Journey to the West Chapter 047 Two Tang Monks

Summary

In this exciting episode of *Journey to the West*, the companions encounter a mysterious situation where two monks claim to be the real Tang monk. Wukong, along with Bajie and Wu Jing, uses a clever trick involving the tight headband spell to reveal the imposter. The false monk transforms into a green lion and escapes, only to be stopped by the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who explains the lion's role in punishing a cruel king. The travelers continue their journey, encountering a mysterious red cloud that leaves Wukong uneasy as they press forward toward the Western Paradise.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wukong and the Tang monks encounter a mystery when two monks appear to be identical.
• 😀 The monks argue about who is the real Tang monk, causing confusion and tension.
• 😀 Wukong threatens both monks with his iron bar to get to the truth.
• 😀 B suggests using the Tight Headband Spell to reveal the fake monk, as only the real Tang monk can properly recite it.
• 😀 The real monk recites the spell correctly, while the fake monk stumbles and mumbles nonsense.
• 😀 The fake monk transforms into a green lion and escapes, prompting a chase outside.
• 😀 Wukong and his companions surround the lion, preparing to strike, but a deep voice intervenes.
• 😀 The King of the Black Rooster Kingdom reveals that the green lion is his pet and has completed its task of punishing him for past wrongdoings.
• 😀 The lion and the king disappear into the clouds, and the travelers resume their journey.
• 😀 Wukong notices a mysterious red cloud in the distance, prompting him to stop the group several times, but the cloud keeps vanishing and reappearing.
• 😀 The red cloud adds an air of mystery to the travelers' journey, signaling that further challenges may lie ahead.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in this passage of *Journey to the West*?

The main conflict in this passage centers around identifying the real Tang Monk. Two monks appear identical, leading to confusion and conflict among the characters, especially Wukong, who uses force to try and determine which monk is real.

Why does Wukong struggle to identify the real Tang Monk?

Wukong struggles to identify the real Tang Monk because the two monks look exactly alike. Their physical similarity leads to confusion, and both monks claim to be the real Tang Monk.

How does Wukong attempt to resolve the situation with the two monks?

Wukong attempts to resolve the situation by using force, threatening to strike both monks with his iron bar. This prompts the monks to beg for mercy and leads to a suggestion by Bajie to use the 'tight headband' spell to reveal the true Tang Monk.

What role does Bajie play in resolving the conflict between the two monks?

Bajie suggests using the 'tight headband' spell to determine which monk is real. He explains that only the true Tang Monk, Guan Yin, and Buddha know the spell, and that this will expose the fake monk.

What is the 'tight headband' spell, and why is it important in this context?

The 'tight headband' spell is a magical incantation that causes Wukong great pain when recited. It serves as a test to determine which monk is truly the Tang Monk, as only the real monk can recite the spell correctly, while the fake monk cannot.

What happens after the spell is recited?

After the spell is recited, Wukong experiences intense pain, and it becomes clear that one of the monks is a fake. Bajie points out that the fake monk was not actually reciting the spell, revealing him as the impostor.

How does the fake monk escape after being identified?

Once the fake monk is revealed, he transforms into a green lion and escapes the palace. The travelers chase the lion, and it eventually leaps into the air, prompting Wukong and the others to follow.

Who intervenes during the chase of the green lion?

During the chase, a deep voice calls out, stopping Wukong from striking the green lion. It is revealed that the lion is the pet of the Bodhisattva, who intervenes to explain the situation.

What is the significance of the Bodhisattva's involvement in this story?

The Bodhisattva's involvement adds a divine element to the story. The green lion was sent to punish the king of the Black Rooster Kingdom for his cruelty. The Bodhisattva's intervention brings an end to the lion's punishment and clears up the confusion surrounding the monks.

How does the king of the Black Rooster Kingdom respond to the travelers' help?

The king of the Black Rooster Kingdom expresses gratitude to the Tang Monk and his companions for their help, hosting a feast and wishing them success on their journey to the Western Paradise.