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In the novel, the monk Xuanzang (玄奘) is called by the Bodhisattva Guan Yin to travel to India to obtain copies of certain important Buddhist texts that are not available in China. He is accompanied on his journey by three disciples - the monkey king Sun Wukong (孫悟空), the pig-monster Zhu Wuneng (豬悟能), and the river monster Sha WujingSha Wujing ( WG: Sha Wu-ching) is one of the three helpers of Xuanzang in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West''. In the novels, his background is the least developed of the pilgrims. Like Zhu Bajie, Wujing was originally a general in Heaven. (沙悟淨) - who have agreed to help him along the way as an atonement for past sins. His horse itself is a dragon prince.

The book is a reflection of how thoroughly Chinese BuddhismBuddhism has profoundly affected Chinese culture, politics, literature and philosophy. China also had a great effect upon Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism is a very distinct entity from its Indian roots. This article explores how the religion impacted China had combined with Daoism and ConfucianismConfucianism ( Pinyin: ruji "The School of the Scholars"), sometimes translated as the School of Literati is an East Asian ethical and philosophical system originally developed from the teachings of Confucius. Debated during the Warring States Period and in China (for more information, see the article Religion in ChinaA wide variety of religions have been practiced in China since the beginning of its history. Temples of many different religions dot the landscape of China. The study of religion in China is complicated by several issues. Because many Chinese belief syste).

One of the supernatural helpers, the monkey king Sun Wukong, has become one of the most famous and beloved characters in Chinese literature. His recognition factor and popularity in Asia have been compared to those of Mickey MouseMickey Mouse is a fictional character, a comic animal cartoon character who is perhaps Walt Disney Pictures' most famous creation. Fancifully estimated as standing 2 ft 3 in (69 cm) and weighing 23 pounds (10 kg), the mouse rapidly rose to the pinnacle of in Western countries (although, considering his personality, Bugs Bunnycartoons including the Looney Tunes series. Bugs Bunny is a fictional street-smart gray rabbit appearing in the Looney Tunes series of cartoons, and is one of the most recognizable characters, real or imaginary, in the world. According to his bio, he was might be a better comparison).

Part of the novel's enduring popularity comes from the fact that it works on multiple levels: it is an adventure story, a dispenser of spiritual insight, and an extended metaphor in which the group of pilgrims journeying toward India stands for the individual journeying toward enlightenmentFor the period in European history, The Age of Enlightenment For the corresponding movement in the European Jewish community, see Haskalah''. For the Hindu religious concept of enlightenment, see moksha For the Buddhist religious concept, see enlightenmen.