The monks of Xiangshan Zen Monastery had settled the abbot's funeral affairs, but his passing had been so sudden that no successor had been chosen.
Because the Former Emperor had once bestowed his calligraphy on him, and because the abbot had always held him in high regard, the monks had intended to nominate Monk Wufa as their new abbot. Monk Wufa, however, had no such wish.
On the day the abbot's memorial stupa was erected, local gentry and prominent figures all came-scholars, wealthy households, and even officials. Xiangshan Zen Monastery seemed solemn, yet lively at the same time.
Monk Wufa appeared only briefly when the abbot was placed in the stupa, then vanished.
The monastery's monks knew that Monk Wufa disliked the bustle that followed, so none of them said much about it.
In fact, Monk Wufa had returned to his quarters to pack.
He simply took an alms bowl, a spare monk's robe, and a cloth bag containing a few things, then closed the door to his quarters and prepared to leave.
"Master Wufa, what are you doing here? Everyone intends to nominate you as abbot!"
A young monk who had forgotten his prayer bracelet ran past just as Monk Wufa emerged. After saying this, he suddenly noticed how Monk Wufa was dressed.
"Master Wufa, are you going out?"
"A blessing. This humble monk intends to descend the mountain. I dare not accept the position of abbot. Please ask our fellow monks to choose someone else!"
"Wait, wait, Master Wufa, don't leave yet! So many important people have come today. They're all waiting to witness the new abbot's succession!"
The young monk tried to persuade the gray-bearded monk before him, but the latter merely murmured, "The Buddha is merciful," and walked straight toward the monastery's front courtyard without another