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

Chapter 377 True Masters Don't Reveal Their Skills, Chongyang Discusses Buddhism
The next day, at Lanruo Temple.

Wang Chongyang emerged from the back room and was received by Master Zhikong, followed by two young monks.

When Wang Chongyang saw that Zhikong was the abbot, he treated him with great respect and bowed to him, expressing his deepest gratitude.

Master Zhikong said, “You have come here to study Buddhist scriptures and teachings. I will now take you to the library and teach you how to read them.”

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "Now that I have come to the temple, I should pay homage to the Buddha. It is not too late to study the Buddhist teachings later. I hope the abbot will guide me and teach me how to pay homage to the Buddha in the temple."

Master Zhikong smiled and said, "Since you have a heart for worshipping Buddha, then come with me."

Wang Chongyang followed Master Zhikong forward.

The two walked into a hall, where they saw four statues with ferocious faces, glaring eyes, strongmen raising their arms, iron armor covered in frost, and their feet treading on ghosts.

Master Zhikong clasped his hands together and said, "This is the Vajra Hall. This is where the Four Vajras reside."

Wang Chongyang stepped forward and bowed respectfully, showing great admiration.

After the ceremony is completed.

The two then walked further inside.

Master Zhikong smiled and said, "In my opinion, you are a follower of Taoism. Why are you so sincere in worshipping Buddha?"

Wang Chongyang asked in surprise, "How did the abbot know that I am a practitioner of Taoism?"

Master Zhikong said, “I have lived for so many years and have no magical power. However, it is said that old people become wise and have some insight. Taoists are very natural. You have Taoist energy and Taoist weapons in your body. You must be a Taoist practitioner.”

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "Abbot, you have the insight to tell me that I have indeed only scratched the surface of Taoist teachings."

Master Zhikong smiled and said, "Since you are a follower of Taoism, why are you so sincere in worshipping Buddha? This puzzles me."

Wang Chongyang said, “Abbot, you may not know this. Although I practice Taoism, I am not a Taoist practitioner. I have my own ambition to learn all three schools of thought to perfect myself. I practice Taoism because my benefactor saved my life and is a Taoist practitioner. Therefore, I have learned a thing or two from him. Now that I have come to the temple, I am here to learn Buddhism. Therefore, I should sincerely worship the Buddha.”

Upon hearing this, Master Zhikong was deeply moved and said, "I never imagined that you would have such aspirations. I was narrow-minded and did not understand your intentions. You actually want to study the three schools of thought. If I am not mistaken, the remaining one must be Confucianism."

Wang Chongyang nodded in agreement, saying, "That is indeed the way of a Confucian scholar."

Master Zhikong smiled and said, “To master all three schools is extremely difficult. Taoism is very easy; they mostly rely on fate and act according to their nature. If they say they will pass on the teachings to you, they will.” As for Buddhism, it is neither difficult nor easy. Look at many temples. Some temples have Buddha images but no Buddha heart, while others have Buddha heart but no Buddha image. If you encounter someone with a Buddha heart, you can learn Buddhism. However, Confucianism is very difficult to learn.

Wang Chongyang asked, "What makes you say that, Abbot?"

Master Zhikong said, "But most of the great Confucian scholars of our time judge people by their family background and their learning by their birth. How can there be any true sages among them?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang remained silent for a long time before saying, "Even though Confucianism and Taoism are difficult to learn, I will travel the world to learn them and dare not regret it."

Master Zhikong smiled and nodded, showing great admiration for Wang Chongyang.

The two walked to the main hall, where they saw nine-ridged eaves with soaring roof ornaments and eighteen copper bells hanging from the eaves, which tinkled melodiously in the wind. Inside the hall, there were lotus pedestals on the left and right. On the right lotus pedestal, a sixteen-foot-tall golden Buddha sat cross-legged, his coiled hair radiating light, and the white hair between his eyebrows like the moon. The folds of his gilded robe were like ripples on water. However, the lotus pedestal on the left was completely empty.

Wang Chongyang was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Why are there two lotus platforms in the main hall, and also an empty lotus platform?"

Master Zhikong clasped his hands together and said, "Don't you know that there are two patriarchs of Buddha?"

Wang Chongyang asked, "Where do these two patriarchs come from?"

Master Zhikong said, "There is Buddha Tathagata, there is Buddha Guangxin."

Wang Chongyang asked, "Please explain in detail, Abbot."

Master Zhikong smiled and said, “There is no need to go into details about this. Just say it as I said: there are two Buddhas. The Tathagata Buddha is the Buddha we often worship, while the Guangxin Buddha is known to very few, so few people worship him.”

Wang Chongyang said, "If there are two Buddhas, why doesn't this Buddha have a golden body? Could it be that the temple doesn't have the money to make a golden body for him?"

Master Zhikong shook his head and said, “No, no. We do not know the appearance of this Buddha, so we cannot create a golden body for him. It is not that we are unwilling, but that we do not know his appearance.”

Wang Chongyang said, “It is often said that ‘a true master does not reveal his appearance, and one who reveals his appearance is not a true master.’ This is because the Buddha taught people not to know his appearance, which is enough to show his cultivation power. He is truly remarkable.”

Master Zhikong nodded and said, “Although I do not know the true appearance of Buddha Guangxin, I have heard that Buddha Guangxin is no less than Buddha Tathagata and is the ancestor of Buddhism. All those who worship Buddha should pay homage to him.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang faced the Buddha and bowed in reverence. He then walked to the empty lotus platform on the left and, as if possessed, performed a grand bow in reverence. He did not know what the 'Guangxin Buddha' was, but the two characters 'Guangxin' seemed familiar to him.

After Wang Chongyang finished his worship, he suddenly asked, "I wonder how much the abbot knows about the Buddha Guangxin?"

Master Zhikong laughed and said, "What's wrong? Do you like this Buddha?"

Wang Chongyang said, "Upon hearing his name, I feel a surge of joy and wish to know his deeds."

Master Zhikong shook his head and said, “If you ask such a question, I do not know. I have heard that he is the Buddha, but I do not know his deeds. Just as you said, ‘A true man does not reveal his appearance, and one who reveals his appearance is not a true man.’ This Buddha is extremely mysterious. However, you have a connection with the Buddha. Perhaps one day you will be able to meet this Buddha.”

Wang Chongyang smiled and nodded, without asking any further questions.

Master Zhikong then said, “Benefactor, please come with this old monk. There is a scripture pavilion in the temple, where Buddhist teachings are contained.”

Wang Chongyang readily agreed and went with Master Zhikong to study Buddhist teachings.

……

The words are spoken at Lingtai Fangcun Mountain, Xieyue Sanxing Cave, and Zhenren Jingshi.

Jiang Yuan sat cross-legged on the futon, his mind wandering to the heavens. Suddenly, he felt something, opened his eyes, and looked towards the southern continent of Jambudvipa.

The master quickly understood what was going on. He smiled and said, "Having gone through three lifetimes, he still knows my name. Chongyang is still Chongyang. Now that his worldly ties are severed, I should also go down the mountain to help him. When he understands, that will be the time for his return."

He got up and walked outside, arriving at the patriarch's meditation room.

The door to the patriarch's meditation room is wide open, as if waiting for the true master.

The immortal entered and received a grand salute.

The Patriarch smiled and said, “You have come here for Zhengwei. I already know about what has happened here. However, you do not need to worry about Zhengwei’s safety. Zhengwei has the Tianpeng Ruler given to him by Zhengyuan, which is enough to protect him.”

The master said, "Master, I am worried, so I wish to secretly protect him and ensure his safety in this world."

The patriarch designated a true person and said, "Child, this is a disorderly matter."

The Master smiled and said, “Master, I know that if I want to cultivate without falling into the sea of ​​suffering, I should not meddle in such matters. Everyone has their own path. However, Zhengwei, Zhengyuan, and Zhengci are my true disciples, and I cannot ignore them. If anyone deceives the three of you, I will certainly seek justice for them.”

The patriarch smiled and said, “You now have the air of a patriarch of a sect, but I will not say much to you. You can think about it in your own heart. Besides, even if you suffer harm, I will not hesitate to speak to you as you have said and seek justice for you. You can go out in peace. However, the reason I am stopping you today is that it is not yet time for you to cross over. You may as well wait a little longer.”

Upon hearing this, the master immediately bowed and agreed, knowing that the patriarch's words, "Wait a while," must have a deeper meaning.

The patriarch took out a chessboard and said, "Child, come and play a game with me. After this game is over, you can go and find Zhengwei."

Jiang Yuan responded, "If Master doesn't mind, then this disciple will play a game of chess with Master."

The patriarch smiled and said, "Why didn't you ask when the game would end and when we could go?" Jiang Yuan shook his head helplessly and said, "Master, when have I ever been so impatient?"

The patriarch laughed heartily and said no more, then played a game of chess with the real man.

……

Time flies, and more than half a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

Wang Chongyang spent his time studying Buddhism in Lanruo Temple, oblivious to the passage of time. Even Master Zhikong, upon seeing this, was deeply impressed by his unwavering resolve. Had it not been for his earlier statement that he wished to study the doctrines of the three schools of Buddhism, he would have intended to keep Wang Chongyang as a monk.

One day, Wang Chongyang was still reading Buddhist scriptures in the Sutra Repository.

Master Zhikong approached and, seeing Wang Chongyang's undivided mind, was deeply moved. He said, "If I possessed even a fraction of his mind, my cultivation would surely have made great progress. What is stillness? This is stillness!"

The two or three young monks behind him were puzzled, but they didn't say anything.

Master Zhikong walked inside.

Wang Chongyang remained motionless, engrossed in reading Buddhist scriptures.

Master Zhikong called out softly, which brought Wang Chongyang back to his senses.

Wang Chongyang rose and bowed, saying, "Abbot, please don't be offended. I was unaware of your arrival for a moment."

Master Zhikong clasped his hands together and smiled, “Benefactor, your mind is clear and you have naturally grasped the meaning of the highest good being like water. You are focused on studying Buddhist scriptures and are unaware of my presence. However, I have come not for any important matter, but because you have lost your appetite and are not drinking tea, I have come to give you some pointers so as not to harm your health.”

Wang Chongyang bowed again and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Abbot. I will take note."

Master Zhikong shook his head and said, "Don't say any more. Let's have some tea and food first, and then you can come back to read it later."

Wang Chongyang could not refuse and had no choice but to accept.

The two left and went to the back room.

Master Zhikong brought tea and rice, instructing Wang Chongyang to enjoy them.

Master Zhikong smiled and said, "These days I have only been able to eat vegetarian meals here, which has been unfair to you, benefactor."

Wang Chongyang shook his head and said, "What is there to complain about? What does it matter if it's vegetarian food or meat? It's all just to fill the stomach and allow the body to function."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhikong paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "What you have said is quite novel."

Wang Chongyang said, "That is the original intention. Vegetarian meals and meat dishes are all for this purpose. On the contrary, many grains and miscellaneous grains are even used by bad people to cultivate. Many grains and miscellaneous grains in the human world are made into delicious dishes. Eating them will only cause the Daoist heart to change and cause two or three kalpas to be born for no reason."

Master Zhikong gave Wang Chongyang a deep look.

Wang Chongyang asked, "Abbot, is there something wrong with what I said?"

Master Zhikong said, “What you say is not wrong, but I often see you speaking as someone who has not yet achieved enlightenment. Yet sometimes I see you speaking as someone who has deeply understood the Great Dao and has achieved enlightenment. It is rather strange.”

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "It was just a chance inspiration; I dare not say that I have achieved anything in my cultivation."

Master Zhikong said no more and invited Wang Chongyang to have tea and a meal.

Wang Chongyang ate tea and rice.

Master Zhikong then invited Wang Chongyang to discuss Buddhism.

Wang Chongyang readily agreed.

The two then went to the back room to discuss Buddhist teachings.

Master Zhikong said, “Benefactor, you have been studying Buddhist scriptures a lot lately. But first, tell me what you think of Buddhism. If there is anything wrong, I will explain it to you.”

Wang Chongyang bowed and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Abbot."

Master Zhikong clasped his hands together and asked Wang Chongyang to discuss the Dharma.

Wang Chongyang pondered for a moment and said, “I have studied much of the Buddha’s teachings, but much of it is here. Please listen to what I have to say, Abbot. The Buddha observed that all things in the world are suffering. Birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, resentment, not getting what one wants, and the five aggregates burning intensely—these eight sufferings follow us like a shadow. The root of suffering lies in the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance. Because of ignorance, we create karma and reap its consequences, thus transmigrating through the six realms. Therefore, to be free from suffering, one must sever the causes of suffering, cultivate morality, concentration, and wisdom, and extinguish greed and anger. The Buddha’s teachings are nothing more than this.”

“I have seen countless Buddhist scriptures in the library, and all my requests and actions are in accordance with this, which is exactly what was said at the beginning.”

"Abbot, have I said anything wrong?"

Say it.

Wang Chongyang looked at Master Zhikong.

Master Zhikong remained silent for a long time, then suddenly stood up, put his hands together, bowed to him, and said, “You have only been reading Buddhist scriptures for a little over half a month, yet you have such insight, which greatly surprises me. What you said is correct, and your words have fully expressed the true meaning of Buddhism.”

Wang Chongyang hurriedly replied, "I dare not, I dare not."

Master Zhikong said, “What you have said truly reveals the essence of Buddhism. I wonder if you are interested in becoming a monk and entering the Buddhist order? If you are willing, I would like to take you as my disciple. After my passing, you will become the abbot. What do you think?”

Wang Chongyang said, "Thank you for your kind offer, Abbot, but I am focused on learning the doctrines of the three schools and have no such intention."

Master Zhikong said, “Now that there is war and chaos outside, although the temple is cold and harsh, it is peaceful. If you are here, you will not be harmed and can even cultivate your magical powers.”

Wang Chongyang shook his head without hesitation and said, "However, the Dao is not here. I hope the abbot will forgive me."

Master Zhikong said with great regret, "In that case, please forgive me for speaking too much. I am truly surprised by your words."

Wang Chongyang said, "This is but a humble opinion."

Master Zhikong sighed and said, “If this is such a trivial understanding, what is the value of my Buddhist practice? Not getting what one desires is truly suffering.”

Wang Chongyang asked, "Abbot, is there something troubling you?"

Master Zhikong said, “Please forgive my ignorance, benefactor. Although I am the abbot of a temple, my cultivation is not very high. Furthermore, I cannot let go of the things in my heart, so I have not gained anything despite practicing hard for a long time.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Chongyang asked, "Why does the abbot say that he has not gained anything? I have seen that the abbot's cultivation is quite remarkable."

Master Zhikong smiled and said, "I have some cultivation, but it is the cultivation of the past. When I could not let go of my ego, I did not make progress. It has been like this all these years."

Wang Chongyang pondered for a moment and then asked, "I wonder if the abbot could tell me what is it that you cannot let go of?"

Master Zhikong smiled and said, "It is naturally a matter of emotion."

Wang Chongyang said, "Does the abbot also have someone he admires?"

Master Zhikong said, “I’m not afraid to laugh at you, but I did have someone I admired in the past. However, I had already entered the Buddhist order and failed to live up to many expectations, which is why I am now unable to get what I want and am deeply suffering and unable to extricate myself.”

(End of this chapter)