Emperor's Domination

Chapter 5746: Who Should Be Converted?

“Sacred Teacher, our Pure Land has never forced anyone to stay, they are free to leave at any time.” He placed his palms together after hearing this.

“Can they leave when their mind is bound?” Li Qiye said: “Your Pure Land might not be as extreme as Buddhist Funeral Plateau but both are fundamentally the same. Those who do not seek Buddhism are not qualified to reach paradise.”

“Amitabha.” He frowned after hearing this and said: “All living beings are equal.”

“If that’s the case, then all dao should be able to reach salvation. Why force the issue?” Li Qiye said.

“If they’re not part of Buddhism, it’s not Buddhism’s problem to solve, Sacred Teacher.” He responded.

“The dao path is endless, everyone should be eligible to cultivate without unnecessary and artificial prerequisites. The so-called difficulty in cultivation, outside of the dao heart, is an attempt to monopolize and control, leading to divisions and obstacles.” Li Qiye said.

“Amitabha.” He bowed slightly and said: “Sacred Teacher, why do you cultivate despite harboring such grand aspirations and ideologies?”

“I could have chosen otherwise. A mortal can still find the true self, to live sincerely in the human world without regret, this is also bliss.” Li Qiye smiled: “Thus, paradise or joy shouldn’t require entering your Buddhism or my dao.”

“How does one live without regrets amidst the hardships of life?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“Hardships and sufferings stem from greed and desires.” Li Qiye said.

“Then how do I fulfill them enough not to suffer while not causing external problems?” He asked.

“To realize one’s true nature, then there’s no need for desire, only a life of sincerity and simplicity.” Li Qiye answered.

“And that’s anima.” He understood after hearing this.

“Tell me, how many can you truly save among the masses?” Li Qiye stared meaningfully at him.

“In the billions?” He responded.

“Why do you attempt to convert living beings? The world is full of suffering not created by them, they are mere victims so the focus should be on eliminating the sources of suffering.” Li Qiye continued.

“I understand, that is why you kill overlords and fight the high heaven.” He prostrated on the ground.

“You are overthinking it, I don’t try to since they do not need me to save or enlighten them. I am merely seeking my true self, that is all.” Li Qiye said: “I actively try not to become saviors for they become destroyers in due time, and those who try to enlighten others often shackle them.”

“So I shackle others...” He murmured.

After a long while, he regained his wits and asked: “How far can I go, Sacred Teacher?”

“Far.” Li Qiye nodded: “And there will be more fun later on, a lot more enjoyable than enlightening living beings.”

“And that is?” He asked.

“It depends on you, whether you enlighten living beings, overlords, or yourself.” Li Qiye said.

“I need to cultivate more.” He said.

“Enlighten yourself first before attempting to enlighten others. The farther you are down this path, the better will your salvation be.” Li Qiye said.

“I am enlightened.” He lowered his head.

“Your old geezer has always been ambitious with enlightenment, it’s just that he couldn’t enlighten himself. The path you walk is difficult, there is still a long way to go.” Li Qiye said.

“Is this just the beginning?” He asked.

“Yes, if we’re talking about enlightening living beings. Who have you truly enlightened in this mortal world without binding them? Even the geezer’s epoch couldn’t break this constraint, to save without shackling.” Li Qiye said: “Of course, this isn’t to say that their endeavors weren’t remarkable and grand. It’s just that there was no fundamental change. A Buddhist kingdom is no different from the mortal world.”

“I understand.” He nodded again.