"It has been a long time since we last said goodbye to Mr. Li. I never thought that Mr. Li would go north to Beijing. The last time we said goodbye to each other at Tianmu Mountain, the poor monk thought that we would never see each other again."
In a pavilion in the courtyard.
Baiyun made tea for Li Xiuyuan and Master Shikong. The two sat across from each other, drinking tea and talking, which was quite elegant like visiting a monk.
Li Xiuyuan smiled and said: "The world is so big, I have to walk around. If I stay in the south, the ghosts and gods in the north will live a life that is too rich. I heard that the evil ghosts and gods in the south now all flee after hearing my name."
, although the ghosts and gods in the south have been controlled and pacified, but
What about the north? I don’t want to tell perfunctory lies to the master. I came to Beijing this time to rectify the ghosts and gods in the north."
"Master practices in Xiangguo Temple and should know the situation in the capital very clearly. Are you willing to help me clarify my doubts?"
Master Shikong put his hands together and said: "Amitabha, this poor monk is really ashamed, ashamed. He has been practicing for nearly a hundred years. Apart from some superficial skills, he can't do anything about these ghosts and gods in the capital. If Xiangguo Temple had not received the blessing of Buddhism,
I'm afraid I've been plotted by those monsters and monsters long ago
Well, Mr. Li’s intention to rectify the ghosts and gods in the capital is actually a blessing to the people and a blessing to all souls.”
"It's just that the poor monk has lived in Xiangguo Temple for a long time and rarely goes out. He doesn't know much about the ghosts and gods in the capital."
Li Xiuyuan said: "Master has practiced here for more than a month and doesn't know anything about it? Is it because it's not convenient for the master to say it, or does he have taboos in his heart? With the master's cultivation mind, I think he won't care about those things."
Master Shikong smiled slightly and said: "The end of the poor monk's stay in this world is coming. Today is the last time for the poor monk to give a lecture. In seven days, he will sit in the vat. I have already given up on worldly things. Mr. Li is concerned about
This is a well-intentioned good thing for the common people, but the poor monk is really helpless, but
There is a monk from outside the temple. He came to Xiangguo Temple more than ten years ago. He saw demons causing trouble in the capital, so he traveled around the capital and exorcised demons and evil spirits. He knew the situation in the capital well.
He is also deeply loved by the people."
"The Xiangguo Temple is today thanks to him. If Mr. Li has any questions, you can ask him. His philosophy is the same as Mr. Li's. I believe he can help Mr. Li a lot in the capital." Shi Shi
Master Kong said.
"What? The master is going to die?" Li Xiuyuan was shocked when he heard this.
It is hard to imagine that this seemingly energetic Master Shi Kong will pass away soon.
Master Shikong smiled and said: "The longevity is determined by heaven. Since the time prescribed by God has come, why won't the poor monk die? It is precisely because the time of staying in this world has come that I can't help Young Master Li to travel around the capital.
,Baiyun, go and call monk Kasyapa and say that the saint from the south is here.
Let’s have tea and invite him to come and see you.”
"Yes, master." Bai Yun responded and turned around to leave.
Li Xiuyuan said: "I really didn't expect that the master's longevity has come to an end. The passing of an enlightened monk like the master is really a loss to the world."
"It is enough for you to have Mr. Li in the human world. The poor monk has completed his spiritual practice in this life. It is time for him to take refuge in my Buddha. Moreover, it is a happy thing for the poor monk to sit down now. On the contrary, Mr. Li still needs to stay in the human world for at least 10 years."
After decades of worrying about all living beings in this world, Mr. Li’s compassion and kindness,
It has surpassed Arhat and is comparable to Bodhisattva, Amitabha." Master Shikong said with a smile.
"In this way, Master, are you relaxed now? You don't have to worry about the mortal world? I will have to continue to work in the world." Li Xiuyuan shook his head and smiled: "But what Master said is also reasonable. It's just that people have to live forever.
Do something for this world."
"Eat, drink, have fun, have fun, and die with a handful of dirt. This is not what I should pursue. What I pursue is the realization of the ideals in my heart. No matter how hard I work, it is worth it."
"Amitabha, good, good, good." Master Shikong sang the Buddha's name.
He was also impressed by Li Xiuyuan's belief.
Perhaps it is for this reason that others cannot become born saints, but he can become one.
God arranged for him to come into this world for a reason.
"Master, Master Kassapa is here." At this time, Baiyun came over without knowing what happened and gave a salute.
At this moment, he was followed by a monk. This monk had a bare head, wore monk's robes, and had an ordinary appearance. He was a very ordinary middle-aged man, and he would be an ordinary existence in any temple.
The only thing that Li Xiuyuan cared about was the monk's eyes.
What kind of eyes are those? There is an unusual sharpness in the compassion, as gentle as a goshawk and as fierce as a tiger, making people dare not look at them.
"Is this the attitude a monk should have?" Li Xiuyuan secretly wondered in his heart.
And looking at the monk's hands, they are covered with calluses, as wide as cattail leaf fans, thick and powerful, and big and round, as if he has the courage that no man can match. If he takes off his monk's clothes, he looks more like a military general than a monk.
"This benefactor is so polite, poor monk Kassapa." Monk Kassapa bowed.
Master Shikong said: "Kasyapa, you have been in Xiangguo Temple for more than ten years. You are a very wise and powerful monk. Your practice in Buddhism is even worse than that of a poor monk. Now the poor monk is no longer the best."
He is about to pass away. Mr. Li is a saint from the south. He came to the capital to perform alms work.
Are you willing to help him with this important task of saving the world and immeasurable merit?"
He didn't give many reasons, he just asked Kassapa if he was willing.
Monk Kasyapa glanced at Li Xiuyuan and said, "He is the person that the poor monk has been waiting for. The poor monk is willing to help him."
Master Shikong smiled and said, "That puts me at ease. Mr. Li, you can ask him about matters in the capital. He knows better than anyone else. With his help, whatever you do in the capital will be much easier."
It's almost time to open the forum for lectures. The poor monk has gone. Mr. Li, why don't you invite yourself?
Just do it."
After explaining the matter, he bowed, stood up and left slowly.
Disciple Bai Yun on the side quickly helped him and left with him.
Li Xiuyuan stood up and watched Master Shi Kong leave. Today, he was afraid that he would never see this eminent monk again.
"Does the donor know that Master Shi Kong's lifespan did not end recently? If we really count, he can still live for half a year."
Suddenly, the Kasyapa monk on the side put his hands together, lowered his head slightly and said slowly.
"If that's the case, why did Master Shikong say that he would sit down and pass away after finishing his sermon?" Li Xiuyuan frowned and looked at the burly monk.
Monk Kasyapa said: "It is the Shangyuan Festival soon. Compared with the Ghost Festival, this is the most ferocious time for ghosts in the capital. In previous years, Master Shikong guarded the mountain gate of Xiangguo Temple, which was already very good.
Therefore, Master Shikong knew that he could not die. Once he died, Xiangguo Temple, the last
The pure land of Buddhism will also be occupied by evil spirits, and the people in the capital will suffer even more."
"Now for this last sermon, Master Shikong will definitely use Dharma to bless every common people listening to the sutra, and protect their safety this time on the Lantern Festival, but this will consume all his mind power, but
The reason why Master Shi Kong did this is because he trusts you, Donor Li."
"Trust me?" Li Xiuyuan was silent for a moment.
"Really, it is precisely because of his trust in your abilities, Benefactor Li, that Master Shikong is willing to donate all his life's cultivation to do his best for Mr. Li in the capital." Monk Kasyapa said.
Li Xiuyuan immediately stood in awe after hearing this.
Now he understands why Master Shi Kong took Bai Yun to shamelessly ask for magic weapons from the immortals. It was because he was preparing for his death and wanted Bai Yun to become a high-ranking monk who could subjugate demons and eliminate demons and support Xiangguo Temple.
.
But I am afraid that Master Shikong himself did not expect that he would meet him in Tianmu Mountain.
Perhaps it was precisely because he saw hope in himself that Master Shi Kong performed the act of sacrificing his life today.
Li Xiuyuan did not stop him, nor did he praise him. He just couldn't help but sigh: "The fearless spirit mentioned in Buddhism may refer to Master Shikong. I am not as good as him."
"Since this is Master Shi Kong's last lecture, how could I miss it?"
Immediately, he invited four of his former friends, Zhang Bangchang, Qian Jun, Gao Fan, and Zhu Yu, and hurriedly went to the treasure hall of Xiangguo Temple to listen to the scriptures.
really.
At this moment, there is a sea of people in front of the mountain gate of Xiangguo Temple, and people are surging. I don’t know how many people came to listen to Master Shikong’s lecture.
"Oh my god, there are too many people here, Brother Li, I'm afraid we will be squeezed out of the mountain gate." Seeing so many people, Zhang Bangchang exclaimed, and some of them did not dare to move forward.
Li Xiuyuan said: "Today is Master Shikong's last lecture. I will cast a spell and take you to heaven to see it."
"God? Brother Li, when did you have this ability?" Zhu Yu opened his eyes wide: "Why haven't I seen you use me before?"
"I didn't know the newly learned spells before, but even now I can't cast them with much reluctance. Please be careful." Li Xiuyuan first cast a blind trick to avoid attracting people's attention, and then cast Teng Yun's spell.
Immediately, a white cloud emerged from under everyone's feet, dragging them into the air.
The white clouds were like real objects, soft under their feet, but because the turbid air in their bodies was too heavy, even if Li Xiuyuan cast a spell, he could only fly them less than two feet into the air.
No matter how high it is, it won't work.
This has nothing to do with Taoism, it is due to the limitations of magic.
Spells such as flying are the most difficult to practice, especially those involving flying.
"It's really, really flying."
A few of them looked at the crowd below with wide eyes. Although they didn't fly high, they were extremely shocked.
"Li, Brother Li, aren't you already a god? Not only can you kill ghosts and demons, you can even fly into the sky and escape from the earth?" Qian Jun exclaimed.
Li Xiuyuan shook his head and said with a smile: "What kind of immortal figure am I? A god can soar into the clouds and ride on the mist, and travel across the seas and dusk. What am I? A white cloud can only stand two feet tall, and its speed cannot be as fast as an ox cart. I am still one hundred and eighty thousand short of a god."
Here it is."
"Forehead"
After hearing this, everyone thought that it seemed to be the case.
"Master Shikong is starting to lecture. Let's keep quiet. I used a blind trick. Others can't see us, but they can hear our conversation. Don't attract people's attention, otherwise we will be beaten as monsters.
It won’t be good if you get down." Li Xiuyuan said.
"Brother Li is right to remind you." Zhu Yu nodded quickly, not daring to say anything.
At this moment, a Dharma platform was set up in front of the treasure hall of Xiangguo Temple. Sitting on the platform was an old monk wearing cassocks and a kind-faced man. He didn't say a word and just read the scriptures, seemingly regardless of the noise of the crowd.
He didn't listen clearly, he just chanted sutras to himself.
There doesn't seem to be anything surprising, but it's a bit disappointing.
But Li Xiuyuan saw golden light emerging from Master Shikong's body. This golden light spit out from his mouth, condensed in the sky, turned into lotus flowers, fell from the sky, and sank into the heads of pilgrims.
among.
"This is to bless the Dharma for the people, and the most common Diamond Sutra is recited."
Although he doesn't understand Buddhism, he still knows a thing or two about it.
Although the Diamond Sutra is common, it is the most powerful scripture in Buddhism that can overcome demons and ghosts.
Ordinary people who recite this sutra hundreds of times may even call upon the Vajra God to protect them, drive away spirits and capture evil spirits for them.
And if it is blessed by the Buddha's teachings of Master Shi Kong, it will be even more powerful. This power of thought will remain in the body of every common person. As long as there is an invasion of evil spirits or a murder by monsters, this power of thought will be activated and turn into a Vajra God.
It manifests itself to ward off disasters for you.
It is a great blessing for ordinary people to hear such extraordinary scriptures once.
How can we not make people excited if we can eliminate disaster for you invisibly?
It's just that the people who were blessed by the power of telepathy didn't know this. They didn't feel anything strange after being blessed by the power of telepathy. Instead, they complained because of the crowd and the noise.
Master Shikong was still reciting the Diamond Sutra, but his face was already a little pale and his breath was sluggish.
This is because too many blessings consume their own strength.
But this time, Master Shi Kong seemed to have made up his mind to donate all his cultivation. Even though there were too many people and huge consumption, he still did not stop chanting sutras.
"No wonder Master Shikong said that he will pass away after today's end. Such consumption is not caused by Shouyuan having passed away by himself at all, but by exhaustion." Li Xiuyuan felt a little shocked in his heart.
He saw a real Buddhist monk using his own life to save all sentient beings.
However, all sentient beings are stupid and do not understand the Master's intention.
But Master Shikong still had the same belief and showed no regrets.
Recite the Diamond Sutra over and over again.
Master Shikong went from being so relaxed and relaxed before to almost gritting his teeth while reciting sutras. The sutras he usually memorized backwards and forwards now feel like a heavy mountain weighing on his body. Reciting a sutra is like climbing over a mountain.
The most deadly thing is that this mountain is endless and endless, just to consume the last bit of strength and the last bit of faith.
"Master Shi Kong didn't lecture like this before. Why did he only recite the Diamond Sutra this time and not interpret other scriptures?" Zhang Bangchang asked very doubtfully.
Li Xiuyuan said: "Master Shikong is sacrificing himself to give alms and save all sentient beings. He is not preaching. We keep quiet. This is our respect for the master."
Several people nodded and said nothing.
"Ahem."
When Master Shikong finished reciting this sutra, he suddenly coughed violently and spit out blood. When he fell to the ground, the bright red blood was filled with strands of gold paint.
"Master, how are you? Are you okay?" Bai Yun on the side was shocked and hurriedly helped him.
Master Shi Kong shook his head and continued to recite the Diamond Sutra.
"He has given away hundreds of thousands of his spiritual practice in this life." Li Xiuyuan's heart trembled when he saw the golden blood.
This is a symbol of the Buddhist monks' successful practice.
The blood will turn golden, the golden body will be immortal after death, and one can achieve Arhat status.
Perhaps Master Shi Kong's practice in this life cannot be perfected, but it is not something that ordinary monks can do to give away decades, or even nearly a hundred years of practice.