Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 72: Approaching the Stage of Remaining Dependence (VI) "The First Manifestation of Supernatural Powers, Conveniently Saving Those with Predestined Connections"

In the quiet time following the Jinyang City Dharma Assembly, Venerable A-Ming remained devoted to his spiritual practice at the Lingxu Mountain Temple, reciting scriptures and meditating daily in his meditation room, diligently striving for progress. His disciples, guided by their master's guidance, also focused on cultivating their concentration and character. The temple was filled with a peaceful and profound spiritual atmosphere.

One day, sunlight streamed across the temple courtyard, casting dappled shadows from the trees. Venerable A Ming was explaining the essentials of Buddhism to his disciples in the courtyard when an uninvited visitor disrupted the tranquility. The visitor was Qian Fugui, a renowned and wealthy businessman in the city. He was a burly figure, dressed in finery, and exuding confidence and arrogance. Having honed his business career for years, Qian Fugui believed only in seeing and believing, prioritizing profit. He scoffed at the intangible spirituality of Buddhism.

Qian Fugui strode into the courtyard. When he saw Master Amin, he crossed his arms over his chest and said provocatively, "I've heard that Master's Buddhist teachings are profound, but in my opinion, Buddhism is nothing but some vague theories. Words are not enough to prove its magic. How can there be any real evidence to prove its magic?" His voice was loud and sharp, echoing in the quiet courtyard, attracting dissatisfied glances from the disciples.

Master A Ming, however, remained calm. He simply raised his head slightly and gazed deeply at Qian Fugui, without a trace of anger. He knew that for someone like Qian Fugui, so caught up in worldly desires and blinded by material gain, it would be difficult to convince him of the true meaning of Buddhism through mere words. At this moment, Master A Ming fell into a brief moment of deep contemplation and reflection. He realized that if he could help Qian Fugui personally experience the power of Buddhism in a special way, it might be a catalyst for him to embark on the path of spiritual practice. However, he had to exercise caution in his use of supernatural powers, lest Qian Fugui misunderstand and fall deeper into confusion or develop an inappropriate attachment to Buddhism.

After a moment's contemplation, Master A Ming slowly stood up, clasped his hands together, and said, "Since you are so obsessed with seeing is believing, I will use a little magic to allow you to glimpse the karma of your past lives." With these words, a faint golden aura enveloped Master A Ming. He closed his eyes slightly and muttered something. Qian Fugui's vision gradually blurred, and then time and space seemed to distort, and he was swept into a strange light and shadow.

Qian Fugui, horrified, found himself in a strange, ancient scene. He saw himself in a past life as a poor farmer. Envious of his neighbor's bountiful harvest, he secretly destroyed his crops at night. Later, a rare natural disaster struck, leaving his own fields barren, while his neighbor's surplus food helped him survive. He spent the rest of his life in hunger and regret, only realizing the consequences of his evil deeds before his death. The scene shifted, revealing his current life of wealth, the profits he had reaped through unscrupulous means in the business world, and the pain and helplessness on the faces of his peers, whom he had exploited.

Qian Fugui was instantly horrified, his legs giving way, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. His face was pale, his forehead covered in sweat. His former arrogance and confidence vanished without a trace, replaced by a deep sense of awe and fear. "Master, what...what is going on? Could this really be my past life?" Qian Fugui asked in a trembling voice.

Master A Ming waved his hand gently, and the surroundings returned to normal. He looked at Qian Fugui and said earnestly, "Donor, past life causes present life results. The Dharma is not illusory; it reveals the laws governing the operation of all things and the truth of reincarnation. I'm showing you this today not to show off my magical powers, but to help you understand, let go of your obsessions and arrogance, and view the Dharma with a reverent heart."

Qian Fugui felt a mixture of emotions after hearing this. He slowly stood up, his eyes filled with humility and sincerity. "Master, I was wrong. I was too ignorant before, but now I understand the greatness of Buddhism. I am willing to reform myself and contribute to the charitable cause of Buddhism. Please guide me in my practice."

Master Amin nodded slightly and said, "It's a good thing that the donor has a good heart. You can start by participating in the temple's charitable activities, such as helping the poor, distributing porridge and medicine, and so on. Through your actions, you can experience the compassion of Buddhism. At the same time, recite some scriptures such as the Heart Sutra and the Diamond Sutra, and carefully appreciate the wisdom contained therein, gradually purifying your heart."

After Qian Fugui left, Master A Ming turned to face his disciples and said with a serious expression, "My disciples, you have all seen what happened today. Supernatural powers are merely a by-product of spiritual practice, not the goal we pursue. If we lose our mind due to our attachment to supernatural powers, we will stray from the right path and fall into an irretrievable state. We practitioners should always prioritize the cultivation of our mind, the growth of wisdom, and the development of compassion. Just like on the path of practice in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra, from the initial 'ground of accumulation', we must accumulate good roots and merit, cultivate compassion and bodhicitta; in the 'ground of preparation', we strive to improve wisdom and concentration through various practices; now, as we approach the 'ground of remaining support', we must always maintain a pure and steadfast mind, and not be disturbed by external temptations. Only in this way can we truly achieve liberation."

The disciples nodded, indicating that they would remember this. One of them, Huixin, asked, "Master, how can we ensure that we are not deceived by supernatural powers during our practice?"

After a moment of contemplation, Master Amin replied, "This requires us to constantly maintain inner awareness and observation. We should examine every thought and action to see if our motives are pure. When faced with temptation, we should use the wisdom of Buddhism to analyze and judge, and remain true to our original intentions. For example, when faced with praise or slander from others, we should not be swayed by emotions. When we make progress in our practice and may experience signs of supernatural powers, we should not be complacent, but instead continue to practice with greater humility and caution. Only in this way can we steadily advance on the path of practice and not stray from the right path."

Afterward, Qian Fugui lived up to his promise and actively participated in Buddhist charitable activities. He personally led his servants in distributing food and clothing to the impoverished in the city. He also funded the renovation of several dilapidated temples and schools, providing education for impoverished children. Through these activities, he gradually experienced the inner joy of helping others. This joy came not from the acquisition of money or profit, but from a deep sense of contentment and peace of mind.

Qian Fugui also took time every day to recite the Buddhist scriptures recommended by Master Amin. Initially, he struggled, and the meaning of many passages was difficult to grasp. However, he did not give up, but humbly sought guidance from the monks at the temple. Over time, he gradually grasped the wisdom contained in the scriptures, and his heart became calmer and more open-minded. He no longer fretted over business gains and losses, but now operated his business with greater composure and wisdom, prioritizing integrity and mutual benefit.

Master A Ming watched Qian Fugui's transformation with a heartfelt joy. He knew Qian Fugui was gradually embarking on the path of spiritual practice, and this strengthened his resolve to utilize his supernatural powers appropriately to liberate sentient beings. However, he constantly reminded himself and his disciples that supernatural powers are merely a convenient means of enlightenment; the true path to liberation lies in inner awakening and diligent practice. In the temple of Lingxu Mountain, Master A Ming and his disciples continue to silently forge ahead on the path of spiritual practice, embracing the wisdom and compassion of the Dharma, hoping to encounter more sentient beings with predestined connections and guide them to the bright shore of liberation.