Patriarch Bodhi was the most mysterious figure in "Journey to the West," who taught Sun Wukong the supreme abilities to "pierce through the heavens," yet afterward forbade Sun Wukong from revealing his school.
The book once described Patriarch Bodhi like this:
"The great awaken Golden Immortal, unsullied in appearance, the wondrous Patriarch Bodhi from the west."
"Neither born nor perishing, the three paths are one, wholly spirited and wholly kind to all beings ten thousandfold."
"Empty and still, naturally following changes, the true nature acts without restraint."
"His body as dignified as one with the heaven's lifespan, through eons, a great master with an enlightened heart."
This description also appeared in "Investiture of the Gods," depicting Daoist Cundi, leading many in later generations to speculate that Patriarch Bodhi was none other than Daoist Cundi, the holy person of Western Buddhism.
