Heart Survey

Chapter 2398 Confusion
Your past reflects your present, and your shadow is yourself!
What a great sorrow this is, but who can understand it?

"Mr. Jiang!" Yu Zhen called out softly, but ultimately did not let her emotions spill out.

White Bone Road, Xiyue Temple, Three Fragrance Tower, along the way, there was not a single step I could stop, not a single moment I could relax.

During the lonely years, she had long been accustomed to chewing on loneliness.

She sat on the mat, looking up at Jiang Wang, who was so familiar yet strange with his blond hair and golden clothes. She raised a hand and slid her sleeves back. This hand swam like a spirit snake, turned behind her, and put her fingers together like scissors, gently picking and cutting a strand of wick from the swaying lamp, which was still burning.

She moved the hand holding the lamp in front of her. Her slender jade fingers were like blossoming flowers, and her hair was black in the snow. The candle flame danced on the back of her fingers, casting a strange light and shadow on this hand, which was embedded in the ground, like a dark caged bird that wanted to fly but couldn't.

Suddenly, the candle flame bloomed and formed a lotus shape.

The little lotus of light blooming on the finger has twelve petals. They open evenly, each petal is different, and each petal has endless light and shadow.

When the light of the lotus bloomed, the shadow on her face had faded, and her extremely colorful features also showed a bit of holiness. She opened her plump lips and said, "Jiang Jun, the lotus has twelve petals, each one is different, born differently, grows differently, sees differently, and thinks differently. How can we tell what they should do, what they should and shouldn't do?"

I don't think every lotus petal knows what it should do.

The lotus does not bloom or wither.

Yi Tang from Renxin Pavilion sat there quietly. In the lotus lantern, everyone saw a different version of themselves.

Lu Gongxiang has been dead for thirty-two years.

He also grew up from a child who knew medicine by looking at pictures to the pillar of the sect today.

Yin Xiaoheng is still alive and well.

The calm expression was dimmed for a moment, leaving only a long and lonely sigh. But he never sighed out loud, only between his eyebrows and eyes.

"Let's talk about Buddha!" ​​The celestial being raised his hand and pointed at the light lotus. When he pointed at the lotus, his finger was like a sword.

In Buddhism, wisdom is the sword. Use this sword to cut off the strands of troubles!

The blazing light shone on his face, and Tian Xiang said in a cold voice: "The Buddha said that there are twelve causes and conditions, and this lotus is borne on the stem. They are: ignorance, action, consciousness, name and form, the six sense organs, contact, feeling, love, grasping, existence, birth, old age and death."

This is the basic doctrine of fundamental Buddhism as stated in the Agama Sutras, also known as the "Twelve Links of Dependent Origination".

The law of dependent origination is an eternal and unchanging truth. The Buddha became enlightened by observing this truth.

Whether it is Mount Sumeru, the Hanging Temple, or the Xiyue Nunnery, this sutra cannot be avoided.

Every time the celestial being spoke a word, Yuzhen pointed to the lotus petals on his back and the corresponding Sanskrit characters appeared. They were connected by the Buddha's cause and effect, and they were born and died according to fate.

Jiang Zhenjun kept saying that he "did not know Buddha", but the great way leads to heaven, and different paths lead to the same destination. He practiced hundreds of schools of thought, studied diligently, and had reached the pinnacle, so he was no stranger to any of them. He also had a relationship with Kujue, a junior brother like Jingli, was on good terms with Mount Xumi, and had the protection of the Three Bells... In terms of the practice of Buddhism, it really cannot be said that he was not profound.

He cannot be considered a great monk, but he can be considered a lay Buddhist with good moral character.

"Ignorance leads to action, action leads to consciousness, consciousness leads to name and form, name and form lead to the six sense organs, the six sense organs lead to contact, contact leads to feeling, feeling leads to craving, craving leads to grasping, grasping leads to existence, existence leads to birth, birth leads to aging, death, sorrow, grief, and suffering—"

The celestial being said, "Since it is named, you should be aware of it. This is what the Buddhist scriptures say. The nun lives in a famous temple, lights a green lamp, and chants the scriptures. You should know it and you should not be confused."

"Jiang Jun talked about the twelve causes and conditions, and I know them myself. Do you know what I know? To love is to be greedy. To take is to take without thinking. I cannot refuse these two. When I encounter a happy situation that I like, I will be greedy for it and will try my best to get it. This is my worldly heart!" Yu Zhen's eyes were as lonely as a hanging moon, reflecting the quiet sea in front of her: "I have doubts! Your Excellency, do you have no doubts?"

Zhuo Qingru listened and felt that something was not right.

The true disciple of Xiyue Temple and the master of Chaowendao Palace were discussing Buddhism seriously, but the more she listened, the more she felt uncomfortable.

Of course, she had read some Buddhist scriptures and had some knowledge of Buddhism. She was a prominent figure in the world, so who would look down on her?

These two people discussed the Buddha Dipamkara and the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. What they said was true. But there seemed to be some emotion flowing between the lines, especially the nun Yuzhen. Was she so devoted to the discussion? Every word was like the past.

She looked at Yu Zhen, then at Jiang Wang, and she wanted to hand the pen to them - do the two of them have any past?

Fortunately, everyone in the hall was paying attention to the discussion, so she was not very conspicuous.

"The two causes in the past are ignorance and action. The five results in the present are consciousness, name and form, the six sense organs, contact and feeling. The three causes in the present are craving, attachment and existence. The two results in the future are birth, old age and death." The celestial being stood there sideways, standing like this, which was a long distance away, and gently put his palms together: "The past causes lead to the present results. The present causes lead to the future results. We must learn from the past and cannot fail to see it in front of us."

He could talk about cause and effect, he could talk about Dipamkara’s past, he read the Agama Sutra, and he knew the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.

At this stage today, he understood everything. He was no longer the ignorant boy who saw the collapse of the mountain like the collapse of the sky in front of Yuheng Peak, nor was he the helpless and powerless lonely soul outside Fenglin City.

But the only thing he didn't say was whether he had any doubts.

Yu Zhen's eyes were very calm, and he just raised his hand and pointed at the lotus: "This lotus is just an ordinary light, why did you name it 'Karma'?"

"It can be any name. No matter how it is modified or what shape it takes, it has already happened." The celestial being glanced at the light lotus calmly and said, "From the perspective of Buddhism, it is just to make the nun understand."

But they all know that it was Dipankara Buddha in the past.

This lotus-shaped burning lamp represents their past that they cannot avoid.

Sitting in the "Fifth" room, Ye Lan'er didn't look at Jiang Wang, but looked at Yu Zhen's profile from the beginning to the end. Her face didn't have the perfect expression she usually had, but a slightly regretful sigh - Yu Zhen, Yu Zhen, why did you choose to enter Xiyue Temple?
Even if you really want to become a monk, you should go to the Hanging Temple to cultivate the present, and go to Mount Xumi to cultivate the future, but not here. How can you understand the past if you can never get rid of it? You say you are escaping, but you are still holding on to it.

The more you practice, the more obsessed you become; the more you meditate, the less you can empty your mind.

But she didn't say anything. She knew Meiyue had only one answer: I am willing.

If there is anyone in this world who truly understands Jiang Wang, Yuzhen, the nun from Xiyue Temple, is certainly one of them.

Therefore, she should be very clear about what answer she will get when she comes to the Heavenly Palace today. She also knows that the Heavenly Dharma Image is the one with the most indifferent emotions and is the most capable of cutting off emotions.

But she came anyway.

Yu Zhen, who knew everything, asked: "The lotus has twelve petals, you have six aspects, and I have four. I would like to ask Mr. Jiang, which petal, which aspect, which side can be the same as mine?"

There are four nuns sitting on the cushions: Bai Lian, Mai Yue, Miao Yu and Yu Zhen.

Jiang Wang saw Miaoyu in the Sanfenxiang Tower, met Bailian in Yuheng, and met Yuzhen in Xiyue Temple. He knew that Meiyue was in the Southern Dipper, and he knew everything in all directions.

Perhaps only they, in this Chao Wen Dao Palace, know all the sides of each of them.

There are so many things to think about!

After all, the Heavenly Man Dharma Image has a high level of cultivation. He said in a leisurely voice: "All flowers that bloom are lotuses, and the six phases all bear witness to me. Master Yuzhen, your four sides have become your present. I once thought that I could overcome everything and that I had everything. In fact, we are all pushed by time. You and I cannot escape the past, and we are just ordinary people."

He raised his palm and saluted: "I hope you will gain something from coming to the Heavenly Palace and hear the truth."

It's time to end this battle!
But Yu Zhen held up the lotus flower and continued to ask, "Now I am still a common mortal, what if I were to transcend?"

"How difficult it is to transcend! It is within reach but out of reach." The celestial being said indifferently, "I don't know what will happen tomorrow, and I don't know what I will be like tomorrow, so I dare not talk about transcendence."

"Although the road is long, it is hopeful to see it as soon as you raise your eyes." Yu Zhen said, "I think people like you have the answer in your heart."

After a long silence, the celestial being said, "After transcendence, it is still Jiang Wang."

Yu Zhen raised the Lotus Flower to her lips and blew gently.

Lotus petals are flying one by one.

Twelve petals, with endless magical light, filling the sky for a moment.

She smiled, and that smile was really bitter: "You pointed to this flower as the cause and condition, which led the Buddha to recite the twelve causes. Let me ask, which petal is its wish, which face of Jiang Jun is the truth, and which face of Yu is my attachment?"

The celestial being opened his mouth to speak, but when the words came to his lips, he didn't know what to say.

Yes, which petal does she wish to see bloom?
Is it true that Jiang Wang, you have come this far because of your true heart?

Are demon apes, immortal dragons, sentient beings, and celestial beings all true natures?

It is always easy to ask others for help, but difficult to ask oneself!
There are petals all over the sky, and light and shadow flow through each one, as if telling something.

But in countless nights, when I open my eyes, there are always many pairs of eyes looking at me.

The past cannot be changed.

The past is gone forever.

The heavenly man's Dharma image was indifferent to emotions and he opened his mouth: "Next -"

"Don't take the next one!" The nun of Xiyue Temple stood up all of a sudden, her plain black robe fluttering. The emotions that had been hidden under the green lamp suddenly surged like a tide, and could no longer be kept silent! "I want you to answer me right now! Jiang Wang! I passed the test and entered the palace. My name is on the seat. This is Chaowendao Palace, and I am seeking the truth!"

There was silence in the Heavenly Palace for a moment.

Even a blind man could see that something was not right with them.

The armored man sitting in the first seat looked at Zhenjun Jiang Wang in front of him, then looked at the Yuzhen nun next to him, tilting his head, not knowing what he was thinking.

The short and stout Sheng Xuehuai propped his chin with his hand, a smile on his ugly face. Things became interesting at this moment. As the most talented scholar in Sheng country, a romantic among Taoist scholars, and a poet who wrote poems with makeup on his face, he really didn't have the patience for those serious questions.

Those who seek the truth have different hearts, and the appearance of heaven and man is almost expressionless.

He said, "Master Yuzhen, you have lost your composure."

"I am very rude, but I am very clear-headed. I know what I want and I can see my heart clearly." Yu Zhen was calm at this time and just looked at him: "Jiang Jun, you won't lose your composure, but can you face your heart?"

"Your Tao is not here." The celestial being said, "You are a disciple of Xiyue Temple. The Tao is in the Brahma Sutra. In the past, during the solemn kalpa, the Supreme Static Light Tathagata."

Yu Zhen put his palms together, and at this moment he looked solemn and majestic, with a lamp burning behind him and an infinite halo of light: "My Buddha is before my eyes."

Fan Zheng opened his mouth wide.

For him, who is only ten years old this year, this sentence is quite shocking.

His coming to Chao Wen Dao Palace was not arranged by anyone, but his own idea.

The roof of the Fan family is too heavy, and there are many things he can't figure out, but he wants to come out and get some fresh air occasionally.

However, no matter how he was called the "Xianyang Prodigy" and how he was compared to the eight-year-old Gan Chang'an, he was still far from considering the major events in his life. The prime minister of the Great Qin State prematurely taught him some things that the heir of the Fan family should understand but he was actually unwilling to understand.

When he was young, he had always been taught about human nature, the art of diplomacy, and the knowledge of various schools of thought. He had never felt such passionate emotions.

He had never seen spring in the suburbs of Xianyang.

But who can say that this is not seeking the truth?

In this Chao Wen Dao Palace, a dark cave entrance quietly appeared in front of Yu Zhen, as if it was connected to an endless abyss, the eternal hell.

"May His Holiness attain enlightenment soon. He will be free from fear and terror, and attain transcendence and eternal freedom."

As Yu Zhen spoke, he took a step forward and jumped into the cave. His black robe fluttered in the wind, and he disappeared along with the dark cave entrance.

The celestial being was still standing there, silent for a moment, and then he said: "All those who entered the Heavenly Palace today are seeking the Tao—"

Maybe I also feel that this sentence is not very powerful.

He paused and said, "Next."

The Lord of Chaowendao Palace walked to his own cushion and sat down slowly.

The celestial beings are indifferent to emotions, while the sun and moon seals are eternal and ruthless.

He sat there, fixed his body and lowered his eyes, as if he could sit there forever. He was truly a devout seeker of truth and a sincere preacher.

But suddenly stood up again!
Not just him.

Everyone in the entire Chao Wen Dao Palace was sharp-eyed and sharp-eared, and well-informed. At this moment, they all received the shocking news. They were all stunned and shocked on the spot!
The knife and pen in Zhong Xuanyin's hand trembled, and he made a mistake in carving the scroll. He had to start all over again. But he could not care less. A new storm was emerging and was about to sweep across. Who among the seekers of the Tao in the Heavenly Palace today could stay out of it? Or, how many people were already in it?

Yu Xianyu was even more speechless: "How could it be?!"

clang!
There was a timely bell ringing outside the Heavenly Palace.

That was supposed to be the sound of the bell to awaken the mind and help those seeking the truth to comprehend the rhythm of the Tao, but at this moment it seemed to announce the end.

……

……

The third day of March in the 3930th year of the Taoist calendar was destined to be a day that would be recorded in history books.

On this day, the Heavenly Palace of the Heavenly Emperor was opened, and Zhenhe Zhenjun sat in the Heavenly Palace in the form of a celestial being, preaching the Dharma to the world. All 36 seats in the palace were filled. On this day, Xiong Zidu of the State of Chu was released from prison, and a monk named Fanshijue was appointed as the State Master of the State of Chu. The King of Chu, Xiong Ji, launched the last round of purges in the Huangji Palace.

It was also on this day.

A brilliant blood rain fell on Tianmayuan, which was heavily blocked and never allowed to be explored.

Perhaps the rain this spring is too heavy!

The majestic Taoist body lay on its back on the Tianma Plateau, staring blankly at the sky with eyes wide open.

His armor was shattered, and only fragments of his weapons remained.

His heart had been dug out, his limbs were cut off, and his face was covered with scars from different weapons, like a chessboard carved on his face. His death was extremely miserable, proclaiming a kind of deep hatred.

A general who had intimidated countless opponents and forced them to retreat was killed here.

His name is Yin Xiaoheng.