Chapter 4 Chapter Twenty Six
April - Kukai is busy.
He was busy preparing to officially enter Qinglong Temple.
The so-called preparation refers to foreign language.
Sanskrit and Sanskrit—that is, Hindi.
The language of Tianzhu.
When he was in Japan, Kukai had already learned Sanskrit.However, after all, it was from Tianzhu to Japan via the Tang Dynasty and then across the sea.Not enough.
If you want to bring the Esoteric Buddhism back to Japan, you must first learn the language of Tianzhu in an orderly manner—Sanskrit, which is Sanskrit.
Because if you want to classify Esoteric Buddhism as your own, you need a deeper understanding of Sanskrit than Sutra.
As for Tang language, Kukai is already more proficient than ordinary Tang people.Sanskrit is also roughly learned.If you want to use it to inherit the teachings in Japan, it is enough.However, Esoteric Buddhism is a new type of Buddhism, and it is still very difficult to understand it only in Tang language.Therefore, learning Sanskrit is indispensable.For example, "Nirvana" in Tang dialect refers to the state of "eliminating" afflictions in Sanskrit. "Niexi" is actually a word translated from Tang Dynasty.However, in Tianzhu, its original meaning means to "extinguish" the flame.
"Eliminate" and "extinguish" have very different meanings.
In Japan, "Nirvana" is interpreted as the meaning of extinction and extinction. This is completely different from the Tang translation of words that add personal will and actions, such as (with self-will) "eliminating" the flames of troubles. different.
In this way, if you don’t digest the original meaning of the Tianzhu language before it became a Buddhist term, and digest it into your own knowledge, you may have to start learning Sanskrit after entering Qinglong Temple.
Kukai planned to completely dissolve the Hindu language in himself before entering the Qinglong Temple.
After all, Kukai's language ability is different from ordinary people.
Kukai had already learned the Hindu language from the monk Zhiming of Ximing Temple and the monkey.
In general speaking, he is as good as a big monkey.In the professional part of Buddhism, his level has surpassed Zhiming.
Even the big monkey once said such admiring words: "Mr. Kukai, you were from Tianzhu in your previous life?" Zhiming was even more amazed at Kukai's rapid absorption ability.
When it comes to Buddhist knowledge or way of thinking, Kukai has more depth than Shiming.
Zhiming learned Tianzhu language, and he learned from Brahmins who came to Tang from Tianzhu.Zhiming now teaches Kukai Dinhindi.
Zhiming once marveled at the speed of Kukai's comprehension, "Master, are you really a Japanese?" Because he is a monk and an intellectual at the same time, Zhiming knows how much time and effort it will take. Only then can he have his own ability in Indian language, so he can fully understand Kukai's extraordinary achievements.
For a while, there was no news from Liu Zongyuan.
As mentioned before, is there any second letter from Abe Nakamaro? He should have asked his mother.
If you really believe in it, you should know it immediately; if you don't, you should have an answer soon.
There was no news, either the mother hadn't found the letter yet, or the letter was found but it was inconvenient to hand it over to Liu Zongyuan.
If that letter has been handed over to Liu Zongyuan, then it is possible that Liu Zongyuan was unable to contact Shang Konghai, or else, he had some difficulties in not wanting to contact Konghai.
Late at night - Kukai read the Sanskrit classics borrowed from Zhiming under the lamp.
"Maha Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra".
While reading Sanskrit, he recited scriptures in a low voice in Sanskrit.
There are many teachings that can be understood only because of such recitation.
Taking this "Prajna Heart Sutra" as an example, when reading it in Sanskrit, Kukai thought: Aren't some passages the truth? At the same time, he suddenly realized: It really is.
This is indeed a mandala, a mantra.This feeling comes naturally when he pronounces it in the original language.
In the depths of Kukai's heart, there is the self who deeply agrees with "this is a matter of course"; there is also the self who reconfirms that the "Prajna Heart Sutra" is actually the truth.
The beginning of the "Prajna Heart Sutra" clearly stated, what is the composition of this universe.It is also said that it is composed of "five aggregates".
color.
by.
think.
Row.
knowledge.
These are the five aggregates.
The so-called "form" among the five aggregates refers to all material existence in the universe. The four aggregates of "feeling", "thinking", "action" and "consciousness" refer to the human side—that is, the feelings that arise when looking at the universe.In other words, what the "Prajna Heart Sutra" wants to tell is: the so-called "existence", in addition to "existence" itself, must also have the feeling of watching "existence", so that "existence" can exist in this world.
What's even more powerful is that the "Prajna Heart Sutra" asserts that all of these are actually "empty".
Form is emptiness.
Emptiness is form.
How dynamic this argument is! "Prajna Heart Sutra" points out that everything in this world, no matter people, horses, cows and other animals, insects, fish, flowers, grass or water, air, wind, stone, sky, mountains, seas, The earth, in its essential appearance, is actually empty.
All people's hearts work, men love women's emotions, women love men's emotions, even joy and sorrow, everything is "empty".
Human behavior and thoughts are completely empty - the "Prajna Heart Sutra" declares so brilliantly.
True and correct.
Cognitively finished.Wonderful.
However, what is even more astonishing is that the "Prajna Heart Sutra" clarifies this end, and even shouted: So what? Form, that is, emptiness—but, so what? For "form is emptiness "This kind of wisdom, this kind of beauty, or the end of this kind of wisdom, the "Prajna Heart Sutra" is as if nothing happened, and it is revealed at the end-this is the mandala.
Jiedi.Jiedi.
Bo Luojiadi.
Polo Sangha Jiedi.
Bodhi.
Sapoha.
"Prajna Heart Sutra" uses reason to tell the truth of this world, but somewhere it takes a sharp turn and suddenly ends with such a mantra.
The "Prajna Heart Sutra" even binds the truth that exists in the universe in this mandala.It can be said that the mandala is speaking by itself, and the mandala itself is the main body of the Prajna Heart Sutra.
This last mantra should be the part where all life and all existence sing in equal volume.
Kukai continued to chant the "Prajna Heart Sutra".
When the mandala part was sung, the nearby desk seemed to be singing along with it.
Jiedi.Jiedi.
As soon as Kukai chanted, the desk and the pens on the table also sang along.
Jiedi.Jiedi.
When Konghai chanted: Boluojiadi.
The room, the ceiling, the walls, the floor, and finally the whole building sang along: Prakati.
Kukai chanted again: Polo Sangha Katyadi.
At this time, the grass, insects, peony flowers in the garden, and even the cows, horses, and birds joined in the singing and shouted with all their strength: Parasangha Katri.
Kukai sang again: Bodhi.
Sapoha.
It feels as if all life, even microorganisms, bacteria, mountains, rivers, and the universe, echoes and sings together.
Everything that exists in this world should be accompanied by the mantra that Kukai recited: Bodhi! Savaha!! When Kukai finished the recitation, he felt that all life was exerting all his strength—almost tearing his flesh-like strength ——With the momentum of spitting out his own soul, he shouted along with him.
Kukai could hear it—the universe became one, the earth-shattering chorus sound.
"It's really spectacular, Kukai—" If Tachibana Itsuki was still around, the sound of the chorus that he would have admired so much remained in Kukai's ears.
Ju Yishi was no longer in Ximing Temple.
He moved into the Confucian dormitory in Biefang.
Yasushi is not around, although the work progresses faster, but with him by his side, he will often help out, especially when Kukai is synthesizing his own thoughts, he is an indispensable auxiliary role.
When he was thinking, he had developed the habit of being with Yasue. Even though he had left today, deep in Kukai's heart, he could still describe Yasue's expression, and then summarize his thoughts.
At this moment, the Yishi deep in Kukai's heart was admiring the "Prajna Heart Sutra" chanted by Kukai: "It's really spectacular!" Putting the scriptures on the desk, Kukai opened the side window.
The night air came in, and the lights flickered.
The wind of early summer has blown.The smell of fresh green and the fragrance of trees everywhere are blended in the wind.
The night air is like honey.
Tomorrow, Bai Letian will visit.
I came to Ximing Temple to watch peony flowers.If time permits, we can talk.
If you don't have time, just appreciate peonies--that's what he said in his letter.
Ximing Temple has always been famous as a peony resort.During the peony season, people from Chang'an come to visit the temple in an endless stream.
Many of them were distinguished guests or beauties who entered and exited the palace.
Since ancient times, the people of the Tang Dynasty have favored peonies far more than other flower species.The people of the Tang Dynasty have a special feeling for peonies, which is similar to the infinite love of the Japanese people for cherry blossoms.
In temples and gardens all over Chang'an, whenever the peonies are in full bloom, the mood of Chang'an people fluctuates accordingly.
Kong Hai knew Bai Letian's name because of Mudan's fate.
When Bai Letian bid farewell to his friends, he once visited Ximing Temple, where peonies were in full bloom, and wrote poems to express his feelings.
Zhiming showed this poem to Kukai, and that was his earliest impression.
At this time, Ximing Temple is in the season when peonies are in full bloom, and many visitors come every day.
For Kukai, this is the first time he met Mudan in Chang'an.
Red, purple, white, pale pink—and everything in between.
These petals bloom without hesitation.The gorgeous peonies, swaying in the early summer breeze, are truly spectacular.
Recalling the beauty of the daytime, it even makes people feel that the peony color seems to melt into the night air and flash faintly in the dark.
At this time—Kurai noticed the movement.
Someone moved in the courtyard.
That person didn't seem to deliberately hide his existence, on the contrary, he didn't intend to be seen.
It's just there so naturally.
He is moving.Although it is moving, it is not walking.
Strange - Kukai raised his head and looked out the window.
In front of me is the night garden.
The moonlight is falling from the sky, and the night is like the bottom of deep water, silently unfolding in front of the eyes.
Someone was there.
The situation seemed a little different from the last time Danon called him... Kukai stood up.
Under the moonlight, the peony flowers and leaves exude a green luster in the deep night.
Kukai quietly walked towards the flowers.
The sleeves and hem of the sleeves touched the dew that gathered on the flowers and leaves, and became heavy due to dampness.
As for the peony, it is not so much the weight of the dew as the weight of the petals themselves that make them droop like overripe fruit on a bent branch.
Kukai slowly passed through it and walked forward.
Late at night—no one awake.
There is only soundless clear darkness all around.
In the dark, the peonies are still bright and vivid.
The color seemed to have a fragrance.
Although the peony does not have the fragrance of peach blossoms or plum blossoms, what replaces the fragrance is a gorgeous color.
Just as you can smell the fragrance of plum blossoms in the dark, you can also see the colors of peonies in the dark.
Suddenly—in front of the scripture hall—something was shaking in the depths of the courtyard.
It is a figure.
The figure moved slowly.
What are you doing? Although you are moving, you are not walking.
The figure was dancing.
Appears to be a woman.
Her hair shone silvery under the moonlight.
Wearing gorgeous clothes that look like a palace lady, the woman danced non-stop.
In the moonlight, the arm slowly stretched upwards, the white arm flipped lightly in mid-air, and the fingertips landed together with the moonlight.
Her body slowly swayed and rotated, her feet lifted up, and there was a sound of stomping on the ground.
As if about to be sucked by the moonlight, that body seemed to rise to the sky.
It seems that he wants to fly to the sky, but he cannot ascend to the sky.
Dancing like a goddess loving the sky.
Kong Hai remained silent, stopped quietly, and watched the dancing.
The woman didn't notice Kukai's existence at all.
Put your heart and soul into your dance, as if you are the dance itself.
Kukai walked forward intentionally without hesitation, approaching the woman.
And then - Kukai suddenly discovered that the woman was not a young woman, but an old woman.
Dancing in the moonlight is an old woman who has been baptized by the years.
However, for some unknown reason, I hadn't noticed it earlier.
Although it was night, it was a moonlit night.
Logically speaking, such a short distance is enough to identify, but it is because of the firm belief that the woman is a young woman.
The movements of dancing are not something old women can do.
Only young women can do it.
Could it be that she was confused by her actions? Now that she looked carefully, she realized that the silver luster emanating from her hair was not caused by the moonlight, but by her white hair.You can also see deep wrinkles on the face, and the skin and flesh on the cheeks are also aging.
This old woman must have reached an advanced age.
However, even though he was old, he was extremely beautiful—the only thing that caught Kukai's eyes was the beauty of that dance.
How can a person at such an age have such movements? Why does this old woman dance at such a time and on such an occasion? It is as if the weather-beaten peony spirit was summoned by the moonlight of this world and asked to perform an ancient dance , or maybe he could not resist the mystery of the moonlight, and appeared floatingly—at this time—"Hey, Kukai.
It's me, Yishi. ’ came a call from behind.
Kukai looked back and saw Tachibana Yishi standing in the peony bushes behind him.
"Kukai, what a beautiful night with flowers and moonlight. The moonlight is so beautiful, I will also go out for a walk to watch the peony flowers." Kukai heard the voice as Yishi's voice, and regarded the figure as Yishi's figure, and also It's just an instant.
"How? Let's enjoy peonies together, shall we?" It was not Yishi's voice.
Instead, the woman is wearing a man's attire, imitating the man's voice and speaking.
Tang accent.
If it was Yishi, he would never say "I am Yishi".
Deliberately falsely claiming to be Yishi, but in fact he cast a curse on Kukai.
When the two were alone, Yishi couldn't greet him in Tang language.
In an instant, Kukai had fully understood.
Even for a moment, Kukai did regard that voice as Itsui, except for the relationship of the night, it may be because before that, a certain part of Kukai's mind has been playing and thinking about the role of Itsue.
Having said that, no matter how short the time is, it is enough to prove that the other party is a person with high magic power.
The woman, not the same old woman who danced, was a young woman.
"It's a woman—" When Kukai said this, the woman's expression suddenly became stiff.
"As expected of Mr. Kukai—" the woman returned to her normal voice and said, "If you are an ordinary person, you can easily be fooled by me."
"Why are you cursing me?"
"Because it is necessary."
"Needed?"
"However, it's unnecessary now." After finishing speaking, the woman turned around, and the peony flowers swayed.
The woman rushed towards the peony bushes.
Kukai originally wanted to chase after him, but immediately dismissed this idea.If the woman has no intention of doing anything and just leaves, that is of course the best.
Even if you catch up, there may be unexpected things waiting there.Kukai has confidence in his foot strength, so chasing him will not be a problem, but if he is attacked on the way, he may be in danger.
What's more, Kukai didn't carry any weapons on him.
If the opponent waited in ambush and slashed with a sword, Kukai would be in danger.
Just about to step forward, Kukai stopped and looked at the place where the old woman danced.
Let alone an old woman, at this moment, there is not even a single person.
That's how it was—Kurai suddenly realized.
The so-called necessity originally refers to this matter.
In order for the old woman dancing in the courtyard to have enough time to disappear.
But even so, why did the old woman dance in the courtyard? What is the relationship between the woman and the old woman? What is the relationship between these two women and the series of events that happened around Kukai? He let out a slight breath.
Looking around, there were no young women or old women.
I saw the peony flowers glowing by themselves as if they were wet by the moonlight.
"Sigh, things are not always as you wish..." The person who said this in front of Kukai was Tachibana Itsuki.
This morning, Yishi, who hadn't seen him for a long time, suddenly visited Kukai.
Yishi looked depressed and lifeless.
Although he entered school as a Confucian scholar and finally started to live the life for the real purpose of coming to Datang, it seemed to be very hard.
"I, of course, don't think that after I come here, I just need to read. It's just that there are too many things to worry about other than learning."
"Is it about money?" Kukai asked.
"That's right. It's too expensive. Tuition fees and other things, not only these expenses, but in order to find a way to enroll, you have to get recommended by various people, and you spent a lot of money." Yishi stretched out his hand and scratched his head and continued: " One-third of the money for the preparation has already been spent. It seems that there is no way to stay for twenty years." Having said that, if you have a job at the same time, you will not be able to study, and if you only study, you will spend all your money .Yishi was troubled by this.
"As I said before, I have a good reputation in my hometown. Everyone said that Yishi has merit, is full of talent, can not only write, but also understand Chinese books. But when I came to Datang, I realized that I was just a mediocre Besides, the ability of communication is more needed here than the talent of calligraphy—” Yishi sighed.
"Kukai, I still have some self-knowledge about who I am. I'm not a fool who doesn't know myself. That's why I feel distressed. I'm barely a talented person, so I see You have to know who you are. In Japan, when I see smart people, I always regard them as fools. Like Fujiwara Kusanomaro and others. They just climbed to that position by virtue of their blood. But, this This time, I have to look at myself the way I look at these people. No, I already look at myself that way. When I came to Datang, I found that, in the final analysis, I am just a character of the same level as them." Yi Ushio bluntly confides his heart to Kukai.
What's more, he saw through himself sharply.
"A fish living in a small pond suddenly put it in the sea and told it to swim freely. As a result, it swam around but did not stay within the size of the pond. But Kukai, you are different... Yishi looked at Kukai solemnly and said: "I am more suitable for Japan. But, Kukai, are you more suitable for Datang?" Yishi stared at Kukai.
"I used to look down on Japan for everything, but now I miss it very much." Yishi lied on his back on the floor.
Put your hands under your head and look up at the ceiling.
"Twenty more years..." Yi Shi was a little frustrated: "I will probably die in a foreign land like Master Chao Heng, and I will never be able to return to Japan."
"If you want to go back, go back..." Kukai said.
"Go back?" Yishi got up again.
Kukai's sentence "If you want to go back, go back", was not a cold word to Yishi.
His tone was quiet and steady.
As if without emotion, he blurted out whatever came to mind.
"In the past, I seem to have said this all the time. However, when it comes to going back, if there is no ship from Japan, it will be in vain."
"Will come. Probably will."
"when?"
"Next year at the earliest, or two years later."
"how is this possible?"
"possible."
"why?"
"I have cast a curse on Fujiwara Kusano Maro."
"Curse?"
"Isn't Emperor Dezong dead?"
"I know about that. But why is that a curse?"
"That's the source of the curse. I cast the curse."
"Curse?"
"Didn't Kazunomaro ride to the Weishui River when he returned home?"
"Ok."
"At that time, I approached the horse and said something to Kazuno Maro."
"What words?"
"Anyway, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty passed away, and the Japanese envoy happened to be present. From the standpoint of Japan, we can't just let it go—"
"What's the meaning?"
"After returning home, you must report the matter to the emperor, then rearrange your attire, and with appropriate etiquette and the emperor's eulogy, come again to pay tribute to Emperor Yongzhen. If you don't do this, the Japanese National Assembly will be ridiculed and you don't understand etiquette.
Do you know about this?"
"Ok."
"This matter must be dealt with in a timely manner——I said this to Kazuno Maro."
"You're really brilliant, Kukai." Yishi's tone of voice was mixed with joy.
"Sooner or later, someone will come by boat. If you want to go back then, you have to act fast, Yishiyi"
"Quick what?"
"I'm telling you to hurry up and do what you should do."
"——" "I——" Kukai puffed up his chest and looked at Yishi: "Before then, I must fully master the esoteric religion."
"Can it be done? That sort of thing—"
"Try and see. If I have the destiny."
"Destiny?"
"It's just a wording. The so-called belief in destiny refers to knowing that you are blessed by heaven."
"Do you feel blessed?"
"If there is a god."
"And if so?"
"God should be interested in me."
"interested?"
"If it were me, I would be interested."
"I, what do you mean?"
"It means if I am God."
"Kukai, what is your analogy?"
"If I were God, I would probably want people to understand me and let people see me."
"What's the meaning?"
"For example, what I want to do is to observe the universe. Observe it with the Dharma."
"Dharma?"
"Because I want to use the best esoteric teaching in Buddhism to observe this heaven." Kukai laughed heartily.
"I don't understand what you mean." Yishi showed dissatisfaction on his face.
"You know calligraphy."
"Yeah." Yishi nodded.
"If, one day, calligraphy is brilliant, would you put it aside and not let others appreciate it?"
"No, I probably want to show it to someone."
"Shouldn't everyone be able to?"
"Well, if possible, I want to show it to someone who knows calligraphy."
"Show him, then what?"
"Probably want him to praise and criticize."
"Would you be happy if you were praised?"
"certainly."
"It's the same as this."
"What's the same?"
"Listen well, Yishi, calligraphy is your talent and skill. Being praised actually means that you yourself are praised."
"——" "The same goes for the heavens. The phenomena that exist in this world are all born of the heavens. In other words, it is the calligraphy written by the heavens, isn't it?"
"Ok."
"I, I want to use the esoteric teaching method to watch the calligraphy written by the heavens, and praise the heavens, and praise the greatness of the heavens. Moreover, I also plan to spread the teaching of the greatness of the heavens to the world."
"—"
"Heaven is the same as human beings. Because there are people, there is heaven. It can also be said that heaven exists only through human observation. To say that heaven is great is like praising people. This is the root of Esoteric Buddhism. As for other things, just It’s just clothing that wraps the essence.”
"——" Yishi was speechless for a long time, and could only stare at Kukai dumbfounded.
"If God has a will, let me do it." Kukai said nonchalantly.
"You are a real man. To you, Datang is probably very small, right?" Yishi said with a smile.
"it's the same."
"Same?"
"Whether I am in Japan or in this Tang Dynasty, I am under the same heaven." What Kukai means is that on this earth, no matter where you are, through the principle of Buddhism, you and the universe are in harmony. Deeply connected with the sky.
"Really, I have nothing to say about you—" Yishi sighed while laughing.
"How is it? Yishi." Kukai also looked at Yishi with a smile.
"how about what?"
"Cheer yourself up." Kukai said with a smile.
"So that's your purpose? Kukai." Yishi smiled wryly while scratching his head.
"However, what I say now is not a lie."
"how to say?"
"I did say that to Fujiwara Kazuno Maro. Maybe sooner or later a ship will come from Japan."
"Ok."
"In short, whether the ship comes or not, I just need to do what I should do." Just as Kukai finished speaking, there was a call from outside.
"Mr. Kukai, Mr. Bai Letian, please see me." It was the voice of the big monkey.
Bai Letian sat across the table, facing Kong Hai and Yi Shi.
There were three half-drunk teacups on the table.
The three of them had just finished talking about the peony and what had happened during the time they hadn't met.
"So, after that, the matter hasn't been resolved in any way?" Bai Letian moved his eyes nervously, and said to Kukai.
"That's right, it's still the same." Regarding Abe Nakamaro's letter, Kukai has not revealed anything to Bai Letian yet.
If you want to say it, you must first obtain Liu Zongyuan's consent.
There was a brief moment of silence.
Bai Letian stared out the window.
What I saw was a garden where peonies were in full bloom.But see flower viewing tourists shuttling in the meantime.
"To be honest, Mr. Kukai..." Bai Letian said looking out the window.
"What's up?"
"I'm feeling lost right now."
"Why are you confused?"
"There is something that can't be decided for a long time."
"Is there something?"
"Actually, I'm writing a long poem—"
"I know--"
"what?"
"The emperor of the Han Dynasty focused on color and thought about pouring the country..." Kukai chanted in accordance with the rhythm of the poem.
"Do you already know?"
"In Hu Yulou, I have seen your opening verse."
"That's the poem."
"Ok."
"That's a story about Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine—"
"So what?"
"About the sad love story of the two, do you know?"
"yes."
"That's what bothers me."
"—"
"Isn't that a tragic story?"
"Indeed." Kukai nodded.
Emperor Xuanzong took away his son's beloved concubine.
Moreover, the age difference between the two was more than thirty years, and Emperor Xuanzong was already an old man.
Doting on Yang Yuhuan—that is, Concubine Yang Guifei, the lack of power in the imperial court caused the Anshi Rebellion. When he fled from Chang'an in a hurry, he personally ordered Yang Yuhuan to be killed.
The relevant records are described as follows.
"Has the imperial concubine ever been happy?" Bai Letian asked: "Has Emperor Xuanzong ever been happy?" Neither Kong Kai nor Yishi could answer.
They were waiting for Bai Letian to continue.
Yang Yuhuan's family was brutally killed during the Anshi Rebellion, and Yang Yuhuan himself was hanged to death by Gao Lishi - this is the record.
"Anyway, I wanted to write these things, and my heart was torn in two—"
"Split in half?" Kukai asked.
"I think, should we focus on the sullenness, sorrow and hatred in the hearts of the two people at that time, or—"
"still?"
"It's better to hide all these feelings and just describe this seemingly poignant and sad love story." Bai Letian's gaze returned to Kong Hai.
"It's a difficult problem."
"Although I tend to tell the truth and write it as a story of hatred and resentment"
"—"
"However, I can't be sure. In short, I really can't make any decisions until the problems you and I are currently facing have not been resolved."
"Mr. Kukai." Bai Letian said.
He put his hands on his chest: "My heart is full of all kinds of things. Hey, how should I put it?" Bai Letian twisted his body and looked straight at Kong Kai as if mad: "That's A bunch of creatures without names. There are beasts, flowers, insects, and even more inexplicable shapes. I have to lure them into the fence of language and name them..." These creatures emit a mysterious phosphorescence in the depths of their bodies .A group of unknown animals lost deep in the forest, or a group of deep sea creatures - these creatures prey on each other, some are wiped out, and become part of others.
Some of them grow stronger, they make their bodies similar to the creatures they prey on, and become bigger creatures, wandering in the dark night forest in Bai Letian's heart.There are also some creatures swimming in the deep sea in Bai Letian's heart.Bai Letian also had no idea what shape these creatures took or what they were named.
These huge dark creatures meander and swim in the depths of Bai Letian's body... "Maybe I'm too strong." Bai Letian said.
"Too strong?" Kukai asked.
"Emotion." Bai Letian seemed to want to swallow the thorn in his throat, twisting his lips and said, "Emotion is too strong."
"—"
"I'm like a rag that has been sucked out of the kitchen sewage and left to hang."
"—"
"I really want to wash it off as soon as possible, so that I can be happier."
"In other words, it's about creating—"
"Yes." Zi Letian nodded: "I originally thought that if I wrote all the things in my heart into poems, I might be able to relax a bit."
"Isn't it possible?"
"No. No matter how much you write, it won't reduce it. You can't relax at all. You can only drink. I'm like a rag soaked in sewage and wine." Bai Letian smiled seriously.
Then, the smile froze.
There was a mirror in front of Bai Letian, when he found his expression reflected in the mirror, he suddenly came back to his senses.
"I said a bunch of boring words—" The smile that appeared on Bai Letian's lips several times disappeared, and he returned to his usual dull expression.
"Stop talking stupid things, nothing is a good thing." Bai Letian looked towards Kong Hai as if he had regained his spirit.
"By the way, Mr. Kukai, have you heard about the matter in the palace—"
"What's up?"
"It seems that something strange happened around the emperor."
"Strange thing?"
"The musician's yueqin suddenly broke, and the flies kept circling around the emperor, or the cat started talking..."
"Cat?"
"Yes." Bai Letian nodded: "A few days ago, Huiguo Ageli from Qinglong Temple seemed to have entered the palace to meet the emperor."
"Is it Huigoag pear?"
"Exactly."
"I don't know." After doing the math, Liu Zongyuan hadn't contacted him for a while.
About Chao Heng—that is, Abe Nakamaro's second letter, there should be news sooner or later, but such an incident happened in the palace, maybe it is not the time to contact.
"Mr. Kong Hai, I think it's better to let you know about this matter, so I told you." Bai Letian looked directly into Kong Hai's eyes.
Those eyes seemed to want to peer into Kukai's inner world through the small hole called "eye".
This state lasted for a while.
Kukai silently endured Bai Letian's peeping.
Soon—"Mr. Kukai." Bai Letian said: "You also have a lot of secrets..."
"—"
"If the time comes for disclosure, will you tell me everything?"
"Okay." Kukai nodded.
"Then, I'm going to be rude." Bai Letian got up and said, "I feel happier. Let me say goodbye first—" After saying goodbye to Kukai, Bai Letian said goodbye and left.
"Kukai, I always feel that man is really breathless." As soon as Bai Letian left, Yishi said with relief: "With that man around, people always feel tired." Before that, Yishi was silent, but now But he kept talking.
"Again, why did that man come here, Kukai—"
"Maybe I can't figure out what's going on in my heart."
"heart?"
"What I want to do is not satisfactory, and at this time, anyone will wander around and be in a hurry..."
"Didn't he want to write poems about Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan?"
"The Emperor of Han pays attention to color and loves the country..." Kong Hai recited a short paragraph of the poem that Bai Letian wanted to compose.
"Han Emperor——"
"It refers to the fact that the Han Emperor was addicted to female sex, and dreamed of beauties."
"But, why the Emperor of Han?"
"—"
"The so-called Emperor of Han, isn't it the emperor of the Han Dynasty before the Tang Dynasty—"
"That's right."
"But, didn't Bai Letian want to write about Emperor Xuanzong and Concubine Yang?"
"Ok."
"Since it is about the Tang Dynasty, why is it called Emperor Han? Shouldn't it be written as Emperor Tang or Emperor Tang?"
"Because Mr. Lotte has scruples."
"Scruples? Who?"
"The current imperial court."
"—"
"Suddenly at the beginning of the poem, I wrote down the words of Tang Huang's heavy color, how could it be published today?"
"However, as long as you read on, you should understand what he is writing. If you understand, the result is not the same?"
"no the same."
"why?"
"Isn't it the same with street talk?"
"Street talk?"
"Well. When someone is telling a rumor about someone, because of some scruples, he deliberately tells what happened to other people in other towns. At this time, the person happened to come to the scene, and it is unreasonable to accuse the speaker—"
"That's tantamount to admitting that the protagonist of the rumor is me?"
"exactly."
"Ok."
"If it's not too much, it will generally be ignored."
"I see—" Yishi nodded, and then asked: "Is that man an official from the Secretary's Department?"
"probably."
"Officials also write poetry..." Yishi sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"When I see that man, I always feel as if I see myself."
"yes?"
"I understand everything you said, and what that man said..." Yishi said mockingly, "When you can't get what you want, you don't feel right when you do anything, and you feel like a hedgehog..."
"——" "Unknowingly, I forgot to be kind to others..."
"——, "If you are as talented as Li Baiweng, you may be able to write poems, but——"
"But what?"
"Even if he has that kind of talent, isn't Li Baiweng underappreciated from the point of view of fortune?" After speaking, Yishi scratched his head and continued: "Kukai, no way. I always use talent or fortune To measure a person. Think about it carefully, whether a person’s life is happy or not can’t be measured by this, can’t it? But, Kukai, even so, I still care whether Li Baiweng, Emperor Xuanzong or His Royal Highness are happy. Yes—”
"Yishi, you are such an upright man."
"me?"
"Well. Most people don't say that to others."
"Because you are not someone else. Kukai, it was you and I who said that. Then again, didn't Mr. Lotte just say that strange things happened in the palace?"
"Ok."
"Cats and flies?"
"It seems that things are about to start."
"What's up?"
"The things that were not over fifty years ago—" Kukai said.
"It's not over after fifty years?"
"Ok."
"Emperor Xuanzong is dead, Lord Chao Heng, Lord Gao Lishi, Lord Li Bai, Huang He, and the imperial concubine are all dead. What do you think is not over yet? Kukai."
"Human..."
"Human?"
"How should I say it? Yishi."
"Kukai, I'm the one asking the question."
"Resentment or hatred, or something more..."
"More what?"
"It should be a person."
"people?"
"Well, after all, it depends on the people."
"Just talking about people, I don't understand."
"It's an emotion."
"emotion?"
"Emotions are people themselves."
"If emotions are people themselves, wouldn't they never end?" Yishi said.
"Yishi, what did you say?"
"I mean, if emotions were people, they would never end as long as there were people in the world."
"Yishi, that's right."
“譬如，无论谁死亡，或谁出生，或经过数十年、数百年、数千年，情感会一直伴随人而存在，永远不会结束。”
“逸势，你真行。”
“行什么?”
“现在你所说的话。”
“说情感不会结束这回事吗?”
"Exactly."
“被你赞美，真开心，不过，这不也是理所当然的事吗?”
“这种理所当然的事，更加难以理解。”
"yes?"
"yes."
"and then?"
“所以才需要佛法。”
“佛法?”
“正因为如此，才有佛法，才有密教。”
“密教?”
“正是密教。我特地前来长安想取得的东西。”
"Well."
“佛法说，这世间物一切皆空。”
“空?”
"yes."
“什么都没有的意思?”
"No, it's not."
“那是怎样呢?”
“怎么说才好?”
“你刚刚不是说过，一切皆空?”
"Yes."
“也就是说，现在我所看见的地板，对面的庭园，庭园里生长着的松树、盛开的牡丹花，也全都是空?”
"That's right."
“那么，你又是什么呢?”
“我也是空。”
“那我呢?我这个名为橘逸势的人，我也是空?”
“是空。”
“我是空?”
“你听好，逸势。”
"Ok."
"Who are you?"
“空海，你在说什么啊，我难道不是橘逸势吗?”
“那么，橘逸势现在在哪里?”
“在这里啊，就在你眼前。”
“那么，我眼前的眼睛是橘逸势吗?”
"no."
“那么，鼻子是橘逸势吗?”
"no."
“那么，嘴是橘逸势吗?”
“不是，嘴巴不是橘逸势。”
“那么，耳朵是吗?”
"no."
“那么，脸颊是吗?额头是吗?头是吗?”
“不是。那些都不是橘逸势。”
“那么，躯体是橘逸势吗?”
"No."
“那么，手臂是橘逸势吗?”
“不是，手臂是手臂。手臂不是橘逸势。”
“那么，脚是橘逸势吗?”
"no."
“既然如此，我就夺走你的两只手臂。去掉两只手臂之后，剩下来的是谁?”
“是我啊，橘逸势。”
“那么，再夺走两只脚呢?”
“剩下来的还是我，橘逸势啊。”
“那么，先前你说不是橘逸势的东西，我全部夺走。”
"all?"
“现在已夺走了两只手臂和两只脚。然后，再夺走躯体。接着再夺走眼睛，其次是耳朵。嘴巴、鼻子、头也通通夺走。结果，剩下的是什么?会剩下橘逸势吗?”
“不，什么都没有了。”
“这不是很奇怪吗?”
“哪里奇怪?”
“我夺走的东西，全都是你先前说不是橘逸势的东西。既然如此，为什么你会消失不见了?”
"have no idea."
“这就是空。”
"what?"
“那我再问你一次。”
"Ok."
“眼睛、耳朵、嘴巴、鼻子、头、躯体、两只手臂、两只脚，全在那里。那是橘逸势吗?”
"yes."
“那么，如果是一具死尸，又当如何?”
"what?"
“橘逸势的眼睛、耳朵、嘴巴、鼻子、头部、躯体、两只手臂、两只脚，全都在那里。只不过它们依附在死尸之上，又当如何?橘逸势的死尸，是橘逸势吗?”空海问道。
“唔……”逸势呻吟起来：“我是儒者。”
“儒者又怎样?”
“以儒者的立场来说，答案只有一个。橘逸势的死尸，不是橘逸势。”
“那正是空。”
“空?”
“那么，我再试问。”
“又要问?”
“橘逸势到底是什么?到底基于什么，让别人称呼你为橘逸势?”
"Well……"
“基于什么?”
"Well……"
"Say it."
“空海，你说。既然你问了，就应该知道答案。你快告诉我。”
“是魂魄。”
“魂魄?”
“是的。别人称呼你的魂魄，叫作橘逸势。所谓橘逸势，指的是你的魂魄。”
“晤??嗯。”
“不过，逸势啊。就算是你是橘逸势的魂魄，你能只以魂魄向别人表示，这是橘逸势吗?”
“不、不能。”
“是的。基于此道理，你的魂魄与美丽、悲哀、喜悦这类东西的性质，是相同的。”
“空海啊，你怎么说出如此毫无道理的话呢?”
“绝非毫无道理。”
“我完全摸不者头绪了。”
“你听好，逸势，当你眺望日落时，内心会感受到美丽或悲哀的情绪吧。”
"Ok."
“那么，你能从那日落之中，单独取出你所感受到的美丽或悲哀，给别人看吗?”
"—"
"how?"
“不、不能。”
“道理正是如此因为美丽或哀愁，并非存在于日落之中，而是存在你的内心里。”
“存在哪里都一样，空海。因为不论是在日落中，或是内心里面，无论哪一边，人都无法从中单独取出悲哀或美丽给别人看，这是不可能的事。”
“你这不是很明白了?”
“所以呢?”
“虽然不能取示于人，但美丽或悲哀却确实存在。不过，无论美丽或悲哀，都因为有日落和凝视日落的你的存在，才能存在于这世间。光是日落或你本身，是不够的。”空海凝视着逸势，如此说道。
“换句话说——”逸势一边思索一边说道：“某个物体存在与否，必须具备两个条件——物体本身与感受到那物体的人心之作用。”
"Ok."
“那我也是这样哕?”
"That's right."
“所谓橘逸势，指的是橘逸势的身体、手足、脸孔、声音，因为有了这些，才能存在于这世间?”
"Exactly."
“这就是佛法所说'色即是空'的道理吗?”
“世间所有物，皆以这种形式存在着。不论你或牡丹花的存在，都基于空色不可分离的道理，而存在于这世间。”
“唔……”逸势一副若有所思的神情。
"What's wrong?"
“空海，你刚刚说过，这世间所有一切都是空。”
“嗯，我说过。”
“那么，刚刚说过的人的情感，又是什么呢?浮现在人心的情感，也是空吗?”
“是的，逸势。”
“那么，悲哀是什么?人心被撕裂般的悲哀呢?”
“逸势啊。所谓色，是指这宇宙存在的所有物。那不单是指人、牛、马、牡丹、石、蝶、雨、水、云这些。”
"—"
“浮现在人心的所有一切，也是色。”
“——''“男人爱慕女人的情感，女人爱慕男人的情感，那也是色。 "
“憎恨也是吗?”
"That's right."
“悲哀也是吗?”
“悲哀也是色。色即是空。”
“色即是空吗?”
“因此，悲哀也是空。”
“空海，倘若如此，倘若悲哀是空，那么，人的悲哀可以消解吗?”逸势问。
空海望着逸势，然后徐徐摇头。
“逸势啊，即使理解了人的悲哀本然是空，也无法消解悲哀。”
"—"
“事情正是如此，逸势。”
“空海啊，你刚刚不是说过，正因为人心的情感无止尽，才需要佛法?”
"I said so."
“倘若悲哀也是情感的一种，那么，不是可以借由佛法消解吗?”
“办不到，逸势。”
“为什么?这么说来，佛法无能为力?”
“没错。佛法无能为力。”
"what happened?"
“在统辖这个宇宙的法则面前，所有一切都是无力的。连佛法也不能例外。因为佛法自身已言明，佛法是没有力量的。这就是佛法。”
“——'，“逸势啊，所谓佛法，就是这宇宙的法。那个法与这世间一切紧密贯连。 "
"—"
“法也算是答案之一。”
“答案?”
“世间一切都会变化。”
“变化?”
“持续不断地变化。无论任何物事，都无法永恒存在于这个世上。”
“——"“譬如，花会开会落。人无法青春永驻。人会衰老然后死去。非人独然，虫、马、犬、树也一样。”
“我也是吗?我也是这样吗?”
"That's right."
“空海，那你呢?”
"me too."
"—"
“不论是谁，青春不可能永远停留于其肉体之上。”
“那么，这张书桌呢?”逸势手指着眼前属于空海的书桌。
“书桌也是。”
“石头呢?”
“石头也一样。”
“那么，山怎样?”
“山也一样，在这法的面前，不可能永远是山。”
“这天地怎样?”
“天地也——”空海断然地说道：“即使天地也是如此，不能经常以一种形式持续——”
"—"
“人会衰老。山跟天地也会衰老。会一直变化。对人来说，山和天地看似永恒存在，那是因为人所生存的时间，和山、天地所生存的时间，有很大的不同。山和天地生存在比人更巨大的时间之中。
因此，人的尺度便无法度量山、天地。 "
"—"
“逸势啊。在这法的面前，连佛陀也不例外。”
"This--"
“释尊不也会老、会死吗?连佛陀也逃不开如此的命运。”
“那么，佛法究竟是什么呢?空海。”
“连释尊也会老、会死，这就是佛法。”空海提高声音说道：“你听好，逸势。
就算理解了佛法是这天地之法，也不表示人可以永生。 "
"—"
"The reason is the same."
“什么道理?”
“关于悲哀。”
"Oh."
“也就是说，就算知道悲哀是空的道理，悲哀也无法消解。逸势——”
"What's the meaning?"
“人会逐渐老、死。任何东西都不能在这世上永存。悲哀也不能因为理解了天地之法而消失。清楚明白这样的道理——”
“会变成怎样?”
“人才可以面对悲哀。”
"—"
“人才可以视悲哀为同类，而接受悲哀。”
"—"
“逸势啊，你放心好了。即使是悲哀，也无法永远持续下去。了解这层道理，人才可以和悲哀共存。”
"—"
“可是，逸势啊。”
"what?"
“和人的一生相比，悲哀有时会持续得更长久——”
“你指的是什么?”
“贵妃的事。”
“贵妃的事?”
“譬如，贵妃即使能活到百岁、干岁，她所怀抱的悲哀，也将与她持续共生共存……”
"—"
“人不能以山的尺度而生存。”
"how to say?"
“结果，人只能活在人的尺度之中。人只能在人的尺度、人的法中诞生，然后死亡，而非佛法。”
"—"
“换句话说，因此才了有密法。”
"Secret law?"
“嗯。我干里迢迢来到大唐所求取的密法，其教义就是如何将宇宙的法——佛法活用在人的尺度之中。"“喔。”听了空海的话，逸势仿佛失去了语言能力，只是一径地点头。
正当逸势似乎有话要说，才刚开口，外面便传来呼唤声。
“空海先生——”是大猴的声音。
“什么事?”空海答道。
“又有客人来了。”大猴说道。
“哪位?”
“柳宗元大人那儿的刘禹锡。”
"Oh."
“他似乎带着柳大人的信。”
“快请他到这里来。”空海说。
刘禹锡仿佛生气般紧闭着双唇，绷着脸坐在空海和逸势面前。
脸色不怎么好看。
眼底也有黑眼圈，蓬发覆盖额头。
一眼便可看出他的憔悴，惟有凝视空海的那双眼眸炯炯有神。
“您似乎很疲累。”空海道。
“几乎没合过眼。”刘禹锡说。
“柳大人很忙吗?”
"yes."
“王叔文大人也为宫里诸事繁忙着吧。”想到柳宗元、刘禹锡都在王叔文手下做事，应该都很忙碌，空海开头便先行问候。
“空海先生，宫里发生的事，您可知晓?”
“如果是指让皇上深感困扰的苍蝇或猫——”
"Exactly."
“青龙寺的惠果和尚出面了吧。”
“您已知晓到这地步，我想您应该也可推测到，如今我们所面对的状况。”
“想必很费事吧。如果右手和左手、右眼和左眼经常得同时进行不同的事情，那么，任何工作也无法做得完整。”
“正如您听说。我们现在已经为时不多了。不知还能有多少时间……”
“你指的是皇上还剩多少时间，是吧?”空海话一出口，刘禹锡便露出惊吓的神情，屏气环顾四周。
“是的，空海先生。这事不能随便开口，却正如您所说的一般。
只是，难保不会有人听到我们的谈话。 "
“皇上龙体很糟糕吧?”对于空海的话，刘禹锡不发一语，只用眼神肯定而已。
德宗皇帝驾崩后，继承皇位的是儿子李诵。
李诵登基后，改年号为永贞，也就是顺宗。
深深打动顺宗心扉的人，则是教他下棋的王叔文。
王叔文现正推行政治改革。废止宫市，罢黜李实，贬降五坊小儿等等。
这是德宗传