Chapter 995: Solemn And Treasured Form
The words struck Fuxia’s ears like a clap of heavenly thunder. Countless memories surged up in his mind, and many of his earlier doubts slowly became clear.
Fuxia bellowed, "Then why are you so stubborn?!"
"Stubborn?" Kongheng smiled, shook his head, and said softly, "The next day, when I returned to the temple, I had completely forgotten every word spoken by those few Mahas. I opened the scriptures to read, but every volume blurred before my eyes. The characters leaped from the pages one after another, streaming away toward Zhao and Yan State.
"When I turned to look back, I saw the entire courtyard filled with characters, like refugees fleeing famine hand in hand. A sea of words flowed down the mountainside, vanishing into the boundless horizon. That very night, every scripture in my Liao River Temple turned into blank paper."
His words slowly hung in the air, and a look of understanding crossed Li Ximing’s face. Kongheng let out a couple of self-deprecatory laughs and replied, "That is why I am least skilled in debating the Dao."
Fuxia finally fell silent, while Kongheng spoke in a gentle tone, "I was only eighteen that year. I had just finished reading manuals on cultivation methods and collections of intriguing tales. I was preparing to read the scriptures, but from that moment on, I had no books left to read.
"Senior, the cultivators of the Seven Daos all long for the Dharma of ancient times, when one could often ascend to the seat of the Revered One. They come to me seeking the true scripture, but I have nothing to give you. I have never read such things. In all my cultivation until now, I have relied only on my own heart to comprehend."
A look of dawning realization crossed Fuxia’s face. At last, he understood why Kongheng so often met his rebuttals with silence. His voice lowered slightly as he said, "The ancient scriptures are not suited to the Dao of today!"
"Indeed." Kongheng said gently, "I have read the scriptures of all Seven Daos. Great Desire is boundless. It talks about first gaining, then losing in pursuit of solemnity. Wrath manifests form, turning evil to good and shaping the treasured image. Dharma strives for realms, spreading the Buddhist Dao throughout the present world and delivering all beings.
"Discipline is harsh and cold, knowing the sea of suffering and thus providing a boat to cross. Virtuous clarifies the heart, turning joy, anger, sorrow, and desire into the pursuit of nothing from something. Compassion dwells within, nurturing all beings, and all beings in turn nurture me. Emptiness devotes itself wholly, transcending self-attachment in pursuit of liberation..."