Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 85: Approaching the Stage of Remaining Dependence (19) "Gradually Freedom of Body and Mind, First Taste of Liberation"

In the ancient temple's courtyard, Amin stood quietly, a gentle breeze brushing against his monk's robes, yet he seemed to blend seamlessly with the breeze, without the slightest resistance or hesitation. The sun shone upon him, and he felt a warmth wash over him, a sense of freedom he had never felt before.

Ah Ming slowly walked forward, surprised to find his steps were as light as if treading on clouds. Each step seemed imbued with endless energy. The aches and fatigue from long periods of meditation and practice had long since vanished. He walked to the temple's corridor and sat down casually, his back straight but without a trace of stiffness, as if his body was no longer a mortal body bound by gravity and fatigue.

At this time, Huijue, a young monk in the temple, came running over in a hurry with a trace of anxiety on his face: "Brother Amin, the rice jar in the temple is empty, what should we do?" In the past, Amin might have frowned slightly, and fell into worry and thinking about the shortage of supplies, but at this moment, he just looked at Huijue calmly, with composure in his eyes: "Don't worry, brother, let's go and see how much other food is in stock, and then we can discuss countermeasures together." His voice was gentle and calm, and he was not affected by Huijue's anxiety.

Throughout his discussions with Huijue, Amin remained calm. He clearly analyzed various possible solutions, neither panicking nor dwelling on the immediate dilemma. When Huijue became agitated over a disagreement, Amin simply smiled, patiently listened, and then gently guided him back to rational thinking.

In the afternoon, Amin arrived at the temple garden. Flowers were in full bloom, each a dazzling display of color, and bees were bustling among the blossoms. Amin sat on a stone bench beside the flowers, closed his eyes, and began to reflect on his long journey of spiritual practice. He seemed to see himself, a newcomer to Buddhism, naive and bewildered, struggling to navigate the vast ocean of the Dharma.

He recalled the doubts and challenges he encountered while spreading the Dharma across the land. Those angry looks and harsh words had once sent ripples through his heart. He also recalled the inner struggles he faced amidst the various temptations of desire during his practice. The phantoms of fame and fortune had haunted him like a ghost. And the interpersonal struggles he once encountered when facing occasional disagreements and conflicts among fellow practitioners. However, all of this had gradually faded away, like a passing cloud.

He deeply realized that it was precisely those countless times of perseverance in difficult situations, restraint in the face of temptation, and self-reflection and tolerance in the face of contradictions that had earned him the freedom of body and mind he now possessed. This freedom was not a fleeting tranquility after escaping reality, but rather the result of a profound understanding and practice of the true meaning of Buddhism after enduring numerous trials and tribulations.

Now, amidst the turmoil of this world, he can view the ups and downs of all things with a detached heart. He knows that this gradual state of physical and mental freedom is only a milestone on the path to liberation, his first taste of liberation. This feeling is like the first rays of dawn, faint but full of hope and strength, filling him with infinite anticipation for ultimate and complete liberation.

In the days that followed, Amin devoted himself even more actively to his practice and temple affairs. While meditating in the meditation hall, he was able to enter a deeper state of contemplation, as if his soul had detached from his body, soaring freely in an ethereal world, and becoming more deeply connected with the wisdom of the Dharma. When interacting with believers outside the temple, he was able to convey the Buddhist teachings in a more harmonious and relaxed manner, allowing believers to feel the compassion and power of the Dharma through his words and actions.

Once, a wealthy businessman named Wang Fu visited the temple. His face was filled with sorrow. His business had recently suffered a major setback. The betrayal of a partner and a ruptured funding chain had left him practically destitute. He had heard of Ah Ming's profound spiritual attainments and hoped to gain some enlightenment and help from him.

Upon meeting Wang Fu, Ah Ming showed no disdain or annoyance. He smiled, invited Wang Fu to sit down, and then looked at him quietly, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "Donor, the gains and losses, honors and disgraces of this world are like dreams and bubbles. Though seemingly real, they are in fact impermanent. Your current predicament is only temporary, just as after night comes dawn." Ah Ming's voice flowed like a gurgling stream, slowly flowing into Wang Fu's heart.

Wang Fu smiled wryly and said, "Master, it's easy for you to say, but all my years of hard work have gone to waste. I truly cannot let it go." Ah Ming shook his head gently and said, "Donor, if you continue to cling to past failures and losses, you will only sink yourself into deeper pain. You should let go of your obsession and re-evaluate your life and career. In Buddhism, every setback is an opportunity for growth, a test given to us by fate, and also a step towards enlightenment."

Amin spoke with Wang Fu for a long time. Using his profound understanding of Buddhism and his own spiritual practice, he guided Wang Fu to view his situation from a new perspective. Under Amin's guidance, Wang Fu's despair gradually shifted to hope, and a renewed sense of determination appeared on his face. "Master, your words are like a revelation. I understand. I should no longer be constrained by my current predicament. I must rally myself."

Watching Wang Fu depart, Ah Ming felt a surge of joy. He knew that in helping others, he was not only practicing the compassion of Buddhism but also deepening his own understanding and experience of liberation. In this process, he came to understand more clearly that liberation is not an isolated personal achievement, but is inextricably linked to the well-being of all beings. As he was able to help others overcome their spiritual difficulties with a free heart, he also took more solid steps toward his own path to liberation.

As time went by, Amin felt his sense of physical and mental freedom deepen and expand. He also experienced a unique joy and tranquility in his daily chores at the temple, such as sweeping the floor and carrying water. Each movement felt like an expression of spiritual practice. He no longer viewed these trivial tasks as a burden, but rather as a way to connect with the universe.

When he gazes up at the starry sky at night, he feels a surge of awe and gratitude for the universe. He realizes that he is but a tiny speck of dust in this vast universe, but under the guidance of the Dharma, this speck of dust can radiate a unique light, gradually breaking free from the constraints of the world and moving towards the infinite light of liberation. He will continue steadfastly along this path of practice. No matter what challenges and trials lie ahead, he firmly believes that the dawn of liberation will grow brighter and brighter, ultimately enveloping him in eternal freedom and tranquility.

In his interactions with fellow practitioners, Ah Ming imparted this state of peace of mind and body to them. As they chanted Buddhist scriptures together in the temple's scripture hall, Ah Ming's calmness and focus seemed infectious, permeating the entire hall with a peaceful atmosphere. Under his influence, his fellow practitioners immersed themselves more deeply in the wisdom of the Dharma, and their spiritual progress became increasingly significant.

Ming deeply understands that all of this is the manifestation of the power of Buddhism in them, and is also a valuable experience in their practice of the "Standard of Remaining Dependence" in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. He looks forward to continuing on this hopeful and challenging path of practice with his fellow practitioners, together seeking the ultimate state of liberation, achieving complete freedom of body and mind, becoming one with the supreme goodness and beauty of Buddhism, and existing eternally in endless light.