Author: Erlang Shen


  • Exploring the Pantheon of Major Taoist Deities in Chinese Culture

    **Exploring the Pantheon: A Deep Dive into the Major Taoist Deities and Their Roles in Chinese Culture** Taoism, a spiritual tradition that originated in ancient China, is not just about philosophical ideas and meditation; it’s also rich with colorful deities that delight and inspire. These divine personalities have their own stories, attributes, and functions, and…

  • Taoism and Nature: The Harmony of Human and Universe

    **Taoism and Nature: Exploring the Deep Connection Between Man and the Universe** Have you ever stood outside on a clear night, gazing up at the blanket of stars dotted across the sky, and felt a deep sense of awe? That feeling, that connection with something grand—it’s a notion that has rooted itself in the philosophy…

  • Reflecting on the Animated Series “Journey to the West”

    The animated series “Journey to the West” holds a special place in my fond memories from childhood. Adapted from the classic novel of the same name, it remains a delightful watch for me even today. To provide a brief overview of the storyline: a Buddhist monk named Tang Seng embarks on a perilous journey to…

  • The Enduring Legacy of Sun Wukong, The Monkey King

    Sun Wukong, known as The Monkey King, stands out as a cherished character in Chinese literature, endowed with human-like traits and extraordinary capabilities. His origins trace back to the 16th-century classic, “Journey to the West.” Since then, Sun Wukong has captivated audiences globally through films, television, and video games—most notably with the recent release of…

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    Overview of Sun Wukong: The Monkey King in Chinese Mythology Introduction Sun Wukong, often referred to as the Monkey King, stands as a prominent trickster figure in Chinese mythology and literature, specifically within Wu Cheng’en’s epic tale Journey to the West. This legendary character possesses extraordinary strength, along with the magical capability to morph into…

  • The Journey of Tang Seng: A Quest for Enlightenment

    Tang Seng, known traditionally through his Sanskrit title Tripitaka (唐三藏 táng sān zàng), is a pivotal character in the classic Chinese narrative, Journey to the West (西游记 xī yóu jì). This tale chronicles Tang Seng’s quest to travel to India, with the intention of retrieving sacred Buddhist scriptures and disseminating the teachings of Buddhism throughout…

  • Epic Showdown: Sun Wukong vs. Hercules

    Epic Showdown: Sun Wukong vs. Hercules Wiz- Throughout history, humans have fantasized about attaining a god-like status—be it fame, fortune, or power. But what if such divinity was within reach? Boomstick- Hold onto your seats, because today we’re throwing two legendary heroes into the arena. Two champions who ascended to godhood! The Monkey King Wiz-…

  • The Journey of Tang Sanzang in *Journey to the West*

    Tang Sanzang, a pivotal figure from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, embodies the virtues of compassion and devotion. Created by Wu Cheng’en, the character draws inspiration from Xuanzang, a real-life Buddhist monk known for his pilgrimage to India. Character Overview Tang Sanzang, also referred to as Tripitaka, is a Buddhist monk who…

  • The Journey and Legacy of Tang Seng in Buddhism

    Tang Seng, known in English as Tripitaka (唐三藏 táng sān zàng), stands as a central figure in the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West” (西游记 xī yóu jì). The narrative chronicling his epic expedition involves traveling to India to procure a collection of sacred Buddhist texts, aimed at disseminating Buddhist doctrines throughout China. Accompanying…

  • Zhu Ba Jie: The Pigsy of Chinese Legend Name Origin and Meaning The character Zhu Ba Jie derives his name from various components: “Zhu,” a surname meaning “pig,” “Ba,” which signifies “eight,” and “Jie,” meaning “prohibitions.” This name was bestowed upon him by Tang San Zang when he became his second disciple. The “Eight Prohibitions”…