Golden Cicada nodded. "Yes, Master. Our Mahayana Buddhist teachings speak of saving all living beings and relieving their suffering, but I have never experienced the hardships of living beings myself. I cannot truly empathize with their pain.
In that case, I cannot genuinely ease their suffering or save them. So I must experience the hardships of living beings and understand their pain. Only then can I save them."
As the Buddha listened to Golden Cicada's words, he nodded. The surrounding members of the Buddhist Sect did the same.
Golden Cicada was right. If one wished to save all living beings but did not know what their suffering was, then even if one knew, without being able to empathize, there was no way to relieve it.
One had to experience it firsthand.
"Even if you experience the suffering of living beings, you may not necessarily find a new path," the Buddha said. He did not want Golden Cicada to become a mortal. Golden Cicada possessed excellent comprehension and considerable ability in this regard. He had always wanted to focus on cultivating Golden Cicada, so that he could become an important pillar of the Buddhist Sect in the future.
"Master, your disciple has already made up his mind. No matter how great the dangers ahead, I will press forward without hesitation," Golden Cicada said.
The Buddha said nothing more. He knew that Golden Cicada had made up his mind, and there was no forcing him. Besides, the Buddhist Sect believed in following fate.
"Since you have made your decision, then I shall agree. But you must understand that once you fail, it will be very difficult for you to become a member of my Buddhist Sect again. Do you understand?" the Buddha asked, staring at Golden Cicada.
"Your disciple understands."
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