Mahayana Dharma

"All things in the world have a heart. If one can be compassionate and respond to all things, why should one be bound by human words?"

The old monk clasped his hands together, remaining calm and unperturbed, showing no anger at Xu Qi'an's words.

"Then don't speak the official language of the Great Feng to me. Just speak a Western Regions language," Xu Qi'an thought to himself, and said bluntly.

"Just get straight to the point, how do you plan to fight? Don't give me this nonsense."

"You're too attached to appearances, why do you want to engage in a magical contest?" the old monk said with a smile.

"It was clearly your Buddhist School that proposed this contest of magic. Master, aren't you afraid of disgracing Buddhist School by being so unreasonable?" Xu Qi'an frowned.

"Just now, the benefactor said halfway up the mountain: 'Monks are detached from worldly desires.'" The old monk, with a serene and peaceful expression, slowly replied, "If one is detached from worldly desires, what is face then?"

"Alright, Master, how do you plan to test me?" Xu Qi'an patiently asked.

He felt he was in a difficult situation; what was even more terrifying than a troll was someone who didn't speak human language. At least a troll would desperately try to find loopholes in your statements to refute you.

But those who don't speak human language will ignore you no matter what you say; they'll just keep talking in their own words. If you can't understand them, then you're simply not capable.

Even if you try your best to understand, it won't help, because he will ignore you.

"Life itself is a form of spiritual practice. Your entry into this Buddhist School sanctuary is also a form of spiritual practice," the old monk said with a smile.

"How should I fix it? Master, please advise."

"Cultivation depends on the individual; why ask this humble monk?"

"Cultivation my ass! You can't speak human language, huh? I'm not playing along." A nameless rage suddenly rose in Xu Qi'an's heart, and he left the old monk behind.

But a barrier blocked his way.

"I do have an idea," Xu Qi'an said with a cold smile, turning around and gripping the hilt of his sword. "I wonder if you, a master who has transcended all worldly desires, could withstand one of my strikes?"

"Amitabha Buddha, then let's give it a try."

The old monk lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "This humble monk is a wisp of attachment that Bodhisattva Wenyin severed before attaining enlightenment."

Bodhisattva of Literature and Seals, a first-rank Bodhisattva?!

Xu Qi'an released his hand expressionlessly. "Master, where were we?"

The old monk answered honestly, "Benefactor, please allow this humble monk to take the blow."

"Master!"

Xu Qi'an gave a stern rebuke, walked to the opposite side of the old monk, sat down cross-legged, put his hands together in prayer, and criticized:

"Does Buddhist School only know how to fight and kill? Does Buddhist School save all living beings only through fighting and killing? Master, let's talk about a penny."

"That lackey, did he chicken out just now?" Biao Biao whispered, turning to look at Huai Qing.

Huaiqing glanced at her sideways, his expression cold and his tone indifferent. "Just a change in strategy. As the art of war says, the best strategy is to subdue the enemy without fighting. The same applies to dealing with the enemy."

Biao Biao suddenly realized that she had been narrow-minded, and that the lackey wasn't being cowardly, but rather cleverly changing his strategy.

He was simply afraid that the brainless Lin'an was too easily fooled! Huaiqing shook his head and looked at his sister with pity.

Upon hearing that the other party had a 'Bodhisattva' obsession, Xu Qi'an cleverly defused the conflict, which surprised many people outside the scene.

That's such a wise and opportunistic approach!

However, this action made his image even more vivid and interesting; at least the noble ladies found this silver gong player quite amusing and intriguing.

"He's wise to see the bigger picture. If he tries to break through this barrier with brute force, he'll surely lose." Nangong Qianrou snorted coldly.

The men shook their heads helplessly, wanting to laugh, but the occasion wasn't right.

Sometimes I feel like he's not a martial artist at all; he can be cowardly without any pressure or psychological burden. Yet, he's also a Martial Dao genius with exceptional talent.

"Godfather, what's the key to this challenge?" Yang Yan asked.

The Golden Gong members all looked at Wei Yuan, waiting for his answer, never considering that Wei Yuan wasn't a traitor to the Buddhist School sect, so how would he know what the third trial was about?

Wei Yuan ignored them.

At that moment, inside the royal pavilion, a young girl in a fiery red palace dress cupped her hands to her mouth like a megaphone and shouted in a sweet voice, "Hey, you bald monks, what's this round of competition? Is it the 'Old Monk Formation'?"

The girl had a round face and a pair of watery, almond-shaped eyes. At first glance, she appeared to be a charming, amorous, and extremely alluring woman.

The Arhat Du'e was initially unwilling to engage, but seeing that it was a princess who had asked the question, he explained out of courtesy, "The third trial has no content."

These words left all the dignitaries and nobles present astonished.

"What do you mean by 'no content'?" Biao Biao slapped the table with both hands to express her dissatisfaction.

Du'e Luohan simply shook his head and smiled without saying a word.

The men suddenly realized why Duke Wei hadn't spoken; this challenge had no content whatsoever. But without content, how could they engage in a battle of wits?

Amidst everyone's confusion, Princess Huaiqing spoke, her clear voice like the clinking of jade, melodious and resonant:

"Untitled!? Does that mean that no matter how Xu Yinluo responds, the Buddhist School can remain silent or disagree, trapping him in the secret realm until he admits defeat?"

Those words were a wake-up call!

In the various pavilions, the expressions of the civil and military officials changed slightly.

After careful consideration, I found that this was indeed the case; no matter how difficult the challenge, as long as there is a problem, it can always be overcome.

The most troublesome and unsolvable kind of battle is the kind without any substance, which has a lot of room for maneuver. Whether it is a physical or intellectual battle, Buddhist School can veto it with one vote.

Buddhist School will always remain invincible.

"Isn't this just being shameless? If you want to have a contest of magic, then set up your formations and fight, whether it's a literary or martial contest, you Buddhist School can do whatever you want. What kind of nonsense is this?"

"A victory won through cheating is hardly a fair fight."

"Prime Minister Wang, His Majesty is not here. Please say a few words."

The hot-tempered general smashed his cup in anger and pointed at the Arhat Du'e and the others, cursing them loudly.

Neither intellectual nor physical combat is feared; the capital is teeming with experts, and both sides counter each other's moves, relying solely on their skills. But this third challenge is simply unsolvable. Xu Qi'an can't handle it, so can someone else succeed?

The common people, who were blocked by the Imperial Guards on the outskirts, immediately realized something was wrong when they heard the nobles' questions, but they were too far away to hear clearly.

"What's going on? The gentlemen in the pavilion seem very angry."

"Is this implying that Buddhist School is cheating?"

"Why is Buddhist School cheating? Oh dear, I'm so anxious! Is there some hidden trickery in this third trial?"

Amidst the murmurs, a martial arts expert, his face grim, announced in a clear voice, "Gentlemen, I just heard what happened; this is what it is."

Martial artists have exceptional hearing, which ordinary people cannot hear, but those in the front row can hear it clearly and immediately spread the secret of the third level.

"Shameless!"

One scholar was furious, saying, "In all my years of studying, I have never encountered such a despicable and shameless person. How could a dignified Buddhist School resort to such vile and filthy means to win a magic contest?"

"Is it because you're afraid of Xu Shikui's swordsmanship that you're resorting to such underhanded tactics? Whether it's a test or a duel, one should act with integrity and fairness. People shouldn't, at least not..."

"Even something as momentous as the imperial examinations still had exam questions."

The people were outraged, denouncing the Buddhist School for its shamelessness. They lamented that they didn't have rotten eggs or vegetable leaves to throw at them.

After Xu Qi'an's two previous attacks, the common people's perception had shifted from "Buddhist School is truly powerful" to "Buddhist School is nothing special."

This confidence and strength comes from Xu Qi'an.

Countless people felt proud and honored.

Now, seeing the Buddhist School's shamelessness in setting a trap for Xu Qi'an, the common people were enraged and began shoving the Imperial Guards again, as if they were about to rush in and beat up the bald men.

"Amitabha Buddha, even the untitled is a title; life is ever-changing, so is there always a 'title' waiting for you all?"

The peaceful voice of the Arhat Du'e resounded throughout the entire area, seemingly possessing a soothing power that caused the crowd outside to unconsciously quiet down and agree with what he said.

The abilities of Buddhist School seventh-rank Buddhist monk.

Not only the common people, but even the nobles in the pavilion suppressed their anger and nodded slightly.

"Shameless!"

Just then, an angry shout rang out.

The crowd turned to look at the source of the voice and discovered a handsome, unfamiliar scholar. He casually walked down from the shaded pavilion, onto the square, and coldly sneered at the group of monks.

"No wonder you monks are all bald; you've hidden your hair in your hearts. You appear virtuous and upright on the outside, but your hearts are filled with filth and corruption. Shameful!"

Monk Jingchen frowned. "This benefactor..."

"Who are you benefactors? I, Xu, will not give you a single copper coin. It's shameful to call everyone 'benefactor'!"

"You"

"What do you mean, 'you'? What a 'master' of Buddhism! Are you one of the attachments that the Buddha severed before he became a monk?"

The obsessions that the Buddha severed before he became a monk?! Jingchen was stunned, then flew into a rage. Who was this insulting?

"You, benefactor, are a scholar, yet all you do is hurl insults. Is this what scholars of the Great Feng are like?"

"I never swear at people; the people I swear at aren't even human."

The Buddhist School monks all showed anger, glaring at Xu Xinnian.

"What, you're not Qi Ingestion? Several eminent monks have come from afar to propose a contest of magic. Great Feng is a land of etiquette, and sending only a silver gong is already giving you enough face."

"Who would have thought that your skin is thicker than the walls of the capital? No wonder we were able to win the Battle of Shanhai Pass twenty years ago; it was indeed largely thanks to you all. The combined forces of the northern and southern barbarians couldn't break through your skin even after ten years."

"But these masters are still unaware of their own limitations; what is unaware of can't be helped even by looking in the mirror."

"This is outrageous!"

Monk Jingchen suddenly stood up, his robes billowing. His eyes were wide with anger, like a furious Vajra, his imposing presence terrifying.

Xu Xinnian remained unfazed, scoffing, "What a master of 'emptiness of the four elements,' what the hell is 'empty' about him? Bah!"

Monk Jingchen's expression suddenly froze.

Master Du'e said calmly, "Jingchen, your mind is in turmoil."

The monk Jingchen turned pale, slumped weakly into a seat, clasped his hands together, and said in a trembling voice, "This disciple was attached to appearances."

The Western Regions delegation came to the capital to demand an explanation, and they were already filled with anger. After the battle, the surrounding people kept hurling insults at them. At the same time, Xu Qi'an broke through two formations in succession, which put great psychological pressure on the Buddhist School monks.

Xu Xinnian's sudden outburst of insults and personal attacks would have angered even Buddha, let alone his disciples.

Xu Xinnian chuckled and turned back.

All eyes fell on Xu Xinnian, a mixture of surprise and admiration. Although he didn't listen to those words, they were well said, leaving the Buddhist School monks speechless.

That's awesome.

Moreover, they prided themselves on their status, and those words could not possibly be uttered in public. Xu Xinnian was essentially a tool to convey the sentiments of the nobility.

"Clever!" Miss Wang secretly praised him. She realized that Xu Huiyuan's cursing was just a pretense; his real purpose was to disturb the Buddhist School monks' peace of mind.

Intentionally provoke them, then deliver a fatal blow.

It was both satisfying and a heavy blow to the monk.

In addition, she guessed that Xu Huiyuan's initiative had another deeper meaning: to make a good impression on the nobles in the capital and on His Majesty.

If he demonstrates sufficient value to impress His Majesty, he might be given a promising future after the palace examination.

"He has some intelligence."

Just then, she heard her father, Wang Zhenwen, make a casual comment.

Miss Wang smiled sweetly.

"That felt great!" Xu Xinnian sat in his chair, feeling immense satisfaction. Indeed, there was nothing more satisfying in the world than cursing someone.

The minor incident ended, but the battle of wits continued, leaving the onlookers with heavy hearts.

Under the Bodhi tree, Xu Qi'an sat facing the old monk, discussing the Dao. He nodded and said, "Master's words are absolutely right, they have enlightened me."

While pondering how to solve the third level.

The Buddhist School is indeed treacherous. The fact that there are no questions in this challenge means that the power of interpretation belongs entirely to Buddhist School. Would the monks allow themselves to lose?

The answer is no.

How to break the deadlock? After careful consideration, Xu Qi'an came up with two ideas: First, Convincing Others with Reason. Second, Convincing Others with Reason.

In my current state, I can't deliver a second blow. Even if my energy recovers, without the support of [the [unclear], it's impossible to break through the barrier.

The old monk before us is someone who severed his attachments before attaining enlightenment, so we must think carefully before trying to Convincing Others with Reason.

The second Convincing Others with Reason is to use all means other than "physical" methods to win over the old monk.

Once you get past him, this hurdle is cleared.

"When it comes to Buddhist teachings, I definitely can't out-argue him. The old monk is someone who has severed his attachments through the Bodhisattva Wenyin, far superior to a little monk like Jingsi. He's the one who's deceiving me, not the other way around. How can I win him over?"

While pretending to listen to the sutra, Xu Qi'an was thinking of a way to deal with the situation.

"Master, you said that you were a clinging to something that Bodhisattva Wenyin cut off. What kind of clinging is it?" Xu Qi'an suddenly asked.

"The highest realm of Buddhahood!" the old monk replied.

The highest realm of Buddha is such a profound question right from the start. I wanted to approach it from the perspective of attachment, but it seems impossible. Let's listen to what he has to say first, and then combine it with my keyboard warrior knowledge to see if there's any room for maneuver!

Xu Qi'an countered, "What is the highest state of Buddhahood?"

The old monk remained silent for a long time. "I don't know, but Wen Yin felt it was the Buddha. So he severed me, and from then on, my heart, pure as crystal, was free from worldly defilement, and I became a Bodhisattva."

Upon hearing this, Xu Qi'an fell silent. He knew nothing about Buddhism in this world, but he did have some understanding of Buddhism in his previous life. However, there were significant differences between Buddhism in his previous life and Buddhism in this world.

The most obvious point is that there is no Buddha Tathagata in the Buddhist School of this world. There is only one Buddha.

"Why is the highest state of Buddhahood Buddha? Aren't other Buddhas Buddhas?" Xu Qi'an asked, frowning.

At this point, he suddenly recalled a detail: in the Buddhist School system, there are second-rank Arhats, first-rank Bodhisattvas, and above them are Buddhas who transcend ranks.

There are no other Buddhas present.

The old monk replied, " In Buddhist School, there are the stages of Arhatship and Bodhisattvahood, but only the Buddha attains the highest and most supreme state. Therefore, the Buddha represents the highest realm of Buddhahood, a unique existence. The Buddha is the Buddha, and there is only one."

"Arhats and Bodhisattvas are not necessarily unable to attain the highest level of enlightenment," Xu Qi'an said.

The old monk glanced at him and shook his head. "You are not Buddhist School, so it's understandable that you don't understand the taste of fruit."

Xu Qi'an, adopting the demeanor of a disciple, clasped his hands together and said, "Please enlighten me, Master."

Please, Master, allow me to learn more about Buddhist School for free.

"Does the benefactor know why a Bodhisattva is a Bodhisattva, and why an Arhat is an Arhat? The fourth rank in Buddhist School is the 'ascetic monk,' and those who reach this level should make great vows."

"Great vows and attainments are closely related. Those who make great vows attain the Bodhisattva stage. Those who make small vows attain the Arhat stage. The Arhat stage is also divided into three levels: Killer of Thieves, Non-Returner, and Arahant."

"Once a fruition is formed, it cannot be changed or advanced."

Xu Qi'an was stunned and remained silent for a long time. The amount of information in those words was too much, and it took him several minutes to digest it.

"It turns out that Bodhisattvas and Arhats are essentially unrelated; they all advance from the fourth grade of ascetic monks, and so on. After the fourth grade comes the second or first grade, so what about the third grade, the Vajra realm?"

"Third-grade practitioners skip directly to the third grade and attain the Arhat or Bodhisattva status. Does this mean that the third-grade Vajra Realm belongs to another Buddhist School system?"

Xu Qi'an thought flashed through Xu Qi'an's mind, and he made a corresponding guess: an eighth-rank martial monk - a third-rank Vajra!

Holy crap, jumping directly from rank eight to rank three? The Buddhist School system is so bizarre; it's not a step-by-step promotion system at all.

Xu Qi'an revisited the Buddhist School system and suddenly understood many things.

In Buddhist School, there are nine ranks from one to the next. Among them, the eighth-rank martial monk corresponds to the third-rank Vajra. No wonder Master Hengyuan is so powerful, but he is only an eighth-rank martial monk, because his next rank is the third-rank Vajra realm.

Furthermore, it's no wonder that the second rank is Arhat, the first rank is Bodhisattva, and Buddha belongs to the highest rank. The reason for this naming is that once the fruition is determined, it cannot be changed.

Therefore, the Buddhist School in this world is not like that of the previous world, which had a large number of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Buddhist School in this world has only one Buddha: Buddha.

The world only reveres one Buddha—isn't that just Theravada Buddhism?!

I've figured out how to break this deadlock!

Xu Qi'an slowly stood up, staring straight at the old monk. The corners of his mouth slightly lifted, then widened, from a smile to a loud laugh, from a loud laugh to a maniacal laugh.

"Hahaha"

He laughed so hard he was doubled over, his laughter wild and unrestrained.

What is he laughing at? Has he gone mad?

The crowd outside looked up in bewilderment at Xu Qi'an, who was laughing wildly under the Bodhi tree in the Buddhist School.

"Is it time to admit defeat?" someone worried.

The Buddhist School monks frowned slightly, wondering why Xu Qi'an was laughing so loudly.

Inside the pavilion, civil and military officials, women, imperial guards, and others all wore expressions of bewilderment.

Those who knew Xu Qi'an were worried, fearing that he had suffered some kind of shock, which was why he was acting so strangely all of a sudden.

Emperor Yuanjing stood beside the supervisor, slightly raising his head to look at Xu Qi'an's wild laughter in the painting. He frowned, glanced back at the supervisor, and found that the supervisor had stopped drinking and was looking at Xu Qi'an with a serious expression.

Wei Yuan unconsciously tapped his fingers, gazing at Foshan without uttering a word.

"What are you laughing at, benefactor?"

Under the Bodhi tree, the old monk posed the question that had puzzled everyone.

Xu Qi'an clutched his stomach, struggling to suppress his smile, his face arrogant and haughty, and said, "I laugh at the narrow-mindedness of Buddhist School and the hypocrisy of Buddha."

Arrogant!

The old monk's face showed anger, and the Bodhi tree swayed without wind.

Off the field, Du'e Luohan, who had remained expressionless throughout, finally frowned.

If even those who are struggling against calamities face such difficulties, one can only imagine how it is for Buddhist School monks.

But Xu Qi'an's words quelled the old monk's raging anger under the Bodhi tree.

"Master, don't you know the highest realm of Buddhist School? Well then, let me tell you!" His voice was firm and powerful.

Golden light burst forth from the old monk's eyes.

"I thought Buddhism was profound, and that all Arhats and Bodhisattvas were compassionate people. Now I realize they are just selfish people. It turns out that Buddhist School is actually Hinayana Buddhism," Xu Qi'an said loudly.

Theravada Buddhism?!

This was an unfamiliar term, one never heard before. While the monks outside were angered, they also felt a surge of curiosity: if there was Theravada Buddhism, could there also be Mahayana Buddhism?

"Hmph, what Hinayana Buddhism? He's clearly just making things up to belittle Buddhist School."

"What does a mere martial artist know about Buddhism, yet he presumptuously categorizes Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism? Grandmaster Uncle, this man has deceived our Buddhist School; he cannot be let off lightly."

They would never admit it verbally, and the monks angrily rebuked Xu Qi'an.

"Master, where do you come from, esteemed monk?"

"Western Regions."

Why do Buddhist School monks practice Buddhism?

"Attaining enlightenment and transcending the sea of suffering."

"This is Theravada Buddhism. Cultivation is only for oneself, and the attainment of Buddhahood is the same. It benefits oneself but not others," Xu Qi'an said.

The old monk was taken aback. This time, he pondered for a long time without getting angry, and asked, "You say this is Hinayana Buddhism, then what is Mahayana Buddhism?"

"You are not a high monk from the Western Regions, but a high monk from all over the land, a high monk of the world. A monk's practice should not be for his own liberation from suffering, but to help all living beings in the world to be liberated from suffering."

"Why did Confucian School persecute Buddhism four hundred years ago? It wasn't Buddhism itself that was being destroyed, but rather the Buddhist School, specifically Theravada Buddhism."

"Theravada Buddhism is ultimately limited to one school or sect; only Mahayana Buddhism can universally liberate all sentient beings. So, what is Mahayana Buddhism?"

The old monk's breathing became rapid, his eyes were no longer indifferent and serene, and his voice showed obvious fluctuations:

What is Mahayana Buddhism?

Outside the arena, the Buddhist School monks stared intently at Xu Qi'an, their breathing becoming rapid.

"Why is there only one Buddha?" Xu Qi'an questioned.

All the monks, including the old monk, suddenly gasped for breath.

The Arhat Du'e suddenly stood up, as if he knew what Du'e was going to say.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Qi'an slowly said, "All sentient beings in the world are Buddhas; there are countless Buddhas throughout the three worlds and ten directions. This is the true nature of Mahayana Buddhism. Why should there only be one Buddha in the world?"

Like a bolt from the blue!

All living beings are Buddhas. The old monk stood there dumbfounded, as if petrified.

"All sentient beings are Buddhas, all sentient beings are Buddhas—this is Mahayana Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism. If it is Mahayana Buddhism, then all sentient beings are Buddhas. How could Confucian School possibly destroy Buddhism?" Monk Jingchen murmured to himself, as if his life had been negated and his Buddhist heart had been greatly impacted.

"I practice Hinayana Buddhism, I practice Hinayana Buddhism, ha, ha ha ha, so all sentient beings can become Buddhas, yes, all sentient beings are Buddhas, this is Mahayana Buddhism."

Suddenly, a monk went mad. He rushed into the crowd like a madman, his expression frantic.

The Buddha's heart is broken.

PS: Two things: First, thank you to "Reminiscences of Broken Sword" for the generous donation.

Second, I spent a long time researching for this chapter, and writing it was very difficult and exhausting. There are many differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, and I will only briefly mention some of the core differences here.

In order to be able to tell this story clearly and convincingly, I wrote and deleted this draft repeatedly, reviewing materials and thinking things through over and over again. I was truly exhausted.

One more chapter, let's keep working on it.

I have only one request today: could you please make a heart shape with your hands for Xu Qi'an? A person shouldn't, at least shouldn't, be ridden on by a horse.