Shukaku took on Bunpuku's appearance and slowly walked onto the platform. The longer he cultivated, the more he missed Bunpuku.
"Amitābha!"
Shukaku pressed his palms together. "Most of you lay practitioners are encountering the Buddhadharma for the first time, or have encountered it before but never practiced it.
"In the days ahead, this humble monk will explain one basic Buddhist teaching each day, in the hope that all of you can find your way into the practice."
"Thank you, Master Shukaku!"
"Today, we will discuss what Buddha-nature is!"
Shukaku began slowly, "True Buddha-nature is not produced by anything. It is not the result of anything. It transcends cause and effect.
"It is like the sun. Whether or not dark clouds obscure it, the sun is still there.
"Everyone possesses Buddha-nature. Or rather, all living creatures in this world possess Buddha-nature..."
Shukaku's voice was soothing and peaceful, every word clear and powerful. Like a murmuring stream, it was clean and pure, untainted by any worldly noise, giving a sense of transcendence.
As Shukaku delved deeper into his explanation, everyone saw golden light radiating from him and lotus blossoms rising around him.
Standing in a tree, Sasuke glanced over the reactions of the people below, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. What a bunch of fools. If everyone could become a Buddha, Buddhist scriptures would not exist.
"Hinata, are we really not going to stop this? The entire country needs rebuilding. If everyone studies Buddhism, who will develop the country? Who will protect Konoha?"
"On what grounds would we stop them?"
Hinata said evenly, "They aren't affecting anyone else, nor have they broken any laws. What right do we have to stop them?
"What you're worried about is only one possible future, not a fact. Why should we stop them?"
"Without