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

Chapter 339 The Wonders of Zen, the Boundless Sea of ​​Suffering (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
After tidying up, Zuo Liang left the Three Star Immortal Cave. Standing outside the cave, he looked at the Immortal Mansion and felt a lot of emotions. He seemed to have a feeling that he would not be able to return for many years.

After gazing at it for a long time, he bowed towards the immortal abode and prepared to leave.

He had only taken two steps when he suddenly heard shouts behind him.

"Nephew Zhengyuan, please wait a moment, please wait a moment!"

Zuo Liang turned around and saw Sun Wukong rushing out in a hurry.

Although Zuo Liang did not know what was going on, he still bowed and said, "Disciple Zheng Yuan greets Martial Uncle."

Sun Wukong said, "Fortunately, I am fast on my feet. Otherwise, if you, my nephew, had gone out, it wouldn't have been so easy to find you again."

Zuo Liang, puzzled, asked, "Uncle-Master, is there something you need from your nephew?"

Sun Wukong handed a bundle to Zuo Liang, saying, "I have received your orders, and I am giving you this bundle. Keep it safe and don't lose it. I asked my elder brother, and he said that you are going out to seek the Dao and will be traveling in the mortal world, so you must keep these things in this bundle."

Zuo Liang asked, "May I ask, Uncle-Master, what is this bundle?"

Sun Wukong smiled slightly and said, "Just open the bundle and you'll know."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liang bowed to Sun Wukong again, saying that he had been impolite. He then opened the bundle and found several sets of clothes, a Taoist robe, and a lot of gold and silver inside.

Sun Wukong said, “As my elder brother said, changing clothes is a normal part of life. I also have plenty of gold and silver for you to use. The currencies of the four continents are different, but gold and silver are the mainstream, so you will definitely be able to use them. You don’t need to go begging for alms every day like I did. But when you use gold and silver, you must remember that if you are buying something that is not valuable, use silver and have the person cut off a piece or two. That will be enough. Do not use gold, lest you encounter a villain and cause you a lot of trouble. There is another matter. Merchants are mostly greedy, so they often have tricks up their sleeves and scales. You must keep an eye on them.”

Zuo Liang was deeply moved. He bowed to Sun Wukong and said, "Disciple thanks Uncle-Master. I have remembered everything you said. Please go and tell Master about my gratitude."

Sun Wukong smiled slightly and said, "I will convey your message myself."

Zuo Liang kowtowed again to the mansion, deeply grateful.

Sun Wukong said, “Nephew, after you go down the mountain, if you see Lü Yan or Zhengwei and the others, you can help them if you can. Although you are of a lower generation, your cultivation is profound and you are not easily comparable to others.”

Zuo Liang said, "I will follow your teachings, Uncle, and never forget them."

Sun Wukong and Zuo Liang talked for a long time, with Sun Wukong teaching Zuo Liang. Although Zuo Liang knew a lot and did not need Sun Wukong's teaching, he still listened patiently to what Sun Wukong said without arguing or showing any impatience.

After Sun Wukong finished speaking, he suddenly seemed to realize something and said, "Old Sun has forgotten that you are a cultivator at the age of sixty. All the ways of the world are nothing to you. There is no need for Old Sun to say more. You know all the ins and outs. It is Old Sun who has spoken too much."

Zuo Liang smiled and said, "Although my junior brother is over sixty years old and has been cultivating for many years, he has long forgotten the events of the past. Therefore, what I have learned from my senior brother is very useful. Senior brother, you should not say such things."

Sun Wukong pointed at Zuo Liang and said, "You, Zheng Yuan, are a remarkable person. You may go now."

Zuo Liang replied, "Yes, Uncle-Master."

Say it.

Zuo Liang had no intention of staying any longer and headed down the mountain.

Sun Wukong watched Zuo Liang leave, then returned to his residence. When he arrived at the Master's quiet room, he asked to see the Master.

The immortal then taught Sun Wukong to enter.

Sun Wukong entered the immortal's quiet room, bowed and said, "Elder brother, I have arrived."

Jiang Yuan gestured to the prayer mat in front of him and said, "Wukong, please sit down. Have you finished your business?"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Eldest brother, now that I'm on my way, I will certainly take care of things. Eldest brother, please rest assured and don't worry too much."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "Wukong, when do you think Zhengyuan will finally succeed and attain enlightenment?"

Sun Wukong said, “Eldest brother, you don’t know why you’re asking me. I don’t have the ability to see into this, but from my perspective, Zheng Yuan’s cultivation is now profound, far surpassing that of ordinary people. He is probably just one step away from attaining enlightenment. But once he takes that step, he will surely attain enlightenment.”

Jiang Yuan smiled and asked, "How long will this step take?"

Sun Wukong scratched his ears and cheeks and said, "My senior brother is really making things difficult for me, really making things difficult for me."

Jiang Yuan shook her head and said, "Fine, fine, fine. I won't say any more to you, but I've noticed recently that Chenxiang seems to be planning to go out. What do you think?"

Sun Wukong said, "If he wants to go out, let him be. I can save one, two, and maybe even a third. But I can't save him forever; he must ultimately walk his own path."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "Wukong's cultivation has made great progress."

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Although I have made progress, I am still not as good as my senior brother."

The two talked for a while in the quiet room before parting ways.

A true master meditates in a quiet room, practicing various unorthodox methods, intending to master them all in preparation for establishing a government office. If one is not proficient in all these methods, one cannot establish a government office, much less teach and impart knowledge, or become a teacher.

……

Time flies in the mountains; the cold fades without one noticing the passing years. Time flies swiftly, and more than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

For more than ten years, Jiang Yuan did nothing but pay respects to his master and devote himself to meditation, learning all the skills.

The disciples in the manor were also cultivating and rarely went out. Even Chenxiang, after thinking for a long time, ultimately did not go out but instead cultivated in the manor.

One day, Zhenjian summoned many disciples to a lecture to exchange ideas. Zhenjian invited Sun Wukong, the Bull Demon King, Zhu Bajie, and the Green Ox to the lecture, while Red Boy, Chenxiang, and others, as juniors, listened in.

The group sat down under the old cypress tree in the mansion for a discussion.

When Zhenjian spoke of what he would say, everyone readily agreed.

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Second Brother, this is an old place."

Zhenjian nodded and smiled, "It is indeed an old place, indeed an old place."

The Bull Demon King and the others were puzzled, not quite understanding what Sun Wukong and Zhenjian were talking about.

The green ox said, “Why are you acting like old people? You should tell us what kind of old place this is, otherwise how will we know? Don’t do or say anything that shows you’re old.”

Zhenjian, fanning himself with a leaf fan, said, “Great King Si, do not be hasty, do not be hasty! Let me explain in detail. I have heard my eldest brother speak of the origin of this cave. When my eldest brother first became a disciple, he and our master were not in this cave. They were in a mountain in the Southern Continent. Later, they came to this mountain and established the Slanting Moon and Three Stars Cave. The old cypress tree where we are is the one that my eldest brother planted in the past. All the disciples of all generations have gathered here to give lectures. Therefore, this place is an ancient place.”

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly understood and realized that he meant "old place." The Green Ox was somewhat indignant and said, "What do you mean by 'old place'? You two are just relying on your age to act superior. If we're talking about 'old,' who among you is older than me? But in the past, I followed Laozi in creating the world, traveling through the world, teaching and enlightening people. I also followed Laozi westward out of Hangu Pass. My many deeds are countless. When I was traveling in the world, you, the True Seer, didn't even know where your ancestors were. You, Sun Wukong, were still in that stone, growing up in the Eastern Continent of Victory."

Sun Wukong was somewhat annoyed upon hearing this, but he didn't say anything more.

Zhenjian smiled and said, "Since the Great King of the Rhinoceros has witnessed the creation of the world, why don't you tell us about it and let us hear something interesting?"

The green ox said, "There's nothing to say. No need for further words. With your cultivation, you will surely witness the creation of the world one day."

Zhenjian said, “I once heard my master say that heaven and earth will eventually face calamity, and a new heaven will be opened. Those who do not follow the righteous path will not be able to live.”

The Green Ox said, “No, no. But a place like the Three Star Immortal Cave can be protected by a few people if a person with great magical power is willing to protect it. As the disciple of the Ancestor, you will surely be able to witness the creation of the world.”

Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "There's no need to talk about such things. Second Brother, you're good at speaking. If we're going to get to the point, who should speak first?"

Zhenjian pondered for a moment, then said, "I will speak first, then Wukong, then the Bull King, and then the Rhinoceros King. Zhengci and Chenxiang can just listen carefully. How about that?"

Upon hearing this, everyone agreed without objection, responding with smiles.

Sun Wukong rose and bowed, saying, "Then I will trouble you, Second Brother, to speak first."

Zhenjian, waving his leaf fan with a smile, said, "In that case, I will make a fool of myself and first explain the intricacies of this matter. Please listen carefully, but if there is anything wrong, please point it out to me."

After all,

Zhenjian rose, walked to the table, and said, “The path I cultivate is Zen. You have all heard of this path, but none of you have cultivated it deeply, so it is difficult to understand its mysteries. Please listen to what I have to say. The source of this Zen path is the Great Master Guangxin, who is also my senior brother. Without my senior brother, this path cannot be achieved. Therefore, if you want to know this path, you must respect my senior brother.”

"Zen is not about sitting in oblivion or being in a state of utter desolation. Its path is extremely simple, and its meaning is extremely profound. It lies in understanding one's mind and seeing one's true nature. If the mind is like Bodhi, it illuminates all phenomena without being obstructed; if one's nature is like the bright moon, it hangs in the heavens and shines eternally. Sentient beings are deluded by false thoughts and pursue external appearances, thus losing their true nature. If one wipes away the dust from a mirror and removes the clouds and fog, it will naturally illuminate the universe."

He truly saw the chanting coming from his mouth.

The Bull Demon King seemed to understand something and asked, "How does one see one's true nature?"

Zhenjian looked up at the Bull Demon King and said, "Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired. Sow in spring and harvest in autumn, watch the clouds roll and unroll."

The Bull Demon King then asked, "Is this how one can perceive one's true nature?"

Zhen Jian smiled and said, "When one ceases all external connections and has no inner turmoil, one can attain the essence of non-action. One should empty oneself of all possessions and be careful not to solidify what does not exist."

The Bull Demon King said, "But where does the wonder of Zen lie?"

Zhenjian said, “The wonder of Zen lies in the ordinary. Carrying water and chopping wood are all wonderful ways. Walking, standing, sitting and lying down all contain Zen principles. The mystery within these things cannot be understood by outsiders. Therefore, we know that enlightenment is not sought apart from the world, but rather seen in daily life. It cannot be recorded in words, you must know this.”

The crowd had all heard Zhenjian speak of the wonders of Zen, and these words, coming from his mouth, caused them to sink into delusion and gain some understanding.

……

In the quiet room of the True Man, Jiang Yuan woke up from the futon and looked outside. He had a feeling that he would know the truth later.

Jiang Yuan sighed, “Junior Brother Zhenjian is truly accomplished in the way of Zen. It is easy to learn but difficult to explain. Zhenjian can explain this way, which is enough to show that he has already gone very far in this way. I am no match for him in this way.”

He got up and went outside, arriving at the patriarch's meditation room to pay his respects.

The patriarch simply flicked his sleeve, and a gentle breeze arose, opening the door to allow the true man to enter.

Jiang Yuanxing entered the patriarch's meditation room and, as always, greeted the patriarch.

The patriarch laughed and said, "I am well, yet you have come to greet me three times in a row. What kind of logic is this?"

Jiang Yuan said, "It is only natural for a disciple to greet his master; there is no need to make a fuss about it."

The Patriarch smiled and said, "You have nothing to do? Fine, fine, fine. Do as you please. But now that you have paid your respects, is there anything else important?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "This disciple has no urgent business."

The patriarch said, "Since there is nothing important, why don't you go and participate in the disciples' lecture in the manor?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "But the lecture has already begun, and I cannot interfere. How can I go?"

The Patriarch said, “You may not go, but if you do, it will mostly be for you to preach to others. But now that you have heard this sermon, how do you think your disciples are doing in their practice?”

Jiang Yuan said, "Master, Zhenjian's understanding of Zen is enough to establish a school, and Wukong's understanding of the Golden Elixir is also quite remarkable. Apart from that, Niu Wang and Si Da Wang are acceptable, but Zhengci and Chenxiang are not worth mentioning."

The patriarch nodded, agreeing with what the true man said. He said, “Child, what you say makes a lot of sense. In terms of cultivation, he is far superior to the disciples in the manor. His heart is in the manor, and he has not left for many years. When you open your own manor in the future, he can be your right-hand man.”

Jiang Yuan said, "Master, I know that Junior Brother Zhenjian has always helped me. He has also helped my three disciples."

The patriarch said, "You understand, but the day your eldest disciple returns is just around the corner. You should prepare to help him."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Master, there's no rush."

The patriarch said, “Your disciple is now nearing the end of his second life. In his third life, he will surely attain enlightenment. Why can’t we rush it?”

Jiang Yuan said, "It will be far from the time when we cross the river, not even one or two hundred years from now."

The patriarch smiled and said, "Do as you please, do as you please. There's no need to say more. Since you're not in a hurry now, then go and cultivate diligently and achieve great magical power as soon as possible."

Jiang Yuan replied, "Yes, Master."

The master and disciple talked in the room for a while, and then the master left to return to his room for quiet cultivation.

……

Meanwhile, in a prefecture in Yanzhou of the Southern Continent, Zuo Liang had been traveling among the mortals for a long time, healing refugees. He had done good deeds for many years, and his name as "Celestial Master" was widely known. Everyone in the mortal world had heard of him and hoped that he would be like a savior, so that wherever he went, there would be no more disease and the land would be renewed.

One day, Zuo Liang was in the city treating refugees. He had just finished treating one refugee with medicine when he looked up and saw many more refugees staring at him from both sides of the street. He fell into deep thought for a moment.

He has been treating patients for many years, but the number of refugees and people suffering from diseases is increasing, and his treatment is as if it were useless. Now the world is full of devastation, and he can no longer save them.

Zuo Liang finally understood why his master had said that the sea of ​​suffering was boundless, and indeed it was boundless. He could not save all living beings because his magical power was too shallow, and he could not cross the sea of ​​suffering.

(End of this chapter)