Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 16: The Opening of the Land of Hearing—"Seeking the Master for the Wonderful Dharma, Asking for the Way and Starting the Learning Journey"

Across the vast expanse of ancient India, temples are scattered like dazzling pearls inlaid in this land steeped in mystery and wisdom. Returning from my unintentional exploration, I gained insights, yet realized that my understanding of Buddhism remained a drop in the ocean. So, I resolutely embarked on a journey to seek out renowned teachers, beginning a journey of spiritual practice, hoping to hear the resonant teachings of the Dharma from great masters, thereby delving deeply into the Buddhist canon and cultivating a vast ocean of wisdom.

At first light, I packed my bags and bid farewell to the familiar temples. Walking along the winding path, the flowers and plants beside the road, covered with glistening dewdrops, shimmered in the morning light, as if bidding me farewell and revealing the subtleties of Buddhism. Filled with awe and anticipation, I set out towards the renowned temples and monasteries in the distance.

My first stop was Nalanda Monastery. This vast temple boasts majestic architecture, shrouded in incense and filled with the sounds of Buddhist chanting. Numerous monks wandered through the temple, dressed in simple robes, their eyes revealing a passionate pursuit of the Dharma. After asking around, I was fortunate enough to meet with a highly respected and eminent monk, Venerable Zhixian. His meditation room lies deep within the temple, nestled in a tranquil bamboo forest. The surroundings are serene and tranquil, the only sound being the rustling of bamboo leaves in the breeze, a gentle chant of Buddhist verses.

I entered the meditation room with trepidation. I saw Elder Zhixian seated upright on his cushion, his face kind yet radiating a solemn presence. I bowed respectfully, and he nodded gently, motioning me to sit. Mustering my courage, I confided in him my struggles with practice and my desire for a deeper understanding of the Dharma. Smiling, he began a systematic exposition of Buddhist scriptures. He began with the Agama Sutras. His vivid stories, reminiscent of the Buddha's own words and deeds, transported me through time and space, witnessing his compassion and wisdom firsthand. His voice was deep and magnetic, each word a seed of wisdom sown within me. I listened intently, my pen scribbling down his every word, fearing to miss a single precious instruction.

During my time at Nalanda Monastery, I rose early each morning to recite the sutras in the temple's shrine, preparing for the Master's upcoming lectures. During the day, I eagerly studied under the Master, discussing the profound meanings of the sutras with the many other monks. Every question raised and answered was a spark of wisdom. Here, I met a like-minded practitioner named Juehui. He came from the far north and possessed a unique perspective on Buddhism.

One day, we met by chance in the temple garden. Juehui was contemplating a blooming lotus flower, and I approached him curiously to ask. He looked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and said, "Brother, look at this lotus flower. It rises from the muddy waters, unstained by it. Doesn't it symbolize that even as we cultivate in this world, amidst the mire of troubles, we can maintain inner purity through the power of the Dharma?" Deeply moved by his insight, I responded, "Brother, you are absolutely right. Everything in this world contains the profound principles of the Dharma, waiting only for us to grasp them with our hearts." Since then, we have often discussed the Dharma together, whether in the temple corridors or on the rocks by the stream. We share our experiences in practice, encourage each other, and our friendship grows stronger through this exchange of Dharma.

However, time flies, and I know I can't stay in just one place. Although I am filled with reluctance, I bid farewell to Elder Zhixian and Nalanda Monastery and continue my journey of exploration.

Journeying along the ancient Ganges, I arrived at another renowned Buddhist monastery, Vaishali Monastery. While not as grand as Nalanda, this temple possesses a unique tranquility and ancient simplicity. Here, I became a disciple of Master Jiekong, a renowned stern Buddhist teacher.

Master Jiekong held his disciples to extremely high standards, believing that only through countless trials and tribulations could one truly grasp the essence of Buddhism. From the moment I entered his fold, I immediately sensed his overwhelmingly strict atmosphere. Every morning, before dawn, we recited extensive sutras in the Buddhist hall. Any slackness would result in a reprimand. As the master explained the texts, he peppered me with questions, and incorrect answers resulted in a stern rebuke. Initially, I felt aggrieved and puzzled. Why was practice so painful? But as I delved deeper, I gradually understood the master's earnest intentions.

Once, while reciting the Prajna Sutra, I was distracted and misread a passage. Master Jiekong's eyes widened, and he rebuked me: "How can you seek the true meaning of Buddhism when you are so lazy? The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current; if you don't advance, you will retreat. Don't you understand?" Shame washed over me, I bowed my head and admitted my mistake. After that, I studied even more diligently, pondering every word and sentence, never daring to make even the slightest mistake. Under Master Jiekong's strict guidance, my knowledge of Buddhism grew at an astonishing rate.

Conflicts of interest were not uncommon in the practice life at Vaishali Monastery. The monastery's resources were limited, and disputes were inevitable when the monks distributed precious practice supplies. I once witnessed two fellow monks arguing fiercely over an ancient commentary on a Buddhist scripture. I knew that these arguments stemmed from inner greed and hatred, which violated the true meaning of Buddhism. I tried to persuade them in my own way, explaining the Buddhist teachings on letting go of attachment. At first, they ignored me, but I persisted, talking with them again and again. Eventually, with my persuasion, they recognized their mistakes and shook hands to make peace.

During this phase of my practice, I visited various renowned Buddhist temples, experiencing the rich Buddhist atmosphere and unique temple culture. Each temple felt like a treasure trove of Dharma, radiating endless wisdom, and I, like a voracious bee, sipped the nectar from its blossoms. In terms of practice, I actively sought guidance from eminent monks, diligently studied the scriptures, interacted with like-minded practitioners, and strived hard under the stern guidance of my teachers. I also actively resolved conflicts of interest within temple life, applying the teachings of the Dharma to every aspect of my life. In terms of results, I accumulated profound Buddhist knowledge, reaching a new level of understanding of the Buddhist scriptures. I forged precious friendships, and honed my wisdom and patience in handling temple affairs. My inner spiritual realm also significantly advanced through this series of experiences. However, I understand that this is only the beginning of what I have learned through hearing. There is still a long road ahead, and more Buddhist wisdom awaits my discovery and understanding. With this unwavering faith, I will continue to forge ahead on this path of practice, filled with challenges and opportunities.