Within the airport, as everyone saw this thin and compassionate old monk, each person had their own thoughts, but overall, they all treated him very kindly. Even the Pope and bishops from the Western faith didn't harbor much resentment towards him.
In ancient times, there were multiple instances of Buddhism being suppressed in China. That happened because ancient monks didn't engage in production or pay taxes. As the profession was appealing in several ways, many peasants chose to become monks instead of farmers. This drained the state’s coffers, and the only solution was to suppress Buddhism for the country's continued development.
In modern times, some people, like online trolls, might shout about suppressing Buddhism, but those were influenced by online novels. This group was insignificant and usually only had such thoughts only when they were young.
In reality, Buddhism was one of the few religions that granted all its practitioners an impression of propriety and morality.
Many elderly people in China believed in Buddhism, and many people liked to visit temples and burn incense during festivals. The existence of Buddhism had its reasons.
Among the high-level officials and journalists present, seeing this old monk with extraordinary abilities, no one felt fear towards him. It was because he was a venerable monk.
"Haha, old monk, you've come running back!"
Upon seeing the monk, the old immortal laughed and scolded, and from his teasing manner, it was clear that they were good friends and probably had been for many years.
"I, a humble monk, have not yet attained the full enlightenment of an Arhat. As long as I remain human, there will always be sentiments of nostalgia. Since the benefactor has returned here, I, too, can certainly do so."
The old monk's expression remained unchanged. His accent was still peculiar, and he still wore a compassionate smile. It was not like the professional smiles of service personnel. Merely standing there seemed to calm and pacify everyone's minds.
Without showing off any extraordinary abilities or reciting Zen phrases, he spoke the most ordinary words that anyone could understand. However, everyone could sense the true meaning of practice emanating from him, feeling the essence of Buddhism from the ‘Buddha’.
This was probably a true monk who didn't try to confuse others with his words. He had returned to simplicity, and that was enough to explain the teachings of Buddhism.
"Are you here because of the aura of the evil god?"
The old man frowned and asked.
“Yes!”
The monk nodded.
"Haha, you've come to convert people too. Aren't you monks all about self-cultivation?"
The old man laughed.
"Having returned to my hometown for a while, this humble monk has gained a deeper understanding of the development of Buddhism in this world. I am aware that the teachings of the Buddha have long been subject to various interpretations. It is a mistake to say that Mahayana Buddhism is for the salvation of others and Theravada Buddhism is for one's own salvation. The true essence transmitted by the Buddha transcends the distinctions between Mahayana and Theravada; it is just that people fail to grasp the essentials, leading them astray from the right path."
In the initial stages of Buddhism, its teachings were quite similar to Daoism. The general idea was that all beings suffer in this world, and one should follow the Buddha's teachings to eliminate this suffering and achieve a state of non-birth and non-extinction. The emphasis was on the ‘Eightfold Path’.
Although there were some Mahayana ideas in the original Buddhist teachings, it did not involve doing good deeds to accumulate merit. Instead, it focused on learning the doctrine, adhering to precepts, and practicing meditation to achieve the cessation and path, ultimately attaining the position of an Arhat.
From this perspective, it seemed quite similar to Taoism. These primitive religious doctrines advocated a philosophy of 'I focus on my cultivation, you focus on yours; let's not disturb each other.' While the speaker may not have engaged in many virtuous deeds, there was a steadfast commitment to avoiding wrongdoing and violating the precepts. As long as self-discipline was maintained, that seemed sufficient.
This truly embodies the essence of cultivation—no distinction between good and evil, not doing good, not doing evil, and certainly not dividing the world into two sides where good is always right and evil is always wrong.
People simply followed the teachings of gods or Buddhas, striving to draw closer to the divine. In the end, the goal was to be in communion with the divine—that, to them, was true faith!
Upon hearing the monk's words, the old immortal shook his head and said, "I already mentioned that I'm neither a monk nor a Daoist. I pursue ancient arts, believe in the ancient gods of our ancestors, and practice the method of sanctifying the body. I don't understand those doctrines you mentioned."
If it were some antagonist monk from a novel, he might have said something like, "Your path has deviated, and I must guide you to enlightenment." However, this monk, who truly followed the original teachings of Buddhism, just nodded and smiled, "As long as people can practice to the state of Nirvana, that is the true method."
In one sentence, he highlighted the equality of all living beings. He emphasized that Buddhism was no different from other religions. Regardless of which religion one believed in or which method one followed, as long as the ultimate result was reaching Nirvana, everyone was the same.
Hearing the monk's words, the high-ranking officials and journalists present almost wanted to burst into tears. They felt that if everyone in the world practiced Buddhism, each person cultivating individually without disturbing others, it would be wonderful. No one would interfere with others, and there would be no need to compete for superiority. Moreover, there would be no cultural disputes, and everyone could coexist peacefully. This way, there wouldn't be so many conflicts on Earth!
However, as much as they wished for this, could it really be achieved? Upon deeper reflection, it seemed challenging because it didn't align with human nature. It was the true nature of Buddhism, and humans always liked to compare and were full of desires. Could people really let go of everything, not compare, not compete, and not disturb others? Those who could truly achieve this might be suitable to become monks, but for the majority of people in the world, it was impossible.
Just like how many people yearned for extraordinary powers, it was actually to make themselves different from others and appear holy in front of people.
But if one became a monk, learned the original Buddhist teachings, even if they had extraordinary powers, they couldn't show off. Therefore, the threshold for Buddhism was quite high, and ordinary people couldn't easily cultivate it.
The old immortal shook his head and said, "Monk, since you've come for the aura of the evil god, let's go together. As for the little girl over there, since you've come because of this matter, follow me. I'll talk to you for a while."
The last words were directed at the Catholic nun, Mirda.
Although Sister Mirda was over eighty years old, in front of this man who had supposedly lived for over five hundred years, she was indeed like a little girl.
"The Lord says we should be humble, so I will follow your lead."
Sister Mirda lowered her head and spoke gently.
Although she didn't emit a compassionate feeling like the monk, she exuded a strong sense of friendliness.
Most religions that survived in this world were benevolent. If someone truly adhered to the teachings, they were undoubtedly good people. As for the tumors within the religions, they couldn't be called believers.
In the past, without the supervision of gods, major religions operated for their own interests. However, with the supervision of gods now, all religions have returned to their original essence.
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