Chapter 14 The middle volume is famous in Tianzhu

Xuanzang was alone, went through untold hardships, suffered close to death, traveled 50,000 miles, and lasted three years. In the fifth year of Zhenguan, in October 631, he finally arrived at the Indian Buddhist center-Nalanda Temple.When approaching the gate of the monastery, Buddhist music was played, and the canopy was raised high. More than 200 monks and more than 1,000 Tanyue (donors) held incense sticks, orchids, and the canopy to warmly welcome Xuanzang... Ah, the country of Magadha, Tianzhu! I finally set foot on the territory of the Buddhist Center. Xuanzang was filled with emotions...

The further south you go, the more typical the tropical climate is, and the exotic customs of Tianzhu become more and more obvious... On this day, they entered a land where there are many temples of all sizes and monks can be seen everywhere. What is especially obvious is that although it is already autumn, the climate is still extremely hot. It's like being grilled. There are tall willow trees and banana trees on the road, and there are pomegranate trees with fiery red flowers on the roadside, as well as many exotic flowers and plants that have never been seen... From time to time, a beautiful peacock can be seen falling from the flowers. Spread out your wings and compare yourself with flowers...

Pedestrians have dark skin, barefoot girls covered in veils, sari, and jugs on their heads can be seen by the well, rich people don’t ride horses, but ride tall elephants... In short, everything is refreshing . In several Buddhist countries in North India, Xuanzang received a warm welcome and was left to preach the scriptures.On this day, Xuanzang finally set foot on the land where the Buddha Sakyamuni became a Buddha - the country of Magadha. Magadha is a famous ancient country in India (equivalent to Patna and Gaya in the Bihar state of India today). In the early morning, the red sun is rising, and the colorful rays of light are shining everywhere, and peacocks can be seen spreading their wings not far away...

Five riders were walking on the avenue leading to Nalanda Temple, and in the middle was Master Xuanzang, who was excitedly listening to the introduction of the four eminent monks sent by the abbot of Nalanda Temple to pick him up. It turned out that the news that Xuanzang had come to Magadha country spread to Nalanda Temple immediately. Nalanda Temple was the destination of Xuanzang's study in the Western Regions. At that time, the temple was the center of Indian Buddhism and the highest institution of Buddhism.There are many eminent monks, the development of Buddhism, and the strong atmosphere of Buddhism. Every year, a grand Buddhist society is held in the temple, and eminent monks from all over the world will gather here to preach.Therefore, Nalanda Temple is an important Buddhist place where eminent monks from all over the world come here to study and improve.

Nalanda Temple is located in the city of King Magadha (equivalent to Balagon Village in Bihar, India today). It was built by King Jieri who unified the five Indias. It was the center of Buddhism in India from the 5th to the 11th centuries.It was the most prosperous period at this time, and the arrival of Xuanzang brought the influence of Nalanda Temple into an unprecedented stage. There are more than 10,000 masters and guest monks of Nalanda Temple, and they are all eminent monks selected from various countries and monks who came to improve themselves.The monastery has a rich collection of scriptures, enough to be used by monks who come to study from all over the world.

In Nalanda Temple, eminent monks such as Dharma Guardian, Guardian Moon, Dehui, Jianhui, Guangyou, Shengyou, Zhiyue, etc. have given lectures here. It is now one hundred and six years old.This eminent monk, who is over a hundred years old, is not only proficient in Buddhism but also highly respected. He is a living Bodhisattva worshiped by Buddhist monks all over the world.When he learned about Xuanzang's deeds, he immediately sent four eminent monks to the Bodhi Temple to greet him, and arranged to grandly welcome the monk from China. After going through untold hardships, suffering near death, and traveling 50,000 miles, which lasted three years, Xuanzang finally arrived at the destination of learning Buddhist scriptures in the West——Nalanda Temple.

Xuanzang was very excited on the horse, and he said to the four eminent monks who came to pick him up: "After three full years of hardships, I finally reached my destination. It's not easy." Those monks all admired Xuanzang very much, they all nodded and said: "Yes, yes! This is the first time we have encountered someone as persevering as the mage who swears by the truth." The majestic Nalanda Temple in the distance was already faintly visible. Xuanzang raised his whip excitedly to speed up. At this moment, his face was glowing red, his eyes full of wisdom were shining with tears of happiness.

In the temple, incense is burned in the Buddhist furnace, and the smoke is lingering. When the auspicious time comes, the bells and drums ring together.Outside the gate, more than 200 monks and more than 1,000 Tanyue (donors) held incense sticks, orchids and canopies, and warmly welcomed Xuanzang.After entering the monastery, twenty specially selected monks guided Xuanzang to meet Master Jiexian. Everyone respectfully calls Master Jiexian the Zhengfazang.Xuanzang will worship Zhengfa Zang as his teacher. In the solemn lobby hall, the audience ceremony and apprenticeship ceremony were held simultaneously.

Venerable Jue Xian, chief disciple of Zhengfa Zang, announced: "Master Xuanzang, the Chinese Tang monk, the ceremony of worshiping the master, precepts and rectifying the Dharma began." So, amidst the sound of solemn drums, Xuanzang climbed to the knees of Master Jiexian with elbows and knees side by side in accordance with Indian etiquette, and then saluted Jiexian with his head on his feet. After the salutation, Jiexian set up a bed seat, and asked the mage to sit aside, and let the monks sit down. After sitting down, Master Jiexian said: "Master Xuanzang came from China all the way after nine deaths and all kinds of hardships. We admire you very much and welcome you warmly."

Xuanzang replied: "Thank you, master. My disciple is willing to study the Yoga Sutras with him." Xuanzang looked up and saw that although the master was a hundred years old, he was still old. He was wearing a yellow cassock, sitting cross-legged in the hall His eyes are hale and hearty, and his face is kind.There are ten disciples standing on each side holding a building, and the atmosphere is solemn and peaceful. Jiexian also took a look at the Chinese monk in front of him, he was shocked to see that he had an extraordinary appearance, his appearance resembled the Tathagata Buddha, and he was so humble.

Jiexian nodded when he heard that Xuanzang wanted to learn the "Yoga Sutra" from him, and then said to the monks: "Although I am old and weak, I will make an exception to teach the "Yoga Sutra" for him. The monks know why. ?" All the monks shook their heads to express their ignorance. Jiexian said excitedly: "It turns out that I have a karma with him! Juexian, please tell everyone!" "yes." Haizang took a closer look at the fat monk in his seventies with a peaceful face standing next to the master. Juexian is the nephew of Master Jiexian and a learned Buddhist monk. He said with tears: The master was haunted by gout for more than 20 years.Every attack, the limbs convulse and convulse, and the pain is like a burning knife.Three years ago, the pain intensified, and the master suffered so much that he wanted to die on a hunger strike.However, one night, I dreamed of three Bodhisattvas, one was covered in gold, the other was colored blue, and the third was silver.All three are extraordinary in appearance, described as serene, dressed in cassock as if in smoke.They asked the master: "Do you hate your body? Are you about to abandon your body?" "yes." "There is a saying in the Buddhist scriptures that the body suffers from pain, but you cannot abandon yourself. You are a person in the Buddhist world, how can you injure your body?" "The disciple is in so much pain, I can't stand it anymore!" "This is because of your serious crimes in your previous life. You were a king in your previous life, and you received retribution for harming the people." The archmage asked in surprise: "Ah! Then how should I wash away my sins?" The Bodhisattva comforted him and said: "This is what you did in the previous life. Now you can only eliminate disasters and disasters in this life if you repent sincerely, endure pain, spread the Dharma with all your heart, and save others and yourself. It will be carried to the next life, and it will never end." The master hurriedly bowed to the three bodhisattvas: "The disciple is willing to obey the Bodhisattva's advice." The golden god pointed to the blue god and said: "Do you know him? This is Avalokitesvara." Pointing to the silver Bodhisattva, he said: "This is Maitreya Bodhisattva, and I am Manjushri Bodhisattva." The archmage heard this and asked: "Jiexian wishes to be reborn in Zun Palace, I wonder if it is possible?" Maitreya Bodhisattva said: "As long as you spread the righteous Dharma widely, you can be reborn in my palace." Manjusri Bodhisattva said: "We see that you are going to commit suicide, which is wrong for a Buddhist monk. If you can do more good deeds and seek benefits for others, then you can eliminate disasters and reduce diseases, so we warn you. " The golden Bodhisattva said again: "There are Chinese monks in China who are eager for Dafa. If you want to ask for advice from your sect, you must wait for him." The master hurriedly said: "Respect and teach!" After speaking, the master raised his head and wanted to worship again, but unexpectedly the three Bodhisattvas disappeared.Since then, the master's gout has suddenly recovered. After Master Juexian finished speaking, all the monks were amazed. Master Jiexian hurriedly asked Xuanzang: "How many years has the mage traveled west here?" "Three years." Xuanzang replied. "Ah, three years!" Master Jiexian exclaimed in amazement, and said again, "My dream three years ago, I don't want it to come true today. For the rest of my life, I will teach you the scriptures." Xuanzang was so moved that he burst into tears and said: "I finally saw the real Buddha today, and I can finally get the scriptures. Three years of suffering are nothing, as long as I can learn the real Buddha and bring back the scriptures, no matter how hard it is, no matter how hard it is, I will be willing." After finishing speaking, he bowed to Jiexian again, Jiexian hurriedly stood up and sat down, helped Xuanzang with trembling hands, and said: "It's not easy for you to come. I have lived to be more than a hundred years old, and I have seen thousands of monks, but it is the first time for a person like you who has gone through such hardships in order to study the Fa and is still determined. I see. Your spirit has touched me, and I must do my best to help you, great Chinese, you can study here with peace of mind." "Many words | Master, Xuanzang must spread the Buddhadharma to the East after he has learned it." All the monks present were moved to tears by their legendary karma. exactly: Xuanzang has been studying in Nalanda Monastery since then.He received the highest courtesy only under Master Jiexian, and lived in the upper room to the north of the Dharma Protector Bodhisattva's room.Every day, one hundred and twenty pieces of champoulo fruit, twenty pieces of betel nut, twenty pieces of cardamom, one tael of dipterocarp, and one liter of rice for adults are provided.This adult rice is bigger than black beans, and the cooked rice is very fragrant and delicious. Because it is rare, it can only be used for kings and senior Buddhist monks, so it is called "adult rice". In addition, a Brahmin was specially sent to serve Xuanzang, and he had an elephant to travel with. In the Nalanda Monastery, where there are tens of thousands of masters and monks, even Xuanzang has only ten people who enjoy this high-level treatment. After staying there, Xuanzang visited the Nalanda Temple the next day accompanied by Master Juexian, Master Mingxian and several eminent monks. Nalanda, in Chinese, means "almsgiving". In this temple, there are courtyards within courtyards, which are divided into eight courtyards, and a gate is opened together.There are temple halls inside, including the front hall and the back hall, meditation rooms, lecture halls, scripture storage buildings, bamboo forest houses where monks live, and stupas where masters have passed away... There are thousands of Buddhist temples in India, and the environment is very beautiful. It is beautiful and quiet, and the architecture is also very particular. It is the most majestic building in India. The Nalanda Temple is the most glorious and most prestigious Buddhist holy place among Indian temples. There are tens of thousands of monks in Nalanda Temple, and they are all learned people, and there are hundreds of them who are famous abroad.Among them, there have been many world-renowned eminent monks here to teach the Dharma, such as Dharma Guardian, Huyue, Dehui, Jianhui, Guangyou, Shengyou and Master Jiexian, etc. are all eminent monks with profound Buddhist principles and inheriting the past and the future. Xuanzang asked Master Juexian to introduce the history of this magnificent monastery.Master Juexian was very good at words, so he explained it to Xuanzang. They talked as they walked, and he introduced: "There are several legends about why the temple is called Nalanda. One is related to a dragon, because there is a pond next to the temple, and there is a dragon named Nalanda in the pond. named after the dragon." Juexian paused and said: "The second is related to Tathagata Buddha. According to legend, Tathagata Buddha was the king here in his previous life. Because he loved the people like a father, he continued to give alms to the people. In order to thank him for his kindness, he is called almsgiver. King, so the monastery built here is also called the Linaranda (Almsgiving) Monastery." Xuanzang sighed after hearing this: "It turns out that this temple has such a touching history." Juexian took Xuanzang to visit the Sutra Library again. When he got there, the monk in charge opened the gate of the courtyard, and a faint fragrance came out.It turned out that the scripture pavilion was built with moth-resistant fragrant wood as beams and pillars. In addition to Buddhist scriptures, there are also famous Indian vulgar scriptures such as "Vedas". In addition, there are reasons, declarations, medical prescriptions, and spells, which are specially used for the master, the guest, the monk and the layman to preach the scriptures. Xuanzang picked up a copy of "Yogi's Land Treatise" and couldn't put it down after reading it. He said to Master Juexian: "The reason why I traveled thousands of miles to come here to learn the scriptures is because the translations of the scriptures in my eastern lands are incomplete and I have different opinions. It is really a blessing in Xuanzang's life to see the real scriptures today." Xuanzang put down the book and said, "I will copy the whole text so that I can take it back to my country." Jue cast an admiring look at Xuanzang and said: "Zhengfazang (Master Jiexian) will personally give you a detailed lecture." Xuanzang said happily: "Thank you Master, I will study hard." Juexian also introduced: "This temple has a history of more than 700 years. There are tens of thousands of masters and guest monks in the temple. There are more than 100 lectures every day. There are many masters who are able to explain Buddhist scriptures. There are more than a thousand people who have mastered the 20 books; 500 people who have mastered the 30 books; there are 10 people who have mastered the 50 books and you, the master; there is only one person who can understand the Mahayana and read all the scriptures. The master is highly respected and can be called the master craftsman of all monks." Xuanzang nodded and listened. He wanted to study in a place with so many scriptures, so many eminent monks and such a strong academic atmosphere, and he got his wish.It was worthwhile for Xuanzang to trek for three years.At this time Xuanzang secretly made up his mind not to learn Consummation and never to return to China. One evening, Juexian and Xuanzang recalled the former saint under the bodhi tree.Juexian narrowed his big slender eyes and said: "Master, there is an eminent monk in Tianzhu named Buddha Bhadhara. He once went to China to spread Buddhism. Have you heard of it?" Xuanzang nodded and said: "I heard that his Chinese Dharma name is Juexian. In the Jin Dynasty of our country, he and the monk Faxian translated many Buddhist scriptures, which played an important role in the spread of Buddhism in China." It works a lot." Juexian said in admiration: "It's really a good senior of the Buddhist family, but it's a pity that I'm old and can't go! When I was young, I wanted to go to Zhina to promote Buddhism, but unfortunately I couldn't get it. I also respect the masters, especially for a person like you who came to Tianzhu after nine deaths, and who is so knowledgeable, I admire him very much." "Where, where, the mage is exaggerating. Brother Yu just suffered a little bit. Master Jiexian endured three years of physical pain in order to wait for me. Now he is a hundred years old and still teaches me in person. You are also over 100 years old." Seventy is still helping. You are the ones I should respect." Juexian smiled modestly after hearing this: "Master Jiexian is a great master, and I am nothing." Juexian said again, "I want to hear the story of Monk Faxian." "Okay, let's talk as we walk." So the two stood up and walked slowly along the stone path of the bamboo forest in the temple. There were bursts of chanting sounds in the meditation room, warm wind was blowing, and clusters of Buddha flowers jasmine exuded wisps of fragrance... Xuanzang said with infinite admiration: "Monk Faxian became a novice at the age of three and was officially awarded the certificate. After receiving the monk's precepts at the age of twenty, he went to Dashi Temple in Chang'an to practice. In the third year of Long'an, Emperor Anti of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (399 A.D.), he and ten monks including Daozheng set foot on the road. Embarked on the journey westward to learn Buddhist scriptures." Xuanzang paused and said: "They set off from Chang'an, via Zhangye (now Wuwei, Gansu Province) via Dunhuang, crossing deserts and icy mountains on the way to North Tianzhu, and it took another two years to reach Central Tianzhu. They scattered, and only two monks, Fa Xian and Daozheng, were left. Fa Xian visited the holy site, obtained the Buddhist scriptures, and returned home by sea on a merchant ship from the country of Shizi (now Ceylon). "Monk Daozheng stayed in Tianzhu." Juexian interjected. "Yes, Monk Daozheng stayed. Ah, Master Juexian, you know a lot about Chinese monks!" "Where, where, I just listened to Jiexian Zhengfazang's talk. I also want to hear about Faxian's situation after returning to China." Xuanzang nodded and said: "Monk Faxian took experience for seventeen years. When he returned to China, he brought back many Buddhist scriptures and statues. He was warmly welcomed by the Buddhist circle in Jianye, the capital of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (now Jiangning, Jiangsu Province). After that, he and Buddha Bhadhara Cooperation, translated more than 300 volumes of scriptures in Daochang Temple." "Oh, have you read all those Buddhist scriptures?" Juexian stopped and asked. Xuanzang also stopped in his tracks and replied: "After more than two hundred years, there are not many that have been handed down. I read all the existing ones. He obtained the "Maha Sangha Law", which is the five precepts of Buddhism. One of them. But there is no "Yogi's Land Treatise" that I long for. Later, I heard that Master Jiexian taught this theory in Tianzhu, so I rushed here risking my life." "It's so amazing. It's your spirit of sacrificing your life to seek the Dharma that moved the Buddha and moved Master Jiexian." The two stood up again and walked among the bamboos facing the setting sun. The sunset glow in the western sky was crimson, and the temples were burning incense. Xuanzang and Master Juexian became more and more friends. In the evening in Tianzhu, the weather was still hot. Xuanzang fanned himself with a bamboo fan and said: "Does the mage know the eminent monk Kumarajiva?" "I heard that his grandfather was from Tianzhu, and he held a high position. After his father converted to Buddhism, he went east to spread the Dharma and went to the Western Regions. Kumarajiva later heard that he went to China." Xuanzang nodded and said: "Yes, Kumarajiva's father stayed in the country of Kucha (now Kush, Xinjiang), and his mother believed in Buddhism. After she became a family, she took Kumarajiva to visit Buddhist temples in the Western Regions and pay homage to famous monks. , so that Kumarajiva's Buddhism has been greatly improved." Juexian nodded in admiration and said, "His mother is really amazing." "Yes, the promotion of Dharma by Luo Shi's mother and son has played a great role in the spread and prosperity of Buddhism in the countries of the Western Regions." The two walked up the stone steps and sat down in the pavilion in the courtyard, the afterglow of the setting sun came in from the plantain grove.The warm wind was blowing, the hall bells were ringing, and looking at the majestic temples around them, both of them felt refreshed. "What about after that?" Juexian still wanted to hear the rest. "Later, Kumarajiva's mother went to Tianzhu, and Rosh turned to the east to spread the Dharma." "Oh, that's right. When did Rosh arrive in Dongtu?" Xuanzang replied: "Rosh came to Chang'an in the post-Qin period of China (in the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms). The arrival of Rosh made Chang'an's Buddhism more prosperous, and Chang'an became China's Buddhism again. center." "Thank you Master Kumarajiva for spreading Buddhism to the East."