Chapter 6 3. The catastrophe of the sand sea

He accidentally dropped the skin bag he had just opened to the ground, and watched all the water flow onto the desert without a single drop left!Xuanzang couldn't face this cruel reality. You must know what water means to life in the desert!He wanted to cry but fell to the sand as if he was going to be paralyzed... At dawn, just before dawn, Xuanzang set out on the road cautiously. The school captain Wang Xiang gave him a big skin bag filled with water, and gave him some dry food, horse feed and clothes, and a bed of military quilts, and sent soldiers to help him pass the checkpoint. . Xuanzang rode on the old skinny horse and hurried on the road, leaving a string of hoofprints on the desert...

The vast 800-mile Shahe River, as far as the eye can see, is an endless sea of ​​sand... An old horse is walking hard with water bags and dry food. Every step it takes leaves a deep sandy hoof print. During the day, the sand was scalded by the sun, but at night it was very cold. After walking for a whole day, he did not meet a single person, bird or beast... At night, he found a ditch in the sand, and then climbed out of the sand on horseback. Unpacked the luggage, spread out on the sand and lay down... It was a night without stars and moons, and it was pitch black all around, and there seemed to be a ghost setting fire on the pile of bones not far away. Xuanzang felt terrified, but when he thought of his will to go to the west to learn Buddhist scriptures, he immediately calmed down. And read the "Prajna Heart Sutra"...

The death-like silence around him was terrifying. At this moment, he felt a loneliness that he had never had before, a loneliness that he had never had before... When people are loneliest, the first thing they think of is their own home, and Xuanzang is no exception. At this time, he can't help thinking of his old father... At Xiao Xuanzang's home, his father, Chen Hui, was reading in the school hall.Family reports: "My lord, Master Fuhai of the monastery and a senior official are here to visit." "Oh..." Chen Hui paused, then said, "Hurry up and invite me." Then he said, "Wait a minute, I'll go and greet you in person."

"yes." Chen Hui walked outside the gate, and saw Master Fuhai standing outside the gate with a tall, dignified man with luxurious official attire, and hurriedly cupped his hands and said: "You two mages and senior officials, my humble minister Chen Hui is very polite." Master Fu Hai clasped his hands together and said: "Amitabha, Mr. Chen, this is Mr. Zheng Shanguo, Minister of Dali Temple sent by the imperial court." "Amitabha! It's a pleasure to meet you, it's a pleasure to meet you." Mr. Zheng clapped his hands together and said. After the two distinguished guests were let to the living room, the three of them sat down separately.

Chen Hui had already guessed the purpose of the two people's visit. After the family brought tea, Chen Hui said: "The two mages have come to visit, and the humble house is full of splendor. Now that the great mage has come from afar, what advice can I give?" Master Fuhai hurriedly said: "Amitabha, that's how it is. Mr. Zheng visited the Han Temple a few days ago. He saw that your son Chen rarely has the appearance of a living Buddha, and he is very intelligent. He wants to shave him, so I came here to ask for your opinion." After hearing this, Chen Hui thought, as expected, she said: "Yi'er loves Buddhism very much. I am not opposed to it, but Shou'er has already entered Buddhism. My husband and I are old, and there is only Bang'er under our knees. I really can't bear it." Let him go again."

Master Fuhai said: "The most precious parental heart in the world is that although he is young, he has great ambitions. He has made up his mind to save all sentient beings. This is a manifestation of the Buddha's deep penetration into his heart. We have no right to stop him." Zheng Shanguo said: "Although this child is young, he speaks very well and is familiar with Buddhist principles. He is the most enlightened Buddhist monk I have met. He will definitely be a great figure in the Buddhist world in the future. It is really our sin to obstruct him!" "That's right!" Master Fuhai also said with the same feeling, "Master Zheng is knowledgeable and knowledgeable, and his eyesight can't be wrong."

Zheng Shanguo said again: "Although the children belong to you, the talents belong to the country. County Magistrate Chen is an official appointed by the court. I want to choose talents for the country. You will understand the righteousness." Chen Hui sighed after hearing this, and thought to himself, why haven't I discovered his talent, and trained him hard for six years, so I'm not training talents for the country, but it's not easy to say clearly that I want to train him to take an official career, so I can only say: "It's not that I haven't discovered Shi'er's talent, I think he has another future."

Zheng Shanguo heard the implication, and said: "Not only is this kid not obsessed with fame and fortune, but he is also not a strong contender for power, because the depths of his eyes reveal kindness rather than treachery, so he should not be reduced to a victim of the ups and downs of the officialdom, but should Become a leader in Buddhism." When Chen Hui heard this, his heart seemed to be touched, and he thought, yes, even though Li'er is extremely intelligent and has deep knowledge, he really lacks the temperament of fighting for power, let alone a master of power... Well, since he is not interested in fame and fortune , then fulfill his own wish!Besides, even if I kept him, I couldn't keep his heart, so I said:

"Since that's the case, then it's up to him to decide! It's just that in the future, when he enters Buddhism, I hope the second elder will take care of him." The two were very happy to hear that, and Master Fuhai said again: "Master Zheng is also planning to recommend him to Chang'an Great Buddha Temple. The abbot there is his close friend, and I can develop better there." "Then please both of you." After Chen Hui watched the two elders leave, he sighed deeply. He couldn't predict whether the future of the son would be happy or sad, and he also sighed for the failure of his painstaking cultivation of his son!

"Hey! I teach him "Shangshu" every day, and don't let him learn Buddhist scriptures, but his talent in Buddhism is revealed day by day. Could it be God's will?" The next day, at the Jingtu Temple in Luoyang, there was smoke and all the monks sat together. Xuanzang stood solemnly in the hall in cassock, and the ceremony for his shaving was coming soon, which was the most important turning point in his life.From then on, he will declare himself a monk and officially become a member of Buddhism. When the time came, the bells and drums rang, and the monks began to chant sutras, and the loud voice echoed in the hall...

Master Zheng and Venerable Master Fu Hai came, and all the monks stopped to chant sutras, stood up and clapped their hands together and recited together: "Amitabha!" Master Zheng and Master Fu Hai also put their palms together: "Amitabha!" The shaving ceremony began. Master Fuhai walked towards Xuanzang and asked: "Are you sincerely entering Buddhism all your life? If you have any regrets, it's still too late." Little Xuanzang replied: "I wish to become a Buddha in one life, and I will never regret it." Master Fuhai asked again: "May I ask what is your purpose for becoming a monk?" Little Xuanzang replied: "Light Buddha Dharma is merciful and merciful, promote Buddhism to save the suffering, save all living beings, and reach the other side of Nirvana." Master Fuhai asked again: "Do not kill, do not lust, can you hold on now?" Little Xuanzang replied firmly: "Can hold." Master Fuhai nodded in satisfaction, and then said loudly: "Master Zheng, please issue a certificate of graduation for Xuanzang!" At this time, the drums and horns sounded together, and Zheng Shanguo walked over holding the certificate, and little Xuanzang took it respectfully with both hands, and the certificate announced that Chen Zi had officially become a legal monk and nun recognized by the court. Xuanzang's hair was gradually shaved off, and four holes were burnt on the top of his head with incense. When he was ordained, Xuanzang vowed secretly: In this life, we must promote Buddhism, and never shrink back no matter what difficulties and dangers we encounter. Outside the city of Luoyang, the willow road leads directly to the distance. On a spring morning, the sun is bright and the air is fresh. Standing beside the long pavilion are Xuanzang's parents, parents and sister.The elder brother, Master Changjie, did not come to see him off because he was giving a lecture. In 625 A.D., Xuanzang set off for Chang'an alone, and his whole family came to see him off. Xuanzang clasped his hands together and said to his parents, "Amitabha, please send it here, my parents." My father said: "My son, since you are willing to give up your official career and devote yourself to Buddhism, then my father does not want you to really escape into Buddhism, but I want to see you flourish in Buddhism and make some achievements." Xuanzang said: "No, father, the child became a Buddha because he was worried about the pain caused by worldly fame and wealth, and hated the disasters caused by the struggle for power in the world, so he was willing to seek the way to overcome the sea of ​​suffering in Buddhism. ark." The father said: "Well, whether it is to save the suffering or to achieve a great cause, everyone has his own aspirations, and it is to fulfill your wish for the father, and I wish my son to overcome the sea of ​​suffering and have a smooth journey." "Thank you, father." Xuanzang walked towards his mother again, "My lord, my son is gone, I hope my lord will take care of you." The mother took Xuanzang into her arms, tears poured down her cheeks, she was choked so hard that she couldn't speak, and finally said: "My son, you... take care of yourself." Then she broke down in sobs... My sister also cried, and she said: "Brother, have a safe trip." "Sister, don't cry, I will come back to see my parents and sister." Father said again: "It's getting late, let's go!" Little Xuanzang set off after memorizing some scriptures. At the age of thirteen, Xuanzang experienced the pain of parting from his family for the first time.Although he knew that Sakyamuni once said that the separation of life and death is a major source of suffering in life, he still cried, and wept very sadly.He wanted his father to tell and read the "Book of Filial Piety" to him all the time. However, he could neither honor his parents at home, nor go out to work for the country and society. He felt guilty for violating his parents' wishes... After walking far away, he turned his head several times and saw his parents still standing by the pavilion. Xuanzang cried even more sadly. He blamed himself: "Xuanzang, you are already a practicing monk now, you should know that you are bound by love in the world, monks should not act emotionally. Otherwise, hard times are yet to come!" But Xuanzang still looked back at the figure that was barely visible under the long pavilion... Xuanzang also did not expect that the farewell between him and his parents and family would be a lifelong farewell.He never saw his parents again... exactly: After thinking about it, Xuanzang fell asleep... Unexpectedly, as soon as he fell asleep, he was woken up by a gust of wind. It turned out that a sandstorm was coming. He quickly wrapped his head in a quilt, but the strong wind swept away his quilt. After the wind stopped, he checked it. Fortunately, the large water bag and dry food bag were still tied to the horse's back and were not swept away by the wind.At this time, it was already dawn, and Xuanzang rode on the old skinny horse and continued on the road. The vast desert stretches in front of the road without boundaries. Except for the desert, it is still a desert. There are no birds above and no animals below. It is monotonous and boring. Only the sun and the moon are the only companions day and night. Xuanzang on the horse has firm eyes and a resolute face, not like a monk but like a knight. Suddenly there were a few white bones not far away, Xuanzang took a closer look and saw that they were human bones, and he took a breath in his heart.However, he felt reverence for these two bones. He thought that this must be someone who was brave enough to die here. He may be a businessman or a soldier. He may be sick or deprived of water. Die of thirst here, maybe they, like me, are sacrificing their lives to realize a certain wish... It was so tragic, Xuanzang got off his horse, buried the bones in the sand, and hung them silently for a while before leaving. However, the more he went into the desert, the more bones piled up, and there was no time to bury them. Bones go west, go west... The vast desert was boundless, and Xuanzang lost his way and could no longer distinguish between east, west, north, and south.Fortunately, the old horse knew the way, so Xuanzang had no choice but to ride the horse to find the place where the bones were found... His mouth was extremely dry. Xuanzang got off the horse and went to fetch the skin bag to drink water. Perhaps because his hands were a little inflexible from holding the horse for a long time, he accidentally dropped the skin bag he had just opened on the ground... As a result, he stared helplessly. Watching all the water flow to the desert, there is not a drop left!Xuanzang couldn't face this cruel reality. You must know what water means to life in the desert!He didn't cry, he didn't shout, he just fell to the sand as if he was going to be paralyzed... Let the silent grievances blame me fiercely! Go back to the Beacon Tower to fetch water!On the one hand, the journey is too far, and I might die of thirst on the way back; on the other hand, I have sworn not to take a single step eastward until I get back the Buddhist scriptures, an oath that cannot be broken.So he cheered up and wiped away his tears, then rode on his horse and headed west... The airflow in the desert changes rapidly, not only the sharp contrast between daytime and nighttime temperatures, but also the airflow changes will form various reflections in the distance.Whenever the phantoms of ghosts and ghosts appeared, Xuanzang immediately put his palms together and silently recited the "Prajna Heart Sutra" to strengthen his courage. In the absence of a drop of water, Xuanzang traveled in the Gobi Desert until noon on the fourth day, and the sky was still cloudless. Xuanzang felt for the first time what it was like to be cloudless.The scorching sun was basking on his head, his mouth was so dry that it was about to spew out fire, and his whole body seemed to be a piece of dry wood that could be ignited. He opened his mouth wide and panted heavily... Suddenly he found the old horse Walking with restrained voice and breath, could it be that the old horse can't do it anymore? ...Oh, it held its breath, so it was to reduce the evaporation of water. Xuanzang felt sorry for the old skinny horse, without it, Xuanfan would not have come here. So he dismounted, to lighten the poor old horse.In this way, Xuanzang walked with difficulty behind the old horse.The old horse also seemed to understand Xuanzang, it turned around and snorted several times to signal Xuanzang not to fall behind. It was another afternoon, and the sun was dazzling. After drinking his own urine, he felt better, and then rode forward on the horse.Walking day after day... the sky is always cloudless, or it is gray; the ground is always a piece of yellow sand. Looking from a distance, a mound of sand is like waves, and he can't help but chant: The vast sand dunes are ridges and ridges, just like the waves of the East China Sea. The journey to the west is long, and even if I am in danger, my heart will not be disturbed. Since childhood, he was shaved and cut off from dust, and he devoted himself to seeking the Dharma to save suffering. Put your hands together and make a pilgrimage, the Buddha blesses me all the way. The sky was surprisingly blue and the sun was shining brightly. Xuanzang was about to get off his horse and rest for a while to appreciate the rare blue sky. Suddenly, a reflection appeared in the western sky: There are green forests, clear water and grass, and a team of camels walking. "Ah, aquatic plants!" Xuanzang cried out in joy, he ran forward with his dry and cracked mouth full of blood, but when he took a closer look, he realized that it was not true. He has long heard of the "mirage" that is common in the desert.Xuanzang got off his horse and prepared to take a look at the wonders of the desert, but before he could sit down, the peaceful and beautiful landscape suddenly turned into a cloud of gray and was rushing towards him. Knowing that the sandstorm was coming again, Xuanzang quickly lay down the horse, covered his head scarf and squatted down next to the horse's belly.Sure enough, the sandstorm came whistling in no time, and the flying sand and rocks hit his head with pain. Xuanzang secretly cried out, scolding that the sky is like a baby face, and it will change as soon as it changes! Xuanzang was used to the sandstorm, and when it subsided, he climbed up again, shook off the dust, and continued on the road, but he no longer had the heart to watch the wonders of the sand sea, so he just wanted to get out of this uninhabited desert as soon as possible. On the desert, a horse and a person are walking hard one after the other... Because his mouth was too dry, he couldn't swallow any dry food. He hadn't eaten for a few days, and he was thirsty and hungry. He wanted to drink his own urine, but the urine was gone.Xuanzang had no choice but to endure thirst and lay on the horse's back, letting the horse carry him away. As he walked, he felt his eyes darken and fell on the sand, and the gourd ladle tied around his waist fell to the ground... The old horse couldn't hear Xuanzang's voice, so he looked for it and came back. Seeing Xuanzang lying on the sand, he urinated in Xuanzang's gourd ladle, and then woke Xuanzang up with his front hoof.Xuanzang got up and saw the water in the gourd gourd. He smelled a lot of horse urine and understood. He nodded gratefully to the horse, took half of the gourd and drank it, and left half for the horse to drink. After drinking, the people and horses all woke up again. He stood up again and was about to walk, but unexpectedly the horse lay down. He wanted to let him ride, but Xuanzang gave up several times, and the horses all lay down in front of him. Xuanzang had no choice but to get on the horse again. Xuanzang continued to walk west... All of a sudden, the old horse buckled and fell down, and Xuanzang also rolled onto the sandy ground. Xuanzang, who was in a semi-comatose state, could no longer get up. Xuanzang couldn't even recite the "Prajna Heart Sutra"... I thought, I, Xuanzang, will definitely die today, but it's a pity that I will die in the desert before I get the scripture... No!I must live on, I can't die... But no matter how hard Xuanzang struggled, he couldn't get up, and passed out after a while... In the middle of the night, a gust of cool wind hit, Xuanzang finally woke up again, saw the bright moon in the sky, ah... I am still alive, I am not dead, I am still in the world, Xuanzang got up happily.He thought the horse was dead, and touched the horse's chest!His heart was still beating, and he tried to piss for the horse to drink, but there was nothing.He stroked the horse's neck gently, and the horse finally came to life. After waking up, Xuanzang rejoiced that he and the horse were still alive, but it was terribly cold, so he set fire to the horse bones picked up on the road, and roasted his frozen hands. Tightening the horse's belly to keep warm, at this time, he deeply realized what it means to go through untold hardships. The east was pale, and they started walking again, "Ah! It's the fifth day." Xuanzang sighed.On the fifth day without drinking water, Xuanzang struggled to walk on his horse, walking... At this time, his lips were so dry and cracked that blood dripped out, and the bright red blood flowed onto the desert drop by drop... thirsty...thirsty...a severe headache caused by thirst... But he still gritted his teeth and moved forward step by step, leaving a series of difficult footprints on the desert... At this time, Xuanzang thought of Kuafu chasing the sun.In order to find out what the sun is, Kuafu chased the sun. He was so thirsty that he drank up all the water in the Yellow River and the Weihe River, but he still couldn’t catch the sun. In the end, he died of thirst... Xuanzang admired Kuafu’s spirit very much, thinking, People in ancient times have such a persistent spirit, and I should not back down, and I will not be timid until death like Kuafu chasing the sun. Finally, Xuanzang saw the oasis in the distance on his horse.An oasis means a clear spring. He was afraid that it was a desert illusion again, so he rubbed his eyes and took a closer look. After confirming that it was not an illusion, he happily clamped the horse's belly, but the horse fell down and couldn't get up again. Xuanzang felt the horse's heart had stopped beating. what!Old horse, you have devoted yourself to everything. Although you are not human, you are human. You know that Xuanzang is saved, and you will never get up again.Xuanzang buried the horse in sand with tears in his eyes. He bowed three times to the grave of the horse and said: "Amitabha, venerable old horse, you have tried your best to help a monk, and the Buddha will definitely help you save the dead." Xuanzang defeated another threat of death in five days and five nights, and finally traveled the eight hundred miles of Shahe River to Yiwu Country with an oasis. Traveling through the desert for five days and five nights, Xuanzang once fell into a desperate situation because he knocked down the water bladder, but because of his strong perseverance, he finally brushed past the god of death again. exactly: "Ah! Water..." Xuanzang finally climbed to the edge of the water spring. He took the spring water with both hands and drank it desperately. The spring water nourished his dry body, and he swallowed it one mouthful, like dew suddenly coming to the long-dried field, and the dry seedlings gradually turned green. The lips that were chapped due to thirst were finally moisturized...