劍問蒼天 - 第179章 化解 - 清風書屋

Fa Cheng bowed respectfully to Master Pu Cheng and said, "I thank Master for his praise, though this disciple does not deserve it. Yet though I have gained some small insight, the doubts in my heart have only grown more and greater. This disciple does not understand: if heaven's decree is already fixed and all things must in the end wither, why do these countless people of the world toil through a lifetime, entangled in the grudges, loves, and passions of the mortal realm? Our Buddha speaks of ferrying all beings across the sea of suffering, and all beings can indeed be ferried; yet beings are not necessarily willing to be ferried by our Buddha—why is that? Can it be that the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss the Buddha speaks of—without resentment, without hate, without passion, without desire—truly cannot draw in these multitudes? This disciple is ignorant; I beg the Master to enlighten me."

Having spoken, Fa Cheng lowered his head, pressed his palms together, and recited the Buddha's name.

Master Pu Cheng regarded Fa Cheng for a long while, then slowly nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face. He did not answer at once, but instead looked toward the western evening clouds Fa Cheng had just been gazing at. After watching them a moment, he said, "What you were looking at just now—was it these evening clouds in the western sky?"

Fa Cheng said, "Yes. This disciple saw time flying past, the rising sun sinking west, the light of day departing, and felt sorrow and confusion in his heart; therefore I ask the Master."

Master Pu Cheng smiled faintly. "In a little while, this setting sun will sink entirely behind the mountains, and at that time, even these evening clouds will be seen no more."

Fa Cheng felt somewhat puzzled, not knowing what Master Pu Cheng meant, and could only answer, "That is so."

Master Pu Cheng gazed calmly at the western horizon, watching the setting sun sink slowly, the sky growing darker and darker, dusk drawing near, and said lightly, "The setting sun is pitiless; it cannot be held back. But tomorrow morning—will you still be able to see the newly risen sun?"

Fa Cheng's body trembled, and something stirred in his heart; for a moment he could not speak, and a look of deep thought came over his face.

Master Pu Cheng turned back to look at Fa Cheng, smiled faintly, and said no more.

The sky gradually darkened, and the setting sun at last sank wholly behind the mountains. Before long, a bright moon rose slowly from the eastern sky, its radiance like water, pouring its clear splendor over the world.

In the curtain of night, the Brahma Sound Temple beneath the moonlight was serene and peaceful. Though it no longer had the bustle and liveliness of day, it possessed instead a different beauty—silent and deeply clear.

And in the Little Brahma Sound Temple atop Mount Sumeru, in that small courtyard, master and disciple stood without a word, quietly in the courtyard, standing silently in the mountain wind that lightly swept past, lifting a corner of their robes to flutter.

********

None could say how long had passed; the moon had climbed near the zenith when suddenly a light laugh came from within the quiet little courtyard.

Fa Cheng's face wore a look of joy. He stepped forward a few paces to the center of the courtyard and looked up at the moon. The moonlight was dazzling, falling straight upon his moon-white monk's robe, until it seemed like frost and snow.

Fa Cheng laughed aloud, turned around, and knelt before Master Pu Cheng, who had stood smiling beside him all the while. Pressing his palms together, he said, "I thank Master for his guidance. This disciple has awakened."

Master Pu Cheng's eyes were full of gladness. Gazing now at the disciple kneeling before him, even one who had long since cultivated a state beyond favor and disgrace could not keep a look of true joy from rising on his face. He reached out and gently stroked the crown of Fa Cheng's head, and said three words:

"Good!"