Chapter Forty-Eight: Xiangguo Temple, Part Three
At this moment, Yuan Ling said, “When the venerable Chan Master speaks of old times, it stirs a longing for the past. I wonder, how fares Master Fuyuan?” Chan Master Guanghui shook his head and replied, “Master Fuyuan passed away three years ago; he departed to the Western Pure Land.” “Ah!” Yuan Ling nodded, then added, “In those days, my teacher entrusted Master Fuchen of White Horse Temple, renowned for his skillful scripture translations, to translate a Western scripture brought by Western missionaries—the Bible. I wonder if the endeavor bore good fruit?”
Chan Master Guanghui said, “Master Fuchen completed the Chinese translation of the Bible two years ago. You may collect it at your leisure. It was puzzling then why your teacher, with such humility, would ask Master Fuchen to translate a Western scripture for a mere child. At that time, Master Fuyuan even reproached your teacher for engaging in such folly—forsaking the teachings of the native Buddhist and Taoist traditions to revere a Western deity. Now, it seems your teacher had foresight, seeking to integrate the teachings of all religions into a unified doctrine.”
Yuan Ling responded, “The vast heavens and earth have given rise to diverse teachings across regions, yet their core aim is to seek the great cosmic truth. Though divided by nation, territory, history, society, and culture, each advocates its own school of thought, merely differing in perspective. Buddhism centers on non-action, with emptiness giving rise to all things; Taoism holds the Dao as the foundation, from which heaven and earth transform. The Western scriptures worship God as the one true deity, with God as creator of the world and mankind. Though doctrines differ, they share common ground in explaining the universe’s origin, the principles of all things, and the profound connection between heaven and humanity. Western Christianity, once called Nestorianism, has broad and profound teachings. Then there is Islam, also known as the Muslim faith, the faith of the Prophet, or the Pure Religion, with deep and intricate doctrines. All religions are founded by ancient sages who, through insight into the cosmic order and human nature, established their teachings.”
Hearing this, Chan Master Guanghui exclaimed with feeling, “Your words kindle hope for universal harmony in the future. It seems the Neo-Confucianism of the Song Dynasty already blended Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism into one. Now, seeing your profound erudition across all schools and your understanding of various teachings, one could truly unify the world, ushering in great harmony without sectarian strife or doctrinal disputes—what a blessing for all sentient beings.”
Yuan Ling said, “Though the venerable Chan Master belongs to the Buddhist order, you hold reason supreme, never blindly accepting Buddhism as absolute—this commands great respect.”
Chan Master Guanghui laughed, “Master Fuyuan of White Horse Temple possessed a Buddha-nature far surpassing mine, yet he respected you greatly. I too hold you in reverence.” With due respect, he asked, “Given the diversity and difference of doctrines worldwide, how can they be unified?”
Yuan Ling replied, “The existence of the universe begins with non-being. Non-being is qi; qi is the Dao; the Dao is both Buddha and God. They are one in essence, unified in name and truth.”
Hearing this, Chan Master Guanghui rose and bowed, saying, “Your words are true! They refresh my mind and spirit. Though I have devoted my life to studying Buddhism and probing the Dao’s meaning, only now do I see the connection between the two—the convergence of immortals and Buddhas lies in this understanding.”
Yuan Ling nodded, “All things in heaven and earth share one principle. There must be a single doctrine to unify them, in accord with the great Dao’s meaning.”
Chan Master Guanghui was deeply moved and full of admiration. Nearby, Fang Guohuan, though not fully comprehending, gained some insight and was profoundly touched, exclaiming inwardly, “Brother Yuan Ling indeed possesses great ability. To aspire to unify all religious doctrines under one teaching—this must be the doctrine of great harmony!”
Seeing Fang Guohuan silently listening, calm and composed, Chan Master Guanghui inquired, “Why does this gentleman not speak?”
Yuan Ling chuckled beside him, “The great Dao is wordless. Brother Fang surpasses us all with his silence.”
Chan Master Guanghui laughed, “Indeed, this accords with our Buddhist principle: ‘Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.’”
Hearing this, Yuan Ling smiled and said, “Venerable Chan Master, does Buddhism have skilled chess players? I assure you, this Brother Fang will make even the Buddha submit on the chessboard!”
Surprised, Chan Master Guanghui said, “So this gentleman is a chess master! How remiss of me. When it comes to chess, I have no qualms in speaking candidly. Within the Buddhist order, there is one whose skill is unmatched; all monks under his temple are also experts.”
Fang Guohuan’s heart stirred and he quickly asked, “May I ask the venerable master’s name?”
Chan Master Guanghui replied, “He is Master Kuyuan of Tianyuan Temple on Lianyun Mountain. Though invincible in chess, he does not seek fame for it.”
Upon hearing this, Fang Guohuan fell silent, knowing this was his own teacher. Seeing this, Chan Master Guanghui asked, “Why such sorrow, sir? Did I say something improper?”
Fang Guohuan sighed, “Master Kuyuan of Tianyuan Temple was indeed my teacher, but unfortunately, he passed away peacefully several months ago.”
Chan Master Guanghui was shocked, “Master Kuyuan has departed! A great loss for our Buddhist order.”
With deep regret, he sighed, “So you, sir, are a lay disciple of Master Kuyuan. No wonder you are exceptional. I heard Master Kuyuan once said he wished to explore the highest realm of chess. Alas, he left this world with that unfulfilled.”
Fang Guohuan said, “I am but unworthy. Following my master’s teachings, I have devoted myself for three years and finally attained what he hoped for in the art of chess.”
Chan Master Guanghui was astonished, “The transcendent chess realm Master Kuyuan envisioned—indeed you have realized it! Incredible! Truly incredible!”
Yuan Ling beside him said, “Man’s will can overcome heaven; such is the way.”
Filled with admiration, Chan Master Guanghui mused, “No wonder Mr. Baode did not enter the dreams of you two. You both are masters who have reached a transcendent realm!”
Fang Guohuan did not immediately understand the implication. Yuan Ling smiled and asked, “Is Mr. Baode present?”
Chan Master Guanghui laughed, “I fear you might blame him; he left long ago.”
Yuan Ling chuckled, “This man is unusual, not malicious. Why would he take offense at a game? Perhaps he is just timid.”
Chan Master Guanghui said, “As the saying goes, ‘Sorcerers dare not meet sages.’ There is truth in this.”
Yuan Ling smiled again, while Fang Guohuan remained puzzled.
The next day, Fang Guohuan and Yuan Ling stayed another day at Xiangguo Temple before bidding farewell to Chan Master Guanghui and departing Kaifeng. Yuan Ling planned to go to White Horse Temple in Luoyang to collect the translated Bible, while Fang Guohuan’s mind lingered over matters of chess. They parted with a respectful bow, promising to meet again when fate allowed, wishing each other well.
Leaving Kaifeng, Fang Guohuan felt a deep sense of emotion. He recalled how in a previous dream, his master pointed northward. Along the journey, he had unexpectedly met the ethereal Yuan Ling. Secretly, he pondered, “If the grandmaster eunuch Li Ruchuan was not found, yet I encountered Yuan Ling, could this be my master’s intention? Perhaps dreams are unreliable, just a chance meeting. Yuan Ling’s thoughts are profound and vast, his realm inscrutable—truly an enlightened and extraordinary man. Once I understand the mysteries of chess, I shall seek him out to learn the ways of the world and explore the secrets between heaven and man. Chess, with its myriad changes, reflects the patterns of heaven and earth and reveals the principles of all things. Through the path of chess, I shall approach the great Dao.”
Still no news of Li Ruchuan surfaced, and Fang Guohuan was at a loss. He wandered aimlessly until fatigued. Seeing a stream ahead, he approached, washed his face and hands, then sat by the bank to rest, gazing blankly at the flowing water. Suddenly, a small fish leapt from the surface, splashing lightly. Fang Guohuan snapped back to his senses, shook his head, and smiled.
Nearby, voices were heard. One said, “How many good players will attend this chess gathering at Jade Chess Villa?”
Another replied, “Since this event is hosted by Lord Yuchi Gongshu and held at Jade Chess Villa, there will surely be many masters. The three of us will have the chance to witness true experts.”
Fang Guohuan, sensitive to anything about chess, brightened at the mention of the Jade Chess Villa tournament. He stood and saw three young men approaching along the main road, all dressed as scholars.
He hurried forward, clasping his hands in greeting, “Gentlemen, please forgive my intrusion.”
The three stopped upon seeing a stranger address them and each raised a hand in salute in return. One asked, “What business brings you, Lord Gongshu?”
Fang Guohuan replied, “I am Fang Guohuan. I just overheard you speaking of the chess tournament at Jade Chess Villa. Being a fellow lover of chess, I dared to ask and learn more.”
The man smiled, “So Lord Fang is also a chess enthusiast! Coincidentally, the three of us are headed to the same grand event at Jade Chess Villa. It’s a rare opportunity—why not travel together?”
Fang Guohuan was delighted, “Thank you kindly. May I ask your honorable names?”
He replied, “I am Yang Xianxing. The three of us are close friends united by chess.” The other two introduced themselves as Wang Dong and Song He, all talented scholar-chess players.
Fang Guohuan then asked, “Who is the host of this tournament?”
Yang Xianxing laughed, “It seems Lord Fang is new to chess. You don’t even know about the greatest player known as ‘Chess Gongshu’ Yuchi Yunlu?”
“Chess Gongshu?!” Fang Guohuan was startled. Suddenly, he recalled a rainy night stay at a dilapidated mountain temple where he overheard an old man and a youth speak of ‘Chess Gongshu.’
Noticing Fang Guohuan’s surprise, Yang Xianxing said with a smile, “Lord Fang must be unversed. The Yuchi family, generations of outstanding chess players, have created a renowned tradition. Every chess player in the world knows them—they are a famous Go family.”
Fang Guohuan said, “I have heard the name ‘Chess Gongshu’ Yuchi Yunlu before and intended to pay my respects. But I do not know what kind of person Lord Yuchi Gongshu is.”
Yang Xianxing admired, “Lord Yuchi Gongshu is elegant and charismatic, embodying the spirit of a great chess master. His skill rivals the fastest player in the world, Zhong Shiyuan of Hebei, one of the three greatest masters alive. He is the finest chess player in the world.”
Fang Guohuan was astonished, “Chess holds such extraordinary figures. I must become acquainted with them.” So, he joined Yang Xianxing, Wang Dong, and Song He to travel together.
[End of excerpt.]
Your kind words—even a simple (*^__^*)—fuel the author’s inspiration. Please continue to encourage the writer!