Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

The Venerable Mahakala approached and joined his palms together, and a rich fragrance wafted over with him.

The fragrance was neither as bitter as sandalwood nor as delicate as lotus; rather, it seemed to be a blend of a hundred kinds of flowers and honey, slowly roasted by the warm smoke in front of the altar.

If someone with a weak mind hears this, they may be tempted to waver and develop some restless and frivolous thoughts.

Chen Jiao frowned slightly, his gaze falling on that plump face that always wore a smile, a clear light flashing in his eyes.

In an instant, he had figured out most of the background of the venerable one in front of him.

This Venerable Great Musical Master possessed profound spiritual cultivation; his spiritual light was perfectly harmonious and self-sufficient, manifesting as a pale golden, perfect form.

This refers to the stages of cultivation, specifically the stage of the path of no-learning, where one seeks only personal liberation and perfection.

He has already attained the ultimate fruition in the Hinayana teachings, the Arhatship.

This means that one's spiritual practice has reached the point where "all defilements have been exhausted, the holy life has been established, what needed to be done has been done, and there is no more rebirth."

However, he was not included among the five hundred Arhats who outwardly demonstrated their merits and universally saved sentient beings.

He must be a venerable one who was personally instructed by the Buddha of Joy and possesses extraordinary merits and virtues.

Its Zen-like aura is also unique, unlike the emptiness and tranquility, nor the fierce and vigorous progress of a Vajra.

Rather, it conveys a sense of gentle flow and vibrant life, as if it contains endless joy and abundance.

It can be said that profound truths are hidden within joy, and true reality is seen within sensual pleasure.

Chen Jiao understood perfectly well.

According to legend, the Buddha of Bliss embodies great joy and freedom on the surface, and the harmony of yin and yang and the union of bliss and emptiness on the surface, using sensual pleasure as a convenient method.

In the utmost joy, one comprehends emptiness, sees one's true nature, transforms afflictions into enlightenment, and ultimately attains Buddhahood.

The Venerable Great Bliss before us is a disciple of the Buddha of Joy, and his path of practice is self-evident.

Although Chen Jiao had not practiced the Joyful Zen path, he was not unfamiliar with it.

The path of joyful Zen does not shy away from the world. Instead of using desire to control desire, one can realize emptiness and see one's true nature in the midst of bliss.

In this way, one can break free from attachment to self and attachment to phenomena, and attain the ultimate state of non-duality between bliss and emptiness.

There is no inherent superiority or inferiority among different methods of practice. However, many practitioners need to find a partner to connect their energy channels and awaken their spiritual potential through dual cultivation.

The two are not only lovers, but also instruments and mirrors for spiritual practice. They temper their character amidst sensual pleasures and verify Buddhist principles amidst infatuation. Danger and mystery coexist.

Success brings joy and freedom, with the Buddhist paradise within reach; failure leads to sinking into the sea of ​​desire and eternal damnation.

In the past, before Chen Jiao attained immortality and enlightenment, he traveled and cultivated himself in the four continents. He had seen many monks, laymen, and other practitioners who claimed to practice the Joyful Meditation.

They are all petty people who use the name of practicing Buddhism and attaining Buddhahood in this very life to indulge in lust and pleasure.

On the path of spiritual practice, the word "desire" is the most dangerous. One in ten thousand can truly enter the inner sanctum of this path and not be confused with one's true nature.

Although Chen Jiao also knew that the orthodox Buddhist practice of Joyful Zen might have profound meanings, and could not be compared with those inferior heretical paths.

But this preconceived notion made it difficult for him to develop much goodwill towards this lineage.

"This trip to the meeting was at the invitation of the Buddha, and Jin Chanzi welcomed us. The proper etiquette has been fulfilled."

"I have no prior connection with the Buddha of Joy, and even if I did, it would not be a positive one. That is why he specially sent his venerable disciple here..."

Chen Jiao pondered for a moment and had a vague guess. His gaze swept over Bai Susu, who was standing to the side with her head down. She was trying her best to conceal her aura and wished she could hide her figure.

Li Jing, standing to the side, stroked his beard with a smile, stepped forward, and returned the greeting to the Venerable Great Musical Sound:

"Originally, you were Venerable Great Music. I was ordered by the Great Heavenly Venerable to assist the Buddha in settling a minor matter. I dare not accept the Venerable's welcome from afar."

I have long heard that the venerable ones under the seat of the Buddha of Joy possess wondrous voices that bring joy to the listener's heart; having witnessed it today, I can confirm that their reputation is indeed well-deserved.

Li Jing, having spent a long time in the Heavenly Court, knew well that the people of Mount Ling were a diverse group, each with their own background. He was outwardly polite and courteous, but what he was really thinking was another matter entirely.

Upon hearing Li Jing's words, the Venerable Great Musical Sound's smile deepened, and he clasped his hands together, saying:

"You flatter me, Your Majesty."

The Buddha often said that the Dharma is proclaimed so that all sentient beings may be freed from suffering and attain happiness. These trivial tricks are not worth mentioning.

With a flicker of his eyes, he had already taken in Chen Jiao's expression.

After exchanging pleasantries with Li Jing, the Venerable Great Music turned to Chen Jiao, his smile softening further, and slowly said with his palms together:

"Amitabha. The True Lord's expression was serene and his demeanor was composed. He truly deserves to be the direct disciple of the Dao Ancestor and is revered by all three realms."

However… this humble monk is dull-witted, but I sense a sense of tranquility in the True Lord's brows.

Could it be that the faint scent of worldly fragrance emanating from this humble monk has disturbed Your Excellency's tranquility?

Chen Jiao raised his eyes, his tone calm, and said directly:

"Your Excellency is overthinking this. Whether one is tranquil or not depends on the mind, not on external circumstances."

"It is only because the Venerable One's Zen style is so unique that it reminds me of some monks I saw when I traveled through the four continents in the past, who also claimed to be practicing the path of joy."

Their actions often use the guise of the union of bliss and emptiness to actually engage in greed, anger, ignorance, and pride.

They may deceive believers into making donations, or forcibly abduct female cultivators to serve as their alms vessels, using desire as a harbinger and pleasure as a shackle, thus corrupting people's spiritual foundation and harming their wisdom and life.

Such actions are hardly in line with the names of great joy and great freedom.

In my humble opinion, the Buddha of Joy was an ancient sage of Buddhism, possessing great wisdom, and the Dharma lineage he taught was profound and subtle.

But how could the Buddha, with his wisdom-seeing eye, be unaware of the myriad things happening in the lower realms? Or perhaps… he knows them but considers them irrelevant to the profound teachings?

The Great Blissful Sound Venerable's usual joyful smile froze slightly, and a rich, fragrant aroma wafted around him.

He gave Chen Jiao a deep look, then a smile naturally returned, and he sighed:

"Amitabha. What the True Lord has seen is indeed a flaw that exists in the world."

The Dharma is vast and has countless paths, yet there have always been those who distort its meaning and substitute desire for Zen.

The Buddha established the Joyful Vehicle, with the original intention of breaking attachments and revealing the truth, seeing emptiness in joy, and realizing emptiness in desire. It is an extremely profound and expedient method.

The law itself is neither superior nor inferior; it is people's hearts that differ.

Some people borrowed rafts to cross the water, while others clung to the rafts and drowned. This was not the fault of the rafts, but rather the fault of the people.

Those of inferior understanding do not comprehend the true meaning, but merely indulge in superficial appearances, even falling into demonic paths and tarnishing the pure name of my true Dharma, which is truly regrettable.

Our Buddha and all the Venerable Ones beneath him also deeply despise such people. I will remember your words today, True Lord, and will certainly report them to our Buddha.

Chen Jiao remained noncommittal, and instead asked:

"Your Excellency's visit is surely not merely for pleasantries; what instruction do you wish to offer?"

Seeing that Chen Jiao's expression remained unchanged, the Venerable Dale Yin knew that his will was firm and could not be easily swayed by words, so he said no more.

His smile remained unchanged, he clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and his voice grew even softer and more pleasant as he revealed his true intention:

"Amitabha. Before the True Lord, I dare not accept the words 'receive instruction'."

This humble monk has come on the orders of Buddha, specifically to establish a virtuous connection for this benefactor.

As he spoke, he smiled and pointed at Bai Susu, who was being held captive by Fei Peng and looked bewildered and uneasy.

"Oh?" Chen Jiao raised an eyebrow slightly.

The Venerable Great Blissful Sound spoke in a soothing voice, like playing beautiful music, and continued:

"The Buddha's practice uses great joy and great freedom as a raft to cross the sea of ​​afflictions, reach the shore of Nirvana, and widely relieve the suffering of all sentient beings."

Indeed, there are celestial maidens and divine consorts assisting him in his meritorious deeds.

However, the essence of our Buddhist teachings lies first in "non-attachment," therefore we never cling to any particular physical form, but rather let things transform according to conditions and manifest in response to circumstances.

It is regarded as a dream, an illusion, merely a means to cultivate truth through falsehood.

And this woman—

The Great Music Venerable's gaze fell on Bai Susu, as if he were appraising an object with a spiritual charm.

"This woman consumed precious candles and possessed a unique fragrance, which subtly aligns with the virtue of offering incense. Now, having committed a transgression, she has fallen into this state; it is truly a pity."

"When the Buddha heard this, he was filled with great compassion and benevolence."

The Venerable One looked at Chen Jiao with a beaming smile and said:

"The True Lord upholds justice and enforces the law. He has escorted the prisoner here and should be punished according to the law. This is only right."

However, the Buddha believed that the law is for punishing wrongdoing, while compassion can save one's heart.

It would be better to let this woman enter my Joyful Courtyard, make her a Bright Consort, let her cultivate the righteous Dharma, and practice with the others. This way, her demonic nature can be transformed, and her Buddhist roots can be nurtured.

It is both an act of eradicating past sins and a form of spiritual cultivation.

In this way, the laws of Heaven are fulfilled, and the compassion of Buddhism is demonstrated. Isn't this a win-win situation?

A sin has thus been transformed into an opportunity for merit. I wonder what the True Lord and the Heavenly King think?

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he felt a cold sneer.

What a wonderful phrase, "not clinging to any physical form," and what a wonderful saying, "transforming according to circumstances and manifesting in response to opportunities."

Joyful Zen emphasizes using desire to control desire and transforming consciousness into wisdom. It is itself a branch of Buddhism and has profound and mysterious meanings.

However, different paths of cultivation result in vastly different auras.

Chen Jiao was no fool; he also knew about the practices of the various deities in the esoteric Buddhist traditions.

For example, Chakrasamvara, fierce and blazing, is accompanied by his consort Vajravarahi, symbolizing the union of compassion and wisdom, and the innate great bliss.

Its Dharma form is solemn and fierce, aiming to sever subtle delusions.

For example, Hevajra, with his consort Vajra Anatta, represents the profound wisdom of the non-duality of emptiness and bliss.

Its practice focuses on the profound transformation of energy channels and subtle points, and is by no means about indulging in worldly desires.

The purpose of these practices is to quickly realize emptiness through superior means, not to indulge in worldly pleasures.

Its appearance is majestic and its principles are profound. Ordinary cultivators are filled with awe and reverence upon seeing it, and have no romantic thoughts whatsoever.

The concept of the consort in the lineage of the Bhadrakalpa Buddha differs from those with fixed counterparts and profound symbolic meanings, and the differences are quite intriguing.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over Bai Susu, whose face was deathly pale and whose eyes were filled with fear and confusion.

Then he looked at the Venerable Da Le Yin, who was all smiles and seemed to be recounting a great act of compassion and kindness.

The displeasure in his heart sank deeper and deeper.

After speaking, Venerable Da Le Yin turned his gaze to Bai Su Su, who was standing to the side, and said gently:

"What do you think, benefactor?"

Enter my Joyful Abode, serve and cultivate, cleanse your sins, and one day you may attain the pure and wondrous fruit.

This is a rare and precious opportunity to experience the Dharma. It should be known that at the foot of Vulture Peak, countless devout believers have sought this opportunity but have been unable to obtain it.

Don't get attached to appearances, benefactor.

The bright concubine was not a concubine, and her cultivation was not driven by desire. Just as a lotus grows tall and pure in mud, and ice emerges from cold water to reflect the moon.

In the Buddhist tradition, we use Prajna (wisdom) as our boat and compassion as our oars to cross all karmic obstacles that can be crossed.

The patron who stole Buddhist treasures, yet whose spiritual roots remained intact, instead sprouted wisdom; this was simply a matter of karmic connection.

Thunder and rain, are but cause and effect; Vajra and lotus, are both expressions of compassion.

His voice grew softer, carrying a strange rhythm that stirred the soul and made one unconsciously want to obey.

Bai Susu was in a state of utter confusion.

She had indeed secretly coveted the method of harmonizing yin and yang to benefit herself, in order to compensate for her deficiency of being too weak and unable to grow.

However, what she desires is a kindred spirit, a companion to explore the Tao, and a shared pursuit of truth.

She never considered becoming a concubine, especially since she was cultivating with others and had no exclusive status.

How is this any different from a furnace or cauldron?

Upon hearing the Venerable One's question, Bai Susu looked up in bewilderment, about to speak in response.

Little did she know that the Great Musical Venerable's supernatural powers had quietly invaded her mind.

Bai Susu already had flaws in her Dao heart, and now, in this moment of fear, how could she possibly resist?

Suddenly, her eyes glazed over.

In the hazy light, I seemed to see myself stripped of my demonic form, adorned in celestial robes and jewels, bathed in light, seated upon a lotus throne.

Praised by countless believers, it had clearly taken on the majestic and wondrous form of a Bodhisattva...

Overwhelmed with joy, Bai Susu's heart fluttered, and in a daze, her lips parted slightly, as if she were about to accept this tremendous opportunity.

Just as she was in a daze and about to utter a reply, a cold snort suddenly came from the side!

In an instant, the languid music, the rich fragrance, and all the sights before him were shattered!

The Great Blissful Sound Venerable's body swayed suddenly, and the smile on his face vanished instantly, turning into an unnatural paleness.

His eyes betrayed his shock, and his gaze toward Chen Jiao was filled with deep apprehension.

He had long cultivated the supernatural powers of the Great Music and Brahma Sounds, and had already reached the realm of subtly influencing and stirring the mind.

This is no ordinary illusion or deception; it can subtly stir the desires and cravings deep within the listener's heart.

It makes them see what they want and entices them to have what they desire, so that they unconsciously indulge in that joyful and perfect illusory vision.

But the Great Music Venerable never expected that this Pure Dharma True Lord would be so perceptive.

With a single cold snort, the attack was completely shattered, and a chilling aura swept over him, causing his very soul to tremble.

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