Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 67: Approaching the Ground of Remaining Dependence (I) "Remaining Obstacles Gradually Disappear, and the Dawn of Liberation Appears"

In spring on Lingxu Mountain, everything comes to life. Tender green buds sprout from branches, and mountain streams flow joyfully, as if playing a hymn to life. Standing in the temple courtyard, Ah Ming gazes at the vibrant scene before him, his heart filled with insights and anticipation for new realms of spiritual practice.

Over the past few days, Amin has noticed a distinct change in himself. The karmic obstacles and troubles that once haunted him are now gradually dissipating, like lingering winter ice melting under the warm sun. He can feel a deep sense of freedom and liberation within him, like a spring bud, quietly growing stronger and stronger. In the past, seeing exquisite objects or hearing praise would inevitably trigger a surge of greed; encountering unpleasant events or facing offenses would instantly bring on waves of resentment. But now, these emotional fluctuations have become extremely subtle, like a gentle breeze blowing across a calm lake, creating only a few ripples.

Amin knew this was a sign that his practice was progressing smoothly, a crucial step toward the "Stage of Remaining Dependence" described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. He recalled his time in the "Stage of Contemplation," where, through deep reflection and understanding of Buddhist teachings, he had gradually developed an inner yearning and conviction for liberation. It was through the long-term practice of the "Stage of Practice," through constant correction of his words, actions, and thoughts, that these remaining constraints began to loosen.

In his meditation room, Ah Ming spent more time each day in meditation. He sat cross-legged on a cushion, his posture erect like a pine tree, his hands in a mudra, his face calm and serene. As his breathing deepened, his consciousness gradually drew inward, entering a state of intense concentration. In meditation, he clearly observed the changes within his mind. Subtle thoughts of greed and anger, like particles floating in the air, were revealed by the light of wisdom. No longer troubled by these distracting thoughts, he was able to examine them with a detached mind, allowing them to naturally dissipate.

Once, after finishing his meditation, Ah Ming gathered with several fellow practitioners in the temple garden. In the garden, flowers were in full bloom, the air was filled with fragrance, and butterflies were dancing among the flowers.

"Brother A Ming, can you feel the changes in yourself? I feel that my mind has never been calmer recently, and I am less concerned about worldly affairs." Monk Huineng said with a smile.

Ah Ming nodded and responded, "Brother Huineng, I feel the same way. The greed and hatred that once easily disturbed my heart have now gradually weakened. This allows me to more deeply comprehend the wisdom contained in the scriptures when studying them. Just like yesterday, when I recited the Diamond Sutra, it was as if I had a brand new understanding. What was previously obscure and difficult to understand now suddenly became clear to me."

Another practitioner, Huijue, chimed in, "Yes, I've also noticed a significant improvement in my daily practice. My mind used to wander while I was reciting the sutra, but now I can maintain focus for extended periods, as if I've become one with the text."

Everyone sat together, sharing their progress and insights in spiritual practice. The atmosphere was warm and peaceful. However, amidst this harmony, there were also some disturbances.

Huiming, a younger practitioner, expressed his confusion: "Brothers, although I have also felt the changes within myself, I am sometimes still disturbed by sudden, distracting thoughts. For example, during meditation, I might suddenly recall trivial matters from the past, or worry about my future practice. What should I do?"

Ah Ming looked at Hui Ming, his eyes filled with concern and encouragement. "Junior Brother Hui Ming, this is an inevitable stage in the process of cultivation. When distracting thoughts arise, don't panic, and don't try to suppress them. Simply observe them with a calm mind, see their true nature, and they will gradually lose their power. Just as we learned in the practice of 'seeking and observing', through observation and reflection, we gain insight into the rise and fall of thoughts. You must believe that as your practice deepens, these distracting thoughts will become less and less."

To help Huiming overcome this problem, Ah Ming decided to embark on a special spiritual practice with him. They chose a secluded cave in the mountains behind the temple as their retreat. The cave was serene and silent, with only the occasional sound of dripping water, like the ticking of time, reminding them of the rhythm of their practice.

Ah Ming and Hui Ming sat opposite each other and began to enter a state of meditation. Initially, Hui Ming's face showed a hint of nervousness and uneasiness, but under Ah Ming's guidance, he gradually relaxed. When distracting thoughts arose, Ah Ming gently reminded Hui Ming to remain mindful and not be carried away by them.

"Huiming, you see, those distracting thoughts are like clouds in the sky. They seem real, but they are actually illusory. You just need to watch them quietly pass by. Don't chase them, and don't resist them." Amin's voice was low and steady, like a mountain breeze, gently blowing across Huiming's heart.

Under Ah Ming's patient guidance, Huiming gradually mastered the method of dealing with distracting thoughts. After several days of practicing in the cave, Huiming's mind became more peaceful, and his understanding of Zen meditation also reached a higher level.

After returning to the monastery, Ah Ming gathered his fellow practitioners and shared his experiences and insights from this practice. He said, "Fellow practitioners, purifying the body and mind is crucial as we approach the stage of remaining dependents. We must not only maintain diligence in our daily practice, but also support each other and explore together when we encounter difficulties and confusion. Just as we helped fellow practitioner Huiming this time, through mutual communication and practice, we can grow faster."

The fellow practitioners nodded in agreement. To further purify their bodies and minds, they jointly developed a more rigorous practice schedule. In addition to daily morning, afternoon, and evening classes, chanting scriptures and practicing meditation, they also added regular confession rituals and compassion-cultivation practices.

During the confession ceremony, fellow practitioners gathered in the Buddhist hall and, before the Buddha statue, sincerely reflected on their mistakes and karma, vowing to reform and purify their hearts. They knew that only by facing the defilements within themselves could they completely eliminate them.

In their practice of cultivating compassion, they step outside the monastery to provide assistance to the surrounding villagers. This includes delivering food and clothing to impoverished families, providing free medical treatment and medicine to sick villagers, and imparting Buddhist teachings and knowledge to children. In this process, they learn to transform their inner feelings of compassion for all beings into concrete actions, further elevating their spiritual practice.

As time went on, Ah Ming and his fellow practitioners made remarkable progress in their practice. Their hearts grew purer, and their understanding of the Dharma deepened. Ah Ming knew they were gradually approaching the stage of "remaining support," a new state of liberation. Although some subtle attachments remained, they could already feel great freedom and peace.

On a quiet night, Ah Ming stood alone on the monastery's hilltop, gazing at the star-filled sky. His heart was filled with longing and confidence for the future of his spiritual practice. He silently prayed that he and his fellow practitioners would successfully navigate this critical stage, progressing further and further on the path to liberation, ultimately reaching the perfect state of "no remaining support." With boundless compassion and wisdom, they would liberate all sentient beings, allowing them to be freed from suffering and share in the light and joy of the Dharma.