Patrol Captain

The Hinayana school speaks of "emptiness of self," thus breaking the attachment to self; the Mahayana school speaks of "emptiness of phenomena," thus breaking the attachment to phenomena, and further breaking the dual attachments to self and phenomena.

At Dajue Temple, on the bluestone platform in front of the Mahavira Hall, a large number of people sat or surrounded it, numbering over a thousand. Some were dressed in coarse linen clothes, while others wore hairpins and ornaments, their attire rich, but all held their breath and focused their gazes on the stone steps in front of the hall.

A white-robed monk sat upright on it, his robes as white as snow, the hem of his robes hanging down without moving. He held a Bodhi rosary in his hand, and spoke the Dharma, his words flowing like pearls. His eyebrows and eyes were clear and peaceful, and his whole body was surrounded by a faint Buddhist light.

Below the stone steps, the large incense burner was filled with burning incense, and wisps of smoke rose into the air, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.

The holy monk lowered his eyes and counted his prayer beads: "Those who follow the Hinayana path liberate themselves, like travelers who only care for themselves, observing the suffering in the world and seeking to escape the cycle of birth and death to enter Nirvana. Their actions are like a trickle flowing into the sea, first saving themselves; those who follow the Mahayana path take 'universal salvation' as their vow, like sailing a great ship across the sea, vowing 'I vow to liberate all sentient beings, I vow to eradicate all afflictions,' taking the liberation of all sentient beings as their own liberation."

The chanting was not loud, yet it flowed like a clear spring over stones, clearly reaching the ears of every listener. It unfolded slowly, from worldly troubles to the clarity of mind, from cause and effect to the cycle of reincarnation to the liberation of enlightenment. The monk's tone was calm and serene, as if the clamor of the world had been shut out, leaving only this place for preaching, to enlighten those struggling in the sea of ​​suffering.
The sermon seemed to possess a mysterious power, gradually calming the numb and sorrowful masses, and causing scholars and lay Buddhists to clasp their hands together as if listening to celestial music, their expressions becoming devout.

I don't know when, but the sun was setting.
"Boom, boom, boom"

The temple bell on the back hill rang out, its melodious sound echoing, signaling the temple's closure.

On the stone steps of the main hall, the white-robed holy monk slowly rose, while a Dharma protector monk beside him shouted loudly.
"The Holy Teacher's sermon is finished for today, now go home."

As he spoke, the two rows of monks standing on either side of the steps surrounded the white-robed monk and turned to walk towards the main hall.

The pilgrim who came to listen to the Dharma couldn't help but rush forward, some with devout expressions, others shouting excitedly.
"The holy monk's teachings on Buddhism are like a refreshing elixir. I am willing to give away all my wealth to support the three masters, take refuge in the Three Jewels, follow the holy monk, and practice the path of helping others."

"I have suffered greatly in this secular world, but fortunately I was enlightened by the holy monk and wish to take refuge in Buddhism. I do not seek my own liberation, but only to use my meager strength to practice compassion. I beg the holy monk to accept me."

"Holy Monk."

"Holy Monk."

These people tried to rush forward to follow the holy monk, but were stopped by the Dharma protectors.

The white-robed monk went straight into the main hall, and then the hall doors slammed shut, only then did the crowd reluctantly disperse.

Before long, a quiet and elegant room in the backyard of Dajue Temple was guarded by elite soldiers, each exuding a fierce aura, which was out of place in this tranquil temple.

The white-robed monk, accompanied by the old abbot, stepped into the room.

"Amitabha, this humble monk greets Prince Xiao." The white-robed monk bowed with his palms together in front of Xiao Zhongtian, who sat imposingly in the room.

Xiao Zhongtian didn't put on airs and chuckled, "Holy Monk, your Buddhist teachings are profound and you save all people. I admire you and have come uninvited. I hope you won't find me a bother, Holy Monk Jiaye."

He casually gestured to the seat opposite him, saying, "Please sit down."

Then, glancing sideways at the old abbot beside him, his tone turned colder, "You, get out." "Close the door behind you."

The abbot didn't dare utter a word about the difference in treatment and had to nod with a smile, saying, "Then this old monk will take his leave."

With that, he left the room.

After everyone left, the room returned to silence. Sitting opposite, the Arhat Gaya looked at the King of Liang, his hands rubbing his prayer beads.

"I wonder what business Your Highness has with this humble monk?"

"Hehe, why can't I come to listen to the holy monk preach and hear the Dharma? Speaking of which, Da San Pass has just experienced war and the people's hearts are unstable. Fortunately, the holy monk Jia Ye came and enlightened the people with Mahayana Buddhism, which stabilized the people's hearts in the pass. I must thank the holy monk." Xiao Zhongtian chuckled, picked up the teapot to pour tea, and pushed the teacup forward with two fingers. His words were full of profound meaning.

He was absolutely right. Although the Northern Liang cavalry had breached Dasanguan Pass, the issue of the people's allegiance remained unavoidable. A brutal crackdown would hinder his military campaigns against the court, while appeasement would require considerable time and patience. This Arhat Jiaye, by practicing his Dharma to this point, enlightened the world with Mahayana Buddhism, providing spiritual solace to the restless populace, and indeed achieved remarkable results.

In the eyes of the world, Mahayana Buddhism is a profound and unparalleled path, but in Xiao Zhongtian's eyes, it is a perfect means to control the hearts and minds of the people.

He needs the support of this holy monk and the forces behind him, namely the Western Pure Land!
Garaja Arhat lowered his eyelids, looking at the tea being pushed towards him. He didn't move his hands, and his voice was calm and still. "This humble monk dares not take credit. This humble monk came down the mountain this time only to make a vow to spread my Mahayana Buddhism, to save all people, and to let them be free from suffering and attain happiness. Amitabha."

"That's simple. If the Holy Monk cooperates with my Northern Liang, I will treat him with the respect due to a national hero. When my Northern Liang cavalry enters the Central Plains, I will make temples rise one after another in the Central Plains, allowing your Mahayana Buddhism to spread throughout the world and be honored as the state religion." Xiao Zhongtian's voice was deep, and his eyes burned with fierce ambition.

Garaja Arhat raised his eyes, and a slight change finally appeared on his handsome face. This was perhaps the real purpose of his visit. However, the "true scriptures" were not so easy to obtain. If they were too easy to obtain, others would not cherish them. This is the principle in everything.

"Does Your Highness wish to gain the support of the Pure Land?"

“That’s right, I do know a thing or two about the Holy Monk’s background,” Xiao Zhongtian said frankly at this moment.

"So, how does Your Highness wish to receive support?"

"Let Shu be as chaotic as possible, don't let them catch their breath, especially that Martial Saint General Chen Yuan. He is a great threat. Once he frees himself, he will be a time bomb for my Northern Liang. I just received news from the court that my elder brother has issued an edict to reward this man and sent someone to Shu secretly. I don't want to see their relationship deteriorate, so I am preparing to intercept and kill the court's people."

"If the Holy Monk can intervene and stir up trouble, that would be ideal," Xiao Zhongtian said, revealing his plan.

"Your Highness will likely be disappointed. Mount Sumeru has retreated from the world and does not interfere in the affairs of the dynasty," said Arhat Gaya calmly.

“Holy Monk, there’s no need for cryptic remarks. Back when Chen Yuan attacked my Liangzhou City, the legendary Golden-Winged Roc King, thanks to the Buddha’s relic, stopped him from committing murder and helped me escape. Although I don’t know the details, we have a common enemy!” Xiao Zhongtian leaned forward, his tiger eyes filled with majesty.

Garaja Arhat paused for a moment,
"It is possible, but Your Highness must first show sincerity!"

"After taking Baoqing Prefecture, there is a Tianlong Temple, where a Buddha relic from long ago is located!" (End of Chapter)