Who gave Wukong his powers?

Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, gained his immense powers through a series of supernatural events and teachings from various sources. His powers were acquired gradually, and he received key abilities from several figures in Chinese mythology:

1. The Taoist Immortal, Subhuti (subuti in some texts)

• Who he is: Subhuti is a Taoist immortal and one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology. He is an influential figure who practices Taoism and is known for his spiritual wisdom and mastery of magical arts.
• What he gave Wukong:
  • Immortality & Taoist teachings: Wukong seeks out Subhuti to learn the secrets of immortality. Subhuti imparts upon Wukong the Taoist arts, including the technique of transformation (the 72 transformations), which allows him to change his form into anything he desires—be it an animal, object, or other being. He also teaches Wukong the skills of cloud-traveling (which allows him to travel on the clouds at incredible speed) and the basics of elixir consumption that contribute to his immortality.
  • The most important teachings from Subhuti were the philosophical and magical practices of Taoism, which enabled Wukong to become an incredibly powerful being capable of contending with gods, demons, and other divine creatures.

2. The Heavenly Emperor (Jade Emperor)

• Who he is: The Jade Emperor is the supreme deity in Chinese cosmology, ruling over Heaven, Earth, and the underworld.
• What he gave Wukong:
  • After Wukong proved his powers and became infamous for his rebellious nature, the Jade Emperor offered him a position in the Heavenly Court as a way to appease him and attempt to contain his growing arrogance. Wukong was given the title "Great Sage, Equal to Heaven" (齐天大圣) and an official position in the celestial hierarchy, which was meant to symbolize that he was respected by the gods.
  • Though this title didn't grant Wukong any true power beyond his own, it provided him with a position of prestige and access to heavenly resources, which he later used to further his own ambitions.

3. The Buddha (Sakyamuni)

• Who he is: The Buddha is the founder of Buddhism, a supreme spiritual figure in Chinese mythology, and the one who ultimately controls Wukong’s fate.
• What he gave Wukong:
  • Though the Buddha did not grant Wukong his powers, he imprisoned him under a mountain for 500 years as punishment for his arrogance and rebellious behavior toward Heaven. This was a crucial part of Wukong’s journey, as it taught him humility and ultimately allowed him to grow spiritually.
  • The Buddha’s role in Wukong’s life is more about restraint than empowerment, as it was only after Wukong was humbled and agreed to serve as a protector for the monk Tang Sanzang that he gained true wisdom and spiritual power.

4. The Taoist Immortal, Laozi (Lao Tzu)

• Who he is: Laozi is the legendary figure credited with founding Taoism and writing the Tao Te Ching.
• What he gave Wukong:
  • The Taoist Elixir of Life: In some versions of the Journey to the West story, Wukong also receives immortality by consuming the Elixir of Life, a potion that grants eternal life. While Laozi himself is not directly responsible for this gift, his teachings on alchemy and immortality form the basis of the Taoist practices that Wukong later masters.

5. The Dragon King of the East Sea (Ao Guang)

• Who he is: The Dragon King of the East Sea is a powerful water deity who controls the oceans and water spirits.
• What he gave Wukong:
  • After Wukong steals the Ruyi Jingu Bang (his magical staff), which was a weapon originally owned by the Dragon King, the latter provides Wukong with the weapon in some versions of the story, though it is not given willingly. The Ruyi Jingu Bang is an incredibly powerful staff that can change its size at Wukong’s command, and it plays a key role in his fighting prowess.

6. The Peach of Immortality

• Who gave it to him: The Queen Mother of the West (西王母), a goddess of immortality and Taoist practices, is often credited with the peaches that grant eternal life.
• What he got from it:
  • Wukong steals the Peach of Immortality (also known as the Peach of the Queen Mother of the West) from the Queen Mother’s garden, which grants him immortality. This peach is one of several key items that give him his nearly indestructible status.

Summary of Wukong's Powers and Their Sources:

1. Immortality: Wukong's immortality is a combination of the Elixir of Life and consuming the Peach of Immortality.
2. Magical Abilities: His magical powers, including shape-shifting, flight, and cloud travel, were taught to him by Subhuti.
3. Strength: His immense physical strength comes from his training and natural ability. The Ruyi Jingu Bang (his magical staff), which can expand or shrink at his command, was obtained from the Dragon King of the East Sea.
4. Rebellious Nature: Much of Wukong’s powers stem from his boldness and refusal to obey celestial authority, which led him to acquire many divine items and skills.
5. Wisdom and Control: Wukong’s true power is ultimately refined by Buddha, who teaches him humility, and the lessons he learns during his pilgrimage to protect Tang Sanzang.

In short, Wukong’s powers are the result of a combination of Taoist teachings, celestial gifts, and rebellious actions. His story is not just about physical strength, but also about personal growth, transformation, and redemption.