Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 62: Ups and downs and breakthroughs in spiritual practice (XVI) "In times of danger and despair, faith leads the way back"

Ah Ming's spiritual practice in Lingxu Mountain was steadily improving, but he knew that cultivation shouldn't be confined to a single pure land; true understanding of the true meaning of Buddhism required experiencing the trials of the world. So, one autumn morning, he decided to embark on a long journey of spiritual practice. With only a simple bag and a few disciples who would follow him through his training, he set out for distant and unknown lands.

They headed north, passing through dense forests and gurgling streams. As they advanced, the scenery gradually became more desolate and bleak. When they reached the edge of a vast desert, Amin felt a faint unease, but he dismissed it as fatigue from the long journey.

Shortly after entering the desert, the sky suddenly changed color. The once clear blue sky was quickly obscured by dark clouds, and a fierce wind swept in, whipping up a cloud of yellow sand. The disciples panicked and huddled around Amin. Amin remained calm, knowing that he must remain calm or they would be in even greater danger. He led the disciples in a search for shelter, finally finding shelter behind a huge rock.

"Don't panic, everyone. This is a test in our practice, and we need to treat it with a normal mind." Amin's voice was steady and powerful, reassuring the disciples.

The sandstorm lasted a full day and night, and when it died down, they were completely lost. Amin gazed at the vast sea of ​​sand, silently pondering a strategy. Their supplies of food and water were running low, and the threat of survival loomed.

As they trudged forward, they encountered a pack of wild wolves. Their eyes gleamed with hunger, and they trapped them in a narrow cave. The disciples' faces were filled with fear, and some even began to tremble. But Amin remained calm. He had the disciples gather deeper in the cave, while he stood at the entrance, facing the wolves head-on.

Ah Ming knew that his fear would only embolden the wolves. He closed his eyes and quickly entered a state of inner observation and awareness, clearing away distracting thoughts. He silently recited scriptures and prayed for the protection of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. At the same time, he keenly observed his surroundings and noticed some sharp rocks and dry branches in the cave. He calmly picked up the rocks and began to make a simple defensive tool.

As he chanted the mantra, Amin's heart gradually calmed, and he felt an invisible force surge within him. This force came not from an external source, but from the faith accumulated through years of practice and his unwavering belief in the Dharma. He knew that in this life-or-death moment, only faith could sustain them through this difficult time.

The wolves began tentatively approaching the cave, growling softly, trying to break through Amin's defenses. Holding a homemade stone spear, Amin stared at the wolves with a determined gaze. He felt no fear, only respect for life and reverence for the Dharma.

"Disciples, don't be afraid. We are in trouble, but the light of Buddhism will illuminate our way forward." Amin gently comforted the disciples behind him.

As the wolves' attacks intensified, Amin fought back with all his might. Every movement was imbued with strength and wisdom. He skillfully exploited the cave's terrain, repelling the wolves' attacks time and again. Amidst the fierce confrontation, Amin seemed to enter a state of selflessness, his body and mind becoming one with the Dharma, and he felt his strength growing.

After an unknown amount of time, perhaps due to the Buddha's blessing or perhaps because the wolves were in awe of Amin's tenacious resistance, the pack finally dispersed. Amin breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they had successfully survived this crisis.

However, their plight did not end there. They remained trapped in this desolate land, their food and water running low. Amin led his disciples through the desert in a arduous search for water and a way out. Their steps grew heavier, their bodies utterly exhausted, but Amin constantly encouraged them, urging them not to give up hope.

In a state of extreme thirst and hunger, Amin began a profound inner dialogue. He reflected on the purpose of his long journey and wondered if his own poor decisions had led his disciples into dire straits. He knew this was a severe test of his spiritual attainments, a test he would inevitably face in his practice of the "Bodhisattva Stage" as described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra.

"My original intention was to lead my disciples to realize Buddhism in all things in the world, but now I have fallen into such a predicament. It is because I did not grasp the state and practice of cultivation accurately enough. But I must not give up. I will use this experience as an opportunity to understand Buddhism more deeply, lead my disciples out of the predicament, and achieve the fruits of cultivation." Amin swore silently in his heart.

Just as they were about to despair, Amin discovered some dried plant roots in a depression. With his keen observation of nature and the wisdom bestowed by Buddhism, he determined that there might be a source of water underground. He led his disciples in digging diligently, and finally, a clear spring gushed out from the ground. Overjoyed, they rested and drank at the spring's edge, recovering some strength.

After many days of searching and exploring, Amin finally found the way back to the right path by relying on his observation of the stars and his intuition. After overcoming countless hardships and dangers, they finally walked out of this desolate land.

After returning to Lingxu Mountain, Amin gathered the monks and disciples in the temple and recounted his experiences on this long journey. His voice echoed in every corner of the temple, and every listener was deeply moved by his story.

"My fellow practitioners, this dangerous journey has made me deeply appreciate the power of faith. In practice and life, we will inevitably encounter countless difficulties and desperate situations, but as long as we have firm faith in Buddhism in our hearts, we will be able to find light in the darkness and a way out in difficult situations. This belief is the beacon on our path of practice, guiding us to keep moving forward until we achieve perfection." A firm light flashed in Amin's eyes, and his words flowed into everyone's heart like a clear spring.

After this experience, Amin placed even greater emphasis on cultivating faith in his disciples. He established a special course at the monastery to teach them how to maintain faith in the face of adversity and how to apply Buddhist wisdom to real life. Using his own personal experiences as a teaching material, he helped his disciples deeply understand that the seventeen stages of enlightenment described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra are not just theoretical exercises, but require practical application and understanding in the everyday world.

In daily practice, Amin guides his disciples through meditation and chanting, allowing them to delve deeply into their hearts and examine their beliefs and distractions. He teaches them that when faced with the temptation of profit, emotional entanglements, or bottlenecks in their practice, they should use firm faith as their foundation and the wisdom of Buddhism as their weapon to bravely face challenges.

For example, during a monastery renovation project, funds were running low. Some disciples began to waver, considering accepting offers from wealthy businessmen in exchange for financial support. These offers might violate the monastery's rules and regulations and the tenets of Buddhism. Upon learning of this, Amin convened a meeting with his disciples for a profound discussion.

“We are practitioners and cannot abandon our beliefs and principles for the sake of temporary benefits. Funding shortage is certainly a problem, but we can solve it through other means, such as the joint efforts of monks and believers, and saving expenses. We must believe that Buddhism will protect us and help us get through the difficulties as long as we stick to our beliefs.” Amin’s words were firm and reassured the disciples.

Under the leadership of Amin, the monks and disciples of the temple worked together and completed the renovation project bit by bit with their own hands. This experience made the disciples more deeply realize the importance of faith in practice and life.

Over time, under the influence of Amin, Lingxu Mountain Monastery became a sacred destination for many practitioners. Amin's spiritual deeds and teachings spread far and wide, attracting more and more people to learn Buddhism and seek spiritual liberation and guidance. Amin knew this was another mission in his spiritual journey. With unwavering faith and compassion, he would continue to guide more people on the path of practice, continuously advancing towards the perfect state of "Buddhahood" as described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra.