Puti Zushi

Puti Zushi (), also known as Master Bodhi, Patriarch Bodhi or Patriarch Subodhi (), is a character from the 16th century Chinese novel Journey to the West. The character is believed to be derived from Subhūti, one of the ten principal disciples of the Buddha. Puti was a mentor of the protagonist, the Monkey King (known as Sun Wukong in Chinese), endowing him with supernatural powers through Taoist practices. These include the "seventy-two earthly transformations" (shape-shifting abilities), immortality, and cloud-somersaulting, the ability to traverse 108,000 li (used as a synonym for "indefinitely large number", although literally a distance of ~54,000 km) in one somersault. Sun Wukong's first meeting with Master Puti is believed to be based on the story of Huineng's Introduction to Hongren, as told in the Platform Sūtra of Zen Buddhism. Because of the role that Subhūti plays in the story, his name has remained familiar in Chinese culture. He is described as proficient in both Taoist and Buddhists practices. The Monkey King donned human attire and embarked on a profound quest for enlightenment and the path to immortality, traversing vast distances over many years. After a long journey, the Monkey King reached the shore and beheld a majestic mountain. Intrigued, he scaled its heights to admire the view. Amidst his contemplation, he heard a distant melody echoing from the depths of the forest—a song known as "Full Court of Flowers". Intriguingly, the lyrics referenced the profound Yellow Court Scripture. Filled with delight, the Monkey King leapt into the forest to explore further. To his astonishment, he encountered a woodcutter who revealed the existence of a cave dwelling where the celestial Master Puti resided. Grateful for the woodcutter's guidance, the Monkey King embarked on a journey and eventually discovered a sealed cave entrance after several miles. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a celestial child appeared, recognizing the Monkey King as the awaited seeker of the Way.