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

Upon hearing this profound discourse, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas displayed varying expressions.

Jin Chanzi sat quietly beside Chen Jiao, gazing into the void before him. His eyes shimmered with light, sometimes appearing bewildered, sometimes lost in thought.

He personally experienced the ancient times and deeply understood the difficulties of spiritual practice. Later, he was enlightened by the Buddha and was able to wash away his worldly desires and realize the truth of compassion.

Therefore, when Jin Chanzi was guiding sentient beings, he always had patience, believing that they could all gradually attain liberation through cultivation.

Hearing the words about sudden enlightenment at this moment felt like being struck by a drench, directly pointing to the essence of my mind.

I also felt that there were many obstacles along the way, which could not be overcome without great potential, great opportunity, and great courage.

Just as Chen Jiao finished speaking, and the echoes of his words still lingered among the peaks of Lingshan Mountain.

Within the golden bowl in Venerable Kasyapa's hand, a tender, moist sprout quietly emerged from the tip of the white jade lotus seed.

It grows rapidly with the wind, and in the blink of an eye, a nine-petaled jade lotus has already bloomed, standing tall and pure, its clear light shining forth.

There is a poem that praises this jade lotus:

A spark of inspiration has long been hidden, enduring the vicissitudes of time at the bottom of the Thunder Sound Pool.

Today, in order to realize the true nature of reality, the nine-petaled jade lotus reflects the Buddha's light.

Unstained by mud and transcending all things, it naturally reveals its wondrous form in the center.

The Dharma assembly of the gods was blessed with auspicious omens, and the sudden enlightenment of the Zen truth was extraordinary.

The lotus blooms in an instant.

Then a pure and gentle golden light surged from the lotus heart and soared straight into the sky.

It temporarily obscured the five-colored precious light and the rain of jeweled flowers above Lingjiu Peak.

Only this pure golden light remained in the world, enveloping the Dharma assembly and spreading throughout the sacred mountain.

All the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Vajras awoke from their deep contemplation of the sudden enlightenment method of Zen. Upon seeing this extraordinary phenomenon, they felt that Chen Jiao's words were in perfect harmony with profound mysteries, and they were amazed.

"Excellent. The lotus blossoms in response to the wondrous Dharma; indeed, the workings of fate are wondrous."

"With just a few words, the True Lord was able to awaken the lotus seed of Buddha's heart to bloom. This method of sudden enlightenment is truly profound!"

"Namo Amitabha! The blooming of the flower reveals one's true nature, illuminating the entire universe; this is an auspicious sign!"

Among the eighteen Arhats, the chief Arhat, the Dragon Subduer, had a furrowed brow.

Seeing that Jingfa Zhenjun's words had caused such a strange phenomenon, his doubts deepened. He couldn't help but step forward, his voice booming, and asked with his palms together:

"Amitabha. The sudden enlightenment method spoken of by the True Lord, which allows one to attain enlightenment in a single thought, see one's true nature and become a Buddha, is indeed profound."

However, those with dull faculties, shallow wisdom, and deep-seated obstacles, if they force themselves to attain sudden enlightenment, are like thin soil suddenly rained on; the water wets the surface but dries up in the blink of an eye, only fostering arrogance and pride.

In Buddhism, the three disciplines of morality, concentration, and wisdom are arranged in an orderly manner, like the base, body, and spire of a pagoda—none of which can be omitted.

The True Lord's statement that one can see with a single thought is surely underestimating the real skill of taking each step and subduing one's inner demons.

Without the discipline of precepts to restrain body and mind, how can one attain sudden enlightenment through meditation to control distractions? Wouldn't that just be empty talk and delusion?

Chen Jiao remained calm and waited for the Arhat Subduing Dragon to finish speaking before slowly saying:

"The ladder mentioned by the Arhats is indeed a common path. However, sudden and gradual enlightenment are not two separate methods."

A sudden realization is like a beacon, illuminating the steps beneath your feet, revealing that every step is firm and the way home.

Without the inherent Buddha-nature as a foundation, the study of precepts, concentration, and wisdom becomes a pointless arrow.

Sudden enlightenment is the awakening of one's true nature; gradual enlightenment is the purification of one's habitual delusions. True cultivation begins after awakening; true enlightenment is achieved through cultivation.

Clinging to the steps may lead to stagnation; empty talk of sudden enlightenment also leads to clichés.

A single thought can transcend all obstacles, yet it requires countless lifetimes of cultivation.

However, the essence of cultivation lies in constantly pointing one's thoughts towards one's original nature, not merely in grinding a brick to make a mirror.

Among all the saints in the world, those with profound wisdom, such as Manjushri Bodhisattva, nodded slightly.

At this moment, the Buddha gently began his discourse, his voice resounding throughout the assembly:

"Excellent. What the True Lord says is impartial and unbiased, deeply embodying the Middle Way. The method of sudden enlightenment points directly to the source of the mind; it is truly a supreme and wondrous path. However..."

The Buddha then changed the subject, his expression filled with compassion and supreme wisdom.

"The capacities of sentient beings vary greatly. The karmic forces from past lives are uneven in thickness. The defilements of their minds vary in depth."

"If we prematurely preach to sentient beings of average or inferior capacity, heavy karma and little fortune, and intense afflictions about the ease of 'sudden enlightenment and Buddhahood' or 'immediate enlightenment', we will not be able to achieve enlightenment."

They may not understand its true meaning, but cling to expedient words as the true Dharma, mistakenly believing that they can become Buddhas without cultivation, which easily leads to contempt and laziness.

Disregarding precepts, neglecting the cultivation of blessings and wisdom, engaging in empty talk, and behaving recklessly—this is falling into the path of wild Zen, which is not only useless but also increases sins and severs one's roots of goodness.

This is not the fault of the one who teaches the Dharma, but rather the fault of the listener who has not yet reached the right conditions and whose wisdom is insufficient, thus giving rise to false attachments.

The Buddha's voice deepened, like the resounding tones of a great bell, prompting profound reflection:

"Therefore, I observe the capacity of the learners and teach accordingly, often speaking of the gradual method. I instruct them to begin with upholding the precepts, from which concentration arises, and from concentration, wisdom is developed, progressing step by step, one seal at a time."

Gradual practice leads to stability, subdues afflictions, accumulates merit, and builds a solid foundation.

As one's foundation deepens and impurities thin, when the conditions are ripe, one may hear a word or see an object, and in an instant, one will resonate with it, suddenly realizing one's true nature; then, success will come naturally.

"Sudden enlightenment is not bad; in fact, it is the sharp blade that guides those with the highest capacity and the greatest heart of ordinary people, cutting through doubts and directly transcending life and death."

This can be considered a separate transmission within a sect, focusing solely on the higher teachings, a separate transmission outside the established doctrines, a transmission from heart to heart.

However, if one wishes to universally save all beings from delusion and guide those of lower and middle levels, the Tripitaka, the twelve divisions of scriptures, and the eighty-four thousand Dharma gates should be approached gradually and steadily, progressing from the gradual to the sudden enlightenment.

This is the way of prudent conduct, and the essence of compassion.

Many Arhats and Vajras heard the Buddha's teachings and their doubts were somewhat resolved.

It's not that the methods are superior or inferior, but rather that people's inherent natures differ.

All the holy beings in the heavens joined their palms in prayer and said "Good!"

They also praised the True Lord Jingfa for his unique Buddhist heart, saying that although his method of sudden enlightenment was not universally applicable, it was like a sharp sword cutting through the clouds of doubt and a bright lamp illuminating the darkness.

For those with superior spiritual capacity, it truly has the miraculous effect of directly pointing to the mind, seeing one's true nature, and attaining Buddhahood; it is extremely profound.

After the Buddha finished speaking, he lowered his gaze to the nine-petaled jade lotus with its inner radiance, stretched out a finger, and pointed it in the air.

A soft golden light emanated from the Buddha's fingertip, seemingly there yet not there, and gently landed on the lotus flower.

The golden pillar of light that had enveloped Lingjiu Peak and concealed all its precious radiance, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, instantly rolled back and disappeared into the nine-petaled jade lotus.

Then, the lotus body trembled violently, and the jade-colored radiance shone brightly, which then merged with the withdrawn golden light.

Under the focused gaze of all the saints, the nine-petaled jade lotus slowly rose.

The jade color faded, turning into a warm golden light. The outline of the lotus platform gradually emerged, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into a nine-grade golden lotus platform, suspended above the Eight Merits Water.

Its shape is perfect, its gold shines brightly but not dazzlingly, and its jade quality is subtle and solemn.

The lotus platform is divided into nine grades, each petal distinct. Its color is white on top and gold on the bottom. The white is like mutton fat jade, and the gold is like real gold glass. It shines brightly and exudes auspicious energy.

Furthermore, faint chanting naturally arose from the lotus platform, serene and solemn, inspiring one to take refuge upon first sight.

"The Nine-Rank Lotus Platform!"

One of the Arhats let out a soft cry, filled with awe.

This is the Dharma seat in Buddhism, symbolizing the highest merit and the most sublime status.

Only a great practitioner with perfect merit and boundless wisdom can possess this.

The one before us is the most perfect of the nine grades, the highest grade, with inner radiance and natural Daoist charm.

Once the lotus platform is completed, it exudes a unique and rich fragrance, and its clear light shines through, making the surroundings appear sacred.

All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can sense the immense vows and pure Buddha-nature contained within it.

The Buddha gazed at the newly completed nine-tiered lotus throne, nodded slightly, then looked down at Chen Jiao and smiled:

"This lotus was born in response to the profound mystery of the Zen Dharma proclaimed by the True Lord. When it blooms, one can see one's true nature and its light shines throughout the world."

Its opening is to provide a new and convenient path for Buddhism, to guide those with affinity.

This is an auspicious karmic connection, and also an immeasurable merit.

The Buddha paused briefly, his demeanor magnanimous, yet his words resonated like thunder, shaking the hearts of all the saints:

"If the True Lord awakens the supreme Bodhi mind and wishes to enter my Buddhist order, he may receive this lotus platform."

Before all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, I will use this nine-grade lotus platform as a foundation to bestow upon you the great title and true fruition, and you shall be—Namo Radiant Awakened King Bodhisattva.

The Buddha then said, "The True Lord is a Great Luo True Immortal, with profound cultivation and a solid foundation."

Therefore, the Bodhisattva position I bestow upon you is not the first stage, but the ninth stage.

With continued diligent practice, the ten stages of Bodhisattva practice are attainable, and Buddhahood is within reach.

Upon hearing this, the entire area in front of the Great Buddha Hall and the sacred grounds fell into complete silence.

The only sounds were the faint rustling of the wind through the banners and the subtle, almost imperceptible chanting emanating from the golden lotus.

"Ninth-level Bodhisattva!"

"King of Light and Awakening!"

Even the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Vajras, upon hearing these words, despite their profound cultivation and tranquil nature, could not help but show expressions of surprise, and whispers arose in their voices.

The attainment of Bodhisattva status in Buddhism follows a specific order.

The first stage, the Joyful Ground, and so on, up to the tenth stage, the Cloud of Dharma Ground, progress step by step, each stage incredibly difficult.

For ordinary practitioners, attaining the first stage of enlightenment is already an immense blessing.

Those who can reach the eighth stage or above are already great Bodhisattvas who are irreversible, possessing inconceivable supernatural powers and wisdom.

The ninth-level Bodhisattva, also known as the Good Wisdom Bodhisattva, is close to perfection, possessing the four unobstructed wisdoms, preaching the Dharma to save sentient beings, and has great merits, equivalent to the peak of true immortals in the Taoist school.

Within Buddhism, it holds an extremely revered position.

Only those great Bodhisattvas from countless eons past, such as Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Ksitigarbha, and a few ancient Buddhas and past Buddhas!

The title "King of Light and Awakening" is even more revered, signifying that wisdom and light illuminate all directions.

The Buddha actually wanted to bestow the title of Jingfa Zhenjun, who came from the Xuanmen sect, with the great rank and attainment of a ninth-level Bodhisattva!

Such favors are extremely rare, not to mention to an outsider. Even among Buddhists, those who have accumulated merit and virtue over countless eons are extremely rare to attain this position!

The fact that the Buddha bestowed such a high position upon Chen Jiao shows that he valued Chen Jiao, or rather, the sudden enlightenment teachings that Chen Jiao was expounding today, to an unparalleled degree.

At this moment, Chen Jiao's heart was also filled with turbulent emotions.

He never expected that his insights on sudden enlightenment would lead the Buddha to bestow upon him the status of a ninth-level Bodhisattva!

This is no longer a simple appreciation; its meaning is unfathomable.

His gaze involuntarily fell upon those renowned Bodhisattvas who were famous throughout the Three Realms.

Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Avalokiteshvara, Ksitigarbha... all are saints who have practiced the Bodhisattva path since time immemorial.

Great wisdom, great practice, great compassion, and great vows—each has its own strengths and has long since reached the wondrous state of equal enlightenment.

The position of "King of Light and Awakening" bestowed by the Buddha at this moment, though not yet as high as those others, is already a high-level Bodhisattva who is directly on the path to Buddhahood. Its significance is enough to make the Three Realms take notice.

However, the raging waves only flashed in Chen Jiao's eyes for a moment before subsiding.

He is a direct disciple of the Supreme Dao Ancestor, possessing the orthodox lineage of the Xuanmen, and is personally appointed by the Great Heavenly Venerable as the Radiant Heavenly Pacifying Law True Lord, wielding the power of the Thunder Department and patrolling the four directions.

With a firm resolve, how could one change course halfway and convert to Buddhism?

Furthermore, although his talk of "sudden enlightenment" was a spontaneous expression of his feelings and in line with his true feelings, he also knew that it was a serendipitous encounter and a chance encounter with divine inspiration.

The key points are not yet fully understood, and the system has not yet formed a complete system.

The Buddha bestowed such an important position upon him for this reason, which was not only out of compassion and love, but also because it was a grand cause and effect with boundless entanglements.

The Buddha bestowed such an important position upon him for this reason, which was not only out of compassion and love, but also because it was a grand cause and effect with boundless entanglements.

In the blink of an eye, Chen Jiao had already gotten up from his seat.

He straightened his robes, bowed deeply to the Buddha on the lotus throne, and also to all the holy beings of the heavens, his voice clear and firm, echoing across the silent sacred ground:

"The Buddha's love and boundless compassion have bestowed upon me the venerable position of a ninth-level Bodhisattva and the Dharma seat of a nine-grade lotus platform. I am deeply grateful and will never forget this."

However, I was fortunate that the Daoist Ancestor did not reject me, accepted me as a disciple, and taught me the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen School;

Furthermore, he was trusted and entrusted with the duties of the Heavenly Law and criminal justice system by the Jade Emperor.

Having established the foundation of the Way and fulfilled my duties, my heart and body are bound to the Xuanmen and the Heavenly Court. I dare not change my sect or accept the supreme position of Buddhism.

My sudden enlightenment of Zen principles, which I speak of today, is also a chance revelation from heaven, in accordance with my own heart. It is a shallow view, and I dare not claim the credit of heaven for it, nor accept this supreme honor.

Moreover, this method of sudden enlightenment still needs to be complemented by gradual cultivation in order to achieve perfection.

"As a junior here, I have only glimpsed the basics; how dare I establish a sect or school and accept the title of 'King of Enlightenment'?"

Chen Jiao looked at the dazzling nine-tiered lotus platform, his tone sincere.

"This lotus platform is a sacred object of Buddhism, born in accordance with the Dharma. I dare not accept it without permission."

We earnestly request the Buddha to rescind his decree and temporarily leave this lotus platform on Mount Ling, so that in the future, a truly virtuous and aspiring Buddhist disciple may attain enlightenment and complete realization of the Dharma here.

Then, by bestowing this lotus platform upon the Buddha, establishing a school and spreading the Dharma, we can live up to the opportunity for this treasure to blossom today, and also live up to the Buddha's compassionate nurturing heart.

"This junior is unworthy to accept such an honor."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the saints became even more complex.

Regret, admiration, relief, respect... a mix of feelings.

To refuse the attainment of the ninth-level Bodhisattva status, which is within easy reach, requires an incredibly firm resolve.

Upon hearing this, the Buddha showed no displeasure; his smile remained unchanged, and he slowly nodded, saying:

"Good. True Lord's Daoist heart is firm and he does not forget his roots, which is truly commendable."

People with different paths can work together; people with different methods can verify each other's practices.

Since that's the case, I won't force you.

This lotus platform will be temporarily stored at the Great Thunderclap Temple, awaiting future karmic connections.

After speaking, he flicked his sleeve slightly, and the nine-tiered lotus platform that had attracted the attention of all the saints transformed into a stream of light, disappeared into the Buddha's sleeve, and vanished.

"Namo Amitabha Buddha!"

"Good! Good!"

In the treasure field.

All the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Vajras, monks, nuns... countless holy beings saw that Chen Jiao politely declined the high position without changing his expression, and that even the Buddha was not offended by the rejection, but instead readily accepted the good advice.

They were filled with boundless praise and, without prior arrangement, chanted the Buddha's name in unison, their voices resounding throughout the world.

It praises both Chen Jiao's clear and unwavering Daoist mind, unmoved by external things, and the Buddha's boundless compassion and broad-mindedness.

In an instant, the Buddha's light shone brighter on Mount Ling, auspicious clouds gathered, and the atmosphere of the Dharma assembly was more peaceful and solemn than before.

On the lotus platform.

The Buddha's eyes, filled with boundless wisdom, shone brightly as all the saints praised him and the atmosphere of the Dharma assembly reached a state of perfect peace and joy.

Seemingly there, yet not quite, I gaze toward the thirty-third heaven.

In that fleeting moment when no one was watching, he silently recited a long Buddhist chant.

The holy beings of the heavens were so engrossed in the grand spectacle of the Dharma assembly that they were unaware of it and unable to perceive it.

At this very moment, outside the Pure Land of Mount Ling, within the boundless Dharma Realm.

A vast expanse of purple mist filled the sky for thousands of miles.

It spread silently and imperceptibly, its breadth unknown, its thickness unknown, reaching countless heavens.

Auspicious purple clouds rise from the east, and the essence of Taoism naturally unfolds.