Journey to the West Through the Lens of the Oneness Movement (OM)

A Tale of Ego, Awakening, and the Path to Higher Consciousness

Journey to the West is one of the most influential spiritual and philosophical epics in Chinese literature. On the surface, it is an adventure story about a Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang, who journeys to India to retrieve sacred scriptures, accompanied by three disciples—Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (the Pig), and Sha Wujing (the Sand Monk). But beneath its mythical battles and comedic moments lies a deep allegory of spiritual enlightenment, one that aligns closely with the principles of the Oneness Movement (OM)—particularly the journey from Lower Consciousness (LC) to Higher Consciousness (HC).

Each character represents different aspects of human nature, embodying the struggles of ego, desire, discipline, and wisdom on the path toward enlightenment. Their transformation throughout the story reflects the process of transcending LC behaviors and evolving toward Oneness.

The Journey as a Metaphor for Spiritual Awakening

Like all great spiritual journeys, Journey to the West is not just about reaching a physical destination; it is a symbolic path toward awakening and self-transcendence.

✔ The West = EnlightenmentIn Buddhist tradition, the journey to the West (India) represents seeking ultimate truth, wisdom, and liberation from suffering. In the OM framework, this corresponds to the path toward Higher Consciousness (HC) and unity with Oneness.

✔ The Demons = Inner and Outer ObstaclesThe various demons and spirits the travelers face symbolize internal struggles (ego, desires, attachments) and external obstacles (corrupt systems, distractions from truth). Overcoming them is not just about physical combat—it is about mastering the self.

✔ The Scriptures = Ultimate TruthThe sacred texts sought by Tang Sanzang represent divine wisdom, but ironically, their true value comes not from possessing them, but from the transformation undergone in the process of seeking them. This aligns with the OM teaching that truth must be directly experienced, not merely read or believed.

💡 OM Perspective: Journey to the West teaches that enlightenment is not about reaching a place, but about transforming oneself—a lesson central to the philosophy of Oneness.

Sun Wukong (The Monkey King): Ego, Power, and the Path to Wisdom

CIS Range: -7 to +8 (From Rebel to Awakened Sage)

Sun Wukong’s LC Phase (-7 to -3): The Arrogant Ego

Before his journey, Sun Wukong is pure raw power without wisdom—an embodiment of LC traits such as arrogance, rebellion, and selfish ambition.

❌ LC Traits of Sun Wukong:

• Reckless Power: Seeks dominance through might rather than wisdom.

• Defiance of Authority: Challenges both earthly and divine rulers out of ego, not justice.

• Desire for Immortality: Fears death and seeks to escape it through supernatural means.

• Impatience & Anger: Reacts impulsively, lacking self-discipline.

💡 OM Perspective: Sun Wukong's initial defiance against Heaven mirrors the struggle of beings trapped in LC—rejecting unity and cooperation in favor of ego-driven independence. He seeks immortality through control rather than enlightenment.

Sun Wukong’s Transformation (+4 to +8): The Path to Higher Consciousness

After being subjugated by the Buddha and trapped under a mountain for 500 years, Wukong is forced into deep self-reflection. Through his journey with Tang Sanzang, he gradually tames his ego and transforms his power into wisdom.

✅ HC Traits of Sun Wukong:

• Disciplined Power: Uses his abilities in service of the greater good, not personal gain.

• Humility & Obedience to Wisdom: Learns to respect Tang Sanzang, recognizing wisdom beyond brute force.

• Letting Go of Arrogance: No longer acts out of personal pride but out of responsibility to protect and guide others.

• Integration with Oneness: By the end, he transcends ego and attachment, achieving Buddhahood as the Victorious Fighting Buddha.

🔥 Final Lesson: True strength is not about conquest, but about self-mastery and serving a greater purpose—a fundamental teaching in HC philosophy and OM.

Tang Sanzang (The Monk): The Seeker of Truth

CIS Range: +5 to +9 (Guided by Wisdom, Yet Still Learning)

Tang Sanzang represents spiritual devotion and purity, but he is not without flaws. He is often naïve, overly rigid, and fearful, demonstrating that even those with good intentions can still struggle with LC thinking.

✔ HC Traits of Tang Sanzang:

• Devotion to Higher Purpose: Embodies the sincere search for truth and wisdom.

• Compassion: Seeks to reform and uplift even demons rather than destroy them.

• Faith in Oneness: Trusts that all beings have the potential to awaken.

❌ LC Limitations of Tang Sanzang:

• Blind Obedience: Sometimes follows doctrine too rigidly, lacking flexibility.

• Fear & Helplessness: Often relies on his disciples to protect him rather than developing his own strength.

• Struggles with Judgment: Initially views others as either “holy” or “evil,” before learning to see beyond duality.

💡 OM Perspective: Tang Sanzang is an imperfect but well-intentioned guide. He embodies faith, but lacks experience—showing that true wisdom comes from integrating spiritual ideals with lived reality.

Zhu Bajie (Pigsy): Desire, Indulgence, and the Struggle to Transcend Base Instincts

CIS Range: -5 to +3 (The Battle Between Indulgence and Discipline)

Zhu Bajie represents the human struggle with indulgence, lust, and laziness—common LC obstacles. While he has moments of bravery and loyalty, his attachment to pleasure often holds him back from true awakening.

❌ LC Traits of Zhu Bajie:

• Gluttony & Lust: Obsessed with food, drink, and women.

• Laziness & Self-Interest: Complains about hardships and seeks comfort over growth.

• Cowardice: Avoids challenges, unlike Sun Wukong, who faces them head-on.

✅ HC Growth of Zhu Bajie:

• Loyalty & Friendship: Though flawed, he remains committed to the journey.

• Occasional Bravery: Steps up when necessary, hinting at HC potential.

• Eventually Gains a Lesser Enlightenment: Does not reach Buddhahood, but earns a minor spiritual title—showing progress, but not full transcendence.

💡 OM Perspective: Zhu Bajie represents many people who are aware of HC principles but still struggle with personal desires. His path is one of slow growth rather than instant awakening.

Sha Wujing (Sandy): Stability, Humility, and the Unsung Hero

CIS Range: +3 to +6 (The Quiet Pillar of the Journey)

Sha Wujing is the least talked-about disciple, yet he embodies stability, patience, and quiet wisdom. Unlike Wukong or Bajie, he has no extreme vices, nor great ambitions—he simply follows the path.

✔ HC Traits of Sha Wujing:

• Steady & Reliable: Never wavers in his duty, reflecting inner peace.

• Humility: Has no ego or desire for power, showing natural HC alignment.

• Balanced Perspective: Unlike the other disciples, he is neither overly indulgent nor overly rebellious.

💡 OM Perspective: Sha Wujing represents the unglamorous but necessary work of spiritual practice—slow, steady, and humble. His path to enlightenment is consistent, free from grand struggles or dramatic ego battles.

Final OM Takeaways from Journey to the West

✔ Enlightenment is a process, not an instant transformation.

✔ Power without wisdom leads to destruction, not liberation.

✔ True growth requires discipline, humility, and service.

✔ The real treasure is the wisdom gained along the journey, not the scriptures themselves.

🔥 Will humanity follow Sun Wukong’s arc—from reckless ego to awakened wisdom? That choice defines our future.