Journey to the West: Demon Emperor: Beginning as a Little Toad

Chapter 509 The Transmitter of the Yellow-Eyebrowed Golden Cicada

The land of Xiniu Hezhou is a sacred and beautiful place, filled with ethereal mists and bathed in the light of Buddha.

On the occasion of the "Celebrating Buddha's Merit Banquet at Lingshan Pure Land", all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Arhats, etc. of Lingshan gathered together to discuss the selection of a person to spread the scriptures to Jambudvipa.

Guanyin Bodhisattva recommended Jin Chanzi, the second disciple of the Buddha, as the person to transmit the scriptures.

however.

at this time.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva stepped forward and offered to recommend another person.

Everyone knows that the Western Paradise has "Four Great Bodhisattvas," whose fame is widespread.

They are Manjushri Bodhisattva, who possesses unparalleled wisdom; Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who is compassionate and saves the world; Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, who is of profound virtue; and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, who made the great vow, "I will not become a Buddha until the hells are emptied."

So, who exactly is this Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta?
"Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva" is the right-hand attendant of Amitabha Buddha, the supreme Buddha of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. He is respectfully called "Greatly Diligent Bodhisattva," which means that his practice is diligent and courageous, like a sharp sword cutting through the sky, unstoppable and without retreat.

Guanyin Bodhisattva represents "great compassion and mercy".

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva represents "courageous and diligent progress".

The Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, together with the supreme Buddha Amitabha and Amitabha's left attendant Avalokiteshvara, are collectively known as the "Three Saints of the West".

Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva are the left and right attendants of Shakyamuni Buddha, and are known as the "Three Sages of the Avatamsaka Sutra".

In the original novel "Journey to the West", the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta actually appears in the ending.

At that time, the positions of the Five Saints were already established. All Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Holy Monks, Arhats, Jieti, Bhikkhus, Upasakas, and the gods, great deities, Dingjia, Gongcao, Sangharama, and local deities of various mountains and caves, as well as all the enlightened immortals, all came together to listen to the lecture at the beginning, and now they have all returned to their respective positions.

The assembly joined their palms in reverence and recited in unison:
"Namo Sandalwood Merit Buddha, Namo Victorious Fighting Buddha, Namo Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Namo Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, Namo Manjushri Bodhisattva, Namo Samantabhadra Bodhisattva..."

These are Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva...

The order of these sacred mountains reveals a clue.

The Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta ranks only after Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, and Guanyin Bodhisattva.

It even precedes Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.

You should know that at this time, Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, and Guanyin Bodhisattva were all great contributors to the journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures!

It can be said that during this period, Tang Sanzang, Sun Wukong, and Guanyin Bodhisattva were the "stars" and "new favorites" of Mount Ling, and were highly respected.

However, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is able to firmly rank here. In the final chapter of "Journey to the West", he ranks second among all the Bodhisattvas, only after Guanyin Bodhisattva.

It is evident from this that "Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva" is also a Bodhisattva of extraordinary power in the Western Paradise, comparable to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and others.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is also a key figure at Vulture Peak, unlike Bodhisattvas like Vimalakirti.

But, it's obvious.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva was not actually part of the core circle of power of the Tathagata Buddha.

Throughout the entire Journey to the West story, the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta has no role to play.

He rarely makes public appearances.

Despite holding such a high position and great power, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva was subtly excluded from the entire "Journey to the West" project.

The bodhisattvas who appear multiple times on the journey to the West to assist Jin Chanzi in this pilgrimage project are actually Guanyin Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, who is ranked alongside Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, only makes a brief appearance at the end.

It's gone.

……

There is a proverb that says:
"Don't cry over spilled milk, but make sure to store feed for tomorrow's cows."

These words are like a wake-up call, admonishing people not to be obsessed with present gains and losses, but to have a long-term vision, plan ahead for the future, and make preparations in advance.

To put it simply, you need to invest in tomorrow, that is, the future.

There is also a proverb that says:

"The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago, the second best time is now."

It seems to be urging people not to waste time, but to seize the moment, take positive action, and focus on the things at hand.

To put it bluntly, you need to invest now.

Well, the problem is coming.

If you have a sum of money in your hands.

Should you invest it in an industry that is currently booming and extremely popular?

Or should we look to the future and invest in industries with unlimited potential and that are about to emerge?
Will you choose the glory and security of the present, or the infinite possibilities of the future?

It is obvious that in Lingshan, some people will invest in the present (the present Buddha) and enjoy the present glory.

Some people will invest in the future (the future Buddha Maitreya), betting on a prosperous future.

……

At this moment.

Above Mount Ling, auspicious clouds swirl and Buddha's light shines everywhere.

The Buddha sat regally on a nine-tiered lotus throne, his countenance solemn and dignified, radiating an aura of authority that commanded respect and looked down upon all living beings.

When you see the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta, you should recommend others.

"Mahasthamaprapta..."

Although a hint of displeasure arose in the Buddha's heart, his brows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

However, at this public assembly, as a leader of the Buddhist community, he knew he needed to win people over with fairness, so he remained calm and quietly concealed his displeasure without revealing it at all.

The Buddha, with a calm expression and serene gaze, looked at the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta and slowly spoke:

“Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, please speak freely.”

"I wonder which talented person you are recommending?"

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva clasped his hands together, his voice clear and resonant, and said:
"Although Jin Chanzi was a Buddhist disciple, he was a monk who entered the monastic life later in life."

“Jin Chanzi has shown disrespect on his path of Buddhist practice, and I fear he may not be able to fully comprehend the profound and mysterious essence of my Buddhist teachings.”

"The person I recommend is Huang Mei, a disciple of Maitreya Buddha."

"Huang Mei has followed Maitreya Buddha in his practice since childhood. He has a good understanding of Buddhism, a solid foundation, and is quick-witted and intelligent, with extraordinary abilities."

"If Huangmei can shoulder this important responsibility, he will surely make a name for himself in Jambudvipa, promote the supreme Dharma of our Buddhist school, and accumulate immeasurable merit!"

As soon as Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva finished speaking, the hall fell silent, and everyone held their breath.

"Yellow Eyebrows..."

"Yellow-Eyebrowed Buddha beneath Maitreya's throne..."

All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas focused their piercing gazes on Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, as if pondering whether the candidate he had proposed was suitable.

"A self-taught monk..."

When Samantabhadra Bodhisattva heard Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva's words about "becoming a monk halfway through life," he raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling a little displeased.

after all.

In the Western Vulture Peak, tracing its origins, the Buddha Tathagata was once the Daoist Duobao of the Jie Sect, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva was once the Samantabhadra True Man of the Chan Sect, Manjushri Bodhisattva was once the Manjushri Guangfa Heavenly Venerable of the Chan Sect, and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva was also once a member of the Chan Sect...

Looking back, during the great battle of the Investiture of the Gods, the Guide Daoist opened the Qiankun Bag within the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation and collected all three thousand guests of red qi.

Those who are destined to be in the Land of Ultimate Bliss will all be included in this bag.

The Western religion was originally weak and small in number. It was only with the addition of these "newcomers" that it gradually grew stronger and more influential.

However, this aroused dissatisfaction among the original direct descendants of the two Western saints.

As the saying goes:
"Where there are people, there is a world of its own; where there is a world of its own, there is conflict."

If we say that the Buddha Tathagata and his followers, such as Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, represent the "halfway monks" of the Western Paradise.

As the saying goes:
"Foreign monks know how to chant sutras."

This statement would also apply to Mount Ling.

In order to win over these "newcomers and outsiders," the two Western Saints mostly offered them high positions.

Most of them wielded great power in Lingshan.

Among them, Daoist Duobao was directly the leader of the Western Sect. The current Mount Ling is ruled by the "halfway monks" led by Buddha Tathagata.

Then Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, and his followers, such as Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, represent "local monks".

They represent the "original direct line of the West," which is implicitly in opposition to the "halfway-born" faction.

now.

In the Western sacred mountain, the "local monks" wield less power and receive fewer offerings of incense than the "foreign monks."

People do not suffer from scarcity, but from inequality.

This is human nature.

Do you think these local monks and these monks from other places can get along?
At this moment.

The monks from outside the Western Spirit Mountain and the local monks of the Western Spirit Mountain are locked in a fierce battle, like evenly matched opponents, with undercurrents surging beneath the surface.

Naturally, there are henchmen who defend their leader.

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events and refused to back down.

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva stepped forward, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing, like that of a hawk, and slowly spoke:

“Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, this yellow-browed boy has been practicing under Maitreya Buddha for many years.”

"But I am also a 'latecomer' to this field, and my understanding of him is still shallow. I really don't know what his abilities and character are like?"

"The situation in Jambudvipa is complex, like a dragon's den or a tiger's lair. The matter of spreading the scriptures is of utmost importance, concerning the rise and fall of our Buddhist sect. I wonder if this Yellow-Eyebrowed Boy has any extraordinary abilities that would enable him to shoulder this heavy responsibility?"

The Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta remained calm and composed, his hands still clasped in prayer, his expression serene, like a pine tree standing proudly against the wind and snow, and replied:

“Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, you have a profound understanding of the Dharma and unique insights into Buddhist doctrines. With your discerning eyes, you are able to distinguish between the wise and the foolish.”

"Huang Mei is quick-witted and intelligent, adept at handling all kinds of unexpected situations, like a skilled butcher dissecting an ox with ease."

"When he was practicing under Maitreya Buddha, Huang Mei often assisted Maitreya Buddha in handling many affairs, showing extraordinary adaptability and organizational skills, like a good general commanding troops, with calm and orderly command."

"More importantly, Huang Mei has practiced Buddhism for many years and his understanding of Buddhism is in no way inferior to Jin Chanzi's."

"If he can go to Jambudvipa to spread the scriptures, he will surely be able to open up new paths and pave the way for the eastward spread of Buddhism with his wisdom and Buddhist cultivation!"

however.

At this moment, Guanyin Bodhisattva frowned slightly, as if a cloud of doubt lingered in her heart.

She clasped her hands together and spoke slowly:

"Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta and the Yellow-Eyebrowed Boy may have their strengths, but the Taoist sects in Jambudvipa are deeply entrenched and intertwined like a giant net. The path of spreading the scriptures will surely be full of thorns and dangers."

"Huang Mei is still just a novice, young and impetuous, and may act rashly. I fear that he may cause trouble with the Taoist sect due to a moment of anger, thus ruining our Buddhist sect's great plan to spread the scriptures."

"In comparison, Jin Chanzi was older, more mature, and acted with composure."

"I believe this matter requires careful consideration."

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva also nodded slightly and echoed:

“What Guanyin Bodhisattva said is absolutely right, and it resonates deeply with me.”

"The task of transmitting scriptures cannot be undertaken by anyone but a calm and composed person."

"Although Huangmei Boy is clever and intelligent, he is still young. If he goes there rashly, he may not be able to handle the many complex situations."

At this moment.

The faint smile on Maitreya Buddha's lips became more and more obvious.

“Samantabhadra…”

Maitreya Buddha slightly raised his hand, signaling Samantabhadra Bodhisattva to calm down.

Then, Maitreya Buddha slowly spoke, looking at Tathagata Buddha, his voice loud and compassionate:

“World Honored One, what Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva said is true and indeed reasonable.”

"Although Huang Mei is a bit mischievous, he is kind-hearted and has a sincere devotion to Buddhism."

"Moreover, he has followed me in my practice for many years and has a solid foundation in Buddhism. If he can take this opportunity to go out and gain experience, it will be of great benefit to his own practice. Just as a rough jade needs to be carved to reveal its brilliance."

"If he can truly accomplish the important task of spreading the scriptures, it will be a great blessing for Buddhism."

At this moment, Manjushri Bodhisattva stepped forward and said:
“The land of Maitreya Buddha is the territory of Jambudvipa, where the Taoist sect has long been entrenched and its influence is deeply rooted.”

"Although Huangmei Tongzi is known for his quick wit and intelligence, he may act rashly and impulsively."

“If we rashly send him away alone, I fear he will be unable to shoulder this heavy responsibility and will instead jeopardize our Buddhist mission of spreading the scriptures.”

"In my opinion, it would be the best course of action to send someone of high moral character, profound knowledge of Buddhism, and extensive experience."

"Manjushri Bodhisattva..."

Upon hearing this, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva frowned, clasped his hands together, and was about to speak in rebuttal.

But then the ancient Buddha Dipankara raised his eyes slightly, his gaze as deep and majestic as an abyss, sweeping over all the Buddhas in the hall, before slowly speaking, his voice low and resonant, echoing throughout the hall:

“What Manjushri Bodhisattva said is not without reason.”

"Although the Yellow-Eyebrowed Boy has his strengths, the matter of transmitting the scriptures concerns the long-term plan of our Buddhist sect, and we must be cautious."

"However, the recommendation of the Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta also has its merits."

"The Yellow-Eyebrowed Boy is quick-witted and intelligent; if properly guided, he may achieve great things."

Dipankara Buddha paused slightly, his gaze shifting between Manjushri Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, before continuing:

“I think it is appropriate to send Huangmei Boy and Jin Chanzi together to Nanzhanbuzhou.”

"Although Jin Chanzi once disrespected Buddhism, he had a deep Buddhist nature, a solid foundation, and his character became more resilient after experiencing hardships."

“The Yellow-Eyebrowed Boy has been listening to the Dharma from Maitreya Buddha since childhood, and his Buddhist attainments are extraordinary, and his foundation is equally solid and firm.”

"As for his youthful vigor?"

The corners of Dipankara Buddha's mouth turned up slightly, revealing a faint smile:
"This is not a flaw, but rather the source of youthful vigor."

"If you're not spirited, what kind of young man are you?"

"Going to explore the Southern Continent, being young and ambitious, might not be a bad thing. Perhaps it will allow us to create a brand new world."

"I believe that Jin Chanzi and Huang Mei should each demonstrate their abilities and judge the outcome based on the effectiveness of their teachings. Only the winner will be able to assume this important responsibility."

"In this way, we can not only unleash the potential of the two people, but also ensure that the person chosen to transmit the scriptures is the most suitable, so as not to fail the great trust of our Buddhist sect and the high expectations of the people."

Dipankara Buddha was a past Buddha of Vulture Peak, and he abdicated, handing over the position to the Tathagata Buddha.

He was essentially the "retired emperor" of Lingshan, enjoying extremely high prestige there.

As soon as the Ancient Buddha Dipankara uttered these words, a chorus of agreement immediately filled the hall.

"What Dipankara Buddha said is absolutely right!"

"The ancient Buddha Dipankara has a far-sighted vision, and his words are deeply in line with Buddhist principles..."

"Letting the two compete fairly, allowing each to utilize their strengths, is truly a brilliant strategy..."

All the Buddhas in the main hall nodded slightly, seemingly feeling that this method was both fair and comprehensive, truly the best approach.

The Buddha saw the situation in this way.

His gaze was deep, and after a moment of contemplation, he nodded slightly and said:
“What Dipankara Buddha said is very true.”

"The matter of transmitting scriptures concerns the rise and fall of Buddhism, so we must act with caution, but we must also be bold in employing people."

"This arrangement is just right."

"Huang Mei and Jin Chanzi are both promising disciples of our Western Buddhism. This competition among them is also a rare opportunity for them to hone their skills."

Upon hearing this arrangement, Manjushri Bodhisattva, though still somewhat worried about Yellow Eyebrows, knew that the will of Dipankara Buddha could not be disobeyed. He then clasped his hands together and said:

"The arrangement made by Dipankara Buddha has its own profound meaning. Jin Chanzi and Huang Mei are indeed extraordinary, but the dangers of Jambudvipa are no small matter."

"I hope the two of you can support each other and not let competition damage your friendship as fellow disciples. Furthermore, you must not let personal grudges interfere with the important affairs of our Buddhist sect, otherwise the sin will be great."

Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva put his hands together in prayer and said:
"The ancient Buddha Dipankara has a clear understanding of this; this arrangement is truly ingenious."

"Huang Mei will definitely go all out to compete fairly with Jin Chanzi and show his abilities."

"If Huang Mei wins, I hope everyone will refrain from further objections, so as to prove the fairness of Buddhism!"

(End of this chapter)