Journey to the West: Beginning with the Apprenticeship of Bodhi Patriarch

Chapter 186: True Encounter on Lingshan Mountain

But it is said that Manjushri Bodhisattva visited the Sanxing Cave.

As soon as Manjushri Bodhisattva arrived here, the door to the Three Stars Cave opened wide.

Zhenjian walked out of the mansion, holding a leaf fan in his hand, smiling broadly, with auspicious mist surrounding him and flashes of Zen in his mind.

Zhenjian said, "Manjusri Bodhisattva, what can I do for you? If you want to see my master, I will welcome the Bodhisattva in. But if you want to see my eldest brother, you cannot do that. My eldest brother has been away from the mountain for a long time and has not returned yet."

When Manjushri Bodhisattva saw this posture, he lamented that the Sanxing Immortal Cave was a place of outstanding people and great magical powers. Not to mention Patriarch Bodhi, the three disciples under his seat all had outstanding abilities.

That disciple, Jiang Guangxin, possessed profound magical powers and his cultivation was growing day by day. There were very few people in and outside the Three Realms who could defeat him. He had once debated with Buddha and was undefeated. The Jade Emperor had twice requested his help but was refused. Anyone in the Three Realms who had some magical powers knew his name.

That disciple, today's monk disciple Sun Wukong, was even more naturally gifted and had profound magical powers. He once defeated 100,000 heavenly soldiers and was helpless. Later, he was made immortal by the Taoist priest and made a big fuss in the Heavenly Palace. It was the Buddha who personally descended to teach him to stop. After converting to monkhood, he traveled westward, subduing demons and monsters along the way, and his magical powers grew stronger day by day.

Now there is a disciple named Zhenjian. Although his name is not known to outsiders, his abilities are known to others. Zhenjian has achieved the right result through Zen, and has realized his true nature. He has his own magical powers. Even though he cannot compare with Guangxin and Wukong, Zhenjian is not weak in the Three Realms.

Now, Manjushri Bodhisattva is following the order of the Buddha and wants to invite Zhenjian to sit on the lotus platform.

Manjusri Bodhisattva clasped his hands and said, "I have come here not to see Patriarch Bodhi, nor to see Master Guangxin, but to see you."

Zhenjian didn't understand what he meant, but he didn't dare to be rude and welcomed Manjushri Bodhisattva in.

Manjushri Bodhisattva paid homage and then followed Zhenjian into the room.

When they reached the pavilion of the Sanxing Immortal Cave, they really saw a banquet set up to welcome Manjusri Bodhisattva.

Zhenjian sat down and asked, "What does Manjushri Bodhisattva mean by coming to find me? But how can I help Manjushri Bodhisattva? If that is the case, please tell me clearly, and I will definitely help you."

Manjusri Bodhisattva shook his head and said, "It's not that I have a problem, but I won't hide it from you. I came here in compliance with the Buddha's golden order, and I specially came to invite you to sit on the lotus platform."

Zhen was surprised when he saw and heard this, and asked, "Why did the Buddha ask me to sit on the lotus platform?"

Manjusri Bodhisattva smiled and said, "You have achieved success in Zen, and you are a person who has attained the right fruit. It is no problem for the Buddha to invite you personally."

Zhenjian replied: "Although I have achieved success in Zen, my power has not improved. I am too insignificant to be invited by the Buddha himself."

Manjusri Bodhisattva shook his head and said, "Don't underestimate yourself. You have achieved success in your practice. There are not many people who are better than you in Lingshan. But in terms of Zen, Lingshan is a place where no one can surpass you except the Buddha from the East."

Zhen Jian said: "Thanks to the Buddha's kindness, I have no intention of leaving. I just want to practice in peace in the mansion."

Manjusri Bodhisattva said, "You may wish to think about it a little more. Although you have realized your true nature and have mastered the key points of Zen, you can be called a 'Zen master'. However, for you now, meditation is of little help to your practice. It would be better if you could go to Mount Lingshan. There would be the supreme scriptures for you to read. The method of Nirvana is different from Zen. However, there is a saying that 'there is no two suns in the sky, and there is no two methods for Buddhas'. If you can learn the true method of complete Nirvana, it will be of great use to you. Besides, the disciples of Bodhi Patriarch, the real people and the great saints are all famous in the three realms, but the Zen master is not famous, so he is somewhat buried. If you can go to Mount Lingshan and sit on the lotus platform, the three realms will know your name. Even if you go to Mount Lingshan, you can go back and forth between Fangcun Mountain at any time without restrictions."

Zhen Jian was somewhat tempted when he heard this, but he still shook his head and said, "I just want to practice in peace in the mansion."

Manjusri Bodhisattva was moved by the true vision and said with a smile: "Master, you may wish to think about it more. This is the golden order from the Buddha to send me here. The Arhats persuaded me to send an Arhat, but the Buddha said that you are not ordinary, so you must be invited by the Golden Order Bodhisattva in person to show your sincerity. I hope you can understand the Buddha's intention."

Zhenjian bowed and said, "I know that the Buddha is sincere, but I ask the Bodhisattva to stay here for a while, and I will ask my master a few questions."

The Bodhisattva responded, "That should be the case. I will wait here. Please go, Master."

Zhenjian stood up and was about to leave, but he was afraid that it would be impolite to leave alone and leave Manjushri Bodhisattva here alone. He pondered for a long time and was about to say something when he suddenly heard footsteps outside. Whenever there were footsteps in the mansion, it was mostly Chongyang.

He was somewhat happy, and when he walked out of the building, he saw the Chongyang Road.

Zhenjian stepped forward to stop him, spoke to Chongyang about the matter, and asked Chongyang to accompany Manjushri Bodhisattva on his behalf.

When Chongyang learned about it, he readily agreed and followed Zhenjian.

When they entered the pavilion, Chongyang sat down and Zhenjian said, "Bodhisattva, I have to go and see my master, but I am afraid that I will be impolite if I leave the table, so I ask my nephew Chongyang to accompany me. I hope the Bodhisattva will not blame me."

Manjusri Bodhisattva shook his head and said, "Why blame him? Chongyang is the disciple of that person. Can the Zen master tell me?"

Zhenjian replied, "He is the eldest disciple under my senior brother."

Chongyang saw this and stood up and bowed, saying, "Chongyang pays homage to Manjusri Bodhisattva."

When Manjusri heard that it was Jiang Yuan's disciple, he stepped forward and helped him up, saying, "I never thought you were a disciple of the Immortal."

Zhenjian didn't think any more about it. After talking to Manjushri Bodhisattva for a while, he left the tower and went to the master's quiet room.

Inside the pavilion, Manjusri Bodhisattva and Chongyang sat down. Bodhisattva said, "I have never heard that the Master accepted a disciple. If I had heard earlier, I would have come to pay my respects to him."

Chongyang said, "It is unworthy for a Bodhisattva to speak like this."

Manjusri Bodhisattva asked, "I wonder what path you are practicing now?"

Chongyang said: "I am practicing the right way, but I have not yet realized it, so my practice is very slow."

Manjusri Bodhisattva praised him and said, "Chongyang, you have received the true teachings of a real person."

Chongyang shook his head and said, "I dare not say that. My master has profound magical powers. How dare I say that I have inherited his true teachings?"

Seeing this, Manjusri Bodhisattva thought to himself, "Chongyang has a very good character. He has been favored by the Immortal. He will surely gain enlightenment someday. However, the true path is difficult to achieve. Whether he can achieve enlightenment is still a matter of debate. However, based on his character, even if it is difficult to achieve enlightenment, he can still achieve enlightenment through the side path. The three generations of Bodhi Patriarch's school have been so prosperous."

He then asked, "Does Chongyang have any insights into Buddhism?"

Chongyang heard this and wanted to say something, but he thought for a moment and shook his head, saying, "I don't have any opinion."

Upon hearing this, Manjushri Bodhisattva felt a little regretful, but did not say much and started chatting with Chongyang.

……

Let’s talk about the master’s quiet room.

Zhenjian walked into the quiet room and paid homage to the master, who was sitting cross-legged on a cushion, looking at Zhenjian.

The master said: "I already know why you came, but if you are interested, you can go without worrying too much."

Zhen Jian knelt down and said, "Master, I don't know whether this is right or wrong. Although I have the intention to act, I am afraid that if I make a mistake, there will be no chance of recovery. I know that my understanding is low and I can't compare with my elder brother. In the past, a leaf blocked my vision and left me with no way to go. Now I don't know what to do. Please, Master, have great mercy and teach me."

The master sighed and said, "Foolish boy, just go ahead. You are a disciple of the Three Stars Immortal Cave even though you are sitting on the lotus platform. It would be good if you can learn more skills."

Zhen Jian said: "Big Brother has never received the lotus platform, but I am afraid there is something behind it."

The ancestor shook his head and said, "Don't worry, there is no secret. Your eldest brother did not accept the lotus platform because he was born with a free nature. Not to mention Lingshan, even if the Great Heavenly Venerable invited him twice, your eldest brother would not have accepted it."

Zhen Jian said: "Master, can I really go?"

The master said, "Just go, and don't talk any more."

Zhen Jian hesitated: "Master, if I leave, will I be the only one left in the mansion?"

The master said, "As long as Chongyang is here, the Holy Bull Infant will come often, so you can rest assured."

Zhenjian asked several questions in a row, and only after the master answered them one by one did Zhenjian leave with peace of mind.

When Zhenjian returned to the tower, Chongyang was talking with Manjusri Bodhisattva. When he saw Zhenjian, they both stood up. Chongyang bowed and Manjusri Bodhisattva replied, "Master, what do you say?"

Zhen Jian said: "I wish to follow the Buddha's instructions and go to the sacred mountain."

Manjusri Bodhisattva said happily: "If so, please collect your things and follow me to see the Buddha."

Zhenjian readily agreed.

Chongyang didn't understand what he meant, so he asked, "Uncle Master, are you going to Lingshan?"

Zhenjian said: "That's right."

After that, Zhenjian told Chongyang about the incident for a while. After hearing it, Chongyang bowed and said, "Uncle Master, please allow me to see you off. I will respectfully escort you to Lingshan Mountain to become a Bodhisattva Buddha."

Zhen Jian said: "Chongyang, you should practice well. If you encounter difficulties, you can ask your ancestor. The ancestor has always loved you and will definitely help you solve your problems."

Chongyang said: "Yes, Uncle Master."

Seeing Chongyang like this, Zhenjian knew that Chongyang would definitely not go to look for the master. Chongyang had asked him about some things he didn't understand during his practice, for fear of disturbing the master's practice.

Zhen Jian said helplessly: "Chongyang, if you really encounter difficulties, please don't be reluctant. You should report to the ancestor. The eldest brother is not here now, and there is no one in the mansion to help you solve your problems."

Chongyang knew what he was talking about, he touched his head and smiled: "Uncle Master, I really know, don't worry."

Zhenjian had no choice but to leave and walk out with Manjushri Bodhisattva.

Chongyang personally escorted Zhenjian out of the house. When he was about to leave the house, Chongyang bowed deeply and bid farewell to Zhenjian.

After bidding farewell to Chongyang, Zhenjian rode on a cloud to Lingshan with Manjusri Bodhisattva.

……

The story is about the Guangxin Temple in Wei County of Southern Continent.

When Jiang Yuan returned here, before he entered the house, he saw the old Taoist Qingxu offering sacrifices in the main hall.

It was getting dark here, and there was no one in the main hall. Most of the Taoist children went to the houses. Only the old Taoist and a Taoist child about fifteen or six years old were left.

When Jiang Yuan walked in, he saw the old Taoist wiping the statue of the god, and the Taoist boy was fiddling with some fruits and offering them in front of him.

The Taoist boy looked at the fruit and swallowed his saliva, but he didn't dare to eat it secretly, for fear that the Taoist master would find out.

Jiang Yuan walked closer, took out a fruit and handed it to the Taoist boy.

When the Taoist boy saw that it was Jiang Yuan who handed over the fruit, he hesitated for a while, then shook his head and said, "This is a fruit for offering. I can't eat it. I have to wait until the offering is finished before I can eat it."

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "Do you know who this offering is for?"

The Taoist boy said, "The one being worshipped is the Saint of the West. How could I not know that? I heard from my master that the one being worshipped now is Guangxin. The Saint of the West and Guangxin are the same person."

Jiang Yuan asked: "Do you know who I am?"

The Taoist boy replied: "You are the Saint of the West."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "It is me you are worshipping. Since it is me you are worshipping, why not I give you the fruit?"

Upon hearing this, the Taoist boy smiled happily and started eating the fruit.

The old Taoist was concentrating on wiping the statue, leaving no dust on it. Hearing the chewing sound, he turned around and was about to lecture the Taoist boy when he saw Jiang Yuan standing beside him.

The old Taoist hurried forward to pay his respects and said, "Master."

Jiang Yuan helped the old Taoist up and said, "It's getting dark, why are you still here at this time?"

The Taoist priest Qingxu replied, "Master, I must clean the statues every day. I dare not make any mistakes. This is my duty."

Jiang Yuan said: "I told you long ago that you don't have to be like this, but just be sincere."

Qingxu smiled and said, "Master, I have been cleaning every day for decades, but I can't forget it. If I don't clean for a day, I will feel empty in my heart."

When Jiang Yuan heard this, he didn't say much. He just asked Qingxu if there was anything unclear in his practice.

Qingxu shook his head and said, "Master, I am stupid and have not even started practicing."

Jiang Yuan said: "It's okay, just practice sincerely. I still have four or five days here. If you have any questions, feel free to come."

Qingxu hurriedly agreed.

Jiang Yuan said no more and went towards the house.

……

Time flies, and before I know it, four or five days have passed.

Jiang Yuan was going to leave on this day and go somewhere else.

Qingxu knew that Jiang Yuan was leaving, so he took a dozen Taoist children from the temple to see him off.

Jiang Yuan rode on the white deer, and the Bull Demon King led the way in front holding a mixed iron stick. Zuo Liang followed closely behind. After resting for a few days, Zuo Liang looked much better.

Qingxu and a group of Taoist children accompanied him for several miles.

Jiang Yuan said, "You don't need to send me off. Just go back and practice well. If you are sincere, I will respond."

After hearing this, Qingxu stopped and watched Jiang Yuan leave.

Only after Jiang Yuan walked away did Qingxu take the Taoist boy back to the Taoist temple.

The Bull Demon King scattered the thorns that blocked the road ahead, and he turned around and asked, "Master, where should we go?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "Just follow the deer."

The Bull Demon King looked back at the Taoist temple and said, "Master, this temple master is really strange."

Jiang Yuan didn't understand what he meant and asked, "What's so strange?"

The Bull Demon King said, "The master has been in the temple for seven days or nearly eight days, and this fellow has only come once to ask the master for advice. If I had such an opportunity, I would definitely stay with the master day and night to ask more questions."

Jiang Yuan said: "The master knows etiquette."

The Bull Demon King said, "My Lord, I see that the old Taoist is getting old, and I'm afraid that he will die in a few years. If he knows etiquette but doesn't practice cultivation now, isn't that putting the cart before the horse?"

After hearing this, Jiang Yuan pondered for a long time and said, "Do you know Chongyang?"

The Bull Demon King nodded and said, "Master, my eldest disciple, I know it."

Jiang Yuan asked, "Do you know how many lifetimes Chongyang has practiced cultivation?"

The Bull Demon King shook his head: "Master, I don't know this."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Chongyang has practiced for several lifetimes, his true spirit has not changed, he has been determined to cultivate his mind, and his face is bright, so he has the qualifications for this life."

Upon hearing this, Bull Demon King seemed to be thinking about something and didn't ask any more questions.

The group walked forward.

They had not walked two miles when they suddenly saw someone standing on the road ahead, who stopped them.

The Bull Demon King took a closer look and recognized that the person blocking the way was the Dragon King who had come to worship at the deserted temple earlier.

The Bull Demon King asked, "Master, there is a Dragon King blocking the road ahead."

Jiang Yuan said, "Let's go up and ask him what he is doing."

The Bull Demon King led the white deer and walked forward.

When he got closer, he saw the Dragon King kneeling on the ground and said, "Qingsong River Dragon King, thank you, Immortal."

(End of this chapter)