Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 81: Approaching the Ground of Remaining Dependence (15) "Gathering Good Affinity, Bringing Dharma to All Living Beings"

In that ancient yet vibrant town, sunlight shimmered like golden fragments on the bluestone pavement. Amin's footsteps were unhurried, as he continued to weave through the streets and alleys. His presence was like a spring breeze, gently yet firmly passing through every corner, silently sowing the seeds of the Dharma. His tranquil and peaceful aura, like a faint halo, enveloped him, making him appear unique and otherworldly amid the hustle and bustle of this world.

On this sunny day, Amin, invited by a highly respected elder in the city, traveled to a mansion to attend a cultural gathering. The mansion resembled an exquisite garden, its vermilion gate solemn and majestic, its doorknocker a lifelike bronze lion, seemingly telling the story of time. Stepping inside, the courtyard was awash with carved beams and painted rafters, with soaring eaves and brackets – every detail betraying the owner's taste and wealth. The courtyard was ablaze with colorful blossoms, their petals falling like snow in the gentle breeze, emitting waves of enchanting fragrance. Celebrities from all walks of life gathered, dressed in splendid attire, some gracefully clutching folding fans, others radiantly clad in silk and satin. Laughter and joy mingled with the melodious sounds of stringed instruments, echoing in the air.

Amin wore simple monk's robes, his coarse cloth standing out slightly from the ornate attire of the surroundings. Yet, the aura of tranquility and peace he exuded was undeniable. His gaze was clear and penetrating, as if he could see through the surface of all things to their essence. At the gathering, Amin met the local official, Lord Li. Lord Li was a burly figure with a resolute face. His eyes shone with the calmness and wisdom of a seasoned official, but at that moment, a barely concealed trace of fatigue and confusion loomed deep within his eyes like a dark cloud. Ah Ming was keenly aware of this. During a break in the conversation, he whispered to Lord Li, "Sir, you seem preoccupied with something during today's grand gathering?" Lord Li was slightly startled, his gaze fixed on Ah Ming. He took in this seemingly ordinary monk, who exuded a unique aura, and said with a wry smile, "Master, you truly have a keen eye. I'm in the officialdom, and while I wholeheartedly strive for the well-being of the people, I'm often troubled by the undercurrents of the bureaucracy. The conflicts of interest and the constant power struggles often leave me at a loss as to what to do. I'm constantly lost."

Ah Ming nodded slightly, clasping his hands together, and said, "Sir, in this world, fame, wealth, and status are like fleeting clouds. Only by upholding a pure and kind heart and adhering to the principles of cause and effect can one maintain direction in one's official career. Buddhism teaches that everything is caused by karma. Your current confusion may be the result of the intertwining of karma from past and present lives. But as long as you cultivate compassion and make wise decisions, you will surely find your way out of this fog." As he spoke, Ah Ming recounted stories of virtuous officials throughout history who applied Buddhist wisdom to local governance. Examples include Di Renjie of the Tang Dynasty, who, driven by justice, used the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism to solve numerous cases, appease the people, and bring peace to the region. Another example is Zhao Pin of the Song Dynasty, who, with his integrity and adherence to the benevolent principles of Buddhism, built water conservancy projects for the benefit of the people. Lord Li listened intently, lost in thought, as if he had seen a glimmer of light in the darkness.

After that, Amin met with Lord Li frequently. They would sit on the ground in front of the shrine, amidst the curling smoke of incense and the solemnity of Buddha statues, conversing quietly. Or they would sit opposite each other in Lord Li's study, filled with sutras and collected works, along with brushes, inkstones, and paper. They would discuss Buddhism and the principles of government, with Amin drawing on the wisdom of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra to explain human nature and the laws of the world. Under Amin's influence, Lord Li began to reevaluate his policies, no longer focusing solely on achievements and consolidating power, but instead focusing on the needs of the people. He personally visited the homes of the poor and understood their hardships. He implemented tax cuts, significantly reducing the burden on the people. He also vigorously promoted education and healthcare, building schools and hiring knowledgeable teachers to ensure access for children. He also established clinics to provide free medical care. The people of the city were delighted and their praise for Lord Li was endless. In his spare time from his busy government duties, Lord Li immersed himself in Buddhist scriptures. He recited the sutras in his study, each word a key unlocking the door to wisdom deep within him. He organized numerous Buddhist charitable events, personally leading donations to provide aid and support to the impoverished, becoming a powerful promoter of the spread of Buddhism in this region.

Time passed, and Amin decided to embark on a long journey, hoping to spread Buddhism and forge good connections throughout the world. Carrying a simple bag and a Zen staff in hand, he walked forward with determination, step by step. During his journey, he arrived at a picturesque water town in the south of the Yangtze River. Here, a network of rivers crisscrossed the area, and the clear waters meandered like silk ribbons, shimmering in the water. Whitewashed, black-tiled houses were scattered neatly along the water, their reflections in the water creating a dreamlike scene. Small boats glided leisurely across the river, the boatman's song lingering in the air.

On an ancient stone bridge, A Ming encountered a young scholar named Lin Yu. Lin Yu, handsome and elegant, his white robe swaying in the breeze, exuded a refined air, yet a hint of arrogance was evident in his gaze. Seeing that A Ming was a monk, Lin Yu felt a surge of curiosity. He approached, bowed, and said, "Master, I have long heard of the wisdom of monks. Today, I would like to discuss a few points with you." A Ming smiled and returned the greeting, "Please feel free to speak." Lin Yu then proceeded to speak eloquently about his accomplishments in poetry and prose, boasting, quoting classics, and speaking eloquently, attempting to impress A Ming with his talent.

Amin listened quietly. When Lin Yu finished, he slowly said, "Donor, you are incredibly talented, and I admire you. But in this world, knowledge and talent are like a single star in a vast sea of ​​stars—bright yet insignificant. Buddhism teaches that humility allows one to embrace all rivers, while arrogance only blinds one's own eyes and hinders the growth of wisdom." Amin then told a story. There was once a wise man, immensely learned and talented. However, he prided himself on his intelligence and refused to learn from others, believing he knew everything. He remained self-satisfied in his academic pursuits, ultimately achieving nothing and fading into oblivion. Meanwhile, another man, though less gifted, remained humble. He acknowledged his shortcomings, constantly seeking knowledge and seeking guidance from those with strengths, whether scholars or ordinary people. He accumulated knowledge and grew, eventually becoming a master whose thoughts and writings had a profound influence.

After hearing this, Lin Yu's face turned red and white. Although he was a little dissatisfied in his heart, he was also touched by A Ming's words. Seeing this, A Ming said again: "Donor, look at the beautiful scenery of this water town. The reason why the river can converge into a stream is that it can accommodate water from all directions, regardless of small streams. The same is true for people. Only by letting go of arrogance can they truly grow." Lin Yu pondered for a long time, his eyes fell on the gurgling river under the bridge, and it seemed that something in his heart was quietly changing. Finally, he bowed deeply to A Ming: "Master, your words are like enlightenment, Lin Yu has learned from you."

From then on, Lin Yu let go of his arrogance and began to humbly seek advice from all walks of life. He walked into the fields, talked with veteran farmers, and listened to their farming experiences and life wisdom; he visited the market and chatted with vendors, understanding their hardships and optimism. His literary creations thus reached a new level. His poems were no longer just a collection of flowery words, but were filled with profound insights into life and the world, and his words exuded humility and tolerance. At the same time, he developed a strong interest in Buddhism. He traveled with Amin throughout the world. At each temple they visited, they would sit in meditation in the hall, recite Buddhist scriptures, and delve into the Buddhist classics and explore the philosophical principles. Lin Yu gradually became a devout practitioner, and his heart, which had initially been impetuous and arrogant, became calm and determined.

Throughout his spiritual journey, Amin has always upheld the belief of cultivating good relationships. Whether high-ranking officials or ordinary people, he treats them equally, using Buddhist teachings to nourish their hearts. With each interaction, he senses the diverse worries and perplexities of all beings, allowing him to deepen his inner contemplation and awareness. In his interactions with Lord Li, he witnessed the confusion and struggle behind power. He deeply understands the complexities and hardships of officialdom and understands the guiding role of Buddhism for those shouldering such heavy responsibilities. In his encounter with Lin Yu, he discerned the arrogance and vanity hidden behind his talent. He used Buddhist wisdom to enlighten this young scholar, setting him on a path of self-growth and spiritual practice.

He knew full well that his mission in this world was to guide sentient beings toward liberation through good karma and Dharma connections. In this process, he himself steadily approached the profound state of "the ground of remaining dependence" described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. In a remote mountain village, he encountered villagers fighting each other due to poverty. The village was scattered with dilapidated houses, and the land was barren. The villagers argued endlessly over limited resources, sometimes even resorting to physical violence. Amin entered the village, his presence like sunshine piercing the gloom. With the compassion of the Dharma, he dispelled their hatred. Sitting in the center of the village, he recounted stories of karma and retribution, helping them understand that fighting only brings more suffering. He guided them to work together, cultivating the land, and cultivating crops, teaching them advanced farming techniques. Thanks to Amin's efforts, the village gradually became prosperous, and the villagers' faces began to smile again, filled with gratitude and respect.

In a coastal fishing village, the wind howled and waves crashed against the rocks. He comforted the families of fishermen, terrified by the dangers of going out to sea. He sat with them and shared Buddhist teachings on peace of mind, telling them that life and death are determined by fate, and wealth and honor are in the hands of God. By cultivating good thoughts and praying for their loved ones at sea, they could find inner peace. He taught them to recite Buddhist scriptures, so that they would not be overwhelmed by fear as they waited for their loved ones to return.

Amin's fame grew, yet he remained steadfast. He knew that all this was simply the natural spread of Buddhism, and that he was merely a transmitter. He continued to travel the world, seeking those connected to the Dharma. Through his kindness and connection with the Dharma, he sought to bring warmth and hope to the world, allowing more souls to find redemption and enlightenment through the nourishment of the Dharma. Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, among scholars or ordinary people, Amin remained steadfast in his convictions. In this world of worldly desires, he served as a beacon, illuminating the path forward and guiding them toward inner peace and liberation.