Rumble...
Hearing the thunder, the girl practicing swordsmanship outside looked up at the sky. Dark clouds now blanketed the heavens. Clearly, rain was about to fall.
"Let's pack up and get ready for evening prayers."
The girl's companion had noticed it as well and hurriedly made the suggestion. The former nodded, and the two quickly left the training ground. Yet by the time they returned to their room, raindrops as large as beans were already falling from the sky amid a crackling patter.
"Whew..."
Looking at the curtain of rain outside the window, the girl let out a sigh of relief. She actually rather liked the rain. Evening prayers during rainfall made her feel more relaxed, allowing her to immerse herself more deeply in the scriptures. With that thought, she straightened her clothes and hurried through the main hall to the lecture room where evening prayers were held, then sat cross-legged on her cushion. Before long, quite a few girls around her age arrived and prepared themselves. An older woman seated before them began chanting the scriptures in a low voice. The girl closed her eyes, pressed her palms together, and began reciting along softly.
This felt wonderful.
The girl greatly enjoyed these evening prayers. As she recited the scriptures, it was as if she had cast all worldly troubles behind her. Only tranquility, peace, and harmony remained in this world. It made her happy. Their master had told them that they would continue to study and comprehend the true essence of Buddha, turning the entire world into the Western Paradise. Everyone would cease fighting, peacefully enjoy a land of harmony, and live happy lives. They would come to understand that inner peace was the most precious treasure in the world.
The thought thrilled the girl. She could hardly wait