Shaolin Temple, as the ancestral temple of the Zen sect, has been silent for more than twenty years since Qianyou destroyed the Buddha. Under the shadow of a shadow called imperial power, it can only behave like most Buddhist temples in the world, keep a low profile, and devote itself to cultivating Buddhism.
The past twenty years, at least the first ten years, have been very difficult. We have lost our property, the number of monks has dropped sharply, and our followers have become lonely. That’s all. The Buddha has been in China for more than a thousand years, and the hardships he has endured are no less than this time.
Treat it as a test given by the Buddha, just pass it.
However, it is very difficult to close the mountain to avoid disasters. Compared with those who destroyed and demolished temples, the Shaolin Temple is relatively lucky. At least the whole temple has been preserved. As for closing the mountain, it is completely impossible. This mountain forest peak
The entire ridge, every plant and tree, is owned by the emperor. How can Shaolin be left alone? Moreover, it must always be under the supervision of the local government and dare not do anything that exceeds the regulations.
That is to say, in recent years, the imperial court has no longer been so deliberately targeted, and the popularity has gradually become more prosperous. However, compared with the grand occasion twenty years ago, it is still not the same.
In the summer of the ninth year of Kaibao's reign, the tranquility maintained by Shaolin Temple for more than 20 years was once again broken. Jinshang, who had brought deep pain and disaster to Buddhism, personally came to visit.
For Zhongyue Temple and Songyang Academy, which are "neighbors", the emperor's visit may be an honor, but for Shaolin, it is not necessarily so. Therefore, when the news came, the entire ancient temple was boiling, with some surprises.
Love that kind of excitement.
However, there was no way, no matter how hesitant or fearful, we could only choose to welcome him and prepare for the reception under the supervision of the local government and the Suwei officers.
Hundreds of monks all over the temple were busy cleaning the mountain gates, tidying up the temple buildings, and preparing with great fanfare, as if some disaster was about to happen.
The person who was responsible for preparing and supervising the pick-up together with the Dengfeng government was Ai Yang, a young general from the bodyguard class. Before departure, Zhang Yong told him about the "origin" between Emperor Liu and Buddhism, so Ai Yang entered a
in a state of heightened vigilance.
Aries directly brought five hundred guards and stationed in the Shaolin Temple first. He checked the temple from top to bottom. He was still worried. He sent people to occupy various key positions and kept an eye on the monks as if they were guarding against thieves.
All the monks in the temple were arrested and imprisoned.
As for Emperor Liu, even though he was accompanied by swords, axes and axes, he really wanted to go to Shaolin to see the treasures, and had no other plans except for a little curiosity.
Therefore, when I arrived at the Shaolin Temple and saw the formations in the temple, I was really stunned for a moment. The famous mountain and ancient temple is solemn and quiet, and it is so quiet that it is almost breathtaking, and the air is filled with a strong sense of strangeness.
In order to welcome him, the Shaolin Temple simply closed down and prohibited believers from climbing mountains to worship the Buddha. As a result, the huge temple was crowded but extremely deserted.
Faced with this somewhat desolate and even bleak scene, Emperor Liu did not hide the surprise on his face. After Zhang Yong made some inquiries, he briefly reported the situation to Emperor Liu.
"Nonsense! This not only infringes on the pure land outside Fangwai, but also disturbs the people! As expected, this Aries has no hair on his lips and does things with care. Is this how he does things?" Emperor Liu said reproachfully.
However, judging from the slight smile on his lips, he didn't take it to heart.
Zhang Yong saw it, and for Aries Yuanhuan said: "General Bai's duty is only to consider the safety of the Holy Emperor!"
Emperor Liu stood in front of the gate of Shaolin Mountain, looked up at this ancient temple that was famous all over the world, raised his hand, and said, "I am here to visit, and some evil guests from Qia Temple have come to visit. I'm afraid these monks will not be frightened."
So shallow!"
He led the National People's Congress inside, and under the leadership of the Shaolin abbot, all the monks in the temple came together to greet him. The abbot, named Hongtai, is over eighty years old and has strong bones and muscles. Although he is senile, he is kind-hearted and kind. Of course, at this age, he has an insight into the world.
, Although he was careful when facing Emperor Liu, his face was still neither humble nor arrogant, and he was not too nervous.
"The host is exempt from the ceremony!" Emperor Liu looked at the old host calmly, with a hint of oppression in his eyes.
The old abbot remained calm and made a Buddhist salute: "Thank you so much, Your Majesty! I led the entire temple to welcome the Holy Master!"
Looking at the old monk, Emperor Liu chuckled and said: "I heard that he has been leading Shaolin for more than forty years and has a great reputation. When I see him today, he is indeed extraordinary. He has an immortal demeanor and is indeed an eminent monk!"
"Your Majesty, you are so flattering! I am just an old monk who eats fast and chants Buddha's name. How can I get such a reputation? I really don't deserve it!" the host Hongtai responded.
Emperor Liu glanced around, and he could see the nervousness in the expressions of many monks. Only the old abbot remained calm and looked as usual.
"The host is so humble!" Emperor Liu said with a smile: "This is my first time to Songshan Mountain. I have climbed Taishi Mountain, Zhongyue Mountain, and Songyang Mountain. I have also visited Shaolin. Shaolin is a treasured land of Buddhism and a famous ancient temple. I wonder how I can go there.
It would be a pity if you don't burn incense in the temple, so if you come in person, you won't disturb the temple!"
"Your Majesty's visit to this temple is an honor for everyone in the temple, so why bother?" the old abbot responded.
"The host is indeed a wise man, so magnanimous! Even if it disturbs you, please forgive me!" Emperor Liu laughed.
"Buddha's Dharma is boundless, and so is the Tao. Although the old monk practices Buddhism, his knowledge is superficial and he dare not talk about attaining the Tao!" the host said modestly.
"Compared to a layman like me, I'm afraid the host has already entered the Tao!" Emperor Liu began to speak forcefully, and walked forward resolutely: "Please lead the way, host, and take me to see the Buddha you worship on weekdays!"
Seeing Emperor Liu's rude look, the old host finally sighed secretly, but still had to deal with it calmly, and personally led the way: "Your Majesty, please!"
"This is the Mahavira Palace? It's well-deserved, with majestic treasures and a myriad of features!" After entering the Buddha Hall, he glanced around. Emperor Liu pointed at the huge Buddha statue and sighed: "Is this the Buddha you usually worship? It's really big.
ah!"
Emperor Liu's eyes seemed to reveal this meaning: If such a large Buddha statue was melted, how many copper coins could be made.
The host did not look directly into Emperor Liu's eyes, but hearing his tone, he felt inexplicably panicked. Without thinking, he responded: "Your Majesty, the Buddha is in your heart, not in front of you!"
"It seems that my eyesight is blind. I can't see the Buddha. I can only see this golden bronze statue!" Emperor Liu smiled and pointedly said: "Master, Buddhism seems to pay attention to the root of wisdom. Look at me, do you have any clues?"
Wisdom Gen?"
If he could really speak freely, even with the old host's Zen state, he would have to complain about him. However, the situation is stronger than others, especially when facing a human emperor like Emperor Liu, I can only compliment him: "Your Majesty is the true Dragon Emperor.
Break away from the mundane world and have your own wisdom!"
"Oh? Host, monks don't lie!" Emperor Liu looked at the old host with a smile.
Facts have proved that in front of a monarch like Emperor Liu, no matter how eminent a monk is, it is difficult to maintain his noble demeanor. Noticing the hesitation on the old monk's skinny face, Emperor Liu said again: "Buddhism pays attention to saving people, and those under me
There are many heroes and generals who are capable of killing people, and there are also those who respect and worship Buddha! Do you think you, the host, can save me?"
"Your Majesty has said it before! Buddhism can save the common people, but how can it save the sacred?" Hongtai presided over the meeting.
"Haha!" Emperor Liu's laughter shook the Buddhist hall unscrupulously.
Looking directly at the solemn Buddha statue, although he raised his head slightly, his eyes were looking down. Emperor Liu raised his hands, spread them out, and said lightly: "Since you have seen the Buddha, what's the harm in burning incense?"
So, the old host personally lit three sticks of incense and handed them to Emperor Liu. Emperor Liu did not lower his head or bend his waist. He only bowed normally, which was regarded as worshiping the Buddha.
Regarding Emperor Liu's behavior, some of the monks present felt a sense of humiliation, and there was a hint of dissatisfaction on their faces. Emperor Liu naturally noticed it, and asked the old monk: "Master, when the Buddha looks angry, I watch the monks in the temple, and they often complain.
Have those with angry eyes received instructions from the Buddha not to welcome me, an evil guest, or have they cultivated to become the Buddha with angry eyes?"
After hearing this, Master Hongtai's white eyebrows couldn't help but tremble slightly, but facing Emperor Liu's gaze, he remained calm and focused, and calmly replied: "Your Majesty's words are serious! It's just that the monks in the temple are not practicing at home!"
"Is this the so-called appearance?" Emperor Liu said playfully.
"Your Majesty is indeed smart!" the host responded.
"Then why do you look so good?" Emperor Liu asked: "There must be a reason! Maybe you still don't welcome me?"
"Buddhism has opened a door for convenience. Your Majesty is also a guest, how can you refuse to welcome him?" said the host.
"Oh?" Emperor Liu smiled with a really annoying smile, and said: "I really have something to do, and I need to preside over to open this convenient door!"
"Your Majesty, please speak!"
"During this period, the imperial court's finances were tight. I looked at the bronze statues in the temple and there were a lot of bronze utensils. I asked for some for the imperial court and cast copper coins to make up for the shortfall and benefit the people. Is it possible to do whatever is convenient for me to preside over?" Emperor Liu said leisurely.
Upon hearing this, all the monks present changed their expressions, and the old monk could not hold himself any longer. However, feeling Emperor Liu's oppressive gaze, he pondered for a moment, probably thinking of Amitabha in his heart, and then replied: "If
The things in the temple that can benefit the people of the imperial court are up to your majesty to take them!"
"You won't be embarrassed, right?" Emperor Liu stared at the host.
"The old monk is worshiping the Buddha, not these bronze statues!" the host replied.
"An eminent monk is an eminent monk. This kind of magnanimity is heart-wrenching!" Emperor Liu sighed with emotion: "However, the Buddhists in the world have long been extremely disgusted with me, so I will not do this thing of burning harps and boiling cranes!"
"Your Majesty is serious! The old monk is frightened!"