Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 21: The Sedimentation of Thoughts—"Sedimentation of Thoughts, Practicing the True Meaning of the Dharma"

In the atmosphere of Baohui Sutra Academy where wisdom has been accumulated over the years, I, Zhiming, began the crucial journey of sedimentation of thoughts after experiencing the fierce collision of Buddhist thoughts.

The morning sunlight, like a golden veil, gently draped the green tiles and red walls of the monastery. In my simple yet tranquil Zen room, I rose early, sat on a cushion, and began a devout chant. The sound of the chanting echoed in the small space, each syllable a testament to my soul, awakening me from last night's dreams and distractions, and quickly drawing my thoughts back to the sacred realm of Buddhism.

I stood up and left the meditation room. A gentle breeze caressed my face, carrying the delicate fragrance of the ancient Bodhi tree in the courtyard. I strolled to the temple's vegetable garden, where my daily work merged with my spiritual practice. Looking at the tender green seedlings, I realized that everything in this world has its own causes and conditions for growth, just as we grow through our Buddhist practice. I picked up my hoe and began loosening the soil and weeding, each movement with utmost concentration, as if this wasn't just simple farm work, but carving a rare treasure. I silently contemplated how to integrate the insights I gained from the Sutra Hall debates on "dependent origination and emptiness" and "the inherent purity of the mind" into my daily actions. When distracting thoughts arose, I recalled Venerable Fayan's stern face and pointed questions. This wasn't anger, but a reminder to reflect on where I still had shortcomings and how I could further refine my understanding.

While working in the vegetable garden, I interacted with Brother Huineng, who oversees the temple's meals. Brother Huineng is a simple man with a profound understanding of Buddhism, though he's not good with words, preferring to practice it through action. He approached with a bucket of water on his shoulder. Seeing my focused expression, he smiled and said, "Brother Zhiming, even weeding like you're meditating." I straightened up, wiped the sweat from my forehead, and replied, "Brother Huineng, in this vegetable garden, I increasingly realize that everything in the world is influenced by the Dharma. We care for these seedlings as if we were caring for our own minds, preventing weed-like distractions from growing." Brother Huineng nodded and said, "You're absolutely right, but these seedlings also need the right fertilizer and water, just as we need the right opportunities and guidance for our practice." His words touched my heart, and I thought of the support and inspiration Sister Jinglian has given me—a refreshing spring of nourishment on my spiritual path.

However, within this seemingly peaceful process of spiritual practice, there are also inner struggles and potential conflicts of interest. At the end of each year, the monastery holds a major Buddhist lecture selection. Those monks chosen to share their insights at the lecture will gain more opportunities to interact with eminent monks and travel abroad for study. I fully understand that this will greatly benefit my practice, but it also means standing out among many outstanding fellow practitioners. On the one hand, I caution myself not to be tainted by the pursuit of fame and fortune, but to maintain a normal mindset. On the other hand, deep down, I long for such an opportunity to share my Buddhist insights more widely. Especially after the debate sparked by my previous article, I long for greater recognition and exchange.

This inner conflict was magnified during a gathering of monks at the monastery. The abbot mentioned the year-end lecture selections. I noticed a variety of glints in the eyes of my fellow monks: anticipation, indifference, and a subtle hint of competition. I sat there, my hands clasped together, my heart swirling like a sea of ​​turmoil. I couldn't help but reflect: Was this a diligent pursuit of the Dharma, or a delusion of worldly vanity? Deep within, I engaged in a fierce struggle and contemplation. I knew this was a crucial hurdle on the path of practice. If I didn't approach it correctly, all the gains I had made in the realm of contemplation could be undone by this single thought.

That afternoon, I visited the Sutra Library, a treasure trove of knowledge and a perfect place for me to cultivate my thoughts. I wandered through the rows of bookshelves, searching for classics that would further confirm and deepen my understanding of "dependent origination and emptiness" and "the inherent purity of the mind." While flipping through an ancient commentary on the Lotus Sutra, I stumbled upon a passage annotated by a previous scholar. It seemed written specifically for my current predicament. It recounted how a distinguished monk, faced with a similar spiritual dilemma, resolved his inner entanglements of fame and fortune through deep meditation and compassion for all beings, ultimately achieving a higher state of spiritual practice. This was a treasure trove for me. Sitting in a corner of the Sutra Library, I carefully studied it, and my confusion gradually dissipated.

I realized that true Buddhist practice isn't about personal fame or gain, but about saving all sentient beings. If I could share my thoughts and ideas with more people through lectures, helping them alleviate the confusion they face on their path, then that would truly be living the true meaning of Buddhism. So, I decided to let go of my inner baggage and prepare for the lecture selection with a pure heart.

During this process, Sister Jinglian once again provided me with crucial help. After learning of my decision, she took the initiative to discuss with me the content and methods of the lecture. We had an in-depth discussion by the lotus pond in the Sutra Academy, facing the blooming lotus flowers. Sister Jinglian said, "Zhiming, the highlight of your last article was that you combined your own practice examples. This time, why not start your lecture with our daily experiences so that everyone can empathize more." I looked into her clear eyes, my heart filled with gratitude, and said, "Sister, without your guidance, I would probably still be wandering in the maze of fame and fortune. Your wisdom is like this lotus, rising from the mud without being stained, allowing me to see the direction in my practice in this turbid world." Sister Jinglian blushed slightly and smiled, "We are all ships sailing in the ocean of Buddhism. Only by supporting each other can we go further."

As the lecture selection date approaches, I work harder to cultivate my thoughts and integrate Buddhist wisdom into my daily routine. While cleaning the temple halls, I contemplate the majesty of each Buddha statue and ponder the connection between Buddha-nature and human nature. When answering questions for pilgrims, I draw on my understanding of dependent origination and emptiness and the inherent purity of the mind to offer comfort and guidance.

Finally, the day of the lecture selection arrived. The Sutra Hall was filled with the monastery's eminent monks and numerous fellow practitioners. I stood on the podium, took a deep breath, and shared the fruits of my thoughtful reflections, accumulated over time, in the most plain and sincere language. I recounted my insights from working in the vegetable garden, the spiritual touch I felt in the Sutra Library, and the wisdom I gained from my conversations with Senior Sister Jinglian. The audience was captivated by my story, and I saw a hint of recognition and approval in Elder Fayan's eyes.

In the sedimentation stage of the land of thought, the environment is every blade of grass and every brick and tile in the Baohui Sutra Temple, which have witnessed the ups and downs and growth of my thoughts; the practice is a series of behaviors in my daily life, such as chanting scriptures, working, communicating and interacting with fellow disciples, and preparing for lectures; the result is the deepening of my understanding of Buddhism, my transcendence of fame and fortune, and the more respect and recognition I have gained in the temple, as well as the deeper friendship with Sister Jinglian. This friendship is like a bright light of Buddhism, illuminating my way forward, allowing me to steadily move towards a higher level of practice, and laying a solid foundation for me to realize other realms in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra in my subsequent practice.