Chapter Forty-Eight: At Xiangguo Temple, Part Two

Yuan Ling said beside him, “As the saying goes, ‘One flower, one world; a thousand Buddhas.’ Bodhisattvas see the world with a thousand eyes, not merely through the mortal realm. This Bodhisattva statue is uniquely crafted, exquisitely carved from a single ginkgo tree trunk by master artisans—it took great effort to create.” He continued, “When I was young, I once came to this temple with my former master. Today feels like revisiting an old place.”

As the two reached the bell tower, Fang Guohuan suddenly noticed a massive bronze bell inside. Standing about four meters tall and weighing no less than ten thousand jin, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a grand bell!” Yuan Ling explained, “This is the ‘Prime Minister’s Frost Bell,’ quite famous. When struck on a frosty day, its sound harmonizes with the autumn’s mournful air, producing a rich, resonant tone that carries far. The marvels of creation truly inspire awe.”

Fang Guohuan was surprised, “Such a colossal bell is rare in the world. I wonder how it was cast?” Yuan Ling smiled, “The ingenuity of man can shape all things and surpass their cleverness.”

The two wandered through the Prime Minister’s Temple for a while. As evening approached and the pilgrims gradually left, they found a monk attendant and rented a guest room, settling in for the night. Suddenly, voices as loud as a thunderclap came from outside the door. Startled, Fang Guohuan and Yuan Ling opened the window to see a tall man with striking blue eyes and a curly beard being led by the attendant monk toward a side guest room, followed by a servant carrying luggage.

Yuan Ling looked at the man with mild surprise, saying, “This person’s aura is extraordinary—he must be someone skilled in mystical arts.” Fang Guohuan, intrigued, asked, “Brother, how do you perceive that?” Yuan Ling replied, “There’s nothing strange; every person’s form is surrounded by a halo revealing their intellect, health, or folly. When I was young in Muye, I saw Brother Fang’s aura glow with an unusual brilliance and so befriended him. Yet ordinary people cannot see these auras; only through calm and prolonged observation can they begin to manifest.” Fang Guohuan found this reasoning quite convincing.

That night, the two talked until midnight before pausing. As they rested, Fang Guohuan noticed Yuan Ling sitting upright rather than lying down and smiled, “Brother, do you practice meditation here to honor the Buddha?” Yuan Ling answered, “No, I merely sit quietly to nourish my mind and harmonize my energy. It has been a habit for ten years.” Fang Guohuan nodded, “When I was secretly practicing chess, my master taught me meditation to gain enlightenment, entering a Zen state—a method of cultivation.”

Yuan Ling said, “Indeed. When one sleeps, the body relaxes, and energy circulates inward and outward, which is sleep. Quiet sitting gathers the scattered energy, calms the spirit, and regulates breathing, benefiting health. Though sitting long can tire the body, once habituated, it is beneficial and harmless.”

Hearing this, Fang Guohuan straightened and said, “Then I shall accompany you in sitting together through the night.” Having three years’ foundation in meditative chess, continuous sitting was no challenge for him. The temple was silent and serene.

As the night deepened, for some unknown reason, Yuan Ling suddenly frowned but then quickly returned to his usual composure. Fang Guohuan had already fallen asleep.

At dawn the next day, the temple abbot, Master Guanghui, had just risen when a monk entered and reported, “Master, a donor named Li Baode has arrived and claims to be an old acquaintance of yours, requesting an audience.”

Guanghui’s face lit up. “So Mr. Baode has arrived. Please take good care of him; I shall come shortly.” The monk bowed and left.

After washing, Guanghui entered the guest hall, where a tall man with blue eyes and a curly beard was sitting boldly. Seeing Guanghui, the man stood and saluted with a smile, “Old Master, long time no see. Have you attained the Way of the Buddha?” His voice was loud and clear, causing the two monks serving tea to glance in surprise.

Guanghui laughed, “Donor Baode, what spring breeze has blown you here? You have brightened this humble temple.” Li Baode chuckled, “I arrived last night and stayed in the temple. I was weary and rested first, so I did not disturb your evening prayers.” Guanghui was surprised, “You arrived yesterday! We failed to welcome you properly—please forgive us.” Li Baode laughed heartily, “No need for formalities. With so many monks, I dare not trouble the abbot for a mere commoner like me.”

After seating and serving tea, Li Baode leaned toward Guanghui and whispered mysteriously, “Master, there are two remarkable individuals living here in the temple. Could you introduce me to them?”

“Two remarkable individuals?” Guanghui was taken aback and puzzled. “When did our temple have two such persons? I am unaware.”

Li Baode shook his head, smiling. “Master, are you joking with me?” Guanghui asked, “Why say that, Donor Baode?”

Seeing Guanghui’s serious expression, Li Baode was astonished. “Then it’s strange. Two extraordinary young men stay in the guest rooms. Surely, Master is unaware?” Guanghui answered, “Donor Baode, most guests here are pilgrims paying homage daily; there are dozens. I have no need to know each one personally.” Li Baode nodded, “I see. It seems you truly do not know.” Guanghui asked, “What kind of remarkable men are they?”

Li Baode replied, “Two young men with mystical powers.” “Two young donors?” Guanghui was somewhat surprised.

“Exactly,” Li Baode said. “Master knows I possess a ‘dream-entering technique’—I can send my spirit into others’ dreams, manifesting visions to inspire awe. It’s just a pastime. I dare not meddle with the dreams of the virtuous or women. When people sleep, their restless thoughts scatter their energy, allowing me to slip in. Last night, alone in my room, feeling playful, I sent my spirit out. Of course, I avoided disturbing the monks. When I reached one guest room, I saw two young men meditating. Thinking them pilgrims, I tried to enter their dreams to recount Buddhist tales. Unexpectedly, their minds were tranquil without distractions, their energy guarding their spirit harmoniously, as if cultivated to a profound level. I could not disturb their souls. Failing twice, I realized they were masters. Fearing they might curse me, preventing my spirit’s return, I hastily withdrew. Though invisible, one of them sensed me. Afraid of blame, I came first to inform you and seek an introduction before apologizing. But it seems you don’t know them either, so I must leave to avoid their rebuke.” With that, Li Baode rose and strode out. Guanghui was stunned but knew Li Baode spoke truth. He asked a monk, “Who was on duty last night?” The monk replied, “Brother Kongmiao.” Guanghui said, “Quickly fetch him.”

Soon, Brother Kongmiao entered, respectfully greeting Guanghui. “Master, what is your command?”

“Were there two young donors in the guest rooms last night?”

Kongmiao answered, “Yes, Master. Two young donors stayed overnight after visiting the temple.” Guanghui was astonished, “Truly? Then promptly invite them to the meditation room for a meeting. Do not neglect them.” Kongmiao bowed and left.

At dawn, Fang Guohuan awoke to see Yuan Ling smiling at him. Surprised, he asked, “Brother, why do you smile so early?”

Yuan Ling replied, “Brother Fang’s attainment of the Heavenly Origin Transformation stage is truly profound. Your mind is calm as the bright moon, your heart steady as the sky, unshaken by all things.”

Fang Guohuan was puzzled, “Why say such words, Brother?”

Yuan Ling smiled, “Because the Prime Minister’s Temple does have extraordinary people who have sensed our presence. Soon, someone may come to summon us.” Fang Guohuan shook his head with a smile. “We know no one here. Who would summon us? Aren’t you going to visit the temple’s senior monks today? You should seek them out first.” Just as he finished speaking, a monk outside called, “Two donors, the temple abbot, Master Guanghui, requests your presence in the meditation room.”

Fang Guohuan was taken aback.

In the meditation room, Fang Guohuan and Yuan Ling respectfully greeted Master Guanghui. Seeing their extraordinary aura and demeanor, Guanghui was secretly amazed and quickly invited them to sit and offered tea.

At that moment, Yuan Ling smiled and asked, “Old Master, do you still remember me?”

Guanghui was startled and appraised Yuan Ling again, shaking his head, “Forgive my poor eyesight; I have no impression of you. I do not know…”

Yuan Ling said, “Old Master, do you recall the child attendant brought here seven years ago by my master, Xuan Zhen Shu?”

“Xuan Zhen Shu!” Guanghui was surprised. “Are you the child attendant who accompanied Xuan Zhen Shu back then?”

Yuan Ling smiled and nodded.

Guanghui was delighted. “So you are that gifted child! What an honor! By the way, how is your revered master Xuan Zhen Shu?”

Yuan Ling said, “My master has passed into immortality.”

“Oh!” Guanghui was taken aback, then sighed. “Master Xuan Zhen Shu lived over two hundred years—a contemporary friend of several of our previous abbots. Living two centuries is rare; his passing is a great liberation.” Yuan Ling replied, “Life and death are natural; merely transitions from one state to another.”

Guanghui respected him. “Your insight into life and death commands my respect. Years ago, at this temple, Master Fuyuan of White Horse Temple saw you and marveled, calling you the foremost gifted child of the world, wishing to bring you to White Horse Temple to become abbot and spread the Dharma. But your master said you have the ability to lead all religions, not to be confined within Buddhism alone. Your innate talents and profound realm surpass ordinary people.” Fang Guohuan listened beside them, deeply astonished.

This story is first published here.

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