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

A cloud-patterned bed with brocade mattress, an incense burner and a jade vase.

The interior walls are painted with vibrant colors, featuring scenes such as flying apsaras playing music, celestial maidens scattering flowers, and twin lotus blossoms.

A burly monk with a bare chest and belly leans against a large cloud bed that can accommodate seven or eight people.

This monk had gold earrings and a necklace. Although he was dressed as a monk, he did not have a desolate air. On the contrary, he appeared full of energy, carefree and joyful.

It is the Joyful Buddha.

A poem describes the monk's appearance:

With bare belly and exposed chest, he is carefree; with inner radiance, his face is like spring.

Her eyebrows always held a hint of a smile, but her eyes held a deep well of anger.

He wore no robes but brocade, and held no prayer beads but a flower duster.

The true Buddha resides in the Joyful Courtyard; in the wondrous bliss of emptiness, one finds great freedom.

Hearing his disciple's voice, the Joyful Buddha did not raise his eyes, but lazily asked:

"The matter was not accomplished?"

His voice was deep and resonant, carrying a barely perceptible hint of regret.

Although it was only three words, Venerable Mahalanobis felt immense pressure. He quickly lifted the curtain and went inside. Three steps away from the cloud bed, he bowed down in reverence.

He dared not hide anything and told the whole story in detail.

Upon hearing this, the Buddha of Joy slowly straightened his reclining body and opened his half-open eyes completely.

The joy that had been there faded somewhat, replaced by a deep sense of regret.

He sighed softly and shook his head:

"What a pity, what a pity. That white rat was stealing fragrant flowers and precious candles."

This incense offering is particularly auspicious in rituals, as it can connect with the Dharma realm and enlighten both humans and gods.

She received this nourishment, which opened her mind and led her to enlightenment. This is in accordance with the virtue of offering incense. Her body is a furnace, and her breath is fragrant. She can be a wonderful incense to harmonize the cauldron in my cultivation.

If I were to bring them into the monastery to serve and practice, it would not only benefit my own spiritual cultivation, but also allow the monks and bhikkhus under my tutelage to absorb some of the fragrant and solemn aura…”

The Buddha of Joy said again, "If these beings are properly trained, given time, they may become another Arhat under my tutelage."

Now, the Venerable One of the Six Senses has attained four of them, and this sense of smell... alas, it just so happens to be related to incense.

"If this opportunity is missed, it will be difficult to find another incense burner that is so perfectly suited for offerings and possesses such a karmic connection with the Buddha."

His gaze shifted to Da Leyin, who was lying on the ground, and his tone carried a hint of regret:

"You and your fellow disciples have each attained the wonders of the four senses—sight, hearing, touch, and mind—and together you are exploring the Great Way of Joy. If this rat spirit were to come, it would be able to fill the gap in the 'sense of smell.'"

At that time, one will perceive colors with the eyes, hear sounds with the ears, smell fragrances with the nose, and feel sensations with the body, thus acquiring four of the six senses.

Your practice should also become more harmonious, and you will be one step closer to the state of great freedom where the six senses can be used interchangeably.

Isn't this a great destiny? Alas, alas...

The Great Blissful Sound Venerable lay prostrate on the ground. Upon hearing his master's words, he felt no regret whatsoever. Instead, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief and even felt a secret joy.

He thought to himself, "The four senses of sight, hearing, touch, and mind—my three fellow disciples and I each possess one of them, sharing power within the academy. That's already quite a lot."

He is the Venerable Ear Consciousness, who, along with his three fellow disciples, Eye Consciousness, Body Consciousness, and Mind Consciousness, assists the Master and shares the authority and resources for practice in this Joyful Courtyard.

If another Venerable "Nose Consciousness" were to be added to the ranks of Arhats, wouldn't that mean having to share in all the offerings and Dharma connections in this temple?

Although we haven't achieved any merit, this situation may not necessarily be a bad thing.

He kept these thoughts deeply buried, not daring to reveal them in the slightest.

The Venerable Great Bliss lowered his head even further and respectfully responded:

"Master's words are very true. It is your incompetence that I failed to fulfill this predestined relationship and hindered your cultivation progress. Please punish me, Master."

The Buddha of Joy glanced at him, his gaze seemingly able to see right through him, which made the Venerable Great Bliss feel a tightness in his heart.

However, the Buddha of Joy did not reveal the truth. He simply leaned back on the cloud bed, resumed his languid posture, and casually waved his hand.

"That's enough. Since that True Lord Jingfa doesn't agree, and Jin Chanzi has personally intervened, let's put this matter aside for now."

"The opportunity hasn't arrived yet, forcing it will be futile. We'll look for another chance later."

The Buddha of Joy gently tossed the agate rosary in his hand, letting it float in front of him and slowly rotate, its precious light flowing.

He said he would give up, but the regret in his expression didn't completely disappear. He said slowly:

"Speaking of this opportunity... it reminds me of another regret."

The Rakshasa woman of Cuiyun Mountain in the past possessed the essence of extreme yin within and manifested the wondrous form of an Asura without. She was originally the perfect Dharma companion for practicing my Joyful Meditation and achieving the perfection of 'consciousness'.

If you are guided into my Joyful Abode, to study the wondrous Dharma with your fellow disciple Ruyi Zang, and through the harmony of Yin and Yang, your consciousness will surely be able to flow freely and without obstruction.

The Buddha of Joy paused, his tone cold and sarcastic:

"Unexpectedly, they were quick-witted and noticed something, and became Daoist partners with the Mighty Bull Demon King."

That Bull Demon King has extraordinary background and great supernatural powers, and he is extremely protective of his own, so it is not easy to forcibly convert him.

As a result, despite his practice to this day, Ruyi Zang has yet to reach the state of perfect and unobstructed awareness in the realm of consciousness.

Upon hearing this, the Venerable Mahabodhisattva was even more delighted.

The Venerable Ruyi Zang was his junior brother who was in charge of the practice of "consciousness".

This "consciousness" is the most mysterious and crucial among the six senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and thought, and it governs discrimination and cognition.

If one can achieve perfection, one will far surpass all other forms of knowledge in terms of supernatural powers and wisdom.

If Ruyi were to truly conceal the existence of that Rakshasa woman, who possesses profound inner strength and unparalleled beauty, as her consort, and use her yin essence and Asura roots to cultivate the wondrous method of pleasure.

I fear that his spiritual progress is so rapid that it will be like a thousand miles a day, let alone my own Venerable Ear-Knowing.

Even the Venerable Master Wonderful Wisdom, who had already attained the Arhatship and was in charge of all affairs in the monastery, would probably find it difficult to match his power.

"Fortunately...fortunately it didn't happen back then."

The thought flashed through his mind, tinged with a hint of relief.

However, amidst this relief, there was also an indescribable sense of regret.

He had also heard of the name of the Rakshasa woman; it was rumored that she was extremely beautiful and the most beautiful woman in the region.

Such a stunning beauty, and with such excellent qualities as a Dharma partner, if only she could be brought into this Joyful Abode…

Thinking of that possible romantic and wonderful realm, Venerable Mahakala suddenly became somewhat distracted.

He quickly lowered his head even further, afraid that the look in his eyes would betray his thoughts, and said in an even more submissive tone:

"Master, please don't worry."

Brother Ruyi Zang is deeply rooted in wisdom. Even if external conditions are not available for the time being, he will surely find another opportunity in time to achieve perfect results.

I rejoice in this lineage, for its Dharma connections are widespread, and I have no worries about finding like-minded Dharma companions.

The Buddha of Joy nodded slightly and then asked, "How are those two matters progressing?"

The Venerable Great Bliss quickly gathered all his distracting thoughts, took half a step forward, and bowed even lower.

"Reporting back to Master."

At Mount Hua, junior brothers Ruyi Zang and Jingang Chu have already personally gone to make arrangements and secretly selected candidates.

We have already identified a suitable candidate; we are just waiting for the right opportunity to proceed gradually. Actions will be taken soon.

He paused, then continued:

"As for the nine-headed insect of Beiju Luzhou, we disciples have secretly helped him escape his previous predicament and have settled him down for the time being."

This scoundrel is ambitious and quite cunning.

When the time is right, he will arrange for her to "encounter" Princess Wansheng of the Wansheng Dragon Palace.

With the Nine-Headed Insect's methods and a bit of luck, he should have a good chance of winning the princess's favor and then plotting to become her consort.

Once this is accomplished, I can gradually guide the princess to understand my wondrous method of pleasure; it will all fall into place naturally.

The Buddha of Joy listened quietly, a smile playing on his lips, and slowly said:

"Um……

Regarding the matter at Mount Hua, it is better to proceed slowly than hastily. Instruct Ruyi Zang and Jingang Chu to be extremely cautious and not to give themselves away. That Yang Erlang is not someone to be trifled with.

"As for Bibo Pool, rescuing the Nine-Headed Insect was just a side effect. After guiding it to 'encounter' the incident, there's no need to interfere too much; just let it develop on its own."

Remember, the best flavor comes from when the melon is fully ripe and falls from the vine.

"Your disciple will remember your teachings."

The Venerable Great Joyful Sound responded respectfully, but in his heart, he savored the meaning of the phrase "ripe fruit falls from the vine" with a hint of anticipation.

The Buddha of Joy gazed into the distance, rapidly turning the prayer beads, and murmured to himself, as if speaking to his disciples:

The workings of fate in this world are truly wondrous.

A positive connection is a connection, and so is an unfavorable connection.

Our actions, though seemingly tainted by cause and effect, are in reality aimed at bringing back all the wondrous truths scattered throughout the mortal world, and merging them into my ocean of joyful wisdom.

…………

…………

Outside the main hall, the scenic Lingshan Mountain presents a completely different scene.

The previously neatly arranged glasswork field is now covered with lotus platforms, intertwined with precious light.

Most of the holy beings in the heavens have already taken their places.

Vajra warriors wield pestles and swords, while guardian deities hold flags and banners. The eight classes of celestial beings appear and disappear in the clouds, adding to the solemnity and majesty.

Around the sacred site, laymen, laywomen, and many devout believers could be vaguely seen kneeling and praying with their palms together. Although they could not get close, their faces were full of excitement and piety.

The truth is:

The roar of dragons and the howl of lions shake the heavens and earth; the cries of phoenixes and luan birds move even ghosts and gods.

Golden lotuses bloom on the seat, their precious forms drooping; purple calyxes grow in the pond, revealing divine patterns.

The fragrance of cigarettes permeates the three realms, and the bright flames of lamps illuminate the four gates.

If it weren't for the profound magic of the Xuanmen sect, how could the true purity of the Sand Realm be manifested?

Following Jin Chanzi's guidance, Chen Jiao sat down comfortably on the brocade cushion.

His position was quite close to the front, right next to Jin Chanzi, several seats away from Li Jing, Nezha, Fei Peng and others.

These arrangements clearly have a deeper meaning.

This not only shows the Buddha's high regard for this "disciple of the Taoist patriarch and a trusted advisor of the Jade Emperor," but also subtly places him, the True Lord of the Pure Dharma, among the important guests of Buddhism.

Chen Jiao sat on a futon, which was neither gold nor jade, yet it exuded a warm and cool sensation that brought peace to the mind.

Before them was a low sandalwood table, upon which were placed several dishes of spiritual fruits and delicacies. In a glass cup, fine wine flowed continuously, emitting a wonderful fragrance.

Looking around, one sees the Buddha's light shining everywhere, the sound of chanting, and the saints either closing their eyes in meditation, listening with smiles, or conversing in hushed tones, all displaying a magnificent demeanor and countless forms.

Such grand gatherings, with their intertwined atmospheres and flowing Taoist charm, though unassuming, possess a powerful and awe-inspiring force.

Jin Chanzi sat on the lotus platform beside Chen Jiao, still displaying his compassionate and serene Buddhist nature.

Seeing that Chen Jiao was calmly observing the scene of the Dharma assembly, he turned slightly and smiled, using the secret method of sound transmission, his clear and melodious voice resounding directly in Chen Jiao's mind:

"Please sit down, True Lord."

This gathering brings together holy beings from all directions to expound the supreme Dharma. Although most of the teachings are Buddhist scriptures, the three thousand great paths ultimately lead to the same destination.

"Your Excellency might as well listen quietly; perhaps you will gain something from it."

Chen Jiao nodded slightly and replied telepathically:

"Thank you for your help, Buddhist disciple. The Dharma is vast, and it is a great opportunity to hear it today."

He knew that the Buddha had not yet begun his sermon at this Dharma assembly.

At this moment, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and holy beings from all directions pay homage to each other, proclaim the Dharma, and display their supernatural powers. In reality, it is a rare gathering in the Three Realms for exchange and to demonstrate one's profound understanding.

In this solemn and mysterious atmosphere, the sandalwood incense suddenly grew stronger, flowers fell from the sky, and golden lotuses sprang from the ground. All the chanting and bells suddenly fell silent.

Then the main gate of the Mahavira Hall opened wide, and boundless golden light burst forth.

A magnificent, compassionate, and wise golden statue, standing sixteen feet tall, slowly appeared on the highest golden lotus throne in front of the hall, flanked by Manjushri and Samantabhadra.

Buddha Shakyamuni descended upon the Dharma assembly.

Beneath the Buddha's seat, Venerable Ananda stepped forward, facing the countless holy beings outside the hall, and proclaimed in a loud voice:

"The assembly of eminent monks and noble figures at the Dharma assembly should contemplate the ultimate truth. The World-Honored One ascends the seat and expounds the wondrous Dharma—"

The sound carried across the fields, and all was silent.

All Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Vajras, and all the holy beings who attended the assembly, regardless of what they were doing beforehand.

At this moment, everyone straightened their clothes, composed themselves, faced the Mahavira Hall, and bowed with their palms together.

The boundless auspicious light and mist grew even more intense and magnificent with this proclamation.

The entire Ling Mountain was illuminated, making it appear like a giant crystal lamp floating above the sea of ​​clouds, shining brightly throughout the world.

The Lotus Assembly of the Wonderful Dharma has officially begun.

Chen Jiao looked up and saw that the Buddha's head was emitting a hundred kinds of precious light, from which emerged a thousand-petaled lotus, each lotus transforming into the ten directions of the Buddha Kingdom.

Within the Buddha-land, countless manifested Buddhas expound the wondrous Dharma, layer upon layer, profound and inconceivable.

The sounds of chanting and conch shells filled the ears, yet instead of creating a cacophony, they brought a sense of clarity to the mind.

The Buddha opened his subtle mouth and expounded the Dharma.

Its sound resounded throughout every corner of Mount Ling, even penetrating through layers of void to reach the ears of sentient beings with affinity:

Thus have I heard: At one time the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove, Anathapindika's Park, in Shravasti…

It was the beginning of the lectures on the Lotus Sutra.

Flowers rained down from the sky, and golden lotuses sprang from the ground.

All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas wore smiles, some seemed to be deep in thought, some nodded knowingly, and some were completely absorbed in the moment.

Among the Arhats, some scratched their ears and cheeks, some suddenly realized something, and some were in tears.

The Vajrapani warriors, chests out and heads held high, listened solemnly. The monks and nuns, palms joined in reverence, listened as if drinking sweet nectar.

Chen Jiao listened attentively.

He was a follower of the orthodox Xuanmen sect and did not have a deep understanding of Buddhist doctrines, but he had a different kind of insight when he heard this.

The Buddha's words strip away the many names and forms, pointing directly to the original nature of mind.

Surprisingly, it achieves the same profound and subtle result as the Taoist principles of "quietude and non-action" and "returning to simplicity and authenticity," even though they are different paths leading to the same goal.

Chen Jiao kept his eyes focused on his nose, his nose focused on his heart, his mind wandering beyond worldly things, yet seemingly immersed in the moment, his entire being subtly in harmony with the solemn Dharma assembly.

After an unknown amount of time, the Buddha's sermon gradually ceased.

The hall was completely silent, except for the lingering melodies of heavenly music and the drifting fragrance of exotic incense.

All the saints were still immersed in the joy of the Dharma they had just experienced, and their faces showed a hint of lingering satisfaction.

On the lotus platform, the Buddha's gaze was kind and gentle as he slowly swept over all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and saints inside and outside the hall.

Wherever his gaze fell, near or far, he felt as if bathed in a spring breeze, his heart opening up.

The Buddha spoke slowly:

"There are no fixed rules in the Dharma; seeing one's true nature is the truth."

I have offered a humble suggestion, hoping to elicit a beautiful one. All the sages present here possess profound wisdom and insight; may they each express their views and elucidate the subtle principles to share with everyone present and allow us all to benefit from the Dharma.

As soon as he finished speaking, Buddha's gaze fell on Chen Jiao, who was concentrating on his meditation.

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