Allegory of Self-Cultivation in the Novel The Journey to the West By Anthony C Yu and Cheng'en, Wu - Essay Example

Despite the three terms each having a distinct meaning and implication in describing varied items in this account, they comprise key aspects comprising an individual’s journey towards self-cultivation. Hence, implying there cannot be any of these aspects that can singlehandedly comprise a full pilgrimage journey to self-realization. “Monkey King”, which is a connotation for the human body including his or her brain, is equal to “emptiness”. In this account, “Monkey King” is the master or hero of the journey, which Tripitaka intends to transform to conform to the acceptable principles (Adams). Hence, know how to co-exist with fellow people once after self-scrutiny and knowledge.

Mainly, this is by learning what Tripitaka demands of one in taming and developing self-control instead of being a slave of his or her own desires - Six Bandits (Adams). Numerous battles, which monkey encounters and wins in this account, are similar to tribulations characterizing spiritual journey, which an individual ought to undergo and endure to the end. Hence, the idiom relayed in the novel, “To subdue or release the Monkey of the mind”, which implies “all about the retrieval or release of one’s mind” to spiritual control (Cheng'en & Anthony 73).

This to attain self-cultivation and know how to bring his or her desires under subjection through from a literal meaning the accounts assume the image of a celestial action movie. “Six Bandits” encompass carnal desires characterizing the true nature of “Monkey King”, which all through the pilgrimage journey ought to learn how to bring tame and subdue them. This is in line with Tripitaka principles which are inescapable if one aspires to attain self-cultivation. Based on Cheng'en and Anthony’s account, it is evident one once chooses to embrace a spiritual journey meant to refine his character get to know oneself well and varied areas where he or one is weak.