"Almsgiver Mo, I hope that almsgiver Mo can take into account the kindness of the heavens and stop having thoughts of killing and causing unnecessary casualties to the people of both countries." In the Mo clan, the Buddhist protector Master Falin personally visited Meton. His face was filled with compassion, which was in line with the Buddhist's unwillingness to kill.
However, when she arrived in the main hall of the Mo clan and saw Modun waiting for her, Master Fa Lin's benevolent expression changed to one of joy. She said, "Marquis Mo is wise. Tufan has indeed agreed."
"Then congratulations to Buddhism. From now on, the Buddhist Kingdom of the West has been formed." Meton couldn't help but smile. This time, Tubo really did fall into his trap. The rest was up to Buddhism.
Master Falin felt like he was in a dream. He said in disbelief, "Is Tubo really as good as Merton says?"
Meton laughed. "Master, do you know that Tubo Highlands are covered in snow all year round? Many snowy mountains never melt. Even Mount Song can't compare to this. Just from the snowline alone, you can see how high it is. Compared to Guanzhong, it's like living in the heavens. This is the land closest to the heavens. The air is fresh, the sky is blue, the clouds are white, the mountains are endless, and the people are simple.
Master Fa Lin could not help but feel a sense of longing just by listening to Master Mohist's description. The land closest to the heavens, the one and only Pure Land, coupled with the worshippers, this was practically a Buddhist Kingdom tailor-made for Buddhism!
"But I heard that there are temples in Tubo as well? If the Buddhists go there again, I'm afraid it'll cause trouble. "Master Falin frowned.
Meton obviously knew that Master Falin was already tempted. He was just asking for more benefits. He waved his hand and said, "It's just some unorthodox methods. How can it compare to the profound Buddhism of the Tang dynasty? I have three strategies that will definitely allow the Buddhists to control Tubo."
"Merton, please give me some pointers," Master Falyn said happily.
"Firstly, the reincarnation of a spiritual child. When a senior monk passes away, he doesn't really die, but reincarnates. As long as you search in the direction set by the senior monk, you will definitely meet a child who matches the characteristics of the senior monk's last words. This child will be the reincarnation of the senior monk," Merton explained.
Master Fa Lin's heart skipped a beat. If Buddhism had this method, it would have flourished a long time ago. However, when he saw Meton, he immediately dismissed this idea. This method could only be used in places with simple folk customs. If it was used in the Tang dynasty, with the presence of the Hundred Schools of Thought, it would only be a slap in the face.
"The second strategy is Tubo Buddhism."
"Tubo Buddhism?" Master Fa Lin couldn't help but frown in confusion.
Meton explained, "Tubo isn't as rich as India or the Tang dynasty. It's located in the highlands, with scarce resources and a small population. Most of the people are nomads and can only produce a small amount of highland barley. It's not enough to support the Buddhists' vegetarianism. If Buddhism wants to flourish in Tubo, it must cater to the characteristics of Tubo. It must not abstain from meat and sex."
Master Fa Lin's expression changed. "Impossible? If it doesn't abstain from meat and sex, how can it still be Buddhism? "
"Meat and wine pass through the intestines, but the Buddha's heart remains. If you want to promote Buddhism, you must make sacrifices."
Master Fa Lin's face was filled with confusion. This was too different from the Buddhism he had been adhering to all his life.
Meton continued, "I'm not purposely making things difficult for you. The third strategy is to recultivate the scriptures. I took some time to write a few Buddhist scriptures. Please give me some pointers, Master Fa Lin."
After Meton finished speaking, he turned around and took out a few Buddhist scriptures from the table and handed them to Master Fa Lin.
Master Fa Lin took the scriptures and flipped through them. His face instantly turned serious. These Buddhist scriptures were very different from the ones from the Tang dynasty, but their philosophies were still profound. When he flipped to the last one, the Mandapa Sutra, his face changed. Fortunately, his Buddhism was profound. He suppressed the throbbing in his heart and finished reading it. He closed the book and remained silent for a long time.
After a long while, Master Fa Lin finally regained his composure. He looked at Merton in shock. "If someone were to tell me now that you're the reincarnation of the Buddha's spirit child, I would believe it without a doubt. It's a pity that you were born in the School of Mohism despite your profound wisdom."
"All Dharma Returns to One. The Dharma of the hundred schools of thought is different, but in the end, all paths lead to the same destination." Meton made a Buddhist statement that even he himself didn't understand.
"All Dharma Returns to One."
Master Fa Lin was indeed enlightened. He put his palms together and said, "Almsgiver Mo, you're indeed wise. I've been mistaken."
"If the School of Buddhism isn't willing, then there's no loss to the School of Buddhism. When Master Xuanzang returns, the matter of the Western Buddhist Kingdom will be settled. If the School of Buddhism is willing, then study these Buddhist scriptures well. If the School of Buddhism needs it, both the School of Mohism and the Tang dynasty will lend the School of Buddhism a helping hand. "Meton said firmly.
Master Fa Lin was shocked. He wasn't a silly monk who only knew how to chant scriptures. He was a Buddhist Dharma Protector. He was well-versed in the ways of the world. Naturally, he understood the meaning behind Mo Jiazi's words. If the School of Buddhism were to face setbacks in Tubo in the future, there would be strong reinforcements.
"Please allow me to go back and discuss this."
Master Fa Lin left the Mo residence in a hurry. In the eyes of those who were paying attention, this was definitely a sign that Master Fa Lin and Mo Jiazi had fallen out.
However, no one knew that Master Fa Lin had already lost his composure. This matter concerned the future of the School of Buddhism. Master Fa Lin naturally couldn't make the decision alone. He needed to discuss it with the senior monks of Chang 'an.
Jifa Temple.
The senior monks of Chang 'an gathered once again. They stared silently at the Buddhist scriptures in front of them. However, no one was calm in their hearts. Now, a huge decision was placed in front of them.
Master Fa Lin looked at the senior monks with a solemn expression and said, "Everyone, Mo Jiazi has already laid out this path for us. How should the School of Buddhism choose? Please make your decision."
"Amitabha. The School of Buddhism is pure. How can we break the precepts? I believe that Mo Jiazi's plan is very thorough. Even if we don't break the precepts, we can still establish the Western Buddhist Kingdom in Tubo." Master Hui Chang frowned. He was really tempted by the Western Buddhist Kingdom plan, but he was unwilling to break the precepts.
Master Fa Lin shook his head and said, "It's difficult! I've asked Merton before, but Merton said that if the School of Buddhism doesn't break the precepts, the School of Buddhism will never be able to integrate into Tubo. How can we establish the Western Buddhist Kingdom then? "
The senior monks nodded slightly. They might be dissatisfied with Mo Jiazi's restrictions on Buddhism, but they couldn't deny Mo Jiazi's foresight. Since Mo Jiazi said it was difficult, then it was probably impossible.
"Even the Buddha cut his flesh to feed eagles. In order to promote Buddhism, we can only give up this body of flesh." Abbot Tongren sighed.
"That's right! Now that the Tang dynasty has a hundred schools of thought contending with each other, all the schools of thought are improving. Only the School of Buddhism is being ostracized. Otherwise, we wouldn't have spent so much effort to win back Xuanzang. The Western Buddhist Kingdom must not be missed. Once the Tang dynasty takes over Tubo, the School of Buddhism will regret it for life. " Master Fa Lin sighed. He naturally knew that Mo Jiazi and the imperial court wanted to support the School of Buddhism. If the School of Buddhism didn't do anything now, once Tubo was integrated into the Tang dynasty, the Western Buddhist Kingdom would be nothing but nonsense.
"It's not just the Hundred Schools of Thought. Even the younger generations of the Hundred Schools of Thought are starting to show their talents. Putting Mo Jiazi aside, even Mo Jiazi's first disciple, Wu Meiniang, has become famous. The Kong Family's Kong Huisuo, the School of Mathematics' Zu Mingjun, the School of Medicine's Mo Wu, and even the declining School of Legalism has taken in a disciple who Mo Jiazi named as a lost pearl. Our School of Buddhism is lagging too far behind." Abbot Huichang said worriedly.
Abbot Tongren looked at Bian Ji behind Abbot Huichang and shook his head. "Master Huichang, there's no need to boost the morale of others and diminish our own. In my opinion, Master Huichang's disciple, Bian Ji, is about the same age as Mo Jiazi. However, he has a lot of wisdom and will definitely become a mainstay of the School of Buddhism in the future."
Bian Ji was shocked and quickly shook off the shock of the Mandala Sutra. He said respectfully, "I'm willing to sacrifice myself for the School of Buddhism and preach in Tubo."
Master Huichang shook his head and said, "Bian Ji, you're one of the few intelligent disciples of the School of Buddhism. However, compared to these people, you're still far behind. Now that Master Xuanzang has returned, I'd like to recommend you to learn Buddhism from him. Tubo will have me and other old monks to preach. I hope you won't disappoint the School of Buddhism."
Bian Ji said regretfully, "Thank you for your guidance, Master."
At this point, the School of Buddhism in Chang 'an had decided to fully cooperate with Tubo and Mo Jiazi to put on this show. After all, the Western Buddhist Kingdom was related to the future of the School of Buddhism. They couldn't afford to lose it, even if they had to sacrifice more.
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