Xuanqing had entered monastic life as a child. Now, he was a highly respected master in his field and had begun receiving invitations to give lectures over a decade ago.
Seven years ago, invitations from abroad had started coming in as well.
It was during this period that he met a wealthy man, whose invitations led him to travel abroad frequently to expound on Buddhist teachings.
His foreign language skills were actually poor, but he disliked having an interpreter follow him around in his private time, leaving him with very few places where he could while away the hours.
One day, after sending his interpreter away, Xuanqing grew bored and changed into ordinary clothes to visit the casino next door-his kasaya was far too conspicuous and drew attention wherever he went.
He had no taste for gambling and did not know how to play. At first, he simply thought it was a very suitable form of entertainment: he could pass the time without talking to foreigners or spending money.
But he had overestimated his self-control.
After watching for just one day, he picked up the rules on his own. Unable to resist, he joined in.
At first, Xuanqing thought he would play just a little. He had made quite a lot of money over the years, and as long as no one found out, it would not affect him.
Perhaps because he had spent his life doing good, his luck was better than most. He won quite a bit on his first attempt.
Sometimes, excessive excitement could cloud the mind. Once someone experienced the thrill of winning money, it became very difficult to let go.
And so, without even realizing it, he stayed at the casino until the early hours of the morning.
Only after he had lost all his