Chapter 25 The twenty-fifth Muslim prince showed that Emperor Fan Jingxuanzang was the last scripture

Xuanzang pondered for a long time, slowly raised his head, and replied tactfully: "Your Majesty, the poor monk has devoted his whole life to the Buddha, and now he has fallen into the Buddhist scriptures and can't extricate himself. Many people aspire to become an official. His Majesty's golden mouth promises, my heart is pounding, but I am grateful for the great grace. However, the imperial court orders officials to be related to the safety of the world, and what they do is even more related to the misfortune and blessings of the common people. Therefore, Confucianism focuses on the purpose of governing the world. Most of them are Confucian scholars, unlike the Buddhists who focus on the practice of meditation."

Li Shimin listened to his words and knew that Xuanzang wanted to evade. Xuanzang went on to say: "Your Majesty, when you are recruiting a monk, you should use someone to be the director. You should know that the director of the poor monk lies in the study of Buddhist principles. The shortcoming is that he has not been honed in the official career. If you let the poor monk enter the official position and occupy a high position, it may harm the country if you talk too much about it." , speaking in a small way may harm the people, Your Majesty Fu Wang thinks twice." Li Shimin didn't give up, and continued to persuade: "The original intention of letting the mage enter the Zhongshu Province is to let the mage assist me in governing, to arrest Emperor Xi, unify heaven and man, and educate the world with profound Buddhist principles. Other general affairs are handled by others, and the master does not do it himself."

Xuanzang thanked again: "The poor monk once again thanked His Majesty for your grace. The poor monk carried hundreds of Buddhist scriptures, but now he only translates a few. It may be difficult for the poor monk to work hard all his life. Your Majesty once said that he would translate the Sanskrit scriptures directly. To achieve the purpose of correcting mistakes, the poor monk will abide by His Majesty's holy will for the rest of his life, and devote himself to translating more scriptures. If he enters an official career, he will definitely delay his wish to translate scriptures."

Li Shimin saw that Xuanzang resolutely refused, and knew that if Xuanzang was not in charge of translating the scriptures, it would be difficult to find a replacement in China who was proficient in Chinese and Sanskrit and had a deep understanding of Buddhism, so he no longer persuaded him to become an official. Xuanzang lived in Yuhua Palace for more than ten days.Li Shimin left a group of ministers aside, ignored the general affairs of the court, and talked with Xuanzang every day.Li Shimin has dabbled in classics, history, poetry and Fu all his life. He has never paid so much attention to Buddhism as he does now. He has only heard the name of Buddhist teachings, and has never calmed down to explore its deep meaning.Now, with the explanation of Master Xuanzang, who is proficient in Buddhism, he has an insight into the essence of Buddhism. Therefore, Li Shimin did not feel boring in the discussion for more than ten days.

The long talk between Li Shimin and Xuanzang had a profound impact on him.After Xuanzang resigned and returned to Chang'an, the officials were able to report government affairs in front of him. On this day, Ma Zhou met with him and asked Li Shimin to read and approve the drafted imperial edict.After reading it, Li Shimin asked, "These imperial edicts should have been issued a few days earlier, why are there so many backlogs?" Ma Zhou did not dare to say that Li Shimin had delayed the issuance of the imperial edict because of his long conversation with Xuanzang, and said euphemistically: "A few days ago, I saw Your Majesty having an in-depth discussion with Master Xuanzang, and I was afraid that His Majesty's interest would be disturbed, so I dare not come to play. These If the imperial edict cannot be issued on time, it is all the fault of the minister."

Li Shimin slightly revised several parts of the imperial edict with a red pen, and said, "It's okay. The matter is not urgent, and it doesn't matter if it is delayed for a few days. Ma Qing, you mentioned Xuanzang, and I recalled that day when we were in the future. You recommended Xuanzang to come here, and you really won someone. This person not only thoroughly understands the Dharma, but also has profound knowledge, and is really a great scholar." It can be seen that Li Shimin is now extremely impressed by Xuanzang's knowledge. Ma Zhou respectfully waited for Li Shimin to finish his approval, then stepped forward to accept the imperial edict, and replied: "Master Xuanzang has always set a high standard, searched for wonderful ways and opened up Dharma gates, he is indeed a sage. Your Majesty, only in a prosperous age can talents come forth in large numbers. Among the Buddhist sects, there are also such mages appearing, which adds a lot to my court."

Li Shimin sighed: "Yes. All my life, I considered myself proficient in both civil and military affairs, thinking that I could see all the books in the world, but when I came in front of Xuanzang, I realized that I have little knowledge. It can be seen that it is difficult for one person to master different knowledge." Ma Zhou replied: "Your Majesty's words are very true. However, the path of learning seems to be diverse, but there are also similarities in the depths. For example, Master Xuanzang has studied Buddhism throughout his life and has not involved in other knowledge; Your Majesty has read scriptures and history all his life. I don't study much Buddhist scriptures, but your Majesty and Master Xuanzang can talk for more than ten days without getting tired, and this is the reason."

Li Shimin nodded and said: "What Ma Qing said is reasonable. That day we talked about whether Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have similarities in the depths. I have talked with Xuanzang tirelessly, and our hearts are connected. It is based on this. See If someone who comes here digs deep into one subject, he will be able to bypass others. But what is this similarity, I can't tell for a while. Ma Qing, can you tell me?" "I can't." "Well, Xuanzang and I have talked a lot these days, and they all started from Buddhism. It seems that Buddhism is indeed a great subject. Looking around the world, Buddhism is the one that explains the most teachings. I used to talk about Buddhism's karma, retribution, I don’t take the theory of reincarnation seriously, but this time I had an in-depth discussion with Xuanzang, I realized that the purpose of Buddhism is vast and unrestrained, such as karma, reincarnation, etc. are just superficial. The deep truth is really grand and honest, and it has the merit of enlightenment.”

Ma Zhou knows Li Shimin's original attitude towards Buddhism, but now he listens to his words and knows that he has changed again. Li Shimin continued: "Buddhism was not born in China. After it was introduced to China, more and more believers. It seems that no matter what kind of religion, as long as it can be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, there are merits. So it spreads all over the world regardless of national boundaries." "I believe that when various religions are popular, its purpose must be clarified, and if it is not beneficial to the country or the people, it must be banned."

Li Shimin thought of Pei Ji at this moment.Pei Ji was living at home at that time, and invited Monk Fa Ya to come into his house to give lectures.The monk spoke out loud and made false statements about government affairs, and was arrested by Dali Temple and imprisoned. Pei Ji was also convicted for this.Li Shimin thought of Fa Ya, and immediately sighed: "That's right, that Fa Ya is a monk, but he doesn't think about Buddhist principles to make mysteries, so he falls into evil ways and must be banned. However, some evil religions extract a large number of words, although they can be deceived for a while. , but it is definitely not long-lasting. Ma Qing, look at the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. They all embrace the sun and the moon and teach people to be good, so they have been spread all over the world for more than a thousand years and have lasted for a long time. Looking at the cults again, they are for the pursuit of self-interest. , leading people into the path of evil, can it be tolerated? Actually, these cults don’t need to be banned, the big waves can wash away the sand, so let them fend for themselves.”

Hearing Li Shimin say such words, Ma Zhou praised Li Shimin's broad mind even more in his heart.In order to consolidate the ruling position, some short-sighted people have adopted the strategy of closing the country and not dealing with other countries, and regarded all religions as scourges.However, Li Shimin respected all surroundings with virtue, allowing Chinese and foreigners to come and go freely without restrictions. People of all races can be seen everywhere on Chang'an Street. This is an example; extreme. As the Tang Dynasty became stronger and stronger, foreigners gathered in Chang'an, and foreign religions were introduced to China one after another. During the Zhenguan period, Persian Manichaeism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam (Islam) were introduced to China one after another. Manichaeism was founded by the Persian Mani. When it spread to the west, it absorbed elements of Christianity and was very popular in the Roman Empire and the Frankish Kingdom. People from all over the world accepted it, and it became more and more popular, implicitly paralleling Buddhism. Zoroastrianism originated from Zoroastrianism in Persia and was established as the state religion by Persia several times.The difference between this religion and Nestorianism and Manichaeism is that it has a strong exclusivity, and it is not spread to the Chinese, but is only popular among Persian businessmen and immigrants. At the time of Zhenguan, people often referred to Nestorianism, Manichaeism, and Zoroastrianism together as "Sanyiism". As for Islam, it should have been introduced from the Great Food Kingdom (now the Arabian region). Li Shimin went to the Yuhua Palace this time to escape the summer heat. He had a long talk with Xuanzang for more than ten days at first, and then read through the Buddhist scriptures translated by Xuanzang, and then he wrote all the chapters of "Di Fan" write out. In order to teach Prince Li Zhi, Li Shimin selected important officials in the court as officials of the East Palace. He also used various occasions and opportunities to teach Li Zhi the essentials of governing the world.Seeing that Li Zhi was about to eat, he asked, "Do you know where the food comes from?" Li Zhi replied anxiously, "I don't know." A king must not take away his time, so that he can eat this meal often." Seeing Li Zhi riding a horse in the garden, he asked again: "Do you know horses?" Li Zhi thought, at this time, the emperor's father asked this simple question. With deep meaning, he answered honestly: "I don't know." Li Shimin went on to say: "The horse is the one who works hard on behalf of the people, so it must rest with it. If you can't do your best, you can always have a horse." Li Shimin used the analogy of rice and horses to warn Li Zhi to understand the suffering of the people, let him not take away the farming time, rest with the people, and not use the power of the people lightly. Li Shimin then saw Li Zhi taking a boat, and asked again: "Do you know the truth about boats?" Li Zhi replied: "I don't know." Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. You will succeed one day, so you must always be afraid." One day, Li Shimin saw Li Zhi standing under a bent tree, and asked, "Do you know the truth of this tree? " Then earnestly warned: "Although this tree is crooked, it can be straightened if it is roped. A king has no way, but he is holy if he is remonstrated." Li Shimin also felt that it was a bit fragmented, so he decided to collect his years of experience in ruling the world into a book, and awarded it to Li Zhi separately, as an example for him to follow after he succeeded to the throne. "Emperor Fan" has twelve chapters, including "Monarch Body", "Building Marriage", "Seeking Virtue", "Judging Officials", "Receiving Admonitions", "Removing Slander", "Jie Ying", "Chong Jian" , "Rewards and Punishments", "Farming", "Yuewu", and "Chongwen". Yuhua Palace is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and the climate in the valley is cool and pleasant. Li Shimin stayed in the palace and wrote quietly. After two months, he finished all "Emperor Fan".It was the end of summer at this time, and Li Shimin drove back to the capital immediately. After Li Shimin returned to Beijing from Yuhua Palace that day, he summoned Li Zhi to the West Nuan Pavilion of Taiji Hall to teach him something. The pile of written "Emperor Fan" exudes the fragrance of ink, lying quietly on the desk beside Li Shimin's hand.Li Shimin pointed to "Emperor Fan", and said to Li Zhi: "I have spent several months of hard work, and I have collected many years of political experience into a book called "Emperor Fan". I give it to you. It is divided into twelve chapters. They are all the outlines of the emperor, you can read them carefully, experience them with your heart, and govern the country with self-cultivation, you can take it." Li Zhi went up to take the "Emperor Model" respectfully, bowed and replied: "Father manages a lot of things every day, and still devotes himself to teaching his sons and ministers. From now on, the sons and ministers will recite them day and night, and carefully observe the sacred meaning." "Well, you have studied diligently these days, and you have lived up to my expectations. I am very relieved. Although this "Emperor Fan" is based on my experience, it is a paper language after all, and it will inevitably be boring for you to read. Feeling, you have to compare it with ordinary examples, which will be beneficial." Every time Li Zhi came in front of this strict father, he didn't even dare to show his air, and he didn't dare to be arrogant today. Seeing his father's praise, he respectfully said: "My son is under the guidance of his father and under the supervision of his important ministers. I feel that the study of kings is really profound, so I dare not slack off in my study, I just want to make up for my weakness with diligence." "Yes, it is so difficult for my Li family to obtain the world with the power of your grandfather. If you want to keep the world in the future, you dare not slack off. If you understand this section, you will know the responsibility on your shoulders. Let me ask you, Recently, you have supervised the country and practiced at the same time, do you have any new insights?" Li Zhi thought about it for a while and said: "My son obeyed his father's order, read more about the history of the previous dynasties, and compared it with my dynasty, I feel a little different." "What is the difference?" "The former monarchs either ruled violently or had harsh criminal laws, which resulted in the decline of the country's affairs. In the Zhenguan era, the father and emperor ruled without doing anything. There were many farmers who did not persuade them, and few offenders who did not enforce the law. The corrupt people are ashamed to be in the same ranks, and the loyal and innocent stand side by side. My son thinks that such a situation is all due to the national policy of "pacifying the people to calm the people and only emphasizing education" set by the emperor in the early years of Zhenguan. " When Li Shimin heard the words, the words "children can be taught" flashed through his mind, nodded and said: "Zhier, you can think of these differences, and your study is not in vain. However, I am not using the words of the early Han Dynasty. "Governance by doing nothing" has a new idea. After you go down, you can compare the practice of "Government of Wenjing" with today's and see what is different. I believe it will be beneficial to you." "My son, I will always remember my father's instruction." Seeing Li Zhi's immature face, Li Shimin thought that by mistake, this son was finally designated as the heir apparent, and the great burden of the country would eventually fall on this son's shoulders, and he felt infinite feelings in his heart, so he sighed "Zhi'er, you grew up among the bustling bushes. You didn't know the etiquette of a monarch and his ministers, and you didn't know the hardships of farming. I really worry about this heavy burden falling on your shoulders. Do you understand my heart?" "My son understands." "Although a king controls the eight extremes, he must always be vigilant with the metaphor of a boat and water, and always have a heart of fear. I am here to send you two words, that is, to tremble with fear, and to control the decay if you are facing the abyss; be careful every day. , Think good from beginning to end." Li Shimin experienced the troubled times at the end of the Sui Dynasty, and saw with his own eyes that the colorful world created by Emperor Wen of Sui Dynasty was defeated by Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty, and he felt deeply about it.After he came to the throne, he said to his officials that "water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it", which shows his fear. Li Shimin can understand this truth from personal experience, but Li Zhi cannot.Therefore, Li Shimin especially emphasized this point in "Emperor Fan". Ever since Li Zhi became the crown prince, he also knew that his two elder brothers had been expelled from Beijing, so he could be in the position today, this was something he never dared to think about before.Over the years, he has watched his father get older day by day, and he has become more and more aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, so he is more attentive when studying, and more careful when governing. Now, he is as immature as he was when he first became the prince. Than, after all, a little more sophisticated.Seeing Li Shimin lost in thought, he said: "My father is teaching my son and minister, so I wrote this book with painstaking efforts, and explained it one by one. My father has a lot of things to do every day, so how can I be too distracted by my son? After my son goes down, I will decide." Read it carefully, if you don’t understand something, ask the master first, and if you don’t understand, then ask the father to explain. The father has not been in good health since the Battle of Liaodong, and it must not be too hard, so it makes my son feel uneasy.” Li Zhi's concern for Li Shimin was indeed sincere, and Li Shimin's heart was moved many times, which made him recognize Li Zhi's reputation of "benevolence and filial piety".Since Li Zhi became the prince, Li Shimin has observed his words and deeds very carefully, knowing that Li Zhi's nature is caused by it, and he will never hide his viciousness like Yang Guang did, and pretend to be in front of his father, Emperor Wen of Sui, in order to cheat favors. Li Shimin nodded, and asked: "Zhier, you can read this book and compare it with the actual situation, and you will be successful. Let me ask you, one day you will come to govern, how will you issue orders then?" Li Zhi was stunned for a moment, feeling that the topic was too big to answer for a while, and after a while, Fang Qiqi Ai Ai replied: "Father has appointed many important officials in the court as officials of the East Palace. The sons guessed what the father wanted. Let them continue the good practices of the Zhenguan years." "What's the best way?" "The son-in-law wrote in the chapter "Jieying" just now: 'A husband is thrifty to cultivate his character, and quiet to cultivate his body'. .Also, we must continue to implement the two laws, select scholars with poems and poems, be brave in accepting advice, and be lenient in law and cautious in punishment." Li Shimin nodded slightly, thinking that Li Zhi's words spoke to his heart. Li Zhi went on to say: "No matter how the world changes, the national policy set by the emperor must be followed by the emperor. What the emperor has done and what the emperor has said, the minister will never change. In a word, the minister will follow the emperor's method." There is nothing wrong with governing the country.” Hearing this, Li Shimin formed such a concept in his heart: It is obviously impossible for this son to create a generation of prosperity like himself; if he continues his own practice, the national fortune can continue to prosper, and he can still be regarded as a conservative. host.As for the future?Can the descendants be the masters of China forever?Li Shimin couldn't see the future, so he didn't bother to think about it. The father and son talked for a while, and Li Shimin felt a little tired, so he waved his hands and said, "I'm a little tired, you should go back first." Li Zhi picked up "Emperor Fan" and exited the hall respectfully. A few months passed quickly, and on this day, the Da Ci En Temple built by Li Zhi for the blessing of his mother, the eldest grandson, the Empress, was completed. Daci'en Temple was built in Jinchangfang, Chang'an. Entering the temple gate, there are bell towers and drum towers facing each other on the left and right, and then there are Daxiong hall, Dharma hall and backyard in sequence.Covering an area of ​​120 mu, the temple is the largest and most magnificent building in Chang'an. Li Zhi first went to the Da Ci'en Temple for a while, and walked to the backyard. Seeing the quiet environment and green houses here, he thought of a good idea.After the morning court that day, after breakfast with Li Shimin, Li Zhi said cautiously: "Father, the Da Ci'en Temple has been completed. My son went to watch the temple yesterday and thinks that the temple is well built." Li Shimin nodded and said: "Well, your mother has passed away for more than ten years. You have the mood to build a temple for her to pursue blessings. It is not in vain for her to support you. The world also knows your filial piety. If I have time in the next few days, You can come to this temple to have a look." "I thought to myself, this temple has just been built, and the temple has not been completely cleaned up. After everything is ready and the monks move in, I will invite my father to enter the temple to watch." "Also." "Father, my son has something to ask." "Well, tell me." "My son saw that this temple is large in scale and it was built for his mother's pursuit of blessings. He had to find an eminent monk to sit in this temple. After thinking about it, I felt that among the eminent monks in the country, Master Xuanzang was the most famous. Let Master Xuanzang be the abbot of this temple." Li Shimin immediately agreed and said, "Well, Xuanzang should be the abbot of the largest temple in Beijing. The Hongfu Temple was rebuilt from Wang Junkuo's old house, and it looks dilapidated now. I wanted to rebuild it a long time ago. Now that the Daci'en Temple has been completed, It saves a lot of work, but you can have someone repair the Hongfu Temple a little bit. Zhi'er, your idea is very good, I agree." "I entered the temple that day and saw that the backyard was fairly neatly built. The hall was bright and well ventilated. I thought this could be a place for Master Xuanzang to translate scriptures. I also thought that Master Xuanzang would translate scriptures here. , and the queen mother pursued a lot of blessings, and I especially ask the father to give it a name." Li Shimin always thought that Li Zhi was relatively cowardly, and believed that this was a taboo of the monarch.After the Battle of Liaodong, Li Zhi has been waiting by his side to serve him attentively, always paying attention to his diet and daily life, which made him feel a lot of warmth.He also recalled from Li Zhi the scene of getting along with his grandson Jiamin in love, which offset the coldness that Li Chengqian and Li Tai brought to him in their fight for the throne.Today, Li Zhi asked Xuanzang to be the abbot of Daci'en Temple. Li Shimin has had a lot of past with Xuanzang during this period, and he sincerely admires Xuanzang's knowledge and cultivation, so he naturally complied with his wish.This matter was connected with the elder Sun Jiamin, which warmed Li Shimin's heart even more. Without thinking about it, he immediately replied: "In that case, let's name it the Jingjingyuan." "I ask my father to order the pen, and bestow the ink of 'Da Ci'en Temple' and 'Traveling the Scriptures'." Li Shimin put a smile on his face and said with a smile: "Why is Zhi'er so impatient?" As he spoke, he walked to the front of the case and took out a pen to inscribe. A few days later, the "Da Ci'en Temple" and "Fanjingyuan" written by Li Shimin himself were made into gold-plated plaques and hung on the gates of the temple and the backyard. Xuanzang moved from Hongfu Temple to Daci'en Temple, which became another grand event in the Buddhist circle of the capital. On that day, the streets on both sides from Hongfu Temple to Da Ci'en Temple were filled with gold and silver temples, jewel tents and incense houses.The small ones are one foot high, and the big ones are two feet high. They are carved with sandalwood as flying curtains, flower sills, tiles, and steps, all of which are covered with gold and silver; , agate, pearl, sesser and other jewels adorn the banners.At the right time of Sishi, the incense chariots carrying Buddhist relics and Buddhist scriptures set off first, and Buddhist music is also played at the same time.Xuanzang, who was wearing a scarlet cassock, led the accompanying monks to protect the Buddha's treasure and walked slowly. After that, there were more than a thousand monks in the city, and then all the civil and military officials.The monks chanted all the way while walking, and the ceremony seemed very sacred. On that day, the imperial court ordered the government office in Beijing to have a day off, and many people came to watch the ceremony along the street from Hongfu Temple to Daci'en Temple.They looked up at the grand event on the street, scattered alms and prayed for blessings, only to see the banner flowers encouraged and greeted the road. The group paused for a while at the foot of Anfu Gate, and Xuanzang led the monks to salute upstairs.It turned out that Li Shimin led Li Zhi and the harem concubines standing upstairs at this time, and also came to watch the ceremony. When the common people in the capital saw the emperor appearing, they cheered and kowtowed at the same time. Li Shimin smiled upstairs, then held up the censer in his hand, and saluted Xuanzang and the monks.Looking at Li Zhi and the concubines in the harem, they all had an incense burner with curling cigarette smoke in their hands. They watched the following team start, and then watched it gradually go away. On the fifth day after Xuanzang entered the Da Ci'en Temple, Xiao Yu hurried into the temple in the afternoon to deliver an order to Xuanzang: Li Shimin will enter the temple to observe the ceremony tomorrow. The whole temple got busy immediately, the novice monks swept the courtyard, and the monks rehearsed and chanted sutras in the Daxiong Hall, waiting for Li Shimin's arrival. At three o'clock on the next day, Xuanzang led the monks with status in the temple to stand in front of the mountain gate to welcome Li Shimin's chariot.The cobblestone road of the street was cleaned. On both sides of the street, Xue Rengui arranged for guards to stand every ten steps. They stood upright and did not look sideways. Today Li Shimin only led Li Zhi, Xiao Yu, Chu Suiliang, Ma Zhou and others into the temple to observe the ceremony, which can be described as easy and easy.They got off at the Great Ci'en Temple, and Xuanzang and other monks came to salute and guide Li Shimin and others into the Daxiong Hall. The hall is filled with cigarette smoke and burning incense candles. The monks sit cross-legged on both sides, chanting scriptures in unison with lowered eyebrows.Li Shimin entered the hall, walked straight to the incense table, took a stick of incense, lit it, inserted it into the incense burner, and saluted. Li Zhi then came to worship. Because this temple was built for his mother to pursue blessings, he was more devout when he worshiped Buddha. After worshiping Buddha, Xuanzang led Li Shimin into the Dharma hall behind the palace.Li Shimin came to the front of the hall, looked around and said: "You don't need to enter this hall. Master, where is the scripture translation hall? You can lead me there for a walk." Xuanzang pointed to the hall and said: "Your Majesty, the scripture translation hall is right here." After speaking, he led the way and led the people to the scripture translation hall. Li Shimin saw that the size of the courtyard was not small and there were many houses, so he said to Li Zhi: "Zhier, you have a lot of wishes to pursue blessings for your mother. Looking at the architecture of this temple, it can be called the first in the capital. You built this temple, about Have you given up all your salary here?" Li Zhi replied: "In order to remember my mother's kindness, I made a wish to build this temple, and I dare not be perfunctory." Xuanzang said, "The crown prince is benevolent and filial. It is a blessing for Buddhism to build this temple. Your Majesty, there are currently eight other courtyards in the temple, with more than 800 houses, which can accommodate 300 monks. It is the first temple in Beijing." Da Ci'en Temple was built in the last years of Zhenguan and has survived throughout the dynasties.At its peak, there were more than ten courtyards with 1,897 rooms. Li Shimin looked around the courtyard, nodded and said: "The scale of this temple is indeed not small. Zhier, you built this temple and invited Master Xuanzang to enter the temple as your seat, but you neglected one thing." Li Zhi didn't understand, so he hurriedly asked: "Father, what is the negligence of my son?" Li Shimin pointed to the center of the courtyard and said, "Look, this courtyard is spacious, and it seems that there is one thing missing. What is missing? When Master Xuanzang returned from Tianzhu, he brought back relics, Buddha statues and many volumes of scriptures. These scriptures were translated into Chinese. After the Chinese language, it can be doubled. With so many scriptures, the most afraid of humidity is that they must be stored in a tall tower to be safe." It turned out that Li Shimin wanted to build a high tower in this temple to store relics, Buddha statues and scriptures.Xuanzang heard the words and recited the Buddha's name to express his gratitude.Li Zhi said: "Father sees it clearly, this is my son's loss. After today, my son asked Yan Lide to come here for a survey, to complete the blueprint, and strive to complete it as soon as possible." The tower was built later, but it was after Li Shimin passed away.After the completion of the tower, it was five stories high, with soil inside and bricks outside, to preserve the Buddhist scriptures, Buddha statues and relics that Xuanzang took back from Tianzhu. It was later known as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.The pagoda is named "Yan Pagoda" because of a Buddhist story told in "The Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty" written by Xuanzang. In ancient Tianzhu, there was a Rajagha City in Makata State, and there was a monastery on Dishi Mountain outside the city. The monks in the monastery believed in the Hinayana teachings and offered the food of "three cleanses".The so-called "three clean" food means that the meat eaten is unkilled, unseen, and unheard of.These monks eat one meal a day and do not eat after noon, which has always been the case.One day at noon, the monks were hungry and complained because they hadn't got lunch yet.A monk suddenly saw a group of geese passing by in the air, and joked casually: "We have nothing to eat today. If the Bodhisattva has a spirit, he should know our disaster!"As soon as his words fell, he saw the goose stop flying and threw himself in front of the monks.The monks were greatly shocked, guilty and sad, and said that this was the will of the Bodhisattva, and it is only the belief in the Mahayana teaching.So they converted to Mahayana religion, buried geese and built a pagoda in front of the temple. From then on, they called the Bodhisattva the Wild Goose King and the pagoda the Wild Goose Pagoda.In order to carry forward the Mahayana teaching, Xuanzang named the new pagoda the Wild Goose Pagoda.After the completion of the Wild Goose Pagoda, every year when the imperial court took the imperial examination, scholars from Xinzhong would visit the pagoda and engrave their names and inscribe poems on the pagoda, which is called "Yanta Title". As they talked and walked, they didn't realize that they had arrived at the scripture translation hall.Li Shimin raised his eyes and saw the blue bricks and tiles of this courtyard, hidden among the green trees, it really is a quiet place, so he praised: "This courtyard is well built, compared with Hongfu Temple, it is really a world of difference. Master Xuanzang, I have heard you describe the beauty of the Nalanda Temple in Tianzhu, you might as well use this temple as the foundation, gradually spread the Buddhadharma, and form it into the Nalanda Temple in China.” Xuanzang thought of the scale of Nalanda Temple and its rich scriptures, and thought that it would not take a day for China to achieve this scale.However, Li Shimin casually mentioned today that it is the Emperor's Chrysostom, which is a matter of honor to the Buddhist world, so he bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty's Chrysostom, the poor monk will devote all his energy to translating Sanskrit scriptures and performing Buddhist scriptures." The purpose is to study Buddhist principles intensively, so as to fulfill His Majesty's ambition." While talking, they were admitted to the hospital and entered the scripture translation hall.I saw that the indoor windows were bright and clean, the bookcase next to the wall was full of scriptures, and the desk was also covered with scriptures, pens and inkstones.To welcome Li Shimin, all the monks who translated scriptures here went to chant scriptures in the Daxiong Hall, so there was no one in this hall for the time being. Li Shimin asked: "Master Xuanzang, how is the process of translating scriptures recently?" "Your Majesty, the poor monk and others have recently finished the translation of "The Treatise on the Land of Yogis", with one hundred volumes. A copy has been prepared for Your Majesty, and it will be presented just now." Xuanzang turned around and fetched it after finishing speaking. A set translation of "Yogi's Discourse". Li Shimin was overjoyed, stretched out his hand and took out a volume, and said: "Master talked about it in Yuhua Palace last time, which made me understand the righteousness of yoga. I have read the first half of the "Yogi's Land Treatise" that you brought, and I feel that it is very important. The meaning is far-reaching and the aftertaste is endless. Suiliang, you take this book back, write nine copies according to the edict, and award it to Yong, Luo, Bing, Yan, Xiang, Jing, Yang, Liang, Yi and other Kyushus, and let them governors After reading it, it will be circulated." Chu Suiliang promised to wrap up "Yogi's Fields" before his death.Xuanzang was even more overjoyed, because Li Shimin's move showed that the imperial court strongly supported people all over the world to read Buddhist scriptures, which represented a trend. Li Shimin asked again: "Master Xuanzang, has the Great Tang Records of the Western Regions been finished?" "The book is coming to an end. Waiting for the poor monk to polish and edit it again, it will be presented to His Majesty within ten days." "Well, since Zhenguan, there have been two books on Yudi that can be handed down to later generations. One is "Kuo Di Zhi" written by the Literature Museum of Wei Wangfu, and the other is "Da Tang Western Regions" written by the master. This One of the two books is about China, and the other is about foreign countries, which can be said to complement each other." Li Shimin commented on "Da Tang Western Regions", Xuanzang hurriedly thanked: "The poor monk wrote it too slowly, so that the emperor did not read this book, it is really a crime. The poor monk has seen the "Kuo Di Zhi" written by Wei Wangfu, deeply. Knowing that this book is vast and full of historical materials, the poor monk's writing cannot be compared with it. Your Majesty just said that "Yogi's Land Theory" will be promulgated in Kyushu. I wonder if Your Majesty will agree to the monk's bold request?" Li Shimin knew that Xuanzang wanted himself to write a preface for the translated Buddhist scriptures, so he hesitated and replied: "Master has added a lot of glory to my court, but if I ask for it, I will naturally agree." "The poor monk once mentioned that he wanted His Majesty to write a preface for the translated Buddhist scriptures. So far, there are nine Buddhist scriptures translated by the poor monk, with a total of more than 500 volumes. If your majesty can write a preface , it will be able to unify the disputes among Buddhist sects, and enable the Buddhist teachings to be spread correctly throughout the world.” Li Shimin smiled and said to Li Zhi, Xiao Yu, Ma Zhou, Chu Suiliang and others: "Master has this request, I should not refuse. But, I know very little about Buddhism, if I make a mistake in the preface, it will poison the world, so I am extremely cautious and dare not agree easily." Xiao Yu believed in Buddhism all his life. At this time, he was afraid that Li Shimin would not agree, so he stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty has read all kinds of books in his life, and he has compiled the classics by citing etiquette, and he can understand everything with smooth diction and elegant style. The old minister thought that Your Majesty It can be used as a preface to Buddhist scriptures.” Chu Suiliang and Ma Zhou felt that Li Shimin wrote a lot in his life, but never involved in Buddhism, and they couldn't help regretting, so they agreed with Xiao Yu's words. Seeing that Li Zhi was silent there, Li Shimin asked, "Zhier, what do you think?" Li Zhi replied: "I believe that promoting Buddhism and stopping disputes among sects is the top priority of today's Buddhism. Doing so will benefit the world, and I think it can be a preface." Li Shimin saw that everyone agreed with him for writing the preface to the Buddhist scriptures, so he smiled and said to Xuanzang: "Master, they are all interceding for you. Anyway, since they invited you for you, you can thank them." Seeing that Li Shimin agreed to write the preface to the Buddhist scriptures, Xuanzang was so excited that he hurriedly folded his body and folded his hands together as a salute to thank everyone. After Li Shimin returned to the palace, at the request of Xuanzang, he put in a lot of effort to write a preface to the Buddhist scriptures translated by Xuanzang, because Buddhism is based on scriptures, laws, and theory (the scriptures are what the Buddha said, and the theory is the interpretation of the meaning of the scriptures) , the law is the commandment) is the Tripitaka, so this preface is called "The Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Tripitaka of the Tang Dynasty", with seven hundred and eighty words. When Xuanzang received the "Preface to the Holy Teachings of the Tripitaka of the Tang Dynasty" written by Li Shimin, he was naturally full of joy and full of gratitude to Li Shimin, so he wrote a book with more than a thousand sentences and presented it to Li Shimin. After receiving the book, Li Shimin read it carefully, and felt Xuanzang's sincere gratitude, so he picked up his pen and wrote another answer letter to Xuanzang: I thank Sizhang, and I am ashamed of my words. As for the inner code, I have never been idle. .The preface I made yesterday is deeply contemptible.I'm afraid that the ink will be filthy on the gold slips, and the rubble will be on the Zhulin.Suddenly, I got a book, false acceptance and praise.By bowing and introspecting, I will be more cheeky, be good at full praise, and thank you for my hard work. The words in Li Shimin's book are modest, and it can be seen that he is full of respect for Xuanzang.Li Shimin ruled the world with his literary talent and military strategy all his life, but it is rare that he met Xuanzang in his later years and was so overwhelmed.