Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 640 Bodhi Has No Tree

Hu Qing wasn't just making things up. She had met all sorts of Buddhists in the Wei Kingdom before, and they were all hypocritical and sanctimonious, with very few good people.

Mingxin ignored Hu Qing's words and smiled at Lu Zheng, saying, "Benefactor Lu seems to have a prejudice against us Buddhists?"

Mingxin knew that Anguo banned Buddhism, and he felt that Lu Zheng had a bad impression of Buddhism, probably for this reason.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng slowly replied, "I have heard that Buddhism once spread throughout the world and had countless believers. After several great ups and downs, among the great dynasties, only Buddhism in the Wei Kingdom remains prosperous and undiminished..."

"Some dynasties banned Buddhism as if they feared demons and ghosts; why did they go to such lengths?"

Lu Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "The Buddha's words can now be misinterpreted into many different meanings. There is no unified doctrine, and countless Buddhists practice their own methods. But how many of them have truly grasped the Buddha's true meaning?"

"In my opinion, most monks in this world are selfish and greedy. They merely use the name of Buddha to benefit themselves."

Lu Zheng looked at Mingxin with a serious expression and asked, "Does the Master think that when Buddha and his disciples founded Buddhism and Taoism, they intended to see such a Buddhist sect?"

A flicker of emotion crossed Mingxin's eyes, but before he could respond, another word echoed in his ears like a thunderclap.

"Master, is there a true Buddha in your heart?"

Lu Zheng's gaze was intense, and under the invisible aura of righteousness surrounding him, no one could give a false answer.

Ku Xin and Hu Qing, who were standing nearby, both changed their expressions slightly, thinking to themselves that Lu Zheng's words were too sharp. If an ordinary person were targeted by such words, their Dao heart would probably be unstable.

Mingxin clasped his hands together and said calmly, "I am ashamed. This humble monk is ignorant and has shallow spiritual cultivation. I am still on the path of seeking Buddhahood and have not yet seen the true Buddha."

Hu Qing raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself that this old monk was quite eloquent and could get away with such a perfunctory manner.

Mingxin continued, “Most people in the world are ignorant and foolish. It is inevitable for ordinary people to have selfish desires, which is why they need to cultivate Buddhism to correct them. Benefactor Lu should not be so harsh on those people…”

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "The ignorant cannot do things that deceive the Buddha or others."

"This is the case in Buddhism today, in Taoism, and in Confucianism as well..."

Mingxin's expression shifted slightly. Lu Zheng had even criticized Confucianism, so he had nothing to say and could not refute him.

But then again, it seems he didn't come to Lu Zheng to discuss these matters, so why was he suddenly led by Lu Zheng?

This kid is a prodigy... Mingxin sighed, even those in the sect who are skilled in debating scriptures would probably not be able to gain the upper hand when they encounter Lu Zheng discussing scriptures and doctrines.

Mingxin then asked, "What does Benefactor Lu think is the best way to dispel their ignorance?"

Since Lu Zheng criticizes Buddhists so much, he can't just criticize without knowing how to solve the problem, right?
Lu Zheng smiled faintly, and his entire demeanor changed.

"The body is a Bodhi tree, the mind a clear mirror. Constantly wipe it clean, lest it be covered with dust."

Those present looked surprised upon hearing this. They could clearly sense a trace of Buddhist energy emanating from Lu Zheng, though it was not much, it was incredibly pure.

Upon hearing Lu Zheng utter such a Buddhist verse, Mingxin felt as if her heart was churning with turmoil, and she was unable to calm down for a moment.

With a gleam in his eyes, he knew that Lu Zheng had a natural talent for Buddhism. It was truly rare for someone who could possess such a pure Buddhist aura without majoring in Buddhism.

Lu Zheng spoke up, "I have heard a high-ranking Buddhist monk say this before. What do you think of this statement, Master?"

Mingxin's eyes flickered slightly. Which eminent monk had said this? How come he didn't know? This young man had even met a Buddhist master before.
For a moment, Mingxin was filled with a myriad of thoughts, feeling increasingly unable to understand Lu Zheng.

He replied leisurely, "This poem does indeed resonate with the practices of my Mind School..."

Ku Xin and Hu Qing couldn't help but glance sideways, both feeling somewhat displeased. Did they really intend to display such profound poems under the Xin Sect's banner? Was it to promote the Xin Sect of Buddhism?

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "I also heard something else."

The three of them immediately focused their attention and pricked up their ears, eager to hear what other surprising things Lu Zheng would say next.

"Bodhi has no tree, nor is the bright mirror a stand. Originally there is nothing, so where can dust alight?"

Upon hearing this, all three were deeply shaken, and even the Buddhist power within them resonated strongly, even more intensely than before.

Mingxin stood there, his mind reeling, Buddhist chants echoing in his mind, and he entered a state of enlightenment.

Ku Xin and Hu Qing both looked blank, their hearts churning with turmoil.

The effect of presenting two poems simultaneously is far more than just one plus one equals two.

Each of the three of them fell into a profound state of enlightenment.

Lu Zheng observed the slightly different reactions of the three men, remained calm and composed, took small sips of tea, and waited for them to come to their senses.

After a moment, Hu Qing was the first to regain her senses, looking at Lu Zheng with a complicated expression.

Hearing your words is like saving ten years of spiritual practice.

Hu Qing was overjoyed, feeling that she had made the right bet. Following Lu Zheng was much better than getting involved with the local forces.

After some time, Kuxin and Mingxin came to their senses one after another.

Everyone's understanding of Buddhism has improved, and if they could find a place to retreat and meditate for a period of time, they could make further breakthroughs. However, the current situation is not the time to go into retreat.

Mingxin was deeply moved and bowed to Lu Zhengyi, saying, "I never expected that Benefactor Lu is so proficient in the teachings of Buddhism. With your guidance, I have gained some insights. This trip has not been in vain."

Before coming, Mingxin thought she was just going to meet a young junior and find out his background.

Instead of figuring out the other party's true nature, I was influenced by their words and even gained some insights, which made me feel quite ashamed.

Recalling what had just been said, Mingxin inexplicably felt like a speck of dust, as if the purpose of her trip was to tarnish this young man.

Lu Zheng saw Mingxin bow and quickly offered a gesture of support, saying, "It was just a casual chat. If you were able to gain some insight from it, Master, that is because you have talent and understanding. What virtue or ability do I have to be qualified to enlighten you?"

Hu Qing blinked her beautiful eyes. Just now her words were aggressive, but now she's become humble. Is this Lu Zheng's way of dealing with people?

"First force, then courtesy?" Does this mean first demonstrating one's abilities to instill respect, then treating others with courtesy to win their respect? I've truly learned something.

Lu Zheng continued, "Speaking of which, Master, you've come here for more than just to see me, haven't you? How could I, a mere junior, trouble you to come all this way? If you have anything to say, please just say it!"

Seeing that Lu Zheng spoke so frankly and directly, Mingxin realized that if he were to still hide anything, he would be at a disadvantage.

Mingxin then said, "This humble monk was also entrusted by someone to come and see how you are doing in the Northern Region."

Lu Zheng smiled faintly upon hearing this, "But some people in Wei think that I came here to do this, occupying a territory and not leaving. Who instructed me to do this?"

Mingxin lowered her gaze and remained silent.

He couldn't understand Lu Zheng right now, so naturally he couldn't give a proper answer.

Lu Zheng glanced sideways at the distant land, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

Those who know me say I am worried; those who do not know me ask what I seek. Oh, vast heaven, who is this person?

Lu Zheng slowly stood up, turned his gaze to Ming Xin, and said, "I can tell you all clearly that no one ordered me to come here, and no one in Anguo can command me!"

"If you all think I have someone backing me, then I can tell you!"

"Behind me are the people of the world! Behind me are the sages and predecessors of the past!"

"I am here to complete the unfinished work of sages throughout history, and for the world of great harmony that our predecessors longed for!"

Lu Zheng spoke with a firm and resounding voice, his words carrying an imposing aura that made people afraid to confront him directly.

"I once heard someone say that the most precious thing a person has is life, and a person's life should be spent in this way..."

"When he looks back on his life, he will not regret having wasted his years or lived a life of mediocrity, nor will he feel ashamed of his base character or vulgar lifestyle. In this way, when he is about to die, he can say..."

"I have dedicated my entire life and all my energy to the most magnificent cause in the world: the struggle for the liberation of all mankind!"

Boom!

A bolt from the blue, deafening and earth-shattering.

These straightforward words are even more impactful than the previous two poems.

Mingxin faced Lu Zheng with his eyes slightly lowered. Even though he was older and more experienced than Lu Zheng, he could not look directly into Lu Zheng's eyes, which were as intense as the sun.

Lu Zheng's eyes shone brightly. "If the master has come to suppress me, he is free to take action. Even without me, the world will not lack people like me."

Mingxin clasped his hands together and chanted Buddhist mantras, saying, "You misunderstand, benefactor. This humble monk had no such intention. I understand your meaning and will inform them..."

Suppress Lu Zheng? Even if he couldn't see into Lu Zheng's heart, he could see that Lu Zheng possessed great fortune and merit...

Let alone whether or not they have the ability to suppress the other party, even if they actually suppress Lu Zheng, it will not benefit him at all, but may even harm themselves.

Mingxin knew that staying any longer would not work; he would not gain the trust of these people. It would be better to go back as soon as possible, report back, and end this matter.

Mingxin then said, "This humble monk will take his leave now. If Benefactor Lu ever comes to Yixin Temple in Pingcheng, Wei State, I will certainly welcome him with open arms."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Take care, Master. I won't see you off any further."

Mingxin nodded, turned around, and transformed into a golden light, disappearing into the distance.

He watched Mingxin disappear before turning his gaze away.

He looked at Lu Zheng with surprise, wondering how the Mingxin High Monk of the Xin Sect could be sent away so easily.
On the other side, Hu Qing's eyes sparkled as she stared blankly at Lu Zheng, her heart pounding with excitement. This young man was simply too imposing and domineering...

"Cough cough."

Seeing that Hu Qing was practically drooling, Ku Xin couldn't help but say, "You vixen, tone it down a bit, you're drooling."

Hu Qing snapped out of her daze upon hearing this, instinctively raised her hand to wipe her mouth, and then said unhappily, "What nonsense are you spouting, you monk!"

Hu Qing quickly changed the subject, saying, "That old monk just left like that. Will someone even more powerful come after him?"

(End of this chapter)