Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 87: The Realization of the Ground of No Remaining Dependence (I) "Abandoning All Dependent Conditions, Ultimate Liberation Achieved"

Deep within the ancient temple, after experiencing a series of baptisms in sacred realms and the trials of temple affairs, Amin became increasingly determined to pursue spiritual practice. Time passed quietly, and before he knew it, Amin arrived at the most critical moment in his spiritual journey.

At dawn, the sound of temple bells echoed through the valley. Amin rose early, as usual, and headed to the quiet room behind the temple for meditation. He sat cross-legged, silently observing his thoughts, trying to calm them like still water. Yet, for some reason, his state of mind felt strangely different today, as if an invisible force was stirring deep within him.

Amin began to delve deeper into Vipassana, retracing his own path through the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. From the initial understanding and awareness of the five senses of sight, hearing, nose, tongue, and body in the "Five Senses and Body" (the ground of the five senses), to the in-depth exploration of consciousness in the "Mind Ground," and then to the cultivation of the different levels of mind in the "ground of searching and observing," "ground of no searching but observing," and "ground of no searching and no observing," each step was filled with hardship and profound insights. He recalled his arduous pursuit of meditative concentration in the "ground of Samadhi," and the battles he waged against greed, hatred, and delusion within that state, like a series of invisible wars. The confusion and struggles of the "ground of non-Samadhi" (the ground of non-Samadhi) also deepened his understanding that spiritual practice is not always smooth sailing.

Through his practice in the "mind-bound" and "no-mind" stages, he learned how to strike a balance between mindfulness and non-mindfulness, gaining insight into the subtle shifts in his state of mind. The "hearing-based," "contemplative," and "cultivation-based" stages marked crucial stages in his accumulation of Buddhist wisdom. Through listening, reflection, and practical practice, he gradually built a framework for understanding the profound Buddhist teachings. The "sravaka-based" stage allowed him to appreciate the resolve and path of Hinayana practitioners in their pursuit of liberation, while the "pratyekabuddha-based" stage enabled him to comprehend the loneliness and tenacity of solitary awakening.

As his practice deepened, he entered the "Bodhisattva Ground." At that moment, he felt a greater sense of mission. He understood that practice wasn't just for personal liberation, but for the salvation of all sentient beings. During his years in the "Stage of Remaining Dependence," sacred visions—such as flashes of Buddha's light, blooming Udumbara flowers, and the arrival of heavenly sounds—served as both a test of his practice and a spur to his faith. While managing temple affairs and interacting with believers, he constantly integrated Buddhist teachings into every action, practicing the Dharma through his actions and observing his mind through his visions.

Now, sitting in this quiet room, he felt as if he were at a crossroads. He knew full well that he was about to reach the state of "no remaining dependence," yet a trace of concern and doubt remained within him. This concern stemmed from his attachment to the temple and his responsibility to the believers; while the doubt stemmed from the fear and uncertainty of completely abandoning worldly ties.

Just as Ah Ming was caught up in a deep inner struggle, the temple's abbot, Monk Wuneng, walked in. Monk Wuneng looked at Ah Ming, a trace of concern in his eyes: "Ah Ming, I see you look serious today. What's troubling you?"

Ah Ming slowly opened his eyes, looked at Monk Wuneng, and spoke truthfully, "Brother, I seem to have reached a crucial point in my practice. I can sense that I'm about to reach the state of 'no remaining support,' but I'm filled with reluctance and doubt. I'm worried about what will become of the temple and the believers if I completely abandon worldly ties."

Monk Wuneng sighed softly and said, "Ah Ming, your compassion for the temple and its followers is truly precious, but you must also understand that the path of spiritual practice is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you'll retreat. 'The Ground of No Remaining Dependence' is the dream of countless practitioners. If you can achieve it, you will be able to return greater wisdom and compassion to the world. As for the temple and its followers, everything in the world has its own cause and condition. Perhaps this is also an opportunity for their growth and enlightenment."

After hearing what Master Wuneng said, Ah Ming fell into deep thought. He knew what his brother said made sense, but the turmoil in his heart did not dissipate.

In the afternoon, sunlight filtered through dappled leaves onto the temple courtyard. As Ah Ming strolled through the courtyard, a devotee named Zhang Shizhu came to visit. Zhang, a craftsman, had always held Ah Ming in high esteem and often visited the temple to seek guidance on Buddhism and the principles of life.

"Master A Ming, I have been making an extremely exquisite handicraft recently, but I encountered a bottleneck in the creative process. I was too obsessed with the perfection of the work, which put me in trouble. I wonder if the master has any advice?" Donor Zhang asked sincerely after greeting him.

Ah Ming looked at Donor Zhang and something clicked in his mind. He saw himself reflected in Donor Zhang's troubles. He said, "Donor, everything in this world has its limits. Excessive attachment can only become a bondage. In Buddhism, we pursue inner freedom and liberation. Just like in spiritual practice, if we cling to achieving a certain state, we will stray from the right path. You should let go of your obsessions and approach your work with a calm mind. Perhaps you will achieve new breakthroughs."

The conversation with donor Zhang helped Amin to loosen up his inner conflict. He realized that his attachment to the temple and its followers might be an obstacle to his spiritual practice.

At night, under a bright moon, Amin once again journeyed to the forest behind the temple. This forest had witnessed countless times of his spiritual practice and enlightenment. He stood quietly beneath an ancient pine tree, gazing up at the starry sky. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, a sound that seemed to speak of the impermanence of the world.

Amin began to re-examine his inner self. He recalled the description of the "stage of no remaining attachment" in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra: a state in which all worldly conditions and attachments are completely renounced, where body and mind merge into one with the universe, and all afflictions, karma, and the constraints of samsara dissipate. He knew that to achieve this state, he would need unwavering faith and fearless courage.

Deep in his heart, he silently asked himself: "What is the original intention of my practice? Is it for personal liberation, or to truly save all sentient beings? If I stagnate because of temporary attachment, how can I achieve greater compassion and wisdom?" Through this series of self-questioning, Amin gradually clarified his direction.

After several days and nights of inner struggle and deep contemplation, Amin finally made up his mind to let go of all his worries and attachments and bravely move towards the state of "no remaining dependence".

One morning, as the first rays of sunlight shone across the temple's golden roof, Ah Ming entered a deep meditation in his meditation room. His consciousness gradually transcended the constraints of the world, entering a state of emptiness and tranquility. In this state, he saw the myriad karmic connections of his past lives: past loves, hates, fame, and fortune, all of which appeared and vanished like passing clouds.

He felt his body and mind gradually merge with the energy of the universe, and an unprecedented sense of peace and joy washed over him. All his worries and karmic obstacles melted away like ice and snow under the warm sun, and the shackles of samsara were broken. At that moment of enlightenment, Amin became a free and enlightened being.

He sat there quietly, his heart filled with gratitude. He was grateful for the guidance of Buddhism, which had allowed him to find the path to liberation in this vast world; he was grateful for the support and companionship of his fellow practitioners in the temple; and he was grateful for the believers, whose questions and confusions prompted him to continue to reflect deeply on the true meaning of Buddhism.

However, Amin also knew that this state was not the end, but a new starting point. As an enlightened being, he shouldered a greater mission. With boundless compassion and wisdom, he would continue to manifest in the world, guiding more beings towards the path of liberation.

As A-Ming slowly emerged from his meditation, his eyes revealed a deep and peaceful light. He walked out of the meditation room and saw Monk Wu-Neng and a group of monks waiting in the courtyard. Monk Wu-Neng looked at A-Ming and seemed to notice something from the change in his temperament. He walked over and asked softly, "A-Ming, you..."

Ah Ming looked at Monk Wu Neng with a smile and said, "Brother, I have attained the state of no remaining support."

When Monk Wuneng and the other monks heard this, they all showed expressions of surprise and reverence, and saluted with their palms clasped together.

From then on, Amin began teaching monks and laypeople in the monastery in a completely new way. He moved beyond traditional lecturing to convey the wisdom of Buddhism through his words and actions. He guided monks in a deeper exploration of the spiritual realms outlined in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra and encouraged laypeople to practice the Buddhist principles of compassion and kindness in their daily lives.

However, Amin's enlightenment also drew some external skepticism and challenges. Upon hearing that Amin had attained the state of no residual dependence at such a young age, monks from other temples were dissatisfied and came to debate with him about the Dharma. One of these monks, Huikong, renowned for his mastery of the sutras and treatises, said to Amin, "Although you claim to have attained the state of no residual dependence, this state is profound and unfathomable. How can you prove that your enlightenment is not false?"

Ah Ming looked at Hui Kong and said calmly, "The enlightenment of Buddhism cannot be fully demonstrated by words. It is a true inner experience and a sublimation of the state of mind. I would like to discuss the profound meaning of Buddhism with you, but not to prove myself, but to enhance our understanding of Buddhism together."

In his debate with Huikong, Amin cited scriptures and expounded in a simple and clear manner his understanding of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra and the core teachings of Buddhism. His words were full of wisdom and compassion, and gradually, Huikong's attitude changed from doubt to admiration.

As Amin's influence grew, some local dignitaries began to take notice. A local official named Mr. Wang, upon hearing of Amin's deeds, visited the temple. Mr. Wang was immensely powerful in his local area, but in recent years, he had been troubled by the intrigues of the officialdom and setbacks in his career.

"Master Amin, I have been in officialdom for many years, but now I am in deep trouble. Although I have power and wealth, my heart is full of fatigue and confusion. Master, how do you think I can get rid of it?" asked Lord Wang.

Ah Ming looked at Lord Wang and said, "Sir, power and wealth are external possessions. If you are blinded by them, you will lose your inner peace. According to Buddhism, true liberation lies in inner enlightenment and the abandonment of greed, hatred, and delusion. You should reflect on your behavior in officialdom and whether it has deviated from the right path and conscience. If you can treat the people with compassion and fairness, perhaps you can find a balance between your career and your inner peace."

After hearing what Amin said, Lord Wang nodded thoughtfully. He realized that the fame and fortune he had always pursued were not the true meaning of life.

Under Amin's guidance, Lord Wang began to implement policies that benefited the people within the officialdom, and his mind gradually became more open and peaceful. Amin, on the other hand, continued to travel between the temple and the world, using his wisdom and compassion to resolve people's inner worries and confusion, spreading the light of the Dharma to every corner, always steadfastly walking on the great path that begins at the "ground of no remaining dependence" and guides all beings towards liberation. Whether facing inquiries from monks, requests for help from believers, or external doubts and challenges, he always remained calm, observing his mind through his surroundings and practicing the Dharma through his actions. He constantly forged ahead on the path of cultivation and salvation, allowing more people to experience the wonder and greatness of the Dharma and bringing more peace and hope to the world.