Session 6: Wukong Shall Not Learn the Side-Entrances to the Way

In this session, Sun Wukong continues his spiritual journey under the guidance of the Patriarch. After practicing with his spiritual elder brothers for several years, the Patriarch gathered his disciples and began explaining the Great Way. However, when introduced to the Ways of Magic Arts, Sects, Silence, and Action, Sun Wukong expressed no interest in learning them.

Session Focus:
This session will explore the meaning and significance of the Ways of Magic Arts, Sects, Silence, and Action, along with their implications for contemporary spiritual practice.

Key Questions for Reflection:

Q: How many years did Wukong practice under the Patriarch?

Q: What did he practice under hie spiritual elder brothers? What did he do in his spare time? What purpose did his practice serve, according to your understanding?

Q: What is the Way of Magic Arts? How would you define this Way based on the Patriarch’s explanation? Can you identify examples of the Way of Magic Arts in the modern world?

Q: What is the Way of Sects? How might this Way manifest in contemporary contexts? What did the Patriarch mean by the phrase “putting a pillar on the wall”?

Q: What is the Way of Silence? Can you think of modern examples of this Way? What did the Patriarch mean by “building the top of a kiln with sun-dried bricks”?

Q: What is the Way of Action? How does this Way appear in today’s world? What did the Patriarch mean by “lifting the moon out of water”?

The Patriarch said, ‘There are three hundred and sixty side−entrances to the Way, and they all lead to a True Result.’”
Q. If the Patriarch later confirmed that the Ways of Magic Arts, Sects, Silence, and Action could not attain immortality, why did he initially say that they all lead to a True Result?

Q. Why didn’t Sun Wukong want to learn the Ways of Magic Arts, Sects, Silence and Action?

The patriarch went up to Monkey and hit him three times on the head, then went inside with his hands behind his back and shut the main door…The Monkey King had understood the riddle, and had the answer hidden away in his mind.
Q. What was the significance of this cryptic act? Why did the Monkey King understand the hidden message? Was this a test, a lesson, or a way to guide Sun Wukong toward a higher path?

Come prepared to share your reflections and insights as we continue our journey together in Reading Session 6!

Members’ Blogging Space:
All members are welcome to post your realization and comments:
https://www.hellosuliving.com/blog

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Self-study and preparation:

English text:
https://chine.in/fichiers/jourwest.pdf
Chapter 2 (page 21 - 24)

TV drama (with English subtitles):
Episode 01 The Money King was born
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3KNpyKILHM&list=PLOHG5PB2LOciGyGgdanH-whM_xscyTE0E

Chinese original text:
https://xiyouji.5000yan.com/19830.html

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Membership Plans:
Our reading club offers three flexible options:

• One-time participation – NZD 25
• 3 months (12 consecutive sessions) – NZD 300
• 1 year (52 consecutive sessions) – NZD 1,200

You can click the link below to choose from our three available payment methods:
https://www.hellosuliving.com/services-5