It is precisely because of this that Xuanzang finished reading it, but thinking about His Highness's expression when he gave him the book and what he discussed with him at that time, Xuanzang was completely confused.
Can Buddhist scriptures really save the world?
If it was before, his belief was very firm and he thought this was inevitable.
But now he is confused, or to be precise... he feels that Buddhist scriptures can no longer save the world.
The simplest and most straightforward truth is that Rajagaha, less than a few dozen miles away from Nalanda Temple, has become the new capital of Tubo. This is no longer the territory of the Harsha Dynasty, or even the territory of traditional Tianzhu. It is already within the borders of Tubo!
About a month ago, the Harsha Dynasty suddenly sent troops to raid Tubo. However, instead of winning their war, they were quickly defeated by the Tibetans, and allowed Tibet to continue to advance westwards for two to three hundred miles.
Now this is considered the hinterland of Tubo.
There is no immortality in war.
Here he studied whether Buddhist scriptures could save the world, but just outside the Nalanda Temple, armies from both sides fought, causing countless casualties, and many people were involved, especially the Dalits from the Harsha Dynasty who were killed by the army. Forced, he walked onto the battlefield with only a spear, not to mention armor, not even clothes or shoes.
What else awaits them?
The blood even dyed the land outside Nalanda Temple red, but here he wanted to save the world with Buddhist scriptures.
It has to be said that this is a huge irony.
Perhaps, as His Highness said, Xuanzang was able to persist for so many years because he was actually just impressing himself? Because he has persisted for so long, he has ignored too much information from the outside world and simply thinks that he is doing the right thing.
But whether it is right or not, he has already ignored it. He just wants to make himself famous. He wants to return to the Tang Dynasty from Tianzhu and translate Buddhist scriptures to be recognized by the Tang Dynasty believers and even the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty? To make a name for yourself in history?
To be honest, if someone said this to Xuanzang before, he would never admit it anyway. He felt that the other person was insulting him.
But now, even if no one said this to him, Xuanzang still doubted whether his original purpose was really like this.
Perhaps his heart or purpose was not pure from the beginning? !
"Namo Amitabha (I haven't found out what the Buddha's name is in Tianzhukou. This book is mainly about me, don't argue.)" A Buddha's name came from behind Xuanzang.
Xuanzang turned around and saw an old Zen master with white eyebrows coming out.
"Master Jie Xian." Xuanzang quickly returned the courtesy.
"Sit down, Xuanzang, are you confused?" Master Jiexian asked with a smile.
"Yeah." Xuanzang admitted simply.
"Is it because of His Highness King Qin of the Tang Dynasty?" Master Jiexian continued to ask.
"Yes." Xuanzang continued.
"Since you met His Highness the King of Qin and started reading the books given to you by His Highness the King of Qin, I found that the time and quantity you spent studying Buddhist scriptures became less and less, and more time was spent on that book. Although I don't know the book But I would like to hear the content inside, can you tell me about it?" Master Jiexian looked at Xuanzang and asked.
"Master, my disciple is stupid. I am really confused. I once thought that if I came to Tianzhu to obtain the true scriptures, study and translate more Buddhist scriptures, and return to the Tang Dynasty, I would be able to save more people. But after reading His Highness's words My book, but I found that... I can't do anything." Xuanzang paused for a moment, and he also expressed his inner thoughts.
After hearing this, Master Jiexian smiled and said calmly: "Xuan Zang, you are actually obsessed with it."
"Disciple is stupid." Xuanzang said softly.
"I have studied Buddhist scriptures all my life and have always said that I am a compassionate Buddha. But as you said, I have seen too much sorrow and too much human suffering in this land, but I can't do anything. I have persisted for so many years, and then I understood a truth." A kind smile appeared on Master Jiexian's old face.
"What?" Xuanzang was a little confused.
"Actually, when we save the world, we are only saving ourselves." Master Jiexian sighed.
Xuanzang was stunned for a moment. He was silent for a moment, and then he said: "Master, do you mean that our chanting, studying, fasting and shaving are ultimately just to save ourselves from the confusion and panic in our hearts?"
"Yes, in fact, we are all just satisfying our own inner desires. In fact, being obsessed with saving the world is not a desire in itself. It shows that you can face your own heart and face these problems instead of escaping. You have the root of great wisdom.”
"When people from the world enter my Buddhist temple, they want to be tonsured, which means to get rid of worries and breath, get rid of arrogance and slackness, get rid of cares and practice wholeheartedly. But what is the practice? It is yourself."
"If there is a person who does not shave his head, does not eat fast, and does not recite Buddha's name, but he follows Buddhist principles, always maintains a humble heart, and walks around the world all his life to save people with his own power. He does his best to help others, and does not Seeking wealth, not fame, not seeking benefits, but sacrificing himself for others. Then, is he a follower of my Buddha?" Master Jiexian asked with a smile.
Before Xuanzang could answer, Master Jiexian said calmly: "I dare to say that even if there are thousands of Buddhist followers in this world, I can't compare to such a person."
"Take the masters in Nalanda Temple as an example. Do you know how many of them ordained and became followers of our Buddha? Their original purpose was to believe in our Buddha and save the world?"
Xuanzang was silent.
"Maybe it's not the same thing. I entered a Buddhist temple when I was eight years old and have been practicing to this day. But in fact, when I was a child, I came here to become a monk, not to believe in my Buddha. At that time, I just wanted to have a good meal, so that I could no longer It’s just starvation.” Master Jiexian said with a smile.
"So, we can't save others, the only thing we can save is ourselves."
"While saving yourself, it is enough to influence others so that others can save themselves."
"This is why you traveled thousands of miles, walked for several years, and went through thousands of dangers to reach Tianzhu, which caused such a sensation."
"What you devoutly believe in is not the Buddha or anything else, but your heart."
"And you have devout faith in your heart, and then your heart gives you an unprecedented strong will, and then gives you the courage to act. Your courage makes your experiences make your life more profound and brilliant."
"As for what you want to do, it doesn't matter. Being tonsured, fasting, or ordained are just external means to influence some people who are not firm in their beliefs and tell them that you need to strengthen your heart. That's all. That’s all.”
"So, whatever you want to do, just do it. As long as you are loyal to your own heart, that's enough."
