Why did Zhu Bajie become a pig?

Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) became a pig due to his past transgressions and his punishment in the heavenly realm. His transformation into a pig is part of the backstory from Journey to the West, which explains his fall from grace and subsequent redemption arc.

The Backstory of Zhu Bajie’s Transformation

In his previous life, Zhu Bajie was a Marshal of the Heavenly Court, known as Tiāngōng (天蓬元帅), a high-ranking official in charge of the Jade Emperor's heavenly army. He was a skilled and capable general but had a major flaw: his indulgence in desire, particularly his lustful behavior.

One day, during a grand banquet in Heaven, Zhu Bajie became intoxicated and behaved inappropriately, making advances toward the Moon Goddess, Chang'e. His behavior was considered a serious offense, as he violated the rules of Heaven by pursuing an immortal being. His actions were discovered, and as punishment, he was banished from Heaven.

The Transformation into a Pig

To punish Zhu Bajie for his transgressions, the Jade Emperor and the heavenly authorities decided to strip him of his prestigious position and cast him down to Earth. His punishment involved him being transformed into a pig (specifically, a half-human, half-pig form) as a symbol of his base and indulgent nature. The pig represents his carnal desires and the result of his excessive greed and lust.

In his pig form, Zhu Bajie was demoted to a lower status and had to endure the suffering and degradation associated with being an animal. However, this punishment was also a form of purification. It gave him the opportunity to redeem himself through hard work, self-control, and spiritual growth on the journey to the West with the monk Xuánzàng (Tang Seng).

The Journey to Redemption

As part of his punishment and redemption, Zhu Bajie was tasked with accompanying Xuánzàng on his dangerous pilgrimage to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from India. Throughout the journey, he faces numerous challenges and battles, but he also learns to overcome his vices, including his gluttony, laziness, and lust.

Although he retains his flaws, Pigsy's journey ultimately leads to a degree of spiritual enlightenment, and his role in the pilgrimage is instrumental in the success of the mission.

Symbolism

Zhu Bajie’s transformation into a pig symbolizes the consequences of succumbing to earthly desires and the potential for redemption. His character serves as a humorous, yet deeply human, figure in Journey to the West. His flaws make him relatable and provide a contrast to the other disciples, especially the noble and selfless Tripitaka (Xuánzàng) and the powerful yet mischievous Monkey King (Sun Wukong).

In essence, Zhu Bajie's transformation is both a punishment for his earlier misdeeds and an opportunity for him to learn, grow, and eventually contribute to the greater good. His eventual redemption signifies that, regardless of one’s flaws, spiritual progress and self-improvement are always possible.