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

Poetry:

Enlightenment through Zen transcends worldly concerns; ancient inscriptions reveal hidden secrets.

One seal can encompass the principles of the three realms, and all demons can recognize the emptiness of the original mind.

It is said that Su Qingxuan meditated for seven days in the Wunian Cave of Dajue Temple, where he received enlightenment from the ancient Buddhist Zen spirit within. Golden inscriptions appeared hidden in the ancient wood in his bosom, and the essence of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism merged and harmonized in his dantian, making his foundation in Taoism increasingly perfect and transparent. The thirteen-year-old boy in a blue robe, who started his life in Jiangnan by farming and studying, had experienced the hardships of the mortal world, mastered the teachings of Confucianism and Taoism, and comprehended the principles of Zen. He had already stepped out of the shackles of worldly cultivation and touched the path to the unity of the three teachings.

Standing outside the Wunian Cave, the old monk Liaochen watched as Su Qingxuan slowly emerged, his eyes brimming with the harmonious essence of the three religions, clear and untainted by any worldly dust. He clasped his hands together, softly chanting a Buddhist mantra, his eyes filled with compassion and expectation. The old monk had cultivated diligently for nearly a century, his Buddhist practice having already reached the half-step into the realm of immortals. Yet, like Daoist Xuanqing of Langya Mountain, he was trapped by sectarianism and the barriers of different schools of thought, unable to make any progress for a hundred years. In the past year, he had lectured and transmitted the Dharma to Su Qingxuan, cleansed his mind, and tested his teachings within the cave. While it seemed like the old monk was guiding the young man, it was in reality a mutual learning process—the young man's harmonious blend of Confucianism and Daoism, his pure and unconventional Daoist heart, daily permeated the old monk's Zen mind, subtly loosening the bottleneck that had bound him for a century. Within Buddhist principles, the subtle beauty of the harmonious integration of Confucianism and Daoism was beginning to emerge.

The old monk knew deeply that the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth had no sectarian distinctions. Confucianism spoke of preserving the mind, Daoism of refining the mind, and Buddhism of understanding the mind; all methods ultimately returned to the one mind. In ancient times, there was an unparalleled master who integrated the three teachings with his own cultivation, almost achieving the supreme Dao of unifying the three teachings. Unfortunately, time had obscured his knowledge, the secret texts were lost, and later practitioners each held their own views, deepening sectarianism, and no one could ever recreate the glory of that time. Like Master Xuanqing, he was limited by his aptitude and could only glimpse the superficial aspects of the three teachings throughout his life, unable to truly integrate them. Su Qingxuan, on the other hand, was born with the spiritual roots of the three teachings and possessed the treasures left by ancient ancestors. He was the one destined to inherit the Dao, the only one capable of completing that unfinished feat of ten thousand years.

"Qingxuan, you have already grasped the principles of dependent origination and emptiness, and the Middle Way in Buddhist Zen. This old monk has taught you nothing more in the Dharma." Monk Liaochen's voice was calm, yet every word carried immense weight. "The path of cultivation is never about memorizing scriptures or rigidly adhering to Zen methods, but about understanding the Way with your heart and proving your heart through practice. You are born with a destiny and a great vow to save the world. You should return to the mortal world to hone your Daoist heart amidst the myriad phenomena of mountains and rivers and the myriad aspects of human life, thus verifying the principle that the three religions share the same origin."

Su Qingxuan bowed respectfully, his expression humble: "Master's year of teachings has enabled me to break through the Zen barrier and integrate the three teachings. Your kindness is like a second birth to me, and I will never forget it."

"It is by fate, there is no need for thanks." Monk Liaochen waved his hand, his gaze fixed on the Central Plains, a profound look flashing in his eyes. "This old monk has been trapped at the half-step human immortal stage for a hundred years. Now, thanks to your influence on my Dao heart, my bottleneck has been loosened. I will now be in seclusion in this Zen temple to await the right opportunity. Our karmic connection is not yet severed. When you achieve the supreme Dao of unifying the three teachings, this old monk still wishes to witness it with my own eyes, so as not to fail the compassionate mission of Buddhism to save all beings."

The old monk's words were cryptic, yet they contained boundless expectations. He knew that the opportune moment of heaven and earth had arrived, and Su Qingxuan's path to enlightenment was related to the liberation of countless beings from suffering and the attainment of happiness, and to the perfect return of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth. If he did not seize the opportunity to diligently improve his cultivation, and the young man one day reached the pinnacle, he would fall behind, and would no longer have the chance to protect this divine opportunity, nor the chance to witness that unprecedented spectacle.

Su Qingxuan understood, knowing his master's profound intentions. He said no more, bowed deeply to Monk Liaochen, and performed the three Confucian rituals: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. He then performed the Buddhist disciple's ritual, shouldered his bag, turned and walked away, bidding farewell to Dajue Temple and embarking on his journey eastward.

On this journey eastward, he did not return via the original route through the Western Regions, but instead chose a new route leading directly to Luoyang, the capital of the Great Xia Dynasty. Luoyang, located under the emperor's feet and in a land of unparalleled beauty, was a melting pot of cultural brilliance and a haven for renowned figures from the three religions. He wished to visit this bustling capital to witness the ultimate in human life and order, and to rediscover the true meaning of the unity of the three religions amidst the gathering of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist figures in the imperial court and the marketplace.

Leaving the mountains of the Western Regions, the Gobi Desert receded into the distance, the terrain gradually leveled out, and the vegetation became increasingly lush. The warm and mellow flavors of the Central Plains washed over them. Fields stretched out along the roadside, farmers toiled with hoes, smoke curled from village chimneys, and merchants and travelers came and went in an endless stream—a stark contrast to the desolate grandeur of the Western Regions, a scene of peace and prosperity. Su Qingxuan, dressed in a blue robe, walked steadily, traveling day and night, neither hurried nor slow. He ate when hungry, drank when thirsty, lent a helping hand to the suffering villagers, and engaged in brief discussions of righteousness with the cultivators of the three religions. His mind was peaceful, untouched by worldly clamor.

One day, as they traveled through a desolate wilderness, dusk fell and the setting sun, like blood, dyed the sky crimson. Ahead, hidden among the vegetation, stood a dilapidated ancient temple, its walls crumbling, rubble scattered everywhere, its gate crumbling, and its Buddha statues covered in dust. Long since devoid of any trace of incense, only a few ancient cypress trees, their branches strong and vigorous, having withstood the frost and snow, still stood tall, adding a touch of desolate antiquity to this deserted temple.

As dusk approached, Su Qingxuan decided to rest in the ancient temple until dawn. He slowly entered the temple, the gravel crunching under his feet. The weeds were knee-high, and the chirping of insects was mournful, creating a scene of desolation and ruin. Reaching the ruins of the main hall, he suddenly stopped, his gaze falling on the mottled wall—a few faded murals remained, their lines ancient and simple, depicting Vajrapani subduing demons. Though weathered by time and faded in color, they still exuded a majestic and righteous aura. Beside the murals were several lines of incomplete scripture, the characters blurred and covered in dust, making them difficult to decipher.

A slight stirring ran through the young man's heart. He recalled the ancestral bronze seal in his bosom and vaguely felt that the scriptures and murals on the broken wall seemed to have some inexplicable connection to him. He bent down and found a puddle of water, wet his sleeve, and gently wiped the dust off the broken wall, trying to discern the true appearance of the scriptures and murals.

The moment his fingertips touched the stone wall, the small bronze seal in his arms suddenly became hot. A warm, peaceful yet majestic aura emanated from the seal and flowed into the stone wall through his fingertips. In an instant, the runes on the crumbling wall, obscured by time, faintly emerged. The pale golden patterns intertwined with the murals and scriptures, resembling the ancient seal script on the bronze seal. In Su Qingxuan's eyes, they transformed into a clearly discernible profound meaning: suppression rather than killing, sealing within transcendence.

These eight words of truth strike the soul and resonate with the minds of young people.

He studied Confucianism from a young age, understanding "benevolence and forgiveness" as its core, refraining from harsh criticism and indiscriminate killing; later, he studied Taoism, understanding "tolerance" as its principle, following nature and transforming hostility; now, he understands Buddhism, recognizing "compassion" as its foundation, guiding all beings and resolving their attachments. These eight characters perfectly encapsulate the fusion of the three teachings: "Suppressing" refers to quelling chaos with force, not killing and slaughter; "Sealing" refers to restraining distress with law, not eradicating or eliminating; and "Guiding" refers to educating with the heart, transforming evil into righteousness, which is the fundamental principle.

Just then, footsteps sounded from outside the temple. A wandering monk, clad in a monk's robe and carrying a staff, slowly entered the ancient temple. The monk's face was dark and travel-worn, but his eyes shone like morning stars. Seeing Su Qingxuan standing before the crumbling wall, where runes flickered and the aura emanating from him resonated with the image of the Vajra Subduing Demon Seal, he immediately clasped his hands together, bowed deeply, and exclaimed in astonishment, "Excellent! Excellent! You, my esteemed guest, possess the true form and aura of the ancient Vajra Subduing Demon Seal! The inscription on this wall is a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist subduing demon seal. Even if ordinary cultivators observe it a thousand times, they would find it difficult to grasp its true meaning. That you, my esteemed guest, could elicit the manifestation of the runes is truly a divine favor!"

Su Qingxuan quickly composed himself and bowed in return, saying, "Master, you flatter me. I did it by chance and do not know what the Vajra Subduing Demon Seal is."

"This seal is an ancient treasure of Buddhism. It is not used to subdue demons with violence, but to deliver from suffering with compassion. It suppresses evil without killing, and seals with moderation. This is the true meaning of 'subduing demons.'" The wandering monk's gaze fell on Su Qingxuan's arms, his smile gentle. "The object you possess is no ordinary object. It contains the original form of the Daoist seal, possessing the power of harmonization, sealing, and salvation. It shares the same origin as the Confucian benevolence and the Buddhist compassion. The so-called 'subduing demons with force' in the world is merely the inferior method; the superior method is to educate and guide, and to influence with compassion. This is the supreme Dao."

Upon hearing this, Su Qingxuan felt a sense of clarity.

In the past, Hanshi Town used force to stop the fighting, which was to quell the chaos with power; the Demon-Locking Platform used benevolence to transform violence, which was to transform evil with the heart; today, peeking at the seal on the broken wall, we realize that the true meaning of subduing demons is not to kill them all or eradicate them completely, but to suppress their violent spirit, seal their viciousness, and finally to convert them with compassion, so that evil can return to righteousness and wickedness can turn to good.

Confucianism's principle of "repaying injustice with justice and kindness with kindness" is not about holding grudges, but about influencing others through benevolence and forgiveness; Taoism's principle of "following nature and harmonizing yin and yang" is not about condoning evil, but about transforming it through tolerance; Buddhism's principle of "compassionately saving all beings" is not about tolerating evil deeds, but about guiding and liberating them. While these three approaches may seem different, they are all ultimately about "education" rather than "killing," and "tolerance" rather than "opposition."

Seeing that he seemed lost in thought, the wandering monk knew that he possessed profound wisdom and said no more. He chanted a Buddhist prayer, turned and left, his figure gradually disappearing into the twilight of the wilderness. Su Qingxuan stood before the ruins, repeatedly reciting the eight characters "Suppressing without killing, sealing within salvation," thoroughly integrating the true meaning of Buddhist demon-subduing with the profound principles of Confucianism and Taoism. The small bronze seal in his bosom gradually calmed down, but a deeper thought was planted in his heart—this ancestral ancient seal was not only a Taoist tool for suppressing evil, but also a Confucian tool for harmonizing, and it also contained the origins of ancient Buddhist seals. Its sealing and salvation abilities might be an aid to his future cultivation and salvation of the world, and even more so, a key to exploring the secrets of his ancestors.

That night, Su Qingxuan meditated and regulated his breathing in the dilapidated ancient temple. The energy of the three religions flowed in harmony until dawn, when he set off again to continue his journey eastward.

As he traveled, the scenery of the Central Plains grew increasingly magnificent, with famous cities and great towns appearing one after another. Confucian academies, Taoist temples, and Buddhist monasteries stood in abundance, and the three religions blended together, showcasing the grandeur and splendor of the Great Xia Dynasty. Su Qingxuan's knowledge and understanding broadened along the way, and his Dao heart became clearer. However, he was unaware that due to his rapid advancement in cultivation and the smooth initial integration of the three religions, a very subtle sense of arrogance and superiority had quietly grown in his heart. This pride was not an intentional display of arrogance, but rather the complacency that a cultivator unconsciously develops in favorable circumstances. It was a subtle obsession with "I have thoroughly understood the three religions, and my Dao heart is unbreakable," hidden deep in his mind, unnoticed even by himself.

One day, they arrived at the foot of a famous mountain. The mountain was shrouded in mist and the spiritual energy was pure and peaceful. A thatched hut was hidden among the pine forest. An old monk sat cross-legged in front of the hut, closing his eyes to meditate. His whole body was filled with Zen spirit. Compared with the monk Liaochen of Dajue Temple, he was even more ethereal and otherworldly.

Seeing the old monk's extraordinary bearing, Su Qingxuan knew he was a reclusive master and immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully: "Junior Su Qingxuan, passing through this place, pays his respects to the master."

The old monk slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on Su Qingxuan. He smiled slightly and said, "Young friend, you have just begun to integrate Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, and your cultivation has progressed rapidly. However, you are unaware that the Illusionary Realm of Inner Demons is the best test of one's Dao heart. This old monk has set up the 'Illusionary Realm of Inner Demons' here, specifically to break a cultivator's obsessions and arrogance. Do you have the courage to enter and give it a try?"

Su Qingxuan's heart stirred. In the past, in front of Qingxu Temple on Langya Mountain, he had entered the Three Talents Illusion Array and broken the array with the Way of Non-Action and Nature. Now that the three religions have been integrated, his cultivation is even better than before. He wanted to test his own Dao heart and see how this Buddhist Illusion Array of the Heart Demon differed from the Daoist Three Talents Illusion Array. So he immediately replied, "This junior is willing to enter the illusion and test my Dao heart."

The old monk nodded, and with a flick of his finger, a pale golden portal appeared out of thin air. Within the portal, light and shadow shifted, and the atmosphere was obscure—it was the illusion of the inner demons. Su Qingxuan no longer hesitated and stepped into the portal.

The moment one enters the illusion, the surrounding scenery instantly changes, no longer the tranquility of the pine forest and thatched cottage, but endless darkness and chaos. Past fears, future obsessions, and the cries of all living beings sweep in like a tide, weaving together into a boundless illusion that directly disturbs the mind.

First, the image of Shen Wanshan's arrogant and servile face—breaking off the engagement and throwing silver at the family—appeared before his eyes, accompanied by the gossip and sympathetic discussions of his neighbors, filling him with a sense of humiliation. Then, the image of a raging flood, towering waves, and the piercing cries of starving and freezing victims, along with the corpses strewn across the Anfeng dike and the displaced people, came to mind. Next, the image of the northern border town appeared, where the garrison soldier Chen San died with resentment and loneliness, the heart-wrenching cries of the orphans in Hanshi Town, and the bloodshed of江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) feuds—all the suffering of the people came into view. Master Xuanqing said he had nothing left to teach, and Master Liaochen's figure gradually faded into the distance. Finally, the uncertainty of the future path, the difficulty of unifying the three religions, and the peril of the cataclysmic calamity turned into endless pressure, making it hard for him to breathe. Overwhelmed with bitterness and despair, he burst into tears...

The Confucian cultivation of "unmoved mind" was almost completely lost under the invasion of this boundless illusion. He felt his mind was in turmoil, his blood was surging, his previously steadfast Daoist heart was on the verge of collapse, and the aura of the fusion of the three teachings was almost dissipated. It was a hundred times more dangerous than the Three Realms Illusion Array in front of Qingxu Temple.

Just as his heart was about to crumble and all hope was extinguished, the ancient withered wood in his arms suddenly emitted a calm and warm aura, like an unchanging coordinate, like an inextinguishable lamp in the cold night, slowly seeping into his mind. The aura was neither fierce nor blazing, but it carried an indestructible power originating from his own heart, instantly stabilizing his chaotic mind and preserving the last bit of clarity.

The chaotic scenes in the illusion gradually dissipated, the darkness receded, and the light reappeared.

Su Qingxuan snapped back to reality, finding himself still standing before the thatched hut. The illusion had vanished, as if it had all been a dream. He was drenched in cold sweat, his clothes soaked through, his heart pounding wildly, and a chill ran through him.

Only then did he suddenly realize that his mastery of the three teachings was still far, far behind. While his foundation seemed solid and the three teachings initially integrated, a barely perceptible arrogance lurked within him—"I am benevolent and compassionate, my three teachings are perfectly integrated, my master has nothing more to teach, I am only one step away from my master's level..." This arrogance was the root of his inner demons, which, under special circumstances, would be amplified and expanded infinitely. If it weren't for the ancient withered tree releasing its aura at the crucial moment, calming his mind and spirit, he would have already lost his Dao heart and suffered a qi deviation, at best regressing in his cultivation, at worst completely destroying his foundation.

This arrogance and sense of superiority arise so subtly, so difficult to detect. On the path of spiritual practice, the hardest thing to overcome is not external demons or worldly tribulations, but inner pride—the higher one's cultivation and the more favorable circumstances one encounters, the easier it is to unconsciously breed arrogance; this is the greatest inner demon for a practitioner. The Buddhist concept of forbearance is not merely enduring humiliation, suffering, and criticism; a higher level of forbearance is facing praise, achievements, and progress in cultivation without a trace of pride, always maintaining a humble and pure heart.

Su Qingxuan was drenched in cold sweat. He sat with his head bowed, silently observing his inner self, carefully refining his mind and spirit, completely eliminating that trace of pride and arrogance, and regaining his humble and pure Dao heart. He knew that the path of cultivation was endless, and even with the initial integration of the three religions, it was only the beginning. He could not afford the slightest pride or complacency.

Seeing that he had awakened and overcome his inner demons, the old monk's eyes flashed with approval, and he slowly spoke: "How wondrous! You have a 'root' of attachment in your heart, yet you also possess a 'fundamental' transcendence. The warm aura that protected your mind just now seemed to be both a great vow and a pure heart, a unity of opposites, incomparable to anything else."

Su Qingxuan bowed deeply, filled with gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, Master. I have come to my senses and overcome my pride and arrogance."

"Pride and arrogance are unacceptable, but the desire to save all beings is indispensable. Attachment is not all evil; the power of vow is itself attachment." The old monk's voice was profound. "The sacred wood in your arms holds not ordinary attachment, but the supreme vow to save all beings. This great vow is both attachment and the true nature of mind; it is the foundation of the Bodhisattva's practice. What practitioners must break free from is the selfish attachment to self and the deluded attachment to pride, not the attachment to the vow to save all beings. The deeper the power of the vow, the firmer the true nature of mind, and only then can one traverse the mortal world and attain the Great Way."

Su Qingxuan was shocked and finally understood.

Buddhism teaches the breaking of attachment to self, not to deny all attachments, but to break free from selfish and self-serving thoughts (even helping others can be seen as satisfying and showcasing one's own nobility), and arrogant and conceited desires. The great vow to help the world and bring peace to all beings, arising from one's true heart, though seemingly an attachment, is the true heart and foundation of a practitioner, the driving force behind the unity of the three teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism). The actions of ancient sages and virtuous men were not trapped by attachments, but driven by supreme vows, practicing the conduct of bodhisattvas, protecting heaven and earth and all living beings. This power of vow is the source of a withered tree's ability to remain steadfast and focused. Through the guidance of this eminent monk, at this moment, he seemed to have grasped some of the secrets of his ancestors.

From then on, Su Qingxuan completely eliminated the pride and arrogance in his heart, and his Dao heart became more humble and pure. His cultivation of the three religions advanced to another level. His understanding of "attachment" and "original heart", "forbearance" and "humility" had surpassed that of ordinary cultivators and touched the origin of the Great Dao.

Seeing that his Daoist heart had reached perfection, the old monk said no more, clasped his hands together, and left. Su Qingxuan bowed deeply to the old monk, turned around, and continued eastward toward Luoyang.

The figure of the young man in green disappeared into the pine forest and clouds. After experiencing the ancient wall seal and breaking through the illusion, his path became clearer and clearer. The foundation of the unity of the three religions became more and more solid. The secrets of the three ancestral objects in his arms were also gradually revealed in the process of repeated trials.

It is:

The Daoist seal and Zen wisdom conceal salvation and transformation; the surging waves of the illusory sea shatter delusions and attachments.

Do not think that your cultivation is complete; only by being free from pride and arrogance can you truly move forward.