People in the Song Dynasty were lawless

Chapter 436: Seeing Buddha in Songshan, Buddha is in my heart

The ninth year of the Qingli period of the Song Dynasty arrived as scheduled. This was the thirteenth year that Zhao Jun came to the Song Dynasty.

From 1036 AD to now 1049 AD.

During these thirteen years, the changes in the Song Dynasty could not be described as earth-shaking.

Science and engineering flourished, but only in Bianliang.

The technology industry exists, but it has only spread to a small range and has not yet benefited the general public.

The level of commercial prosperity increased greatly, but only in border, coastal or traditional commercial cities such as Kaifeng, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Quanzhou.

The commercial prosperity of ordinary small towns has improved, but it is not a leap-forward improvement. At most, it is just slightly better than before.

But this is normal.

If even ordinary small counties take off, the GDP of the Song Dynasty will not be just 30 billion guan, but 300 billion or 3000 billion guan.

Therefore, there is still a long way to go. If we want to achieve comprehensive development, we still need time to settle down and improve in all aspects.

After the New Year, I entered a period of decadence.

You have to be decadent.

There are seven days of annual leave from the first day to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year.

Next is the seven-day holiday for Halloween.

We only work on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, and the ninth to fifteenth days are holidays.

But on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, it seamlessly connects to the Lantern Festival.

Just take a break until the 21st day of the first lunar month.

This is because the 15th day of the first lunar month coincides with the Lantern Festival, otherwise we would have to take a day off until the 22nd day of the first lunar month.

Now in February, there is a new seven-day National Day holiday. If we count the daily rest days, the total number of holidays is more than 130 days, which is more than the 115 days in later generations.

Zhao Jun took advantage of his break to take his wife and children to climb Mount Songshan.

Surprisingly, although he was exhausted, his wife and children were full of energy. They climbed faster than him and walked at the front of the team.

Especially at Zhao Qingyun's age where cats and dogs are hated, she would dare to chase the monkey when she saw it from afar.

You have to know that Mount Song at that time was not the tourist attraction it is in later generations.

Although there were often scholars and writers who came to comment on the country and left behind many gorgeous words and poems, there were indeed wild beasts such as tigers, wolves, and wild boars in the mountains.

If Zhao Jun was not the leader of the Song Dynasty, he would have been courting death if he had not been accompanied by hundreds of guards.

From this we can see how fierce this little girl is. She has a bit of the military style inherited from the Cao family.

After climbing the mountain, they also went to the Shaolin Temple in Songshan.

The abbot of Shaolin Temple received them warmly and introduced the glorious history of Shaolin Temple to them.

The monks thought that Zhao Jun came to meditate and worship Buddha.

Little did they know that when Zhao Jun saw that Shaolin Temple owned more than 14000 acres of land, 540 acres of temple grounds, more than 5000 pavilions and halls, and more than 2000 monks, his face turned a little unhappy.

On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, Zhao Jun came to Songshan on the ninth day, arrived on the tenth day, spent a day on the mountain, stayed in Shaolin Temple yesterday, and is preparing to leave today.

But Zhao Jun changed his itinerary and planned to stay for one more day to continue wandering around Shaoshi Mountain and see the scenery there.

In the early morning hours, the monks get up early and start chanting sutras with the sound of evening drum and morning bell.

There are martial monks practicing martial arts and Zen monks studying Buddhism.

The mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, the trees are green, and the birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant.

Surrounded by dense forests, along the Shaoshi Mountain from top to bottom, there are continuous palaces, the smell of sandalwood fills the air, and countless pilgrims gather, giving the place a sense of vitality.

Zhao Jun stood on a cliff on the mountainside with his hands behind his back, overlooking the entire mountain, accompanied by an old monk.

He is Yi Xiu, the abbot of Shaolin Temple of this generation.

"Master, what do you think is the meaning of practicing Buddhism?"

Zhao Jun suddenly asked: "Or in other words, why do people need to study and understand Buddhism?"

Yi Xiu was a little surprised, but then he said: "Although the teachings of each school are different, I think that everyone's goal is the same, practicing Buddhism is to become a Buddha."

"What is Buddha?"

"Buddha is a state of mind that cannot be described. I have not yet reached that state, so I dare not speak nonsense."

"If that is the case, then how can one become a Buddha?"

"The Sixth Patriarch once said: Good friends, the nature of Bodhi is originally pure. If you use this mind, you will directly become a Buddha."

"Does that mean that to cultivate Buddhism one must understand one's mind and nature, and directly reach one's true mind?"

Zhao Jun pointed to his chest and asked.

"The dean has a strong affinity with Buddhism."

Yi Xiu smiled and said, "I entered Shaolin Temple when I was very young, and it was many years later that I understood this truth."

Zhao Jun shook his head and said, "I just understand another truth."

"What's the point?"

"Look beyond the surface."

"Look beyond the surface?"

Yi Xiu seemed to understand something.

Zhao Jun nodded and said, "It can also be called the epistemology of dialectical materialism."

Yi Xiu smiled and said, "Your Excellency is a man of great wisdom, which I cannot even begin to catch up with."

Zhao Jun smiled and said, "Let me ask the master chef a few more questions."

"Please speak, Master."

"Do you think Buddha is good or bad?"

"Buddha encourages people to be good, which is naturally good."

"I agree with this, but some people say that Buddha is beyond everything and has no desires or requests?"

"maybe."

Yi Xiu shook his head and said, "I am not a Buddha, so I naturally don't know if this is true."

"Since you are not above everything and have no desires, how can you be a Buddha?"

"Just as I said just now, I don't know whether Buddha is like this or not. People in the world say so, so maybe Buddha is like this. Buddha is in people's hearts."

"What a Buddha in the heart of man."

Zhao Jun laughed and said, "Master is indeed an accomplished monk. He speaks so perfectly that I can't find any flaws."

Yi Xiu clasped his hands together, his graying goatee swaying in the wind, and said softly, "What the dean said contains Buddhist principles, which is also difficult for me to understand."

"Then I won't beat around the bush with the master chef."

Zhao Jun said frankly: "Since Buddha is in people's hearts, why do people worship Buddha? Let Buddha have this golden body, this mountain of mansions, and so many fields?"

Yi Xiu looked calm and replied, "The Buddha does not care about the golden body, but the disciples build the golden body for him. The Buddha does not care about the mansion, but the disciples use it as a place to live for the Buddha statue. The Buddha does not care about extravagant life, but the disciples need the fields. Therefore, the golden body of the Buddha is for the disciples and pilgrims to worship the Buddha, the mansion is also built by the disciples and pilgrims to worship the Buddha, and the fields are for the disciples to have food and clothing, so that they can spread the Dharma, pass on the wisdom, and make the Buddha's teachings stay in the world forever."

"That makes sense. Shaolin Temple has great monks, and this is not a place for fake Buddhists or filthy monks."

Zhao Jun nodded and said, "Master, do you know why the Song Dynasty requires everyone in the world to pay taxes? Even the rich and powerful, even the scholars and officials, are all contributing to the country, but only monks are exempt from taxes?"

Yi Xiu said: "The court pities us monks, which is a blessing for monks and also a favor for the country. Shaolin Temple is willing to chant sutras and pray for the Song Dynasty, and wish the country prosperity." "You are good at climbing up the ladder."

Zhao Jun smiled.

Yi Xiu put his hands together, bowed and said, "Amitabha, I am just speaking from the bottom of my heart."

"The court does not require monks to pay taxes because it respects the freedom of belief of every citizen and respects Buddhism and Taoism, so it allows citizens to support Buddhism and Taoism without paying taxes."

Zhao Jun said, "But Master should also understand that if there are too many monks and Taoists, and no one cultivates the land and pays taxes, the country will surely decline. Therefore, the court also strictly examines the qualifications of monks and will only issue certificates after confirming that they are correct."

Yi Xiu said, "I know the good intentions of the imperial court, so every time someone comes to the temple to become a monk, I always think twice and dare not act rashly."

"Master, do you know why, after Emperor Wuzong destroyed Buddhism, other sects declined, but only Zen Buddhism was able to continue to the Song Dynasty and become more and more powerful. In today's world, at least eight or nine out of ten Buddhist temples belong to Zen Buddhism?"

Zhao Jun asked again.

Yi Xiu pondered for a moment and replied, "Because my Zen Buddhism points directly to the human heart, and seeing the nature leads to Buddhahood."

"That's just one aspect. Another aspect is because you are close to the people!"

"People-friendly?"

"good."

Zhao Jun smiled and said, "Other sects often take the upper-class route, relying on the powerful and wealthy, not doing any production themselves, but only providing services for the powerful and wealthy. However, Zen Buddhism has always been fearless of production, and does not rely on luxurious halls, scriptures, statues, and Dharma objects. Even many of the founders of the sects personally went to the fields to work, so there is a saying in Zen that "a day without work, a day without food" is circulated."

"Since Xiao Yan and Wu Zetian, Zen Buddhism has gradually added people-friendly duties such as caring for the young, caring for the elderly, curing the sick, and resting for the elderly, and has been friendly to the people. This is an act praised by the court. Therefore, Zen Buddhism was able to develop rapidly after Emperor Wuzong of Tang destroyed Buddhism."

He said: "To put it simply, the teachings and path of Zen Buddhism are the popular path, so that the people of the world can accept your teachings and ideas, so that you can stand out."

Yi Xiu didn't understand some of the words and meanings, but he guessed it almost exactly. He pondered Zhao Jun's words carefully and was shocked for a moment. He looked Zhao Jun up and down for a moment, and finally said with emotion: "The dean has seen his true nature."

“It’s just seeing the essence through the phenomenon.”

Zhao Jun smiled.

Yi Xiu's attitude became more respectful, and he said, "Your affinity with Buddhism is profound, which makes me ashamed. Compared with you, my practice of Buddhism is far inferior."

"Master, you are too modest. Your Buddhist teachings are very profound."

Zhao Jun asked again: "But Master, do you know why I am standing here today to discuss this with you?"

Yi Xiu was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice: "Please let me know."

"Because I cannot bear to see you own so much land but do not pay tribute. I cannot bear to see you have so many young and strong people but do not do labor. I cannot bear to see you enjoy the incense and offerings of the world but just meditate and chant in the temple."

Zhao Jun said calmly.

But every word of these made Yi Xiu's whole body tremble, and in the end he even began to tremble.

The old man no longer had the calm expression he had before. The destruction of Buddhism by Emperor Wuzong of Tang was still fresh in his mind. Even as a monk, he could not contend with the power of the secular court.

"Okay, don't worry too much."

Zhao Jun raised his head and said, "Since ancient times, there have been courts that have worshipped Buddhism and suppressed Taoism, and there have been courts that have destroyed Buddhism and promoted Taoism. Our Song Dynasty is fair and impartial. We will not restrict the development of religions, and naturally we will not destroy Buddhism or Taoism."

Yi Xiu finally heaved a sigh of relief and said softly, "Master, please have mercy!"

“But if the imperial court wants to truly support the development of Buddhism and Taoism, I think the practices of Buddhism and Taoism need to change to a certain extent.”

"Please enlighten me, Master."

"It's very simple."

Zhao Jun put his hands behind his back, his robe fluttering in the wind, and said solemnly: "Whether it is Buddhism or Taoism, we must promote justice and kindness, and we must not do anything that violates morality or the law, nor should we excessively promote the theory of ghosts and gods to intimidate the people."

"The true Buddhist path is to cultivate the mind, to see one's true nature, to cultivate wisdom, and to summarize the principles of heaven, earth and all things, rather than to use the theory of ghosts and gods to make people superstitious, or even to deceive people to achieve one's own goals."

He said: "Although Zhang Jue's actions were righteous, it is undeniable that he used the magic of ghosts and gods to deceive the people's trust and made countless people follow him in rebellion. He also killed countless people. This is also against morality."

Zhang Jue's behavior is certainly worthy of recognition, because in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the imperial court imposed heavy taxes and levies, the powerful amassed wealth without limit, and the people were living in misery.

No matter what his motives were, whether it was for the people of the world or to rebel and become emperor himself.

They were all roars of unwillingness against the corrupt and dark Eastern Han court and the powerful people who only knew how to exploit and oppress the people.

This obviously conforms to the theorem that history is created by the people.

However, Zhang Jue himself used magic water and talismans to play tricks and deceived the people, saying that drinking the magic water would make them healthy, and wearing the talismans would make them invulnerable to swords and guns.

This resulted in many sick civilians dying of illness, and many Yellow Turban soldiers thought they were protected by supernatural powers, but ended up dying quickly on the battlefield.

So to sum up, Zhang Jue’s act of rebellion can be understood, but his means of deceiving the people cannot be approved of.

Otherwise, if everyone were doing evil things under the guise of justice, wouldn't the world be in chaos?
This is to look at the problem dialectically. Some things cannot be simply condemned, nor can they be praised blindly.

Zhao Jun continued, "What the court hopes is that Buddhism and Taoism can play a more positive role while maintaining their own practice."

"For example, we should promote correct moral values ​​such as patriotism, justice, kindness, optimism, filial piety, trustworthiness, diligence, and self-reliance, and set a good example for the people."

“Since you enjoy the offerings of the people, you should know how to give back to the common people when you encounter disasters. Since you want to persuade others to be kind, you should be kind to others first. Since you want to “not work for a day, not eat for a day”, you should practice it yourself.”

“Only in this way can we have a beginning and an end.”

"I think this is also the original intention of the Buddha and the Taoists, and why Buddhism and Taoism can become the sects supported by the people, and it is also what the court should support."

At the end, Zhao Jun looked at Yi Xiu meaningfully and said, "If you can achieve these, whether it is Buddhism or Taoism, you have already practiced the "Bodhi Self-nature" and can "directly become a Buddha", isn't it?"

"What the Master said makes me ashamed."

Yi Xiu said with emotion: "Encouraging people to be good is the true meaning of Buddhism, and it is also the reason why the Buddha is supported by the world. If it is true as Zhiyuan said, I think this is the way to become a Buddha."

"It's good that the master understands."

Zhao Jun looked into the distance with a deep gaze and said calmly, "This year I hope some respected Buddhist and Taoist teachers will go to Bianliang to give lectures. I wonder if Master Master is interested?"

Yi Xiu was stunned at first, then hurriedly said: "Since the dean has invited me, I dare not neglect it."

Propagating Buddhism is certainly a good thing.

Especially now that Bianliang has a large population and countless devout believers, plus this is an invitation from the imperial court, it is bound to greatly increase the influence of Buddhism.

Zhao Jun smiled and said, "The court will send someone to notify you in advance and arrange a date, and invite everyone to go together. And we will not ask you to debate with each other or slander each other, but to discuss and make progress together."

"I will obey the order of the court."

“Of course, in addition to promoting the Dharma, there are other requirements.”

"Please tell me clearly."

Yi Xiu said.

"The court hopes that you will establish a Buddhist Association and a Taoist Association, set some rules, and consult together to discuss the true future of Buddhism and Taoism."

Zhao Jun said: "I think the religious community should unite together, regardless of Buddhism or Taoism, and stand on the side of the country, contribute to the country and the people, and only then can we interpret morality and see our true nature."

"Otherwise, if one can become a Buddha and attain enlightenment by just sitting in the mountains and chanting sutras, then why do we need to spread the Dharma? Why do we need countless pilgrims to offer sacrifices? Just sit in the temple with a bowl of tea and a bowl of rice, chant sutras, and wait to become a Buddha and attain enlightenment."

Finally, he looked at the temples at the foot of the mountain, pointed his right index finger into the distance and said, "I think the true path to Buddhahood is not only in this mountain, but also outside the mountain. Secluded from the world is cultivation, and entering the world is also cultivation, isn't it?"

Yi Xiu was already convinced, and bowed to Zhao Jun earnestly, saying: "If I had the wisdom of Zhiyuan, I would have become a Buddha long ago."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Zhao Jun laughed and said, "I can't become a Buddha, nor do I want to become one. As long as people in the world live well, I will be content."

Yi Xiu said: "Although Zhiyuan does not want to become a Buddha, how is this different from Buddha?"

Buddha encourages people to be good and hopes that the world will be true and beautiful.

If someone can reach such a state, even if he is not a Buddha, there is no difference between him and Buddha.

(End of this chapter)