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

Poetry:

True fire forges the elixir, revealing its profound mysteries; Zen's sharp edge and Confucian debate achieve perfect understanding.

Suddenly I heard of the Xuanhuang Demonic Calamity, and realized that the Great Dao was transmitted through the heart.

However, when Chisongzi saw Xiao Lingxi's Heart-Clearing Pill, he was greatly shocked.

He hurriedly asked, "Such a flawless pill with three flaws..."

"Did you really make this?"

Xiao Lingxi nodded: "That's right. This elixir was created by me."

It's called the "Three-in-One Heart-Cleansing Pill." If you don't believe me, you can verify it on the spot.

She flicked the pill gently, and it flew towards Chisongzi.

Chisongzi took it and examined it carefully, becoming more and more shocked the more he looked.

He was a master of alchemy, and he immediately recognized the wonder of this elixir—

The medicinal properties are harmonious and balanced, harmonizing Yin and Yang.

What's even more remarkable is that the elixir contained a trace of the essence of the Great Dao.

This principle encompasses Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; it is neither Confucianism, Taoism, nor Buddhism.

It is... the origin of the Tao!

If an immortal takes it, not only will it purify the mind and spirit, but it will also prevent inner demons from arising.

It is more helpful for understanding the Tao and breaking through bottlenecks.

"Use the fire of Confucianism to stabilize one's mind and temperament, so that the alchemist is neither arrogant nor impatient;

The Buddha's fire purifies impure thoughts, making the medicinal properties pure and immaculate;

"Using the Daoist fire to control the heat, the medicinal properties are perfectly blended..."

Chisongzi muttered to himself, then suddenly looked up.

"Wonderful! Wonderful indeed! I have been refining elixirs for thousands of years."

I never imagined that the fires of the three religions could be so harmoniously integrated!

Fairy Lingxi, would you be willing to give up your complete alchemy formula?

"I am willing to exchange three innate spiritual materials!"

These words caused astonishment throughout the room!

Who was Chishongzi?

Elder of the Dan Ding Sect, peak Golden Immortal realm, half-step Great Luo Immortal.

One of the top alchemy masters in the celestial realm,

They actually valued a pill formula created by a little fairy so much.

They would even be willing to exchange innate spiritual materials!

What does this tell us?

This demonstrates that the Taoist alchemy that integrates the three teachings (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism) is indeed valuable

Xiao Lingxi shook her head apologetically:

"Please forgive me, senior. This elixir formula is a closely guarded secret of the Trinity Palace."

Furthermore, it requires the assistance of the true fire of the three religions to be refined, and it should not be lightly passed on to those who do not practice the method of unifying the three religions.

The junior may present the senior with three pills for research, but the formula...

Please forgive me for not being able to disclose this information.

Chisongzi was taken aback, then smiled wryly: "I was being presumptuous."

He carefully put away the Trinity Heart-Cleansing Pill and bowed respectfully to Xiao Lingxi:

"The fairy of Lingxi has a talent for alchemy that is rare in the world."

If he achieves something in the future, he will surely open up a new path for the celestial alchemy.

I... admire you.

This bow, this utterance of "I admire you," carries immense weight.

The way countless cultivators looked at Xiao Lingxi completely changed—

Judging from the sizing up of a "lucky little fairy",

It turned into reverence for a future alchemy master.

At that moment, an old monk with white eyebrows slowly rose from the Buddhist camp.

This monk is Elder Wisdom, the head monk of the Prajna Hall in the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, and is well-versed in Buddhist debate.

He was known as the "most eloquent" in the celestial realm.

He clasped his hands together and said to Xiao Lingyue, "Amitabha!"

"Xiao... Benefactor, this humble monk has a question."

Xiao Lingyue returned the greeting with her palms together: "Amitabha! Elder, please speak."

The wise elder slowly said:

"Just now, the fairy used Buddhist light to transform murderous intent into compassion and reduce fighting spirit invisibly."

This kind of Buddha light has already attained the wonder of "compassionate embrace".

However, in this humble monk's view, the girl was surrounded by a halo of Buddha's light.

It subtly embodies the Confucian doctrine of "the mean" and the Daoist concept of "nature."

"May I ask, Benefactor Xiao, is this Buddha's light truly pure Buddhist teaching?"

This question is similar to the one posed by Chisongzi.

It directly addresses whether the integration of the three religions has resulted in the loss of their original essence.

Xiao Lingyue remained calm and said softly, "Elder,"

The Buddha asked Subhuti: Has the Tathagata taught any Dharma?

Subhuti said: "The Tathagata has nothing to say."

The wise elder was taken aback, then immediately understood—

This is a famous koan from the Diamond Sutra:

The Buddha said, "There is nothing to say," meaning that the Dharma is inherently ineffable.

All that is said is a convenient method, not the ultimate truth or the true reality.

Xiao Lingyue continued, "Buddhist teachings have no fixed form, and the Dharma has no fixed method."

An incarnation of the Buddha, he preached in the human world for forty-nine years, guiding and enlightening people according to their needs.

Speak of giving to the stingy and greedy.

Speak of precepts to those whose desires are insatiable.

Speak of forbearance to those who are easily irritable and angry.

Speak of diligence to the lazy and indulgent.

To those who are scattered and agitated, one should speak of meditation.

Speak Prajna to the foolish and ignorant.

All of these are teaching methods adapted to the situation.

Given this, Buddhism incorporates elements of Confucian moderation and Daoist naturalness.

Why not present it in a way that is more suitable for the people and things of this world?

Her voice was gentle, and every word was sincere:

"In my previous life, I was a Buddhist dragon maiden who cultivated pure Buddhism for tens of thousands of years."

However, it is only through reincarnation that one understands this principle:

If Buddhism is confined to the Buddhist community, it is like a bright pearl covered in dust, its light limited.

Only by rectifying the mind with Buddhist teachings and integrating the virtues of Confucianism and Taoism can we truly save all sentient beings.

"For example, just now, if the Buddha's light had been used solely with pure Buddhist teachings, it would have taken three days to dispel the murderous intent."

Integrating the Confucian doctrine of the mean can guide people toward goodness, but it takes only one day.

Furthermore, by incorporating the natural charm of Taoism, one can follow one's own nature in just a moment.

Different paths, same destination, why not?

The wise elder, after all, possessed boundless wisdom; he understood immediately upon hearing it, and remained silent for a moment.

He sighed deeply: "Amitabha! Your words are like a wake-up call."

This humble monk has cultivated Buddhism for ten thousand years, yet I remain fixated on the word "pure."

But I have forgotten the Buddha's original intention. I am ashamed, I am ashamed.

He turned to Venerable Upati, bowed deeply, and said with palms joined: "Venerable One, your disciple requests..."

May Benefactor Xiao stay in the Prajna Temple's Sutra Repository for three days to peruse the secret scriptures of our Buddhist sect.

Such innate qualities are worthy of receiving the true transmission of the Dharma.

Upati smiled and nodded: "Approved."

The Sutra Repository in the Pure Land of Bliss is off-limits to anyone who is not a core disciple of Buddhism.

Only those who have been personally examined and approved by the Buddha can enter.

The wise elder inquired, and the Venerable One agreed, stating that it was possible there was no instruction from the Buddha behind the scenes.

Who would believe that?

This is tantamount to the Buddha personally acknowledging Xiao Lingyue's orthodox Buddhist status.

It also serves as an endorsement of Trinity Palace.

Another commotion erupted from the audience.

Two grandmasters were impressed in succession, and now Blissful Heaven has also endorsed him.

The conservative camp is already in a state of low morale.

At that moment, a scholar in a blue robe stood up from the Confucian camp.

This person is Meng Wenzheng, the academy's principal, and a descendant of the great Confucian scholar Meng Sheng.

He was well-versed in Confucian classics and held a high position among Confucian scholars in the celestial realm.

He cupped his hands in greeting to Lin Wanqing and said, "Fairy Lin,"

Just now, the fairy used the technique "A gentleman who lacks dignity will not command respect."

Using his righteous energy to form a protective shield, he was able to withstand a full-force attack from a peak Celestial Immortal.

In my observation, the fairy's righteous spirit subtly embodies the Buddhist concept of "indestructibility."

The foundation of the Taoist concept of "Primordial Qi".

"May I ask, young lady, is this righteous spirit merely pure, noble spirit?"

The three questions are all in line with the pursuit of "purity".

This Meng Wenzheng was clearly asking the final question on behalf of the conservative faction of Confucianism.

Lin Wanqing curtsied and said in a gentle voice, "Headmistress Meng."

Confucius said: A gentleman is not a vessel.

Zhu Xian commented: Each tool is suited to its own use and cannot be interchanged.

A virtuous person possesses all qualities and is adept at all uses; their abilities are not limited to a single talent or skill.

Lin Wanqing quoted extensively from classical texts, displaying composure and ease:

"Righteousness is not a dead thing."

Meng Shengyan said, "I am good at cultivating my vast and righteous spirit."

This energy is "extremely great and strong; if it is nourished by uprightness without causing harm, it will fill the space between heaven and earth."

Since it can fill the space between heaven and earth, why can't it melt the indestructible Vajra of Buddhism?

Is it the innate purity of Taoism?

"In my humble opinion, the core of the Confucian spirit of righteousness lies in the word 'righteousness.' When the heart is righteous, the spirit is righteous."

The Vajra in Buddhism represents unwavering willpower;

The Taoist concept of "innate" refers to the pure origin.

These two elements complement and strengthen the righteous spirit, making it even more steadfast and pure.

Why not?

Meng Wenzheng pressed further:

"However, after merging, can this energy still be called 'righteous energy'?"

Lin Wanqing smiled and said, "The head of the academy should know that 'the student surpasses the teacher.'"

The noble and righteous spirit that integrates the strengths of Buddhism and Taoism is no longer just a simple noble and righteous spirit.

Instead, it is "Threefold Righteousness".

Its foundation is still the Confucian concept of "sincerity and rectification of mind," but its power far surpasses ordinary righteousness.

This is not a departure, but a sublimation.

She paused, then added, "Moreover, Confucianism has the teaching of 'If you can improve yourself one day, improve yourself every day, and keep improving yourself.'"

To cling to the old ways and remain stagnant is to truly deviate from the way of the sages.

Meng Wenzheng was stunned, repeatedly pondering the nine characters "If you can improve yourself one day, improve yourself every day, and keep improving yourself."

Suddenly, he looked up at the sky and sighed, "What a wonderful phrase, 'renewing itself every day'!"

For three thousand years, I have presided over Juxian Academy, teaching my disciples to uphold the classics day and night.

But they forgot that the sage's original intention was to "keep pace with the times".

As the saying goes, "Reviewing the old helps us to learn the new," the "old" is the foundation, but the emphasis is on the word "new."

The fairy's words awakened the one from their dream!

He bowed to Yan Wen: "Saint Yan, your disciple requests..."

Fairy Yunlin attended the ceremony at the Sage Hall of Juxian Academy for three days.

Such talent and learning should serve as a model for Confucian scholars.

Yan Wen smiled and said, "Approved."

The Hall of Sages and Worthies is a place where Confucian scholars worship sages and worthies of past dynasties.

On ordinary days, only those with great merit and virtue are allowed to enter.

Meng Wenzheng's request was of great significance.

Thus, the three major questions raised by the conservatives were all resolved by the three fairies with ingenious theories and practical examples.

This convinced the three questioners.

They even take the initiative to show goodwill.

None of the monks below dared to openly question it anymore.

The feasibility and legitimacy of the unity of the three religions.

Yu Xiaozi, Fa Yan, and Meng Xingjian all looked ashen-faced.

He sat there, speechless.

On the high platform, Grand Master Xuandu, seeing that the time had come, raised his voice and said:

"The questions raised by the three schools of thought have been answered, the practical verification has been completed, and the theoretical refutation has been clarified."

Su Qingxuan of the Sanyi Palace, accompanied by four disciples, passed three trials in succession.

It showcases the profound wisdom of the unity of the three religions.

According to the laws of the Heavenly Realm, the Trinity Palace henceforth enjoys the status of being orthodox among the three religions.

He may participate in all affairs of the celestial realm. Does anyone have any objections?

The entire hall fell silent. No one from the three sects dared to utter a sound.

"Good." Grand Master Xuandu nodded.

"Then let's proceed to the second item on the agenda of the Dharma assembly:"

To delineate the religious landscape of the lower realm for the next five hundred years.

The atmosphere changed immediately after these words were spoken.

What was previously a clash of ideologies has now become a real struggle for interests.

Countless cultivators sat up straight, their expressions solemn.

Yan Wen took out a bamboo scroll, which, when unfolded, transformed into a huge star map that hung in the air.

The star chart contains three thousand points of light, representing the three thousand great worlds below.

Approximately two thousand of the light spots have been marked with colors.

Gold represents sites associated with Confucianism, while cyan represents sites associated with Taoism.

White represents Buddhist sites.

The remaining thousand or so light spots

Or the color is dull—the faith is not firm.

Or flickering—in the midst of a struggle,

Or a gray expanse—a land without a master.

Yan Wen pointed to the star map and slowly said:

"Over the past five hundred years, the landscape of faith in the lower realm has been roughly like this."

However, the workings of fate and the changes of the world...

Many world beliefs have shifted, necessitating a redefinition.

As is customary, the division of religious territories follows three principles:

First, secure the territory; second, manage the business; third, possess the strength.

Today's Dharma assembly is to determine the scope of faith for all parties over the next five hundred years.

He paused, then added, "There's another matter I need to inform you of in advance:"

The celestial secrets indicate that in the next hundred years, there will be thirty-six intermediate-thousand-world systems.

To be elevated to the level of the Great Thousand Worlds, one must be incorporated into a belief system.

These thirty-six new worlds are unclaimed lands, and are also within the scope of this demarcation.

Thirty-six newly discovered worlds!

All the monks in the room gasped for breath.

A vast world implies at least trillions of living beings.

If one can become the master of their faith, one can obtain a vast amount of incense offerings, prayers, and resources for spiritual practice.

This will be of great benefit to spiritual practice and the development of the religion.

Several representatives of various factions immediately stood up, wanting to speak and vie for their positions.

Just then, a voice rang out: "This junior has something to say."

Everyone looked over and saw that it was Su Qingxuan who was speaking.

He rose and bowed to the platform, his expression solemn.

Grand Master Xuandu said, "Palace Master Su, please speak."

Su Qingxuan said, "Qingxuan has just entered the Heavenly Realm and should not presume to discuss matters of faith division."

However, Qingxuan has cultivated himself to this day, receiving the grace of the teachings of the three religions, and is now the master of the Sanyi Palace.

Having received the approval of the Trinity Palace from three sages, I dare to offer my advice.

He pointed to the dim, flickering points of light in the star chart.

He said slowly:

"Qingxuan observed this star chart and saw that the beliefs of many worlds were unstable, and their colors were dim."

Even more concerning, the three religions fiercely competed for power within this conflict.

This led to frequent wars and widespread suffering.

May I ask the three sages, and fellow practitioners, why is this division of faith?

Using the world as a chessboard and all living beings as chess pieces, does this align with the fundamental principles of the three religions in their mission to save the world?

These words shocked the entire audience!

The division of beliefs has been a practice in the celestial realm for tens of thousands of years.

No one has ever publicly questioned its legitimacy.

Su Qingxuan's words were truly earth-shattering.

Yu Xiaozi seized the opportunity and said sternly:

"Su Qingxuan! How dare you question the rules established by the ancestral temple of the three religions?!"

Su Qingxuan shook his head:

Qingxuan does not question the rules, but rather contemplates their true meaning.

The three religions (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism) spread their teachings and beliefs for the purpose of enlightening and transforming sentient beings.

It guides people toward goodness and liberates them.

However, looking at the world today, many conflicts arise from differences in faith.

This led to continuous warfare and widespread suffering among the people.

What use is such faith? How is it different from demonic practices?

His voice grew louder:

When Qingxuan served as prime minister in the Great Xia Dynasty in the human realm, he witnessed the various kingdoms of the Western Regions differing in their beliefs.

They fought each other, resulting in countless deaths and injuries.

Later, His Majesty and Qingxuan implemented a policy of "coexistence of the three religions and freedom of belief."

Instead of imposing a fixed belief system, the people are allowed to choose for themselves.

Within a few decades, the Western Regions were well-governed, and the people lived in peace and happiness.

The incense offerings to the three religions are even more abundant than before.

Why?!

Sincere faith is better than forced conversion.

Therefore, Qingxuan proposed:

In the future, could the division of religious beliefs be changed from "designating territory" to "free propagation"?

Any religion can preach in any world.

However, it is forbidden to use force or supernatural powers to coerce or tempt them into believing in the faith.

No one is allowed to slander other religions. They attract believers solely through their profound doctrines and noble character.

In this way, believers are truly devoted, and the incense offerings become even purer.

Each religion must also improve itself in order to win in healthy competition.

This is the way to achieve long-term stability and peace.

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up countless waves.

Supporters believe this proposal is excellent and can end the war of faith.

Truly benefit all beings.

Opponents angrily denounced this as shaking the foundations of the three religions—

They acquire resources by monopolizing territory.

If there is free competition, those factions that are not doctrinal and lack moral character will be eliminated.

Wouldn't it lead to decline?

The scene immediately descended into chaos, with discussions erupting from all sides.

On the high platform, the three hosts also exchanged opinions via telepathy.

After a long silence, Yan Wen raised his hand to quell the commotion and said in a deep voice:

"Palace Master Su's proposal concerns the very foundation of the three religions."

This is a matter of great importance and cannot be decided in a short time.

However... there is indeed some truth to what he said—

The conflict over beliefs has already harmed too many innocent lives.

This monk proposes that a fourth item be added to the agenda of the Dharma Assembly:

Discuss new regulations for the spread of faith.

Let's set it aside for today and discuss it again later.

Both the Venerable Master Xuandu and the Venerable Upadi nodded in agreement.

Su Qingxuan knew that this matter would not be accomplished overnight.

It is already quite an achievement that it has attracted attention and been included in the agenda.

He bowed and said, "Thank you, three sages."

Next, the Dharma assembly entered a tedious and drawn-out phase.

Discussions on the division and handover of the old religious territory.

Various factions are arguing endlessly for their own interests.

Su Qingxuan observed coldly, and understood in his heart:

Back in the human realm, he had observed that all beings there had a natural yearning and admiration for the celestial realm.

They also have a deep-seated awe and reverence for the gods.

They invariably praise immortals and gods, expressing their kind and simple wishes.

They admire and worship immortals, all hoping that one day...

They could also live that "fairy-tale life".

However, the celestial realm and immortals, seemingly transcendent,

In reality, it is no different from the imperial court and ordinary people in the world; everyone is busy pursuing their own interests.

"The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is chaotic, all for gain."

The path to the unification of the three religions is long, arduous, and fraught with difficulties.

We must not only break down ideological barriers, but also address the vested interests that weigh on people's hearts.

Just as I was pondering this, a steward came to report:

Urgent news arrived from the Heavenly Gate, bringing news to the three sages:

Something has happened in the lower realm, the 'Xuanhuang Great World'. Demonic energy is leaking out, and the seal appears to be weakening!

"What?!" The three saints changed color simultaneously.

The Xuanhuang Great World is one of the oldest and most fundamental Great Thousand Worlds in the lower realm.

That same year, the Su family ancestor broke free from the seal of the Demon Lord.

One of the key nodes covered.

Any changes here will be of great importance.

Yan Wen suddenly stood up and said in a deep voice, "The Dharma assembly is suspended!"

"Brother Xuandu, Venerable Upadi, quickly come with me to the Xuanhuang World to investigate!"

Grand Master Xuandu and Venerable Upati rose at the same time.

The three of them transformed into three streaks of light and vanished instantly.

The Dharma assembly immediately became noisy and chaotic, filled with discussions.

The Demon Lord's seal has loosened; this is a top secret of the Heavenly Realm.

Ordinary cultivators only know the legends, not the details.

Hearing this today, I am deeply moved.

Su Qingxuan was also deeply shaken, and exchanged glances with the four women.

They both saw the worry in each other's eyes—

The prophecies of our ancestors are gradually coming true.

Just then, Kong Shen hurried over and whispered:

Junior Brother Su, the Heavenly Venerable has sent a message ordering you to return to Wenru Heaven immediately, as there is important news to tell you.

"Leave the matters of this place to me."

Su Qingxuan nodded, knowing the matter was of great importance, and immediately rode a cloud into the air.

He sped towards Wenrutian.

The magnificent scenery of the celestial Dharma assembly, and the initial resonance of the unification of the three religions.

At this moment, they are all shrouded in the shadow of the Demon Lord's seal.

Su Qingxuan knew that the real test had only just begun.

The sea of ​​clouds churns, and the road ahead is desolate.

Su Qingxuan looked into the distance, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

It is:

The verbal battle had just ended, but the matter was not settled when a sudden change occurred, and an undercurrent arose.

Amidst the tumultuous chaos and shifting winds and clouds, I finally believed that righteous voices still existed in the human world.