Although Buddhism was most prosperous in Chang 'an and Luoyang, Shaolin had a pivotal position. During the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shakyamuni's 28th generation disciple, Bodhidharma, came to Shaolin and gathered believers.
When Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty destroyed Buddhism, Shaolin Temple was severely damaged. However, after it was rebuilt, Emperor Wen of Sui gave Shaolin Temple 100 hectares of land, and Shaolin Temple became a famous temple.
In the early Tang Dynasty, the thirteen monks of Shaolin Temple were rewarded by Emperor Taizong for helping the Tang Dynasty. They were given 1000 hectares of land and were called Monk Soldiers. Since then, Shaolin Temple became famous and was known as the world's number one temple.
"Great Master Huiyuan, this is Chang 'an City. There are hundreds of Buddhist temples in the city and about 8,000 monks!" Bian Ji explained respectfully to the kind-looking old monk beside him.
Great Master Huiyuan bowed his head and clasped his hands. "Amitabha. After Erwu destroyed Buddhism, Buddhism suffered heavy losses. For Buddhism to flourish in Chang 'an City, Chang' an City's fellow daoists have contributed greatly!"
Bian Ji took the opportunity to say, "It's a pity that the other schools saw the momentum of Buddhism's recovery and tried to obstruct us. Especially the School of Mohism, they have repeatedly smeared Buddhism. The School of Mohism can't escape from Buddhism's crisis this time. "
Great Master Huiyuan didn't answer. Instead, he looked at Bian Ji calmly. For a moment, Bian Ji felt like he was seen through. He couldn't help but lower his head.
"Buddhism saves the fated, not the sinners. Moreover, Shaolin Temple was built by Indian monks. This poor monk's master, Bodhidharma, also came from the Western Regions. Do you really think this poor monk hasn't heard of Yoga?" Great Master Huiyuan said calmly.
Bian Ji couldn't help but blush. He couldn't speak.
"Bian Ji, your Buddhist nature is good, but your heart lacks tempering. Don't let jealousy and anger cloud your Buddhist heart." Great Master Huiyuan advised.
However, Bian Ji was young and proud. How could he listen to Great Master Huiyuan's advice? He couldn't help but criticize in his heart, "Shaolin saved Emperor Tang and has a respected status. You have many rewards and believers all over Luoyang. Naturally, you don't need to care about these secular things. However, there are 300 temples around Chang 'an City and the competition for believers is fierce. How can you live as comfortable as Shaolin Temple's days?"
Great Master Hui Yuan looked at Bian Ji's face and shook his head regretfully.
Pound took the lead and arrived at the east gate. When he saw Great Master Hui Yuan waiting for him, his eyes lit up. He stepped forward and said, "Great Master Hui Yuan has come from afar. It must have been hard on you. His Majesty has ordered this servant to come and welcome you."
After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he had visited Shaolin Temple. Pande had followed him personally, so he had naturally seen Master Hui Yuan.
"So it's Almsgiver Pang. I've been nagging." Master Hui Yuan had come this time to express his feelings to Li Shimin in person. Naturally, he would not refuse such good intentions and immediately left with Pande.
When the solemn guard of honor rushed to the Imperial Palace, the entire East City Gate was in an uproar.
"This monk is actually the Abbot of the Wisdom Garden of the Shaolin Temple. That's an eminent monk! The eminent monk must have come from the east because of the imperial court's discussion on the extermination of Buddhism. "
"The Shaolin Temple is a famous Buddhist temple. It is the ancestral court of Buddhism. It has even saved His Majesty before. Buddhism will definitely be safe and sound!"
"That's not necessarily true. Right now, most of the Hundred Schools of Thought are against Buddhism. Buddhism has two fists against four hands!"
…
For a moment, the commoners were discussing animatedly. Many of the people who were often at the east gate sighed. In a short period of time, the east gate witnessed the arrival of the Hundred Schools of Thought one after another.
The gossip of the Hundred Schools of Thought War spread like wildfire, causing everyone to be extremely happy.
When the news spread to the various temples, many monks immediately breathed a sigh of relief. With the title of Master Hui Yuan of the Shaolin Temple and the kindness that the Shaolin Temple once showed to Li Shimin, Buddhism might be able to turn the situation around. Otherwise, with three consecutive exterminations in a short two hundred years, no matter how deep Buddhism's foundation was, it would not be able to withstand such torment.
They had received news that in the imperial court, Fu Yi could resolutely advocate the annihilation of Buddhism, which was not a cause for concern. However, Mohism's proposal to save Buddhism was extremely sinister. Once it was adopted by the imperial court, Buddhism would be forever under the control of others. They would have to put a curse on their heads. Now, all of their hopes were placed on Master Hui Yuan.
"This is a prayer bead left behind by my master, Bodhidharma. It is extremely spiritual. Today, this old monk will gift this to the Retired Emperor. I hope that the Retired Emperor can recover soon." Master Hui Yuan stood in front of Li Yuan, who had already suffered a stroke, and chanted the name of Buddha with a solemn expression.
Ever since Li Yuan suffered a stroke, other than showing up once during the military parade, his condition became more and more serious. Now, he could no longer speak and move his body. He was completely taken care of by the palace maids and eunuchs.
"Patriarch Bodhidharma's prayer beads!" Everyone couldn't help but be moved when they heard this. The name of Patriarch Bodhidharma was well-known even to those who didn't believe in Buddhism. Li Shimin naturally knew how precious Patriarch Bodhidharma's prayer beads were. It could be said that it was the most precious treasure of Shaolin Temple, and now, Master Hui Yuan actually took it out without hesitation.
"Many thanks for Master Hui Yuan's generosity." Li Shimin said gratefully.
Although Li Yuan, who was paralyzed on the bed, couldn't speak and couldn't move his body, he held the prayer beads tightly in his hand. Although he didn't believe in Buddhism, and when he was in power, he issued an edict to restrict Buddhism. At this moment, his life had already reached its end. His heart was filled with the fear of death. Naturally, he would use Patriarch Bodhidharma's prayer beads as a life-saving straw.
"Amitabha. The Retired Emperor's good fortune fills the heavens. He will definitely be fine. This old monk will definitely pray for the Retired Emperor in front of Buddha day and night." Master Hui Yuan chanted the name of Buddha.
On the side, Li Shimin repeatedly thanked him: "Master Hui Yuan's Buddhist teachings are profound. Imperial Father will definitely be blessed by the heavens."
Everyone knew that Master Hui Yuan had entered the capital this time for the matter of destroying Buddhism. However, unexpectedly, Master Hui Yuan didn't mention the matter of destroying Buddhism. After visiting Li Yuan, Master Hui Yuan came to the Political Affairs Hall and presented another treasure of Shaolin Temple.
"This old monk knew that the Empress has always been suffering from Qi and specially brought the Shaolin Temple's Great Revitalizing Pill. Although this pill can't cure the Empress's illness, it can solidify the roots. It is very beneficial to the Empress's illness." Master Hui Yuan respectfully handed over an exquisite treasure box. When he opened it slightly, a medicinal fragrance immediately filled the entire Political Affairs Hall.
"Great Revitalizing Pill?" Li Shimin couldn't help but be moved: "Zhen has personally experienced the effects of the Great Revitalizing Pill. When Zhen was chased by Wang Shichong and was injured, Zhen took the Great Revitalizing Pill and quickly recovered."
Hearing this, Empress Zhangsun's expression couldn't help but become joyful: "Many thanks, Master Hui Yuan."
She had always been weak and sickly. If the Great Revitalizing Pill could strengthen her body, then it could naturally reduce the chances of her illness acting up.
Master Hui Yuan prayed for Li Yuan and presented medicine to Empress Zhangsun. The princes and princesses naturally took the opportunity to show their filial piety. Princess Changle and Meton naturally entered the palace to follow. Meton, who had been observing Master Hui Yuan, couldn't help but sigh slightly. Master Hui Yuan didn't mention the matter of destroying Buddhism at all. Instead, he used the favor to the extreme. If nothing unexpected happened, the discussion of destroying Buddhism this time would definitely end without a conclusion.
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