Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 71: Approaching the Ground of Remaining Dependence (V) "Concentration is like a mountain, the mind remains unchanged despite changing circumstances"

With the rescue operation in Qingping Town temporarily concluded, Venerable A Ming, filled with deep compassion for the suffering of sentient beings and a firm belief in the spread of Buddhism, led his disciples along the winding mountain road back to Lingxu Mountain Temple. Along the way, the disciples' steps showed a hint of fatigue, but their eyes revealed the perseverance and growth honed through the rescue process.

Soon after, the temple received a sincere invitation from the prosperous city of Jinyang. Devotees there longed for a grand Dharma assembly, hoping to listen to the wisdom of the Dharma and find solace and peace amid the hustle and bustle of the world. Master Amin, understanding this as a crucial opportunity to promote the Dharma and benefit all sentient beings, readily accepted the invitation and began preparing for his trip to Jinyang.

On the day of the Dharma Assembly, the central square of Jinyang City was bustling with activity. Colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, as if joyfully welcoming the grand occasion. The square was already packed with a sea of ​​people, the throng surging like a tide. Stalls abounded, vendors selling incense, candles, ritual instruments, and other religious items hawked their wares at the top of their lungs, trying to attract customers amid the clamor. Children chased and played in the crowds, occasionally letting out crisp laughter or crying as they scrambled for toys. Merchants, promoting their wares, shouted incessantly. The cacophony of sounds blended like a surging wave, deafening and seemingly drowning the entire world in this endless clamor.

The makeshift altar, situated in the center of the square, was surrounded by a massive crowd. Believers flocked in with varying sentiments and purposes, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation, yet also with a touch of restlessness and anxiety. Some prayed for the Buddha's blessing on their families' well-being, others hoped for greater prosperity in their business, while others were simply captivated by the grand spectacle and wanted to join in the excitement.

Master Amin steadily ascended the stage, clad in resplendent robes. The sunlight shone a gentle, tranquil glow, as if draping him in a sacred armor. He slowly sat down, his posture erect and dignified, his gaze calmly scanning the audience. Though the clamor of the outside world continued to surge, it could not penetrate the tranquility of his inner world, as still as still waters. He stood like a towering mountain, firmly planted between heaven and earth, unshaken by any external force.

Master Amin began to preach the Dharma. His voice was deep and powerful, like the resounding sound of a mighty bell. Each word held immense power, echoing clearly throughout the square. "Good men and women, the world is like a dream, a bubble, and troubles are like a violent storm. However, we practitioners should use concentration as a solid anchor, making our hearts as firm as a rock, unwavering and unshaken by the changes in external circumstances..."

At first, the audience seemed like a herd of deer lost in a clamorous forest, drawn in by the bustle and activity around them, unable to focus on Master Amin's sermon. They whispered among themselves, some discussing family matters, others gossiping about the latest happenings in the city, their attention so absent-minded that it seemed as if Master Amin's voice was merely a faint background music amidst the cacophony.

But Master Amin remained unmoved. His eyes were deep and serene, and he continued to calmly expound on the profound essence of Buddhism. He seemed to have entered a world that belonged solely to himself and the Dharma, where all external distractions were irrelevant. He recounted the Buddha's journey to enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, how he maintained steadfast concentration in the face of countless temptations and distractions, ultimately achieving supreme enlightenment. His voice flowed like a clear stream, gently flowing through the clamor of the world, gradually permeating the hearts of his listeners.

A young disciple named Li Yuan, responsible for maintaining order at one side of the Dharma Assembly, watched the chaotic scene below with a wave of anxiety. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and he glanced periodically at Master Amin, his eyes filled with worry, fearing the Dharma Assembly would not proceed smoothly, disappointing Master's expectations and those of the many believers. Master Amin, sensing his uneasiness, turned slightly and offered a reassuring glance. That look, filled with trust and encouragement, seemed to tell Li Yuan, "Don't panic; everything is within the causal relationship of the Dharma." Li Yuan, sensing Master's strength, took a deep breath, his heart gradually calmed, and he began to focus on his duties. He guided the crowd with a calm demeanor, gently urging those who were too boisterous to remain quiet and gently guiding those who were lost to their seats.

Among the crowd at the Dharma Assembly was a wealthy businessman named Zhao Qi. He was slender, well-dressed, and his eyes shone with shrewdness and worldly sophistication. He hadn't come to truly seek the Dharma, but rather, having heard of the grand scale of the Dharma Assembly, attended by prominent figures from all walks of life, he sought the opportunity to socialize with the powerful and expand his business network. Standing in the audience, he engaged in a lively conversation with his business partners, discussing the pros and cons of business, how to profit from the latest deal, and how to suppress competitors. He paid no attention to Master Amin's preaching, as if the Dharma sounds were coming from a distant horizon, untouched by him.

Seeing this, Venerable Amin felt a surge of compassion. He knew these people were bewitched by worldly gains, trapped in the mire of greed, hatred, and delusion, unable to extricate themselves. So, he skillfully incorporated Buddhist stories into his sermons about letting go of greed, hatred, and delusion, and remaining unmoved by profit. He recounted an ancient king, possessed of immense wealth and power, yet driven by greed and fear, ultimately leading a life of suffering. In contrast, a poor monk, despite possessing nothing, found inner peace and liberation in a simple monastery through unwavering concentration and devotion to the Dharma.

As Zhao Qi listened, a wave of emotion slowly stirred within him. He began to reflect on his past behavior in the business world, his unscrupulous pursuit of profit, and whether it could truly bring him true happiness and fulfillment. However, his business partners mocked him, believing that his succumbing to the monk's words was a sign of weakness and would affect their carefully crafted business plans. This left Zhao Qi torn. On the one hand, he felt a sense of clarity and enlightenment brought by the Dharma, but on the other, he feared losing his partners' trust and support, unable to let go of his obsession with profit. He felt as if two invisible hands were pulling at his heart, leaving him in agony and confusion.

Master Amin continued his Dharma talk, recounting the various temptations and challenges he encountered during his practice. Deep in the ancient mountain temples, demons had transformed themselves into alluring images to test his concentration. Sometimes they presented him with mountains of gold and silver, sometimes with angelically beautiful women, and sometimes with supreme power and status. Yet, he remained steadfast in his heart, unmoved by external temptations. He knew these temptations were merely illusory, like fleeting illusions. Once indulged, they would lead to self-destruction and distance themselves from the path to liberation. His words were like a beacon, illuminating the confused hearts of many believers. Some, previously restless, began to calm their minds and listen attentively. Their eyes gradually revealed a reverence and yearning for the Dharma, as if, after groping in the darkness for so long, they had finally seen a glimmer of light.

After the Dharma Assembly, many believers gathered around Master Amin, asking him about methods for cultivating concentration. Master Amin smiled and answered each question. He explained that cultivating concentration isn't something that can be achieved overnight; it requires daily meditation, such as sitting meditation, focusing on breathing and inner awareness. During meditation, one should focus on the breath, feeling the in and out of the breath. When distracting thoughts arise, one should not try to dispel them, but rather, like a bystander, quietly watching them come and go, allowing the mind to gradually return to peace. In life, when faced with various temptations and distractions, one should always maintain inner observation and not be driven by desire. For example, when faced with the temptation of delicious food, one should consider whether the desire stems from a genuine physical need or from inner greed. When arguing with others, one should first calm down and observe the source of one's anger, rather than letting it take over and causing impulsive behavior.

Venerable Amin also gathered his disciples for a discussion in the temple's meditation hall. He sat on a cushion, surrounded by disciples, their eyes filled with reverence for their master and a yearning for the Dharma. Venerable Amin spoke earnestly to them, saying, "Today's Dharma meeting is a severe test of our concentration. On the path of practice, we will encounter countless moments like this one. Only with concentration as solid as a mountain can we continuously advance on the path of practice and realization as described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. From the initial accumulation of merit and virtue in the 'Gate of Accumulation,' we practice generosity, observe precepts, and cultivate virtue, laying the foundation for the path of practice. Then, in the diligent practice of the 'Gate of Preparation,' through the cultivation of warmth, summit, patience, and the world's first Dharma, we continuously sharpen our body and mind, deepening our understanding of the Dharma. And now, as we approach the 'Gate of Remaining Dependence,' every step requires the support of concentration."

He continued, "Concentration is like a lighthouse at sea, guiding us in the vast ocean of this world. Without concentration, we will lose ourselves amidst the turbulent waves of temptation and distraction, and stray from the path to liberation. Just like Mr. Zhao Qi, he was blinded by worldly interests. Although he had a brief awakening before the light of Buddhist wisdom, he fell into inner struggle due to the influence of others. This is a manifestation of insufficient concentration. As practitioners, we should take this Dharma Assembly as an opportunity to deeply reflect on ourselves and diligently cultivate concentration. In our daily practice, whether chanting scriptures, meditating, or communicating with believers, we must always remain vigilant and not be distracted by external factors."

The disciples nodded in agreement. Under Master Amin's guidance, they gained a deeper understanding of the importance of concentration in spiritual practice. Recalling every detail of their own practice, they now had clear answers to the worries and confusion they once faced due to a lack of concentration. Their hearts were filled with a longing and pursuit for higher realms of spiritual practice. They seemed to see themselves, guided by the Dharma, gradually overcoming the numerous obstacles on the path of practice and forging ahead courageously toward the other shore of liberation and enlightenment.

Young disciple Li Yuan stood up, respectfully bowed to Master Amin, and said, "Master, I have deeply experienced the power of concentration during today's Dharma Assembly. At first, I was troubled by the chaos in the audience and felt anxious, but seeing your unwavering demeanor, I was deeply moved. In my future practice, I will follow your example, diligently cultivating concentration and not being disturbed by external factors."

Other disciples echoed the sentiment, sharing their insights from the Fa conference and their resolve to cultivate concentration. Some said they would increase their time in meditation, while others said they would be more strict with themselves in their daily lives, constantly observing their thoughts and feelings.

Master Amin felt immensely gratified as he watched his disciples grow and awaken. He knew they were making steady progress on the path of cultivation, and that every test was an opportunity for growth. He encouraged them, saying, "Very well, my disciples. Although the path of cultivation is fraught with hardship, as long as we maintain firm faith and persevere in cultivating concentration, we will be able to uphold the righteous path of Buddhism in this turbulent world and save more sentient beings. Let us work together, guided by the wisdom of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra, to continuously explore the true meaning of cultivation and ascend to higher realms."

After this grand Dharma Assembly, Master Amin and his disciples, with abundant gains and deeper understanding, continued to forge ahead on the path of spiritual practice and salvation of all sentient beings. They knew that countless challenges awaited them, but as long as they maintained their concentration, the light of Buddhist wisdom would forever illuminate their path forward.