Man in the heavens, wins by lying down to prove the truth

Chapter 356 The pilgrims enter Mount Ling, and pay homage to the World-Honored One at the Thunderclap Temple.

After leaving Tianzhudu, passing Tongtai Prefecture, crossing Diling County, and then going up the mainland, one will be close to the Western Buddhist land.

The land at the foot of Mount Ling is indeed different from other places.

Along the roadside, one can see many rare and beautiful flowers, ancient cypress and pine trees.

It is said that wherever the pilgrims went, every household was virtuous and offered alms to monks. Whenever people practiced at the foot of the mountain, they could see people chanting scriptures in the forest.

It was truly a scene of peace and prosperity.

Although Tang Sanzang was a mortal with limited vision and could not see the sacred mountain from afar, he still sensed that this place was different and looked at his eldest disciple, Wukong.

"Wukong, I see that this place is indeed extraordinary, truly a paradise on earth. Are we approaching the sacred land of Mount Ling?"

Tang Sanzang asked Wukong many questions on his journey.

However, Wukong never said that, only that they were almost there and to keep going.

This time, Wukong laughed and said, "That's right. Judging by our speed, if we're fast, we can get there in a day or two. If we're slow, it will only take three to five days."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang was overwhelmed with emotion and burst into tears.

Seeing this, the three disciples could understand Tang Sanzang's situation.

After all, Tang Sanzang was just a mortal, and it was no easy feat for him to have come this far. It's time for Tang Sanzang to breathe a sigh of relief.

After a long while, Tang Sanzang finally stopped crying and looked at his three disciples who were comforting him, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"I have lost my composure, I have lost my composure," Tang Sanzang said hastily.

Wukong laughed and said, "The sacred land of Mount Ling is right in front of us. When Master arrives at Mount Ling, you must not act like this."

"I understand, it was just a momentary feeling, hence my posture just now."

The Tang Monk of today is a highly virtuous monk, whose words and character are immeasurably better than when he first embarked on his journey to the West.

It is said that he has not yet cultivated life force and supernatural powers, but once he enters the righteous path, it will not take long to subdue the five minds.

Bajie asked in bewilderment, "What's there to be sentimental about? It's only been a little over ten years since we started this journey."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang simply smiled and said, "Bajie, you, Wukong, and Sha Wujing are all immortals who have lived for thousands of years. I am just a mortal monk, and I have just passed the age of forty."

"Over the course of more than ten years, I have often worried that if I were to die halfway through the journey and fail to obtain the true scriptures, I would be failing the trust placed in me by the Bodhisattva and His Majesty. What would I do then?"

“Especially back when I was at Zhenhai Temple, I was seriously ill and really felt that I wouldn’t live more than three or five days. So I wrote my will, instructing you all to continue the journey to the West so that you could attain enlightenment. This was to give you all an explanation.”

Fortunately, the journey has been relatively safe.

Seeing Tang Sanzang say this, Wukong laughed and said, "Master, you don't know this. Your cassock and staff are both extraordinary. It is said that if you hold the staff and wear the cassock, you will be immune to all diseases and calamities. Even the King of Hell would not dare to take you."

“Even without wearing a cassock or carrying a staff, Master, you once consumed the herb-rejuvenating elixir and have a lifespan of 47,000 years. You are a human immortal, and you will not die of illness.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang asked, "If you are immune to all diseases, then why did you fall seriously ill back then?"

Bajie and Sha Wujing were also very curious when they heard this.

Wukong laughed and said, "It was not easy to say it outright before, but today I will tell you, Master, that in your previous life you were a great Dharma Master of Mount Ling, who was reincarnated into the mortal realm to undergo tribulations."

"This illness is because you wasted a single grain of rice from Mount Ling, hence you suffer from a three-day illness in this life. This is the result of cause and effect from countless lifetimes."

"So that's how it is. I never imagined that a mere mortal monk like myself would have such a background."

Tang Sanzang couldn't help but sigh.

Wukong smiled and said, "How could an ordinary person like me possibly get the good fortune of the pilgrimage?"

"This journey to the West is an immense blessing and a profound blessing."

"I, Old Sun, am a disciple of the Great Virtue of Taiyi Heaven, and I am also a born saint."

"Bajie is a disciple of the Eastern God and is truly a legitimate successor of the Great Luo Heaven."

"Sha Wujing was enlightened by the Heavenly Venerable, which is why he ascended to heaven and became the Curtain-Raising General, a first-class position."

"The only problem is that the White Dragon's origins are somewhat questionable, so he was made into a horse to fulfill his duty of carrying the pilgrims on his back."

Wukong's words suddenly made Tang Sanzang feel depressed.

Are those born ordinary destined to have nothing to do with good fortune and blessings?
Wukong naturally saw through Tang Sanzang's thoughts and laughed, "Master, along this journey we've eaten many vegetarian meals from various people. If you become a Buddha in the future, what will you do?"

"It is only right and proper to take care of someone and repay a debt of kindness."

Tang Sanzang finished speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but then suddenly realized what he meant.

This is an incredible blessing that ordinary people can hardly attain, but as long as it is said that the family is virtuous, they will receive blessings for many lifetimes.

"That's exactly right. Such great fortune and blessings are only for us. If it were anyone else, they would probably have died on the way."

Wukong recalled the suffering he had endured with the Yin-Yang Two Qi Bottle.

If it weren't for Mr. Boyang's blessing, how could I have survived?
No one is there to help you bear this burden; the immense blessings and good fortune of this vast ocean would have crushed you long ago.

As the pilgrims talked, their feet never stopped, their horses never ceased, and they continued their journey westward.

Two or three days passed in the blink of an eye. After turning around, Tang Sanzang saw a Taoist temple in the distance.

Speaking of that Taoist temple, it was a magnificent multi-story building, a hundred feet high. Its windows seemed to encompass the universe, and its buildings reached towards the clouds. It was truly a place for discussing the Tao, a sacred palace and a precious pavilion.

"I never imagined that such a sacred Buddhist site would also have a good Taoist place. It truly shows that the three religions were originally one family."

Upon hearing Wukong's words, Tang Sanzang couldn't help but roll his eyes.

The three religions were originally one family, but that was only true for figures like the Taiyi Heavenly Ancestor.

Furthermore, even those of immeasurable virtue, whoever is not engaged in a life-or-death struggle, will find each other utterly repulsive.

"Master, we've arrived at Mount Ling, why aren't you dismounting?" Wukong asked Tang Sanzang.

Tang Sanzang was taken aback. He hurriedly dismounted and asked, "Wukong, don't try to fool your master. How come I haven't seen the location of Mount Ling?"

Upon hearing this, Wukong explained, "Mount Ling is a sacred place; how could it be seen in the mortal realm?"

"Master, can you see that Taoist temple? That is Yuzhen Temple, a sacred place at the foot of Mount Ling."

"To enter the sacred mountain, one must pass through the Jade True Temple; only then can one see it."

"In the Jade True Temple, there is a Golden-Crowned Immortal."

"If we wish to ascend Mount Ling, we must first pay our respects to this great immortal."

Upon hearing what Wukong said, Tang Sanzang immediately put his hands together in prayer: "In that case, we will go and pay our respects immediately."

As the group approached the Taoist temple, a young boy emerged from the temple and bowed to Tang Sanzang and his companions.

"May I ask, Elder, are you a pilgrim from the Great Tang Dynasty in the East, on your way to the sacred land of Mount Ling to worship Buddha?"

The young Taoist priest shouted in a childish voice.

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang replied, "It is indeed this humble monk, it is indeed this humble monk."

Just as Tang Sanzang was speaking, a great immortal suddenly appeared, waving a whisk, and walked out of the temple.

"Holy monk, you have been waiting for a long time." The immortal bowed and smiled.

Beside Tang Sanzang, Wukong introduced, "Master, this is the Golden Peak Immortal."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang quickly returned the greeting.

The Golden-Crowned Immortal hurriedly said, “Holy Monk, there is no need for such formalities. More than ten years ago, the Bodhisattva of the Sea asked me to wait for the pilgrim. He said it would be in two or three years, but I never expected it to take so long. Please come with me to the temple quickly.”

"I only said that after bathing and fasting, I would climb the mountain to worship Buddha." Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang repeatedly bowed in gratitude, clasping his hands together and saying, "I am deeply grateful for the great immortal's kindness!"

Immediately afterwards, the four pilgrims, leading their horses and carrying their loads, entered the temple of the Great Immortal.

The Great Immortal then ordered all the people inside the pass to come out and pay their respects to Tang Sanzang and his companions, and then instructed the young servant to serve tea and vegetarian food.

They said that after eating and drinking their fill, they would take a bath and prepare all the necessary rituals so that they could ascend Mount Ling the next day.

……

The following morning, the pilgrims were all ready, and then met the Golden Peak Immortal again in the main hall of the Jade True Temple. They bowed and expressed their gratitude once more.

The attendants laughed and said, "Holy Monk, there's no need for that. It's a great fortune to have met you."

Tang Sanzang then took his leave, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, Great Immortal. Mount Ling is right before us, but I dare not delay. I only ask that you hurry up the mountain and enter the holy land."

Upon hearing this, the Golden-Crowned Immortal stood up and said, "In that case, I will escort the Holy Monk, the Great Sage, and the others to Mount Ling to worship Buddha."

Upon hearing this, the traveler smiled and said, "No need for the master's help, I know the way myself."

The immortal shook his head and said with a smile, "Great Sage, you come and go in the clouds and fog, how would you know how to navigate this mountain path? No need for further words, I will escort you."

Seeing this, Wukong said no more and followed the Golden Peak Immortal out of the back gate of the Jade True Temple, stepping into the holy land.

It is said that from afar, there is auspicious light of five colors and auspicious clouds of thousands of layers, which is the sacred land of Ling Mountain, which cannot be seen from the outside.

Within that sacred land, there is a towering peak that emits a radiant light; this is Vulture Peak, the sacred realm of the Buddha.

The Golden-Crowned Immortal pointed to Lingjiu Peak and introduced it to Tang Sanzang.

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang, even from across the distant mountains, began to kneel and bow in worship.

The Golden-Crowned Immortal pointed to a road and said, "Follow this road without stopping until you reach the end, and you will reach the Lingjiu Peak."

After learning about the road ahead, Tang Sanzang paid homage to the immortal again.

Then the group set off onto the main road and continued on their way.

After speaking for a while, everyone stopped again.

This was because the road ahead was blocked by a stream of flowing water.

The flowing water was about eight or nine miles wide, with only a bare log lying across it to serve as a bridge.

"How...how can we get across? There are no boats or ships, and that single log is too smooth to stand on. How can we cross it?"

Tang Sanzang didn't know what to do, so he just looked at Wukong beside him.

Wukong pointed to the sign for Lingyun Ferry next to him and said, "This single log can be crossed. Come from here. Only in this way can you transform and achieve enlightenment."

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang was somewhat perplexed.

Bajie and Sha Wujing exchanged a glance, and Bajie said, "We will ride the clouds and pass by first, Master, please wait."

Wukong raised an eyebrow and scolded, "You idiot, what right do you have to control the clouds here?"

"If you take the last step at the top of your tallest tree and use crooked methods, you won't achieve the desired result."

Tang Sanzang took a deep breath and said, "If I drown, you should continue to worship Buddha and bring the scriptures back to the Tang Dynasty in the East."

After saying this, Tang Sanzang was about to climb the single tree.

Suddenly, a voice was heard from afar, saying, "Holy Monk, Great Sage, do not be anxious or panicked."

It is said that a small boat came from afar, with an old man on board poling a pole.

Wukong recognized the old man at a glance; he was none other than the Buddha of Amitabha, also known as Namo Ratnaketu King Buddha.

"Fortunately, there is a ferry; this way we can reach Mount Ling." Tang Sanzang's face showed joy.

Wukong laughed and said, "Bajie, Sha Wujing, and Little White Dragon, will you walk on this single log or take a boat?"

Upon hearing this, Pigsy and Sandy both spoke up: "Since there is a boat, we should take it. We don't know what kind of power this sacred mountain and water has. If we fall in, we may not be able to save our lives."

Wukong only offered a suggestion, and seeing everyone's reaction, he said nothing more.

A moment later, the small boat docked, and the four men and one horse boarded.

The boat is also amazing; it's a bottomless boat, so it feels like you're standing directly on the water without falling in.

"Let's go!"

The old man shouted a command, and then ferried the pilgrims across the river.

The small boat reached the other shore, and the pilgrims had just stepped ashore when Tang Sanzang saw a dead body on the bank.

“This…this blessed land of Lingshan, someone actually drowned.”

Upon hearing this, Wukong shook his head and said, "Master, don't you look familiar? That's you."

Pigsy and Sandy recognized him too: "Master has shed his mortal form."

The boatman laughed and said, "Congratulations, holy monk, on your liberation from the mortal world. You have truly completed your journey and become a Buddha, washing away the dust of the past."

After he finished speaking, the old ferryman and his small boat disappeared.

Tang Sanzang was startled, and then quickly asked Wukong, "Disciple, who is that old man?"

"This is the Buddha who guides us, to help Master accomplish a perfect feat," Wukong said with a smile.

Tang Sanzang was bewildered. Was this the end?

After a moment, Tang Sanzang came to his senses and bowed to Wukong and the other two to express his gratitude: "You have all protected me on this journey. Especially Wukong, I feel extremely guilty."

Wukong waved his hand: "No need for thanks, we've just supported each other. Let's not say any more, let's go to Mount Ling to worship Buddha."

"Good!" Tang Sanzang clasped his hands together in prayer.

Immediately, the group set off again.

Wukong led the way, Tang Sanzang followed closely behind, Bajie led the horse, and Sha Wujing brought up the rear. With everyone working together, they were all light and agile as they ascended Mount Ling.

Looking out over the summit of Mount Ling, one sees the ancient Leiyin Temple standing tall, its peak reaching the heavens and its roots connected to Mount Sumeru. The Hall of Heavenly Kings emits rosy light, and the Hall of Dharma Protectors spews purple flames. It truly deserves to be called a sacred Buddhist site.

I have never entered Leiyin Temple, but I have heard that there are monks and nuns outside the hall chanting scriptures and performing rituals. They are all great Dharma masters who have been reborn from the human realm.

When Tang Sanzang met the various Dharma Masters, he habitually bowed in greeting, but the monks and nuns were so startled that they quickly hid and dared not accept his greeting.

"Master, you are too kind. In this Thunderclap Temple, only the World Honored One Buddha can accept your courtesy. Please enter the Thunderclap Temple." Wukong patted Tang Sanzang.

Upon hearing this, Tang Sanzang and his companions, along with their horse, entered the Thunderclap Temple.

……

It is only mentioned that in the Great Buddha Hall of the Leiyin Temple.

On the lotus platform, the Buddha Tathagata saw the pilgrims entering the temple. He then opened his golden mouth and summoned the eight great bodhisattvas, the four great vajras, the five hundred arhats, the three thousand jiedi, and so on, all of whom lined up in two rows. Only then did he call the pilgrims to enter the Mahavira Hall.

At this point, the pilgrims entered the Mahavira Hall.

Then one sees the radiant light of wisdom hanging high, like the brilliance of the sun, and such auspicious signs permeate the ancient hall.

Upon seeing this, the four members of the pilgrimage group, along with the white dragon horse, all bowed deeply in a series of elaborate and complex rituals.

After all that trouble, Tang Sanzang finally knelt before the Buddha's lotus throne, respectfully presenting the travel document with both hands: "Disciple Xuanzang, by order of the Emperor of the Great Tang, has traveled to the sacred mountain to seek the Buddha's teachings, so as to bring blessings to all living beings."

"I earnestly hope that Buddha will grant me the true scriptures soon. Your disciple bows and bows again."

(End of this chapter)