Many of the accomplished monks nodded secretly when they saw Fangzheng sitting there calmly like a meditating old monk. He looked as steady as Mt. Tai. They had seen many geniuses, but they had seen even more people who were arrogant because of their talent. Few could do what Fangzheng did. He did not feel joy for external gains or sorrow for himself. He did not care about the gossip.
However, this was only a brief interlude. Soon, the Dharma Assembly began. The chanting of scriptures, Buddhist incantations, and the preaching of the Dharma were carried out in an orderly manner. At the same time, a loudspeaker outside the monastery transmitted the content of the preaching of the scriptures. Of course, none of this had anything to do with Fangzheng. He naturally did not have a chance to preach the scriptures at the Dharma Assembly. Zen Master Baiyun and company did not mention the matter.
Yi Xing could not help but mumble softly, "What's going on? Why isn't Venerable Fangzheng going on stage? "
Hong Jin whispered, "Although Abbot Fangzheng is talented and has a Lotus Flower Conveyance, he's too young. At such an age, he has such talent but he does not have the necessary experience and mental fortitude. If he were to preach the scriptures on such a large stage, it might end up spoiling his progress. The Venerable Ones have also considered this point. Therefore, they do not plan on letting Abbot Fangzheng preach the scriptures on stage. Everything should be done according to plan. Give him space and time, and let him continue growing. As for the stage, us old folks are very willing to hand the future stage to all of you. Yi Xing, you are extremely talented but you are filled with arrogance deep in your bones. Look at Abbot Fangzheng. He crossed the river on a reed and has a Lotus Flower Conveyance. He is talented but … Has he ever been arrogant? To be honest, those two abilities are enough for any ordinary person to brag about their entire lives. They can belittle anyone no matter where they go. This includes all the Venerable Ones present!
If you were given such heights, would you be able to do what Fangzheng has done? "
Yi Xing was taken aback. He wanted to say that he could but on careful thought, he did not seem to be able to do it.
Hong Jin was relieved when he saw Yi Xing begin to reflect. He knew his disciple best. He was too smart and sharp. Showing off his abilities was not a good thing.
The morning passed quickly. Many accomplished monks took turns preaching the scriptures. They did not preach the traditional scriptures but translated the scriptures into the vernacular and told them in the form of a story. In this way, this was much more interesting than listening to dry scriptures. Everyone listened with great interest and benefited a lot.
Of course, Fangzheng also knew that the goal of his speech was not for the monks, but for the audience at the foot of the mountain. They didn't understand the scriptures. If they chanted the scriptures alone, they wouldn't understand it at all. But when he explained it, he immediately understood. Of course, there were advantages and disadvantages. The scripture was broad and profound, and it was unknown how many eminent monks had been studying it day and night, supplementing, deleting, and modifying it. These scriptures were infused with the great wisdom of countless people, passed down to the present day. If one carefully studied each sentence, they would benefit greatly. Different people, different environments, when they read it, they would come to different realizations.
On the other hand, the eminent monks were speaking in plain language, but there was no possibility of comprehension. Basically, it was like pouring water from two bottles. The eminent monk was pouring the water that he had comprehended to someone else. Although they could understand, there was a limit to what they could transmit.
Of course, everything had its pros and cons. Fangzheng enjoyed such scripture preaching. It didn't require much thought, and it sounded easy. The main point was the allusions and stories. They were truly inspiring.
The Dharma Assembly lasted the entire morning, and the rest of the time was for giving alms and receiving incense offerings.
Sunglow Monastery opened its doors and gave out all sorts of vegetarian dishes, steamed buns, and other items. At the same time, they welcomed all kinds of devotees into the monastery to offer incense and pray for blessings. Of course, there were monks watching by the side the entire time. Once there were too many people, they would stop letting people in.
Fangzheng looked at the dense crowd and then at the monks who were sweating profusely. For the first time, he realized that having too many incense offerings wasn't necessarily a good thing! If this were to happen in One Finger Monastery, it was likely that the monastery's entrance would explode.
"Yes, I'll leave this matter of explaining the Buddhist Dharma to the various monasteries. This Penniless Monk will just be a quiet young monk. I'll sit in a corner and chant the scriptures, eat, and help people resolve their problems. Well … Even if it's to stir things up, I'll have to go out. One Finger Monastery can't cause a ruckus! "Fangzheng decided inwardly.
If other monks were to know of his thoughts, they would likely slap him twice. Everyone was racking their brains to attract more incense offerings, but this fellow did not want any. What a weirdo.
Fangzheng was in no rush as the crowd entered and left in batches. As for eating? Sorry, mantou would do. As for the vegetarian hall? Whoever wanted to go could go! Fangzheng was not going anyway!
Red Boy had been pulled away by Ouyang Fenghua. It was unknown where he had gone.
Fangzheng pretended not to see it. As long as the brat did not cause trouble, he could leave him be. It was good for Red Boy and Fangzheng to see more of the outside world and assimilate into it.
At that moment, a black figure entered Fangzheng's line of sight. Fangzheng pricked up his brows and tore off a piece of the mantou in his hand. He gently placed it in his mouth and said with a smile, "He's finally here."
Yuan Hai walked in the crowd with his head lowered, afraid that he would be recognized by the other monks and be chased away.
Today, to prevent any misunderstandings, he did not bring a bag. He wore simple clothes and blended in with the crowd. He silently lined up and walked towards the Mahavira Hall. When he came to the hall's entrance, Yuan Hai took out three sticks of incense and offered them. He kowtowed and silently chanted.
Fangzheng whispered to a monk. The monk was taken aback, unsure of what Fangzheng meant. However, he still did as Fangzheng said. Secretly, he led the crowd behind Yuan Hai to other spots to offer incense and pay their respects to Buddha.
A glint flashed in Fangzheng's eyes — A Golden Millet Dream!
However what surprised Fangzheng was that Yuan Hai did not reminisce. Instead, he silently prayed, hoping that Buddha would bless him to find his daughter. After that, he stood up and prepared to leave.
Fangzheng sighed and dispelled A Golden Millet Dream before secretly following him. Fangzheng beckoned to Red Boy when he saw him midway. Red Boy immediately ran over and asked, "Master, what's up?"
"It's time for you to take action. Follow them with me. Don't let others discover us," whispered Fangzheng.
Red Boy felt the Dharmic powers he had not felt for a long time return to him. He grinned and said, "Don't worry, Master. It's a piece of cake!"
The next moment, Red Boy held Fangzheng's hand and chased after him. Before long, they made a turn and instantly turned invisible. Then, Red Boy flew into the sky with Fangzheng and followed Yuan Hai.
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