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

This wonderful Dharma assembly, after being stirred up by this incident, appears even more profound and mysterious, bringing joy to all.

The holy beings of the heavens ascended their seats in turn, some expounding on Prajna, some speaking of compassion, some demonstrating supernatural powers, and some discussing the Pure Land.

I don't know how much time passed.

Having finished expounding the Dharma upon himself atop the lotus throne, the Buddha then opened his golden mouth and uttered the jade words, saying:

"The Dharma assembly will eventually come to an end, and the karmic gathering must also disperse. This wonderful gathering has been completed with perfect merit. We are grateful for the esteemed saints who have come from afar."

As soon as the decree was issued, the strange phenomena in the sky gradually subsided, and the melodious chanting of Buddhist scriptures slowly lingered.

All the holy beings, Arhats, Vajras, monks, and believers who heard this Dharma sound knew that the Dharma assembly should end.

Regardless of the depth or shallowness of their understanding, they all join their palms in reverence and praise the Buddha's compassion and wisdom in widely guiding all beings.

After the ceremony, they dispersed in all directions.

Chen Jiao also got up, intending to bid farewell to Jin Chanzi, but saw Li Jing and Nezha walking together.

Nezha looked at him and teased:

"You taciturn fellow! You're always so quiet. I thought you were some kind of ruthless killer who wields thunder and death, but it turns out you're quite the hidden talent!"

Not only is your Daoist heart steadfast, but you also possess such Buddhist wisdom and insight. Your words caused the precious lotus to bloom, and the Buddha even gave up the position of a ninth-level Bodhisattva to you!

Could it be that in a past life, you listened to scriptures under the tutelage of some ancient Buddha?

Chen Jiao, seeing Nezha's teasing, wasn't annoyed. He simply shook his head slightly, turning the tables on him and laughing:

"Your Highness is joking. My knowledge is but a few humble insights, merely occasional reflections; how could I dare to call them profound truths?"

However, the Third Prince's lotus-root body is pure and undefiled, radiant and free. In terms of Buddha-nature and innate capacity, isn't he even closer to the profound truth of reality?

Nezha was taken aback by his words, his eyes widened, and then he burst into laughter, completely unconcerned.

Li Jing, standing to the side, had a somewhat complicated expression. Holding the pagoda in his hand, he stepped forward, his tone quite sincere:

"The true lord should not listen to the nonsense of a child."

"The True Lord's Dharma assembly today, with its radiant lotus throne, not only demonstrates the profoundness of Taoism but also reveals his magnanimity, his refusal of honor, and his adherence to his duty. I, too, admire him."

He meant what he said.

After this meeting, the previous grudges had long since vanished in the face of such a grand spectacle of the Dharma being performed before the Buddha and the lotus blossoming in nine grades, and they dared not harbor any more gloomy thoughts.

Chen Jiao returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Your Majesty is too kind. I was fortunate to receive this honor and dare not accept the title of 'Explanation of the Dao'."

Now that this matter is settled, you and I need to return to Yuzhen Temple to reorganize our subordinates, each with our assigned duties.

Li Jing nodded repeatedly and said, "That's exactly right, let's go together..."

Just as the group was about to ride away on the clouds, they suddenly heard a hearty and deep laugh behind them, filled with indescribable joy and satisfaction.

"Amitabha! Lord Jingfa, please wait a moment."

Everyone turned around.

A portly, ever-smiling, fat monk, draped in a bright yellow robe, holding prayer beads, and barefoot, slowly approached on a cloud of auspiciousness.

It is none other than Maitreya Bodhisattva, the future master of the Saha world.

Maitreya Bodhisattva approached, still smiling, first nodding to Li Jing and Nezha in greeting, then bowing respectfully to Chen Jiao with his hands clasped together, and said:

"Lord Jingfa, please linger."

This humble monk found the True Lord's insightful and profound discourse quite interesting.

"Since our parting at Mount Ling, I know not when we will meet again. Having nothing else to do, may I have a moment to spare so that this humble monk may exchange a few words with the True Lord?"

Maitreya Bodhisattva patted his belly, his smile deepening.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, it will not interfere with your duty of patrolling. Treat it as tea to quench your thirst and spring water to soothe your throat."

Seeing this, Li Jing and Nezha knew that Maitreya Bodhisattva's arrival must have a reason, so they went ahead.

Chen Jiao's heart stirred slightly, but he showed no sign on his face and calmly returned the greeting:

"Since the Bodhisattva has invited me, how could I refuse? But I fear I might disturb the Bodhisattva's tranquility."

"No disturbance, no disturbance, hehe, I couldn't be happier."

Maitreya Bodhisattva smiled warmly and stepped aside to invite him.

Along the way, one could see ancient trees, fragrant flowers, gurgling springs, and drifting clouds.

Compared to the grandeur and solemnity of the main hall just now, this place has a unique, secluded, and natural charm.

It won't last long.

Ahead, a simple stone platform appeared, with a stone table and stone benches on it. Beside it stood an ancient pine tree with gnarled branches, and under the pine tree were several clean futons.

A large bronze urn sits on a corner of a stone platform, its contents filled with clear water, reflecting the sky, clouds, and pine branches.

At the edge of the stone platform, the sea of ​​clouds churns, and in the distance, beyond Lingshan Mountain, the peaks are dark green, displaying a myriad of magnificent scenes.

Maitreya Bodhisattva led Chen Jiao to the ancient pine stone platform, where they each sat on a prayer mat.

A young novice monk silently served two cups of tea, their steam rising gently, carrying the subtle fragrance of pine needles.

Maitreya Bodhisattva had a smiling face, lacking the majestic appearance of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, and instead resembled a content and wealthy old man.

The questions were all about the profound and subtle truths of Zen that had been revealed during the Dharma assembly earlier.

Chen Jiao also responded frankly, briefly elaborating on the points where his own Taoist understanding was corroborated by Buddhist principles.

The Bodhisattva listened with great interest, sometimes clapping his hands, sometimes nodding, and occasionally interjecting with a few words.

His Buddhist cultivation was unfathomable. Although he was the future Buddha, his speech was devoid of any preaching.

Although Chen Jiao was not a Buddhist, we share the same spiritual path, and I found my conversations with him quite enlightening.

The two chatted back and forth and found themselves having a pleasant conversation.

On the stone platform, the pine breeze rustles, creating a sense of carefree bliss.

We chatted for a while.

Maitreya Bodhisattva picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and suddenly chuckled. His usually smiling eyes, however, seemed to deepen in their light, and he sighed:

"Today, before the Great Hero Hall, the True Lord is not misled by the fruition of the Nine-Level Bodhisattva, but firmly upholds the Taoist tradition of the Xuanmen."

"Today, before the Great Hero Hall, the True Lord is not misled by the fruition of the Nine-Level Bodhisattva, but firmly upholds the Taoist tradition of the Xuanmen."

This unwavering resolve, this clear understanding of one's true Buddha-nature, truly fills this humble monk with admiration.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiao put down his teacup and said humbly:

"Bodhisattva, you flatter me."

"This junior merely knows where he came from, fulfills his duty, and dares not forget the kindness of his teachers and the responsibilities of the Heavenly Court."

"What a wonderful saying: 'Know your origins and keep to your duty.'"

Maitreya Bodhisattva gently moved the prayer beads, his tone still gentle, but the words he spoke were earth-shattering.

"Since the True Lord upholds the Dao, this humble monk will not speak falsely."

After this calamity, Shakyamuni Buddha will pass away, and this humble monk will assume the position of the leader of the teachings, becoming the fifth Buddha of this fortunate eon.

In this Saha world, to teach and guide all sentient beings.

Chen Jiao felt a slight chill, wondering what Maitreya Bodhisattva meant by this. He remained outwardly calm and simply replied:

"The merits of the Bodhisattva are immeasurable; in the future, he will surely attain Buddhahood, benefiting all sentient beings, a fact known to all in the three realms."

Maitreya Bodhisattva waved his hand and slowly said:

"At that time, I will possess the Buddhahood, and may bestow titles upon those who are destined, virtuous, and meritorious."

He looked at Chen Jiao with a smile in his eyes.

"Today I have witnessed the true gentleman's character and wisdom, and I am very pleased."

If the True Lord is so inclined, after this calamity, when I ascend to the position of Buddha, I may grant the True Lord the status of a Buddha.

"What does the True Lord think?"

Even though Chen Jiao's Dao heart was firm and he had long been prepared that this future Buddha's visit was no casual talk, he was still shocked upon hearing these words and looked up at Maitreya in astonishment.

He never expected that Maitreya Bodhisattva had invited him to this quiet place away from the crowd, and that his true intention was this!

A thousand thoughts flashed through Chen Jiao's mind.

What is Maitreya's intention in doing this?

He is the future Buddha, after Shakyamuni Buddha, and will be the leader of the religion. Naturally, he will have the authority and honor to bestow the title of Buddha. This statement is by no means false.

But as a True Lord of the Mysterious Gate, personally taught by the Dao Ancestor, this matter is absolutely impossible, so why bother mentioning it?

Is it because they value what they said at today's Dharma assembly and truly have the will to spread the Dharma and propagate the Way?

Or is there another motive, wanting to use his identity as a direct disciple of the Xuanmen Dao Ancestor and a True Lord of the Heavenly Court to stir up some trouble?

Chen Jiao was deep in thought.

But then the voice of Maitreya Bodhisattva rang out again, as if he had seen through his concerns:

"My Lord, please do not be anxious. I am not saying that you should abandon the Xuanmen sect and change your allegiance."

Buddhism and Taoism, though different paths, lead to the same goal: transcendence.

He paused, a glint of wisdom in his eyes.

"The True Lord is the orthodox successor of the Xuanmen sect, with a profound and solid foundation in Taoism. How could this humble monk not know this?"

The True Lord can also receive this Buddhahood through an incarnation, remain in the world to preach the Dharma, and widely guide those with affinity.

The Buddhist community is vast, and the Three Bodies and Four Wisdoms, along with billions of incarnations, are commonplace and nothing to be surprised about.

At that time, the true body will still be in the Xuanfu, still in charge of the Thunder Department. It will simply be one more incarnation of Buddha, one more perspective on cultivation, and one more convenient way to transcend to the next life.

The two can coexist without hindrance or contradiction; isn't that wonderful?

Hehehe..."

Chen Jiao remained calm and sipped his spiritual tea.

Buddhism does indeed have the concepts of incarnation, manifestation body, and reward body.

It is not unusual for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas to manifest in different forms in order to save sentient beings.

It seems plausible that Maitreya Bodhisattva, as the future Buddha, would make a promise to the future Buddha.

The pine trees still rustle in the wind, and the sea of ​​clouds churns.

On the stone platform, a monk and a Taoist priest sat facing each other.

Chen Jiao gazed at the ever-smiling future Buddha before him.

Behind that smiling face, is it genuine appreciation for talent, building good relationships, or deep planning for the future?

On Vulture Peak today, the World-Honored One is still Shakyamuni Buddha, ruling over all Buddhas, with his Dharma carriage before him.

Even though Maitreya Bodhisattva is the heir apparent and the future leader of the religion, he secretly promised me, a Taoist master, the future Buddhahood...

Is this move somewhat...?

Chen Jiao lowered his eyelids slightly, his gaze falling on the rough texture of the stone table. The unspoken words in his heart remained unspoken, swirling only in his mind.

Moreover, the Buddha is currently in good health, and the Dharma will endure for a long time. When this future will arrive is uncertain and difficult to predict.

Thinking of this, Chen Jiao suddenly had a flash of inspiration, like a spark of lightning, illuminating certain subtle places.

The three generations of Buddhism are Dipankara in the past, Shakyamuni in the present, and Maitreya in the future. This is a predetermined destiny, and none of them can be missing.

However, the reason why the "future" is the future is that it has not yet become the present.

As long as Buddha is still here, this "future" will always just be the "future".

Maitreya Bodhisattva, as the crown prince, is certainly noble, but also in an awkward position.

After this calamity, when will it end? When will the Three Assemblies of Longhua be held? How far away is the future?

Once you understand this section...

Chen Jiao's initial surprise gradually transformed into a sense of understanding, along with a touch of indescribable caution.

Although Maitreya Bodhisattva is said to have a large belly, a smiling face, and many friends.

This tactic of winning people's hearts and building good relationships is indeed quite clever.

The promised position of Buddha is dazzling and radiant, but upon closer examination, it has a hint of being merely a pie in the sky or a mirage.

The cake is a good cake, and the plum is a fine plum.

But when we can eat it depends on whether we can wait until that future.

And when that future arrives, will you still have enough value to make him fulfill the promises he made today?

A hundred thoughts raced through my mind, but in reality, they were only fleeting moments.

Chen Jiao slowly put down his teacup, met the earnest, smiling gaze of Maitreya Bodhisattva, and slowly spoke:

"I am deeply grateful for the Bodhisattva's kindness."

How could someone as shallow in virtue and shallow in understanding as a junior dare to aspire to the position of Buddha?

Moreover, life is unpredictable, and the future is uncertain.

His words were respectful, yet he neither agreed nor disagreed, subtly deflecting the question of the future.

Maitreya Bodhisattva, being such a figure, merely laughed heartily upon hearing this, patting his belly as if nothing had happened.

"Sure, sure!"

It is truly rare for a True Lord to be indifferent to empty fame! This humble monk was merely mentioning it casually; the True Lord need not take it to heart.

"We may meet again someday, and if fate allows, it will not be too late to discuss the Dao with the True Lord!"

After saying that, he really didn't mention the matter again.

They then turned to talk about some scenic spots on Mount Ling and chatted about some interesting anecdotes from the Three Realms.

It was as if the promise that had just shaken the heavens was merely a casual remark.

Chen Jiao readily agreed with this suggestion and echoed it.

A monk and a Taoist priest, chatting and laughing.

It was as if those words, full of hidden meaning and concerning the future, had never happened.

The two chatted for a while longer amidst the pine breeze and misty clouds.

Maitreya Bodhisattva looked up at the sky and smiled:

"I was very pleased to have a conversation with the True Lord today."

"Since the True Lord still has duties to perform his inspection tours, this humble monk will not trouble you any further. Perhaps another day, when the opportunity arises, I will hear your profound discourse."

After speaking, he stood up and put his palms together in prayer.

Chen Jiao also rose and returned the greeting: "Respectfully seeing off the Bodhisattva."

Maitreya Bodhisattva nodded, still with his ever-smiling expression, his sleeves fluttering, riding a cloud of auspiciousness, and slowly heading towards the depths of Mount Ling.

Before long, the large, stout figure disappeared into the verdant peaks and swirling clouds.

Only the deep laughter remained, faint and fading away with the wind.

Chen Jiao stood alone on the stone platform, watching the broad, sturdy figure disappear into the depths of the clouds, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

Not far away on Lingjiu Peak, the golden roof of Daleiyin Temple shone brilliantly in the sunlight, with faint chanting and the Buddha's light shining everywhere.

However, in his eyes at this moment.

Beneath the auspicious signs of this Buddhist sanctuary, there seems to lie a whirlpool even more unfathomable and mysterious than the karmic waters beneath Lingyun Ferry.

The Buddha's teachings are boundless, as deep as the sea.

The waters of this sacred mountain are probably even deeper than the sea.

The Buddha promised him the title of Bodhisattva in person, and the future Buddha promised him the title of Buddha in private. One was to observe his nature, and the other was to plan for the future.

For them, positions of honor and status seem like bargaining chips that can be easily given away, but they are also threads that influence cause and effect.

Having refused two supreme positions in succession, Chen Jiao felt no regret or wavering.

What is the attainment of a Bodhisattva? What is the attainment of a Buddha?

I am a direct disciple of my teacher, cultivating an unhindered Dao heart and practicing the glorious Heavenly Law.

High positions and honors are ultimately external things.

If Maitreya can grant it, and Buddha can bestow it, then surely he himself cannot prove it or obtain it?

He has his own path to countless transformations and his own path to self-realization of the supreme realm. Why should he need others to promise or bestow upon him anything?

Xuanling can control all waters, and Jiangxiao can wield true fire; both are derived from his own Daoist methods and are manifestations of his will.

To manifest in countless forms, to prove and attain enlightenment through one's own efforts—this is the true path.

Even if the fruit of seeking externally is the Buddha's position, what good is it to me?

My path is within myself; why should I seek it elsewhere?

As soon as this thought arises, the mind becomes increasingly clear, pure, firm, and steadfast in its pursuit of the Tao.

The slight ripple caused by Maitreya's promise has completely subsided.

Chen Jiao straightened his black cloak and prepared to ride the cloud away to Yuzhen Temple to meet up with his subordinates.

Just then, a corner of a plain white monk's robe flashed by at the bend in the mountain path.

One of the men was handsome, with a lofty aura and a compassionate cinnabar mark between his brows; it was none other than Jin Chanzi.

He had been waiting there unnoticed. When Chen Jiao looked over, he clasped his hands together, nodded slightly, and smiled compassionately.

"Amitabha. True Lord, please wait a moment. This humble monk has come to see you off."

Upon seeing that it was Jin Chanzi, Chen Jiao stopped and returned the greeting, saying, "Thank you for seeing me off, Venerable One."

The two then walked side by side along the quiet mountain path they had come from.

Compared to the grand and solemn atmosphere in front of the Mahavira Hall and the subtle wit on the Maitreya stone platform, this place offers a different kind of freedom and coolness.

Jin Chanzi gazed at the clouds ahead, smiled slightly, and asked:

"Just now, this humble monk saw Maitreya Bodhisattva ride away on a cloud. Was he just finishing his conversation with the True Lord?"

Chen Jiao knew that with Maitreya Bodhisattva's abilities, once he invited him to speak privately, there was no reason for him to let others overhear.

He then nodded frankly and said:

"Indeed. I am grateful that the Bodhisattva has not abandoned me, and that we may chat for a while."

Upon hearing this, Jin Chanzi's compassionate expression remained unchanged, though a clear light seemed to emanate from his eyes as he softly chanted a Buddhist mantra:

"Amitabha.

"Does the True Lord know of an old case concerning Maitreya Bodhisattva within our Buddhist community?"

(Latest update: Journey to the West: Starting with Jingfa Zhenjun)