Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 100: A sudden turn of events

In the summer of the 16th year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty, the scorching sun hung high in the sky of Chang'an. However, the atmosphere in the court of the imperial palace was completely different from the hot weather. A discussion on the exchange of Buddhist teachings and culture was taking place fiercely.

Several ministers stepped forward, and one, Lord Wang, was the first to speak out: "Your Majesty, I have recently observed the public sentiment. Although there were some issues with the spread of Buddhism by Amir and others, public sentiment is now shifting towards good. Many people have found solace in Buddhism and are proud of our Tang culture. I believe that excessive restrictions on Amir's academic exchanges will only lose public support and hinder the development of our culture."

The ministers around him nodded in agreement, and another Lord Li echoed, "Your Majesty, we have briefly studied Amir's book. Its analysis of Buddhist culture in the Central Plains and the Western Regions is unique. If we can make good use of it, it will demonstrate tolerance and promote the prestige of our culture in the Tang Dynasty's foreign relations. This is truly a rare opportunity."

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his brow furrowed slightly, lost in thought. He recalled the folk rumors he had heard recently, the flourishing Buddhist activities in places like Xingshan Temple, and the people's curiosity and acceptance of the Western cultural perspectives brought by Amir. After a long pause, he slowly spoke, "Since that is the case, then I will issue an order to lift some of the restrictions on Amir and assign him to a designated location to study Buddhism with Tang scholars and monks, ensuring that cultural exchange is beneficial rather than harmful."

This decree was like a huge rock hitting the water, sending ripples through Chang'an. The news quickly reached the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where Jueyuan and Amir were overjoyed.

In the courtyard of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Jueyuan excitedly shook Amir's hand and said, "Brother Amir, things have finally turned around! Your years of hard work and perseverance have finally been recognized."

Tears welled up in Amir's eyes. "Master Jueyuan, without your continued support and encouragement, I wouldn't have been able to persevere until now. This is a blessing for us both, and even more so for the cultural exchange of Buddhism."

At this moment, Liu Yifeng also hurried over, his face filled with joy: "Great! This is really exciting news. I must create a painting to record this precious moment."

Soon after, a grand Buddhist seminar commenced at the Imperial Academy, the imperial academy in Chang'an. The Imperial Academy's courtyards were shaded by verdant trees and a vibrant display of flowers. Eminent monks and renowned scholars from across the Central Plains gathered, along with Amir from the Western Regions and several of his Western scholars.

Everyone first respectfully worshipped the Buddha statue, then sat down at their respective tables. Amir stood up, held up his book, and respectfully presented it to the minister sent by the emperor to oversee the proceedings. "Your Excellency," he said, "this is my book. I hope it will serve as a catalyst for today's discussion."

The minister took it, smiled and nodded, "Amir, His Majesty is looking forward to your book. Please tell us more about it."

Amir took a deep breath and began to explain: "Everyone, Central Plains Buddhism has a long history and a complete theoretical system. For example, the Yogacarabhumi Sutra's explanation of 'realm, practice, and fruit' is exquisite. Western Buddhism, on the other hand, places greater emphasis on the integration of practical understanding and nature. For example, when practicing 'Samadhi Samadhi', Western practitioners often go to natural places such as wilderness and mountains to draw on the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to assist their inner practice..."

The scholars in the audience listened attentively, asking questions from time to time. An elderly scholar from the Central Plains asked, "Amir, you said that people in the Western Regions practice enlightenment through immersion in nature. But wouldn't bad weather hinder practice?"

Amir calmly replied, "Old scholar, you may not know that in the eyes of the people of the Western Regions, bad weather is also a test of spiritual practice, just like the hardships mentioned in the Buddhist teachings of the Central Plains. They can sharpen the mind and allow people to more deeply understand the Buddhist principle of impermanence."

Everyone nodded after hearing this. Then, a young scholar from the Western Regions stood up and said, "The meditation skills of Central Plains Buddhism are profound, and we from the Western Regions would like to learn more. Master Jueyuan, could you share some of the key points of Central Plains meditation?"

Jueyuan clasped his hands together and said, "The key to Zen meditation lies in the concentration of the mind. In a quiet room, eliminate distracting thoughts and start by counting your breaths. With each breath, feel the breath of life and the rhythm of Buddhism..."

The atmosphere grew increasingly lively during the interactive exchange. Scholars debated and discussed, sparks of thought constantly clashing. Students from the Imperial College gathered around, their eyes filled with curiosity and admiration. Through this exchange, they experienced the unprecedented charm of Buddhist culture.

In a corner of the academy, Liu Yifeng set up his easel and swiftly moved his brush, capturing this remarkable scene of cultural exchange: the scholars' focused expressions, Amir's confident demeanor, Jueyuan's calm and dignified demeanor, and the harmonious blend of lush greenery and flowers among the crowds.

As the discussion deepened, the group began to discuss how to better promote the integration of Buddhist culture between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. One minister suggested, "We could establish dedicated cultural exchange halls in various temples to regularly host such seminars, allowing more monks and civilians to participate."

Another scholar suggested: “We could also organize people to compile the results of the exchange into a book and distribute it to all regions so that even remote areas can benefit.”

Amir listened to everyone's suggestions, his heart filled with longing: "If this can be achieved, Buddhist culture will surely flourish in the Tang Dynasty and even in the wider world."

Jueyuan also said, "This is a cause that benefits all living beings, and we should devote all our efforts to it. May the light of the Dharma, like the scorching summer sun, illuminate every corner, dispel the darkness of the soul, and lead all living beings to the path of liberation and wisdom."

This grand Buddhist seminar at the Imperial College lasted for three full days. During these three days, Chang'an was filled with anticipation and enthusiasm for Buddhist cultural exchange. This event marked a new starting point for the deep integration of Buddhist culture between the Central Plains and the Western Regions, adding a significant touch to the flourishing culture of the Tang Dynasty and leaving a brilliant and unforgettable chapter in the long river of history.