From Under One Person: Sincere Journey Through the Heavens

Even Ru Song had to admit the Zen principles contained within it.

What Zen principles?

As Jiang Liu said, both Taoism and Buddhism like to use the ox as a metaphor in their practice, and Zen Buddhism even has the saying of a black ox transforming into a white ox.

Zen practice is about seeing through the five aggregates of form, perception, feeling, volition, and consciousness, transforming the black ox into a white ox, and attaining freedom and purity.

The black ox represents the primordial spirit obscured by the five aggregates.

The white ox represents the purity achieved after transcending the five aggregates.

To transform a black ox into a white ox, one must tame the black ox, that is, raise and herd it.

In the ideal state of spiritual practice, one only needs to persevere and remain steadfast in one's will to continuously improve and ultimately achieve success, turning darkness into light.

But what is the reality?

Ding Lu's poem "Tiger and Ox Chant" is a reflection of reality.

Why must Taoists and monks stay on the mountain for the first twenty or thirty years after embarking on the path of cultivation, and not go down the mountain?

Is it a good place for quiet contemplation in the mountains?

There is one reason for this, but ultimately it is because our ancestors realized that only by staying away from the hustle and bustle of the city and first laying the foundation for their disciples in a semi-closed-door manner—not only laying the foundation in terms of Qi cultivation, but also in terms of mental character—could they control their restless mind and restrain their wandering thoughts in future cultivation.

In the context of Zen Buddhism, this means holding firmly to the reins on the ox's nose ring and never letting go because of external factors, lest the ox run away!

However, in practice, the temptations that Taoist priests and monks who go down the mountain to gain experience are numerous... money, beauty, power, and so on.

As long as one is human, one cannot live on air alone; one must come into contact with these mundane things.

For those who practice Taoism and Buddhism, these are all "tigers" that can threaten their own cultivation!

Just like the poem written by Ding Lu.

The roar of a tiger caused panic among the people and the fleeing cattle. This was not only a reality, but also a real predicament that monks and Taoists had to face. This was also one of the reasons why, even though he had joined the Confucian Society, he still did not quite agree with Jiang Liu's idea that extraordinary people should be returned to humanity.

But how could Jiang Liu not know the reason behind it?

Many Taoist priests and monks who descend from the mountains to enter the world are tempted by money, power, and lust, and even go astray. Is it really because these things are as fierce as tigers to those who are cultivating themselves?

No.

Otherwise, how could the four great families of the supernatural world have lasted for so many years?

It's just a drawback of religion.

The precepts of Buddhism are self-evident; the word "strict" is sufficient to describe them.

What about Taoism?

The precepts of the Quanzhen School are similar to those of Buddhism, while the Zhengyi School is much more lenient, but still has strict requirements for its disciples.

Before a person can cultivate a true state of mind like that of an immortal, Buddha, or saint, both body and mind are still growing. If one is physically frustrated, one's mind will inevitably become abnormal.

Buddhism, in particular, has strict precepts that must be followed for a lifetime. Once a precept is broken, it is difficult to stop.

The root of being possessed by evil in a single thought lies here.

This is also why Sanzang in "Journey to the West" often encounters tigers!

At Shuangcha Ridge, Tang Sanzang encountered General Yin; at Liangjie Mountain, he encountered a wild tiger; at Wuxing Mountain, he encountered a real tiger; at Huangfeng Ridge, he encountered Tiger Vanguard; in Baoxiang Kingdom, Tang Sanzang himself was transformed into a tiger; and in Chechi Kingdom, he encountered a Tiger Power Immortal.

Besides the fact that tigers were indeed a threat to the mountains and forests in ancient times, the term also refers to the difficulties that spiritual practitioners would encounter in reality.

A perspective on Tang Sanzang's encounter with tigers on his journey westward from the viewpoint of worldly spiritual practice—

Shuangcha Ridge is where Tang Sanzang, upon first entering the mortal world, was startled by a tiger descending the mountain and lost his composure.

The Two Realms Mountain was a place of fear and trepidation after losing his senses. The name "Two Realms" also gave Tang Sanzang two choices: retreat, and he would no longer be troubled by the "tiger" below the mountain; advance, and he would have to face the "tiger" below the mountain, but he also had the hope of getting rid of the Mind Monkey and thus jumping out of the Three Realms.

When he encountered a tiger at Wuxing Mountain, he killed it with a single blow. This was because he had only recently entered the world and was very proud of himself, so he was not interested in such temptations.

The Kingdom of Baoxiang transformed into a tiger... The restless mind was driven away, how could it resist temptation again? It fell into worldly ways.

When Chechi Kingdom encountered Tiger Power Immortal, it was because after finding his mind and continuing his cultivation, he was eager for quick results and went astray. If he did not correct his ways, he would eventually fall into demonic possession!

Ding Lu's "Tiger and Ox Chant" is perhaps a sarcastic jab at Ru Song!

# Chapter 1060 Jiang Liu doesn't care about the title of "Confucian" at all!

"It's your turn, Miss Liu."

Zhang Enpu said to Miss Liu, "Ding Lu can compose a poem in seven steps, which can evoke vivid images and also has a Zen-like quality. It is normal that you, a mere woman, cannot compare to him."

Who says women are inferior to men?

Hearing that Zhang Enpu had brought up her gender, Miss Liu got angry and pointed at Zhang Enpu, cursing, "You pedantic old Taoist! You are clearly a former Celestial Master, why don't you stay on the mountain and enjoy your retirement instead of coming down to stir up trouble? You have no shame!"

"A sharp-tongued woman!"

Upon hearing about the "former Celestial Master," Zhang Enpu was filled with rage, and a wisp of lightning appeared at his fingertips as he decided to kill.

The title of "Celestial Master" was a thorn in his side. He would accept it if ordinary people called him "Celestial Master Zhang" as a joke, but how could he tolerate the slander in Miss Liu's words?

"cough!"

Jiang Liu spoke softly, his voice faint, but to Zhang Enpu it was like thunder. The thunder magic dissipated, and for a moment he could no longer muster even a trace of Qi.

Just what level has he reached?!

Zhang Enpu looked horrified, realizing that his internal circulation was broken, but his meridians were intact, and he couldn't help but be secretly surprised.

Before he could take any further action, Jiang Liu spoke up: "Master Zhang, please don't hold a grudge against us juniors. We hope you will forgive us."

After saying that, he made Miss Liu apologize.

Miss Liu realized that she had been a bit too blunt, so she apologized and bowed.

As an elder and the former Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, Zhang Enpu could not afford to lash out again. Moreover, fearing Jiang Liu's methods, he said, "Children speak without thinking, why would I be angry?"

Ru Song, who had also noticed Zhang Enpu's earlier display of thunder magic, pursed his lips slightly upon hearing this. To avoid being noticed by those outside the scene, he steered the conversation back to the main topic, saying, "Miss Liu, please compose a poem. If we continue this nonsense, it will drag on until evening. This old monk wants to go back for dinner as soon as possible."

This scene left Zhang Enpu, Kong Yuru, and others somewhat bewildered.

Logically speaking, since Ru Song is also a member of the Confucian Society, shouldn't he be helping Miss Liu stall for time? Why is he urging her to hurry up?

Could it be that there are factions within the Confucian Society?

"Let me gather my thoughts for a moment. I already had a feeling about it, but you interrupted me, so I forgot." Miss Liu made up a story on the spot, shifting part of the blame onto Ru Song.

The latter remained silent and could only wait patiently.

Three minutes later.

Miss Liu finally had a flash of inspiration, held up one finger, grinned, and said, "I've got it! Listen to me recite a poem—"

A shepherd boy in the countryside encountered a roaring tiger, and his black ox broke free and plunged into a muddy swamp. Having waded through the muddy water, his body became turbid, and he began to think of climbing the mountain to cultivate the elixir of immortality.

Nothing is difficult if you are willing to climb; subduing the mountain king will earn you the praise of all people. Then descend the mountain to worship at the sea altar, and ride a white ox to admire the full moon!

Compared to Ding Lu's "Tiger and Ox Chant," Miss Liu's poem is considerably longer, but it still evokes a vivid image—

It was the same little shepherd boy, leading the black ox along the road, when they encountered a tiger again, causing the black ox to break free of its reins and fall into a mud pit.

This time, however, the shepherd boy did not chase after the black ox. Perhaps he was afraid of being punished by the landlord, or perhaps he had some other consideration. In any case, he went up the mountain to learn a skill from a master!

Undeterred by hardship, he persevered and climbed relentlessly, eventually mastering the skills to subdue the tiger in the mountains.

But after achieving fame and success, he never forgot his original aspiration. He returned to the mud pit, pulled the old ox out of the water, and watched the bright moon with him. Only now, the black ox's hair had turned white...

Comparing the two, if Ding Lu's poem reflects the helplessness of reality, then Miss Liu's poem is... the carefree life of a shepherd boy!

However, in terms of poetry alone, Ding Lu was indeed superior, while Miss Liu's poem lacked depth. In other words, the plot and the principles of cultivation it expressed were very straightforward, with almost no concealment.

It was precisely this straightforward poetry that surprised Zhang Enpu. After taking a closer look at Miss Liu, he exclaimed, "What a genuine personality!"

He realized that Miss Liu's personality could be summed up in one word: genuine!

His heart was joyful, and his face reflected it.

Anger in the heart manifests in an angry expression.

If someone has something on their mind, they will speak it directly without holding back. Such a straightforward nature makes self-cultivation much easier. However, in interpersonal relationships, unless one is a saint, they are impossible to teach and will inevitably cause countless troubles…

Upon realizing this, Zhang Enpu paused, then looked at the river again, his heart sinking. He thought to himself, "A sage? Impossible! He's just relying on his abundant innate Qi!"

"So I won?"

Miss Liu put her hands on her hips, laughed heartily, and gave Jiang a smug look, as if to say: Look, even without your help to cheat, I can still write a good poem!

However, Ru Song said, "No, Miss Liu, Ding Lu won."

While your poem is more complete in its poetic meaning and principles of spiritual practice than his, it is somewhat too straightforward and idealistic.

The path of cultivation is never smooth sailing.

"What?"

Upon hearing that she had lost, Miss Liu blushed and cursed, "You're so ignorant!"

Straightforward?

Vernacular Chinese is all the rage now!

The more straightforward the better!

And another thing! I can kill a tiger in the mountains with one punch! Of the six of us in the Confucian Society, apart from Li Yang who's still a bit green, the others can all kill a tiger with one punch, and Jiang Liu can even blow up a mountain with one punch!"

"Don't talk big. Even if someone has extraordinary abilities, moving mountains and filling seas is just an exaggeration!" Zhang Enpu shouted, and solemnly announced, "Ding Lu wins the second match."

Kong Yuru immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

At least for now, we're on par with the Confucian Association!

"Hmph, how ignorant!"

Miss Liu grumbled and cursed.

"Don't be angry, Sister Liu. We're not really going to worship Confucius. Poetry, in the end, is just about cultivating one's character. As long as the word order is fluent, it's fine."

It's worth noting that the most popular folk poems are often doggerel!

It may not appeal to high-ranking officials, nobles, or literati, but it is full of novelty, and everyone can write a few lines. Just follow your own interests, isn't that also 'Confucianism' entering the common people?