Ugh, I believe Ill survive.
Indeed. I never imagined having warm feet while sleeping would be this good.
As anticipated, the North Sea is unfit for habitation.
The disciples of Mount Hua, awakened by the intrusive sunlight piercing the tent, chatted as they stirred.
Waking up in the North Sea was like feeling my body shatter.
I have co to appreciate the value of warmth again.
All things in the world were relative.
Other people often spoke of their mouths going stiff in the cool adow nights, but this land was rely pleasant for the disciples of Mount Hua, who had just returned from the North Sea.
But where is Chung Myung?
Wasnt he here earlier?
Upon hearing this, Baek Cheon straightened his attire and stepped outside to look around.
Chung Myung,
It was then that he found Chung Myung seated by the pond.
As if a bonfire had gone by recently, white smoke ca from it, and Chung Myung sat there looking at the sky with no expression.
What is it?
Chung Myungs gaze shifted to Baek Cheon.
Uh?
Baek Cheon quizzically tilted his head at this mute response.
Did soone steal your money for you to pull such a face?
Sasuk.
Uh?
Quit spouting nonsense and grab sothing to eat.
Ah, what is wrong with this bastard?
Chung Myung heaved a sigh, gazing towards the Lamas tent. The sounds of chanting from within suggested they were awake as well.
Id rather die.
These words were spoken by the little boy known as the Great Living Buddha, words that Chung Myung hadnt understood the night before.
He attempted to follow the boy towards the tent, but the intimidation hed previously felt had already dissipated.
Hes gone.
He couldnt appease a child whose mind kept oscillating and had caused a ss. The childs rambling would muddle his thoughts if he just stood by.
He couldnt do this or that and just stayed up all night.
Chung Myung released a deep sigh, flicking his fingers as he saw Hae Yeon erge from the tent.
Baldie! Baldie!
Taoist. My na is Hae Yeon.
I understand. Co over here.
Hae Yeon wore a sullen expression as he approached. Upon seeing him, Chung Myung initiated a dialogue.
What are your thoughts on the story we heard yesterday?
Which one are you referring to?
The one about reincarnation and Buddhas resurrection?
Amitabha. Yes, that one.
Hae Yeon swiftly glanced towards the tent where the Lamas resided, his face betraying a hint of fluster.
Even though we both follow Buddhism, our interpretations of the teachings are not identical.
Ohh?
The concept of reincarnation as told by the Panchen Lama doesnt differ much from Shaolins teachings. However, it contradicts our belief that people intentionally reincarnate and rember their past lives.
So, even if they are hailed as Buddhas, it doesnt make any sense.
Youre implying they are frauds then.
N-No, thats not what I intended to say.
A startled Hae Yeon threw a glance toward the Lamas tent and quickly lowered his voice.
T-taoist. Proceed with caution. Their Buddhist beliefs are highly regarded, as is their Great Living Buddha.
I understand.
Chung Myung spoke forcefully.
He had already observed the zealous devotion of their worshippers. Naturally, humans and Buddha were not the sa, just as they differed from the Demonic Sect.
But can a person achieve this?
In earlier tis, he would have dismissed the thought with a scoff. After all, Chung Myung was never one to trust in what he could not personally witness.
But he couldnt just let this go. After all, wasnt it proof?
Chung Myung looked up at the sky.
Just then, the Lamas tent flaps stirred as the Panchen Lama slowly erged, hands clasped together. Chung Myungs gaze shifted to the child who followed closely behind.
The childs innocent expression stirred a sense of frustration within him.
Did you sleep well?
The Panchen Lama asked with a friendly smile. The recent arrivals from Mount Hua, who had just exited their own tent, received his cheerful greeting.
Weve had a good rest after such a long while. I truly appreciate your consideration.
Considerate? I simply gave you the extra tent I had. Dont worry.
The Panchen Lamas gaze shifted to Chung Myung, and he offered him a smile.
You seem deep in thought.
Would you mind joining for a walk?
Chung Myung gave a nod in agreent.
Departing from the company of the lamas and disciples, the two of them sauntered across the expansive adow.
The adow was so vast that the end was indiscernible. It seed that no matter how much they trekked, the boundary remained elusive.
Chung Myung was the first to shatter the prolonged silence.
Great Living Buddha
He paused before continuing in a deeper voice.
Are you certain he is that?
I am not.
The Panchen Lama replied, shaking his head.
Om Mani Pad Hum. The entity known as Buddha surpasses human comprehension. Those who have transcended humanity are confined within the human form. Therefore, they are unable to fully express their true self. Following this, the Dalai Lama will journey to the palace to undergo a process of self-rediscovery.
Then, the child is still
Not exactly that either.
The Panchen Lama responded with a smile.
No matter how much one loses oneself, their deep understandings will not disappear. A child is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a child.
The aning was elusive.
Sure, interpreted literally, it wasnt difficult to grasp. But the words seed to possess a deeper significance.
Sothing that set it apart from the teachings of other monks and Buddhists.
Then
As Chung Myung was about to voice his thoughts, the Panchen Lama interjected with a shake of his head.
I am unable to answer that question.
Serene and insightful eyes confronted Chung Myung.
You may wish to inquire about yesterdays remarks from the Dalai Lama.
Yes.
Chung Myung nodded submissively. Despite handling it his own way, he thought that the tent couldnt have muffled the noise.
I am physically lacking, but I believe I grasp the teachings of Buddhism. Thats how I am able to guide and instruct the Lama of Potala Palace.
Yes.
Anyone who had encountered the Panchen Lama would attest that his words were not arrogant.
However, the human body is bound to suffer from karma. One cannot fully grasp all that Buddha proclaid. To comprehend it is to realize it. Then, wouldnt you, too, be a Buddha?
Upon hearing his laughter, Chung Myung gave a nod.
The Dalai Lama is a reincarnation. Still confined to the human form and unaware of his true self, but once he matures, he will regain his complete self.
By the ti he becos an adult
Chung Myung subtly turned his gaze toward the tent, now at so distance. However, he quickly redirected his attention.
So that does not necessarily imply hes unaware of his words.
It must indicate that his present state could not fathom the Buddhas enlightennt. Therefore, even if he conversed with the child, it was likely he wouldnt achieve the desired outco.
It must be for this reason that the Panchen Lama summoned Chung Myung.
Taoist Chung Myung,
Yes.
I am at a loss to comprehend the true essence of the Dalai Lamas words.
Yet, despite my devotion to the Dalai Lama and his enlightennt, I acknowledge that my engagent with Taoist Chung Myung is unique.
The Panchen Lamas gaze was intensely focused on Chung Myung.
Unique?
All my life, I have been refining my Dharma eye to identify the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. To , your uniqueness is evident. It is ineffable, but your Taoist nature sets you apart from ordinary individuals.
Chung Myung halted, turning to the monk beside him.
Lama.
Yes?
According to Buddhas teachings, individuals reincarnate to achieve enlightennt through sustained periods of training, correct?
Correct.
Could there be another reason for reincarnation?
The Panchen Lama simply shook his head.
I dont know.
The workings of the world are too complex. Anything could happen. How could I, a re mortal, comprehend such profound truths?
Chung Myung nodded in agreent.
I have sothing to share with you, Taoist.
As Chung Myung maintained his gaze on him, the Panchen Lama clasped his hands together and chanted.
We all bear lifes pains because anguish is ingrained in our human nature.
Anguish, huh
Om Mani Pad Hum.
The Panchen Lama smiled.
Those who follow Buddhas path conquer their karma and learn the Dharma to rise above their attachnts. It will not be for naught, even if you are in pain now.
It was akin to grasping a passing cloud in the sky.
Yet, hearing this granted Chung Myung a small reprieve.
In the end, you can only depend on yourself.
Isnt the Tao the sa?
An enlightened person becos a genuine Taoist. Nobody can compel the ignorant to awaken. You must co to understand it yourself.
you know of Taoist rules too?
Indeed, I am. If we consider the Taoism of the Central Plains, isnt it heavily influenced by Buddhism? Moreover, werent the Buddhist sects and disciples revered in the Central Plains originally from our land?
No, this man!
Chung Myung glared at the man, incensed by his disrespect, but soon burst into laughter.
This person, who initially seed so otherworldly, appears human now.
Hahaha.
The Panchen Lama maintained a serene smile as he observed Chung Myung with warm eyes.
Taoist.
Yes.
There are no external answers.
When the ti cos for you to seek answers, simply look within yourself. All the answers lie within you.
Upon hearing this, Chung Myung slowly put his hands together and said,
Amitabha Buddha.
Chung Myung would rarely utter these words; however, the Panchen Lama was a distinct exception. This signified the utmost respect Chung Myung could bestow.
Thank you, Lama.
It was nothing.
Following their discussion, the Panchen Lama glanced towards the tent.
Id like to converse further, but as a monk, its crucial that I escort my Dalai Lama back to the palace promptly.
Yes. My apologies for occupying your ti.
The Panchen Lama shook his head.
All relationships hold aning. eting the Taoist here might not just be a coincidence.
Please, overco the agony.
The Panchen Lama clasped his hands together, bowed his head deeply, and left Chung Myung as he made his way to the tent.
Chung Myung, observing the mans retreating back, sat down where he was.
Relationships
He smiled.
There is nothing you cannot tell a Taoist, you know.
The soft sounds of the wind grazed his ears as he closed his eyes.
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