Shaolin Temple, as the ancestral temple of the Zen sect, has been silent for more than 20 years since Qianyou destroyed the Buddha. Under the shadow of the imperial power, it can only behave like most Buddhist temples in the world, keep a low profile and concentrate on practicing Buddhism.
The past twenty years, at least the first ten years, have been very difficult, with the loss of property, the sharp decrease in the number of monks, and the loneliness of believers. That's it. The Buddha has been in China for more than a thousand years, and the hardships he has endured are no different than this time. Just treat it as a test given by the Buddha and get through it.
However, it is very difficult to seal mountains, hide out temples, and avoid disasters. Compared with those who destroyed temples and demolished them, Shaolin Temple is relatively lucky. At least the whole temple has been preserved. As for the closure of the mountain, it is completely impossible. The mountains, forests, peaks, every plant and tree are all owned by the emperor. How can it be left alone? Shaolin has its own. Moreover, they must always be under the supervision of the local government and do not dare to do anything that exceeds the regulations.
That is to say, in recent years, the imperial court has no longer been so deliberately targeted, and the popularity has gradually become more prosperous. However, compared with the grand occasion twenty years ago, it is still not the same.
In the summer of the ninth year of Kaibao's reign, the tranquility that Shaolin Temple had maintained for more than 20 years was once again broken. Jinshang, who had brought deep pain and disaster to Buddhism, came to visit in person.
For Zhongyue Temple and Songyang Academy, which are "neighbors", the emperor's visit may be an honor, but for Shaolin, it is not necessarily so. Therefore, when the news came, the whole ancient temple was boiling with excitement.
However, there was no way, no matter how hesitant or fearful, we could only choose to welcome him and prepare for the reception under the supervision of the local government and the Suwei officers.
Hundreds of monks all over the temple were busy cleaning the mountain gates, tidying up the temple buildings, and preparing with great fanfare, as if some disaster was about to happen.
Together with the Dengfeng government, the person responsible for the preparation and supervision of the pick-up was Aries, a young general from the bodyguard class. Before setting off, Zhang Yong told him about the "origin" between Emperor Liu and Buddhism, so Aries entered a state of high vigilance.
Aries directly brought five hundred guards and stationed in the Shaolin Temple first. He checked the temple from top to bottom. He was still worried. He sent people to occupy various key positions and kept an eye on the monks as if they were guarding against thieves. All the monks in the temple were arrested and imprisoned.
As for Emperor Liu, even though he was accompanied by swords, axes and axes to escort him, he really wanted to go to Shaolin to see the treasures. Apart from a little curiosity, he had no other plans.
Therefore, when I arrived at the Shaolin Temple and saw the battle array inside the temple, I was really stunned for a moment. The famous mountain and ancient temple is solemn and quiet, and it is so quiet that it is almost breathtaking, and the air is filled with a strong sense of strangeness.
In order to welcome him, the Shaolin Temple simply closed down and prohibited believers from climbing mountains to worship the Buddha. As a result, the huge temple was crowded but extremely deserted.
Faced with this somewhat desolate and even bleak scene, Emperor Liu did not hide the surprise on his face. After Zhang Yong made some inquiries, he briefly reported the situation to Emperor Liu.
"Nonsense! This not only infringes on the pure land outside Fangwai, but also disturbs the people! This Aries really has no hair on his lips and does things with care. Is this how he does things?" Emperor Liu said reproachfully.
However, judging from the slight smile on his lips, he didn't take it to heart.
When Zhang Yong saw it, he rounded the circle for Aries and said: "General Bai's duty is only to consider the safety of the Holy Master!"
Emperor Liu stood in front of the gate of Shaolin Mountain, looked up at this ancient temple that was famous all over the world, raised his hand, and said in amusement: "When I came to visit this time, some evil guests came to the temple. I'm afraid these monks will not be frightened." Shallow!"
He led the National People's Congress inside, and under the leadership of the Shaolin Master, the monks in the temple welcomed him together. The host is Hongtai, who is over eighty years old and has strong bones and muscles. Although he is old, he is kind and kind. Of course, at this age, he has an insight into the world. Although he is careful when facing Emperor Liu, his face is still neither humble nor overbearing, and he is not too nervous.
"The host is exempt from the ceremony!" Emperor Liu looked at the old host calmly, with a hint of oppression in his eyes.
The old abbot remained calm and made a Buddhist salute: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I led the entire temple to welcome the Holy Master!"
Looking at the old monk, Emperor Liu chuckled and said: "I heard that he has been leading Shaolin for more than forty years and has a great reputation. When I see him today, he is indeed extraordinary. He has an immortal demeanor and is indeed an eminent monk!"
"Your Majesty, you are so flattering! I am just an old monk who eats fasts and chants Buddha's name. How can I get such a reputation? I really don't deserve it!" the host Hongtai responded.
Emperor Liu glanced around, and he could see the nervousness in the expressions of many monks. Only the old abbot showed no signs of leakage and his face remained as usual.
"The host is so humble!" Emperor Liu said with a smile: "This is my first time to Mount Song. I have climbed Mount Taishi, and visited Zhongyue and Songyang. Shaolin is a treasured land of Buddhism and a famous ancient temple. I wonder how I can go there. It would be a pity if you don't burn incense in the temple, so if you come in person, you won't disturb the temple!"
"It is an honor for the entire temple to have His Majesty come to this temple, so why bother!" the old abbot responded.
"The host is indeed a wise man, so magnanimous! Even if it disturbs the situation, I hope Haihan will do it!" Emperor Liu laughed.
"Buddha's Dharma is boundless, and so is the Tao. Although the old monk practices Buddhism, his knowledge is superficial and he dare not talk about attaining the Tao!" the host said modestly.
"Compared to ordinary people like me, I'm afraid the host has already entered the Tao!" Emperor Liu began to speak forcefully, and walked forward resolutely: "Please lead the way, host, and take me to see the Buddha you worship on weekdays!"
Seeing Emperor Liu's rude look, the old host finally sighed secretly, but still had to deal with it calmly, and personally led the way: "Your Majesty, please!"
"This is the Mahavira Hall? It's well-deserved, with majestic treasures and a myriad of features!" Entering the Buddha Hall, looking around, Emperor Liu pointed at the huge Buddha statue and sighed: "Is this the Buddha you usually worship? It's really big. ah!"
Emperor Liu's eyes seemed to reveal this meaning: If such a large Buddha statue was melted, how many copper coins could be made.
The host did not look directly into Emperor Liu's eyes, but hearing his tone, he felt inexplicably panicked. Without thinking, he responded: "Your Majesty, the Buddha is in your heart, not in front of you!"
"It seems that my eyesight is blind. I can't see the Buddha. I can only see this golden bronze statue!" Emperor Liu smiled and pointedly said: "Master, Buddhism seems to pay attention to the root of wisdom. Look at me, do you have any clues?" Huigen?”
If he could really speak his mind freely, even with the old host's Zen state, he would still have to complain about him. However, the situation is stronger than the people, especially when facing a human emperor like Emperor Liu, I can only compliment him: "Your Majesty is the True Dragon Emperor, who has transcended the worldly world and has his own wisdom!"
"Oh? Host, monks don't lie!" Emperor Liu looked at the old host with a smile.
Facts have proved that in front of a monarch like Emperor Liu, no matter how eminent a monk is, it is difficult to maintain his noble demeanor. Noticing the hesitation on the old monk's skinny face, Emperor Liu added: "Buddhism pays attention to saving people. Among the heroes and generals under me who have killed many people, there are also those who respect the Buddha! Do you think the host can save me?"
"Your Majesty has said it before! Buddhism can save the common people, but how can it save the sacred?" Hongtai said.
"Haha!" Emperor Liu's laughter shook the Buddhist hall unscrupulously.
Looking directly at the solemn Buddha statue, although he raised his head slightly, his eyes were looking down. Emperor Liu raised his hands and spread them out, saying calmly: "Since you have seen the Buddha, what's the harm in burning incense?"
So, the old host personally lit three sticks of incense and handed them to Emperor Liu. As for Emperor Liu, he did not lower his head or bend his waist. He only bowed in an ordinary way, which was regarded as worshiping the Buddha.
Regarding Emperor Liu's behavior, some of the monks present felt a sense of humiliation, with a hint of dissatisfaction on their faces. Emperor Liu naturally noticed it and asked the old monk: "Master, when the Buddha has angry eyes, I observe the monks in the temple, and there are many frowning and angry eyes. Have they been instructed by the Buddha not to welcome me, an evil guest, or are they practicing well?" Angry-eyed Buddha?"
After hearing this, Master Hongtai's white eyebrows couldn't help but tremble slightly, but facing Emperor Liu's gaze, he remained calm and focused, and calmly replied: "Your Majesty's words are serious! It's just that the monks in the temple are not practicing at home!"
"Is this the so-called appearance?" Emperor Liu asked playfully.
"Your Majesty is indeed smart!" the host responded.
"Then why do you look so good?" Emperor Liu asked: "There must be a reason! Maybe you still don't welcome me?"
"Buddhism has opened a door for convenience. Your Majesty is also a guest, how can you refuse to welcome him?" the host said.
"Oh?" Emperor Liu's smile was really annoying, and he said: "I really have something to do, and I need to preside over to open this convenient door!"
"Your Majesty, please speak!"
"During this period, the imperial court's finances were tight. I saw that there were many bronze statues and bronze utensils in this temple. I asked for some for the imperial court and cast copper coins to make up for the shortfall and benefit the people. Is it possible to do something convenient for the presiding officer?" Emperor Liu said leisurely.
Upon hearing this, all the monks present changed their expressions, and the old monk could not hold himself any longer. However, feeling the oppressive gaze of Emperor Liu, he pondered for a moment, probably thinking crazily about Amitabha in his heart, and then replied: "If it can benefit the people of the imperial court, the things in the temple can be taken by your majesty!"
"You won't be embarrassed, right?" Emperor Liu stared at the host.
"The old monk is worshiping the Buddha, not these bronze statues!" the host replied.
"An eminent monk is an eminent monk. This kind of magnanimity is heartbreaking!" Emperor Liu sighed with emotion: "However, the Buddhists in the world have long been extremely disgusted with me. I will not do this thing of burning harp and boiling cranes!"
"Your Majesty is serious! The old monk is scared!"
