The pool water splashed an inch high.
Xuanzang bent down and reached into the water, keeping his fingers spread.
He supported the fish's belly with one palm and shielded its tail with his other hand, lifting the carp from the pool.
Water streamed down his wrists.
Drop by drop, it fell back into the pool.
The carp lay in his palms without thrashing.
Its gills opened and closed.
Its tail slapped Xuanzang's sleeve, scattering tiny beads of water.
Xuanzang cupped his hands together and held the fish before his chest.
He raised his head and looked at Golden Cicada Child.
"Venerable one."
Golden Cicada Child sat on his meditation cushion, his sleeves trailing on the ground and his fingertips resting on his knees. He simply watched Xuanzang in silence.
Xuanzang said, "You say all phenomena are empty, that mind and its objects both dissolve. This humble monk says all phenomena are consciousness alone: external objects are empty, but mind exists."
"You say even consciousness is empty, whereas this humble monk says every realm of experience is transformed from consciousness."
The carp still lay in Xuanzang's palms, swishing its tail. It showed not the slightest discomfort; instead, it seemed utterly at ease.
Xuanzang said, "You say everything arises from the convergence of conditions, with no independent, unchanging substance."
"Only because they have no fixed inherent nature can all phenomena manifest according to conditions."
"Neither arising nor ceasing, neither enduring nor extinguished, neither one nor different, neither coming nor going."
"You dismantle everything along the way."
"You dismantle until nothing remains to be dismantled, and even emptiness must not be clung to."
"By negating every error, you reveal that inexpressible reality."
Xuanzang continued, "When this humble monk speaks of the three natures and inexpressible Dharma nature, I mean that once delusion has