Meat-Eating and Taking Wives

Seeing Guy's shocked expression, Huiyan first looked surprised, then suddenly understood.

After hesitating for a moment, he slowly said,

"Fahai, did you mistake our Fire Temple for the Vinaya School?"

"The Vinaya School?"

Guy froze.

Seeing Guy's reaction, Huiyan suddenly understood some of the doubts in his own heart.

A gentle smile appeared on his aged face as he said,

"It seems that most of your understanding of temples and monks comes from that Ancient Secret Scroll?"

"The rules of that Shaolin Temple must have been extremely strict, I imagine?"

Guy nodded without denying it.

Understanding, Huiyan adjusted his posture on the meditation cushion and began to explain.

"In the Shinobi World, there are many Buddhist temple sects, but they can generally be divided into two branches: the Vinaya School and the Zen School."

"The Vinaya School observes its precepts with great rigor and has countless rules. It may be similar to the Shaolin Temple you know."

"Besides basic precepts such as not stealing, committing sexual misconduct, lying, or drinking alcohol—"

"There are also many detailed rules of conduct. Clothing, food, lodging, and travel are all strictly regulated. One must abide by monastic discipline, never marry, and never eat meat."

He paused, watching Guy's expression grow increasingly astonished before continuing.

"But our Fire Temple inherits the Zen School tradition."

"The core of Zen practice lies in seated meditation and realizing one's true nature. It emphasizes strict personal cultivation and insight into one's own mind and character."

"As for monastic rules and precepts... they are upheld more through one's own intentions than through external compulsory restraints."

Guy's eyes widened even further, as if he were hearing this for the first time.

Huiyan smiled faintly.

"Within the Zen School, especially our branch of the Fire Temple, monks are permitted meat-eating and taking