"What was the State Preceptor position originally supposed to do?"
"A teacher transmits the Way, imparts knowledge, and resolves doubts! A State Preceptor simply changes the recipients of transmitting the Way, imparting knowledge, and resolving doubts from an individual to a state. To put it more simply—you have to teach the people some real skills."
"That won't do. It won't do. My master said true scriptures must not be lightly passed on. I can't teach my scriptures to just anyone. Even you would have to shave your head, receive ordination scars, burn incense, and worship Buddha for many years before I could consider it, just a little."
"Ha! Even me! So I'm rather special, am I? Little monk—knowing you can't do it, I'm not having you perform the State Preceptor's original duties. Just stay by my side and listen to me talk nonsense."
"Wasn't there originally someone else doing this job?"
"Of course."
"What should the person originally doing this job have been?"
"A eunuch, probably. Don't be nervous—eunuchs and monks mean the same thing."
"All right!"
Daylight fell upon the center of the corridor, illuminating it until it no longer seemed as gloomy as before. It seemed to understand, too, that the one speaking in the prison would not remain seated there much longer.
That chattering voice gradually went hoarse in the dark chamber, then escaped through the skylight.
A pure white boat flew high in the sky.
It escaped people's sight, and lay beyond their hearing as well.
Thus, though it streaked across the heavens at such speed, passing through the lives of countless people and billions of beings, no one ever knew of it.
The wind was tame, drifting like threads of silk along the boat's edge.
Standing upon this small boat woven from lines