Chapter 320 - 281: Tathagata Bestows the Nirvana Pearl
Tathagata summoned Wukong to the side hall, ready to impart a Magical Treasure to him.
Tathagata held numerous Magical Treasures, having come from another realm and taken charge of the entire Buddhist sect; his resources were unfathomably deep, and the Magical Treasures he could offer were certainly plentiful.
Wukong pressed his palms together, pretending earnestly, and appeared extremely respectful as he said to Tathagata, "Buddha Ancestor has summoned his disciple; your disciple has arrived and awaits the Buddha Ancestor’s decree."
Tathagata nodded slightly and said, "Wukong, although you cultivate Taoist teachings, you have attained the fruit of enlightenment and achieved the title of Victorious Fighting Buddha. You indeed have a profound connection with our Buddhist sect!"
Wukong hastily replied, "The Buddhist Law is profound and unfathomable and also compassionate and loving, universally saving all beings—a truly meritorious Method! I cultivate Buddhist Law and comprehend the true essence, aiming to universally save all beings as my grand vow. I am willing to spread the Buddha’s teachings to teach all under heaven to believe in Buddhism, to reduce killing and sin, thereby achieving peace throughout the world!"
Tathagata was greatly pleased to hear this, thinking that Macaca had indeed "entered Buddhism" and was now wholeheartedly intent on spreading the Buddhist scriptures, strengthening the Buddhist family, and leading the people of the world to believe in Buddhism, which was very comforting to Tathagata. But little did he know, Wukong was just putting on an act.
"Haha, the Buddhist Law created by the Various Heavens is indeed profound and unfathomable, subtly influencing people! This Sun Wukong, so unruly before, has now become incredibly docile, saving me many tactics," thought Tathagata to himself.
The scriptures of Buddhism can subtly transform people; those who listen to the Buddhist scriptures every day will naturally come to believe in Buddhism. There was once a parrot that listened to the Buddhist scriptures daily, could speak human language, and helped pilgrims understand the mysteries of the scriptures; upon its cremation, over ten Sharira relics were found among its ashes.
Kong Xuan and Mahasthamaprapta were two individuals whom Tathagata forcibly converted using the great divine power of the Various Heavens, while the remaining Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva Guanyin, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva were kept in the dark, not expending any effort to communicate or convert them through the heavens; they only felt that Tathagata had changed somewhat but did not dare to think of him as a counterfeit.