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

Poetry:

The morning mist gathers fragrance and moistens the courtyard; at the morning window, I recite the Heart Sutra and gain enlightenment.

Wandering through the bustling city and observing all walks of life, I began to realize that all living beings are guided by the Tao.

In the early summer of the third year of the Jinghe era, the morning mist in Jiangnan always carried a unique freshness. Just as dawn broke and the pale white of the east pierced the clouds, Qingxi Town slowly awoke in the thin mist. The light in the Su family courtyard was always the first to be lit in the whole town, like a star in the dark night, illuminating the old osmanthus tree and the young man in a blue robe in the courtyard, becoming the most peaceful scene in the Jiangnan water town.

Since his encounter with the hermit in the rain, the enlightenment he received from the old man at the ferry, and the personal transmission of the "Confucian Mind Method" from his father, Su Qingxuan's cultivation has entered a completely new realm. Although he still reads Confucian classics and practices the Confucian Mind Method, the seeds of the integration of the three teachings have taken root in his heart. The Confucian mindset, the Taoist mindset, and the Buddhist mindset are not ethereal images, but rather, with his daily practice, they transform into a vast and righteous energy flowing through his dantian, a faint and pure aura surrounding his body, and a clear and insightful light in his eyes. His daily routine has become increasingly regular and rigorous, like the tolling of an ancient bell, precise to the second, refining his character and solidifying his foundation in the mundane world between dawn and dusk.

The morning mist hadn't yet dissipated when the moisture from the Qingxi River drifted into the courtyard on the wind, carrying the faint fragrance of old osmanthus and the fresh scent of the vegetable patch, slowly spreading through the air. Following the custom of rising at cockcrow, Su Qingxuan washed his hands, rinsed his mouth, and straightened his clothes, his movements gentle yet meticulous. His faded coarse blue robe, slightly damp from the morning mist, remained neat and crisp, a testament to Liu Shi's daily care in washing and drying it.

He gently swept the courtyard with a bamboo broom, the tip brushing across the fallen leaves and dust on the bluestone slabs, neither too fast nor too slow. When he reached the old osmanthus tree, he noticed raindrops from the previous night had fallen beside its roots, where several new buds of moss had sprouted. He then carefully swept away the moss, only sweeping the fallen leaves, without breaking branches or disturbing insects. Every action he took conformed to the principle of moderation, the doctrine of "too much is as bad as too little," and also subtly aligned with the Daoist principle of "following nature." After sweeping the courtyard, he burned incense and washed his hands. He then sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion under the osmanthus tree, regulating his breathing and concentrating his mind according to the "Confucian Mind Method."

With each inhale, he draws the pure and ethereal energy of heaven and earth into his dantian, merging it with the righteous Confucian energy within his body; with each exhale, he expels the turbid energy from his body, exchanging the impure for the pure, expelling the old and taking in the new. With each breath, he can perceive the scene in the courtyard—the unfolding of the old osmanthus branches and leaves, the sprouting of the vegetables in the vegetable patch, the flow of water vapor in the morning mist, even the swishing of the fish swimming by the clear stream and the flapping of the wings of the neighbor's rooster—all enter his mind and spirit, merging seamlessly with his own breath.

The concept of "harmony between man and nature," which can only be understood intuitively, seems to have found its way here. The Confucian saying, "All things are complete within me," is not an empty doctrine, but clear evidence of the connection between the heart and the universe. The righteous energy within my dantian has become more mellow and profound. The dormant bronze ancestral seal, nourished by the spiritual energy of the three religions, trembles slightly and emits a very soft hum, like the first tolling of an ancient bell, echoing the great Dao of heaven and earth. The withered tree branch also quietly rises with a faint white light, merging with the soft hum of the bronze seal, with the Confucian energy and spiritual energy, like spring rain nourishing seedlings, quietly growing.

Having settled his breathing, Su Qingxuan rose and entered his study. The soft morning light illuminated the copy of "The Doctrine of the Mean" on his desk, the fragrance of ink mingling with the refreshing morning mist, creating the most captivating atmosphere of the morning. He sat upright before his desk and softly recited, his clear voice piercing through the morning mist, drifting out of the alleyways, and slowly echoing in the morning breeze of Jiangnan: "What Heaven imparts to man is called human nature; to follow this nature is called the Way; the cultivation of the Way is called education. The Way is something that cannot be separated from for even a moment; if it can be separated from, it is not the Way."

As he recited, he compared the principles in the book with his own cultivation and daily insights. Destiny is the innate nature bestowed by Heaven and Earth; following one's nature is acting in accordance with one's heart and aligning with the Great Way; cultivating the Way is cultivating oneself to remain on the righteous path. But where is the Way? In my morning breaths, in the gentle sweeping of leaves in the courtyard, in my humble interactions with others, in my heart when alone in the dark, is the Way there?

Reading the passage, "A gentleman is cautious about what he cannot see, and fearful of what he cannot hear. Nothing is more visible than what is hidden, and nothing is more manifest than what is minute. Therefore, a gentleman is watchful over himself when he is alone," Su Qingxuan felt a pang of sorrow. In solitude, when no one is watching or observing, one's true nature and virtue are most clearly revealed. It is easy to observe propriety in public, but difficult to guard one's heart in private; it is easy to do good in public, but difficult to maintain good deeds in private. He secretly resolved that from then on, no matter what circumstances he found himself in, he would always uphold the principle of self-discipline in solitude, cultivate the virtue of his heart, and never deceive himself in secret or in his true self.

After finishing his morning reading, Su Qingxuan put away his books and arranged his writing implements, leaving his desk as tidy as ever. Pushing open the door, he saw that most of the morning mist had dissipated, the rising sun casting golden rays into the courtyard, making the old osmanthus branches and leaves appear even greener, the vegetables in the vegetable patch shimmering with golden light, and the ancient books on the stone table exuding the weight of time.

Su Wenyuan had just returned from outside when he saw his son standing in the morning light, exuding an aura of uprightness and tranquility typical of Confucian scholars, with a hidden glint of wisdom in his eyes. Knowing that his morning reading must have yielded new insights, he slowly stepped forward and smiled, "Qingxuan, have you finished your morning reading?"

"Yes, Father." Su Qingxuan bowed respectfully.

"Today is fine, without rain or dust, perfect for an outing." Su Wenyuan stroked his long beard, his gaze gentle. "Now that you wish to understand Confucianism and solidify your foundation, you cannot confine yourself to your study all day, seeking principles only in books. The way of the Confucian is to read ten thousand books, but also to travel ten thousand miles; to observe the world and all things, but also to observe the myriad aspects of human life. In the marketplace, you will find the most vibrant human hearts and the most genuine lives of ordinary people. Go out and see for yourself, observe righteousness amidst the everyday life, and cultivate your mind among all living beings. This will greatly benefit your spiritual practice."

Su Qingxuan's heart stirred, and he bowed and replied, "Your son obeys."

He deeply understood his father's meaning. A Confucian scholar's self-cultivation is not about isolating oneself behind closed doors, but about investigating things to gain knowledge and understanding the ways of the world; a Confucian scholar's service to the world is not about empty talk, but about knowing the hardships of the people and understanding the warmth and coldness of human hearts. The humiliation of being annulled showed him the fickleness of human nature; the enlightenment at the ferry crossing made him realize that everyone should have their place; meeting the old man in the rain gave him his first glimpse into the common origins of the three religions? And the myriad aspects of life in the marketplace may be the next lesson on his path of self-cultivation—understanding people's hearts and comprehending the common people is the only way to truly practice the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. As for the profound mysteries of Taoism and Buddhism, one can only wait for the right conditions; there is no need to rush.

After a quick breakfast, Madam Liu packed Su Qingxuan's simple luggage, including a few ancient books, an inkstone, a writing brush, some coarse cloth, and some snacks. She instructed him, "Be careful on the road, go early and come back early, don't stay out in the cold, and don't cause trouble."

"Mother, rest assured, I will remember this." Su Qingxuan bowed and agreed, then bid farewell to his parents, shouldered his bag, and slowly walked out of the Su family courtyard toward the market in the center of Qingxi Town.

Although Qingxi Town is just a small town in the Jiangnan water region, it is located at a vital waterway and land route, serving as a necessary passage between Pingjiang Prefecture and surrounding counties, and its market has always been bustling. After the start of summer, as the busy farming season begins, villagers, merchants, artisans, and peddlers from all around gather here. The sounds of hawking, laughter, bargaining, and the clatter of carts and horses intertwine, creating the most vibrant and lively scene of human life.

Su Qingxuan walked aimlessly, neither buying anything nor seeking companions, simply observing the crowd. Dressed in a coarse blue robe, he was young, but tall and imposing, unlike ordinary children. He exuded a quiet, scholarly air, blending seamlessly into the surrounding clamor. Passersby cast kind glances at him, nodding or smiling in acknowledgment; no one treated him with disrespect—the people of Qingxi Town had already witnessed the Su family youth's character and stature from the annulment of his engagement.

He first saw a beggar huddled in a street corner by the river, ragged and emaciated, holding a chipped bowl, bowing and pleading with passersby, his eyes filled with sorrow and helplessness. Su Qingxuan stopped, a thought stirring in his heart, recalling his father's teachings of "the benevolent love others." He took a piece of pastry from his bag and gently placed it in the beggar's bowl, saying softly, "Old man, have something to eat."

The beggar was taken aback. Looking up, he saw the young man's handsome features and gentle demeanor, and quickly cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you, young master! Thank you, young master!"

Su Qingxuan nodded slightly, turned around, and continued walking. He possessed no arrogance of charity, but rather, with a righteous and peaceful heart, he saw the suffering of all beings and felt compassion. The benevolence of a Confucian scholar is not a condescending act of charity, but an empathy that extends from oneself to others; it is not a momentary act of kindness, but an enduring and fundamental principle.

Walking to the center of the market, they saw an elderly farmer with graying temples, carrying a full load of vegetables, standing at the bridgehead calling out his wares. The farmer's back was slightly hunched, his hands were calloused, and his voice was hoarse, yet he still called out energetically, "Fresh vegetables, just picked from the field, one coin a bunch, don't miss out!" But passersby hurried by, and few stopped. Su Qingxuan noticed beads of sweat sliding down the old farmer's face, so he stepped forward and said softly, "Sir, I'll buy a bunch."

The old farmer was overjoyed and thanked him profusely, handing him a handful of the tenderest greens. Su Qingxuan paid a coin, took the greens, and said, "Old man, it's hot today, don't tire yourself out."

The old farmer thanked him repeatedly, and watching the boy's retreating figure, he sighed, "What a good child! He's so considerate, much better than many young people."

Su Qingxuan continued on his way and saw a wealthy silk merchant, dressed in a brocade robe and jade belt, accompanied by servants, striding proudly through the market, his eyes brimming with arrogance and smugness. The merchant, noticing Su Qingxuan's simple attire, glanced at him sideways, a disdainful smirk playing on his lips, and walked straight past. Su Qingxuan ignored him, his gaze unwavering, his heart undisturbed. He recalled Mencius's admonition, "Wealth and honor cannot corrupt, poverty and hardship cannot sway," and the old man at the ferry crossing's words, "Each should guard their own heart." He knew that wealth and honor were external things, while one's true nature was fundamental. The arrogance of others was merely a consequence of their own moral failings, and had nothing to do with him.

He then came to a carpenter's shop and saw a middle-aged carpenter, head down, carving a wooden comb. The carpenter was focused, each stroke precise and meticulous, wood shavings falling softly as the comb gradually took shape, its grain clear and its teeth rounded. Su Qingxuan stopped to watch, observing the carpenter's perfect harmony between mind and hand, his unhurried pace, each cut perfectly matching the wood's grain, each moment meticulously controlled. He sighed inwardly, "Is this the heart of a craftsman, the way of the Confucian scholar? — Each finding their place, each fulfilling their responsibility, working with heart, establishing oneself through skill."

Deep within the market, children chased and frolicked, their bare feet treading on the bluestone slabs, their laughter clear and untouched by the dust and noise. Clutching candied hawthorns and kites, they ran and jumped, reveling in the joy of their youth. Su Qingxuan watched them, recalling his own earlier self, who too had possessed such innocence, but now held a deeper longing for the teachings of sages. He understood that the pure heart of a child would lose its purity as they grew. If one could maintain this purity after experiencing the world's trials, one could follow one's natural inclinations and align with the principles of the Way.

As I walked to a corner of the market, I saw two vendors arguing fiercely over a stall worth a few coins. Their faces were red, and they were spitting as they argued, attracting the attention of passersby. One of them said, "I claimed this stall first, why should I give it to you?" The other retorted angrily, "I paid first, so it's mine!" Neither of them would give in, and they almost came to blows.

Su Qingxuan stopped, understanding dawning on his mind. Both men were driven by the need to make a living, driven by short-term gains and momentary anger. He stepped forward and said softly, "Gentlemen, let's each take a step back, and things will be much better. The stalls can be used in rotation, and the money can be split equally. You two only work half a day anyway; you work in the morning, he works in the evening, everyone's happy, why ruin our relationship?"

The two men paused, then, seeing the young man's gentle demeanor and reasonable words, and recalling the townspeople's respect for the Su family's youth, they suppressed their tempers and grumbled as they accepted the young man's suggestion, their argument gradually subsiding. The onlookers praised the young man's intelligence, but Su Qingxuan merely nodded slightly and turned to leave. He knew that worldly conflicts often stemmed from obsession and greed; only by maintaining a righteous heart and acting peacefully could one resolve disputes and return to tranquility. He was unaware that this was also the Daoist principle of "governing by non-action," attributing it merely to the Confucian doctrine of the mean.

At the end of the market, there was a soup kitchen along the Qingxi River. A woman dressed in simple cloth stood under the kitchen, serving soup to beggars, elderly farmers, and children. The woman had delicate features, gentle eyes, and soft movements. She filled every bowl to the brim, never skimping. When she saw someone who was very hungry, she would approach them and give them soup, her voice gentle and without any hint of disdain.

Su Qingxuan stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Boss lady, thank you for your hard work in distributing the porridge."

The woman quickly returned the greeting, smiling, "Young master, you're too kind. It was nothing at all. It's hot today, and travelers must be tired from their journeys. A bowl of hot porridge to warm them up is only right."

Su Qingxuan's heart stirred slightly as he recalled the words of the hermit in the rain: "The Buddha said to enlighten the mind and dispel the delusions of all beings." The woman's good deed was perhaps a manifestation of Buddhist compassion. She sought no reward or fame, but with a sincere heart, though she only relieved the temporary distress of the masses, it resonated with the benevolence of Confucian scholars, becoming a warm sight in this world.

He continued walking along the riverbank and came to a stone bridge. There he saw a fortune teller sitting at the bridgehead. He had white hair and beard, wore a black cloth robe, and had a divination plate, a fine pen, and yellow paper in front of him. He was resting with his eyes closed, looking serene, which was quite different from the loud vendors hawking their wares next to him.

Su Qingxuan's heart stirred slightly, and he slowly stepped forward and stood quietly. After a short while, an anxious middle-aged man hurried over, his face full of worry. He cupped his hands and said, "Sir, my family has been having a lot of bad luck lately. My mother is bedridden, and our business has plummeted. Please, sir, cast a divination for me and see what my future holds."

The fortune teller slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the man. He calmly said, "There's no need to consult the oracle; you already have the answer in your heart. First, find a doctor to treat the immediate illness. As for chronic illnesses, they may not be curable by ordinary doctors... Unrest in the home stems from unrest in the heart; your mother's illness stems from emotional distress. A peaceful heart brings peace to the home; emotional harmony brings healing."

The man said blankly, "I don't know what to do. I'm constantly troubled and confused. How can I find peace and tranquility?"

"At home, argue less and be more tolerant; complain less and be more understanding; look inward more and seek less outward." The fortune teller said slowly, "You are single-mindedly seeking wealth and status outward, but you don't know that blessings are sought by yourself and destiny is created by yourself. When the heart is upright, everything goes smoothly; when the heart is chaotic, everything is chaotic."

The man seemed to understand something, paused for a moment, clasped his hands in thanks, left a few copper coins, and turned to leave.

The fortune teller turned his gaze to Su Qingxuan, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He smiled and said, "Young master, your expression is calm and your demeanor is extraordinary. Your brows reveal a dignified Confucian spirit, combined with a spiritual and Zen-like quality. Such a harmonious display of these three qualities is rare in this world. You are certainly not like ordinary youths. Would you like a divination?"

Su Qingxuan bowed respectfully and said humbly, "Thank you for your kind offer, sir. I need not ask for divination."

"Why don't you ask?" the fortune teller asked with interest. "People all ask about good or bad fortune, future prospects and wealth, seeking guidance from heaven and hoping for good luck. How can you, at such a young age, remain unmoved and not seek divination?"

Su Qingxuan replied softly, "Good fortune and misfortune are determined by people, and blessings and misfortunes are determined by the heart. Destiny is created by oneself, and blessings are sought by oneself. Rather than seeking the will of Heaven through divination, it is better to cultivate oneself and guard one's heart. If the heart is upright, one's actions will be upright; if actions are upright, one's destiny will be upright; and if one's destiny is upright, all good fortune and misfortune can be transformed. Cultivation is ultimately about cultivating one's own body and mind; why seek divination externally?"

The fortune teller shuddered, sat up straight, and looked Su Qingxuan up and down, his eyes filled with shock and admiration: "Excellent! What a wonderful saying, 'Destiny is in my own hands, fortune is my own doing'! Young friend, at such a young age, you possess such profound insight; truly...a rare sight indeed!"

He stroked his beard and sighed softly, his gaze profound: "Judging from your bone structure, you are born with the spirit of a Confucian scholar, with the roots of Taoism hidden in the depths, and the nature of Buddha deeply concealed. You are destined to unite the three teachings. However, your path ahead is long. Tribulations in the mortal world, the coldness and warmth of human relationships, and the tests of the Great Way will all come one after another. Without a period of tempering, you will not achieve true enlightenment."

Su Qingxuan stood respectfully with his hands at his sides, his expression solemn: "This humble one will remember your teachings, Master. No matter how winding the road ahead may be, I will remain steadfast in my beliefs and unwavering in my principles."

"That's good then." The fortune teller nodded. "Remember this: Don't be misled by appearances, and don't let your heart be trapped; don't ask about gains or losses in your actions, and only let your heart turn towards the light. If you can guard this heart, even if you go through countless eons, you can still return to your true self."

Su Qingxuan bowed deeply: "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will never forget it."

After bidding farewell to the fortune teller, the sun had risen high in the sky, its rays intensifying, and the market's clamor grew even louder. Yet, Su Qingxuan felt his mind grow ever clearer. The rich and poor, the noble and the lowly, the good and the evil, the joy and sorrow of the marketplace no longer disturbed his peace of mind. He slowly walked to the banks of the Qingxi River, found a spot on a blue stone to sit, and quietly watched the river flow eastward, its surface shimmering, fish leaping, birds soaring through the air. The vastness of the world brought a sense of openness to his heart.

He absorbed everything he saw, heard, felt, and realized in the marketplace that day, and made it all deep into his heart:

The suffering of beggars made him understand the Confucian ideal of "benevolence and love for others";

The hardships of being an old farmer made him realize the profound importance of "people's livelihood as the foundation";

His pride as a wealthy merchant made him understand the principle of "remaining steadfast in poverty and hardship";

His dedication as a craftsman taught him the importance of fulfilling his duties.

The disputes among merchants taught him to maintain a "moderate and peaceful" approach to life.

The woman's kindness made him understand the true meaning of "compassionate salvation";

The fortune teller's words instilled in him the belief that "one's destiny is in one's own hands."

The way of sages flows from the words of lofty classics to the everyday smoke and fire of firewood and rice; from ethereal and mysterious imagery to the practice of individuals and deeds. Confucianism cultivates self-cultivation, which is to cultivate a benevolent heart towards all living beings; while the Taoist concept of harmony with Heaven, the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, and the unity of the three teachings are not yet fully understood. One only needs to face the world directly, uphold the right path, and have the well-being of all living beings in mind.

Within his dantian, the righteous energy grew even more profound with this enlightenment. The spiritual energy of the Daoist seed that followed him from the corner of the courtyard wall quietly blended with the Confucian and Zen spirits. Imperceptibly, the essence of the three teachings deepened within the young man's body. The bronze ancestral seal also warmed slightly, as if resonating with his enlightenment.

As the sun began to set, Su Qingxuan rose and slowly returned to the Su family courtyard.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, the setting sun cast its golden-red glow, the old osmanthus tree casting a long shadow. The silver ingot left by Shen Wanshan on the stone table still sat quietly, its cold light reflecting the evening glow, silently witnessing the boy's growth. Su Qingxuan didn't even glance at the silver ingot. His heart held no hatred, no anger, no pride, no arrogance; he regarded it only as a stubborn stone to temper his character, a mark to remind himself.

Seeing his son return, Su Wenyuan's eyes gleamed with wisdom, and his demeanor became even more composed. Knowing that his trip to the marketplace had yielded results, he asked gently, "Qingxuan, what did you gain from observing people in the marketplace today?"

Su Qingxuan bowed deeply, his words steady and firm: "Father, today I understand that the Great Way is not in books, but in the world; cultivation is not about escaping the world, but about engaging with it. The Confucian way begins with self-cultivation and ends with helping the world. One must first understand the suffering of the common people and know the warmth and coldness of people's hearts before one can practice benevolent governance and bring peace to the world. I have also gained some understanding of the principles of the three religions, all of which are about cultivating a righteous, compassionate, and peaceful heart."

Su Wenyuan stroked his beard and laughed heartily, his eyes filled with satisfaction: "Excellent! What a wonderful saying, 'The Great Way is in the human world, and cultivation is in engaging with the world!' My son has already stepped into the true realm of Confucianism, and with the gradual integration of the three teachings, his foundation in the Way is becoming increasingly solid. As his father, I am extremely gratified!"

That night, the lights in the Su family courtyard remained on. Su Qingxuan sat upright under the lamp, regulating his breathing and cultivating his inner energy according to the "Confucian Mind Method." His insights from the marketplace were integrated into the method, his inner energy flowing smoothly and evenly through his dantian, and his meridians becoming increasingly unobstructed. Morning reading cultivated his inner energy, revealing the order of heaven and earth; observing the marketplace revealed his understanding of the common people as his foundation. The young man's Confucian heart, amidst the bustling life of Jiangnan and the vibrant world of Qingxi Town, grew ever more steadfast and clear.

The Taoist seed in the corner of the courtyard glowed with a faint white light in the night, resonating with the spiritual energy within the young man's body; thousands of miles away, in ancient temples and secluded mountain monasteries, the old Taoist priest and the old monk opened their eyes at the same time, nodded and sighed, knowing that the foundation of the unity of the three religions had become even more solid.

It is:

Observing the people in the marketplace reveals the heart and the ways of the world; the myriad aspects of life are clearly seen through the eyes.

Cultivate yourself and do not let worldly affairs disturb you; with a benevolent heart, all things become clear.