The story of Zhu Bajie comes from the Chinese classic “Journey to the West”. His image is deeply rooted in people’s hearts and his personality is distinct. He is one of the indispensable characters in the story. The following is the story of Zhu Bajie compiled based on “Journey to the West” and related materials.
- Background and origin of Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie, whose original name is Zhu Ganglie and whose Buddhist name is Wuneng, is the second apprentice of Tang Monk, the second junior brother of Sun Wukong, and the second senior brother of Sha Monk. He was originally the Marshal of Tianpeng under the Jade Emperor of Heaven, in charge of the Milky Way. Because he was drunk and teased Chang’e, and knocked down the Douniu Palace with his mouth, and stole the Ganoderma Lucidum, he was ordered by the Jade Emperor to beat more than 2,000 hammers and demoted to the mortal world. When he was reincarnated in the human world, he was mistakenly reincarnated as a pig. His face was similar to that of a wild boar, so he occupied the Yunzhan Cave in Fuling Mountain as a monster and called himself “Zhu Ganglie”. - The main storyline of Zhu Bajie
Zhu Bajie teases Chang’e
When Zhu Bajie was in heaven, he was so bold after getting drunk that he teased the beautiful fairy Chang’e and caused chaos in heaven. This behavior not only angered the Jade Emperor, but also made him lose his original position and status, and was demoted to the mortal world, starting his adventure in the mortal world.
Zhu Bajie fights Sun Wukong
In Gao Laozhuang, Zhu Bajie transformed into a strong man and was recruited as a son-in-law by the Gao family. However, he had an amazing appetite and often showed his original form, which frightened everyone in the Gao family. Sun Wukong passed by this place to protect Tang Monk on his journey to obtain scriptures, and changed into the appearance of Miss Gao, fighting wits and courage with Zhu Bajie, and finally subdued him. This battle not only showed Zhu Bajie’s bravery, but also reflected the friendship between him and Sun Wukong.
Zhu Bajie gets married in Gao Laozhuang
In Gao Laozhuang, Zhu Bajie originally just wanted to find a place to settle down, but was unexpectedly favored by the Gao family and recruited as a son-in-law. He is hardworking and capable, but his true colors are exposed and Miss Gao is scared away. This plot not only makes Zhu Bajie’s image more three-dimensional, but also reveals his deep tenderness and desire.
Bajie fights the Quicksand River
On the way to obtain scriptures, the four masters and apprentices walked to the Quicksand River and encountered a ferocious monster. Zhu Bajie joined forces with Sun Wukong and Sha Seng to fight a fierce battle with the monster. In this battle, Zhu Bajie fully demonstrated his courage and strength and contributed his own strength to the smooth progress of the journey to obtain scriptures.
Zhu Bajie righteously stimulates the Monkey King
During the process of obtaining scriptures, Tang Seng misunderstood Sun Wukong and drove him away. Later, Tang Seng and Zhu Bajie were captured by the monster. In times of crisis, Zhu Bajie used his wisdom to successfully anger Sun Wukong and made him rejoin the team to obtain scriptures. This plot not only shows Zhu Bajie’s wit and courage, but also deepens the friendship between the master and the apprentice.
Zhu Bajie was humiliated in Pansi Cave
In Pansi Cave, Zhu Bajie fell into the trap of spider spirits because of his lust for beauty and was tied to a tree by them and humiliated. Although this plot made Zhu Bajie look a little embarrassed, it also reflected his weakness in his character – lust. At the same time, it also reflected his growth and experience on the journey to obtain scriptures.
Four Saints Test Zen Heart
On the journey to obtain scriptures, the four masters and apprentices met four mothers and daughters who were incarnations of four Bodhisattvas. They tested whether the four masters and apprentices’ Zen hearts were firm through a series of tests. In this test, Zhu Bajie almost fell into the trap because of his lust for wealth and beauty. But in the end, with the reminder of Sun Wukong, he realized his mistake and successfully passed the test. This plot not only made Zhu Bajie’s image fuller, but also allowed him to grow and improve further on the journey to obtain scriptures.
Success in obtaining scriptures and being named the messenger of the altar
After 81 difficulties, the four masters and apprentices finally succeeded in obtaining the true scriptures and returned to the Tang Dynasty in the East. The Buddha Tathagata rewarded them according to their performance on the journey to obtain scriptures. Zhu Bajie was named the Bodhisattva of the Pure Altar for his efforts and contributions on the journey to the West. This honor is not only a recognition of him personally but also a reward for his efforts.
