"Miaolian Temple?" Li Muchan asked, "Where is it?"
"It seems to be in Chunhua City..." Jingkong said: "It's about fifty miles away from our Donglai Town. It's not far or close."
Li Muchan said: "Why did you invite me to Miaolian Temple?"
Jingkong said: "The old monk's name is Cheng Jing. He said that the former presiding officer passed away and he is now the presiding officer. However, he knows that his cultivation is not enough and he cannot bear the heavy responsibility. Hearing the master's name, he wanted to invite the master to come over."
Li Muchan pondered for a moment and nodded.
Jikong hurriedly asked: "Master, will you agree?"
Li Muchan smiled and said, "What do you think?"
Jing Kong nodded hurriedly and said: "Of course I have to agree. Chunhua City is a big city and very prosperous. There are more people who believe in Buddhism there. Master can better promote the Dharma if he goes there."
Li Muchan looked at him with a smile, Ji Kong scratched his head and said sheepishly: "Of course, I also want to broaden my horizons. I have never been to Chunhua City since I was a child."
Li Muchan turned to look at Jing'er. Jing'er lowered her head in embarrassment. Li Muchan smiled and said, "Jing'er doesn't want to go?"
Jing'er raised her head and said, "Master, what will happen to my mother when I leave?"
"Of course we'll go together." Jing Kong said hurriedly: "Although our town is nice, Chunhua City is so lively, and Aunt Zhao will also like it."
Jing'er said: "Mom, she likes to be quiet."
"That's because Aunt Zhao is coaxing you to play. I think Aunt Zhao likes liveliness the most, but she's just afraid that you'll be impatient, so she can only stay with you at home, saying that she likes to be quiet." Jikong said hurriedly.
Li Muchan smiled and said: "Jikong is right,...Okay, Jikong, go and invite Master Chengjing to come over, and I will meet him."
Jing Kong said: "He is waiting outside. He must see Master."
Li Muchan said: "Invite him in."
"Yes, Master." Jingkong nodded quickly, turned around and went out.
Li Muchan clapped his hands to calm down the ferocious beasts, so they lay down on the ground, lazily preparing to take a nap, and ignored the outside world.
They just lay down and brought in an old monk with white beard and eyebrows. He was about sixty or seventy years old, with a ruddy complexion and a bright spirit. Although he was old, he was not old.
"Old monk Chengjing has met Master Zhanran!" The old monk tithes.
Li Muchan smiled together: "Master Chengjing, there is no need to be polite, please speak in the hall."
He led the old monk Cheng Jing into the main hall and cleaned it spotlessly. This was Jing'er's credit. Although Jingkong was diligent, the effect of cleaning was very little. Although it was not dirty, it always seemed messy. At this time, the main hall was in order.
It looks like Jinger’s handiwork.
Jing'er sat down on the futon and brought tea in, then quietly left. Only Li Muchan and the old monk Qingjing were left in the hall.
Li Muchan smiled and said: "Master Chengjing is the abbot of Miaolian Temple?"
"Alas... I am ashamed that my moral practice is mediocre. After my master passed away, I could only manage the Miaolian Temple. It is a pity that the Dharma is not refined and the incense is not strong. I am really ashamed of all the ancestors of the past!" Monk Chengjing shook his head and smiled bitterly.
, sighing again and again.
Li Muchan pondered: "Miaolian Temple is located outside Chunhua City?"
"Exactly." Monk Chengjing nodded and said: "It was originally a geomantic treasure land with a flourishing incense. Unfortunately, since my master passed away, I have no virtue and incompetence. The believers have continued to suffer losses. Now it is even more unbearable. I heard Master Zhanran's Dharma
Miao-Lian has vast supernatural powers, so I can only come to ask Master to save the incense of Miao-Lian Temple."
Li Muchan pondered: "Logically speaking, it shouldn't be so. Could it be that another eminent monk appeared and took away the incense of Miaolian Temple?"
Monk Chengjing nodded and said, "Master Zhanran's guess is correct. There is a Miaohua Temple next to us, which was built by my uncle."
Li Muchan said: "Master's uncle is still alive, right?"
"Exactly." Monk Chengjing nodded and said, "Although I practice hard, I'm still a little less qualified than my uncle. Everyone still believes in my uncle."
"Your uncle and your master are at odds?" Li Muchan pondered.
Monk Chengjing nodded and said: "Uncle and Master are not personal grudges, but they have different views on Buddhism. One values merit and the other values practice."
Li Muchan said: "It is better to pay equal attention to both, why deviate from it?"
"My uncle and my master told me that people's lifespan is limited, and it takes several lives to become a Buddha. My master advocates increasing merit and virtue so that it can be easily cultivated in the next life. My uncle said that practice is the foundation. It is merit and virtue, and there is no need to seek external rewards."
....."
Li Muchan smiled: "In the end, the one who did not focus on merit was very popular. Did Master Chengjing find it ironic, so he lost confidence?"
Monk Chengjing smiled bitterly and nodded: "Master's eyes are indeed like lightning, and his supernatural power is vast. He broke through my persistence in one fell swoop. I am ashamed."
Li Muchan pondered: "I wonder how old your uncle is?"
"It's almost the same as Lao Na." Monk Chengjing said.
Li Muchan said: "It seems that he is also an accomplished monk. I admire him."
Monk Chengjing looked at him steadily: "I wonder if Master is willing to move the Buddha's toe and settle in Miaolian Temple?"
Li Muchan said with a smile: "You want me to compare with Uncle Ling? Buddhist disciples can't afford to be angry or obsessive. Old monk, you are really not good at cultivation."
Monk Chengjing said helplessly: "If I am alone, I will naturally not care, but this is about the master and the master. I can only be persistent for once. I hope the master can save me!"
Li Muchan knows the understanding of Buddhist disciples that merits are carried with you and incense is used to focus your mind. The incense offered by mortals is not useless, but has practical uses.
Li Muchan has achieved success in Zen practice and has recognized the physical form, so he knows the wonders of it. But ordinary people don't know. Those who don't practice hard enough can only know it, but they can't see it.
Incense entrusts people's faith and can go straight to the mind and the underworld. It is of great help to the underworld and is of great importance. People who have practiced Buddhism since childhood can be convinced of this through indoctrination.
Li Muchan could see through the depths of Monk Chengjing at a glance, and could see his thoughts clearly, and knew that he was convinced but not true.
But even so, I would rather believe that it exists, so I am anxious for the incense to flourish.
"That's it, I'll go take a look at Miaolian Temple to see if it's destined for me. If it's destined, I'll stay there temporarily. If not, there's no need to force it. How about it, Monk Chengjing?" Li Muchan said thoughtfully.
.
Old monk Cheng Jing nodded hurriedly and smiled: "Okay, when will Master Zhanran set off?"
Li Muchan turned around and said, "Jikong, you and Jing'er, please follow me."
Jikong glanced at the beasts worriedly, and Li Muchan smiled and said, "Let them stay here for now, don't worry, they won't hurt anyone."
Jikong nodded excitedly: "Yes, Master."
The two of them followed Li Muchan and left Yuanxin Temple with Monk Chengjing, passed through Donglai Town, and then walked north.
After leaving Donglai Town, Monk Chengjing began to practice Qing Gong. His cultivation level was not high and he had not yet reached the master level, but his Qing Gong was somewhat successful.
Li Muchan shook his head. It seemed that he paid too much attention to merit and had no intention of practicing, so his cultivation level was so low, almost like being in silence.
Jikong has only been practicing for a long time, and the old monk has been practicing for a long time. He has really gone astray.
Jing'er's cultivation was not enough, but she was able to fly with ease without even touching the ground. Old monk Cheng Jing was amazed when he saw her. He could see that Jing'er's cultivation would never allow her to perform Qing Kung Fu so easily.
Li Muchan used invisible force to hold Jing'er forward. She almost didn't have to go on her own. She looked around all the way, her beautiful little face full of curiosity and excitement.
She had stayed in the house since she was a child, unable to move. She would cough and wheeze at the slightest movement. She was too weak, so she hardly went out, and even if she did go out, she could not leave Donglai Town.
She had never seen the outside world. When she looked at every plant, tree, flower and stone, she felt it was indescribably wonderful and her heart was filled with joy and excitement.
Li Muchan and others were influenced by her and found it interesting. They did not feel tired at all during the journey, but only felt tired for a moment.
In just half an hour, they arrived at a large city. Three stone plaques "Chunhua City" were engraved above the city gate, which was simple and green.
"Our Miaolian Temple is in the north and needs to pass through the city." Monk Chengjing said.
Li Muchan nodded, and the four of them entered the city, and then passed through the bustling crowd. Jing'er became more and more curious, her eyes were not full, and she looked here and there, left and right.
Li Muchan turned a blind eye to such prosperity, but Jingong was also very interested. Monk Chengjing smiled proudly and said: "Miss Jing'er, Jingkong, come and take a look. You can come and hang out often."
Jikong smiled and said: "That's great, Master. It's really much more lively here than our town."
Li Muchan smiled: "Yes, it's so prosperous and charming, don't you feel excited?"
"Of course." Jikong nodded vigorously: "Master, look, there are all kinds of things for sale. In our town, it is impossible to buy these!"
Li Muchan shook his head and said with a smile: "Monk, let's leave quickly."
Monk Chengjing smiled and said: "Both Jing'er and Jingkong are here for the first time, so it's no wonder. After seeing it more often, they feel it's normal and nothing special."
Jikong smiled and said, "That's a lot to see. Master, let's live here!"
Li Muchan shook his head and ignored it, and quickened his pace. Monk Chengjing took a look and could only quicken his pace and follow closely. The four of them soon arrived at the north gate. After exiting, there was a plain. The plain was a patchwork of woods, and above the woods was a vast sky.
The mountains look like they are in the woods.
The four of them walked from the main road first, walked for a mile, then turned to the side and went up a path. After passing through a pine forest, they came to the foot of a mountain. They walked up the stone steps and reached the halfway point of the hill.
On the mountainside, in front of you is a temple with yellow tiles and red walls.
The glazed roof of this temple exudes magnificent light under the setting sun. It is so majestic that Ji Kong and Jing'er are dazzled by the sight.
Monk Chengjing looked at Li Muchan and saw that Li Muchan was calm and showed no signs of surprise.
"Master, this is our Miaolian Temple." Monk Chengjing pointed proudly, and then pointed to the temple on a hill opposite. The temple was hidden among the branches and was vaguely visible. Compared with this place, it looked a bit smaller.
It was dilapidated and seemed to have fallen into disrepair.
Monk Chengjing sighed: "That's Miaohua Temple."
Li Muchan nodded: "It seems that your master and disciple have put a lot of effort into this temple."
Monk Chengjing said: "Yes, we sculpted the golden body and built the temple. We endured a lot of hardships to build the Miaolian Temple like this. It's a pity that once the master is gone, I can't stand it alone."
Li Muchan said: "You guys...forget it, let's go in and take a look."
The four of them went up the steps and arrived in front of the temple. In front of the temple was a flat open space with several ginkgo trees planted, all of them thick and hugging.
Passing through the ginkgo tree, going up the stone steps and pushing open the temple door, what comes into view is a large hall. In the hall, the golden Buddha stands tall, solemn and majestic, making people feel reverence and insignificance.
Li Muchan nodded: "It seems to be a Buddha statue made by a famous master."
Monk Chengjing said proudly: "It was made by a lay believer. It is a very elegant piece of jewelry. It is truly a rare masterpiece."
Li Muchan said: "It is indeed a fine product. Usually you are the only one who manages it?"
"I also accepted a disciple." Monk Chengjing said, raising his voice and shouting: "Xing Zhen!"
"Master!" Soon a young monk ran out.
This little monk was chubby, had a round face, and was full of joy. He was about fifteen or sixteen years old, and looked younger than Jing'er. When he saw Monk Chengjing, he ran over in a hurry, like a ball rolling over and beamed with joy:
"Master, you are finally back!"
Monk Chengjing said solemnly: "Why did it close so early?"
The little monk Xingzhen said hurriedly: "No one has come to the door these days since Master is away. Master, can you invite the holy monk Zhanran?"
He looked around, passing by Li Muchan, then looked at Ji Kong, turned his eyes away, and finally landed on Jing'er. After looking at it for a few times, he didn't think it was the same, so he turned around and said, "Master didn't invite Divine Monk Zhanran."
?”
"Xingzhen, you..." Cheng Jing shook her head and sighed: "You need to practice your eyes, but you haven't made any progress at all. Master Zhanran is in front of you, but you don't recognize it!"
"Ah——?" The little monk Xingzhen touched his bald head, looked at Jikong and Li Muchan one by one, and finally landed on Li Muchan: "Is this the divine monk Zhanran?"
Li Muchan smiled and said: "I don't dare to be a divine monk, but I am a humble monk!"
"Ah, you are so young!" Little Monk Xingzhen suddenly widened his eyes and opened his mouth. Then he turned to Monk Chengjing and said, "Master, have you made a mistake?"
"Shut up!" Monk Chengjing shouted hurriedly.
Xing Zhen closed her mouth in a hurry, but her eyes rolled around, gleaming with curiosity on Li Muchan's face.
Li Muchan smiled and said: "Emptiness is form, form is emptiness, monk Xingzhen, you are in a state of mind!"
The little monk Xingzhen nodded hurriedly and said: "Yes, yes, I am a disciple, and I have met the divine monk Zhanran!"
Monk Chengjing waved his hand, signaling him to step back and stop being embarrassed here. He turned around and said with a smile: "Master, let's take a look at our temple!"
Li Muchan nodded, and accompanied by monk Chengjing, he slowly walked around the Miaolian Temple. The front was very grand and magnificent, but when he got to the Zen room at the back, he suddenly changed to a different world, so simple that it was even
It's a bit shabby. The house hasn't been repaired for a long time. It's different from the front one.
Li Muchan didn't say much. Although Monk Chengjing had gone astray, he could not doubt their piety. For being so harsh on him, there was still some hope.
Faith is the most important thing to enter Buddhism. Many people practice for a long time but get nothing, precisely because their faith is not correct, true, sincere, and not strong.
If you have true faith and firm mind, and have a correct mind and right thoughts, your practice will surely make rapid progress, and you will be vigorous and diligent. This is the essence of Buddhist practice. If you are not an eminent monk or a great virtuous man, you cannot recognize this clearly, and naturally, neither can your disciples.
Seeing the scene here, Xingzhen walked carefully, following behind everyone, when suddenly a black steamed bun ran out.
Xingzhen hurriedly ran over to pick it up, and put it back in his arms with a blushing face. But Li Muchan had already seen it, it was a black-faced steamed bun.
Monk Chengjing glared at him, and then continued to take everyone for a stroll as if nothing had happened. He quickly walked around and returned to the front of the hall. He smiled and said: "Master Zhanran, is this place still pleasing to the eye?"
Li Muchan nodded: "It's well taken care of, which shows that it's done with care."
"What does Master mean...?" Monk Chengjing looked at him eagerly.
Li Muchan smiled and nodded: "Okay, I'll go to Miaolian Temple and ask for three chapters of the Dharma."
Li Muchan said: "First, as the host, I make the decision in everything. Even if I say that I want to demolish the temple, I still have to obey."
Monk Chengjing thought for a while, looked around, then turned to look at the opposite side, gritted his teeth, and nodded vigorously: "Okay, Lao Nie Yide!"
Li Muchan nodded: "Secondly, as the presiding officer, you, the monk, need to be given the rites of a disciple as you come down a generation."
"Yide!" Monk Chengjing nodded without hesitation: "The master has superb cultivation and profound Dharma. Those who have mastered it come first. I am willing to be inferior!"
Those who are masters on the path of spiritual practice come first. It is right to respect the old and love the young. But when it comes to practice, it is not necessary to listen to the old. If Li Muchan is determined to succeed the old monk Chengjing, he must first get rid of his ego and let his mind be at ease.
"Third, let go of the grudges with Miaohua Temple." Li Muchan said.
Monk Chengjing was startled and hesitated: "This..."
Li Muchan said: "There is a saying in Buddhism that you can put down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha immediately. If you can't let it go, if you keep clinging to it, it will be a demonic obstacle. How can you have any practice?"
"But..." Monk Chengjing hesitated.
Li Muchan smiled: "The only way to do things is to be self-reliant. You should not compete with others, but it is good to constantly strive for self-improvement. If you relax your mind, you will naturally be able to let go of your attachments and not be moved by external things... Monk you
Your mind-cultivation skills are too poor!”
"…···Yes, I agree!" Monk Chengjing nodded firmly.
Li Muchan put his hands on his hands and smiled: "In that case, we are no longer outsiders. Jingkong, let's go to the city to buy some delicious food."
"Yes, Master." Jikong nodded solemnly, looking excited. Master finally agreed. It's wonderful to be able to stay in the temple outside Chunhua City!
Li Muchan said warmly: "Chengjing, please tell the believers that I will hold a sermon in seven days and invite everyone to come and listen."
"Yes, Abbot!" Chengjing and Shang Heshi nodded: "I will go to the city and inform them door to door."
Li Muchan said: "I don't care about how to do it. I only ask about the result. When Ji Kong comes back, you master and disciple have a good meal. Don't suffer yourself in eating. Only when you are full can you settle down and practice well...I
If you come back in seven days, you don’t have to follow me."
"Yes, Abbot." Monk Chengjing nodded respectfully.
Li Muchan looked at him and shook his head. When he first met him, he looked like an eminent monk, with fair hair and a childish face. After getting along with him, he realized that the old monk was an idiot and really needed some guidance.
ps: Two updates have been completed. I have to go out with my wife on the weekend, so I can’t write too much, so I’ll forgive you.