Shaka-nyorai, known as King Amo in the English-language film version, rules Majutsu Land, referred to as the Heavens. As a divine authority figure, Shaka-nyorai confronts the magically empowered monkey protagonist whose arrogance drives him to challenge celestial forces. After the monkey defeats several heavenly defenders, Shaka-nyorai directly intervenes. He challenges the monkey to fly off his hand, a test the protagonist fails due to his hubris. This failure results in the monkey's imprisonment beneath the Five Elements Mountain, a period of enforced reflection. Subsequently, Shaka-nyorai decrees the monkey's release, contingent upon undertaking a pilgrimage. The character assigns the monkey to serve as bodyguard to Prince Amat (Genjo Sanzo in the original Japanese) on a journey to Tianzhu to retrieve sacred scriptures. This mission offers a path to redemption, demanding the learning of humility, mercy, and wisdom. Shaka-nyorai's role evolves from punisher to spiritual guide. Upon the group's successful return to Tianzhu after completing the pilgrimage and defeating adversaries like King Gruesome, Shaka-nyorai removes the magical headband controlling the monkey and bestows the sacred sutra, fulfilling his divine function within the narrative.