How did Wukong get his immortality?

Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, gains his immortality through a combination of magical practices, divine interventions, and deception. His quest for immortality is a key part of his character in Journey to the West and showcases his ambition, cunning, and eventual spiritual growth. Here's how he achieves immortality in the epic:

1. The Peach of Immortality:

The Peach of Immortality (寿桃) is a sacred fruit grown in the Garden of Immortal Peaches, tended to by the Queen Mother of the West (西王母), a powerful Taoist goddess. These peaches grant immortality to anyone who consumes them.
In one of his adventures, Sun Wukong learns about the existence of these magical peaches and sneaks into the garden where they are kept. He eats several of these peaches, thus gaining immortality, as well as enhanced strength and other abilities. The peaches are meant only for the gods, and Wukong’s act of stealing them is one of the many rebellious acts that characterize his early personality.

2. The Elixir of Immortality:

Sun Wukong also obtains the Elixir of Immortality (仙丹), a potion that grants eternal life. He gains this elixir by tricking the Emperor of Heaven into giving it to him.
After his rebellion in Heaven, Wukong is eventually captured and brought before the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor orders Wukong to be punished, but instead, Wukong deceives the Alchemist of Heaven, who is responsible for preparing the elixir. He manages to steal the elixir from the Emperor's storehouse, and by consuming it, he secures his immortality, further cementing his defiance of the divine authorities.

3. The Taoist Master Subhuti’s Teachings:

Sun Wukong also undergoes rigorous spiritual training under the Taoist immortal Master Subhuti. Wukong learns a variety of magical powers during his time with Subhuti, including the ability to transform into different creatures and objects. These transformations make him nearly invincible, as he can escape from dangerous situations by changing his form.
While not directly related to immortality, his training under Subhuti enhances his powers, making him an even more formidable figure. This period of training marks the beginning of Wukong’s self-improvement and preparation for his eventual role as a protector of the monk Tang Sanzang.

4. The Buddha’s "No-Death" Barrier:

Despite having achieved immortality through the Peach of Immortality and the Elixir, Wukong’s defiance leads him to a crucial confrontation with the Buddha.
In the Journey to the West, after Wukong is subdued by the Buddha, he is unable to escape from the Buddha’s "Five Elements Mountain" (五行山), which is where he is trapped for 500 years. Though he had achieved immortality, he is confined to the mountain by the Buddha’s power, unable to escape.
This event reveals a key lesson: immortality is not the same as invulnerability. Wukong’s defiance and ego lead him to challenge even the highest powers, and his ultimate captivity teaches him the importance of humility and spiritual growth.

5. The Role of Immortality in Wukong’s Journey:

Wukong’s immortality allows him to survive countless challenges and battles, but it also serves as a double-edged sword. He is a figure of immense power and pride, but his immortality alone is insufficient to protect him from the consequences of his actions. His immortality, while granting him freedom from death, is not a guarantee of safety or success, as he must learn deeper lessons about the balance of power, humility, and enlightenment.
Wukong’s journey is also about spiritual growth. While he initially uses his immortality for self-serving purposes (such as fighting the gods), he eventually learns that immortality without wisdom and self-control leads to a hollow existence.

YOUWEI TRADE Summary:

Sun Wukong’s immortality comes from several sources:

The Peach of Immortality, which grants eternal life.
The Elixir of Immortality, stolen from the Emperor of Heaven.
His mastery of various magical techniques taught by Master Subhuti.
His capture by the Buddha, which teaches him that immortality doesn’t guarantee invincibility.

His immortality is an important part of his character arc, serving both as a symbol of his rebellious nature and his eventual transformation into a more humble and enlightened being.