Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 11: Advancement in Samadhi-Dhyana ...

In the ancient Indian temples, where time has imbued countless wisdom and tranquility, time, like a silent witness, quietly records every step on my spiritual journey. As my exploration of the Samadhi realm deepens, it feels as if an invisible force is quietly reshaping my body and mind, gradually transforming me within this profound realm of practice.

Each time I entered into meditation, it felt like a wondrous journey through the inner recesses of my soul. I could sense the flow of consciousness more and more clearly, like a trickle of water converging into a mighty river, gradually becoming more majestic and profound. In this process, my understanding of the Dharma no longer remained merely superficial, but like a seed, taking root and sprouting in the soil of my mind, gradually flourishing, leading to a profound realization of the Three Dharma Seals: impermanence, no-self, and nirvana's tranquility. I began to understand that all things in the world are like dreams and illusions, arising and passing away in an instant, and that the self we cling to is but an illusion created by the combination of causes and conditions. Only by transcending these illusory constraints can we reach the shore of ultimate nirvana.

However, just as light and shadow always coexist, the path of spiritual practice is not always smooth. When I was immersed in the growth and joy brought by the Samadhi Samadhi, the demonic realm suddenly descended upon the sky of my practice like a sudden storm.

It was a night of unsettling silence. Moonlight, like mercury, shone through every corner of the temple, yet it couldn't illuminate the darkness creeping deep within me. During a period of deep meditation, I suddenly found myself overwhelmed by a powerful wave of negativity. Jealousy, like a venomous snake, slithered freely within me. Seeing my fellow practitioners' gradual progress in their Buddhist practice, I felt an overwhelming surge of bitterness and resentment, as if their growth were a challenge and a threat to my own spiritual achievements. The flames of resentment also burned fiercely within me. Past minor frictions with fellow practitioners and minor external setbacks were magnified, piercing my heart like sharp blades.

I struggled painfully within this vortex of demonic existence, my heart mired in intense conflict and contradiction. On the one hand, I knew full well that these negative emotions violated the compassion and wisdom of the Buddhist teachings and were a formidable obstacle to my spiritual practice. On the other hand, I couldn't help but wallow in them, as if manipulated by an invisible force. In this dark abyss, I constantly asked myself: Why had I fallen into this state? Had the true meaning of spiritual practice, which I so eagerly sought, been swallowed up by these demonic obstacles?

Just as I was about to be completely overwhelmed by this dark force, a flicker of clarity, like a faint light, flickered within me. I began to recall the original motivation for embarking on the path of cultivation: a longing for liberation from the cycle of birth and death, compassion for the suffering of all beings, and a pursuit of the supreme wisdom of the Dharma. I also remembered the purpose of cultivation: not to compete with fellow practitioners, nor to pursue fame, wealth, and vanity in this worldly realm, but to purify my soul and achieve inner peace and enlightenment.

With this steadfast faith, I attempted to dissolve my resentment with the compassion and wisdom of the Dharma. I visualized the fellow practitioners who had incited my jealousy and resentment, viewing them as fellow practitioners struggling on the spiritual path like me. Their progress was worthy of joy and admiration, not objects of envy. I silently prayed for them, hoping that under the guidance of the Dharma, they would soon attain enlightenment. Regarding past frictions and conflicts, I contemplated them with the wisdom of emptiness, understanding that they were all simply the result of cause and condition, devoid of substance, and thus letting go of my attachment and resentment.

Throughout my agonizing battle against the demonic realm, the female cultivator remained by my side like a ray of warm and resolute light. She keenly sensed my inner struggle and pain, and without the slightest reproach or disdain, she offered me support and encouragement with endless tenderness and patience.

The temple gardens, awash in vibrant blossoms, offered no hint of joy. A female cultivator quietly approached me, her eyes shone with a profound tranquility and concern. "Brother, do not be defeated by this demonic realm. It is merely a test on your path of cultivation, like a storm in the dark night, fierce but unable to block the light of dawn." Her voice was gentle yet powerful, like a stream of clear water, slowly flowing into my parched and troubled heart.

I looked at her, my eyes filled with gratitude and guilt. "Junior Sister, I know full well that it's because I'm not steadfast enough in my practice that I've fallen into this predicament. It's just that the power of this demonic obstacle is too strong, and I'm afraid that I'll let down all my practice."

The female practitioner gently held my hand and conveyed a warm strength to me: "Brother, we practitioners should grow in adversity. You and I practice together, and no matter what difficulties and obstacles we encounter, we should support each other and face them together. You have a deep foundation in Buddhism and a firm belief. As long as you don't give up, you will definitely overcome this obstacle."

With her company and encouragement, I regained my spirits and became even more resolute in my struggle against the demonic realm. We chanted scriptures together in the temple's Buddhist hall, and the melodious sound seemed to possess a magical power, dispelling the darkness within. Whenever distracting thoughts arose, we reminded each other to reflect on our inner thoughts with the correct knowledge and understanding of the Dharma, preventing the demonic obstacles from taking advantage.

As time went by, the bond between me and the female cultivator grew deeper and stronger as we faced the trials of the demonic realm together. We were no longer just fellow practitioners, but more like soulmates, each other's presence becoming an important support for the other's practice.

However, our relationship wasn't understood or accepted by everyone in the temple. Some conservative practitioners believed that romantic relationships were forbidden during practice and would interfere with one's pursuit of the Dharma. In the temple's corridors and dining halls, they often gave us strange looks, even whispering and pointing fingers behind our backs.

This undoubtedly brought us new troubles and pressures. I was caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, I didn't want to hurt the female practitioners, nor did I want to give up the precious bond of mutual support in our practice. On the other hand, I worried that these rumors would affect the harmonious atmosphere of the temple, and even more afraid that violating what some fellow practitioners considered the norms of practice would hinder my own spiritual path.

The female practitioner saw my turmoil and pain, and she said to me calmly, "Brother, our feelings are clear consciences. We are guided by the Dharma and use our emotions to aid our practice. This does not violate the original purpose of practice. Those who do not understand are simply bound by worldly concepts. We do not need to pay too much attention. As long as we adhere to the righteous path in our hearts and demonstrate our determination to practice with our actions, one day they will understand."

Her words suddenly opened my eyes. I realized that on the path of spiritual practice, we cannot be easily swayed by external voices, but must always adhere to our inner beliefs and principles. So, I stopped worrying about others' opinions and focused more on my own spiritual practice and the mutual growth with the other women practitioners.

During this phase of my practice, I deeply experienced the power and terror of the demonic realm within the Samadhi realm. It was able to dredge up my deepest negative emotions, magnifying them immeasurably and plunging me into extreme pain and struggle. At the same time, it was through this confrontation with the demonic realm that I gained deeper insight into my own heart and more clearly understood the difficulty and preciousness of spiritual practice. In terms of practice, I learned to apply the compassion and wisdom of the Dharma to resolve my inner hatred and jealousy in difficult situations. Through the mutual support and joint practice with the female practitioner, I continuously consolidated my practice method and strengthened my inner concentration and faith. Regarding the fruition, although the demonic realm briefly posed a difficult challenge, I ultimately successfully resisted its invasion, further tempering and elevating my spiritual realm. My inner compassion and wisdom matured, and my relationship with the female practitioner was elevated to a higher level of spiritual support, injecting new motivation and vitality into my spiritual journey within the Samadhi realm.

Today, standing in the temple courtyard, gazing at the majestic Buddha statues and the swaying prayer flags, my heart is filled with awe and anticipation for the future of my spiritual journey. I know the road ahead is still filled with challenges, but I am no longer afraid. With my unwavering faith, the companionship of my fellow practitioners, and my unwavering pursuit of Buddhist wisdom, these will, like bright stars, illuminate my path to samadhi and even higher realms of practice, guiding me through the fog and ultimately to the sacred shore of liberation and enlightenment.