Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 42: The Sixth Stage of Bodhisattva Stages - "Seeing the True Suchness Presently and Saving the Masses with Convenient Means"

In the sacred spiritual realm of Lingxu Mountain, Amin had endured the demonic trials of the fifth bodhisattva stage, conquered them with his tranquil mind, and now entered the sixth stage. This place, like a gateway to the ultimate truth of the universe, allowed Amin to witness his true nature.

It was a deep meditation retreat. Amin's consciousness seemed to escape the constraints of his physical body, traversing layers of fog and illusion. In that profound realm, he saw the true nature of all things. Mountains, rivers, earth, stars, sun, and moon—everything was no longer isolated entities, but an interdependent and interconnected whole. He realized the illusory nature of time and space. The past, present, and future were like a rushing river, without beginning or end; space was merely a projection of the mind, with no fixed distance or size. This direct encounter with the true nature of reality was an experience beyond words. It transcended sensory perception and was a direct, soul-shaking insight.

However, Ah Ming was not captivated by this extraordinary state and allowed himself to become lost in it. He understood that the bodhisattva's mission was to liberate all sentient beings, and that the realization of the true nature was merely a milestone on the path, not the end. So, he resolutely decided to descend the mountain, delve deeply into the world of sentient beings, and guide them on the path to liberation through countless expedient methods.

Amin arrived in a bustling city. This city was like a vast stage, where people of all stripes played their roles, pursued their dreams, and were simultaneously entangled in endless troubles and suffering. Amin knew that to save these beings, he must delve into their lives, understand their needs and struggles, and provide them with tailored guidance.

Amin first transformed himself into a businessman. Dressed in rich silk attire, he frequented various commercial establishments, negotiating deals and socializing with other merchants. Along the way, he met a businessman named Li Fu. Li Fu was a typical profit-seeker, obsessed only with money and profit. To acquire more wealth, he resorted to illicit means, such as defrauding partners and exploiting employees. After interacting with him, Amin didn't directly criticize his behavior. Instead, he skillfully introduced Buddhist wisdom to him during a business gathering.

Ah Ming smiled and said to Li Fu, "Brother Li, the business world is like a battlefield, with everyone desperately chasing profit. But have you ever considered whether the wealth we chase can truly bring us lasting happiness? I once heard a story about a wealthy businessman who possessed countless gold and silver treasures. Yet, he worried day and night that his wealth would be taken away by others. He couldn't eat or sleep, and his health deteriorated. In the end, he passed away in agony, unable to take any of his accumulated wealth with him. This story taught me that wealth is merely a tool, not the purpose of life. If we are enslaved by wealth and lose our inner kindness and morality, then everything we pursue becomes meaningless."

Li Fu was slightly shocked by Amin's words. He began to reflect on his behavior. Although he did not change immediately on the surface, Amin could sense that a seed of reflection had been planted in his heart.

Besides being a businessman, Amin also transformed himself into an entertainer. He performed various shows in the city's theaters, captivating audiences with his talent. While interacting with the audience, he also took the opportunity to spread the Dharma. Once, after performing a play about friendship and betrayal, he said to the audience, "Friends, friendship is so precious in our lives, but it is sometimes tested. Just like the various connections we have in this world, all are impermanent. The Dharma teaches us to cherish the connections we have and treat others with compassion and tolerance. Because in this impermanent world, every good deed we do can become an opportunity for liberation for ourselves and others."

Amin transformed himself into a craftsman and worked with ordinary people in the market. He became friends with a craftsman named Wang Er. Wang Er was a simple and honest man, but he lived in poverty and often worried about his livelihood. While working with him, Amin not only taught him some exquisite craftsmanship, but also shared Buddhism with him during breaks. Amin said: "Brother Wang, you see, we work hard every day. Although life is hard, this is also a kind of practice. Buddhism says that suffering is a part of life, but we can transform suffering into a driving force for growth through practice. Just like we need to go through a lot of tempering to create a fine object, our souls also need to be constantly sublimated through the hardships of life."

In his interactions with people from all walks of life, Amin discovered that some less educated beings found it difficult to understand and accept traditional Buddhist teachings. So, he decided to create songs and fables that were easy to understand.

Amin composed a ballad titled "Good Will Be Rewarded": "A small seed buried in the soil, sun and rain nourish the heart. It grows into a tall tree bearing good fruit. The cycle of cause and effect never fails. Kindness brings blessings, while evil brings misfortune. I advise you to always maintain good thoughts, and the path to liberation will be opened for you." He sang this ballad in the marketplace, and many people found it catchy and easy to remember. Through this ballad, they gained a preliminary understanding of the Buddhist concept of cause and effect.

Amin also created a fable about a tiny ant. Though insignificant, it harbors great ambitions. Seeing other ants busy carrying food without pondering the meaning of life, the ant decides to leave the nest and search for the true meaning of life. On its journey, it encounters numerous difficulties and challenges, but it never gives up. Finally, guided by a wise man, it realizes that the meaning of life lies in dedication and spiritual practice. Amin tells this story to less educated people, and they, captivated by the ant's story, also begin to reflect on their own meaning in life and the importance of spiritual practice.

Thanks to Ah Ming's efforts, more and more sentient beings unknowingly planted the seeds of liberation. However, his work was not without its challenges. While spreading the Dharma, he encountered misunderstanding and resistance. Some believed he was promoting superstition, accusing him and rejecting him. Ah Ming faced these misunderstandings and conflicts without any resentment. He understood that this was due to the different natures of sentient beings, and their varying degrees of receptivity to the Dharma. He approached these people with increased patience and tolerance, continuing to use his expedient methods to influence them.

Throughout his practice in the sixth stage of the Bodhisattva path, Ah Ming remains steadfast in his mission. Guided by the wisdom of present truth and employing various expedient methods, he navigates the lives of the bustling city, like a wise helmsman guiding ships lost in the sea of ​​birth and death toward the shore of liberation. He maintains a deep compassion and care for all beings, as well as a firm belief in the Bodhisattva Path. On this path of practice, fraught with challenges and opportunities, he continues to forge ahead, tirelessly striving to liberate more sentient beings.