Ming Jiajing: Starting from Immortality

Chapter 237 The power of the saints, kill with full blood!

"You monk, what are you talking about all day long, and what are you looking at?"

It was with great difficulty that a great master was selected in the Buddhist community. As soon as Master Yuanwu of Tiantong Temple came on stage, Qian Dehong's eyes "pierced" him and challenged him.

Zen Master Yuanwu said nothing. He fiddled with the rosary in his hand, his eyes slightly closed, neither speaking nor looking.

This is a silent counterattack.

Different road non-phase plan.

In the first round of confrontation, Buddhist Zen Master Yuanwu actually gained the upper hand.

Since it concerns the orthodoxy of Taoism, even the great masters could not help but feel ripples in their hearts and reveal their joy when they saw this, and those Buddhist disciples with shallow Taoism practice were all delighted.

Zhang Yuan, the Great Immortal from Chaotian Palace, the largest Taoist temple in Jiangnan, did not expect the surprise to come so suddenly.

Three-way debate.

As the attacker, the Confucians only need to attack head-on.

Buddhism and Taoism have more considerations.

When defending the ring.

One side is responsible for defense, while the other side is responsible for plundering.

Since the Buddhist sect performed so well, for the sake of harmony and morale, the main defense naturally fell to Zen Master Yuanwu, and Master Zhang Yuan could just pick up the pieces and fill in the gaps.

The Confucianists, who were at a disadvantage, felt their high morale stagnate, but the grand masters did not show any signs of worry.

As expected, Qian Dehong, the disciple of the saint, confronted Zen Master Yuanwu and asked again, "Who else is in the family?"

Entering the second round of fighting, Master Yuanwu did not stop, but opened his eyes and replied: "I still have my mother."

"Are you still alive?"

"I don't know if he's still alive."

"Do you still have the thought?"

Qian Dehong showed his "knife".

This time.

The great Buddhist masters and Taoist immortals all changed their colors.

The Confucian "filial piety knife".

It is always a powerful weapon to break defense.

Regarding the issue of "whether one can learn to become a god or not", Qian Dehong did not dwell on the issue at all, but started from the perspective of human nature.

Whether it is Taoism or Buddhism, all beliefs seek goodness.

Divinity and Buddha nature both originate from human nature.

If one loses his human nature, he is no longer a human being. If he practices Buddhism or Taoism, and even ceases to be a human being, then his study of immortals becomes the study of demons.

The debate will be lost.

Zen Master Yuanwu stopped fiddling with his rosary beads and answered calmly from the heart, "I have to."

"How can the nature of parents be destroyed? You can't help but have thoughts, which is the discovery of true nature. Even if you sit there all day, it is in vain to disturb your mind. As the saying goes: 'Parents are the Buddhas in the world, why do you need to travel thousands of miles to worship the sacred mountain?' Lambs know to kneel down to suckle, and crows know to repay their parents. You were a human being before, but now you are no longer a human being."

Qian Dehong's "knife" mercilessly cut into the heart of Zen Master Yuanwu, who had "opened the door to Buddhism."

On one side is the illusory Buddha, and on the other side is the biological mother who carried him for ten months and whom he had not seen for decades. Practicing Zen is to examine his heart. Zen Master Yuanwu asked himself, which is more important, the Buddha or the mother?
This "knife".

It hit Zen Master Yuanwu and many Buddhist monks, and even several great masters were moved by it.

After decades of meditation and sitting in meditation, I still have not been able to see the Tathagata. How can I repay my parents for giving birth to me?
A word about afterlife.

If you can deceive others, can you deceive your own heart?
"Thank you, Grandmaster!"

Zen Master Yuanwu admitted defeat.

He turned and left the arena, took off his robes and Buddhist shoes, put on a white robe, and walked barefoot back towards his hometown.

Return to secular life and go home.

Those great masters who were moved also put down their robes and Buddhist shoes and headed towards humanity.

Young Buddhist monks set out to return home.

this time.

The Jinyiwei did not try to stop him. Since he was not a Buddhist monk, it was natural for him to leave.

The Buddhist sect failed to defend the title.

All the pressure immediately fell on Zhang Yuan, the great Taoist master. If Taoism was defeated, half of the Taoist and Buddhist temples, Taoists, monks, Taoist canons and scriptures would be destroyed and disappear.

The knife of humanity killed Buddhism.

But it cannot kill Taoists. Taoists can not only take care of their parents, but also marry and have children.

There are far fewer precepts and regulations than in Buddhism.

"Do you have a wife, children and elder relatives?" Qian Dehong looked at Zhang Yuan and asked.

Zhang Yuan did not shy away from answering, "My parents are all alive, as are my wife and children."

He didn't believe that the same "knife" of Confucianism could kill Buddhism once and Taoism again.

"Can the knowledge of immortals be learned?" Qian Dehong asked again.

“You can learn it!”

This is not only the Taoist position on the issue, but also the foundation of Taoism. If it cannot be learned, what is the point of being a Taoist?
"Why do you study?"

"Achieve enlightenment and become an immortal."

"Is there a way to become an immortal in Taoism?"

"Of course there is."

"What is it?"

"If one is naturally addicted to the mysterious and the illusory, has few passions and desires, does not know the value of glory and splendor, does not use force to elevate oneself, does not see the desire for lewdness and perversion, does not stay away from evil to correct oneself; embodies the utmost benevolence, contains the utmost tranquility, transcends the dust and dirt, dwells in the true appearance of things, adheres to the Tao, and takes inaction as one's work, then one is close to the Tao of immortality. The next is to aspire to be noble and ancient, to have a good mind and to practice, to know that glory and splendor are fleeting, and to ignore them; to know that pleasure and pleasure can destroy one's nature, and to give them up without taking them; to eliminate evildoers, to cultivate good deeds, to punish anger and desire, to treat praise and criticism equally, Living in the woods and mountains, cultivating the Pure Truth. This is the second way to be close to the immortal way. The second is to be in a position of officialdom, but have a moral heart, serve the superiors with loyalty, and treat the subordinates with righteousness; be stingy to oneself, be generous to others, be kind and courteous, be generous and loving, be chaotic outside, be clear inside, practice in secret, love life and hate death. This is the third way to be close to the immortal way. The second is to be unrestrained and carefree, be content with poverty and humbleness; hold the tool of economy as if nothing, and be profound in the study of ancient and modern times as if nothing; do not accept titles, do not accept salaries, and truly value the outside world. , and take health preservation as the business. The fourth is close to the immortal way. The second is to have a bright and brilliant appearance, to have a distinguished character, to be a sharp and clever teacher, to be invincible, and to win in one battle; then to be quiet to keep oneself safe, to be harmonious to protect the spirit, and to be focused to achieve the truth. The fifth is close to the immortal way. The second is to regret the past, to cleanse one's heart and make a new one, even if it is lost in youth, one hopes to gain it in old age; to make up for mistakes with merits, and to make up for mistakes with merits; to replace evil with righteousness, and to forget evil and be righteous; setbacks cannot change one's conduct, and noise Noise cannot disturb their emotions; only the essence is subtle, accumulated with sincerity. Six is ​​close to the immortal way. Next is the utmost loyalty, the utmost filial piety, the utmost chastity, and the utmost honesty; according to the words of "Zhen Gao", they can be obtained without learning; Bi Gan's heart was cut out but he did not die, Hui Feng went against the current and came back to life; Boyi, Shuqi, Zeng Shen, Xiaoji, people saw them die, but the Tao kept them alive; such a stream, all entered the immortal state, it is called hidden scenery and transformation, death is not forgotten, this example is natural. Seven is close to the immortal way. "Zhang Yuan said loudly.

It was not only a response to Qian Dehong, but also a promotion of Taoism.

Qian Dehong smiled and said, "The seven principles are: one is to make people not seek fame and wealth, get rid of evil, be strict with themselves, be sincere to the Tao, and follow nature.

Second, it makes people respect and believe in the past, remain calm in the face of praise and criticism, live in seclusion in the mountains and forests, and maintain their pure nature.

Third, although a person holds a high position, he should be indifferent, treat others with kindness and humility, and remain untainted by the mud.

Fourth, it makes people content with poverty, have insight into the past and present, be knowledgeable but humble, not accept high positions and generous salaries, live in seclusion from the world, and cultivate their character.

Fifth, let people have a kind heart, a peaceful mood, be peaceful to nourish the spirit, and be sincere to return to their nature.

6. Let people change their ways, make amends for their mistakes, start from the small things and persevere.

Seventh, let people practice in seclusion, be influenced imperceptibly, and never forget their original intention until death.

If I give up all these, why would I become an immortal? "

Soul-searching question: If everyone has no desires, who would burn incense and worship Buddha?
Is learning useful?

Learning is useless!

Zhang Yuan Da Zhenren and the Taoists were still thinking. The onlookers were the first to get excited. They spent money and effort to seek the protection of the gods. Now the "gods" wanted them to not think about anything and not ask for anything.

Everything is destined, no one can help.

Damn it, give me your money back!
……

Confucianism successfully challenged the enemy.

The Buddhist and Taoist sects failed to defend their position.

In accordance with the regulations, Gao Gong, the chief minister in charge of the three-party debate, drafted a memorial in front of everyone to destroy half of the Taoist and Buddhist sects.

Let the great masters, great magicians and great immortals of the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism all have their names recorded as evidence.

Afterwards, he reported to Yuxi Palace.

This is a memorial to destroy Taoism and Buddhism.

It also became the first memorial to the whole country stamped with the recovered imperial seal.

"If you receive orders from Heaven, you will live a long and prosperous life."

The eight seal characters seemed to be the will of heaven, suppressing Taoism and Buddhism.

The imperial edict ordered the government offices of the two capitals and thirteen provinces to demolish half of the local Taoist temples and Buddhist temples, burn half of the statues and golden bodies of gods, and order half of the Taoists and monks to return to secular life.

The local Jinyiwei will supervise and kill anyone who disobeys the rules.

As soon as this decree was issued, Buddhists and Taoists wailed everywhere.

Over 2,300 temples across the country will be demolished, 1,265,000 monks and nuns will be returned to secular life, over 20,000 monasteries and hermitages will be demolished, tens of millions of acres of fertile land will be confiscated, 150,000 slaves will be confiscated, and the people will be registered and given land and taxes.

Over 900 temples across the country will be demolished, 260,300 Taoists will be returned to secular life, over 9,000 wild shrines and lewd shrines will be demolished, tens of millions of acres of fertile land will be confiscated, 120,000 "immortal slaves" will be collected, and they will be registered and given land and taxes.

That's right.

There are slaves in Buddhist temples and "immortal slaves" in Taoist temples.

The source of private slaves was basically selling them in the market.

Trafficking is further divided into voluntary selling into slavery and robbery trafficking.

The former basically belong to those who come from impoverished families, live in poverty, and are willing to sell themselves into slavery in order to survive.

The latter basically involves reselling innocent people as slaves. This behavior is against the laws of the Ming Dynasty and is strictly prohibited by the imperial court, but innocent people are still repeatedly sold.

There are two ways for Buddhist temples and Taoist temples to obtain slaves (immortal slaves): one is to buy and sell them at the market, and the other is to receive them as gifts from high-ranking officials.

Although Buddhism and Taoism are pure places, the former has nuns and the latter has "female monks".

One of the reasons for the existence of these slaves and immortal slaves is to be responsible for the daily life of female monks and female Taoists.

Especially the nuns and female priests of high status in the upper class, who not only enjoyed supplies from the court, but also received gifts and support from dignitaries. They lived a luxurious life, ordering slaves around, and were like the rulers of the "Kingdom of Women".

There are many dirty things in this, and the great Taoist masters and Buddhist magicians cover their faces and are unwilling to mention it again.

Taoism and Buddhism had lost face enough in debates, and the court did not pursue them further.

As for the legends spread by Confucian scholars, they were no longer within the jurisdiction of the imperial court.

Intellectuals are often talkative.

The real Taoist canons and scriptures were mostly hidden in grand temples and large monasteries. The Embroidered Uniform Guard "invited" great immortals and great magicians to send letters back and burn the Taoist and Buddhist canons.

There are ninety-eight volumes of the Taoist Canon, forty-nine of which are to be burned.

There are 5,480 volumes in the Buddhist Scriptures, and 2,544 of them are to be burned.

The Imperial Guards have been busy since the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The first three-way debate ended with a quick victory for the Confucian school, and the date for the second debate was chosen by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory as the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the Lantern Festival.

This means that people from the three religions are not going to have a good holiday!
The Taoist Master and the Buddhist Master left one after another, and the Confucian Master also went to celebrate. However, Qian Dehong, who had won a perfect victory against two opponents today, stayed and walked towards Gao Gong, saying:

"Gao Xiang!"

This title.

The officials from the six ministries who were clearing the scene all looked at him sideways.

This disciple of the saint is not only good at talking, but also knows how to behave.

Gao Gong's heart was struck, and he smiled and said, "Grandmaster Qian."

Gao Gong had two teachers.

Li Linshan and Jia Yong.

Li Linshan was Gao Gong's mentor before he entered officialdom, and Jia Yong was Gao Gong's mentor after he entered officialdom.

Li Linshan returned to his hometown as Zhongxian Doctor and Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and he still lives there today.

However, Jia Yong, the former cabinet minister of the Jiajing Dynasty, died early in the 26th year of Jiajing and was buried in Nanwu.

Li Linshan and Jia Yong were both Confucianists and were once the mainstays of Confucianism. Gao Gong was also considered a Confucianist.

Qian Dehong came to pay his respects as a great Confucian master, so Gao Gong had to give him face.

"I have something I would like to ask for your help."

"Grandmaster Qian, please feel free to speak."

"Please ask Prime Minister Gao to introduce me to Yuan Fu."

"Grandmaster Qian, you are joking. You and Mr. Longxi (Wang Ji) are from the same school. You took the palace examination together, became Jinshi in the same year, and you are both his brother. You were both 'Professor Wang's School' and managed the school on behalf of the sage. You are as close as brothers. Yuanfu is the disciple of Mr. Longxi, and also yours. If you want to see Yuanfu, just send a message to him and he will come to see you without stopping. Why do you need my introduction?" Gao Gong said while practicing Tai Chi.

I accepted the title, but I had no intention of doing anything.

The officials from the six ministries who were listening nearby had their mouths twitching slightly. It must be said that there is a big difference between the current cabinet and Yan Song's cabinet.

Yan Song's cabinet was openly shameless because of the presence of Yan Shifan, while in Zhang Juzheng's cabinet, all the cabinet ministers spoke nicely but were shameless at heart.

Qian Dehong would probably not even be able to get in the door even if he went to the prime minister's residence in person to ask for an audience, let alone send a message to the prime minister.

The emperor is determined to destroy the three religions, and the prime minister, who is "blinded by power", will avoid all suspicion.

"I have a copy of 'The Burial of a Traveler' written by my mentor, and I'd like to give it to Prime Minister Gao." Qian Dehong was not surprised and directly quoted a price.

Most of the works, letters and handwritten manuscripts of my mentor Wang Yangming are in Qian Dehong's hands. He took out one and there were still many left.

Gao Gong's heart moved and his eyes lit up. "The Burial of the Traveler" was written by Mr. Yangming when he witnessed the sudden death of a family of three of Li Mu in a foreign land during his exile in Longchang Posthouse, Guizhou. He and the Li Mu and his servant had never met before, but they felt a sense of connection and were moved by the writing.

This eulogy was personally written and is priceless, making it a well-deserved family heirloom.

After all, he is an "old man" and he has a lot of good things in his hands.

"I just happen to have something to ask the Prime Minister. If Grand Master Qian doesn't mind, you can come with me. Grand Master, please ride with me. I have something to ask you." Gao Gong agreed.

He invited Qian Dehong to get on his sedan chair and headed towards the prime minister's residence.

Six officials were left to clean up the blood...

(End of this chapter)