Chapter 156 - 148, Catching in the Act
Bai Jin sighed and said, "When I first met Mahasthamaprapta, he had some spiritual essence, which is why I gave him a poem as encouragement."
Ksitigarbha recited, "The Bodhi is not a tree, nor the clear mirror a stand. Nothing was there originally; where can the dust alight? It’s entirely the opposite of the poem I received from you."
Bai Jin nodded and replied, "I told you that your levels of Zen Enlightenment were different, each meriting a poem.
Now, upon meeting you again, it seems Mahasthamaprapta has misinterpreted my words. ’Nothing was there originally; where can the dust alight?’ is not to say there’s no need for practice. Now, he has indulged his inner self and has become no different from others.
But you are different. I can see that you diligently dust off and have a clear Dao Heart, having far surpassed Mahasthamaprapta."
Ksitigarbha revealed a slight smile, humbly replying, "Master flatters me too much; I am still far from the goal. I have always cherished Master’s insightful words, practicing daily without the slightest forgetfulness."
Bai Jin let out a deep sigh, speaking in a tone filled with sorrow and indignation, "But you should never have made such a grand vow. When you made that vow, do you know how heartbroken I was?
Your practice and comprehension are among the finest; surely, you would become one of the great powers of the Primordial World. Even the position of the first disciple in the Western Sect might not be beyond reach.
Yet, with that vow, you have cut off any connection to the Buddha Position, estranging yourself from the Western Sect, enduring bitter winds and rain in the Underworld for countless epochs without a chance of leaving—how desolate a fate. Have you ever considered that? You have shut yourself off from the path of light!
As your teacher, I feel it is such a pity, and it breaks my heart."