Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 58: Ups and Downs and Breakthroughs in Cultivation (XII) "Friendship Warms Cultivation, Fellow Cultivators Strive Together"

In Lingxu Mountain, a land full of spirituality and tranquility, since embarking on his journey of spreading the Dharma and experiencing various challenges and hardships in towns and villages, Amin has increasingly realized that in the long journey of cultivation, the friendship among fellow practitioners is like the warm spring sunshine, which penetrates into his heart, giving him inexhaustible support and encouragement, and becoming an indispensable and powerful source of motivation for him in this difficult journey.

Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows. Amin and his fellow initiates often gathered in the temple courtyard, deeply studying Buddhist scriptures. The ancient scrolls fluttered gently in the breeze, seemingly conveying millennia of wisdom. Amin, clutching the scrolls, recited word for word. Whenever he encountered a difficult point, he engaged in lively discussions with his fellow initiates. They quoted from scriptures or drew on their own spiritual insights, each expressing their own perspectives. Sparks of thought collided and mingled in the air.

"My fellow practitioners, I have been thinking over and over again about the explanation of 'no self' in this passage, but I still find it difficult to fully understand it. What do you think?" Amin frowned, his eyes full of confusion and thirst for knowledge.

An elderly practitioner spoke slowly, his voice steady and full of wisdom: "Brother Ah Ming, I believe that 'no self' does not mean the non-existence of the individual, but rather that we should transcend our attachment to the self. Just as in our practice, we should not be overly concerned with personal gains and losses, honor and disgrace, but should integrate ourselves into all living beings and treat all things with compassion."

Everyone nodded, and another practitioner continued, "Brother, what you said is absolutely right. I once experienced spiritual practice where, when I was focused on helping others resolve their difficulties, I seemed to forget my own existence. That feeling gave me a deeper understanding of 'no self'."

In this back-and-forth discussion, the fog in Amin's heart gradually dissipated, and his understanding of Buddhism also reached a new level. However, the path of practice is by no means smooth, and setbacks and difficulties are always there.

One day, during a meditation retreat, Ah Ming attempted to break through a bottleneck in his practice, but encountered numerous obstacles. He was overwhelmed by an inexplicable restlessness, and no matter how hard he tried, he could not enter a deep state of meditation. His brow furrowed, his face filled with frustration and loss. Fellow practitioners noticed his unusual behavior and gathered around him.

"Brother A Ming, don't be discouraged. Cultivation is a long and arduous process, and setbacks are the norm. I have had similar experiences, and I almost wanted to give up, but it was the encouragement and companionship of my fellow practitioners that helped me cheer up again." A young fellow practitioner looked at A Ming with firm eyes, held his hand and said.

"Yes, brother. We face it together. There is nothing that we cannot overcome. You should let go of the obsession in your heart first. Perhaps you can try a different way of practice, starting with simple chanting of scriptures and worshiping Buddha, and readjust your mindset." Another fellow practitioner whispered to comfort him.

The warm words of his fellow practitioners flowed like a stream of warmth into Amin's heart. He looked up at his like-minded companions, and a strange feeling of gratitude welled up within him. Their eyes were filled with concern and trust, a deep bond that transcended blood ties. With their encouragement, Amin regained his spirits, adjusted his cultivation strategy, and began with the basics, steadily moving forward step by step.

To learn Buddhism more systematically, Ah Ming and his fellow practitioners formed a Dharma study group. They met regularly in the temple's scripture hall, where each person meticulously prepared their own learning experiences and shared them freely with the group.

At a study group sharing session, a fellow practitioner stood before the crowd and said, somewhat nervously, "While studying the Diamond Sutra, I was deeply moved by the phrase 'One should dwell on nothing and give rise to the mind.' I try to apply this principle in my daily life. For example, when faced with the temptation of delicious food, I no longer cling to my cravings. Instead, I examine my inner desires and keep my mind pure."

Ah Ming listened attentively, nodding in agreement. He said, "It's truly rare for you, my junior brother, to integrate Buddhist teachings into every aspect of your life. I have some insights to share with you. In my interactions with the outside world, I've discovered that if I can view the good and evil, beauty and ugliness of all beings with a 'non-attachment' mind, I can treat them with greater equality and compassion. This is also a manifestation of spiritual practice."

Through sharing and communication, everyone learns from each other, inspires each other, and makes progress together. Their knowledge of Buddhism is enriched day by day, and their spiritual practice is also improved unconsciously.

In addition to studying Buddhism, Amin and his fellow practitioners also actively participate in charity activities, putting the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism into action.

During the temple renovation project, Ah Ming and his fellow initiates had a clear division of labor and worked in perfect harmony. Some initiates were responsible for carrying construction materials, carrying them on their shoulders and hands, tirelessly working without complaint, even though their clothes were soaked with sweat. Other initiates, skilled in carpentry, meticulously carved the temple's doors, windows, beams, and pillars, each stroke infused with devotion to the Dharma and love for the temple. Ah Ming led a group of initiates in planning and organizing the work. He coordinated the overall situation, rationally arranging every step, and ensuring the smooth progress of the renovation project.

During this process, disagreements were inevitable. For example, regarding the temple's layout and design, some practitioners advocated maintaining the traditional style, while others thought it could incorporate modern elements to attract younger believers. The two sides held their own views, leading to endless debate.

Seeing this, Ah Ming quickly gathered everyone together and calmly said, "Fellow practitioners, our goal is to enable the temple to better inherit the Dharma and serve sentient beings. Everyone's opinions have their merits. Why not integrate them and take the essence? Traditional style is our foundation, while modern elements can help the Dharma keep pace with the times and be more accessible to the public."

With Ah Ming's mediation, the initiates reached a consensus, seamlessly integrating tradition and modernity in the temple's renovation. When the new temple stood atop Lingxu Mountain, its solemn atmosphere complemented by modern facilities, attracting numerous pilgrims and tourists to visit and pay their respects.

In a public welfare activity to alleviate poverty, Ah Ming and his fellow initiates visited impoverished villages nearby. They delivered food, clothing, and medicine to the villagers, helping those struggling to overcome their hardships. Ah Ming saw a seriously ill elderly man lying in bed groaning in pain because he had no money for medical treatment. Without hesitation, he applied his medical knowledge to diagnose and treat the elderly man, personally going up the mountain to collect herbs and prepare a prescription for him. Fellow initiates comforted the elderly man's family, explaining Buddhist teachings on suffering and liberation, and offering them spiritual support and solace.

Through these public welfare activities, A-Ming and his fellow practitioners not only strengthened their friendship, but also allowed more people to feel the warmth and power of the Dharma. They demonstrated the compassion and wisdom of the Dharma through their actions and practiced the spirit of the Bodhisattva Path.

Amin deeply understood the crucial role friendship among fellow practitioners plays in spiritual practice. Through mutual learning and support, they grew and progressed together. This friendship served as a solid foundation, supporting their progress on the path of spiritual practice. Furthermore, through these practices, Amin gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of the seventeen stages of enlightenment as described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. In their spiritual journey, they used friendship as a bond, compassion as a guide, and through continuous acts of kindness, they gradually achieved the transformation from afflictions to bodhi, steadily advancing toward higher realms of spiritual practice, leaving behind a trail of solid and heartwarming footprints.