Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 45: The Ninth Stage of Bodhisattvas—"Good Wisdom Shines Brightly, Dharma Clouds Spread Throughout the Ten Directions"

In Lingxu Mountain, a sacred place blessed by the Buddha's eternal light, Ah Ming, after reaching the eighth stage of the Bodhisattva Realm, resolved persecution with unwavering resolve and nurtured talents with compassionate wisdom, his spiritual practice reached a new level, entering the ninth stage of the Bodhisattva Realm. Here, his compassionate wisdom transformed, its radiance so intense that it seemed to penetrate all darkness and ignorance in the world, like the sun, eternally blazing high in the heavens, generously radiating light and warmth to every inch of the ten directions.

Amin knew very well that the Bodhisattva's mission became increasingly clear and important in this situation. That is to use his own good wisdom as the source to give birth to the Dharma rain as vast and full of vitality as the Dharma cloud, which will be spread among the hearts of all sentient beings, nourish their hearts that have been dried up by worldly troubles, lead them to awaken from confusion and pain, and embark on the sacred path of liberation.

To fulfill this aspiration, Amin decided to hold a grand Dharma assembly. News of this event spread like a spring breeze, swiftly reaching the ten directions of the universe. Soon, sentient beings from all regions, races, and cultural backgrounds, filled with devotion to the Dharma and a fervent desire for liberation, flocked to Lingxu Mountain like a tide. For a time, the mountain was bustling with activity, yet amidst this clamor, a solemn and sacred atmosphere permeated the air.

On the day of the Dharma Assembly, the sun shone brightly, the sky a jewel-like blue, a stunning backdrop crafted by nature for this grand occasion. In the central square of Lingxu Mountain, a magnificent Dharma throne stood tall. Flowers clustered around the throne, their fragrance wafting forth, as if paying the highest tribute to the Dharma feast that was about to unfold. Amin, clad in magnificent and solemn robes, ascended the throne with steady and composed steps. His figure, shimmering in the sunlight, resembled a golden Buddha statue, radiating awe-inspiring majesty and compassion.

Ah Ming slowly began, his voice resounding like a bell, echoing throughout the square: "Everyone, we gather here today for auspicious karmic connection. The Dharma is boundless, like the vast universe, profound and mysterious. Within it lies the supreme wisdom that liberates us from the cycle of birth and death and transcends worldly troubles." He then began to expound on the profound and abstruse Buddhist teachings. He spoke eloquently, uninterrupted, each word imbued with boundless power, like a vibrant lotus blossoming from his mouth and drifting in all directions.

As Amin preached the Dharma, marvelous scenes unfolded one after another. The faces of those once stricken with sorrow, weighed down by the burdens of life, gradually faded as the Dharma sound reached their ears, replaced by expressions of tranquility and joy. Some suddenly flashed with enlightenment, as if they had grasped the true meaning of the Dharma, experiencing a sudden realization, their bodies and minds experiencing unprecedented liberation and elevation. Some wept, some smiled, and some clasped their hands in gratitude, each expressing their deepest awe and gratitude for the Dharma in their own unique ways. For many more, deep roots of goodness were planted in their hearts. These roots, like dormant seeds, will, nourished by the Dharma, take root and sprout in the years to come, growing strong and flourishing, ultimately leading them to the shore of liberation.

The entire Dharma Assembly was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The extraordinary scene, like a magnificent and colorful painting, was deeply imprinted in the hearts of every participant, becoming a precious and unforgettable memory. After the Dharma Assembly, Ah Ming was not satisfied with this initial achievement. He knew that the spread of the Dharma should not be limited to a single time or place, but should flow like a surging river, reaching every corner of the world. Therefore, he carefully selected a group of capable disciples and prepared to send them to spread the Dharma throughout the world.

Under Ah Ming's meticulous guidance, these disciples have all achieved remarkable success in their practice and understanding of the Dharma. Each of them held a resolute gaze, their hearts filled with fervent faith in the Dharma and respect and gratitude for their Master. Ah Ming summoned them to his presence, surveying each with a loving yet serious gaze. He said, "My disciples, you have practiced with me for many years, and now possess considerable wisdom and ability. Throughout the world, countless beings wander in darkness, awaiting the light of the Dharma to illuminate their path. I send you to various parts of the world in the hope that you will spread the Dharma teachings I have imparted, along with its compassion and wisdom. You will establish temples, Buddhist colleges, and practice centers in various countries and regions, so that more people will have the opportunity to encounter, learn, and benefit from the Dharma."

The disciples nodded and responded in unison: "We will follow Master's teachings and do our best to live up to Master's trust."

Afterwards, the disciples, armed with Amin's profound teachings and powerful blessings, embarked on their own journeys, crossing oceans, mountains, and deserts, braving all hardships and dangers, sowing the seeds of the Dharma along the way.

In a distant Western land, Huiyuan, A-Ming's most senior disciple, led a group of fellow disciples to a bustling yet challenging metropolis. Their initial arrival presented them with numerous challenges. Local customs and practices differed markedly from those of the East, and the people were filled with curiosity and doubt about Buddhism, a foreign religion. Huiyuan understood that to establish a foothold and promote Buddhism in this land, he must first deeply understand the local culture and people's needs. Consequently, he led his disciples in actively engaging with local scholars, religious figures, and ordinary citizens. They participated in various cultural events and academic seminars, sharing the wisdom of Buddhism and the charm of Eastern culture with an open and inclusive attitude.

During a conversation with a renowned Western philosopher, Huiyuan engaged in a deep discussion on the Buddhist concept of "emptiness" and Western existentialism. The philosopher expressed deep interest in the Buddhist insights into the nature of things, but also raised some questions and confusion. Huiyuan remained calm, citing scriptures and drawing on real-life examples to explain in simple terms that the Buddhist concept of "emptiness" is not a nihilistic concept, but rather a wisdom that transcends appearances and penetrates the true nature of things. This fascinating exchange of ideas attracted the attention of numerous scholars and cultural elites, and opened a new door for the spread of Buddhism within the local intellectual community.

After gaining the approval of some of the intellectual elite, Huiyuan set about establishing a temple and a Buddhist academy. They found a tranquil and beautiful plot of land on the outskirts of the city, and through much effort, a temple, blending Eastern and Western architectural styles, gradually emerged. The temple's unique architectural style retains the solemnity and mystery of traditional Buddhist temples while incorporating the simplicity and grandeur of Western architecture. Upon completion, a grand consecration ceremony was held, attracting numerous local visitors. Huiyuan and his disciples regularly held Buddhist lectures, meditation sessions, and cultural exchange activities at the temple. They adapted Buddhist teachings to the local population's receptiveness, presenting the Dharma in accessible language and engaging stories.

In an ancient Eastern country, another disciple of Amin, Zhiming, had a different experience. While this country boasts a profound religious and cultural heritage, Buddhism has experienced setbacks and faced numerous challenges in modern times. Upon arriving there, Zhiming first engaged with local people to understand the current state and challenges facing Buddhism. He discovered that due to historical reasons, many temples had experienced a gap in their traditions, and the younger generation's understanding and faith in Buddhism was relatively weak.

Zhiming decided to start by restoring the temple's heritage and education. He sought out local eminent monks and Buddhist scholars, discussing with them how to revitalize Buddhist culture. Together, they compiled and studied ancient Buddhist texts and cultural heritage, developing Buddhist textbooks suitable for modern young people. Zhiming also actively promoted collaboration between the temple and local schools and communities, carrying out activities to bring Buddhist culture into schools and communities. At one school, Zhiming held a unique Buddhist culture lecture for students. Using vivid images, fascinating stories, and interactive explanations, he introduced students to the history, doctrines, and art of Buddhism. Fascinated by the profoundness of Buddhist culture, the students developed a strong interest in the Dharma.

With the efforts of his disciples around the world, the Dharma has gradually gained a powerful momentum of global dissemination. Temples, Buddhist colleges, and practice centers have sprung up like mushrooms in countless countries and regions, and more and more people are beginning to encounter, study, and practice the Dharma. A Ming constantly monitors his disciples' progress at Lingxu Mountain, his heart filled with joy and satisfaction. He knows that on the path of the ninth bodhisattva stage, he is using the light of good wisdom and the nourishment of the Dharma cloud to gradually spread the Dharma's path of liberation to the entire world, allowing more sentient beings the opportunity to bathe in the Dharma's radiance and achieve spiritual awakening and liberation. In fulfilling this great mission, he himself is constantly deepening his understanding and practice of the bodhisattva path, steadily advancing toward higher realms and unremittingly striving to ultimately achieve the grand goal of liberating all sentient beings.