It is said that the True Man entered the Purple Bamboo Forest to attend a Dharma assembly and spoke with Jin Chanzi for a long time.
However, as Jin Chanzi could not engage the True Man in a discussion of the Dharma, he had no choice but to leave.
Jiang Yuan sat in his place, watching Jin Chanzi depart, and secretly thought, "Elder Jin Chanzi has a hint of the Xuanmen atmosphere, often speaking lightly of the teachings of the Western sects, his heart is restless."
He did not voice his thoughts, for he had come here solely to listen to the Dharma assembly, following the teachings of his master, listening more and speaking less.
The many Buddhas present were discussing matters that would benefit him.
Jiang Zhenren calmly awaited the Dharma assembly, neither anxious nor impatient, gracefully embodying the Dao, filled with righteous spirit, a true immortal of the Dao.
He was in quiet cultivation for an unknown period when he suddenly heard a voice.
"Guangxin Zhenren."
The True Man looked around and saw a "broad-eared, round-faced monk with a plump body" approaching, it was none other than Maitreya Bodhisattva.
Jiang Yuan rose to pay his respects: "Maitreya Bodhisattva."
Maitreya Bodhisattva joined his palms and bowed, saying, "Zhenren has attained the Dao today. Congratulations, congratulations!"
Jiang Yuan focused his qi and opened his divine eye, taking a closer look at Maitreya Bodhisattva, who was surrounded by boundless light, his Buddhist teachings profound and surpassing those of the past.
He smiled and said, "Bodhisattva, your Buddhist teachings have advanced, which is also worthy of congratulations."
Maitreya Bodhisattva smiled brightly and said, "It is due to Zhenren's Zen teachings."
Jiang Yuan shook his head: "The Dao is always present. The nature of awareness exists in everyone. Bodhisattva, this is not my merit."
Maitreya Bodhisattva chuckled, not arguing about the matter of merit.
He asked, "Zhenren, why do I not see Brother Bodhi here?"
Jiang Yuan replied, "My master is in quiet cultivation and could not come, so he sent me to attend this Dharma assembly."
Maitreya Bodhisattva nodded and said, "Zhenren is indeed a true immortal of the Dao, perfectly capable of representing your master. After this Dharma assembly concludes, will you have time to visit my mountain and discuss Zen teachings?"
Jiang Yuan said, "Bodhisattva, you may not know, but after this Dharma assembly, I must make a trip to the Underworld to settle some karmic matters. However, I will certainly visit Maitreya Bodhisattva's celestial mountain when I have the time to discuss Zen teachings."
Maitreya Bodhisattva asked, "What karmic matters?"
Jiang Yuan replied, "In the past, before I attained the Dao, I almost fell into the grasp of the Underworld while under my master's tutelage."
Maitreya Bodhisattva said, "So it is, this karmic matter must be resolved."
Jiang Yuan continued to converse with Maitreya Bodhisattva for a long time, mostly reminiscing, until the Dharma assembly began, at which point everyone returned to their respective positions.
As the assembly commenced, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva took her place on the highest lotus platform, gently opening her mouth to expound the wondrous Dharma, speaking of the true teachings of the Silent Mountain.
The assembly of Buddhas, including Aro, Jiedi, Bodhisattvas, Vajra, Bhikshus, and Nuns, all listened to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's wondrous Dharma, entranced and intoxicated.
Jiang Yuan listened attentively, having received the true transmission from his master, mastering the teachings of the three schools.
Such Buddhist teachings were beneficial to him, and he simply focused on listening to the sutras.
...
Meanwhile, in the East Sea Dragon Palace, the Monkey King had just arrived, seeking a suitable divine weapon from the East Sea Dragon King.
As soon as the Monkey King revealed himself, his imposing aura was undeniable, neither born nor extinguished, causing the Dragon King along with his sons, grandsons, shrimp soldiers, and crab generals to come out of the palace to welcome him.
The Dragon King welcomed the Monkey King into the palace, and after offering tea and fruits, he inquired about the Monkey King's visit.
The Monkey King spoke frankly, stating he had come to request a weapon.
Upon hearing this, the Dragon King ordered his soldiers to bring forth weapons, and then asked, "I have often heard that 'the Dao is celebrated by Heaven,' when did the immortal attain the Dao and gain such abilities? How is it that I did not know?"
The Monkey King rolled his eyes and laughed, "Good neighbor, you do not know, I am a naturally born divine being. At the moment of my birth, I was surrounded by golden light, piercing the constellations. That was when Heaven celebrated me. Therefore, in the years prior, I attained the Dao several times but did not receive the celebration from Heaven."
The Dragon King was astonished, "At that time, the golden light was indeed due to the immortal's imposing aura. I apologize, I apologize!"
The Monkey King laughed, "There is a saying: 'Those who do not know are not guilty.'"
The Dragon King then had his soldiers bring forth a Fangtianhua halberd, saying, "Immortal, this weapon is a treasure of my palace. It weighs seven thousand two hundred pounds; without divine strength, one cannot lift it."
Upon hearing this, the Monkey King stepped forward, lifted the Fangtianhua halberd with one hand, and danced it like a phoenix weaving through flowers, performing two maneuvers before inserting it aside, saying, "Too light, too light."
The Dragon King was filled with fear, saying, "Immortal, your divine strength! This weapon is the heaviest in my palace, there are no other weapons."
The Monkey King was annoyed, saying, "It is often said, 'Do not worry, the Dragon Palace has no treasures.' Your Dragon Palace is so vast, search again, search again!"
The Dragon King replied, "Truly, there is none, I dare not conceal anything."
The Monkey King said, "If you cannot find it for me, you will regret it."
The Dragon King was alarmed, "Immortal, Immortal! Do not act rashly! You just said you wanted what kind of treasure, I will fetch it for you."
Suddenly, Wukong remembered the small cauldron at his senior brother's waist, which was a treasure.
He laughed and said, "I want a cauldron."
The Dragon King asked, "What kind?"
Wukong replied, "I once saw someone with a cauldron tied at his waist, a small round cauldron with patterns on it, said to be impervious to all methods, called the 'Yu Ding.' Does your Dragon Palace have such a thing?"
The Dragon King panicked and said, "That Yu Ding is one of the Nine Tripod Cauldrons. In ancient times, Yu cast the Nine Tripod Cauldrons to stabilize the southern Zhanbu continent, and throughout the ages, human kings have revered it as a supreme treasure. How could my Dragon Palace possess such a treasure?"
Wukong said, "Dragon King, how can you be so lacking? Extend your crooked arm and give me a strike."
The Dragon King was increasingly terrified, and just then, an old dragon lady approached and whispered, "Great King, there is something related to Great Yu hidden in the sea treasure. It would be better to give it to him and send him on his way."
Wukong's ears perked up upon hearing this, and he angrily said, "You old dragon, I called you a good neighbor, yet you deceive me as if I were ignorant."
The Dragon King said, "I dare not, I dare not! Immortal, what is in the sea treasure is a piece of divine iron, a measuring tool used by Great Yu to determine the depths of rivers during his flood control efforts. Since you want it, just go take a look."
Wukong was overjoyed, agreeing immediately, and the two entered the sea treasure.
As the Monkey King arrived, he suddenly saw ahead a golden light shining brightly, with an iron pillar standing upright, as thick as a斗 and over two zhang long.
The Monkey King stepped forward, touched it, and said, "Too thick and long; shorter is better."
As soon as he finished speaking, that precious iron shortened by a few feet and became thinner all around, transforming into a Ruyi divine weapon.
The Monkey King was overjoyed, secretly thinking, "With this divine weapon, I can master martial arts. When I meet my senior brother again, I will surely have the upper hand."
At this moment, the Monkey King had obtained the divine weapon, sought armor and treasures, and deceived the East Sea Dragon Palace, transforming his intentions.
Let us not dwell on this matter for now.
...
Time flew swiftly, and before one knew it, autumn had passed, winter was lingering, and spring was halfway through, half a year had gone by.
In the Purple Bamboo Forest of Loka Mountain, the Dharma assembly was just concluding, and the assembly of Buddhas departed from Loka Mountain, each returning to their own places of practice.
Jiang Yuan, having listened to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's teachings and gained much, was about to leave with the assembly of Buddhas when Huian Xingshi stopped him, saying that Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva wished to see him.
Upon hearing this, the True Man naturally complied and followed Huian Xingshi to pay his respects to the Bodhisattva, walking to the Tide Sound Cave.
Jiang Yuan bowed before Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva on the lotus platform.
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva smiled and said, "Guangxin, no need for excessive formalities. This time I sent the Xingshi to stop you because I wanted to ask you, did you gain anything from this Dharma assembly?"
Jiang Yuan replied, "The Bodhisattva's wondrous Dharma, how could I not gain anything from it?"
The True Man had a deep understanding of the nature of the Dharma, having mastered the teachings of the three schools.
Listening to the Bodhisattva's discourse, he grasped its subtleties.
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva said, "I have heard of Guangxin's wisdom, but I wonder what you have gained regarding the teachings of the Silent Dharma in my school?"
Jiang Yuan answered, "A little insight, but it cannot compare to the Bodhisattva."
The Bodhisattva said, "Please tell me what you have learned."
Jiang Yuan replied, "The Silent Dharma is not the silence of life and death. It is the silence within the body; this body is not that body, it is the dead body, not the living body. The silence is the silence of troubled hearts, the silence of the two spirits, and is certainly not the silence of the living body."
The Bodhisattva smiled and said, "Guangxin is wise; how did you find the teachings of the Buddhas?"
This Dharma assembly was not solely Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva speaking; it was a collective discourse, with many Buddhas also sharing their teachings.
Jiang Yuan pondered for a long time and said, "The teachings of the Buddhas are profound, yet I do not understand the nature of the Buddha, so I have not heard the profound Buddhist teachings. I have only heard a few of the Bodhisattvas' wondrous Dharma, truly lacking in connection to the Dharma."
The Bodhisattva said, "The Silent Dharma is the supreme true Dharma. Many Buddhas do not grasp its essence; Guangxin, speak plainly."
Jiang Yuan did not respond; he had heard the Buddhas' teachings, which were unclear, often misinterpreted by ignorant worldly people, who distorted the Silent Dharma and spoke of it as if it were profound.
It was Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's great wisdom that pointed out the principles of the true Silent Dharma, allowing him to understand that this silence is not about life and death, but the path of birth and extinction in the present moment.
All afflictions can be silenced; all suffering in life arises from a single thought.
By distancing oneself from afflictions, purifying the six senses, and allowing the mind to remain still, the true Silent Dharma manifests.
The Bodhisattva said, "Guangxin is indeed wise; the teachings of the three schools are at your fingertips."
Jiang Yuan said, "I dare not claim such merit."
The Bodhisattva said, "If you have time in the future, you may come to Loka Mountain to discuss the Dharma with me."
Jiang Yuan replied, "I hope the Bodhisattva does not find my understanding shallow."
The Bodhisattva said, "Your understanding is not shallow; your learning is commendable. Guangxin, I have heard that you wish to go to the Underworld to settle karmic matters, is that correct?"
Jiang Yuan said, "Indeed, the karmic matters have been pending for a long time."
The Bodhisattva said, "In that case, I will send Huian Xingshi to accompany you."
Jiang Yuan shook his head, saying, "How could I trouble the Xingshi? The Bodhisattva may not know, but my understanding is shallow, yet I possess a third of divine power."
The Bodhisattva asked, "Do you understand martial arts?"
Jiang Yuan, upon hearing this, replied, "I do not."
He possessed great divine powers and profound magical abilities, with many treasures at his disposal.
However, his martial arts were not particularly refined, as he had not yet mastered them due to the fierce nature of the black fish; his martial arts were decent but far from mastery.
The Bodhisattva said, "I saw that you do not understand martial arts, so I sent Huian Xingshi to follow you for your protection. If you encounter benevolent martial demons, without a protector, it would be inconvenient. If Guangxin encounters any benevolent demons, who are good at fighting, they can serve as protectors to prevent disturbances."
Jiang Yuan understood and bowed, saying, "In that case, thank you, Bodhisattva."
The Bodhisattva nodded and then called for Huian Xingshi.
Now, this Huian Xingshi is the second prince of the Heavenly Realm, Li Tianwang, known as Mu Cha.
He follows Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in cultivation and is the Bodhisattva's chief disciple, with the Dharma name 'Huian.' He wields a solid iron staff and is skilled in martial arts, often serving as a protector for the Bodhisattva.
Huian Xingshi stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Master."
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva said, "Guangxin Zhenren wishes to visit the Underworld; you should accompany him."
Huian Xingshi replied, "As you command."
The Bodhisattva then looked at Jiang Yuan and said, "Guangxin, you have a Six-Eared in your sleeve. It has heard the Dharma assembly and also listened to your discourse on the true Silent Dharma, which is indeed a connection to the Dharma."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan was startled, unable to laugh or cry.
He had almost forgotten that he had a white deer in his sleeve, which he had taken in when he entered the assembly.
He had not expected to benefit this deer.
He waved his sleeve, and the white deer appeared.
The white deer knelt before Jiang Yuan and bowed three times, then again bowed to the Bodhisattva, expressing gratitude for their connection.
Jiang Yuan pointed at the white deer and said, "Now that you have gained the connection to the Dharma, you should do good."
The white deer cried out, as if responding to the True Man, and then lowered its body to carry him.
Jiang Yuan mounted the white deer and said, "In that case, Bodhisattva, I shall take my leave."
Huian Xingshi bowed and then led the white deer out of Loka Mountain.
Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva watched Jiang Yuan depart and said to the Pearl Dragon Maiden beside her, "Bodhisattva, this True Man indeed knows the true Silent Dharma."
The Bodhisattva sat on the lotus platform, shaking her head and saying, "It is because Guangxin's nature of the Dharma is profound that he understands the teachings clearly. However, the true Silent Dharma is difficult to comprehend and understand; many Buddhas do not grasp it, or they each express their own views. The true Silent Dharma is hard to understand, hard to clarify, or the Zen teachings hold the truth."
...
On the vast ocean, Huian Xingshi led the white deer, walking on the clouds, while Jiang Yuan sat atop the deer, contemplating the 'true Silent Dharma.'
Jiang Yuan sighed at Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's great wisdom, realizing how wondrous the true Silent Dharma is, as Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva succinctly expressed its profound mysteries in just a few words.
Measuring the depth of the Dao, he began to glimpse the myriad mysteries, revealing them with just a few words, which is the mark of deep wisdom.
Jiang Yuan said, "Huian Xingshi."
Huian Xingshi, leading the white deer, replied, "What is it, Zhenren?"
Jiang Yuan asked, "Xingshi, I have come to inquire about the Dharma, and I know Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva possesses great wisdom. Such great wisdom is not inferior to that of the Buddha. Why has the Bodhisattva not attained Buddhahood?"
Huian Xingshi answered, "My master is not a Buddha, but surpasses a Buddha."
Jiang Yuan asked, "How so?"
Huian Xingshi explained, "In the past, my master completed his cultivation and understood the nature of the Dharma, and was about to attain Buddhahood. However, on his way to Ling Mountain to be consecrated as a Buddha, he encountered a woman being attacked by a beast king.
As the time for his consecration approached, he chose not to proceed to Ling Mountain. Upon reaching Ling Mountain, feeling the suffering of all beings, he ultimately abandoned the position of Buddha and turned back to save the person, thus he never attained Buddhahood. That is why I say my master is not a Buddha, but surpasses a Buddha."
Jiang Yuan was enlightened, saying, "I did not expect such a thing."
Huian Xingshi continued, "Though my master has not attained Buddhahood, he is still one of the Five Directions and Five Elders, with boundless powers."
Jiang Yuan said, "This time, to hear the Bodhisattva speak of the true Silent Dharma is truly my fortune."
Huian Xingshi said, "Zhenren, you attained the Dao in the past, which is also remarkable. The auspicious clouds stretched for ninety thousand miles, and the celebration from Heaven was witnessed by me."
Jiang Yuan smiled without speaking.
The two, along with the deer, continued their journey to the Underworld.
...
Before long, after more than half a month, Jiang Yuan and Huian Xingshi, accompanied by the white deer, arrived at the Yincao Difu.
One was a true immortal of the Dao, and the other a protector of the Bodhisattva.
Upon entering the Underworld, they traveled for a long time in the desolate outskirts, when suddenly they saw a city ahead, with an iron sign hanging that read 'Youmingjie' (Netherworld).
Beneath the city, wails were unending, and cries of sorrow filled the air.
They saw many souls being dragged by the Grim Reapers, pulling souls into the city.
Those who resisted were beaten and killed, forcibly dragged into the city.
Inside the city, there were many Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced ghosts guarding, ensuring that no one could escape, as it was said, "On the road to the Yellow Springs, one goes and does not return."
Jiang Yuan halted the white deer and said, "This is the Underworld; where should we go?"
Huian Xingshi pointed to the city and said, "Let us proceed forward; we will discuss matters once we enter the city. These ghosts are all bullies, fearing the strong and oppressing the weak. If any ghost dares to bully us, we shall strike them down."
Jiang Yuan said, "I have often heard, 'The King of Hell resides in the Sumeru Palace.' Why not go to the Sumeru Palace and meet the King of Hell?"
Huian Xingshi, having come to protect the True Man by his master's order, listened to Jiang Yuan's command and said, "Then let us go to the Sumeru Palace."
With that, the Xingshi held his iron staff firmly, leading the white deer toward the Youmingjie gates, attracting the attention of the Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced ghosts, who stepped forward, while the Grim Reapers halted, looking on.
Jiang Yuan and Huian Xingshi were stopped.
The Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced ghosts shouted, "The Youmingjie gates are here; who comes? Quickly report your names!"
Requesting monthly tickets, and another chapter will be released before midnight.
(End of Chapter)