Monkey: A Folk Novel of China

Long after Monkey’s imprisonment, Buddha observes that the people of the Southern Continent are “greedy, lustful, murderous and quarrelsome” (78). He believes that scriptures can save them and asks for a volunteer from among his followers to find a pilgrim to journey from China to the West to obtain the scriptures. Kuan-yin offers to do the job, with assistance from Hui-yen as her protector.

As Kuan-yin and Hui-yen journey to the Southern Continent, they encounter three monsters who attack Hui-yen with varying degrees of ferocity. Upon realizing that Hui-yen is with Kuan-yin, the monsters each apologize and explain how they ended up where they are. The first monster is a marshal of Heaven who broke a crystal dish, and as punishment the Jade Emperor turns him into a beast. Kuan-yin offers the monster salvation if he will convert and agree to assist the as-yet-undetermined pilgrim. He agrees and is given the name Sandy Priest.

The second monster is another marshal of Heaven who offended the Jade Emperor, was banished, and was then reborn as a form of pig. Kuan-yin offers his salvation as well. He at first refuses but then changes his mind and agrees to help.