Who taught Sun Wukong 72 transformations?
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Sun Wukong learned the 72 Transformations (also known as 72 Bian or 72 Changes) from Subodhi, a Taoist immortal. Subodhi was a wise and powerful master who lived in the Mountain of the Immortals. He is one of the key figures who helped Sun Wukong develop his magical powers and martial arts skills.
How Sun Wukong Learned the 72 Transformations:
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Seeking Immortality and Power: In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong, in his quest for immortality and greater power, sought out various teachings from different Taoist and Buddhist masters. After mastering several other magical abilities, he learned that Subodhi was the one who possessed the knowledge of the 72 Transformations.
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Training Under Subodhi: Sun Wukong, eager to enhance his strength, traveled to Subodhi’s mountain and begged him to teach him the secrets of immortality and transformation. Subodhi, recognizing Wukong’s potential, agreed to teach him. He imparted not only the 72 Transformations but also other vital abilities, including the Cloud-Somersault (the ability to travel long distances in a single leap) and other Taoist magical techniques.
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Mastery of the Art: After intense training, Sun Wukong mastered the 72 Transformations, which allowed him to take on various shapes, including animals, objects, and even humans. This magical ability became one of his defining characteristics and a major source of his power.
Why Subodhi Taught Sun Wukong:
Subodhi, being a wise and enlightened immortal, recognized that Sun Wukong had the potential to become a great and powerful being. However, he also saw that Sun Wukong was driven by a desire for personal power and immortality, and he needed to learn the discipline that came with such abilities. Despite Wukong’s sometimes reckless nature, Subodhi decided to teach him, likely in hopes of guiding him toward enlightenment and mastery over his own desires.
Subodhi's Role in Journey to the West:
While Subodhi’s role in the story is relatively brief, his impact on Sun Wukong is profound. The teachings he provided set the foundation for many of Sun Wukong’s abilities throughout the story. However, it’s important to note that Sun Wukong’s rebellious and impulsive nature often leads him to misuse his powers, which causes conflict and challenges along his journey.
For More Details:
Subodhi's teachings are among the key aspects that contribute to Sun Wukong’s immense power, and they highlight the importance of wisdom, discipline, and self-control in the quest for immortality and power.
