Purple Gold Bell: The Deadly Treasure of Sai Ta Sui in "Journey to the West"

Brief Introduction

The Purple Gold Bell is a highly intimidating Buddhist magical artifact featured in the classic novel Journey to the West. In the chapter concerning the Kingdom of Zhu Zi, the demon "Sai Ta Sui" used this treasure to abduct the king's concubines, making it difficult even for Sun Wukong to approach. Originally belonging to Guanyin Bodhisattva, the bell was stolen by her mount, the Golden-Haired Hound, who descended to earth to cause havoc. It is one of the few powerful items in the book capable of countering Sun Wukong's Fiery Golden Eyes and 72 Transformations, representing the pinnacle of "functional" weapons within the treasure system of Journey to the West.

Core Knowledge Points

* Ownership of the Treasure: The Purple Gold Bell was originally Guanyin Bodhisattva's precious treasure for guarding her cave. It was later lent to her mount, the Golden-Haired Hound (who transformed into Sai Ta Sui), reflecting the common setting in the book of "immortal mounts descending to earth."
* Three Major Functions: The bell has three rings, each producing different effects when shaken:
1. Smoke: The first ring releases smoke and fire, capable of confusing the enemy's vision and interfering with their judgment.
2. Fire: The second ring releases flames, which can burn all living things and possesses immense power.
3. Sand: The third ring releases yellow sand, able to block out the sky and sun, injuring bones and muscles.
* Ultimate Power: If all three bells are shaken simultaneously, releasing smoke, fire, and sand together, the book describes their power as capable of "destroying heaven and earth," a force even immortals find difficult to withstand.
* Method of Resolution: Sun Wukong used his transformation arts and wisdom to deceive Sai Ta Sui. He swapped the real bell with a fake one, ultimately recovering the treasure.

Connection to the Book's Content

The story of the Purple Gold Bell is primarily concentrated in Chapters 73 to 74 of Journey to the West. The King of Zhu Zi fell into a serious illness due to worry after his queen was abducted by Sai Ta Sui, and Sun Wukong was sent to rescue her. During the initial confrontation, Sai Ta Sui shook the Purple Gold Bell; the smoke and fierce fire prevented Wukong from approaching, and he was nearly injured by the sand. This plot not only demonstrates the power of the magical artifact but also highlights Sun Wukong's strategy. Wukong did not engage in brute force; instead, he transformed into a small demon and used cunning to trick the real bell from the demon, finally subduing Sai Ta Sui in battle. Afterwards, Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared to reclaim the treasure, and the Golden-Haired Hound returned to her lotus throne.

Cultural Significance and Summary

In the book, the Purple Gold Bell symbolizes "irresistible force," but it also emphasizes the theme of "wisdom prevailing over brute strength." Its appearance enriches the treasure system of Journey to the West and reflects the core status of Buddhist ritual instruments in the struggle between gods and demons. For readers, the Purple Gold Bell is an important case study for understanding the "borrowing treasures to subdue demons" pattern in Journey to the West, and it remains a classic element with significant visual impact in later film and television adaptations.