1 / 7

JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (I)

JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (I). Conflict between Wukong and Wuneng due to the destructive relationship of the “five phases” Wood—fire—earth—metal—water –wood (constructive)—in the shape of pentagon Wood—earth—water –fire—metal—wood (deconstructive)—in the shape of star

mae
Download Presentation

JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (I)

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (I) • Conflict between Wukong and Wuneng due to the destructive relationship of the “five phases” • Wood—fire—earth—metal—water –wood (constructive)—in the shape of pentagon • Wood—earth—water –fire—metal—wood (deconstructive)—in the shape of star • “strong is metal’s nature to vanquish wood/Mind Monkey has the Wood Dragon subdued (p.338) • “The Metal Squire and the Wood Mother are scattered both /Yellow Hag is wounded, from everyone divorced/With reason and right so divided, what can be achieved?” (chap.30)

  2. JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (II) • The Jade Emperor calls for the entire heaven to capture the Monkey King and bring him to justice: • Four Great Devarajas, The Fearless Guards of Five Quarters and their troops, Li the Pagoda Bearer, Nata, The Star of Ketu, Soma the moon, Aditya the sun, the Stars of Five Phases, the Nine Luminaries, all celestial guardians of titanic strength, the Five Plagues and the Five Mountains, the Dragon Gods of the Four Rivers, the Twenty-eight Constellations. • “A hundred thousand soldiers of Heaven now spread the net of God.”

  3. JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (III) • Lao-tzu makes weapon? • The diamond cutter or diamond snare: An armlet made of red steel, brought into existence during his preparation of elixir and fully charged with theurgical forces • Lao-tzu “hurled the snare down from the Heavenly Gate…it landed smack on the Monkey King’s head.” (p.164) • Cruelty of punishment: • Monkey King “was taken by the celetial guardians to the monster execution block, where he was bound to the monster-subduing pillar. They then slashed him with a scimitar, hewed him with an ax, stabbed him with a spear, and hacked him with a sword.” (p. 166)

  4. JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (IV) • The wrath of the Buddha and his language: • When confronted by the Monkey King, he says “a fellow like you is only a monkey who happens to become a spirit. How dare you be so presumptuous as to want to seize the honored throne of the Exalted Jade Emperor?….You are merely a beast who has just attained human form in this incarnation. How dare you make such a boast? Blasphemy! This is sheer blasphemy, and it will surely shorten your allotted age.” (p. 172) • “you stinking, urinous ape!”

  5. JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (V) • Questions Buddhist precepts: • Tripitaka lectures Monkey King, telling him not to lie, but he lies himself (p.312) • Uses lie to trick Monkey King • The pilgrims are gluttonous for good foods and wine • Stealing is common • Buddhist Monks and Taoist priests are no better than the greedy, sinners, criminals…. • Abbot and monks in the Guanyin Hall are greedy. (p.333) • They even harbor evil thoughts to kill the pilgrims (p.337) • Tripitaka is amazed by “marvelous things,” “lovely drink,” and “lovely utensils.” (p.333) • Wuneng said: “A monk is the preta of sensuality” (p.453)

  6. JW’s Critique of Buddhism and Taoism (VI) • Immortals (Deities) and mortals are alike • They are equally impatient, conceit, emotional • They use the same kinds of lies, tricks, foul language… • “[Monkey King] yelled at her [Guanyin]: “You, so-called Teacher of the Seven Buddhas and the Founder of the Faith of Mercy! Why did you have to use your tricks to harm me?” • “You impudent stableman, ignorant red-buttocks!” said the Bodhisattva [Guanyin]. (p.321)

  7. Other Important Messages in the JW • Taoism: • Happiness (Fortune) is rooted in misery (Misfortune). Misery (misfortune) lurks beneath happiness (fortune). • Desire should be restrained and reduced • Buddhism: • Fortune and misfortune are one’s karma. They are morally dictated. • Desire should be eliminated, at least not to become an attachment • Author’s interpretation of Buddhism and Taoism: • “Eros (Beauty) is a sword injurious: Live by it (lust after it and you will be slain. The lady so fair and lovely at sixteen/Is more vicious than a yaksa” (p.461)

More Related