Does Wukong ever remove his headband?

In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) never removes the headband (also called the Golden Casket of Pain) in the traditional sense. The headband, which was placed on him by Bodhisattva Guanyin and can be tightened by Tripitaka (the monk they are protecting), serves as a constant reminder of Sun Wukong's need for discipline and control.

However, there is a critical moment towards the end of the journey where the significance of the headband is resolved:

1. The Headband and the Final Trial

• Throughout the Journey: The headband is a symbol of Sun Wukong’s subjugation. It can be tightened to cause immense pain whenever Tripitaka feels that Wukong is acting too impulsively or out of line. This happens multiple times throughout the journey, serving both as a physical and symbolic reminder that Wukong’s immense power must be tempered by humility.

• Enlightenment and Redemption: After the completion of the pilgrimage and the acquisition of the sacred scriptures, Sun Wukong achieves enlightenment and is finally recognized for his spiritual growth. This represents the ultimate transformation from a rebellious, egocentric figure to an enlightened being, free from the constraints of his past.

2. The Moment of the Headband’s Removal

• Sun Wukong’s Reward: When they return from their journey and complete their mission, Sun Wukong is granted Buddhahood as a reward for his efforts and spiritual transformation. In this moment of ultimate recognition, the headband is no longer necessary. However, it’s not technically removed in the literal sense—rather, its power is lifted because Wukong has outgrown the need for it.

• Transformation into Buddha: Upon receiving his Buddha title, Sun Wukong’s transformation is complete. The headband and the other magical restraints that once controlled him are no longer needed, symbolizing his freedom and the end of his tumultuous nature. This marks the ultimate resolution of the struggle between Sun Wukong’s wild, rebellious nature and his spiritual enlightenment.

3. The Symbolic Meaning

• Freedom from Restraint: The headband is a symbol of Sun Wukong's inner conflict—his struggle to balance his vast powers with the discipline required for spiritual growth. The fact that the headband is no longer needed when he reaches enlightenment signifies that he has mastered his nature, no longer requiring external control to maintain balance.

• Achieving Buddhahood: In essence, while the headband is not explicitly "removed" like a physical object, its influence fades once Sun Wukong reaches a state of spiritual purity. This act of freedom from the headband is akin to a ceremonial release that marks the end of Wukong’s earthly struggles and his full transition into a Buddha.

Conclusion

Sun Wukong does not literally remove the headband in the final stages of Journey to the West, but it becomes irrelevant because, by the end of the story, he has undergone a spiritual transformation. The headband, which was a tool for controlling his unruly nature, becomes unnecessary as Sun Wukong reaches a state of enlightenment and self-mastery, symbolizing the freedom and spiritual maturity that he has achieved.