Good abridged version of the chinese classic

books:

	• Adventures of the Monkey God Wu Cheng-en Heian International, 1987 - 233 pages average customer review:based on 1 review
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Good abridged version of the chinese classic

All great civilizations have great epics; the Greeks had Troy, the Romans had the story of Remus and Romulus, the Indians have the Ramayana, and the Chinese have the Tripitaka; also known as "The Adventures of the Monkey God" or "Journey to the West". This is probably the only work of fiction to be considered as one the great Chinese classics along the lines of Tao Te Ching, Analects, Art of War, I-Ching, and the Book of Mencus.

The Adventures of the Monkey God was authored by Wu Cheng-en in the 1500s and gives a fictional account of how Buddhism was introduced to China. The chief protagonist is the Monkey King or Monkey God. He is made of stone and hence indestructible, and through luck, the patience of gods, and the teachings of wise monks, he becomes gifted in wit, agility and the martial arts. He uses his new found skills to cause trouble, and for penitence, he must lead a journey west to India to help Tripitaka find the source of Buddhism. This caravan includes two other characters who are often called Piggy and Sandy in English translations. Together, the four of them travel from China into myth and legend.

This translation by Arthur Waley is quite easy to read. It is appropriate for children and adults alike and is quite entertaining to read. I recommend this book or other similar versions as a good introduction to the genre of Chinese classical fiction; for this book contains many of the common elements such as magic, lessons in humility, dragons, wise elders, great challenges, and the necessity of friendships and alliances in succeeding in this world.

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