Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 97: Waves of Cultural Integration

In the fifteenth year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty, autumn deepened, yet the bustling scene in Chang'an remained undimmed by the academic controversy. In the streets and alleys, common people gathered, enthusiastically discussing the incident at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda caused by the Western Regions scholar Amir.

"I heard that Amir from the Western Regions wants to change the Buddhist research in our Central Plains. What should we do?" an old man said worriedly.

"Yes, those old scholars have already petitioned the court, they will definitely not let it go." A young man echoed.

Inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the atmosphere was as solemn as the calm before a storm. Amir's face was filled with helplessness and confusion. He looked at Jueyuan, his eyes full of puzzlement: "Master Jueyuan, I came here with admiration to exchange ideas and learn from you. How could I have expected to provoke such strong opposition?"

Jueyuan sighed softly and said, "Brother Amir, Buddhism in the Central Plains has been passed down for a long time. Some scholars are conservative and find it difficult to accept new ideas. But don't be discouraged. I will do my best to help you."

With that, Jueyuan hurried out of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and headed for the city's various universities and monasteries. He first visited the renowned Hongfu Temple and met with the highly respected Elder Huikong. After bowing respectfully, Jueyuan began to expound on the significance of cultural exchange: "Elder, while the Western perspectives that Amir brings differ from the Central Plains traditions, they can open new horizons for us. Just as streams converge to form a river, they enrich the flow of the Dharma." Elder Huikong nodded slightly, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Liu Yifeng busied himself in his studio. He unrolled scroll after scroll, painting with vibrant colors scenes of camel caravans from the Western Regions arriving in the Central Plains, bearing spices and treasures, and of silk and porcelain from the Central Plains being shipped to the Western Regions. He also depicted Western monks chanting sutras and discussing the Buddhist teachings with Central Plains monks in a Chang'an temple. He also depicted the focused expressions of Amir, Jueyuan, and others as they sat together, discussing the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. Through these paintings, he hoped to let people see the beauty and harmony of cultural integration.

A heated debate erupted in the imperial court. One minister stood up and said, "Your Majesty, if these Western ideas are allowed to spread freely, they could undermine the very foundations of Buddhism in the Central Plains. They should be expelled immediately."

Another minister retorted, "Your Majesty, Buddhism knows no national boundaries. Mutual exchange will only make our Tang Dynasty Buddhism more influential. We should not throw the baby out with the bathwater."

As the situation became stalemated, Liu Yifeng arrived outside the palace with his paintings, requesting an audience. He showed the scrolls to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, these paintings showcase the grand cultural exchange between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. Amir brought not disruption, but enrichment. Just as Master Amin's legendary story can be spread through paintings, allowing more people to understand Buddhism, so too can the cultural perspective of the Western Regions allow Buddhism to take root among diverse groups of people."

The emperor gazed at the paintings and was deeply moved. He ordered a gathering of people from all walks of life in the imperial gardens of the palace to hold an open Buddhist seminar and cultural exchange.

On this day, the Imperial Gardens were ablaze with flowers, and scholars, monks, and nobles from all over the world gathered. Amir stood before them and began to explain the unique characteristics of Western Buddhist culture. He recounted the unique practice rituals of Western temples and his unique understanding of the practice of Samadhi. Jueyuan also stepped forward to share the profound heritage and traditional wisdom of Central Plains Buddhism in the study of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra.

During the discussion, a scholar from the Central Plains questioned, "Amir, how can we guarantee that the Western cultivation methods you describe align with the true meaning of Buddhism?" Amir smiled and replied, "Sir, different methods all aim to guide sentient beings toward liberation. Just as the Central Plains and the Western Regions, though separated by vast distances, share the same Buddhist avenue. We can learn from each other and find a path that best suits sentient beings."

Liu Yifeng, standing by, quickly sketched out this fascinating debate scene. As the debate progressed, many scholars who had initially opposed it were gradually moved by Amir's sincerity and wisdom and began to consider the possibility of cultural integration.

However, at this moment, a merchant from the Western Regions arrived with news that a small kingdom in the Western Regions was experiencing unrest due to religious conflict, and some extremist forces were resisting the introduction of Central Plains culture. This news plunged everyone present into deep thought. The path of cultural integration seemed once again paved with thorns, and the future of the Central Plains and the Western Regions became even more uncertain amidst this exchange and collision of Buddhist teachings. But Jueyuan looked at Amir with a resolute gaze. They knew that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, they must continue to strive for cultural integration and the transmission of Buddhist teachings, because this was not only about cultural exchange between the two countries, but also about the spiritual sustenance and path to liberation for countless sentient beings.