Chapter 4 Volume 1 Nine Deaths

After walking in the desert for a day, Xuanzang felt so tired that he fell asleep quickly.Suddenly a gust of cool wind woke him up, and in a daze he saw the guide Shi Pantuo approaching him with a knife... Outside the city of Chang'an, the sky is as gloomy as people's faces, and the autumn wind howls, rolling up the loess and fallen leaves all over the sky, rushing towards a group of disaster victims surging on the ancient road... This happened in August of 627 AD (the first year of Emperor Zhenguan of Tang Dynasty).It turned out that due to famines in Kanto, Henan, and Longyou border states this year, the imperial court issued an order that the victims of the disaster could find a way to survive in the harvest land, so a large number of refugees fled westward.

In the crowd of refugees, there was a sweaty monk with Buddhist scriptures on his back and luggage. His Dharma name was Xuanzang, and he was about 27 or 28 years old.He mixed among the refugees and left Chang'an, crossed Lanzhou and arrived in Liangzhou. Liangzhou (now Wuwei, Gansu) is the population of the Silk Road, an important town in the Hexi Corridor, and business travelers often stay here. Liangzhou is also an important frontier fortress, and has always been a strategic location for military strategists.Because most of the garrison troops came from Guanzhong and the interior, from time to time there were flutes and flutes of nostalgia, which made this border town look a bit desolate.Xuanzang looked at the river, his eyes were full of autumn grass, and he felt a little dazed in his heart, wondering how good or bad this trip was? ...

Camel bells rang on the streets, caravans and camel brigades passed by, and business travelers from the Western Regions rode camels and wore exotic costumes, making this town look like a town outside the Great Wall. exactly: After Xuanzang arrived in Liangzhou, he found Master Huiwei, a monk over fifty years old with kind eyes, who greeted Xuanzang at the gate of the monastery with a smile in his cassock. Xuanzang presented the letter written by his brother after presenting the gift. Master Huiwei opened it and looked at it, and said: "I heard that Master Changjie and your brother have both entered Buddhism and advanced Taoism, and enjoy a high reputation in Chang'an and the country. It is a pleasure to meet you today."

Xuanzang cupped his hands and said, "Where, where, it is the disciple's luck to meet the Master. I hope the Master will take care of you." Master Huiwei also said: "Recently, the border is restless, and the entry and exit checkpoints are very strict. The master will stay in the Han Temple for a while, and then look for opportunities to cross the border." Xuanzang nodded and said, "That would be a lot of trouble." Hearing of Xuanzang's fame early on, the local monks were very happy to hear that Xuanzang had come, and they warmly invited him to give lectures, and businessmen from the past also came to listen to him, so Xuanzang continued to give lectures in Liangzhou for more than a month.The merchants admired his lectures very much and gave him a lot of money, which Xuanzang donated to the local monastery.So Xuanzang's name spread among the merchants, and spread to all countries in the Western Regions.

Indian Buddhism has already spread to the Western Regions.In many countries in the Western Regions, Buddhism flourished, with numerous Buddhist temples and tens of thousands of monks.When the kings and monks of the Western Regions heard that there was an eminent monk in China who came to Tianzhu alone to learn Buddhist scriptures, they were all very impressed, and they were all ready to welcome this legendary figure. It was August, the moon was dark and the wind was high, three people were rushing in the desert, one of them was Xuanzang, and the other two were monks escorting him. It turned out that when the Tang Dynasty was newly built, after the wars in the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, the border was not stable, so the imperial court strictly prohibited people from leaving the country.With the help of Master Huiwei, Xuanzang arrived in Guazhou (now Anxi County, Gansu) after several days of arduous day and night travel.

As soon as Xuanzang arrived in Guazhou, Liangzhou had already discovered that he had crossed the border, and the governor of Liangzhou, Li Daliang, ordered him to be hunted down.Fortunately, Duguda, the governor of Guazhou, believed in Buddhism, and he had heard Xuanzang's name a long time ago, and was deeply moved by Xuanzang's spirit. Now he saw the letter written by his close friend Master Huiwei, so he summoned Xuanzang. This morning, Xuanzang came to Guazhou Mansion, the official residence of Duguda, the governor of Guazhou, and handed in his business card, and the gatekeepers went in to report.After a while, the gatekeeper came out to lead him in. When he arrived in the hall, he saw a square-faced official who was over fifty years old sitting in front of the case reading official documents, and an official stood beside him.When the officials saw Xuanzang coming, they stood up to welcome him and said:

"The mage came here, and sometimes he was far away to greet him, and sometimes he was far away to greet him. It's just because I've been very busy with business recently, please bear with me. Please sit down, please sit down." After Xuanzang sat down, the waiter brought tea, and Xuanzang thanked him with clasped hands. Duguda said: "It is a great honor to hear the name of the master earlier, and to see it today." "My lord exaggerates, Xuanzang is nothing more than a poor monk. I am asking my lord today because I am going to Tianzhu to learn Buddhist scriptures. I beg your lord to give me convenience."

The governor was about fifty years old, with a good-looking face, a fair square face, a pair of big eyes, smiling kindly, and looked at the monk in front of him.He asked with great interest: "Why does the mage have to go to the west to learn scriptures?" Xuanzang replied respectfully: "Return to the officials, because the poor monk wants to get the true meaning of Buddhism. Although the poor monk has traveled all over the country and learned from eminent monks in various monasteries, because of serious differences on some major issues of Buddhism, As a result, the poor monk was at a loss. Therefore, Xuanzang thought of the sacred place of Buddhism-the Western Regions of Tianzhu (ancient India) to find a correct answer."

"Oh, that's right. Then I would like to ask Master, what are the major differences in the current domestic Buddhism?" Xuanzang thought for a while and replied: "There are many divergent issues, but there is only one real jue, that is, the difference between Mahayana Kongzong and Youzong. Kongzong Madhyamaka believes that 'all dharmas (things) are empty', and even Nirvana (the highest state of Buddhist practice) ) is also empty, while some yoga sects firmly believe in 'all dharmas are only consciousness', that is, the world originates from 'consciousness' (mind, which Buddhism believes is the seed that derives all things), and believes that there is a state of Nirvana. Now some even Doubts about the existence of the Buddha are also expressed. If this continues, a crisis of faith will inevitably form, which may be extremely detrimental to the promotion of Buddhism. These fundamental theories of Buddhism exist in the "Yogi Land Theory."

The governor nodded his head frequently, and responded with "um, um". Xuanzang went on to say: "However, the "Yogi Land Treatise" that solves these key problems lacks a correct translation. I met a disciple of the Indian great master Jiexian in Chang'an, and he told me that Master Jiexian is proficient in "The Theory of the Yogi", and it is being explained to monks studying abroad in various countries, and these problems of mine can be solved." The governor asked with great interest: "Mage Jiexian! Who is he?" "Oh, Master Jiexian is the abbot of Nalanda Temple, the highest institution of Buddhism in India."

"Nalanda Temple? What kind of temple is that?" "Nalanda Temple is the center of Buddhism in the world and the highest Buddhist research institution opened in Tianzhu. There are many eminent monks and the most complete scriptures there. Buddhist monks from all over the world go there to study. The academic atmosphere is very strong there. Except In addition to studying Buddhist scriptures, he also studies "Vedas", philosophy, literature, etc." The governor understood, he nodded and said: "This is the place you yearn for with all your heart, and risk your life to seek the scriptures?" "Yes, my lord." "Your trip to Tianzhu is indeed a great feat. If you can get back the true meaning of Buddhism, it will be a great contribution to my Tang Buddhism. My disciple admires it very much. It's just that the journey is difficult and life and death are unpredictable. Is the master really Not afraid?" Xuanzang nodded firmly: "Don't be afraid. Xuanzang is determined to go to Tianzhu to learn Buddhist scriptures." The governor was very impressed when he heard this, and Li Chang, a state official beside him, was also very moved when he heard it. He said: "The mage is really amazing!" Xuanzang got up and thanked him: "Your Excellency, I'm sorry, the poor monk just wants to obtain the true Dharma." The governor said: "He is Li Chang, a state official, and he also respects Buddhism." Xuanzang put his palms together and said, "The poor monk has seen Master Li." Li Chang cupped his hands and said, "I pray that the mage will fulfill his wish. If there is a need, I will try my best to help." "Thank you, Mr. Li." Xuanzang put his palms together to thank Mr. Li, who was short and nearly sixty years old. The governor said to Xuanzang: "Then please ask the master to stay in the state capital. If you have any difficulties, Mr. Li will help you solve them." "Thank you, Lord Inspector." In this way, Xuanzang stayed temporarily in the state capital, while making preparations for his westward journey. Li Chang admired him very much. He not only entertained him attentively, but also went to ask the master for some Buddhist teachings when he was free. Xuanzang gave him a serious explanation. One day, when Xuanzang was packing up his luggage for the journey, Li Chang came in sweating profusely and said: "Master, something has happened. Li Daliang, the governor of Liangzhou, sent someone to send you an arrest warrant, and wants to send you back to Chang'an." "Ah! What should I do?" Xuanzang was shocked when he heard this. "Master, don't worry, I have my own way, I simply burn this document, one can protect the safety of the mage, and the other can not embarrass the assassin." "But...if the higher-ups investigate and deal with it, wouldn't it implicate your lord?" "It's okay, let's just say that when the document arrives, the mage has already left Guazhou." After Li Chang finished speaking, before Xuanzang could reply, he burned the letter in front of Xuanzang and said: "Master, your spirit is so precious, I will risk my life to support you. Now I am burning the document in front of you. You know, you will be imprisoned if you cross the border! Now you can realize your ambition However, we must leave Guazhou as soon as possible to avoid further incidents." Xuanzang was greatly moved, and he bowed to Li Chang: "Thank you, my lord. Xuanzang will never forget your graciousness in saving me." "Master, you are welcome." Li Chang said again, "Master, please accept this money. Although it is not worth a few pennies, you can still buy a fine horse. It will be easy on the road." Xuanzang bowed to Li Chang again and said: "Xuanzang thank you again for your help." Li Chang hurriedly supported Xuanzang: "Master, please get up, I have broken my disciple." Then he said, "Master, please leave as soon as possible, and the disciple will not come to see you off. I will go to the mansion to see if there is anything wrong. There is a deal." After Li Changyan said that, he left in a hurry. Seeing Li Chang's back, Xuanzang was grateful and anxious at the same time, ready to leave the city overnight, but he had no guide.When Xuanzang was worried, a middle-aged man dressed as a barbarian came suddenly and said he wanted to find Master Xuanzang. Hearing the shout, Xuanzang hurried out from the door and said: "I am Xuanzang." Seeing him, a strong man with dark face, thick eyebrows and big eyes said loudly: "Ah! You are Master Xuanzang!" After speaking, he circled Xuanzang three times and knelt down and said: "Disciple Shicantuo has heard of the Master's name for a long time, and is willing to accept the precepts from the Master." Xuanzang saw that he was sincere in becoming a Buddha, so he taught him the five precepts.Shi Caituo knelt down and thanked Xuanzang. Xuanzang saw that Shicantuo was a barbarian, so he asked him to lead a way.Shiliangtuo could not refuse, so he agreed, but he still urged Xuanzang to cancel his idea of ​​traveling west, saying: "Master, the road is too difficult, most of it is desert, it is easy to get lost, and there are many robbers, it is better not to take risks." "I have made up my mind, I must go, even if I die, I will have no regrets." Xuanzang said firmly.Seeing that Xuanzang was very determined, Shi Pantuo had no choice but to prepare to leave, and agreed to take Xuanzang across the border. That afternoon, Shi Pantuo brought an old Hu man to Xuanzang and asked him to introduce the way. This old Hu man had traveled to and from Yiwu country more than thirty times. "Meet the master." The old Hu man saluted Xuanzang. Xuanzang hurriedly stepped forward to help the old man and said: "Please get up quickly, old man. I heard from Shi Pantuo that you are very familiar with that road, so I really want to hear your advice." The old Hu man looked at Xuanzang: "I see that you are quite strong, but this road is too risky. There are many tough guys like you who lost their lives. Go forward and you will know. Those piles of bones, didn't they all put their lives in it!" Seeing that Xuanzang's expression did not change, the old Hu said again: "That's a road to death! The endless desert, where no beasts can be seen, no birds can enter... Countless people died of thirst and lost their way. Not to mention that the desert is like a tiger's mouth, just those bandits who come and go will make you Life is hard to save. Groups of business travelers can't escape bad luck, let alone you alone?" Shi Pantuo turned pale when he heard this, but Xuanzang's eyes were firm. He stared at the west and said: "Old man, please tell me more about the experience of knowing the way, the method of finding water and the method of avoiding robbers. Xuanzang has made up his mind, even if he loses his life on the way, he will die without regret." "Alas!" the old man sighed, "Everyone else walks in groups, why do you walk alone? It's too dangerous." "Now that the Tang Dynasty was established at the beginning, the border is not peaceful, and the imperial court does not allow the people to go out of Tibet, so the monks who were willing to go with me gave up, so I had to go alone." The old Hu man introduced some experience to Xuanzang, he said: "Be sure to bring enough water, it is as important as your life; look at the bones during the day, and look at the stars at night; when you encounter robbers, hide on the ground..." The old man also said: "In the desert, the direct sunlight during the day is unbearably hot and dry, and the night is bitterly cold, like three or nine days. The most important thing is to pay attention to the increase or decrease of clothes." Xuanzang nodded. The old Hu man took off his sheepskin jacket again, and handed it to Xuanzang: "I'll give you this leather jacket. Although it's worn out, it's a treasure to keep out the cold and moisture at night." Xuanzang accepted it happily, and gratefully offered to pay him, but the old Hu refused. He sighed: "I've never seen a person crossing the desert, and I have to go to the west to learn Buddhist scriptures. Tsk, tsk! It's really hard for you, may the Buddha bless you!" Xuanzang put his palms together and thanked the old Hu. The old Hu man introduced the experience of crossing the desert to Xuanzang, Xuanzang listened carefully and remembered... The old barbarian said: "There are many ghosts and ghosts in the desert, and it is easy to lose your way. During the day, you rely on bones to find your way, and at night, you have to rely on the stars to locate..." Xuanzang remembered them all. The old Hu said: "It is better to take the north road than the south road. The south road passes through Dunhuang, which is a big checkpoint, and the inspection is strict." Zang nodded. Shi Pantuo said: "After leaving Guazhou and crossing the Hulu River, you will reach Yumen Pass. If you go around the Fire Tower, there will be no officers and soldiers." The old Hu man brought his horse over and said to Xuanzang, "I will give you this skinny horse. It has been running on this road all its life." Xuanzang took the reins, looked at the thin and old red horse, and said happily: "The old horse knows the way, thank the old man for his help." So he gave the old man enough money to buy a good horse, and the old Hu thanked him and left. Before leaving, Li Chang kept sending Xuanzang out of the city gate, "Dharma Master, take care all the way, I can only send you here. I pray that the Bodhisattva will bless you." Xuanzang stopped in his tracks, looked at Master Li's devout eyes, and said gratefully: "The poor monk thanked Master Li for saving his life." After saying this, he knelt down to Li Chang, who was supported by Li Chang. "Old man Zhesha, mage, please hurry up." Li Chang said again, "Mage, let's go, if there are officers and soldiers chasing you, I will try to protect you." "Thank you benefactor." Xuanzang put his palms together in obeisance before turning around and walking away with Shi Jietuo. After nightfall, Xuanzang and Shi Jiatuo trekked hard in the desert against the cold wind... Shicantuo took Xuanzang along the Hulu River to the north.The Hulu River is very wide, with reeds growing on both sides of the river. The water is unfathomable. In some places, it is only waist deep, and in some places, it can be submerged. Whirlpools are often seen, and the flowing water is extremely fast, which shows that the river is full of potholes. The two walked day and night, and the river beach at night was quiet, and the sound of rushing water seemed to be playing a westbound song for them. In the middle of the night, they were so tired that they spread a mattress on the desert soil and lay down.Xuanzang felt very tired and soon fell asleep. The next day, Shichaituo led Xuanzang to the narrowest bank of the Hulu River to cross the river.He cut down a few small trees on the bank with the big knife he brought, tied them with ropes and threw them to the trees on the other side of the river to build a pontoon bridge that could only be crossed by one person. Xuanzang asked him, "How deep is this river?" "It's waist deep, but the water is so cold that even people and horses can't bear it. The most dangerous thing is that there are hidden holes in the river. If people and horses fall into it, they will die." "Come with me, hold on tight to the reins." Shi Pantuo said and led the horse onto the pontoon bridge, followed by Xuanzang. When they reached the middle of the river, the pontoon bridge sank into the water, Xuanzang's shoes and trousers were wet, and the cold river water froze. Xuanzang fought coldly, but he didn't care. After a while, the people and horses finally crossed the river safely. The two changed their shoes and trousers and started on the road again, but Shi Chaituo fell behind.Xuanzang reined in his horse and got down to the sandy ground. Waiting for him to arrive, he asked, "What's the matter with you? So slow?" "Master, I mean we're almost at the Yumen Gate, if we encounter patrolling soldiers, we'll be doomed." Xuanzang said: "The dark castle in front is the Yumen Gate. Let's not get close to it. Try to find a low-lying place and bypass this pass." Shi Yantuo said: "Even if you can bypass Yumen Pass, you can't hide from the Five Beacon Towers. There is no water in the desert, and only spring water is available under the Beacon Towers. If you are discovered, you will have to die." "Why, are you afraid? You promised to..." "No, no... I mean be more careful." The two continued walking. On a night in the desert, with the moon shining like a wash, Xuanzang and Shi Pantuo rode horses on their way, leaving a string of hoof prints in the desert... It was late at night, the temperature in the desert dropped sharply, and the hot sand and rocks in the daytime gradually became cold. Both Xuanzang and his horse were extremely sleepy. They unloaded the bedding from the horse, spread it on the ground and poured it down. Just fell asleep on the ground... Suddenly, a gust of cool wind woke him up, and in a daze he saw Shijiatuo walking towards him holding a big knife... Xuanzang was startled, his sleepiness was gone, he turned over and sat cross-legged... What did he want to do? Kill me, I don't regret my death, only the volunteering to learn from the scriptures will begin... Oh, Buddha!Punish this rebellion, I just gave him the precept yesterday! ,No!I want to stop him.So Xuanzang stood up without fear and glared at him... Shi Pantuo came over with a knife in hand, and suddenly saw two gazes from Xuanzang, like two lightning bolts in the dark sky, he trembled all over, hesitated for a moment, Xuanzang took advantage of the situation and shouted: "Shipantuo, what are you going to do?! Yesterday you swore to help me tide over the difficulties, why did you put me to death today? During the day, you swore to save the suffering and save all sentient beings, but now you want to wield a knife to kill people and do evil, you... ...Where did your Buddha heart go?!" After all, Shi Pantuo's conscience was not completely wiped out. Hearing Xuanzang's righteous questioning, he gradually lowered his hand holding the knife high. Xuanzang approached him again and advised: "Put down your butcher knife! Killing innocent people will not stop the trembling of your heart for the rest of your life. If you have any difficulties, you can tell them and I will forgive you." When Shicantuo heard this, the knife in his hand fell to the sandy ground. He knelt down to Xuanzang, crying and saying: "Master, I am afraid that the journey ahead will enter the desert of death where no birds can enter and no water plants will grow. I am afraid that I will die and my family will have no one to support me, so I want to return; but I am also afraid that you will be caught by the officers and soldiers and give my name. My whole family is about to die, that's why I want to kill you." Shi Cantuo kowtowed desperately to Xuanzang again, begging for mercy. Xuanzang said: "You don't believe what you say, and you go back on what you say. This is not the duty of the Buddhist family. How did you swear to the Buddha yesterday?... The knife is in your hand, and you can still pick it up and kill me now." "No! Master, please forgive me, Shipantuo is convicted." He picked up the knife, handed it to Xuanzang and said: "You put me to death, I really deserve to die!" Xuanzang eased his tone and said: "You go! Since there are old and young at home, you should go back and take care of them. They are waiting for you at home. As for worrying that I will betray you, then you are wrong. It means that you don't even know what Buddha's heart is!" "I see now, I trust you, I was wrong." Xuanzang also said: "Okay, you can go, pick up your knife, and guard against wolves and leopards along the way." Shi Jietuo picked up the knife, carried his bag, walked a few steps, turned back and knelt down, and said to Xuanzang, "Leave my food and water to you. I'm sorry." Xuanzang comforted him and said, "I don't blame you, take good care of your parents when you get home. Go quickly, you won't be able to get out after dawn. You should take the food and eat it on the way, I still have more." "Then, Master, please take care, I... I'm leaving." Shijiatuo left, his figure gradually disappeared into the darkness. Xuanzang stood alone, alone, with only one man and one horse left. Before dawn, let's catch another journey! Xuanzang continued to go west. Xuanzang looked at the dark sky and lamented that he almost died under the knife of the guide, but he never imagined that there would be nine deaths and eighteen disasters waiting for him on his way west... The vast desert stretches as far as the eye can see, without a single grass or tree on the ground, not a wisp of white cloud or a single black cloud in the sky, only a naked, fire-like sun spraying heat... Looking around, the world Suddenly it couldn't be simpler, there was only sand, the sun and the sky, and then there was an old thin horse and a monk. So he walked westward in the desert with one foot deep and one shallow foot. I looked around, but I saw gravel everywhere, and there were no birds or people walking.Even though it was late autumn, the sun above was still very poisonous. At noon, the sand under his feet was very hot, so Xuanzang had no choice but to get on his horse and raise his whip... The sky in the desert is really like a kaleidoscope, changing as soon as it changes. Just now, the sun was scorching hot, there was no wind and no cloud, and suddenly it was so violent that flying sand and rocks hit the face... Xuanzang's eyes were squinted by the sand and tears were streaming down his face. He couldn't find the sand ditch for a while, so he pushed the horse down, squatted down beside the horse's belly, and covered his head with a turban... After the storm passed, Xuanzang put He lifted the scarf and took a look: God!Both he and the horse were half-buried in the sand. He hurriedly pushed the sand away with both hands, stood up, patted the sand off his head and body, helped the old horse up again, and helped it shake off the sand on its back. Only then did he ride on and walk forward again. The horse was already very old, and he was out of breath after walking for a long time. Xuanzang had to dismount and walk. He couldn't live without this horse, because the old horse knew the way. The biggest need for crossing the desert is water, the mouth is always thirsty, because the humidity is almost zero, the water in the skin is running out, and the lips are so dry that they start to bleed, but Xuanzang is still only willing to be thirsty, saving some for the horses to drink . He wanted to find a recess, but there was none, so he had to pour water on the spot to feed the horse, and then sat down to eat the dry food in the bag. Because of the cleft lip, it was dry and painful when eating, but he was still only willing to drink half a sip of water, just a mouthful of dry food.The horse seemed to understand human nature. When it saw Xuanzang sitting down, it walked in front of him to cover Xuanzang from the sun. Xuanzang gratefully poured some water to feed it, and then fed it grass. Sit down and rest. The desert at night is empty and silent. Although it is late autumn, it is still scorching hot. Xuanzang, who had been walking for a day, found a leeward depression, laid a cushion on the sand, and lay down on it. The old skinny horse stood beside him chewing beans in the bag. "Gudu, Gudu", it was the only place where he could sleep in the silent desert night. heard the voice. Looking at the sky full of stars, Xuanzang felt lonely like never before. Although he felt very tired, he didn't feel sleepy.He wrapped the cassock tightly, which was given to him by his brother.well! Brother, it would be great if you walked with me... how much he misses his brother! The elder brother had the greatest influence on Xuanzang. Xuanzang was full of respect for his elder brother who was almost ten years older than him since he was a child. Master, took him north to Chang'an again... Scenes from the past with his brother emerged from his mind... Luoyang is a beautiful ancient city. It has a history of more than 1,000 years since Duke Zhou established Luoyi as the eastern capital in the Western Zhou Dynasty. up.Luoyang is located in the south of the middle section of the Yellow River, surrounded by mountains, and the Luohe River passes through it. The land on both sides is fertile and rich in products. Inside the winding city walls, there are towering palaces, large and small Buddhist temples, and the streets are very prosperous... … On the outskirts of Luoyang, there is a picturesque Fengshui treasure land surrounded by mountains and rivers. There is a simple and majestic Buddhist temple called Jingtu Temple.The temple tower is surrounded by incense and mist, the wind blows the bells, and the sound of reciting sutras makes people feel like they are in a fairyland. Two children were running on the road leading to the gate of the monastery. "Sister, run quickly." Little Xuanzang called back while running, "Sister, hurry up, otherwise we won't be able to hear the Buddhist lesson." The two siblings ran panting from home to the gate of the monastery and stood down. That boy was Xuanzang in his childhood, just twelve years old, and his original name was Chen Yu.The girl is seventeen years old and is Xuanzang's older sister. "Brother, listen, you can't hear the collective chanting, which means that brother is about to start lecturing, let's go in quickly." "Okay, sister." The siblings walked towards the gate of the temple. "Young man, come to listen to your brother's lecture again!" the old monk who guarded the gate greeted. "Yes, Grandpa Master Zhang." The siblings tiptoed to the entrance of the hall and saw their elder brother Chen Su was giving a lecture to the young monk, so they stood down and listened carefully. His older brother Chen Susheng was sensitive, hard-working and eager to learn, and he was ordained into Buddhism very early. He became a well-known Master Changjie when he was just over 20 years old. "...you just entered Buddhism today, so let me tell you the story of Sakyamuni Buddha... "In the 5th century BC, there was a country in the far west called Tianzhu Kapilavatthu. The young prince Siddhartha sat under a lush and towering Bodhi tree for seven days and seven nights, and finally realized the true meaning of Buddha nature, and swore to To save all sentient beings, thus becoming the founder of Buddhism..." When Master Changjie talked about this, he paused, took a sip of water from his cup, and continued: "The true meaning of the Buddha is that life is like a sea of ​​suffering, and the highest purpose of practice is to help all living beings overcome the sea of ​​suffering and reach the state of Nirvana. This is the Buddha." "Brother, why is life a sea of ​​suffering, and where does it come from?" Little Xuanzang challenged his brother. All the monks turned their heads in amazement, only to see a young boy leaning on the door frame to ask the master a question. Master Changjie turned his head and looked at his siblings standing at the door, and said: "Because I can't get rid of the pain of birth, old age, sickness and death." Little Xuanzang also said: "Birth, old age, sickness and death, everyone has it. The root of it is to cut off greed and arrogance." Suddenly someone said loudly: "It is well said that greed is the biggest karmic obstacle in life to overcome the sea of ​​suffering, so to eliminate suffering, we must eradicate greed." Everyone looked towards the speaker, and saw the abbot of the monastery, Venerable Master Fu Hai, coming with an official about fifty years old in official uniform. "This is Mr. Zheng Shanguo, Minister of Dali Temple sent by the imperial court." Master Fuhai introduced. "Amitabha." Master Zheng saluted all the monks with palms together. "Amitabha." All the monks joined hands and bowed to the lord. Little Xuanzang's questions attracted the attention of Zheng Shanguo, Minister of Dali Temple. At this time, Master Fuhai, the abbot of the temple, was accompanying him to visit the temple. The officials sent by the imperial court came to teach monks.At the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, new monks had to go through the approval of relevant officials to register in the temple, and only those who were approved were issued certificates, which was called Duyi at that time.He is tall, with kind eyes, dressed in official uniform, which stands out among many monks' uniforms. Zheng Shanguo walked to the door of the Lecture Hall and looked at the young man in front of him. I saw his slightly square face, fair skin, full sky, broad eyebrows, a pair of thick lips under the straight bridge of the nose, especially a pair of bright big eyes, serene and clear, intelligent and wise... A statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva .Zheng Shanguo was so dumbfounded that he thought he had discovered the Living Buddha.So he asked, "How old is the little Living Buddha?" "Ah! My lord, I'm overwhelmed. How dare I compare myself with the Living Buddha. I'm twelve years old this year." "How could you have such a profound comprehension at such a young age? Who mastered it?" "My lord, I've learned the scriptures from my elder brother since I was a child." Little Xuanzang replied with blinking bright eyes. Zheng Shanguo nodded after hearing this: "Oh, no wonder it's so extraordinary." Master Fuhai said: "He is the younger brother of Master Changjie, and he often comes to the temple to listen to lectures." Master Changjie had just finished speaking, so all the monks surrounded him. Zheng Shanguo asked little Xuanzang again: "Are you willing to become a monk?" "Yes." Little Xuanzang replied without hesitation. "That's great, I'd like to shave you." "Okay." Little Xuanzang said happily. Master Fu Hai shook his head and said, "His father will not agree." Zheng Shanguo asked, "Who is his father?" "His family's ancestors have been well-known scholars for generations. His father is the magistrate of this county. He is erudite and well-versed in classics and history. He is a well-known scholar." "Oh, that's right." Master Zheng nodded, and said, "Not only does this child have the appearance of a Buddha, but he is also extremely wise, and he is so persistent in Buddhism. I am afraid that he will become a master of Buddhism in the future. It would be a pity not to let him become a monk. gone." Master Fuhai felt the same way: "I think so too, but his father taught him classics and history every day, and didn't let him learn Buddhism, so he had to secretly listen to the lectures." "Oh! That's right, we will visit his house some other day, what does the mage think?" "What brother said is true, for the sake of Buddhist achievements, we should go to persuade County Magistrate Chen." The two mages walked towards the temple while talking. Little Xuanzang was about to go home with his sister but was stopped by his brother: "Third brother, you sneaked here again. If father finds out, you should be scolded again." "Brother, I like to listen to you lecture on Buddhist scriptures, but I don't like to listen to my father's lecture on Confucianism. I want to be a monk, not an official career." Chang Jie sighed: "Oh, you are still young and don't know much about the world, so my father is doing it for you. Let's go, I'll see you off." "Brother, I must become a monk like you, and concentrate on studying Buddhism." "No, you are still young, and your father will not agree." At dusk, in the study hall, his father, Chen Hui, who was over sixty years old, sat next to the table, and Xiao Xuanzang stood opposite him. Chen Hui picked up the tea brought by the maid, took a sip and said: "What do you think about the "Shangshu·Gu Ming" I told you yesterday?" Little Xuanzang said: "Father, I...I..." Seeing that his son was hesitating, Chen Hui was very surprised, so he put down the book and said: "Is it because I didn't review and went to the temple to listen to scriptures again? Is it?" "Father..." Little Xuanzang summoned up his courage and said, "I want to become a monk and teach Buddhism and sutras to all living beings like my elder brother." "What!" Chen Hui put the book on the table with a "slap" and said: "I won't let you follow the way of my brother. I want you to study and become an official in the future." "No! Father, I'm not interested in being an official. I want to study Buddhism." Chen Huiyu said earnestly: "Li'er, you have been smart since you were a child, and you are diligent and inquisitive. I believe you will be able to achieve great success in your official career in the future." "Father, my child hates the desire for power. Since ancient times, dynasties have brought many disasters and bloodshed to the country and the people because of the desire for power. In history, countless wars and coups have been caused by power struggles. If there is a little less desire for power in the world, there will be fewer bloody wakes." "Ah! My son, I have worked hard to cultivate you for six years, and I have told you about the history of the past six years. I never thought that you would refute me with such heresy." Chen Hui cursed in pain. "Father, Buddhism believes that greed is the root cause of the sea of ​​suffering in life, and the desire for power is the highest desire of human beings. If a person falls into the desire for power, he will fall into the deepest sea of ​​suffering in his life. Father, do you want your child to suffer forever?" Chen Hui didn't expect this young son to speak out the highest philosophy in the world. He was stunned... Looking at the resolute gaze of this child who had not yet shed his childishness, Chen Hui was speechless, and he sat down slumped. He got down, waved his hand, and signaled little Xuanzang to go out. Xuanzang left the room silently. Chen Hui was very disappointed. He thought that he had no ambitions in his life, and he worked hard all his life to get a county magistrate. He hoped that his son would be successful, so he personally educated him from the age of six. ", Confucian classics such as the books of Confucius and Mencius have carefully explained and analyzed him, especially to help him understand the history and overlook the past and the present, in order to let him make great achievements in the future and glorify his ancestors. I didn't expect him to be so disappointing... Sigh! When the lady came in and saw the situation, she asked: "Why is my husband sighing? Is it because I went to listen to Buddhism again, and I allowed him to go today." "Oh! You are so confused! This child looks like an emperor and is extremely intelligent. Although I dare not say that he will be a king in the future, but with his talent, he will have a bright future in his official career." The eldest son Chen Su came in and persuaded him: "I have heard what my father said. Even so, what can he do if he is not interested in himself? I think that with his talent and insight, it is possible to achieve success in Buddhism." It’s a great cause, I think it’s up to his wish!” "No!" Chen Hui said categorically, "We already have you as a monk in our family, and we cannot have another monk." "Okay, okay, Husband, don't be angry, he is still young, it's not too late to enlighten him slowly." Madam persuaded. "What is slowly enlightening, he has officially proposed to me today that he wants to become a monk!" "Ah..." the madam said in surprise, "I already have a son who has become a monk, and the youngest son can't let him go this way." She choked up and cried, "I don't object to him wanting to learn some Buddhism and Taoism. , can increase compassion, but I absolutely do not agree with him becoming a monk to become a monk." The madam moved her tearful eyes to the eldest son again: "You are the one who encouraged him to learn Buddhism. Our family has never been a high-ranking official. In this regard, Lin'er is the most hopeful." Chen Su said: "Amitabha, my sister took him to listen to my lecture today, and I just sent them back..." Hearing what they said, Chen Yu entered the room and said, "Mother, don't blame my brother. I am going to go by myself. Mother, you have always taught me that you hope that I have great ambitions. Now that I have made up my mind, my mother should encourage me more. It is." "But you are only twelve years old!" The madam pulled little Xuanzang into her arms and hugged him tightly, lest he suddenly fly away like a bird. "Oh!..." Father still sighed. Thinking of this, Xuanzang looked at the starry sky, and said guiltily, "Father, please forgive me." This was the loneliest night on Xuanzang's westward journey. exactly: 半夜，忽然狂风四起，呼啸着的大风卷起沙子扑打在玄奘的头上脸上，玄奘惊醒后，赶快爬起来抓紧马缰，把头埋在马腹，以免被风吹跑。 这样折腾了约十多分钟，风才渐渐小了下来。大风过后，他拍抖掉头上、脸上的灰沙，看看，只剩下了他和这匹老瘦马，其余衣物被子都被风吹跑了，玄奘无可奈何地叹了口气，唉，幸亏还有马在，他拍了拍马脖子，说道：“还好，至少我还有马，只要马在，就不怕走不出沙漠。”