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

Chapter 347 Righteous Compassionate Cultivation, Journey to Mount Ling

In the Three Star Immortal Abode, Chenxiang and the Bull King went down the mountain one after the other. Chenxiang did not stay in the mountain after all, but before he left, he did a lot. First, he kowtowed to Sun Wukong countless times to express his gratitude. Then he went to the Patriarch, the True Man, and Zhenjian and kowtowed to them one by one to express his gratitude for their care.

Then Chenxiang found Zhu Bajie, expressing his gratitude for the kindness he had shown in the past, and said that he would repay the kindness if he had the chance in the future. He then found Hong Haier, talked about their friendship as fellow disciples, left a letter for Zuo Liang, and then helped the mansion carry water until the water tank was full. Only then did he feel relieved and went down the mountain.

After Yu Chenxiang descended the mountain, Sun Wukong went to Jiang Yuan's room and asked him if he could go down the mountain to protect him for a while.

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "Wukong, I don't need to explain the principles here. You understand them all. How to protect him, how to protect him, and how long can you protect him? Ultimately, he must walk his own path, because it is his path, not yours."

Sun Wukong scratched his head and said, "Eldest brother, I know this, but I'm afraid he'll be harmed. He's practicing the art of war, but in the end, he doesn't have any real skills."

Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "If he is to be harmed, it will be Erlang Shen who is anxious, not you, Wukong. Wukong, don't be attached to appearances."

Sun Wukong, after hearing what he said, finally calmed down and then asked about Chenxiang's cultivation.

Jiang Yuan said, "As Chen Xiang told me, his cultivation is decent, but it's mostly theoretical. We'll have to wait and see how he performs after he goes down the mountain."

Sun Wukong nodded and said no more about the matter. He then said, "Eldest brother, all the disciples in the manor have left, leaving only one or two. It is quite deserted."

Jiang Yuan said, "Wukong, I understand your meaning, but the time for me to establish my own residence is approaching, but not at this time; there is still some time to go."

Sun Wukong said, "When you open your mansion, Elder Brother, you must tell me. I will definitely protect you then."

Jiang Yuan smiled but didn't say anything more.

The two talked in the room for a while, and then Sun Wukong left.

The master did not linger in the room. He went to the patriarch's quiet room and paid his respects to the patriarch.

The patriarch led the immortal into the quiet room and seated him on a futon.

After the true master sat down on the futon, the patriarch said, "Young boy, have you come here with some confusion about cultivation that you wish to resolve?"

Jiang Yuan shook her head and said, "Master, this is not the reason I came here."

The patriarch smiled and said, "Since it is not that matter, then it must be about my descent from the mountain. You have some questions about it, so you have come to ask me."

Jiang Yuan said, “Master has great wisdom and knows the confusion in my heart. But what I see is that many people in the Three Star Immortal Cave are now suffering. Such as Zheng Wei, Zuo Liang, and now there are Niu Wang, Chen Xiang and others. I do not know what to do about this.”

The patriarch gently touched Jiang Yuan's brow and said, "Child, do not worry too much. When I established my academy in the past, there were so many disciples of the twelve generations, but those who fell into the sea of ​​suffering were far more numerous than you are now. However, I know that you should not go there. The path is under your feet, and everyone has their own way. This is the principle you have put forward, and I do not need to say more. Child, you should know that if you really have such thoughts and concerns, you are not far from falling into the sea of ​​suffering. You should have fewer such thoughts."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan bowed and said, "Master, I understand. Thank you for your guidance."

The Patriarch smiled and said, "Your current situation is nothing compared to what you've faced. The real challenge will come after you establish your own abode. Now that you have attained enlightenment, you are free from demonic obstacles. However, if you were to enter the sea of ​​suffering, those obstacles would be endless."

Jiang Yuanxin understood and bowed, saying, "Master, this disciple understands now."

The Patriarch said, “You are now far from having great Dharma power, and you are just a little short of the required level. Some time from now, when you are in quiet meditation, the Buddha of the West will send Guanyin Bodhisattva to invite you to come and discuss the Dharma. I will agree to this for you. You can go and make this trip in a while.”

Jiang Yuan replied, "Yes, Master."

The patriarch smiled and said, "But why don't you ask why I instructed you to go there?"

Jiang Yuan shook his head and said, "This disciple has heard what Master said and dares not be wrong."

The Patriarch waved his hand and said, “You have been cultivating for a long time, but you have not discussed profound teachings with others. I am sending you to the West to allow you to talk with the Buddha and the Master, and also to exchange ideas with them, so that you can know how far you have progressed in your cultivation and where your progress is lacking. Once you know this, I can prescribe the right medicine to help you succeed. Therefore, I am sending you to the West.”

Jiang Yuan suddenly realized and said, "Master, but I don't know why the Buddhist Association invited me to go and discuss Buddhist teachings."

The patriarch said, “The teachings of Buddha and Laozi will eventually disappear. The future of Buddhism lies in Zen. You are the patriarch of Zen. It is not surprising that Buddha and Laozi will seek you out.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan did not ask any further questions.

The master and disciple talked for a long time in the quiet room before the patriarch sent Jiang Yuan away to make some preparations for their journey to the West.

Jiang Yuan accepted the order and returned to the quiet room.

After returning to his meditation room, he did not immediately set off for Mount Ling. Instead, he pondered in his meditation room. Although he did not know the exact date when he would establish his own residence, he had a vague feeling that it was not far off. Many of the karmic connections within him were about to manifest.

Of his three disciples, Chongyang is currently undergoing reincarnation to obtain the opportunity to achieve the Golden Elixir, Zuo Liang is about to complete his work and is now entering the Sea of ​​Suffering to seek the Dao for him, but only Hong Haier has not yet learned the Dao.

He had some expectations for Hong Hai'er, hoping that he would nurture his spirit and cultivate in seclusion until his temperament was stable and his spiritual energy was abundant, at which point he could begin his cultivation.

Now it seems that Red Boy has officially begun his cultivation journey.

Jiang Yuan had something on his mind. He decided that it would be better to teach Hong Hai'er first before going to the West, so he summoned Hong Hai'er.

Having received instructions from the True Man, Red Boy, who was meditating in the mansion, dared not delay. He walked into the room, bowed deeply, and said, "Disciple Zhengci greets Master! Please forgive me, Master, for I did not bathe and change my clothes before coming here because you summoned me."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Zheng Ci, please rise. You say that you are guilty because you have not bathed and changed your clothes. What kind of logic is that?"

Red Boy bowed and said, "Master is a holy being. Upon seeing a holy being, one should bathe and change clothes, thus purifying oneself before meeting you."

Jiang Yuan pointed at Red Boy and said with a laugh, "You righteous man, where did you learn such words to fool me?"

Red Boy said, "This disciple dares not deceive Master, but in this disciple's eyes, Master is a sacred being."

Jiang Yuan said, "Let's not talk about that. Do you know why I summoned you here today?"

Red Boy laughed and said, "Master, I don't know, but I think that you must have something to do for me, or you see that I am so interesting and want to give me some extra help."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "You are indeed clever, so today I will give you special instruction."

Upon hearing this, Red Boy exclaimed in surprise, "Master, I was just talking nonsense. Don't take it seriously. If you want to preach, you should do it with everyone. You can't preach to me alone."

Jiang Yuan said, “This is not a lecture. You have been nurturing your spirit for many years, and now it is time for you to learn a path. I have called you here to help you learn a path and to explain the way to you so that I can teach you how to cultivate.”

Upon hearing this, Red Boy bowed and said, "I will follow Master's teachings and dare not say more."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "But the path of cultivation in my manor cannot be determined by my teachings. The path is under your own feet. From now on, cultivation is your own effort. How can it be determined by me? It should be your choice. Zheng Ci, you have been in the manor for many years and you know many methods. But can you tell me what kind of cultivation you want to do?"

Red Boy was at a loss for words and remained silent for a long time. Jiang Yuan said, "Why don't you answer? Have you not thought about what's going on here?"

Red Boy shook his head and said, "Master, I am hesitating."

Jiang Yuan asked, "What's causing your hesitation?"

Red Boy said, “Master, if you truly intend for me to follow the path of refining the Golden Elixir, then I should choose the orthodox Golden Elixir path, for there are countless unorthodox paths, but the Golden Elixir is the only true path. However, I know the difficulty of cultivating the Golden Elixir, and I also know my own nature, which is not suited to the orthodox Golden Elixir path. Yet, you have taught me to cultivate the Spirit for countless years. If I do not cultivate the Golden Elixir, I fear I will be going against your expectations.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan bent down and gently stroked Hong Hai'er's head, saying, "But if you can cultivate the path you love and attain enlightenment, that is enough. How can it be contrary to my expectations? I know that the Golden Core is difficult to cultivate. You don't need to cultivate the Golden Core for me. Although the unorthodox path is a heretical one, there is still enlightenment within it."

Red Boy said, "Master, I wish to learn unorthodox methods."

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Very good. With the spiritual energy in your body, practicing unorthodox methods will be twice as effective, and you will surely achieve the right result."

Red Boy said, "This disciple will certainly live up to Master's expectations and achieve enlightenment as soon as possible."

Jiang Yuan said, "Since you say you will practice unorthodox methods, do you know which kind of unorthodox methods you will practice?"

Red Boy shook his head and said, "Master, this disciple does not know for the time being."

Jiang Yuan said, "Would you like me to explain it to you so that you may know?"

Red Boy said, "I would be extremely grateful if you would tell me, Master."

Jiang Yuan nodded and said, "You know all the 360 ​​side sects within the Dao sect. There are the Techniques sect, the Flowing sect, the Stillness sect, the Movement sect, as well as meditation, alchemy, guiding, physiognomy, wonder, celestial phenomena, qigong, qi-eating, and so on. Please sit down and let me explain them to you one by one."

The master then explained all the intricacies to Red Boy in detail.

Red Boy was delighted by what he heard, but little did he know that there were so many unorthodox methods.

After explaining the various methods, the Master asked, "Zhengci, I have already explained the various methods to you. Which method do you wish to practice? Tell me, and I will teach you how to practice it."

After pondering for a long time, Red Boy said, "Master, I wish to practice this method of meditation. I wonder if I am allowed to practice it?"

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, "Those who contemplate mostly focus on 'observation' and 'thought,' seeking either the inner or the outer. Seeking the inner is to seek oneself, while seeking the outer is to seek the sun, moon, stars, heaven, earth, and gods. You possess immense spiritual energy, which you have cultivated since childhood, hence its vastness. However, by relying on this, you can achieve twice the result with half the effort in practicing this method."

Upon hearing this, Red Boy knelt on the ground, kowtowing countless times and performing the deepest salute, saying, "Please, Master, teach me."

Jiang Yuan said, "Zhengci, you are my third disciple. I will teach you. Please sit down and listen to me explain the ins and outs of this."

Red Boy dared not delay, and quickly sat down cross-legged, listening attentively.

Jiang Yuan whispered in Red Boy's ear, explaining the method of meditation to him one by one.

However, the True Man had cultivated in seclusion for many years and had achieved great success in many unorthodox methods. He was capable of teaching and imparting knowledge. Red Boy had also been nurturing his spirit for many years and was quick-witted. Upon hearing the True Man's words, he was able to memorize them in a short time and ponder them repeatedly.

Half a day later, Red Boy obtained the "Method of Contemplation". He memorized it all, bowed deeply, and expressed his gratitude to the True Man for imparting the Dao.

Jiang Yuan helped him up and said, “Zheng Ci, I will now teach you all the methods of meditation, but you must carefully consider them. Meditation has external and internal aspects. I do not know which one you wish to learn, so I will teach you all of them. Choose one to practice.”

Red Boy said, "Master, I have made my choice."

Jiang Yuan asked with a smile, "It's happening so fast, aren't you worried that it will be too late to regret it?"

Red Boy said, "Master, seeking externally is never as good as seeking internally. As the saying goes, 'Don't let illusions cloud your vision.' In the end, seeking internally is the only true way."

Jiang Yuan said, "It's perfectly acceptable for you to have this thought. Everyone has their own path. Even if two people cultivate the same path, their thoughts are different, and what they cultivate is also different. If you firmly follow your own path, you will naturally have good fortune in the process."

Red Boy responded.

Jiang Yuan said, "Now that you have attained cultivation, you must not spread it or publicize it. You should cultivate diligently and attain enlightenment as soon as possible. Do you understand?"

Red Boy then said, "Master, I understand. I will definitely focus on cultivation and dare not forget. Although I have not been cultivating for a long time, I have kept all of Master's teachings in my heart."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan nodded and smiled, "That's very good. You should go and cultivate."

Red Boy bowed repeatedly before leaving the True Man's quiet room.

The True Man watched Red Boy leave, knowing full well that Red Boy had been nurturing his spirit for so many years, but if he followed the proper path and cultivated diligently, he would surely achieve enlightenment through unorthodox means. However, he still needed to be patient.

Jiang Yuan didn't think much more about it. He got up and headed outside, heading towards the sacred mountain. He first went to the ancestral master's meditation room to pay his respects and bid farewell to the ancestral master.

After receiving permission from the patriarch, the True Man left the Three Star Immortal Cave and headed towards Mount Ling.

Jiang Yuan left the mansion and used the Auspicious Cloud Technique, which created auspicious clouds that covered 240,000 li. In a short while, they arrived at the Western Spirit Mountain.

He descended from the clouds to the foot of Vulture Peak and waited quietly.

Before long, the Four Heavenly Kings arrived. Upon seeing the true image of the immortal, they all restrained themselves, bowed, and said, "We pay our respects to the immortal!"

Jiang Yuan returned the greeting and said, "Greetings, gentlemen. I have been invited by Venerable Shakyamuni to come and discuss the Dharma. I hope you four can inform the Venerable and grant me passage."

The Four Vajras immediately said, "Please wait a moment, Master. We will inform them here."

The four guardian deities turned around and proceeded upwards step by step.

This news alarmed the Tathagata, who was sitting on the nine-tiered lotus throne in the Mahavira Hall. The Tathagata was preaching to the eighteen Arhats in the cycle of reincarnation when he heard Vajra report that the True Man had arrived.

The Buddha was overjoyed and said, "Now that the True Man has arrived, you should all go and greet him. I will wait for him at the entrance of the Treasure Hall. You must not be impolite."

The masses of Arhats received the golden decree, raised two banners and canopies, and went out to welcome the True Man.

The Buddha himself descended to the lotus throne in front of the treasure hall, waiting for the arrival of the True Man. He then sent Venerable Kasyapa to summon Maitreya and Avalokiteshvara to accompany him and meet the True Man together.

Venerable Kasyapa received the imperial decree and dared not delay. He rode a cloud and departed to convey the Buddha's message.

(End of this chapter)