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

On the lotus platform.

The Buddha's gaze descended, like the sun and moon traversing the sky, illuminating the entire universe, and slowly swept across the faces of the countless holy beings.

Ultimately, it seemed to fall on Chen Jiao, who was sitting upright beside Jin Chanzi, his eyes closed in deep concentration, comprehending profound truths.

Chen Jiao's mind was clear and alert; even in meditation, he was acutely aware of the external energy flow.

That gaze had no oppressive force, but was clear and transparent, as if it could see through all illusions and point directly to one's true nature.

Chen Jiao's eyelids twitched slightly.

We invited all the saints to preach the Dharma; there were countless Buddhas and Bodhisattvas present.

Those who discuss Buddhist scriptures and preach the Dharma are ultimately outsiders, belonging to a heretical sect.

How can I be the first to preach the Dharma in this sacred land of Lingshan, before all the Buddhas?

His face remained calm, his eyes still lowered, and his breathing steady.

Completely immersed in contemplating the profound Buddhist principles, he seemed oblivious to the gaze falling upon him.

His black cloak draped over his shoulders, and he sat upright, pretending not to know anything.

Seeing this, the Buddha's smile deepened. He neither pointed it out nor urged him on, and his gaze had already shifted away.

Then the Buddha said gently, "You all know the origin of this Dharma assembly. However, today's magnificent scene cannot be without the assistance of precious treasures."

Kasyapa.

Upon hearing this, Venerable Kasyapa, who was standing to the side, put his palms together, bowed, and replied, "Disciple is here."

"Go to the Eight Merits Pond behind the mountain, fill a golden bowl with the pure water of merit, and take the lotus seed from the pond."

Today, all the saints have gathered, a truly auspicious occasion, allowing them to hear the profound Dharma, nourish their spiritual potential, and await the blossoming of their wisdom.

"I will obey the Buddha's instructions."

Venerable Kasyapa bowed and accepted the order. He took a golden alms bowl, rode on auspicious clouds, and went directly to the back of the Great Thunderclap Temple.

A moment later, he returned with the golden bowl in his hand.

The bowl contained a pool of clear, still water, with eight-colored radiant light appearing and disappearing in turn.

It is precisely the water of the Eight Virtues.

It possesses eight extraordinary virtues: clarity, coolness, sweetness, lightness, moisture, tranquility, quenching thirst, and nourishing the senses.

Venerable Kasyapa, holding his alms bowl, turned around and walked to the Buddha's lotus throne, where he bowed and offered it to the Buddha.

The Buddha did not accept the bowl, but extended a finger, and a point of soft golden light fell into the merit water in the bowl.

In an instant, the clear water in the bowl rippled slightly, and a warm, lustrous glow slowly rose from the bottom of the bowl, revealing the lotus seeds.

What a beautiful lotus seed! As the poem testifies:

The Eight Virtues are nurtured in the water, and the Thunder Sound Palace holds their memory within.

Containing wondrous forms, ancient simplicity gives birth to the Dharma.

It appears as small as a mustard seed on the outside, but contains the myriad traces of the universe within.

When the time is right, the flowers will bloom and the Supreme One will be revealed.

The Buddha gazed upon the golden alms bowl and spoke slowly, his voice echoing throughout the hall, and all the saints listened intently:

"These lotus seeds are neither the fruit of ordinary plants nor the product of immortal spiritual roots."

This was when I attained unsurpassed, perfect enlightenment under the Bodhi tree years ago, and first turned the wheel of Dharma to expound the Four Noble Truths.

A single thought of compassion, a spark of Buddha-nature, connects with the Dharma realm, naturally transforming all beings.

Having fallen into the pool of eight merits, nourished by sweet dew and nurtured by the Buddha's teachings, it has been countless eons since then that it has achieved its present state.

The opportunity for its blossoming does not lie in forceful intervention, but in the arrival of the right conditions.

Previously, I used my Dharma Eye to observe the past, present, and future, and knew that the opportunity was about to arrive.

Therefore, this Dharma assembly is convened to invite all the saints to expound the true and wondrous Dharma, both for the sake of sentient beings and for this lotus.

May they hear the true Dharma and awaken to its truth, and await the auspicious conditions for enlightenment.

Having said that, the Buddha addressed Venerable Kasyapa:

"And hold this bowl, and show it to all the saints, so that they may see the mystery of what is about to be opened but has not yet been opened."

Venerable Kasyapa respectfully held his alms bowl and slowly walked around the main hall, starting from the lotus platform.

He then showed the golden bowls containing lotus seeds to the assembled saints.

Each saint held their breath and focused their mind, using their divine eyes to observe the lotus seeds in the Eight Merits Water, and their expressions were all different.

A Bodhisattva observed that within the white light of the lotus seed, there seemed to be three thousand worlds, a pure land of Buddha.

The ground is made of crystal, the paths are marked by golden ropes, and there are countless pavilions and towers. Within these structures, countless beings chant Buddhist scriptures and cultivate themselves, and are born from lotus flowers.

An Arhat observed that the lotus seed veins transformed into various Dharma implements: the vajra, the prajna sword, the lotus wheel, and the treasure vase banner. The light and shadow flowed, expounding the wisdom of subduing demons and the methods of strengthening the mind on the path.

A Vajra observer saw that within the lotus seed, a vast Buddhist power surged forth, like the roar of a lion and the sound of thunder, intimidating heretics and revealing the wrathful appearance of a Vajra, protecting the true Dharma from falling.

When a monk observed it, he saw the lotus seed emitting light, within which countless scriptures and symbols appeared, each word a gem, expounding the Four Noble Truths, the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, and the Six Perfections, all of which are the supreme methods for cultivation and liberation.

In an instant, whispers of praise and admiration rose throughout the venue:

"Excellent! I see within it a pure land adorned with seven jeweled ponds, filled with water possessing the eight virtues; it is the supreme refuge for rebirth in the Pure Land through reciting the Buddha's name!"

"How wonderful! I observe its interlacing patterns, constantly arising and ceasing, which is precisely the impermanence of all things; its appearance is clear, yet its nature is empty, which is precisely the non-self of all phenomena; its white light shines everywhere, unstained by dust, which is precisely the tranquility of Nirvana."

The profound meaning of the six hundred volumes of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra seems to flow entirely within it, opening my wisdom and breaking my attachments. Excellent, Prajnaparamita!

"How wondrous! I observe within this lotus seed a hidden, fearless, and powerful force. Those who witness this force will be filled with great courage and resolve to shoulder the Buddha's work, protect the Dharma and safeguard the Sangha, and prevent evil from invading!"

"As I observe, within the white light of the lotus seed, there are countless scriptures, each word radiating light. The essential meanings of the scriptures flow naturally, revealing the three non-outflow studies of precepts, concentration, and wisdom."

This is the supreme Dharma treasury, capable of nourishing the wisdom-life of all beings and guiding them on the true path to enlightenment. In compassion, the Buddha reveals this precious Dharma!

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas also nodded and smiled, each having gained some understanding, all praising its profound mystery, and expressing different opinions.

The golden bowl was brought before Chen Jiao's seat.

Venerable Kasyapa paused and gently placed the golden bowl in front of Chen Jiao.

Chen Jiao stared intently.

The Eight Virtues Water was calm and still, and a jade-white lotus seed emitted a soft, pure white light, with some natural veins on its surface...

Apart from that, there were no other unusual phenomena.

There are no three thousand worlds, Dharma instruments and scriptures, Buddha lands and pure lands, or vast Buddha power as described by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

No matter how Chen Jiao observed with his Dao heart and sensed with his divine sense, what he saw was still that lotus seed and that merit water.

The lotus seed has not evolved into countless wondrous forms, nor has the clear water reflected the vast world.

Everything was as usual. All the mysteries that the saints had seen were, in his eyes, reduced to their most simple and original state.

Chen Jiao looked at it again and again, his brows furrowing slightly before he regained his composure.

He thought to himself, "Could it be that my cultivation of Taoist mystic arts is ultimately different from the profound truths of Buddhism, which is why I cannot see its wonders?"

Or perhaps the wonder of this thing is merely a manifestation of the mind, arising from conditions?

Jin Chanzi, who was sitting to the side, had been paying attention. At this moment, he saw Chen Jiao staring at him silently, with no look of amazement or intoxication on his face, but rather a hint of confusion.

He smiled slightly, put his palms together, and asked:

"True Lord Jingfa, what do you think of this lotus fruit? What profound mysteries does it reveal?"

Chen Jiao withdrew his gaze, pondered for a moment, and said frankly:

"In my opinion... the lotus is the lotus, and the water is the water."

The lotus seed pattern is naturally formed, hinting at life; the water of the Eight Virtues is clear and pure, possessing extraordinary qualities.

There is nothing else unusual.

Upon hearing this, several Bodhisattvas and Arhats nearby shifted their gazes slightly, some showing thoughtful expressions, while others revealed subtle surprise.

Upon hearing this, Jin Chanzi not only found it strange, but also clasped his hands in praise and exclaimed:

"Excellent! True Lord, your understanding of the Dao is clear and unconventional; this is truly a first-rate insight!"

His voice was clear and melodious as he explained, "These lotus seeds are manifestations of the Buddha's wisdom and are not ordinary things."

It is formless and without substance, yet it possesses myriad forms and qualities. Its mystery lies not in the lotus seed itself, but in the heart of the observer.

When the mind is in harmony with the Dharma, all that is seen is Dharma; when the mind dwells on something, all that is seen becomes form.

When a Bodhisattva sees the Pure Land, it is because he has compassion in his heart; when an Arhat sees the Dharma implements, it is because he is concerned with subduing demons; when a Vajra sees the Buddha's power, it is because he is concerned with protecting the Dharma; when a Bhikkhu sees the scriptures, it is because his heart is in the Dharma treasury.

This is the principle that "when the mind arises, all kinds of phenomena arise."

Because all beings have different minds and capacities, the scenes they perceive also vary greatly.

The True Lord is not a member of our Buddhist community, and has no attachment to the predetermined Buddhahood, nor does he deliberately seek the mysteries.

Therefore, when you see a lotus, it is a lotus; when you see water, it is water. It neither increases nor decreases, neither is defiled nor is it pure.

This is to directly point to the original nature, without falling into illusion, to see the true constant where nothing can be seen, and to observe the wondrous existence in the ordinary mind.

This state of mind aligns perfectly with the profound truth of "one should abide nowhere and yet give rise to the mind," and represents great concentration and great wisdom.

Why seek further mystery? What you see is mystery itself.

After the golden bowl had been displayed to all the saints, Venerable Kasyapa returned to the side of the lotus throne with the bowl in his hand and bowed to report back.

The Buddha looked down and saw that all the saints had come back from their meditation, their faces showing either joy, contemplation, or praise.

Knowing that the time had come, he spoke slowly, and his voice resounded throughout the assembly:

"Manjushri Bodhisattva, you have made offerings to all Buddhas for countless eons, deeply planted good roots, cultivated virtuous foundations for a long time, and attained great wisdom, becoming all-encompassing and unobstructed."

"At today's Dharma assembly, we may first expound the profound truths of the Dharma to the assembly, opening their eyes to the Buddha's wisdom."

Upon hearing the Buddha's words, Manjushri Bodhisattva recited the Buddha's name once and then began to preach the Dharma.

Its voice is like a lion's roar, awakening those who are lost in reverie.

As Manjushri Bodhisattva preached the Dharma, countless blue lotus flowers naturally appeared in the sky and slowly bloomed.

After Manjushri Bodhisattva finished preaching, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva rose up, and from his head emanated hundreds of millions of great bright clouds, sprinkling sweet dew from the willow branch.

Afterwards, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva spoke of the Ten Great Vows, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva recounted his great vow to liberate sentient beings from hell...

There were also many great Arhats, such as Maudgalyayana, who spoke of supernatural powers and transformations, and Purna, who was foremost in expounding the Dharma…

In an instant, flowers rained down from the sky and golden lotuses sprang from the ground in front of the Mahavira Hall.

Furthermore, the heavens played music, the eight classes of priests offered praise, auspicious light formed a sea, and auspicious clouds gathered.

The sea of ​​Dharma is truly vast and magnificent, and the Buddha's light shines in all directions.

The sages each expressed their own views, presenting a variety of wonderful teachings that captivated the listeners, inspiring them to comprehend profound truths.

Chen Jiao sat upright in the middle, listening intently.

Although he was not a Buddhist disciple, all the paths to enlightenment, though different, lead to the same goal.

The various teachings expounded by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, whether it be wisdom and emptiness, compassion and vows, or supernatural powers, are all different interpretations and verifications of the ultimate principles of heaven and earth and the original nature of mind.

It also has similarities and points of reference with his cultivation of the Golden Extreme Thunder Dao.

Chen Jiao listened with rapt attention, his mind filled with Daoist thoughts that resonated with the profound principles of Buddhism. Unconsciously, his understanding of his own path to enlightenment deepened.

The saints had finished expounding their sutras one by one, their lingering voices echoing around the rafters, and the strange phenomena gradually subsided.

The place was peaceful and serene, filled only with boundless light and Dharma joy.

On the lotus platform.

The Buddha's gaze swept slowly across the area again, finally settling on Chen Jiao, and he said gently, "True Lord Jingfa."

Chen Jiao was jolted awake from the complex and profound truths. He looked up and met the Buddha's eyes, which contained boundless wisdom.

The Buddha smiled and slowly said:

"Just now, Kasyapa held up his alms bowl and showed it to all the saints. They saw the lotus seeds and each saw something mysterious, which was a manifestation of their own minds."

Only the True Lord directly stated that when one observes a lotus, it is a lotus; when one observes water, it is water. He did not pursue illusions but directly pointed to the original nature, possessing unique wisdom that subtly aligns with the profound truth that "the Dharma abides in its proper place, and worldly phenomena are eternally abiding."

The Buddha's voice was peaceful, yet it clearly resonated throughout every corner of the temple, instantly drawing all eyes to Chen Jiao.

"Today's Dharma assembly is called 'Lotus of Wonderful Dharma,' where all the saints have expounded the profound truths and widely expounded the true nature of reality."

Although the True Lord is a highly accomplished scholar of the Xuanmen (Taoist school), there is no hierarchy in the methods, and all paths originate from the same source.

The Buddha paused briefly, his bearing dignified, his eyes filled with expectation:

"I and all the saints wish to hear the Dharma of the True Lord. Would you be willing to expound it for us all, so that we may benefit from this Dharma?"

These words caused the temple to fall even more silent.

All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Arhats and Vajras, the Eight Legions of Devas and Nagas, and even all the holy and ordinary people, all focused their gaze on this young True Lord, dressed in a black cloak and sitting upright before the Buddha.

The great Bodhisattvas, including Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Avalokiteshvara, all smiled and waited for him to speak.

Even Li Jing and Nezha, who were seated with Chen Jiao, couldn't help but glance at him.

Jin Chanzi, however, remained smiling and observed the situation calmly.

Chen Jiao knew that he could not refuse this time no matter what.

When Buddha called out names in public, his intention was not to make things difficult, but rather to test or express his expectations.

If he were to offer further humility, it would appear pretentious and would further diminish the dignity of the Taoist school.

Chen Jiao slowly rose from the futon, his black cloak hanging like a cloud from the sky, remaining perfectly still.

He faced the lotus platform and bowed to the Buddha and all the saints with composure, neither humble nor arrogant.

His cool gaze swept over the countless saints below before finally returning to a state of deep, serene stillness.

Chen Jiao said loudly:

"The Buddha inquired, and with all the holy beings before me, I, a junior with shallow spiritual cultivation, dare not speak presumptuously of the Buddha's teachings."

Since the Buddha has not rejected me, I will briefly share my humble opinions based on what I have just seen and thought, hoping to discuss them with you all.

"Just now, I spoke recklessly, seeing a lotus as a lotus and water as water."

This is not an attempt to mystify, but rather a humble understanding from a junior practitioner. It may contain biases, and I humbly request guidance from the sages.

Chen Jiao's gaze swept over the golden bowl, and he slowly said:

"The lotus is the lotus, the water is the water, both are inherently pure, what has been added or subtracted?"

Just as thunder arises in the heavens, yin and yang clashed, and clouds interacted.

Before it is released, clouds are clouds and vapors are vapors; once it is released, thunder is thunder and lightning is lightning.

To see clouds but not know that thunder is about to strike is called ignorance; to cling to thunder and forget the true nature of clouds is called attachment to appearances.

"We cultivators, in our pursuit of profound understanding and enlightenment, are no different."

Chen Jiao's voice was deep and resonant, carrying a hint of thunder and lightning.

"The mind and nature are inherently complete, and need not be sought from outside. They are not cultivated, nor are they created."

When one is confused, a lotus is a lotus, water is water, thunder is thunder, and lightning is lightning; each dwells in its own form, creating obstacles at every turn.

When you attain enlightenment, the lotus is still the lotus, the water is still the water, the thunder is still the thunder, and the lightning is still the lightning.

Yet within it lies a clear and bright awareness, as bright and clear as the sun in the sky, where all things in the universe are revealed at once.

"Without departing from the present moment, one is both ordinary and sacred; without abandoning a single method, one attains sudden enlightenment and Buddhahood."

He concluded by saying that his voice was clear and resonant, echoing in the ears of all the saints:

"Therefore, I believe that to recognize and accept this in the present moment is to attain enlightenment."

A sudden enlightenment of this mind is the Buddha's mind; a sudden enlightenment of this nature is the Buddha's nature.

Buddha-nature is inherent, like a lotus seed inherently possessing vitality; sudden enlightenment leads to Buddhahood, like a lotus seed sprouting when the right conditions arise.

Recognizing the true nature of the lotus water in the present moment is recognizing one's own original nature; seeing the true message of life and death from thunder is seeing the pure and wondrous essence of one's own nature.

Everything is already there; why add another head on top of your own? Dependent origination and emptiness are inherent in nature; the present moment is all there is.

Upon hearing this, the entire venue fell silent.

Chen Jiao's statement emphasizes that "Buddha-nature is inherent, and enlightenment is sudden," directly pointing to the human mind without needing any stepping stones.

It differs subtly and significantly from the gradual practice and enlightenment methods of the Buddha in this world, which are "worldly methods" that lead to enlightenment.

It did not deny the Buddha's teachings, but rather opened up a new path, directly exploring the root cause.

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas each had a different expression.

Some bodhisattvas, such as Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara, had a gleam of wisdom in their eyes, as if they were carefully savoring Chen Jiao's words about enlightenment and Buddhahood, and their faces showed deep thought.

There was an Arhat Vajra with a slightly furrowed brow, as if he felt that the words were too direct and went against the gradual path of "diligently cultivating morality, concentration, and wisdom, and extinguishing greed, anger, and ignorance."

After Chen Jiao finished speaking and returned to his seat, the room remained subtly silent.

A strange phenomenon suddenly appeared in the golden bowl in Venerable Kasyapa's hand.

The lotus seed, which had been quietly emitting a bright white light without any change, trembled slightly.

Then a jade lotus sprouted and shone brightly on Mount Ling, which was the sign of the Supreme Being appearing when the flower bloomed.