Monkey (Penguin Classics)
by Wu Ch'Eng-En

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Book Reviews of Monkey (Penguin Classics)

Book Review: Buddha of Precocious Merit
Summary: 4 Stars

The first seven chapters are dedicated to telling Monkey's story up until the time he became Tripitaka's disciple. Monkey, mostly through trickery has become more powerful than most of the gods and has rebelled against them until he is finally overpowered and imprisoned in a block of stone. He is freed in order to become the first of the three disciples.

In chapters eight through twelve we are introduced to Hsuan Tsang (Tripitaka) and learn about the origins of his pilgrimage to India. The balance of the one hundred chapters are dedicated to the pilgrimage itself.

Early in the pilgrimage, Tripitaka acquires two additional disciples, Pigsy and Sandy. Each of the three disciples has been placed in Tripitaka's path by the gods, and each has unique magical powers. Without these powers, and the support and encouragement of these sometimes reluctant disciples, the pilgrimage would never have been completed, as there are no end of dangers, evil-doers, and monsters to overcome, and because Tripitaka is a rather weak and timid pilgrim who needs constant encouragement.

The pilgrimage does end successfully and Tripitaka and each of his disciples are rewarded in heaven as follows:

Tripitaka becomes the "Buddha of Special Merit." Monkey becomes the "Buddha Victorious in Strife." Pigsy becomes "Cleanser of the Altar." and Sandy becomes the "Golden Bodied Arhat."

As is befitting for a book about a spiritual, though physically challenging, adventure the author ends by dedicating these hundred chapters to "the glory of Buddha's pure land."

We are told that these tales are for the entertainment of children and adults alike. While I agree that this is true of the content of the tales, it is my opinion that reading this translation would be difficult for young children. There are translations available that are written in more child friendly language. For any reader of mythology, MONKEY should be a welcome addition to your reading list.

Summary of Monkey (Penguin Classics)

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