Chapter 212 - 213 Xuanzang: Where did Mahayana Buddhism come from?
Wei Zheng, hearing something so mystical, grew even more curious and asked, "What are the benefits? And what are the drawbacks?"
Guanyin Bodhisattva replied, "By wearing this kasaya, one will not sink into despair, will not fall into Hell, will not encounter malevolent hardships, nor face the disaster of tigers and wolves; these are the benefits. But if a monk indulges in sensual pleasures and rejoices in other’s misfortunes, if a monk neither fasts nor keeps the precepts, and if a layman destroys scriptures and slanders Buddhism, they will find it hard to even see this kasaya; these are the drawbacks."
Wei Zheng nodded, his curiosity deepened, and after thinking for a moment, he asked again, "What does it mean to necessitate money, and what does it mean to possibly not necessitate money?"
Guanyin Bodhisattva replied, "For those who do not follow the Buddhist law, do not respect the Three Treasures, and forcibly buy the kasaya and monk’s staff, they must pay seven thousand taels; this is necessitating money. But for those who respect the Three Treasures, delight in seeing goodness and seek refuge in Buddha, bearing it properly, I am willing to gift the kasaya and monk’s staff, to form a good bond with me; this means not necessitating money."
Upon hearing these words, a joyful expression couldn’t help but appear on Wei Zheng’s face, recognizing more benefits and realizing that this monk must be an extraordinary one. He immediately dismounted and greeted the Bodhisattva with proper respect.
"Grand Dharma Master, our Emperor of the Great Tang is very fond of good deeds, with all officials in the court duly following them. The ’Grand Water and Land Ritual’ will soon be held, and this kasaya would be perfect for Master Xuanzang to wear. Let us go and meet the Emperor together," he said.
Wei Zheng looked anxiously at the monk before him, somewhat worried that the monk might refuse. If he refused, it would not be good to forcibly take the monk to the palace.
Guanyin Bodhisattva naturally nodded in agreement.
Subsequently, the two monks met the Emperor of Tang.
The Emperor of Tang was somewhat surprised by Wei Zheng’s return.
"Chancellor Wei, why have you returned?"