Tathagata Seeks to Prove the Dao

Spirit Mountain, Mahavira Hall.

Countless rays of Buddha Light gathered, while Sanskrit chants and Zen hymns echoed through the hall like surging tides.

Three thousand Buddhas, eight hundred Bodhisattvas, tens of thousands of Arhats, and the Jiedi all sat upon Lotus Thrones, their appearances solemn and dignified as they lowered their eyes and listened.

Seated high upon the Ninth-Grade Golden Lotus of Merit, Tathagata Buddha Ancestor wore a smile as he overlooked the packed assembly of Buddhism's sentient beings below. His voice was vast and compassionate.

"The Buddhist Dharma's spread eastward has passed through one hundred and eight tribulations. Today, its Merit has reached fulfillment."

"Now, Buddhism has gained a foothold in the Eastern Lands, in Nanzhan Buzhou."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the face of every Buddha.

"From this day onward, proceed according to the plan established earlier. Each side shall act separately."

"Enter Nanzhan Buzhou, establish temples far and wide, and preach the Buddhist Dharma."

"Focus on expounding scriptures and teaching the Dharma, supplemented by good deeds to guide people in. Proceed step by step; do not rush for success."

As his words fell, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the hall were all invigorated. Uncontainable delight appeared on the faces of many Buddhas.

The flourishing of Buddhism meant boundless Merit.

To cultivators like them, Merit was cultivation, the Dao Path, everything.

"We shall obey the Buddha's decree!"

A response like crashing mountains and roaring seas rang through the Mahavira Hall.

Tathagata nodded slightly, the smile on his face undiminished. Yet his tone shifted, gaining a trace of solemnity.

"However, the Eastern Lands are where Humanity Dao thrives, and the Three Sovereigns of Huoyun Cave stand guard there."

"When you preach, proceed gradually and transform people through virtue. Do not force matters excessively, and still less use divine