Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 78: Approaching the Ground of Remaining Dependence (12) "Always Keeping the Mind of Renunciation in Mind, and Acting Freely by Letting Go"

Deep in that peaceful and tranquil valley, there stood an ancient temple, surrounded by lush greenery and a gurgling spring. Amin, still dressed in his simple cotton shirt, swept fallen leaves in the temple courtyard, his figure appearing remarkably tranquil in the morning light.

One day, a wealthy merchant named Carl, having heard of Amin's good reputation, came seeking him out. Carl was dressed in fine attire, flanked by several attendants carrying an exquisite chest. Inside was the legendary rare treasure—a crystal-clear pearl said to possess magical powers. This pearl was incredibly rare and priceless, coveted by countless people.

Seeing Amin, Carl beamed. "Master Amin, I've long heard of your great name. I've heard that you're dedicated to spiritual practice and the salvation of sentient beings here—truly admirable. Today, I've come to offer you this spiritual pearl. I hope you'll accept it and use it to bring honor to this temple and better aid those in need." Amin paused his sweeping, looked up, and calmly gazed at Carl and the box containing the spiritual pearl. His eyes were clear as water, without a trace of greed or surprise. "Donor, this treasure is too precious. I cannot accept it," Amin said softly.

Carl hurriedly said, "Master, please don't refuse. This spirit pearl is just an ornamental object in my possession, but in yours, it can play a much greater role." Amin shook his head slightly and said, "Donor, in my eyes, this spirit pearl is essentially no different from a roadside stone. Although precious, it is also impermanent and will trigger greed and attachment in people. If I accept it, I will be violating my own path of cultivation." Carl was puzzled and frowned. "Master, what do you mean? How can you easily refuse such a precious thing? This is a treasure that can change many things."

Amin approached Carl, looked him in the eye, and said, "Donor, in my practice of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra, I have been pursuing the state of 'the ground of remaining dependence,' a crucial element of which is renunciation. Attachment to material things only leads the mind into endless bondage. I do not need to rely on this spirit pearl to save sentient beings; true salvation comes from people's inner awakening and compassion." Carl, half understanding, was moved by Amin's resolve. "Master, your realm is truly profound. While I cannot fully understand it, I admire your choice." With this, Carl, along with his attendants and the spirit pearl, left the temple.

As Ah Ming watched them depart, he silently reflected on his inner thoughts. He knew that facing such a precious treasure, it was not easy for him to refuse it without hesitation. Deep within, a ripple of emotion stirred, but he quickly suppressed it with a spirit of renunciation. He sat quietly in the courtyard, lost in meditation, and reflected on his spiritual journey. From his initial attachment to material things to his current ability to face rare treasures with indifference, his practice of renunciation had gradually freed him from external distractions and brought him greater inner peace.

However, Amin soon faced another emotional test. His close friend, Hui Neng, with whom he had practiced for many years, underwent a profound change of heart during a trip. Hui Neng believed that spiritual practice should not be confined to the temples of this valley, but should be carried out in the bustling world, spreading the Dharma in a more direct and radical way to address worldly injustices.

Hui Neng approached Ah Ming, his eyes filled with determination and perseverance. "Ah Ming, I think we can no longer be complacent with the status quo. We should go to the cities, mobilize the masses, and fight against those in power, so that the Dharma can truly shine upon the earth." Ah Ming looked at Hui Neng, his heart filled with worry. "Hui Neng, I understand your perspective, but I believe that spiritual practice is a journey of inner awakening. We cannot be swayed by the impetuousness and anger of the outside world. An overly radical approach could backfire."

The two argued endlessly in the temple's meditation room. Huineng, agitated, said, "Ah Ming, you're too conservative. How many people can you save by hiding in this valley? We should strive for a greater goal." Ah Ming responded calmly, "Hui Neng, in my practice of 'Remaining Dependence,' I've learned that renunciation also includes letting go of attachment to one's own views. I respect your choice, but I cannot go against my own inner peace and the insights I've gained from my practice."

As the argument deepened, the emotional bond between the two seemed stretched to its limit. Huineng looked at A-Ming with disappointment: "A-Ming, if that's the case, then I can only go on alone." A-Ming felt a pang of pain in his heart. Their long-standing friendship threatened to shatter over their divergent spiritual philosophies. But he took a deep breath and approached the situation with a spirit of renunciation. "Huineng, go ahead. May you find your true destiny on your own path."

The moment Huineng turned to leave, Ah Ming's eyes welled with tears. Sitting alone in his meditation room, he felt a mixture of emotions. He reflected on his own heart, feeling the sorrow of losing his dearest friend, yet also grateful that he had been able to face it with a spirit of renunciation, avoiding excessive attachment and attempts to hold on. He understood that this was a necessary tribulation on the path of spiritual practice, a profound test of his own cultivation of renunciation.

In the days that followed, Amin continued his practice in the temple, devoting more of his energy to a deeper understanding of equanimity. He began to cultivate equanimity in the little things of his daily life, whether it was the limited food distribution at the temple or the simple living conditions, he approached them with a calm mind, without complaint or attachment.

Once, the temple was hit by a rare downpour, destroying some buildings and soaking all food. Some young practitioners began to complain about the unfairness of fate, but Amin comforted them, saying, "This is simply a manifestation of the impermanence of the world. We should let go of our attachment to material comforts and face all these difficulties with renunciation." He led the practitioners in repairing their homes and finding new food sources. In the process, he set an example, allowing everyone to see the power of renunciation in the face of adversity.

Over time, Amin made further progress in his practice of equanimity. He found himself more at ease, gaining a detached perspective on the world around him. He was no longer tempted by external pursuits of fame and fortune, nor troubled by emotional entanglements. He was able to face the world with a more peaceful and tolerant mindset.

When interacting with pilgrims visiting the temple, Amin shared the philosophy of renunciation. A young scholar, disheartened by failing the imperial examination, came to the temple seeking solace. Amin said, "Donor, the success and failure of the imperial examination are but a small part of life. You should let go of your attachment to fame and fortune, approach all things with a spirit of renunciation, and rediscover your inner direction." The scholar, lost in thought, felt as if he had seen a glimmer of light amidst the darkness.

Throughout this series of experiences, Amin continuously demonstrated the state, practice, and fruition of equanimity, as described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. His stories of practice spread throughout the valley, attracting more and more people to listen and gain insights. And Amin, still in that temple, using equanimity as his boat, sailed freely on the vast ocean of practice, constantly approaching the higher realm of "the ground of remaining dependence."