"Everyone in our Dongzen Temple, whether he has become a monk or a layman who has not yet been ordained; no matter how high his status in the temple is now, or how low he is; he can use the state of mind he has learned for many years to use Zen. If someone's verse can best express the nature of the Buddha, best conform to the essence of Zen, and reach the highest state, the ancestor will pass on the secret of Zen to him. This sacred object passed down from generation to generation of Zen - -The cassock and mantle were also taught to him. In other words, in the future, that person will be the sixth generation master of our Zen sect. You must remember that the gatha you compose must flow out of your own nature, and it is useless to think about it. Because Those who truly realize the Buddha nature can show it in their words. It emerges naturally, not deliberately carving or seeking. Okay, everyone, go and do it." After the Fifth Patriarch finished speaking, he left the hall. Back to the abbot's room.
This incident was so sudden, so important that the monks gathered in small groups to discuss it, consciously or unconsciously.
Indeed, these words of the Fifth Patriarch made all the monks and laymen in Dongzen Temple extremely excited and caused an uproar.
How many winter nights when the wind blows on the old trees and snow hits the cold windows; how many scorching and unbearable summer days are faced with red fish and green chimes, green lights and yellow scrolls, and hard work. People are motivated and work hard in order to achieve great things and achieve positive results...
Now that the opportunity has come, how can it not stir up waves in their inner lake that has always been like still water?
In the hall, in the Zen room, in the monk's residence, in the mill, in the vegetable field, under the bodhi tree...in every corner of Dongzen Temple, the big and small monks each have their own thoughts:
Some people feel that their literary talents are low and that no matter how they write, they cannot compare to the "venerable" senior brother Shenxiu, so they are too lazy to use their brains;
Some people are flipping through books, thinking hard, searching till they can't find a word;
Those who are too lazy to study on weekdays can only hesitate and sigh;
Those who are slightly talented in literature are troubled by their inability to write verses that understand the meaning of Zen...
Yingyin, Huiming, Faru and monks who had a certain status in the temple gathered together. Of course, they were talking about the fifth ancestor who was about to pass on the mantle.
"Brothers, have you finished thinking of your verse?" Yingyin's clear, mouse-like eyes scanned the people present and asked with ulterior motives.
Huiming said: "Master said that it is useless to think about it and realize the Buddha nature. I searched for a long time and couldn't find my Buddha nature."
Yingyin said: "Then you don't want to become the Sixth Patriarch? Wow, if you can inherit the master's mantle, all the monks in the temple will have to obey the call. No, not just Dongzen Temple, but all the Zen forests in the country and all the Zen monks will have to obey the call. You are such a majestic and glorious person!"
Huiming curled his lips and said, "You're such a fiery bear, but you also want to become the sixth generation founder of Zen Buddhism? Just dream of your spring and autumn dream!"
Yingyin's endless fascination and longing were broken, and he said unconvinced: "What's wrong with me! Isn't it just that my face has been disfigured? The second ancestor Huike still only has one arm!"
Fa Ru said: "Yes, people are divided into north and south, but there is no difference in Buddha nature. Human nature has nothing to do with appearance."
"That's right." Yingyin became excited. However, he suddenly thought that Faru's words were repeating what Huineng said when he came to Dongchan Temple. As a result, his disfigured and twisted face took on a grotesque look.
Seeing that Ying Yin's expression was not right, Huiming changed his words and said, "Senior brother Ying Yin, you are also a well-known figure in the temple, so please read a verse for everyone to listen to."
"I can't do it, but you can? You can compose a song and listen to it!" Yingyin retorted.
Huiming didn't have that many tricks up his sleeve, so he said honestly: "I'm not like you, who is literate and sophisticated. Before I became a monk, I was a fourth-grade general. I only knew how to fight. Fortunately, my master saved me, so I converted to Buddhism." . I just want to eliminate all my bad karma, and I will be satisfied if I don’t fall into the lower realms in my next life.”
The elegant middle-aged Zen master Xuan Zhen said: "Buddha said, put down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha immediately. Brother Huiming, why do you belittle yourself?"
Huiming said: "Senior Brother Faru, you and Senior Brother Xuanzhu are both Master's favorite disciples and are among the top ten disciples. You are both qualified to inherit Master's mantle. You should give it a try."
Faru said: "I have thought of a song, but I don't know if it is good or not."
Xuanzang also said: "I have been practicing under the guidance of my master for many years. If you don't understand Zen at all, it will be a waste of time. Therefore, I also have a few jingles in my heart."
The monks all said, "Don't drag your beards across the river - be modest! Speak out and let everyone judge."
Just as Faru was about to speak, a seven or eight-year-old novice monk, the child who often followed Shenxiu, rushed to say: "I think you all should stop wasting your efforts. Can the verses you compose surpass those of Shenxiu?"
When the monks heard this, they fell silent.
Faru sighed and said: "Yes, I am really obsessed with it. How could I forget my senior brother? It's a sin, it's a sin."
Huiming said: "Before Shenxiu became a monk, he read a lot of poetry and books. He was erudite and proficient in Confucianism and Taoism. After becoming a monk, he continued to improve. The master admired him very much. He once said that among the seven to eight hundred monks in the temple, he was very knowledgeable. In the practice of Buddhism, no one can compare with Shenxiu."
The little novice monk said: "The mantle of the Fifth Patriarch was originally the one who held the throne of Shenxiu!"
Xuan Hao also sighed, as if relieved, but also helpless and said: "That's fine, it's logical and natural, so as not to hurt everyone's dissatisfaction with each other."
Yingyin said in a sour tone: "Yes, who can compare to him? He is Master's most beloved disciple and the first in the temple. After Master, he is the only one. He is near the water tower!"
Faru said seriously: "You can't say that. Senior Brother's character, knowledge and conduct are all ranked first in the whole temple. Only he has the qualifications to become the Sixth Patriarch. Otherwise, anyone else, including If my Dharma is included, some monks in the whole temple will definitely be dissatisfied."
After saying that, Faru glanced at Xuan Zhen from the corner of his eye. At the same time, Xuan Hao was also looking at him.
Huiming said: "Yes, I think everyone shouldn't overestimate their abilities and compose verses! Give up this mentality! Venerable Shenxiu is our teacher, and most of the Buddhist Dharma we know was taught by him. Except Master , who can compare with him?"
He glanced at Yingyin, and then said: "If someone uses other means to obtain the mantle, I, Huiming, will be the first to be unconvinced. If you take it, I will take it back for Shenxiu!"
Faru nodded: "The position of future patriarch belongs to none other than Senior Brother Shenxiu. In the future, we will just follow him and continue to practice."
All the monks were convinced, and they all clasped their hands and said yes.
…
As the chief disciple of Dongzen Temple, Shenxiu was already a talented and elegant man. After entering Buddhism, he became the first disciple of the Fifth Patriarch. He often performed duties on behalf of his master and had a high level of understanding. He knew that this was the most critical moment in his life, so he summoned several of his most confidant monks behind the big rock in the back mountain.
Shenxiu chose this place with discernment: this big rock is two or three feet high, surrounded by tall camphor trees, making it even more quiet in the remoteness.
Shenxiu's tone was reserved: "Everyone, you are my best junior disciples in Dongchan Temple, and also my most intimate friends. Today, the Fifth Patriarch asked the person who passed on the lamp in a verse for his decision. Everyone knows what it means?"
Hong De loudly said: "Elder brother, you can rest assured. Your literary talent is enough to overwhelm everyone. There are more than 800 people in the temple. Who dares to compete for supremacy?"
Zhang Xingchang and others also echoed.
"We are not afraid of ten thousand, but we are most afraid of the worst." Shenxiu's eyes flashed with a wave of light, "There are so many monks in Dongzen Temple, coming from all over the world, with their own thoughts and ideas. We should be prepared for rainy days, be cautious, and have a few more Keep your eyes on the good."
Huiming: "What senior brother means is——"
Shenxiu made arrangements on the spot: "We should pay more attention to some elders and monks who show their talents in the temple and pay attention to their movements."
Hong De asked inquiringly: "It's a good thing that the senior brother is careful. I wonder who the senior brother thinks are potential competitors?"
Shenxiu counted his fingers and named names: "I see, Elder Huaqing, Zen Master Liaokong, Zen Master Defa, Zen Master Huayu, Shanxin, Shanquan...and Huineng."
Hong De said contemptuously: "What, do you mean the Ge Li who does hard work in the rice pounding house?"
Shenxiu nodded: "Yes."
Hong De said with a smile: "Elder brother, you are too worried."
Shenxiu: "What do you mean by this?"
Hong De disagreed: "He is an illiterate layman, and before he came to Dongchan Temple, he was just a firewood collector in Lingnan."
"You can't underestimate him so much." Shenxiu said with a hint of vigilance in his voice, "Everyone, do you still remember the scene on the day Huineng first entered Dongchan Temple eight months ago?"
Hong De jumped in and said, "Remember, he said that the Fifth Patriarch said something wrong in public, so I slapped him on the spot and gave him a warning."
Zhang Xingchang: "I said Brother Hongde played well."
Shenxiu recalled: "Hong De, you slapped him so hard that I saw blood oozing out from the roots of his teeth. I can tell how much pain he was in at that time. But he endured it forcefully without any resistance. His demeanor shows that he is very good at restraining himself."
Hong De said carelessly: "He dared to say that Master was wrong as soon as he opened his mouth. He was so rude. I think Master has already held a grudge in his heart."
Shenxiu: "Master has always been generous, open-minded, understanding and making good use of people. He is not the kind of villain who holds grudges over trivial matters."
Hong De: "This..."
Shenxiu recalled: "Do you still remember? What he said when he refuted Master was indeed extraordinary, and it is not comparable to mediocre people!"
Huiming argued: "Writing verses is not like carrying water and chopping firewood. It only depends on strength and diligence. What it requires is culture and literary talent!"
Hong De: "Senior Brother, it is necessary for you to be on guard against him. But you must not step on the taro pods like a snake, which will make you restless in food and sleep."
Shenxiu looked serious: "Anyway, we just need to pay more attention. Come, let's divide the work and monitor Hua Qingliaokong and others."
Shenxiu and his group started discussing secretly behind the big rocks.
…
"Elder Brother Shenxiu's worries are not unreasonable. As a result, Huineng became the Sixth Patriarch of Zen Buddhism with a stanza: 'Bodhi has no tree, and the mirror is not a stand. There is nothing in the first place, where can it attract dust.' The Fifth Patriarch was afraid of Hui. Neng's qualifications were too low to convince the crowd, so he told the Sixth Patriarch Huineng to escape to the south, to hide when encountering people, and to stop when he was pregnant, so as to avoid the danger of death. Soon, the Fifth Patriarch also passed away." Hui Qing said this and looked at it sadly. He looked at Zhang Shaofei, but before he could speak, he continued, "After the Fifth Patriarch drove Hexi, the temple was in chaos. A group of monks such as Ying Yin and others with ulterior motives took control of Dongchan Temple, and issued a death order to blockade the temple. He received the news of the death of the ancestors and the fifth ancestor, and sent monks to hunt down the sixth ancestor Huineng and recover the cassock and golden bowl."
