DreamersGN Chapter 1127 Wugensheng's Path to the Dao
Chapter 1127 Wugensheng's Path to the Dao
Wugensheng's eyes lit up: "What does 'purely subjective' mean?"
The Grand Preceptor said, "That is the consciousness before the concept of self was born. It cannot even be called subjective. You could say that it is the original face of subjectivity."
“Pure subjectivity, the true nature of subjectivity, cannot be called subjectivity…” Wugensheng repeated the Grand Preceptor’s words, which were somewhat similar to “a white horse is not a horse,” and he began to understand the meaning behind them.
“What the Vice Leader is trying to say is that this pure subjectivity, which has been washed away of everything, is not me,” Wugensheng said.
"It is you, but not the current you. It is the original you. This original you was simply a pure, unadulterated spiritual entity. The current you is the result of this spiritual entity descending into this world and being shaped by the forces of fate, karma, and other factors in the real world," the Grand Preceptor said.
“The purest, the most untainted, so clean that it has no emotions or desires, no moral principles…” Wugensheng muttered to himself for a few moments, then asked, “But even so, this is still… right?”
"Yes!" The Imperial Advisor gave his most straightforward answer.
"I understand, thank you for your clarification, Vice Master!" Wugensheng bowed deeply to the Imperial Preceptor, then turned and left.
Watching Wugensheng's departing figure, the Imperial Advisor paused for a moment, then reminded him:
“Bilian, I don’t know what happened to you. You don’t want to talk about it, and I don’t want to ask. I just want to tell you that it’s not easy to be a human being. You are the leader of Quanxing. You should understand that it’s very comfortable to follow human desires and act recklessly. But it is often very painful to do things uprightly and keep your bottom line. You should take care of yourself.”
Wugensheng paused slightly. He didn't answer or turn around, but simply waved his hand.
Then, he strode out the door, alone, and disappeared into the crowd.
Inside the church, Ah Xing's uncontrolled Qi began to slowly return to its proper place, resuming its preordained trajectory.
A burst of spiritual light erupted from the top of his head, and he entered the Saint Thief Mode.
He looked down at his hands, clenched his fist, and then released it.
His strength had returned, which gave him a sense of security.
"This ability is truly terrifying!" Ah Xing whispered.
"Terrible?" The Imperial Advisor laughed. "These are just minor tricks that can't be brought to the table. Techniques have their limits, but the Way is infinite. Ah Xing, cultivate diligently."
Ah Xing nodded thoughtfully. Over the years, he had been serving as a bishop at the Tiantong Cathedral.
Ah Xing is somewhat similar to Zhang Zhiwei; they are both talkative. In addition, during the previous battles, the Imperial Advisor had possessed him several times to save him, which he always remembered. So he would talk to the Imperial Advisor from time to time.
The Imperial Advisor didn't want to pay any attention to him at first, but he was so annoyed that he said a few words to him.
After receiving feedback, Ah Xing became even more enthusiastic. Gradually, they became quite familiar with each other.
"Second Master, I will definitely cultivate diligently, but what was the purpose of this shameless man's trip just now?" Ah Xing asked curiously.
Because the Imperial Preceptor was the manifestation of Zhang Zhiwei's inner demons, Ah Xing's address to him changed from Vice Master to Master.
The Imperial Advisor was quite pleased with this title.
But considering that he has now separated from Big Face Thief, it's still best to make some distinctions.
Therefore, he made Ah Xing call him Second Master.
In response to Ah Xing's question, the Imperial Advisor pondered for a moment and said:
"It's hard to say, but whatever his purpose in coming here, it's not a good thing."
"Why?" Ah Xing asked, puzzled.
“He’s not quite right. You haven’t seen him before. If you had, you’d see the difference immediately,” the Grand Preceptor said. “Besides, he’s the leader of Quanxing Sect. If you compare Quanxing Sect to a cesspool, he’s the biggest troublemaker in that cesspool.”
“You can say this troublemaker is dirty, smelly, or even inhuman. But it is precisely because of him that the accumulated methane gas in this cesspool is released. If he were to cause a problem, this entire cesspool might explode at the slightest spark.”
"Second Master, your analogy is absolutely brilliant," Ah Xing said.
Stop flattering me.
"I'm not flattering him, it's genuinely amazing," Ah Xing said seriously, then changed the subject, "If something really happens to him, and the Quanxing sect, this cesspool, explodes, then how should we deal with it?"
The Imperial Advisor sneered, "This world is in such a mess, it's practically a cesspool. If it explodes, so be it."
"Besides, a bunch of filthy things can't cause much trouble. If your master comes out of seclusion, he can flatten this cesspool all by himself."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "It wouldn't be difficult to not only suppress them, but also to kill them all and make the Quanxing sect disappear."
He said this in such a flat tone that it was as if he were just saying the weather was nice today.
"Master is so amazing!"
Ah Xing sighed, without a shred of doubt about the truth of the Grand Preceptor's words; his master's methods were beyond question.
"When will Master be able to come out of seclusion?" Ah Xing asked again.
"You've asked this question countless times, and I've told you countless times!"
"I know, but I want to ask again."
…………
…………
Wugensheng left this place and went to several other places in search of his own answers.
In the past, he often led his disciples on long journeys across the country in search of their path.
Today, he begins to search for his own path.
He visited many people along the way, including renowned figures from the righteous path and those from the righteous sect.
During this process, he also encountered many fake masters whose reputations were undeserved.
Wugensheng felt disappointed, but not surprised.
After thinking for a while, he went to find Liu the Clay Figure, then disguised himself and went to consult the highly respected Master Zuo.
He learned a lot this time.
But it's still not quite there.
It lacks that feeling of sudden enlightenment.
During his conversation with Master Zuo, Wugensheng praised Master Zuo as a true man.
But Master Zuo shook his head and said that he didn't count. If we're talking about true masters in this world, the abbot of Shaolin Temple is one, the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain is one, and the Little Celestial Master Zhang Zhiwei is one.
Of these people, he emphasized Zhang Zhiwei.
He is referred to as a human-shaped opportunity.
Every discussion of principles yields something valuable.
The others, however, always spoke in a vague and ambiguous way. They were either speaking in a cryptic and enigmatic manner, unable to clearly explain a matter no matter how they tried to articulate it. It seemed as if they were doing it intentionally, or perhaps it was something they couldn't control.
After hearing this, Wugensheng felt a sense of regret.
Because Zhang Zhiwei is in seclusion, it's impossible to see him.
As for Zhang Jingqing, perhaps because he had visited Tiantong Cathedral once, he didn't really want to go to Longhu Mountain again.
Moreover, he had already realized that Zuo Menzhang had seen through his disguise, which was why he said those words.
He immediately thanked the Left Gate Master.
Then, he pretended to be a pilgrim and went to the Shaolin Temple.
Gu Qiting also accompanied them.
The two entered the main hall.
Incense smoke curled inside the hall, and the golden Buddha statue stood solemnly, compassionately gazing down upon the sentient beings below. Several monks were performing their evening prayers, the sound of their wooden fish drums clear and rhythmic, each strike seemingly both shattering and piecing back the broken thoughts.
Gu Qiting took out one thousand silver dollars, hoping to pay a visit to Master Henglin of Shaolin Temple.
But the Shaolin monks refused.
This is a place where fate is discussed.
Wugensheng didn't say much, just smiled. He borrowed paper and pen, leaned over the incense table and wrote a poem, folded it, and handed it to the monk to give to Master Henglin, and then decided whether or not to see him.
The monk took the letter and went to the abbot's meditation room.
Inside the meditation room, Master Henglin sat cross-legged on a futon.
He took the paper and unfolded it.
It says--
"Enlightenment is not about destiny, cultivation is not about seeking the true scriptures. One sorrow, one joy, one withering, one flourishing—which was predetermined in a past life? The cassock itself is not pure, the mortal world does not taint the emptiness of nature. The ancient temple bell tolls for a thousand years, all are just the dreams of fools." The monk who presented the poem stood aside, glanced at it, and his expression immediately changed.
"Abbot, this poem is utterly heretical and treasonous!" the monk exclaimed angrily.
Master Henglin shook his head: "You think this is outrageous, but it actually speaks the truth. The so-called destiny and true scriptures are just people's excessive packaging of the laws that they cannot achieve. True enlightenment is not about pursuing power, but about recognizing this objective world."
Master Henglin folded the paper and put it into his sleeve: "Let's go and meet these two benefactors."
Afterwards, Master Henglin met with Wugensheng and Gujiting in the reception room.
Both Wugensheng and Gujiting were disguised by Liu the Dough Man, and their figures were completely different.
Other monks couldn't see through their true nature, but Master Henglin saw it all at a glance.
However, he did not expose it.
Master Henglin took out the slip of paper he had just read and said, "May I ask you two benefactors, what is the true scripture? If one does not seek the true scripture in cultivation, what kind of practice is it?"
His voice wasn't loud, and he didn't speak fast, but every word was clear, as if it came from a very far place, or as if it rang directly in his ear.
After listening, Wugensheng bowed slightly and said, "It is only natural for the master to interrogate this junior, so I will presume to speak presumptuously."
He straightened up and looked at Master Henglin: "The so-called true scripture is the ultimate Dharma that can lead to Nirvana and emptiness. It can be comprehended but not practiced. If you practice only to become a Buddha, you are seeking. Comprehending is understanding one's true nature, which is knowing."
It can be understood but not cultivated; this is Wugensheng's life motto.
Throughout his life, he never practiced any magic or cultivation techniques; even divine powers were simply abilities he was born with.
He felt that spiritual practice was about seeking.
He asked for nothing in his life.
Wugensheng continued, “Cultivation uses action to control nature, and enlightenment uses nature to practice. The enlightened one creates rules from the mind, and the cultivator uses rules to control the mind. Those who have nature but no realization, although they do not fall into evil consequences, will help cause, help effect, help thoughts, and help mind. Thus they are born and die, and cannot attain Nirvana.”
Master Henglin listened without immediately responding. He picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, took a sip, and said:
"If it's not for the purpose of becoming a Buddha, then what is Buddhism?"
Wugensheng said, “Buddha is awakened nature, not a human being. Everyone has awakened nature, but that doesn’t mean awakened nature is a human being. Human forms can perish, but awakened nature is neither born nor dies. When awakened, it manifests; when obscured, it is obscured by dust. Without obscuration, it is not manifest; when obscuration is cleared, Nirvana is attained. A Buddha whose awakened nature and practice are perfect is the Buddha in the human form of Buddhism. Perfection is cessation, which is not immeasurable. If Buddha were measurable, he would not be Amitabha Buddha. The Buddha’s teachings are immeasurable, which is the immeasurable awakened nature and practice. It is neither far nor not far, neither full nor not full, and is ultimately perfect because it is beyond the world.”
He paused, then continued, "Buddhism is divided into stages. In its most profound sense, it is the natural way of enlightenment, which is inconceivable and not just a cultural practice. In its simplest sense, it is a doctrine that guides people toward goodness."
"Good and evil inherently possess the characteristics of people, self, and all sentient beings, which constitute culture. The teachings derived from sentient beings are skillful means of using greed to combat greed and illusion to combat illusion. Although they do not eradicate corruption and depravity, they are nonetheless compassionate means of comforting the soul."
He's finished speaking.
There was a moment of silence in the reception room.
Master Henglin looked at him, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes, and said:
"Given your writing style and words, you are certainly not a Buddhist. Your understanding of the scriptures is not bound by them; you have attained enlightenment on your own, which is truly commendable."
"In my humble opinion, you have already stepped onto the threshold of enlightenment. You are only one step away from enlightenment; if you go forward, you will enter the Pure Land; if you retreat, you will return to the mortal world. However, this step is as difficult as ascending to heaven."
Upon hearing this, Wugensheng lowered his head slightly: "I am deeply ashamed of my ignorance, Master. Buddhism speaks of the concept of 'karma.' My karmic connection with Buddhism ends when I stand at the threshold; I neither enter nor leave. As for Christianity, I cannot enter through the narrow gate; as for Buddhism, I cannot attain enlightenment."
He raised his head and smiled self-deprecatingly: "Your Excellency already saw through my true nature in that poem. I pretended to be refined, but my roguishness was evident. The whole thing was filled with anger. I've come to this sacred Buddhist place today to pay my respects to you, Master, just to find some peace of mind."
As Wugensheng said, his purpose in coming here was to find peace of mind.
He has something to do next.
This matter is neither a major nor a minor one; the main issue is that it teeters on the edge of a precipice and will inevitably trigger a series of chain reactions.
The main reason is that Wugensheng had already seen through all the advantages and disadvantages and risks, but he still wanted to bite the bullet and push forward.
This choice to do something knowing it's impossible creates an irreconcilable conflict with the principles he previously believed in.
That's why he needs someone at a higher level to enlighten him and give him an explanation so that he can finally feel at ease.
This person can only be someone like Master Henglin or Master Zuo.
He would never have said these things in front of Zhang Zhiwei.
Master Henglin did not respond to what Wugensheng had just said.
After looking at Wugensheng for a long time, he said, "Benefactor, you are a person with three kinds of energy in the middle: three parts calmness, three parts nobility, three parts murderousness, and one part roguishness in your heart, a person who wanders outside of your mind."
"Although I do not know exactly what you intend to do, it is not difficult to see that what you are doing is tantamount to diagnosing someone with an incurable disease. This is not the work of a virtuous and noble person, nor does it deserve such a greater infamy. Therefore, I must discuss the Way."
Wugensheng did not deny it.
Master Henglin said no more.
He took out the paper again, unfolded it, picked up a pen, and changed a few words on the poem.
Then hand it back.
Wugensheng took it and looked down at it.
The paper reads, "Only by understanding the Tao can one know one's destiny; only through cultivation can one comprehend the true scriptures. Every birth, death, withering, and flourishing is preordained by cause and effect."
Although the principle remains the same, the meaning and artistic conception are completely different despite the nine-character change.
This change is not a negation, but a completion of the cognitive level.
Wugensheng boasted that he had seen through everything in this world, that he was born with spiritual roots, carefree, unattached, without temperament, and without origin.
But he carried a hint of arrogance of someone in a superior position.
Whether he divides people into different classes, or he calls others brothers, or even kneels down and calls others "grandpa," it is essentially a manifestation of arrogance.
Speaking of arrogance, Zhang Zhiwei is also arrogant.
His arrogance and haughtiness are how outsiders perceive him.
Because he is less concerned with interpersonal relationships and relies more on his superior abilities to solve problems in the simplest way.
The greatest truths are the simplest. You could say he's not very good at interpersonal relationships, but deep down he's definitely not arrogant.
Because he doesn't see anyone else, he can't even see you, so how can he be arrogant and haughty?
Wugensheng appears easy to talk to, but he is arrogant at heart.
When two kinds of arrogance collide, the superiority of one over the other is immediately apparent.
Others did not sense Wugensheng's arrogance.
But Zhang Zhiwei could sense it, so he wanted to slap him.
He was also afraid of being punished, so he always avoided meeting the king.
……
Wugensheng stared at the nine characters that Master Henglin had given him for a long time.
He knew that Master Henglin wanted to remind him of the causal nature of the laws governing this world.
While mastering the laws of this world, one must also bear the consequences of cause and effect.
Wugensheng folded the paper and put it into his bosom.
He stood up and bowed deeply to Master Henglin.
Master Henglin neither stood up nor returned the greeting.
He simply waved his hand, said "See the guest out," then turned around, faced the wall, and sat down cross-legged.
Wugensheng said nothing more and turned to leave the reception room.
Gu Qiting followed behind him in silence.
It was already dark when the two walked out of the Shaolin Temple gate.
A mountain breeze blew by, carrying the scents of pine resin and incense.
Wugensheng stood in front of the mountain gate and looked back.
The temple gates are already closed.
He turned around and strode down the stone steps.
Gu Qiting caught up and asked in a low voice, "Sect Leader, where do we go next?"
Wugensheng did not answer. (End of Chapter)