The Three Teachings Converge into One: The Path of the Mortal and the Saintly is the Same

Poetry:

The meaning of the Mingtang is profound, and its explanations are frequent; suddenly, I am startled by the old cause in the eyebrows and eyes.

A single thought in my mind connects to the past, and ten thousand years of dust have been sealed for you alone.

Meanwhile, Su Qingxuan wrote the word "tradition" on the blackboard.

The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, the structure is elegant and spacious, and a scholarly air emanates from it.

After finishing writing, he turned to face the students, his gaze slowly sweeping across the entire room once more.

When his gaze inadvertently swept over Xiao Lingxi by the window,

Lin Wanqing in the middle, Chi Ying in the back row,

When Xiao Lingyue was by the corridor.

For some reason, my heart started acting up without warning.

It jumped hard!

The feeling came suddenly and intensely, like a boulder being thrown into a calm lake.

It's like a dusty ancient zither, touched by an unseen hand.

It touched the deepest chord in my heart.

A strange mix of sadness, warmth, and longing...

There was also a trace of... sharp pain, mixed with emotions.

It surged forth, instantly overwhelming his senses.

He even swayed slightly, instinctively grabbing the edge of the podium for support.

The students in the audience did not notice anything unusual, assuming that Professor Su was preparing to begin his speech.

Only those four women, in the fleeting moment Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over them...

I also felt a slight dizziness at the same time...

Xiao Lingxi felt her breath catch in her throat, and her vision seemed to blur for a moment...

It's as if I can see the person on the podium, their clothes fluttering in the breeze.

The background is a fairyland with pavilions shrouded in clouds and mist.

But upon closer inspection, it was still that young professor in a Zhongshan suit.

She was secretly surprised. Had she stayed up late reading medical books last night and her eyesight deteriorated?

Lin Wanqing's heart skipped a beat, as if she had been stabbed by something sharp.

Then I was quickly enveloped by a gentle emotion.

The professor's eyes... were clearly clear and gentle.

Why did she feel that deep in those eyes,

It seems to carry the vicissitudes and sorrow accumulated over ten thousand years of wind and frost?

The absurd thought made her laugh at herself; he was only twenty-eight years old.

Chi Ying reacted the most directly; she tensed her back almost instantly.

That was the body sensing the presence of some kind of "kind".

The instinctive reaction when threatened.

But she clearly didn't see anything from that refined professor.

Feel any hostility or force

On the contrary... there's a strange urge to follow and protect?

She frowned, attributing it to...

One's oversensitive battlefield intuition leads to misjudgment in unfamiliar environments.

Xiao Lingyue's feelings were the most mysterious.

As Su Qingxuan's gaze swept over her, the sandalwood prayer beads on her wrist seemed to warm slightly.

A faint, distant sigh rose from the depths of my heart.

It was as if they had traveled through endless time and space.

She stared blankly at the person on the podium, for a fleeting moment...

I felt an urge to cry, but I didn't know where the sorrow came from...

Su Qingxuan quickly composed himself and suppressed the strange tremor in his heart.

He had never lost his composure like this in all his years of coaching.

Is it because you've been too tired from writing papers for conferences lately?

He took a deep breath and his face regained its calm and gentle smile.

Let's get straight to the point:

"Today is the first lecture of our course, 'The Essence of Traditional Chinese Culture of the Great Xia Dynasty'."

I think we shouldn't rush into specific classic texts.

They didn't rush to trace the historical development of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

His voice calmed down, taking on a captivating magnetism.

"Let's start by talking about what 'tradition' means."

"We are sitting here right now, wanting to understand..."

What exactly is this "tradition" of learning?

He pointed to the words on the blackboard:

"The word '传' means to pass on or to continue."

"The character '统' means 'lineage' or 'guiding principles'."

"Tradition, simply put, is what we inherit from our predecessors."

And those things that need to be maintained and passed down.

"So, what is it that is worth passing down from generation to generation?"

Why take on, maintain, and pass it on with such solemnity?

Su Qingxuan paused, then glanced at the audience again.

This time, he deliberately ignored the four figures that made his heart pound.

Focus on your own story.

"Are they those yellowed ancient books? Or the bronzes, jade cong, and terracotta figurines in the museum?"

Are they ancient rituals, customs, or festivals?

It's still those things that seem out of place in modern life.

"Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness," "tranquility and non-action," and "loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity?"

He posed a series of questions, but didn't rush to answer them.

Instead, he stepped down from the podium and slowly strolled down the aisle.

Giving students time to think also brings us closer to them...

.........

"Let's look at history first."

Su Qingxuan slowly returned to the podium and started operating the computer.

A complex timeline appeared on the projection screen.

From the ancient primordial era to the present-day Great Xia Kingdom.

Major events, dynastic changes, and schools of thought are clearly marked.

"From Fuxi drawing the trigrams, Yandi tasting herbs, Huangdi establishing the tripod..."

The abdication of the emperor by the three generations of sage emperors, including Yao;

From the rituals and music of the Yu, Yin and Shang dynasties to the unification of the Xia dynasty, the written language was standardized and the axle width of carts was standardized.

From the Jian'an and Taikang eras, to the Jinghe and Prosperous Ages, to the Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism and Enlightenment Thought in Tianshui;

From a century of humiliating struggle in modern times to the resurgence and rise of Great Xia today...

The civilization on this land spans at least 100,000 years.

Historical records with written accounts date back over 60,000 years.

His voice wasn't loud, but it had a penetrating quality.

It takes everyone's thoughts into the vast river of time.

"How many dynasties have risen and fallen in this long history?"

How many systems have been created and then abolished?

How many technological inventions have become obsolete?

How many trends of thought have risen and then fallen silent?

Towers and pavilions have become ruins, palaces and mansions have turned to dust.

Emperors and generals have all turned to dust, and bustling cities are now buried under weeds.

Su Qingxuan's tone carried a sense of historical desolation.

"So, what exactly is it that has traversed all of life, existence, change, and destruction?"

It continues to this day, still flowing in our blood.

Resonate within us, become us.

Why is this considered a deeper identifier of the "Great Xia People"?

The classroom was completely silent as the students fell into deep thought.

Xiao Lingxi thought of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic...

The wisdom of "the ancients who understood the Dao followed the principles of Yin and Yang and harmonized with the arts of numerology"

Even after tens of thousands of years, it still guides her medical practice.

Lin Wanqing thought of those ancient books,

The reflections on humanity, ethics, and society contained within it remain profoundly insightful and thought-provoking even today.

Chi Ying thought, "War is a matter of vital importance to the state, a matter of life and death."

Awe of the "path to survival and destruction"

How similar this is to the duties of soldiers today!

Xiao Lingyue thought of the Buddhist teachings of "dependent origination and emptiness" and "equality of all beings."

Transcending time, it speaks directly to the core of people's hearts.

"Objects decay, systems change, and technologies are updated."

Su Qingxuan stood in the center of the podium, his gaze clear and bright.

"But some things seem to be more fundamental."

It's a way of looking at the world, understanding life, and finding peace of mind.

It is a measure of value judgment, a dimension of spiritual aspiration.

It is embodied in the vigorous and enterprising spirit of "As heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-improvement";

This is embodied in the inclusive and magnanimous spirit of "The earth is receptive; so a virtuous person should carry the world with broad-mindedness";

This is embodied in the harmonious pursuit of "following the natural way";

This is embodied in the wisdom of life embodied in the concept of "the highest good is like water."

This is embodied in the profound sentiments of "loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity";

This is embodied in the transcendent pursuit of "enlightenment and seeing one's true nature."

"These are perhaps the most core, living soul of 'tradition'."

It is not a rigid dogma, nor is it a template that must be revived.

Rather, it is a spiritual gene, a "mental formula" of civilization.

It shaped our nation's unique way of thinking.

Emotional patterns, aesthetic tastes, ethical concepts...

It allows us to face nature...

It favors harmony between humanity and nature over conquest and plunder.

When dealing with interpersonal relationships,

It emphasizes "benevolence," "forgiveness," and "trustworthiness," rather than purely calculating interests;

When considering the individual and the collective

It emphasizes the progressive responsibility of "cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world";

When encountering difficulties,

They often possess the wisdom to advance and retreat in the principle of "cultivating one's own virtue when poor, and benefiting all under heaven when successful";

In terms of artistic aesthetics,

Pursuing "artistic conception", "spirit", and "blank space"...

Su Qingxuan's narration is rich in references and connects the past and present.

It possesses both a grand historical perspective and a delicate cultural understanding.

He not only cited Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist classics,

It also mentions poetry, songs, calligraphy, painting, architecture, gardens, traditional Chinese medicine, and martial arts...

Interpreting "tradition" as a three-dimensional, rich,

A vibrant, organic whole.

The students in the audience listened with rapt attention.

Many people buried themselves in their books, writing furiously, afraid of missing a single word.

Xiao Lingxi's eyes sparkled with wonder.

Professor Su incorporates the principles of medicine into the perspective of the "mental cultivation" of civilization.

This gave her a deeper understanding of what she had learned.

Lin Wanqing felt a strong resonance.

Professor Su's grasp of spirit, civilization, and continuity

This coincides with her insights gained from studying ancient books.

Although Chi Ying was not very familiar with some academic terms.

But that interpretation of the spirit of "chivalry," "loyalty," and "responsibility" stirred her blood.

Xiao Lingyue gently twirled her prayer beads, reflecting Professor Su's emphasis on the "mind-nature" aspect of Buddhism.

It resonates deeply with her reflections on the essence of religion over the years.

"certainly,"

Su Qingxuan changed the subject, his tone becoming calm and rational.

"We must acknowledge that traditions are gradually accumulated and formed under each specific historical circumstance."

It inevitably carries certain limitations of its time.

Some of these are ignorant and superstitious dregs that we need to analyze and discard with the perspective of modern civilization.

When we talk about tradition and inheritance, we are not talking about replicating the past.

It is not about rejecting the achievements of other civilizations.

On the contrary, true tradition and inheritance,

It is about "inheriting the core cultural heritage and developing innovatively."

He operated the computer, and many modern scenes appeared on the projector:

Young people wearing "summer-style" uniforms attended the graduation ceremony.

Modern architecture that blends classical elements

Restoring ancient music using AI technology

Applying Zen meditation concepts to psychotherapy

Enterprises apply the concept of "benevolent governance" to management...

"Let ancient wisdom engage in dialogue with modern society."

Responding to the spiritual confusion of modern people and contributing to the improvement of modern civilization.

This is the true vitality of tradition.

Su Qingxuan concluded.

"It should be like salt dissolving in water, invisible and colorless, yet it can make the soup more flavorful;

Like roots deeply embedded in the soil, unseen yet enabling trees to flourish.

Learning traditional culture is not about turning us into ancient people.

Rather, it allows us to become more profound and spiritually clear.

Modern people with a broader perspective.

"And perhaps this is also the reason why our course..."

In today's world of rapid technological advancement and abundant material resources...

But in an era of anxiety, loss of meaning, and confusion of values...

This offers only a small amount of thought and inspiration.

After he finished speaking, the classroom was silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic and sustained applause.

The applause wasn't just for the professor's excellent lecture.

It is also about that deep affection, rationality, and confidence in one's own civilization.

Su Qingxuan smiled and nodded in greeting, his gaze casually sweeping over the audience once again.

This time, he saw the four women clearly.

The young woman in blue by the window had clear, focused eyes, exuding the tranquility and wisdom of a healer.

The young woman in white in the middle had a cool and aloof demeanor, exuding a scholarly air, and her eyes sparkled with contemplation and resonance.

The short-haired woman in green in the back row sat upright, her eyes sharp yet searching.

The woman in the plain robe by the corridor had a compassionate and serene expression, her fingertips lightly twirling Buddhist prayer beads.

That heart-pounding feeling again!

But it was much milder than before; instead, it was...

A strange sense of familiarity and warmth, as if...

Were they supposed to be old acquaintances?

The four women, the moment Su Qingxuan's gaze fixed on them,

And once again, I felt that deep within my soul, that string was gently plucked.

Xiao Lingxi felt that the professor's eyes were as gentle as an older brother's.

Lin Wanqing felt that his gaze was as deep as an ancient well.

Chi Ying felt that deep within those eyes lay a weight and resilience she couldn't fathom.

Xiao Lingyue seemed to see her fellow cultivators from countless lifetimes...

The bell rang, and Su Qingxuan announced the end of get out of class.

But many students did not leave immediately; instead, they rushed to the podium, wanting to ask questions or exchange ideas.

Su Qingxuan patiently answered each question.

Xiao Lingxi packed up her books and hesitated for a moment.

She has a passage from the "Four Qi Regulating the Spirit" chapter of the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic).

"Nourish Yang in spring and summer, nourish Yin in autumn and winter."

Doubts regarding its connection to the Taoist concept of "following the natural course"

I would like to ask Professor Su for advice.

She took a deep breath, picked up her notebook, and walked to the podium.

Lin Wanqing closed her laptop and stood up.

Her master's thesis included a section on the absorption of Buddhist theories of "mind and nature" into Neo-Confucianism.

There are still some doubts about the understanding of several key points.

Professor Su touched on this topic in his lecture, and she would like to ask him for more detailed information.

She also walked towards the podium.

Chi Ying stretched her wrists; she didn't have any academic problems.

But Professor Su concluded with a few words about "traditional spirit and modern responsibility".

She was eager to meet this insightful scholar.

She was a straightforward person by nature, so she got up and walked forward.

Xiao Lingyue checked the time.

She came today not only to attend the lecture, but also to make initial contact with the Religious Affairs Bureau.

Professor Su's assertion regarding the essence of religious "mind philosophy"

This aligns well with the bureau's work direction of "guiding religions to adapt to socialist society."

She wanted to have a brief conversation with Professor Su in her personal capacity first.

So she picked up her notebook and walked to the podium.

And so, four women from different directions, complete strangers to each other, came together.

Under the guidance of an invisible force,

They arrived in front of Su Qingxuan almost simultaneously...

It is:

She stood gracefully on the podium, seemingly a figure from a past life entering a dream.

Do not ask who I am in this life, for my heart is bound to me by a single thread, and I will always find peace.