Monkey was in the search of wisdom and meaning, it is very clear when he says, “…If we die, shall we not have lived in vain, not being able to rank forever among the Heavenly beings?.”  It is also valid to state that the journey is packed with action but none of that would have happened if Monkey wasn’t relentless and had a lot of patience.  Before starting his journey Monkey said, “Tomorrow I shall take leave of you all and go down the mountain.   Even if I have to wander with the clouds to the corners of the sea or journey to the distant edges of Heaven”  It is extremely clear that he knew it was going to be an extensive journey but he embraced it and saw it in a very positive manner.  Another big sign of resilience and patience is when monkey made another raft, to cross another ocean in order to complete his mission.  

– Joaquin Azcue

As my classmates mentioned, patience was a virtue for Monkey. He wanted to find his true purpose in life. Not only is he determined but he fulfills the qualities of a leader as well. We see in Chapter 1 when he becomes the king of monkeys after being courageous enough to lead his tribe to their new home. After being on the throne for hundreds of years, he commences a journey to find immortality. This journey lasts for almost 10 years. This might seem as an impossible task, but not for Monkey. He says, “Nothing in this world is difficult, but thinking makes it seem so. Where there is true will, there is always a way.” After the Patriarch gave Monkey king the name, “Wu-k’ung” (Wake-to-vacuity), the Monkey king was ecstatic jumping around joyfully. He was ultimately given this name because his rank fell upon the tenth generation of the Patriarch’s 12 characters. “If you want to have a future, don’t do anything with no future in it.” This statement by Monkey in my opinion was one of the most influential quotes ever said. His forbearance and patience is what got him to where he is today. And that is one of the most important virtues.

-Farhan Zaman

Monkey goes through some sort of midlife crisis three or four hundred years into his existence. Monkey explains his distress when asking his monkey peers, “If we die, shall we not have lived in vain”. Monkey finds a stark vacuity in his life. Monkey’s vacuity wakes him vigorously and provides him with the motivation do action. Many times, people will discover issues in their own lives, clear vacuities that should be addressed, but instead ignore the issue. To recognize an issue is one thing, but to gather the inner strength to go and tackle that issue, to take action, is whole new endeavor. Monkey, however, had the moral strength to give up all the benefits of being the handsome monkey king in an instant. Monkey showed no reservation in his commitment, he said he would “wander with the clouds to the corners of the see or journey to the distant edge of Heaven,” all with the intention of find the immortals. Comfort can be a dangerous trap, despite monkey’s leisurely position in life he had the moral fortitude to take action simply because of his wake to vacuity.

Group Partners: Muneeb and Jorge

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to all of you who responded.  You made some really excellent, perceptive comments.

Tao poetry: 

The Tao Te Ching is a set of several poems (you have seen only a few here) generally attributed to the poet Lao Tzu, and possibly dating from the 4^th century B.C. E.  These poems are celebrating the philosophy of Taoism, a philosophy that attempts to show the path to spiritual enlightenment. 

Below I have gleaned the more salient comments and interpretations from your peers.  Notice that you all begin to get an excellent sense of what these poems of the Tao are saying.  These comments will also be important and helpful to remember, when you’re reading Journey to the West:

#25

(Daphne; Nicole)

The idea of connection or being connected is indeed strong here, that all things are somehow interconnected in our universe.  Here some people also see the idea of a higher being, or god, or presence, some “greatness.”

#1

(Joseph; Jorge)

This poem points to the paradox of the Tao, that our existence is both manifest in this world, and invisible, at the same time.  One needs to let go of one’s desires Joseph) to see the truth.  This poem also introduces one of the largest ideas of Tao, and that is that the Tao cannot be named or defined, as it is mystery and ambiguity, and one must simply accept this

#10

(Maria; Rebecca; Jorge)

 There is the idea that finding “balance” is a way to the path of having a fulfilled life, and the ideas of acceptance and patience.  This “balance” can also be see as the intrinsic connection between opposites or “dichotomies” as Jorge puts it.  There is also the idea of innocence, to be “as a newborn babe” (and the idea that presenting as aspect of innocence, may help us to become actually innocent).

 #22

(Farhan; Francesca; Jamie; Onu)

There is the idea of overcoming one’s obstacles by, ironically, being humble and surrendering oneself.  Humility is a large idea that runs through all of these poems. This poem also discusses the idea of ambiguity and paradox, that opposites are often two sides of one idea.  This also contributes to the idea that one needs to be open, to be “adaptable” (Onu’s quote).   

#16

(Susanna)

There is the idea of embracing the “simplicity” of one’s existence (Susanna).   The idea of “emptiness” is in this poem, as in so many of the Tao poems; in other words, one must “empty” oneself, to surrender to what is happening, and then let the answers come to you.   

 #13

(Jacqueline; Annie; Rebecca; Tara; Muneeb; Joaquin)

Here is again the theme that we see throughout all of these poems, that to be humble, to surrender oneself to “misfortune,” or to loss, and to learn that to be “important” is not the path to a better, more fulfilled life.  This connects to the idea that accepting misfortune and disgrace will actually help to strengthen you, and help you to grow. 

 #4

(Preston; Allie)
There is the idea of the Tao as a metaphor of the mind, or that the human mind is a reflection of the Tao?  This is an interesting point.  The idea of the Tao being endless, is also in this poem, as in many of these poems.  There is also the thought that the Tao is not something to be understood, but, ironically, embraced (even as we do not understand it), to embrace the mystery of life.