If not, with everyone's habits, there was no need to vie for the first incense offering even though it was good. After all, not many people had gone to Hongyan Monastery to vie for the first incense offering in the past. Most people stayed at home to set off firecrackers, eat dumplings, and watch the Spring Festival Gala.
Since he knew the reason for everyone's visit, Fangzheng settled the matter easily. He pressed his palms together and gave a Buddhist proclamation, "Amitabha. Patrons, there is no need to vie. In fact, the first incense offering does not exist at all. No monastery would advertise the first incense offering. The so-called first incense offering is just something people have hyped up over the years. It does not mean much by itself.
If we have to talk about the first incense offering, we recognize the first incense offering as the first incense offered in the new year. This incense offering will not change because you are the second, third, or even the last person to burn it. It will always be your first incense offering.
Success depends on sincerity. Vying for first is meaningless. As long as you are sincere, Buddha will naturally bless you and bless you. "
When everyone heard that, they exchanged looks. There was such a saying?
At that moment, a villager exclaimed, "Venerable Fangzheng, that's not right, right? Venerable Wu Ming said that the first incense offering is very important. "
"That's right. Venerable Wu Ming said that snatching the first incense offering in the new year is great merit. It will bless you with peace and riches!"
"Venerable Wu Ming did say that. He was just talking about the merit of the first incense offering."
Upon hearing that, many people looked at Wu Ming. Wu Ming lamented inwardly. He never expected to be betrayed so quickly. He obviously knew that Fangzheng's words were correct. This was because Master Hongyan had said more than once that monks were not allowed to publicize the matter of the first incense offering. However, Master Hongyan was advanced in age and seldom cared about matters outside. Furthermore, it had become a custom among the people to vie for it. It was not right for him to chase people away, so he allowed it to happen.
Now that Fangzheng said that, it did not matter much. They were family after all. It was also the first time they were getting the first incense offering …
However, Wu Ming felt upset and happy at the same time. He was upset that he had been betrayed and had to consider how to deal with the situation. He was happy that the young monk did not know how to run a business. The first incense offering was a good reason to attract incense offerings, but he had rejected it. Was he a fool? Having a fool as a competitor was clearly a good thing.
Wu Ming's mind raced. He knew that he could not avoid it. He took a step forward and pressed his palms together.
With that said, everyone present fell silent. All of them looked at Fangzheng and Wu Ming. The villagers did not know if the first incense offering was good or bad. However, Wu Ming and Fangzheng were both monks, so they likely had their own opinions. All that mattered was who would win. Whoever wins will have the final say.
Fangzheng frowned. The first incense offering was everyone's first incense offering. When did it become a competition? Wasn't this just deceiving people with lies and deceiving them? Displeased, Fangzheng pressed his palms together and returned the bow. "Venerable One, may I ask which temple you cultivate in?"
Wu Ming looked up slightly and said with a smile, "This Penniless Monk has been cultivating in Hongyan Monastery for more than ten years. Venerable Fangzheng, in terms of seniority, you and I are equal. However, This Penniless Monk entered the sect earlier than you. You should address me as Senior Brother. "
Fangzheng rolled his eyes inwardly as he cursed, "What an old fellow. You want to take advantage of me the moment you open your mouth! Fine, if you want to play, I'll accompany you! "
Fangzheng smiled even more brilliantly. He said with a smile, "Venerable Wu Ming, what position do you have in Hongyan Monastery? This Penniless Monk is currently One Finger Temple's abbot. "
The moment that was said, Wu Ming's smile stiffened. He did have a position in Hongyan Monastery. However, Hongyan Monastery was only a medium-sized monastery. It would only be embarrassing to mention his position! Although Fangzheng's One Finger Temple was smaller, he was the abbot! If he went there, he would be on the same level as Zen Master Hongyan! With such a comparison, Wu Ming immediately felt inferior to Fangzheng.
Wu Ming said with a fake smile, "As a monk, there's no need to talk about such burdensome matters. Venerable Fangzheng, the first incense offering is of utmost importance. Why do you make it sound so simple? Or could it be that you have already prepared the first incense offering for someone? "
Fangzheng finally understood that Wu Ming was clearly there to find fault with him! With this in mind, Fangzheng did not stand on ceremony. He straightened his back and hung his hands by his sides! His eyes shimmered. With the augmentation of the temple and the Buddhist Dharma, the solemnity and righteousness that the Dragon Buddha Manjushri had nurtured was amplified by the White Lunar Monk Robe! At that instant, Fangzheng seemed to grow taller in everyone's eyes. His body seemed to shimmer with a Buddhist glow. Just one look at him made people feel like they were completely convinced!
Wu Ming felt it especially clearly. Fangzheng's aura was directed at him. He had a guilty conscience, so with the pressure, his forehead broke out into a cold sweat!
Fangzheng snorted coldly, "Venerable Wu Ming, it would have been fine if you had not mentioned it. But since you have, This Penniless Monk has to ask you something."
"Please speak." Wu Ming believed that his eloquence was definitely superior to the young monk who had never seen the world. He had nothing to fear!
Fangzheng said proudly, "Is this how your master taught you the essence of Buddhism?! Do you know your sins for distorting the true meaning of Buddhism?! " Fangzheng's voice turned louder. Towards the end, it sounded like the angry roar of a Buddha. His eyes widened as his aura intensified!
A majestic aura pressed down on him as Wu Ming felt his legs go limp. His lips trembled and he could not say the words he had prepared!
Fangzheng continued, "In front of Buddha, in front of the temple hall, and in the monastery, you spouted nonsense. You distorted the truth and distorted the true meaning of Buddhism. You tricked the commoners into fighting for the first incense offering. Do you know your sins?!"
The crimes were listed one after another, each sentence louder than the last, each sentence more imposing than the last! It made Wu Ming stumble. His legs went limp as he subconsciously held onto Yang Ping beside him.
Yang Ping frowned when he saw this. Wu Ming's reaction explained everything. Immediately, a look of disgust flashed in his eyes!
Fangzheng continued, "The mountain path is narrow and the monastery is small. There is only one temple hall! You got all the patrons to fight for the first incense offering. What would happen if they were not careful and trampled on each other? Buddha fights for incense offerings, not human lives! Human lives are greater than heaven, yet you turn a deaf ear to it. What are your intentions?! "
Fangzheng asked again. Wu Ming's lips trembled but he could not say a word.
When the villagers heard that, they suddenly came to a realization.
A woman exclaimed, "This bastard even wants me to carry my child forward. If we were to fight for it, wouldn't the child be in danger?"
"I'm already so old, yet he wants me to squeeze in. He says that the first incense offering will ensure my safety! This punk is up to no good! "
"I thought he was a venerable monk, but he turns out to be an ingrate!"
"He's too despicable!"
…
The crowd was agitated as countless people criticized him. Wu Ming's expression turned uglier. However, he knew that he could not back down or his reputation would be completely tarnished! If news of this were to spread, he would be utterly disgraced! He would definitely not be able to become the monastery's abbot!
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
