What crimes did Sun Wukong commit?

Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is a key figure in the Chinese epic "Journey to the West". Throughout his story, he commits several crimes and misdeeds that lead to his eventual punishment and his path to redemption. Here are some of the major crimes and wrongdoings Sun Wukong committed:

1. Rebellion Against Heaven:

One of the most significant crimes Sun Wukong commits is his rebellion against the Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Court. After gaining immense power, Sun Wukong refuses to be treated as an ordinary monkey and demands to be recognized as a god. He storms Heaven and defeats several celestial beings, causing chaos in the heavenly realm. His defiance of the Jade Emperor and refusal to accept his place as a lesser god leads to a large-scale confrontation with the heavenly army.

2. Destruction of Heavenly Orders:

After being granted a position as "Protector of the Horses" (a minor position in Heaven), Sun Wukong grows angry and rebellious when he feels disrespected. He is upset at the triviality of the position given to him, considering his immense powers. Sun Wukong then destroys the heavenly gardens, and even defies the celestial system by attacking various gods. His unruly behavior is a direct challenge to the established order of Heaven.

3. Impersonating a Deity:

At one point, Sun Wukong tricks the Jade Emperor into appointing him to a high position in Heaven, only to later expose that he is not truly aligned with Heaven. He deceives and betrays the celestial court by pretending to be a loyal servant but continues to wreak havoc while acting under a false identity.

4. Slaughter of Celestial Soldiers:

During his rebellion against Heaven, Sun Wukong slays a number of celestial soldiers sent to subdue him. His fight with the Heavenly Army is violent and results in significant destruction. His actions during this period are seen as direct acts of war against Heaven.

5. Stealing the Peaches of Immortality:

In one of his more daring acts, Sun Wukong sneaks into the Peach Garden of Immortality, where the Peaches of Immortality are grown. These peaches grant eternal life. Sun Wukong eats the peaches, effectively stealing the elixir of immortality for himself, which makes him even more powerful and dangerous.

6. Stealing the Elixir of Life and the Sword:

He also steals the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West and even takes the Golden Staff (Ruyi Jingu Bang), a weapon that has great significance. This staff, which can change size at will, becomes one of Sun Wukong's most powerful tools. These acts further solidify his rebellious nature and his disregard for divine authority.

7. Challenge of the Four Heavenly Kings:

In his quest for power, Sun Wukong challenges the Four Heavenly Kings, defeating them and humiliating them in battle. This boldness earns him the ire of Heaven, and leads to his eventual imprisonment.

8. Defying the Buddha:

Finally, after causing chaos and defying the most powerful celestial beings, Sun Wukong's actions lead him to a confrontation with Buddha. Buddha eventually imprisons him beneath the Five Elements Mountain (also known as the Mount of Five Fingers) for 500 years as a punishment for his rebellion and defiance.

9. Final Redemption:

Though he commits many crimes, Sun Wukong eventually becomes redeemed. His punishment by Buddha and his eventual role as a protector and companion to the monk Xuánzàng on the Journey to the West allow him to atone for his past sins. Throughout this journey, Sun Wukong learns humility, discipline, and compassion.

Conclusion:

Sun Wukong's crimes revolve around rebellion, defiance of authority, theft, and violence, as well as his selfish pursuit of power. His actions cause turmoil both in Heaven and Earth. However, despite his early misdeeds, Sun Wukong's journey toward redemption is central to his character arc in "Journey to the West," where he eventually learns the values of cooperation and restraint.