Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 693 All Buddhas See Me

In the elegant courtyard of Garan Temple, a group of Buddhist monks sat facing each other in a spacious quiet room.

These monks, whose attire differed slightly, were representatives of various Buddhist sects.

We have gathered here today to discuss important matters concerning the future of Buddhism.

A monk said in a deep voice, "Crown Prince Yuan Tao has obtained a Buddhist scripture and intends to establish the orthodox lineage of Buddhism to control our sects. What are your thoughts on this?"

Someone coughed and said, "It's a good thing that our Buddhist sect has produced a true scripture, but it's unreasonable to use it to establish the orthodoxy of Buddhism. Does that mean the Dharma we practice isn't Dharma?"

"They claim it's the true scripture transmitted by Buddha, but since they neither show it nor explain where they found it, it's highly suspicious..."

Someone murmured, "There was a half-text of the scripture that was widely circulated before, but now a complete and authentic scripture has appeared. This matter was probably planned by the imperial court all along."

"Whether it's true or false, it's all aimed at us!"

One of the monks looked solemn and shook his head slightly with a sigh.

"What Buddhist scriptures, Mahayana Buddhism, Buddhist precepts? These are just ways for the court to suppress our sect. This is a self-destructive act."

"At this grand assembly, the Crown Prince will surely preach the true scriptures and promote Mahayana Buddhism as the orthodox doctrine. This concerns the future of our sect, so we should unite to resist it..."

Originally, when the incomplete scriptures were revealed to the world, various Buddhist sects wanted to interpret them according to their own doctrines, and to have a good discussion with other Buddhists at the Unobstructed Assembly, so as to spread their own Buddhism and gain more believers.

As a result, the entire scripture now exists in the world, along with more detailed annotations.

The final interpretation of the true scriptures already rests with the imperial court, so what is there for them to argue about?

Discussing that true scripture at the Great Assembly of Unobstructed Ones is like making robes for others.

One monk chimed in, “We should resist! I have already learned about those precepts. They are so strict, how are they any different from disciplining prisoners? How can we Buddhists be restricted by such precepts? What kind of Dharma would we be practicing then?”

"If we recognize Mahayana Buddhism as the orthodox doctrine and abide by its precepts, will we still have a place to stand in this Great Wei?"

"I heard that the Crown Prince is trying to win over the Buddhist sects in Luoyang and Heping City..."

"Why don't we go find them and ask them what's going on? We can't let a single scripture ruin all the major sects..."

They all knew very well that Crown Prince Yuan Tao's insistence on establishing Buddhism as the orthodox school was not out of genuine desire to promote Buddhism, but rather to restrain the various Buddhist sects in Wei and to reclaim many of their powers.

This kind of thing has happened before.

This time, however, even Buddhist scriptures have been brought out, making it legitimate and easier to get things done.

However, the so-called Buddhist scriptures do not seem to be that important to many Buddhists.

After all, even if the true scriptures are revealed to the world, not everyone has the talent to cultivate them to the point of enlightenment, even if they have the opportunity to observe and comprehend the original text.

Of the hundreds of millions of monks and believers in the Great Wei Dynasty, even if they all read the true scriptures, how many could become Buddhas or attain enlightenment?

Compared to the tangible benefits that converting to Buddhism could bring them.

Or should we adhere to some sacred scriptures and orthodoxy, strictly observe the precepts, and thus cause them to lose their own rights?

Given the choice, most people would choose the former.

Even those who practice spiritual cultivation are not immune to worldly desires.

In many cases, the more powerful a person is, the greater their greed becomes.

Those truly benevolent and virtuous sages are ultimately a very small minority.

Of all the eminent Buddhist monks in the hall, only they themselves truly know how many are genuinely devoted to Buddhism.

Suddenly, someone else said, "To be honest, today this humble monk brought his disciples here, and yet someone dared to attack our sect in the land of the monastery. When has such a rebellious act ever occurred before? This humble monk suspects that the imperial court is testing us..."

The other monks were surprised to hear this and couldn't help but ask what was going on.

The old monk raised his hand and cast a spell, bringing to life the people he had encountered earlier.

When the others saw the faces of these people, their expressions varied.

Someone couldn't help but say, "Isn't that the great Confucian scholar Gongyang, and that Confucian scholar Lu Zheng from Anguo? How did you get involved with them? These two are not people to be trifled with..."

The old monk was taken aback upon hearing this. "Who?"

The old monk had been in seclusion within the sect for many years, unaware of worldly affairs and having never met Gongyang Ming, which puzzled him greatly.

Everyone then spoke up and offered their opinions.

Gongyang Ming goes without saying; they all knew this academy teacher before, but they couldn't afford to offend him.

Lu Zheng has recently become famous in various countries. He is upright and incorruptible, and it is rumored that he is a disciple of a sage. He has also caused all sorts of trouble in the Northern Region. Those with evil intentions will avoid his sharp edge as soon as they hear his name.

When these eminent monks learned of the plight of the Tantric sect, they actually tried to sabotage them, thinking that the fact that the sect hadn't suppressed them on the spot was probably out of respect for Buddhism.

Someone asked curiously, "But how did these two end up together? You said they even attracted Buddhist thunder magic, and they have someone helping them behind the scenes?"

"I've heard that the Crown Prince has always been close to Confucian scholars. Could it be that he invited them?"

"Could it be that the Crown Prince intends to promote Confucianism and use it to suppress Buddhism?"

"If such a thing were to be done, how would it differ from treason and collusion with the enemy? How could such a person be the crown prince of Wei?"

"He is the Crown Prince, isn't it inappropriate to say that?"

"Ha, without us Buddhists, how could the Great Wei stand tall in the world?"

……

Lu Zheng sat on the futon, emptying his mind and entering a meditative state.

Qingwan, who was not far away, immediately quieted down, found a futon to sit on, straightened her body, and began to meditate.

Gongyang Ming glanced at Lu Zheng, then at the surrounding Buddha statues, and stood aside to wait.

He had visited this temple to worship Buddha before, but he felt that the temple was somewhat mysterious and he could not see the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas appear.

Gongyang Ming didn't think he had the ability to invite Buddha to descend to earth, so there was no need to do futile work.

Seeing this, Yuan Tao waited quietly, not daring to disturb Lu Zheng's communication with the Buddha's true meaning at this time.

Qingyi was ignorant of Buddhism and had no interest in inviting any Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. She simply tilted her little head back, her bright eyes gazing at the Buddha statues, a fiery light flickering in them.

Lu Zheng didn't use any special methods; he simply sat there, letting his mind wander.

A golden Buddhist mark appeared between his eyebrows and then vanished in a flash.

A gentle breeze suddenly blew through the entire Buddhist hall, and wisps of golden Buddhist energy surged, while an invisible and mysterious power enveloped the hall.

Gongyang Ming's eyes flickered slightly as he saw Lu Zheng and Qing Wan positioned at the center of the mysterious Buddhist power.

The two were instantly enveloped in golden light, their figures appearing and disappearing.

Countless wisps of invisible energy emanated from the two of them, which Gongyang Ming could clearly perceive.

He was knowledgeable and quickly realized that those were the power of karma in Buddhism, thus explaining that the two were closely connected with Buddhism.

Gongyang Ming blinked. The numerous karmic connections surrounding Lu Zheng were somewhat understandable, but as for Qing Wan…

Could it be that the other party demolished too many temples before, and now they have finally been sought out by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who exist in the world?

At this moment, Lu Zheng felt as if he were in a void, as if his soul and thoughts were ascending upwards.

Above, there was endless darkness.

I don't know how much time passed; it seemed like only a moment, yet it also felt like several years had gone by.

In a daze, Lu Zheng saw a ray of light appear.

And I am getting closer and closer to that radiance.

As he drew closer, Lu Zheng finally saw the lights clearly. They were hazy, misty, colorful phantoms, each radiating a profound Daoist aura, giving off an incomparably sacred feeling.

Lu Zheng, sensing something in his mind, looked at one of the illusory figures, whose form was blurry yet seemed familiar.

Buddha? Lu Zheng was slightly surprised.

He saw that other phantoms surrounded the phantom of Buddha.

Although those mysterious figures could not be identified, they were likely ancient Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who once existed in Buddhism and Taoism.

"Wow, there really are gods and Buddhas..."

A clear, melodious voice echoed from the void, but only her voice could be heard; she herself could not be seen.

Hello, can you speak?

The Buddha's illusory figure remained silent, but a kind smile appeared on his compassionate face.

At this moment, Lu Zheng heard Qing Wan ramble on, "Seeing you isn't difficult at all. Do you want to pass on your teachings to me? Alas, it's a pity I have my own path to follow. Otherwise, you could help me... As for your Buddhism and Taoism, I will..."

Lu Zheng wanted to hear clearly what conditions Qing Wan was negotiating with all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the sky, but he could only hear it intermittently.

He then noticed something and looked toward the place where colorful mist was emanating.

There were also some phantoms there, and their faces were clearer, radiating a Buddha-like light.

But the faces of those tall figures did not appear so compassionate; instead, they reflected the full spectrum of human nature.

Lu Zheng recognized several of the figures as Buddha statues currently being worshipped by Buddhist temples.

He could sense a kind of Buddha-nature that was not pure from those phantoms.

These things exist because of the power of people's thoughts, and they endure because of countless offerings of incense.

To some extent, it can be said to be a false Buddha created by later generations.

If a Buddhist practitioner's heart is not upright, how can the Buddha he worships be the right path?

How could the ancient Buddhas and Bodhisattvas so easily manifest their divine power?

Even if the Buddha revealed his intentions, it would probably be difficult to teach and restrain those Buddhist sects with impure hearts.

On the contrary, it will allow some people to use the name of Buddha to act even more recklessly and greedily.

It's no wonder that the Buddha has not appeared at the Garan Temple for so many years.

Lu Zheng shifted his gaze to where the Buddha's true meaning lay.

"Junior Lu Zheng greets all seniors. It is an honor to be here. Is there anything I can do for you?"

When one sees Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, one does not ask for anything, but inquires what is needed.

Upon hearing these words, the ancient Buddhas and Bodhisattvas cast their hazy gazes over, their eyes filled with kindness and approval for the younger generation.

In an instant, colorful light shone, and the entire void became magnificent and colorful.

……

Lu Zheng slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm and undisturbed.

The dreamlike scene from just now still lingers in my mind.

Beside her, Qingwan also stirred, her eyes glazed over, her gaze unfocused and blank, as if she hadn't fully woken up yet.

"Hey……"

Qingwan patted her head, trying to clear her mind.

Upon seeing this, Yuan Tao couldn't help but ask, "What did you see?"

To be honest, Yuan Tao couldn't tell that these two were any different from the ones before. Apart from the slight anomaly that appeared in the Buddhist temple earlier, there were no other unusual phenomena.

Qingwan stood up unsteadily and asked, "How much time has passed? Is the Unobstructed Assembly over yet? It feels like so much time has passed..."

Yuan Tao said, "It hasn't even been half an hour yet."

Qingwan tilted her head. "Such a short time? I talked with them for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao asked in surprise, "Them, who are they?"

Although a certain guess had already surfaced in his mind, Yuan Tao simply couldn't believe it.

Qingwan stood with her hands behind her back, slightly raised her chin, and looked at Yuan Tao, saying in a serious tone, "Buddha spoke with me, saying that I will be the person in charge of Buddhism from now on. Do you support this?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao's expression turned strange, and even Gongyang Ming, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but break down.

Who can believe such words that just come out of your mouth?

Yuan Tao's lips twitched unnaturally as he said, "It's not that I don't believe you, but I need others to believe me first. Can you provide some evidence?"

"Well..."

Qingwan blinked and said slowly, "I'm not quite convinced of your abilities yet. Let's see how you perform before we talk about it."

Qing Wan turned to look at Lu Zheng and asked curiously, "What did you see? I think I heard you speak."

Lu Zheng rubbed his temples and said, "It should be pretty much the same as what you saw."

Qingwan's eyes lit up. "Really? Let me tell you... Oh well, let's talk about it privately later."

Gongyang Ming and Yuan Tao's expressions changed slightly upon hearing this. Wasn't this considered a private matter? It seemed that he had truly had some extraordinary experience, excluding them all.

Gongyang Ming was puzzled, because he saw that Lu Zheng had not changed at all.

Of course, perhaps the Buddha used some great supernatural power that even this great Confucian scholar could not perceive.

Lu Zheng gathered his thoughts and looked at Yuan Tao, saying, "I have a way to invoke the Buddha's true will, but doing so would mean there could be a bloodbath here. Are you determined to do so?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tao's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "How serious is it?"

Lu Zheng said calmly, "It's hard to predict, and it might overturn all Buddhist sects."

Hearing Lu Zheng say this, Yuan Tao couldn't help but let his imagination run wild, even imagining that all the true intentions of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas would descend and wipe out all those Buddhist sects that did not recognize orthodoxy...

After all, even Lu Zheng could not have predicted the situation, so he had to imagine the worst-case scenario.

If that happened, the entire Wei Kingdom would likely be plunged into an uncontrollable upheaval, jeopardizing the very foundation of the state.

Qingwan, standing nearby, said, "Reform and innovation are not as simple as having dinner parties and discussing business. People will bleed and lose their lives. If it's not them, it's you, and the suffering masses behind you..."

"Of course, you can abandon the people of Wei, stand on their side, and go to the opposite side of us."

Qingwan narrowed her eyes, her gaze meaningful, as if to say that if you dare to choose the second path, you won't be able to leave this Buddhist temple.

Lu Zhengdao said, "No rush, you still have time to think it over."

Yuan Tao's expression shifted, and he whispered, "Won't this lead to the downfall of the country?"

He only wanted to restrict Buddhist sects in order to revitalize the Great Wei Dynasty, but he didn't want to sacrifice the entire dynasty, which would be too much of a loss.

Qingwan exclaimed in surprise, "You're thinking quite far ahead! Don't you think it would be better to tear down and rebuild the dilapidated house?" (End of Chapter)