the search for wisdom in chinese/buddhist folktales

14
The search for Wisdom in Chinese Folktales Monkey or ‘The Journey to the West’ by Wu Cheng’en

Upload: c31141476

Post on 28-Oct-2014

12 views

Category:

Education


2 download

DESCRIPTION

This powerpoint highlights wisdom found in the epic novel 'The Journey to the West' Wu Cheng'en. Please note this has been designed with providing Year 11/Year 12/Stage 6 High school students.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

The search for Wisdom in Chinese Folktales

Monkey or ‘The Journey to the West’ by Wu Cheng’en

Page 2: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Synopsis The Journey To the West was written by Wu Cheng’en, and is considered to be one of the four great classic novels written during the Ming Dynasty (c. 1500-1582). The story is a pseudo-historical narrative based on pilgrimage that monk Xuanxang made to India during 7th century to seek out Buddhist scriptures to bring back to China. His fictional disciples are Monkey (Sun Wukong), Pigsy and Sandy are to assist and protect him throughout this epic journey

Page 3: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Additionally, this narrative includes Monkey, Pigsy, the Priest and Sandy who in the past were gods in the Heavens, hence why Monkey refers to himself as the ‘Great Sage of equal of Heaven’. However they have all committed mistakes and they must successfully obtain the holy scriptures so they can return to Heaven and become gods again.

The Hero’s: Monkey, Pigsy, Tripitaka &Sandy

Page 4: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 1: A laPersistance!Despite what Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy originally thought about the journey they work their way through West, knowing that they are on epic pilgrimage. They encounter high mountains, wild wind, heavy rain and snow; not to mention never ending supply evil demons. After traveling for 14 years and 108,000 miles, Tripitaka and his disciples reach their destination, India. Buddha gives them the sacred scriptures to return to China.

Life lesson: Never give up , the journey is just as important as the destination!

Page 5: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 2:Mindless Self Indulgence?

Zhu Bajie aka Pigsy – His overall character is symbolic of mankind’s flaws, his utter laziness, lustfulness and general mindless self indulgence often means that his comrades are in danger. And his is always blinded by the physical beauty of women or falling sleep when others are depending on him.

Life Lesson: Those who are greedy and avaricious end up in misery, as their evil deeds are provide short term happiness.

Page 6: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 3: Practice Intellectual Mindfulness

Sun Wukong Monkey – symbolizes “mind”, wit, intellect, courage, perseverance, strength. Monkey’s spirit/mind must be brought under control. Tripitaka sutra is one of the methods used to control (Buddha placed a band around his head which tightens when he does not learn to control himself or his mind).

Life Lesson: Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind

Page 7: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 4: Continuous Self improvement

Xuanzang or Tripitaka – A kind and passionate monk, highly devout Buddhist who is strongly opposed to violence, killing living creatures, he is never tempted by worldly hedonism or desires. Although he is not flawless, he is gullible, he is naïve and cannot see demons disguises, often frustrating the highly perceptive, Monkey.

Life Lesson: We must endeavour to consciously improve ourselves by committing to life long learning by educating ourselves and others.

Page 8: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 5: Learn the Art of Patience

ShaSeng or Sandy – Is forever patient, he is extremely strong and as a water or fish spirit he is able to breathe underwater. He is often plays the role of mediator between the Monkey-King and the Pigsy. He reminds us to remain patient and remember to take care in what we are doing.

Life Lesson: One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.

Page 9: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 6: Gratitude

Buddha had arranged for the Monkey King to become Tripitaka’s disciple and escort him, along with two other disciples they later came across. Buddha is often applied by Buddhists not only to Siddhartha but to all who attain his state of mind— a state that is said to bring a perception of the true nature of reality and a release from the need for additional lives.

Life Lesson: Gratitude teaches us reminds us to be grateful and happy with what we currently have and live frugally, abstinent from overindulgence.

Page 10: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 7: *Pursue your dreams *

Guan Yin The Bodhisattva Guan Yin, commonly called the Goddess of Mercy, is China’s favorite divine being. Her name means “heeding the cry.” She hears and helps all those who cry out to her in need. During the journey, she constantly appears to convey important messages or help the group. She teaches us to take action towards our dreams and goals.

Life lesson: Ensure you act on your life goals and life dreams, by taking this risk you may see results.

Page 11: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 8: Control yourself, Control your Destiny

Zhu Bajie (the pig) is an unintelligent and lusty glutton; Sun Wukong (the monkey) is ingenious but overconfident; Sandy (the monk) is diligent but conservative; Xuanzang is kind-hearted but ignorant.

Life Lesson: Overcome weakness by turning them into strengths, by replacing our bad habits by practicing good habits we will This teaches us to turn weaknesses into strengths by replacing the bad habits with the good ones for future success.

Page 12: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 9 : Faith in Comradeship

The epic journey, Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka must unite in order to collect the sutras and return to China. It was through the perils that they experienced that helped not only the individual characters to become extremely determined, the bonding force allowed them became stronger and thus reinforcing their commitment to the pilgramage.

Life Lesson: Never underestimate the importance of Comradeship and group work

Page 13: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

Lesson 10 : Recognition for Benevolent Deeds

Buddha rewards them for their loyalty and hard work with immortal life and happiness. Xuanzang attains Buddha status and is named Golden Lohan, Sun Wukong attains Buddha status and is named Fighting Buddha, and both Pigsy and Sha Monk are transformed into Lohan.Life Lesson: By rightful conduct we will get the results and possibly a reward at the end of our journey.

Page 14: The search for Wisdom in Chinese/Buddhist Folktales

References http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit226/lesson7.html#lesson http://www.slideshare.net/bright9977/10-life-lessons-from-journey-to-the-west http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_

kJdTIlOGNA/SERhC2BXtDI/AAAAAAAACqw/IV_POnKc1xc/s320/MasakoNatsume50.jpg

http://www.innerjourneytothewest.com/english/en-monkey.html http

://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kJdTIlO-GNA/SERhC2BXtDI/AAAAAAAACqw/IV_POnKc1xc/s320/MasakoNatsume50.jpg

http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/inspect-a-gadget/2011/04/14/pigsy.jpg http://samuel113113.wikispaces.com/file/view/monkey_sandy.jpg/230247810/monkey

_sandy.jpg http://1000petals.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/kuan-yin.jpg http://www.greatsage.net/monkeyphotoalbum/gamblingwithbuddha.jpg http://www.freewebs.com/elegy24/buddha_monkey_closeup_bw_400.jpg http://justaddgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2382.jpg http://history.cultural-china.com/chinaWH/upload/upfiles/2009-02/24/emperor_suzong

_of_the_tang_dynastyf6ab92c60ee6f94c0194.jpg http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/517164575_ab58ab8ab8.jpg