Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 33: Learning from the Prajnaparamita—"Learning from the Prajnaparamita Method, Quietly Contemplating and Self-Examination"

As the years passed on Lingxu Mountain, Amin, in his tireless exploration of the solitary enlightenment realm, became increasingly aware of the intricacies of solitary contemplation and self-awareness. It was a quiet midnight, moonlight streaming like water outside Amin's retreat hut. He sat quietly on his cushion for a long time, his mind gradually becoming clear about the next step in his practice: to draw on the methods of the solitary enlightenment and delve deeper into the depths of his inner self.

Ah Ming understood that while the Bodhisattva Path emphasizes connecting with and saving sentient beings, inner clarity and insight are equally essential. Therefore, he decided to include a dedicated period of solitude in his daily practice. During these times, he would journey alone to a secluded valley behind the mountains. The valley was surrounded by steep cliffs, accessible only by a winding path. The silence was so hushed that only the sound of his own footsteps and breathing could be heard. It felt like a secluded paradise, a perfect place for solitude and quiet contemplation.

Upon entering the valley, Amin inevitably felt a sense of loneliness and unease. After all, humans, as social beings, have long been accustomed to interacting with others. But he recalled the long years of solitary enlightenment, facing the natural world alone, seeking enlightenment in solitude with a tenacious heart, and his faith strengthened. He slowly sat down on a boulder at the bottom of the valley, closed his eyes, and began his journey of self-awareness.

At first, his thoughts raced wildly, like a horse unleashed from its reins. Past experiences, the faces of sentient beings, the perplexities of spiritual practice—these flashed through his mind. Unfazed, Ah Ming simply observed the ebb and flow of these thoughts. He felt as if he were immersed in an ocean of thoughts, watching the waves surge, unmoved. Over time, he gradually found a quiet respite amidst this tumultuous flow of thoughts, and began to delve deeper into his inner emotions and obsessions.

He discovered that in his journey to save sentient beings, he sometimes unconsciously yearned for their recognition and gratitude. This hidden vanity, like a tiny speck of dust, though inconspicuous, could gradually accumulate on the path of cultivation, obscuring the purity of his mind. Sometimes, faced with difficulties and challenges in his practice, a feeling of retreat welled up within him, a fear of the unknown and doubt about his own abilities. In this solitary contemplation, Ah Ming illuminated these hidden corners of his heart, one by one, as if illuminating a dark abyss with the light of wisdom.

During a solitary retreat, Ah Ming encountered an inner storm. Painful memories from the past flooded back like a tide: the feeling of powerlessness and failure he once felt in the face of a sentient being in deep suffering who refused to accept help. These emotions surged like a surging wave, threatening to overwhelm him. Ah Ming's body trembled slightly, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. But he gritted his teeth and, with unwavering determination, continued to deeply examine these emotions. He realized that these were not simply memories and emotional reactions to the past, but rather his deep-seated fear and anxiety about not fully practicing the bodhisattva path. He began to pray silently, seeking the bodhisattva's blessings and wisdom to help him resolve these negative emotions. Gradually, the surging waves of emotion receded, and Ah Ming's heart returned to peace. Through this experience, he gained a deeper understanding and control over his inner self.

With repeated solitary practice, Amin gradually adapted to this state of solitude, finding an unprecedented sense of peace and depth. He no longer feared solitude, but instead viewed it as a precious moment of self-conversation and soulful communication. In solitude, he realized a beauty of silence beyond words, a profound tranquility of being one with the universe.

After returning to the monastery, Amin shared his experiences and insights from the practice of the Pratyekabuddha method with his fellow practitioners. In the monastery garden, he sat on a stone bench, surrounded by a group of practitioners, all looking at him expectantly. Amin slowly began, "My fellow practitioners, the Pratyekabuddha's method of solitude, meditation, and self-awareness is like a mirror, allowing me to clearly see my own inner flaws and shortcomings. In that quiet valley, I faced my own soul alone. Although I felt fear and uneasiness at first, my perseverance brought me endless peace and wisdom."

A young practitioner asked curiously, "Brother Ming, when I'm alone, what should I do if I'm troubled by fear and distracting thoughts? I've tried to meditate alone, but I always find it difficult to concentrate, and my thoughts are all over the place." Ming smiled and replied, "Brother, this is a common difficulty in the early stages of spiritual practice. When distracting thoughts arise, don't try to force them away. Instead, observe them with gentle awareness. It's like watching people passing by on the side of the road. Let them come and go freely, and simply remain clear-minded and aware. Over time, the distracting thoughts will gradually diminish, and your heart will become calmer."

Another fellow practitioner expressed concern, "Brother, as Bodhisattvas, our primary goal is to save sentient beings. Wouldn't excessive solitude and contemplation cause us to drift further and further away from them, thus violating the very purpose of the Bodhisattva Path?" After a moment's reflection, Ah Ming said, "Sister, this is indeed a question worth pondering. However, I believe that solitude and contemplation are not about disconnecting from sentient beings. Rather, it is about gaining a better understanding of ourselves, allowing us to save sentient beings with a purer and stronger heart. When we eliminate our inner obstacles and afflictions through self-awareness, we can relate to sentient beings with greater compassion and wisdom. For example, when we discern the source of our own anger, we can replace anger and blame with tolerance and understanding when faced with the mistakes of sentient beings."

Ah Ming's sharing elicited enthusiastic responses from fellow initiates. Deeply inspired, some decided to incorporate the solitary meditation and self-awareness of the Prajnaparamita path into their own practice. They began their own solitary spiritual journeys in secluded corners of monasteries and secluded mountain forests. Ah Ming often accompanied them, offering guidance and encouragement. Throughout this process, they shared their spiritual experiences and grew and progressed together.

However, some practitioners expressed reservations about this practice method, which borrowed from the Pratyekabuddha path. They believed that the Bodhisattva Path had its own complete system of practice and that the methods of the Pratyekabuddhas should not be easily introduced, fearing that this would lead to confusion and deviation in practice. This view sparked a small-scale discussion and debate within the monastery. Amin actively participated in the discussion. Drawing on the sutras and treatises, combined with his own practice, he patiently explained to the reserved practitioners the similarities and complementarities between the Pratyekabuddha path and the Bodhisattva Path. He said, "Fellow practitioners, although the Yogacarabhumi Sutra divides the practice into seventeen different realms and methods, these do not exist in isolation. The Bodhisattva Path's inclusiveness is reflected in its ability to absorb the beneficial aspects of other paths to enrich its own practice. The self-awareness of the Pratyekabuddha path can help us better purify our hearts and improve our self-cultivation during the Bodhisattva Path, thereby more effectively fulfilling our mission of saving sentient beings."

Throughout this discussion and debate, Amin remained calm and rational. He respected the views and concerns of each practitioner, while also firmly believing that through in-depth communication and practice, everyone would gradually understand and accept the positive role of the Pratyekabuddha Dharma in the Bodhisattva Path. In this process, he himself continuously deepened his reference to and integration with the Pratyekabuddha Dharma, broadening and deepening his own spiritual path and steadily advancing toward higher realms.