Under One Person, Mountain and Sea Painting Demon

And if he could listen to this lecture in its entirety, his trip to the "Three Temples of Putuo" would become particularly meaningful, just like when he listened to the old Heavenly Master's guidance, which made him excited.

And in reality, Youfang was not a complete layman when it came to Buddhist principles. This was also a major reason why he chose to attend this lecture!

As a disciple of Trinity and a practitioner of the "Three Stages of Reverse Rebirth", he must be familiar with the basic principles of all kinds of skills and techniques in the world. Therefore, he also has some knowledge of the classics of the Eight Sects of Buddhism.

For example, he was very clear that the fundamental difference between "Zen Buddhism" and "Pure Land Buddhism" lies in the fact that "Zen Buddhism" studies the "Diamond Sutra" while "Pure Land Buddhism" studies the "Amitabha Sutra". The contents of the two classics are very different.

The Diamond Sutra states that all things in the world are illusory and unreal, and that “real reality is non-reality”. It is believed that one should “leave all appearances” and “have no place to dwell”, that is, one should not be attached to or linger on the real world…

The four-line verse at the end of the volume: "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dew and lightning; one should view them in this way" is considered the essence of the sutra.

The Amitabha Sutra specifically expounds on the wonderful scenes related to the "Western Paradise", which arouses the believers' yearning and makes all living beings have faith and believe in the paradise.

Not only that, the difference between the two can also be seen from the naming of their respective lineages:

The "Zen" in "Zen Buddhism" is the abbreviation of "Dhyana", which means "quiet contemplation", or "thinking in silence", that is, to focus on one state of Dharma and ponder "what is the original face" with one heart, and work hard in every thought in order to realize one's own nature. This is called "Chan Chan", so it is named Zen Buddhism.

The "Pure Land Sect" is more direct. It is a sect that advocates observing and chanting Buddha in order to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, so it is called the "Pure Land Sect".

Let’s look at the practice between the two:

The main practice method of "Zen Buddhism" is "Chan meditation", and there are many types of "Zen", including Śrāvaka Zen, Bodhisattva Zen, Gradual Zen, Sudden Zen, etc. However, in order to improve their practice, most of the "Zen Buddhism" nowadays practice the "Zen of the Patriarchs" that directly points to the mind and nature, and achieves sudden enlightenment.

The Pure Land Sect, on the other hand, is simple and easy to practice, and is applicable to all three types of people. Practitioners do not even have to be well-versed in Buddhist scriptures or study the teachings extensively, nor do they necessarily have to sit in meditation and practice. They can chant "Namo Amitabha" while walking, standing, sitting or lying down. As long as they have faith and aspirations, focus their minds on one thing, and chant the Buddha's name wholeheartedly without slacking off, they can be reborn in the Pure Land at the time of death...And because the Pure Land Sect is simple, it is the easiest to popularize. Therefore, practitioners of other sects also practice this method, with the Pure Land as their ultimate goal.

To sum up, the "Zen Buddhism" and the "Pure Land Buddhism" are very different in all aspects. In fact, if they did not both chant "Amitabha", they could be regarded as two completely different sects.

But precisely because of this, how to integrate the completely different Buddhist classics and turn them into one's own practice has become a major issue for Buddhist disciples. This is also a point that Youfang is very interested in, and makes him want to listen carefully.

"Cough cough..."

At this time, Master Jiekong, who was sitting on the cushion, coughed twice and finally spoke:

"Amitabha……"

"All of you here are my Buddhist disciples. You study and recite scriptures on a daily basis. I think you have also studied the classic of my Zen Buddhism, the Diamond Sutra."

"Well, today I will talk about the four verses at the end of this volume - 'All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows; like dew and lightning, they should be viewed in this way.'"

"What do you think... should be interpreted?"

"Uh……"

Upon hearing this question, the monks were all stunned. To them, the meaning of the four verses was very clear.

But they all knew that since Master Jiekong was going to preach the sutra, it could not be just that simple, and they did not dare to easily analyze the "deep meaning" he wanted to convey.

At this time, Youfang also began to think. He naturally understood the meaning of these four verses. Literally speaking, they should be:

Everything in the world is impermanent, empty and without self, just like dreams, illusions, bubbles, dew, lightning and other short-lived things, which cannot be relied upon or depended on. Therefore, we should look at everything in the world from this perspective.

Looking deeper, its ultimate meaning is to warn sentient beings not to be deceived by the appearance of things, as those things are all illusions...

The most important thing is to see through the essence of things through their appearance, and to see the eternal truth from the fleeting moment, so that you can gain your own understanding and move to a higher level.

"what!"

Thinking of this, You Fang suddenly looked up and understood at once - isn't this the essence of "observation technique"? !

Therefore, the expression of these four verses and even the "meditation" of "Zen Buddhism" are essentially about "observation" and "understanding", which seems to be... the same source as the practice I have been doing all along!

"No, it's not just my own practice, but it can be expanded to all sects and all methods. This is also the origin of all magic!"

"Therefore, the ultimate focus of these four verses is actually on the two words 'Fa' and 'Guan', and its meaning can be extended to - 'All the magic and methods in the world are false, and we should observe their true nature'!"

So……

What is this so-called "authenticity"?

According to Youfang’s understanding, that is the “Way of Heaven and Earth”!

but……

What if “the Way of Heaven and Earth” is also a “dream”?

He couldn't help but frown.

But after pondering for a moment, he relaxed and did not get too stuck in it, but sorted out his thoughts.

So...

Slowly, Youfang raised his hand and wanted to give his answer.

"Amitabha, Mr. You, please speak." Seeing him raise his hand, Master Jiekong smiled slightly. He did not care that he was not a Buddhist disciple, but asked him to stand up.

Youfang was not surprised that Master Jiekong knew his identity. In fact, he was very clear that he might have become a "celebrity" in the world of extraordinary people.

He didn't care about this at all. He just followed Master Jiekong's instructions, slowly stood up, and began to explain his own analysis:

"To Master Jiekong, I think the connotation of these four verses is actually the practice of the great way."

"I don't think I need to elaborate on the parts related to 'observation' and 'comprehension', but I think the key is 'illusion'!"

"In my opinion, all the methods practiced by practitioners in the world are false and illusory, because behind these methods, there are more fundamental, simpler, and more profound 'truths (Tao and Li)'..."

"If a cultivator can see through this illusion and burst this bubble, his own cultivation will be able to reach a higher level. This is the process of 'breaking through the bottleneck' on the road of cultivation, and it will also bring the cultivator closer to the 'Great Way' and the 'Truth'!"

"Of course..."

"The great way is infinite, the truth is endless, it is like layer upon layer of bubbles, enveloping the cultivators of the world layer by layer, and it is unclear where the end is..."

"Therefore, in my opinion, these four verses are also reminding practitioners that there is also delusion beyond delusion, and they should always be vigilant and not be tempted by the 'unknown' that they have not yet seen..."

"And bewildered and lost!"

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(End of this chapter)

126. Chapter 126 See through the illusion and move forward courageously! (-word chapter, please subscribe and vote!)

126.

2023-11-30

"..."

As soon as Youfang finished speaking, the whole place fell silent. All the monks turned around and looked at him, somewhat surprised.

For most of them, studying Buddhist scriptures is just to enlighten their minds, reach bliss, and see the Buddha. But they never thought that some people would regard these four verses as the way to enlightenment?

However, except for those monks who had little practice, the high monks present, and even the elders and abbots sitting in the first row, all smiled after being surprised.

Especially Master Jiekong who was at the front, he had a smile on his face from beginning to end, as if he knew what Youfang was going to say, he just nodded slightly and squinted his eyes.

moment……

"Then, Mr. You, since you have such an understanding, I will ask you one more question. What do you think... is Buddha?"

Without evaluating whether what Youfang said was right or wrong, Master Jiekong simply raised another question, and everyone could see that this question... was only directed at Youfang!

"It seems that Master Jiekong is quite interested in Donor You, hehe..." Upon hearing this question, Master Miaojing, who was sitting in the first row, looked at the people around him and couldn't help but speak.

"Yes, let alone my uncle, even I want to communicate with him. He is a rare talent. If he can enter our Buddhist sect, he will surely achieve great success." Master Miaoyan, the abbot of "Fayu Zen Temple", nodded softly.

"Haha, Junior Brother Miaoyan, you'd better not think too much. You also know that this donor You is a descendant of the Sanyi Sect and has already entered the Taoism. In addition, the Lu family... is destined to have no connection with us Buddha." Master Miaojing shook his head.

"Miao Jing, Miao Yan." At this time, Master Miao Wu, the abbot of Hui Ji Zen Temple, who had been silent, glanced at them and gently scolded them, asking them to shut up.

Master Miaowu is not only the abbot of Huiji Zen Temple, but also the abbot of the entire Putuo Mountain, the elder brother of Masters Miaojing and Miaoyan, and the current general manager of the Three Putuo Temples.

If it were any other sect, he would be the leader of the faction, so as soon as he spoke, the two masters quickly shut their mouths and listened quietly.

At this moment……

"To Master Jiekong..." After thinking for a moment, Youfang smiled slightly, "I think that Buddha is also a dream, a bubble, and a false image!"

"what?"

After hearing his words, the young monks present could no longer sit still. They had practiced Buddhism all their lives just for the word "Buddha", so how could they allow an outsider to speak like this?

However, just as the monks were about to glare and scold, they heard the long voice of Master Jie Kong coming from behind them...

"Keep talking."

The voice was not loud, but it reached the ears of every monk, like a wake-up call, making them all stunned.

what happened?

Didn't Master Jiekong's cultivation become completely wasted? This is...

Not only the monks, but even the abbots were surprised.

But Master Jiekong seemed not to see their reactions. He just stared at Youfang quietly, smiling and raising his right hand slightly, motioning him to continue speaking.

"Ah."

Youfang also didn't care about the monks' angry looks. Since they were giving lectures and exchanging ideas, they should listen to different voices...

Besides, he was not here to cause trouble, and he had not said anything wrong. This could be seen from the reactions of the abbots in the front row and Master Jiekong.

So...

"I am not a Buddhist, but I have read some Buddhist scriptures, so I have some superficial views."

"As we all know, Buddha is compassion, Buddha is great love, Buddha is bliss, Buddha is reincarnation, Buddha is one flower, one world, one leaf, one bodhi, and Buddha... is also emptiness."

"As you all know, I am a Taoist, and I know the origin of Taoist immortals very well. That is the 'means' prepared by the Taoist predecessors for ascending to immortality..."

"In Taoism, immortals and gods are nothing more than the embodiment of the way of heaven and earth and the principles of all things. They have always been there, but they have never existed."

"Therefore, please forgive me for offending you, because I am not a Buddhist, so in my eyes, Buddha and immortals are the same, they are all intangible and just a dream..."

"It's not just Buddha, the Pure Land is the same to me. It's not that I don't believe it, but from what I've seen, I can't imagine how it can exist."

"Perhaps, I am not able to see the true Buddha because of my lack of practice and understanding, but I seem to have seen one Bodhisattva."

At this time, Youfang suddenly raised his head and looked at the sky.

"Avalokitesvara of the South China Sea is right here, but what I see is just a phantom formed by the power of countless incense sticks and wishes. His face is extremely compassionate, but... I can't see his heart."

As soon as he finished speaking, You Fang's eyes fixed, and he looked calmly at the "Guanyin" looking down from the sky, and the "Bai Ze Guan Shu" was automatically performed...

He saw this shadow after entering the purple bamboo forest, but he didn't say much and didn't show much interest.

This moment...

"Oh?"

The eminent monks, abbots and even Master Jiekong present all raised their eyebrows. They all saw the "Bai Ze" beast that suddenly appeared, and the six-sense incarnation of Youfang on its back.

The reason why they could see it, in addition to their own "viewing skills" cultivation, was also because of this illusion...

Here, your inner feelings will be magnified, and if you observe with your heart, you will naturally be able to see many things that were invisible before!

In the next second, "Bai Ze" carrying You Fang's six-sense incarnation jumped up and flew into the sky, circling around the huge phantom of Guanyin in the sky, but the phantom did not react at all.

Soon, "Bai Ze" gently landed on the ground and disappeared. You Fang also withdrew his six senses and asked, "If Guanyin Bodhisattva really exists in the world, how could his vows be condensed into such a phantom?"

Yes, if there really exists a subject of willpower in this world, then these willpowers will inevitably go towards the subject, rather than condensing into this illusory figure.

In other words, even if "Guanyin" really exists, it must be different from what these wish masters think and expect. This phantom was created by countless believers with "willpower", so naturally it is empty!

only……

Do these monks really not understand this?

You Fang looked down at them and smiled slightly. He could see that they actually understood.

But just like people in the world, they know and understand many truths, but are unwilling to think and act according to reason. They will not turn back until they are beaten to a pulp.

This question actually has nothing to do with “knowing or not”, but rather depends on each person’s “cultivation”. After all, “seeing” and “understanding” are two different things.

For a practitioner, comprehending a "truth" is equivalent to breaking through a "bottleneck". This is why, in addition to "accumulation", there is also "sudden enlightenment" in practice. If one truly attains enlightenment, it is like opening a floodgate, and the rapid increase in cultivation will be natural.

This is indeed the case. When Youfang expressed his understanding and "proven" it personally, all the abbots could not help but stare. It seemed that they had not expected that this kid could see through the matter of "enlightenment" to such an extent!

But how could they know that the person standing in front of them was a "natural observer" and a "person from outside the world" who had been able to see through many things in this world since birth, and after entering Taoism, all his understandings became clearer.

"so……"

After a pause, Youfang spoke again and concluded: "I think that Buddha is not the end of Buddhism, but just a pass ahead. It is a goal, but it will not be eternal."

“Although I don’t know what is on the other side of Buddha, I am looking forward to it. I hope that fellow Buddhists will be able to break through one day, so that I can see the magnificent scene and experience the existence beyond Buddha!”

After saying this, Youfang's expression suddenly became serious. He stood up straight, bowed slightly, and saluted to the monks: