Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 102: The Mission of Inheritance

In the spring of the 17th year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty, all things revived and flourished. The Buddhist Academy beneath the Big Wild Goose Pagoda officially opened in a peaceful atmosphere. Sunlight streamed down the academy's green tiles and red walls, casting a divine glow over them.

Jueyuan stood in the courtyard of the academy, gazing at the vibrant group of young students before him, his heart filled with emotion and anticipation. These students, their eyes shone with curiosity and reverence for Buddhism. They came from diverse regions and family backgrounds, yet were united by their shared passion for the Dharma.

"Fellow students, today marks the beginning of the Buddhist Academy's term, marking a new starting point for the transmission of the Dharma." Jueyuan's voice boomed, echoing throughout the courtyard. "Mr. Amiel and I will do our utmost to impart the wisdom of the Dharma to you. We hope that you will one day become the light of the Dharma, illuminating the darkness of the world."

The students clasped their hands together and bowed to express their respect for Master Jueyuan.

In a spacious classroom at the academy, Amir sat with several scholars and teachers from the Central Plains, discussing teaching plans and textbook development. Holding up a booklet covered in Western characters and images, Amir explained, "This is a unique method of teaching Buddhist teachings in the Western Regions. We focus on guiding students through stories and practical experiences to understand the essence of Buddhism. For example, we'll use ancient Western myths and legends as a guide to explain the principles of cause and effect and reincarnation."

A Central Plains scholar nodded in praise, "This method is excellent and can complement the traditional Central Plains interpretation of scriptures. We Central Plains teachers excel at analyzing the classics word by word. If we can combine it with Western methods, it will surely help students understand it more thoroughly."

So they began to jointly compile textbooks. Amir recounted stories and philosophical principles from Western classics, while scholars from the Central Plains compared them with classics such as the Yogacarabhumi Sutra, explaining the similarities, differences, and connections between them in easy-to-understand language.

In the classroom, teaching activities were also in full swing. Amir personally taught a course on Buddhist culture in the Western Regions. He stood at the podium, behind him hung a map of the Western Regions and some scrolls depicting Buddhist holy sites there.

"Students, today I will tell you about Khotan, the Buddhist kingdom in the Western Regions." Amir's eyes revealed a hint of nostalgia and longing. "Khotan is a place full of mystery and the glory of Buddhism. Legend has it that the Buddha left many holy relics there."

The students in the audience listened intently. One of them, a wealthy young man from the Central Plains named Su Jin, asked curiously, "Mr. Amir, what is the difference between Khotanese Buddhism and Central Plains Buddhism?"

Amir smiled and replied, "Khotanese Buddhism incorporates local customs and culture. Its Buddha statues are uniquely carved, often using local jade. The sculptures are beautifully shaped and imbued with Western charm. In terms of spiritual practice, Khotanese monks place greater emphasis on traveling, traversing mountains and rivers, and contemplating the harmony between nature and Buddhism. This is distinct from the practice in temples in the Central Plains."

In another classroom, Jueyuan was explaining the concept of "action" in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. He wrote a few large characters on the blackboard: "The path of practice lies in the unity of mind and action."

Jueyuan turned around, looked at the students in the audience, and said, "Everyone, cultivation is not just about reciting scriptures; it's also about putting them into practice in your daily life. For example, treating others with compassion and being willing to help others is practicing the good intentions in Buddhism."

A poor young man from the Western Regions named Alimu raised his hand and said, "Master, in the Western Regions, we poor people often help each other and share our meager food and water. Is this also a form of spiritual practice?"

Jueyuan nodded in approval: "Alimu, you are absolutely right. Whether in the Central Plains or the Western Regions, as long as you have good thoughts and do good deeds, it is all cultivation."

In the courtyard of the academy, students would discuss and exchange ideas after class. Su Jin and Alim would often sit together, sharing their life experiences and insights into Buddhism.

Su Jin looked at Alimu's tattered clothes and felt touched. "Alimu, although you came from a poor family, your understanding of Buddhism is so profound. I grew up in wealth, but I was often tempted by worldly fame and fortune."

Alim smiled and said, "Brother Su Jin, wealth and poverty are merely external appearances. Buddhism teaches us that inner purity and kindness are most important. Your presence here to study Buddhism means you have a connection with the Buddha and will surely find your inner direction."

In addition to classroom learning and exchanges, the Buddhist Academy also organized practical activities. They would visit temples and poor villages around Chang'an to provide charity relief and preach the Dharma.

On one trip to a village, the students witnessed the suffering of the people: lack of food and clothing, and plagued by illness. They applied their Buddhist knowledge to help the villagers. Some students recited scriptures for the villagers, praying for Buddha's protection; others distributed food and clothing they had brought with them.

Alimu used his knowledge of herbal medicine from the Western Regions to treat an ailing elderly man. While pounding the herbs, he gently comforted the old man, "Don't worry, old man. These herbs are commonly used in the Western Regions and will surely relieve your pain."

Su Jin helped take care of the old man's daily life. He brought precious medicinal herbs and supplements from home and gave them to him without reservation.

As time goes by, students at the Buddhist Academy continue to grow through their study and practice of Buddhism. They not only gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism academically, but also achieve moral and spiritual enlightenment.

At the annual Dharma Assembly, students gathered to showcase their learning. Some recited poems inspired by Buddhist teachings; others performed short plays based on Buddhist stories; and still others displayed exquisite Buddhist paintings and calligraphy.

Su Jin stood on the stage and recited: "Buddha sits in my heart, and compassion fills the world. I wish to turn into a Bodhi leaf to save all sentient beings." His voice was full of emotion and power, winning applause from the audience.

Alim performed a Western Buddhist dance with several students from the Western Regions. Their dancing was graceful and agile, as if showing the Buddhist culture of the Western Regions in a unique way.

Jueyuan and Amir were filled with joy as they watched these students grow and progress. They knew that these young students would become the new hope for the inheritance of Buddhism, carrying the fruits of the exchange and integration of Buddhist culture between the Central Plains and the Western Regions to a broader world.

At the end of the Dharma Assembly, Jueyuan took the stage and spoke earnestly to the students, saying, "You are the future stars of Buddhism, shouldering the great mission of passing on the Dharma and saving all sentient beings. No matter where you are in the future, you must uphold your faith in the Dharma and ensure that the wisdom and compassion of the Dharma will be passed down through the world forever."

The students all put their palms together and solemnly swore: "We will live up to our teachers' kindness, pass on the Dharma, and with compassion and wisdom as our lamp, illuminate the path of hope for all sentient beings in the world."

At this moment, sunlight shone through every corner of the Buddhist Academy, seemingly foreshadowing a bright future for the Buddhist tradition. These young students, bearing their mission and hope, embarked on their own journey to spread the Dharma. In their hands, the Buddhist cultures of the Central Plains and the Western Regions will continue to blend and develop, becoming a spiritual flame that will never be extinguished in the history of human civilization.