Under One Person: My Inner Realm Connects to All Worlds!

Chapter 79 The Buddha of Emptiness

Upon hearing this, Han Yun pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Master, you are kind and benevolent. I will do my best. If I have the opportunity to find the method of polychrome sculpture, I will definitely send it back to Shuanglin Temple."

The old monk looked pleased and took out a roll of yellowed silk from the scriptures, solemnly handing it to Han Yun.

"This is the 'Secret Essentials of Vajra Blessing,' which records the techniques of blessing with vows studied by eminent monks of our temple throughout the ages. You are naturally intelligent and will surely be able to comprehend its mysteries."

Han Yun accepted the silk cloth with both hands. It was covered with scriptures written in both Sanskrit and Chinese, interspersed with some forbidden patterns painted in gold lacquer.

After a brief perusal, he found the Buddhist method of the flow of vows contained within to be quite exquisite.

The so-called blessing method is actually divided into three parts.

Firstly, the power of incense and prayer is collected and refined. This power is formless and intangible, but ultimately it is a kind of spiritual power that requires special tools to carry it, such as gloves for a divine mask.

This blessing technique involves finding a vessel, such as a bowl, a wooden fish, or a copper bell, regardless of its shape, and then using a recording method to capture the power of incense and vows. Finally, it involves sealing the power within the vessel using a restrictive method.

Secondly, it purifies the power of incense and vows, which can also be called salvation. People's thoughts are complicated, and material desires are rampant and mixed together, making it really difficult to separate them.

They cannot distinguish between good and bad wishes and aspirations, so they can only use Buddhism to transform those complicated desires and make them into a state of emptiness and freedom.

By drawing upon the core ideas of the Diamond Sutra, which states that all phenomena are illusory and one should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind, one can recite Buddhist scriptures and mantras, thereby influencing and assimilating the incense and aspirations carried in the objects through one's own overflowing spiritual influence.

As material desires decrease, the proportion of people's mental energy devoted to their preconceived notions about gods and spirits will increase, and once it reaches a certain level, it will become a reality.

In this respect, Taoism and Buddhism are similar, except that Taoism involves reciting scriptures like the Qingjing Jing (Scripture of Purity and Tranquility), while each school has its own classic texts.

Thirdly, the incense that has been purified is incorporated into the object to be refined, guided by one's own spiritual power, much like a brush dipped in ink, creating various wondrous things.

One's own spiritual power is like that writing brush, or like the lead horse in a herd, guiding the other spiritual powers in that direction.

In summary, this is what is known as blessing.

A true word is passed on, and a thousand volumes of books are falsely passed on.

They speak in such mysterious and cryptic language, using Buddhist esoteric terms, talking about blessing or something else. It's no wonder you can't figure out the underlying principles.

"Thank you, Master."

After copying down the secret method, Han Yun carefully handed the silk cloth back.

The old monk looked at Han Yun and suddenly asked, "What are your plans next, benefactor?"

Han Yun smiled and said, "My purpose in coming here is to travel around and seek out ancient sites. Since Shanxi Province has such a treasure as Shuanglin Temple, there must be other mysterious places there. I plan to stay a few more days."

The old monk nodded: "In that case, you might as well go to Mount Wutai."

"Mount Wutai?" Han Yun raised an eyebrow.

"good."

The old monk slowly said, "Mount Wutai is the sacred site of Manjushri Bodhisattva and a holy Buddhist place. The opportunities it contains are far beyond what Shuanglin Temple can offer. If you are destined, you may be able to gain something from it."

Han Yun's heart stirred, and he cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

The old monk returned the greeting with his palms together: "It is the way of fate, so please don't stand on ceremony."

After talking for a while, Han Yun saw that it was getting light and got up to take his leave.

The old monk escorted him to the temple gate, and as he was leaving, he suddenly said, "Benefactor, the cause and effect in this world are mysterious and profound. You are involved in many things, so please act with caution."

Han Yun paused, turned back and smiled, "Master, rest assured, I know what I'm doing." The old monk watched his figure disappear into the night, murmured a Buddhist chant, and turned back to the temple.

------

After leaving Shuanglin Temple, Han Yun began to plan his next trip.

Wutai Mountain is a must-visit, but not now. What other famous mountains and historical sites in Shanxi Province are worth visiting?
Finally, Han Yun decided that Mianshan Mountain was his destination.

Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist harmoniously in Mianshan, forming a unique landscape of nine miles and eighteen bends, and twenty-four small temples dedicated to the gods.

It is also the core practice site of Tian Zhichao, the first Han Chinese to attain Buddhahood. It is said that after his death, he was given the title of Buddha of Emptiness.

In Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha of Emptiness is described as one of the thousand Buddhas of the past, an ancient patriarch Buddha whose status is higher than that of the seven Buddhas of the past.

It appeared earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha, and is revered as the common patriarch of both, as well as the patriarch of the Mahayana Bodhicitta teachings and the Bodhisattva path.

Although this person's name is not widely known, his status is much higher than that of the well-known monk Daoji.

Moreover, the Daluo Palace was built on Mianshan Mountain.

Above the Three Pure Ones is called the Great Luo.

Legend has it that Jie Zitui once lived in seclusion with his mother in Mianshan Mountain, where he saw: Above the Three Pure Ones, there is Yujing Mountain, on which seven precious trees cover the eight directions of the heavens, called the highest realm of Taoism, "Daluo Immortal Realm".

In such a place, Taoism and Buddhism are simultaneously vying for power. Can you say it has no secrets?

Heading south from Pingtao, you'll reach Mianshan Mountain.

The scenery of Mianshan Mountain is absolutely stunning. Its shape resembles a coiled dragon or snake, with flying eaves and brackets faintly visible amidst the swirling clouds and mist. Han Yun slowly ascended the blue stone steps, the sounds of bells and chimes reaching his ears, blending with the mountain streams and adding to the tranquility.

When he reached the mountainside, he suddenly saw a Taoist priest in a gray robe leaning against a pine tree, holding a whisk, and smiling at him.

"This layman, are you from the north?" The Taoist's voice was clear and melodious, as if carrying the fresh air of the mountains.

Han Yun bowed respectfully: "Daoist Master, you have discerning eyes. I am merely passing through this blessed land and have come to pay my respects to the magnificent scenery of the three religions."

The Taoist priest lightly swept his whisk, and pine needles fell in a flurry: "What a coincidence! I am on my way to preach at the Great Luo Palace. If you are interested, you may come with me."

The two walked up the winding stone path.

The Taoist priest introduced himself as surnamed Li, an attendant of the Daluo Palace, and spoke with great familiarity about the history and stories of the mountains. When they reached a cliff, Taoist Li suddenly stopped and pointed to the hall that was faintly visible in the clouds opposite: "Please look, layman, that is the Hall of the True Body of the Void King Buddha."

Han Yun stared intently, and suddenly felt a slight heat between his brows.

In a daze, I seemed to see golden light flowing in front of the hall, and I immediately felt the emptiness and naturalness in my heart, as if all my sins and obstacles were being washed away and immeasurable blessings were gathering.

Just as he was about to take a closer look, Li Daoshi's whisk blocked his view: "Layman, do not look directly at the Buddha's light. The true body of the Buddha of Emptiness is enshrined here. Be careful not to become attached to appearances."

Just then, an old woodcutter carrying a bamboo basket came walking around the corner of the mountain path.

Taoist Li quickly bowed and asked, "Uncle Sa, why have you come down the mountain today?"

The old woodcutter laughed heartily, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth: "The palace is short of a few herbs, so I'll go take a stroll in the back mountain."

As he spoke, he glanced at Han Yun a few times, then suddenly leaned closer and asked, "Young friend, you smell of sandalwood from Shuanglin Temple. Have you seen that old bald monk Minghui?"

(End of this chapter)