Chapter 208: Verses from Another World

Chapter 208: Verses from Another World
It’s dusk in the capital.

The fiery clouds on the horizon merge with the dark blue sky, creating an ink-like painting.

Zhao Duan rode on a horse and looked at the white-robed monk in the middle of the road ahead.

He was about thirty years old, with soft and handsome features, a calm expression, and eyes as clear as a baby's under his slightly sparse eyebrows.

Zhao Du'an had never met Monk Bian Ji, but he had seen his portrait.

Combined with the warrior's instinctive warning about the powerful cultivators, he has already guessed about 70% of the situation.

The next second, the white-robed monk clasped his hands together, confirming his guess:

"Amitabha, I am a poor monk named Bian Ji. Is that the White Horse Guard Zhao Shijun in front of me?"

……

……

A few moments.

In a simple and elegant pavilion on the street.

The waiter served the vegetarian tea and pastries carefully, and said, "Enjoy your meal, both of you."

Slowly retreat.

"Does the clerk in this shop know a mage?"

Zhao Duan lowered his eyes to look at the brown tea in front of him, only to see ripples and his facial features reflected in the tea.

Just now, Bian Ji invited him to sit down with him on the grounds that meeting was fate, and chose this nearby store. The owner received him personally with a solemn expression.

Bian Ji sat opposite him, his white monk's robe unstained by dust, with a smile on his face:

"This place can barely be considered as the property of Shenlong Temple."

Zhao Duan sighed:

"I've heard that Shenlong Temple is a wealthy family with a lot of money. They have shops not only in the capital, but also in other prefectures. After seeing it today, I know the rumors are true."

Bian Ji just smiled and said:
"It's just a trivial thing, how can it be compared with what Envoy Zhao did?

On that day, during the Zhaiyuan Dharma Assembly, I learned that the Envoy had been wronged, and wanted to mediate in person, but unfortunately the Envoy left early... I can only express my apology today..."

Zhao Duan smiled with an ambiguous tone:

"Master, your words are very embarrassing to me. I am only a sixth-rank official.

In terms of spiritual practice, I am far from the level of the master, how dare I ask the master to apologize in person... Besides, this matter was done by Li Yinglong, how could I blame your temple?"

Well... although I don’t know whether Li Yinglong bribed certain monks or some individuals took the initiative to curry favor with him... In any case, Shenlong Temple was somewhat responsible in the Zhaiyuan incident.

But as the saying goes, one should not hit a smiling person, so this famous Buddhist master in Dayu came to see him in person and posed.

No matter whether it is sincere or not, at least the attitude is there.

"Well, there is one thing I don't understand. Master, did you come to see me today specifically? Let's talk about this." Zhao Duan asked jokingly.

Bian Ji has a gentle smile, and he looks like a warm-hearted man:

"Oh? Why not just for acquaintance?"

Zhao Duan sighed:

"Although I have gained some fame in recent days, it is still far from that of the master, especially considering my reputation... Haha, I think the monks in your temple are more disgusted than curious."

The monks of Shenlong Temple have long been disgusted with the Kings of Hell in Zhaoya.

This is evident from the fact that Ma Yan was never invited.

Given the respected status of the Shenlong Temple, even the Empress would have to give it full face. It really didn't make sense for her to value a lackey like him so much.

Bian Ji slowly twisted a string of jade Buddhist beads in his hands, but did not respond directly.

Those eyes that seemed to be able to see through people's hearts looked at him:
"Your Excellency seems to be opposed to my Buddhist sect?"

You are really good at judging people... Zhao Duan smacked his lips:
"It's not that I'm against it, at most I don't agree with it."

"Oh?" Bian Ji showed curiosity, "I would like to hear more details."

Zhao Duan hesitated for a moment. He was not sure about the other party's intention, so it was difficult for him to come up with the most appropriate response strategy.

But then I thought, in the eyes of such a master of cultivation, I am afraid that I can’t hide much of my thoughts... Since I can’t see it, I might as well take the initiative to test it.

He simply raised his hand, picked up the three upside-down tea bowls on the table one by one, lined them up, and knocked them one by one with his chopsticks, saying:
"Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism..."

Bian Ji was very interested:

"Do the three bowls refer to the three kinds of Kung Fu? Do you have any opinion on this, Master?"

He smelled something familiar, the Buddhist teachings, the love of playing with Zen riddles and making witty remarks.

It is not only a game of wisdom, but also because many insights are difficult to convey in words.

Words are incomplete carriers of thoughts.

Many meanings lose their original meaning the moment they are turned into words.

Zhao Duan's action was inexplicable, a bit like a monk playing a riddle.

Haha... I knew that this way of speaking would suit the tastes of you bald guys the most... Zhao Duan made a small attempt and it was very effective.

Then he picked up the teapot and poured roughly equal amounts of water into the three bowls, saying:

“This is the saint, the Buddha, and the way of heaven.”

Bian Ji looked at him in surprise, and seemed to be a little more serious:

"A bowl of water is used to represent the nature of meditation."

Zhao Duan did not answer, but used chopsticks to knock on the edge of the tea bowl one by one. The sound of clinking and rippling water was heard, and he said:

“This is human desire, various aspects, and moving hearts.”

During this period, through conversations with Lao Wang, he gradually understood that the main ideas of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in this world, except for the addition of extraordinary power, were not much different from those in his previous life.

Therefore, he was given space to talk nonsense...

Humph, no matter what this monk’s intention is, I cannot lose my momentum.

Especially referring to Lao Wang's experience, Zhao Duan was thinking whether he could trick the other party once and get some benefits from Shenlong Temple...

Lao Wang is such a jerk. I got his favor for free last time.

But Shenlong Temple is so rich, and this Bian Ji is also a well-known big shot. Unlike Lao Wang, who is an unknown official, he must have more dignity...

He wouldn't just run away...right?

Copying the "Tao Te Ching" can bring you benefits from the Tianshi Mansion.

Can we copy the Diamond Sutra and get some good stuff from the Shenlong Temple?
At this moment, Monk Bianji didn't know that the pretty boy sitting opposite him was already preparing to trick him... He said with great interest:
"Your Excellency's words seem to be saying that Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism are the same."

Zhao Duan shook his head and said:
"If you stand outside and look at them, you'll feel that the three schools of thought are similar. But if you walk in, I feel that they are very different."

He pointed to the first bowl:

"Confucianism does not involve any mysterious and powerful cultivation. It is all about cultivating oneself and the world, maintaining a sense of righteousness, and being sincere. In a small sense, it is to make oneself survive better in the world. In a big sense, it is to extend one's own kindness to others. If one cultivates one person, he will cultivate tens of thousands of people.

What is important is that everyone has a saint in their heart.

It is nothing more than sweeping away the dust and brightening one's heart. Although it does not have the strength of a warrior or the cunning of a sorcerer, it is beneficial to the world. As for the disadvantages, there are naturally many, but apart from those corrupt scholars, it is still a good learning. "

He pointed to the third bowl:

"As for the Daoist sect, the reason why they were able to form a sect was simple at first. It was nothing more than seeking immortality. Everyone wanted to live, so they came to learn how to cultivate their bodies and minds. The so-called primordial energy, primordial essence, and primordial spirit... in the final analysis, they are the same thing.

Flow is Qi, gathering is essence, and when used skillfully it is God. Pursuing longevity, running towards immortality, ascending to become an immortal... is the goal for those who seek longevity...

Of course, if you really delve into it, you may not care about whether you can live forever or not. Seeking the truth itself is a pleasure. If you can hear the truth in the morning, you can die in the evening. This means you no longer care about the original purpose that was born out of desire.

But even if you can't reach this level, just for the sake of cultivating magic power and seeking a long life, although it can't compare to the Confucian school's broad mind for the people of the world, it is not completely inhumane, it's just a personal pursuit, and it can't be said to be bad. "

After a pause, Zhao Duan finally pointed to the bowl in the middle and said quietly:

"As for Buddhism..."

Bian Ji looked at him with a pleasant expression:

"Is it possible that Buddhism is not as good as Taoism in saving oneself and others?"

Zhao Duan carefully observed the other party's expression and adjusted his words carefully: "It's not that it's 'not as good', but it's too heartless. Buddhism emphasizes compassion, but in my opinion, it's too cold.

The reason why Buddhists gather together is that they believe that life in this world is too painful and that the world is like a sea of ​​suffering. That is why people are required to cut off their seven emotions and six desires. This is because the source of suffering is the connection with others. Once that is cut off, there will naturally be no more suffering.

So if you cut off your parents and don’t marry, then you can also cut off your wife and children. If you still have your own desires, you have to cut them off. You shave your head and become a monk, and cut off the three thousand strands of troubles. This is clear. You are not shaving your hair, but cutting off your troubles...

After entering the sect, one must abide by the rules and regulations, abstain from greed, anger, and ignorance… which is also to cut off human desires… and ultimately, transform oneself into a cassock that is indifferent to everything else and the most ruthless.

As for saving all sentient beings, it is nothing more than pulling sentient beings into Buddhism, allowing them to escape from the "sea of ​​suffering" and become Buddhas together. They also promise reincarnation. If they become Buddhas, they will enter the Buddhaland. If they fail, they can still be reincarnated... This is too tricky."

Finished talking.

There was no anger on Bian Ji's face, just a little surprise.

Although I had heard of this man's many abilities before, they were nothing more than political tactics and statecraft.

At most, he has excellent talent in cultivation.

There wasn't much of a reason why Bian Ji came here today.

It was more like his heart moving at will, and the Buddha's heart told him faintly that this "Lord Zhao" who had risen to fame was extraordinary.

So I just came to see him.

But he never thought that the other party, a mere martial artist, would have such insights into the three schools of martial arts.

"I think I understand what Envoy Zhao means."

Bian Ji had a gentle expression and sat upright.

Unconsciously, he elevated the man in front of him from an official to a "predestined person" with whom he could discuss the Dao, and patiently explained:
“It’s just that you must have a deep misunderstanding of my Buddhism.

Those strict rules and regulations are nothing more than the reason why ordinary disciples find it difficult to keep the water in their hearts. They often cling to various things, and their original hearts are obscured. So we have to use the precepts to force them to get rid of them.

The envoy compared the original mind to a bowl of water, and I compared it to a bright mirror. If the bright mirror is covered with dust, it must be wiped diligently from time to time. If the disciple can abide by the original mind after entering the door, the rules and regulations will not need to be strictly followed...

This is the way to practice. As for the mysterious techniques, they will naturally emerge after gaining wisdom, and there is no need to deliberately pursue them. "

After a pause, Bian Ji sighed again:

"However, although you have a misunderstanding, you have wisdom just by thinking about these Buddhist principles. But I don't know why you are still obsessed with fame, wealth and power. If you practice meditation, you may achieve great success in the future. Wouldn't that be better than a powerful official in the secular world?"

There was a sense of regret in his words.

Zhao Duan shook his head and said:

"What the mage said sounds good, but what I saw was not true."

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

"The master said that ordinary people use precepts, but if they reach a high level of cultivation, they don't need to use them. Presumably, when you reach a high level, you can send and receive according to your heart, and all things in the world are reflected in the mirror in your heart. You are no longer attached to the appearances, but understand your original heart?"

"That's natural."

Okay... I've been waiting for you to say this... Zhao Duan suddenly smiled and stared at the white-robed monk:

"Then I'm a little curious, Master, have you reached the top?"

Bian Ji was stunned.

Zhao Duan didn't wait for him to speak and continued:

"I heard that the Master is a person that Abbot Xuanyin relies on. In his early years, he was famous for his saying 'Spring comes and the grass turns green'. As for his cultivation of external forces, he has already reached the 'worldly' realm.

One step above that, there are people like Your Majesty, Master Xuanyin, Zhang Tianshi, and Wu Xiankui... So, Master, your cultivation skills must be very high."

Bian Ji nodded. On this point, he was not overly modest:
"Although I am not as good as some Bodhisattvas, I am still considered high."

Zhao Duan asked back:
“If that’s the case, why is the master still obsessed with all the phenomena?

Was the purpose of the Zhaiyuan Dharma Assembly, which invited many celebrities from the capital and had the Dharma master personally preach, to help the dignitaries in the capital escape from the "sea of ​​suffering" or to make more good connections for the Shenlong Temple? To collect money for incense offerings?

Of course, Master, you may not have come here for fame and fortune, but you did all these things for the survival of the temple. May I ask, why are you still obsessed with the survival and prosperity of the temple? Isn't it obsession?"

Bianji opened his mouth and said, "I am here for..."

Zhao Duan interrupted him and continued:

“The Master just asked me why I was obsessed with fame, wealth and power and did not cultivate myself, claiming to have made great achievements.

This is strange. If the master's mind is empty and he does not see anything, why does he only see me pursuing fame when he looks at me?

You advised me to practice celibacy, but you only saw great achievements? Aren’t all these things ‘various aspects’?

He pointed to the three bowls of water on the table:

"Master, you look at me just like you look at this bowl of water. You look at me based on what the outside world says. If someone says it's a bowl, you think it's a bowl. If someone says it's water, you think it's water... Isn't this clinging to external appearances?"

Zhao Duan shook his head and sighed:
"A Buddhist master like the Master is obsessed with appearances and still needs to abide by the precepts. He only invites me to eat vegetarian food and avoids meat... How can he talk about a clear mind?
I'm afraid that the clear mirror in the Master's heart has been covered with dust for a long time. If a 'master' like the Master is still like this, how can I believe that a Buddhist who has reached a high level of cultivation can have a calm mind? "

After a pause, he sighed deeply, shook his head and said:

"Master, you said that I have some resistance to Buddhism, and that's the reason. I've said a lot today, please forgive me. Finally, I just want to give you a verse, which will be my answer."

He paused, and slowly recited a famous quote from the Diamond Sutra, the highest Buddhist classic from his previous life:
"All appearances are false; if you see that all appearances are not appearances, you will see the Tathagata."

hum-

At this moment, the tea set on the table suddenly shook, and violent ripples appeared in the three bowls of water, with water droplets splashing out.

Up and down the pavilion.

The guests who were dining here were all shocked. Their faces changed as they looked at the clinking of cups and plates and felt the slightly shaking floor.

"Earthquake!"

Even the shopkeeper and the waiters downstairs were furious.

I thought earthquakes rarely happened in the capital.

Even if there was, the Tianshi Mansion would have given a warning at least one day in advance. Why did it happen silently?

The guests downstairs who were close to the door had already fled out the door or crawled under the table with fear on their faces.

quack-

roof.

A group of black crows standing on the eaves flew up in fear, circled in the air, and made unpleasant noises.

"No, only this building is shaking!"

Someone had sharp eyes and saw that everything outside the building was calm and peaceful.

……

Upstairs, at the table.

The gentleness and indifference on Bian Ji's face finally disappeared. He pursed his lips tightly and said nothing.

All appearances are false...

If you see that all things are not things, then you see the Tathagata...

Only he knew that this was not an earthquake, but...

His heart was just moving.

The strong man's mind trembles, and the place where he stands also shakes.

Bian Ji closed his eyes and silently chanted the meditation mantra, using his magical power to stabilize his Buddha mind, and the shaking building also calmed down.

"I am sorry that I have lost my composure a little bit, and made you laugh."

Bian Ji clasped his hands together, opened his eyes, and regained his clarity of mind.

Shit... I thought you were going to shake the building down... Are sorcerers in the world so scary? I clearly didn't see any traces of magic...

Zhao Duan took a deep breath and tried to remain calm.

I only heard the monk Bianji calmly say:

"I will learn from your advice today."

……

Correct typos first and then correct them
(End of this chapter)