Cultivation: Being Immortal Chapter 849
Previously on Cultivation: Being Immortal...
Lingjing Star, a bustling modern metropolis.
Liang Long personally engaged Fa Kong in a profound discussion on Buddhist philosophy, causing Fa Kong's Buddhist Heart to shatter.
Following this, Liang Long paused, granting Fa Kong a period to recuperate.
Three days later, Fa Kong sought out Liang Long once more, expressing a desire to continue their discourse.
"Master Fa Kong, you appear quite spirited today. Has your Buddhist Heart been restored?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Ah, then what brings you here?"
"Because I have gained new insight. My previous conversation with Benefactor Liang was immensely beneficial. I must confess, our Buddhist teachings possess numerous deficiencies, particularly in their definition of goodness, which is far too simplistic. This is an oversight within Buddhism itself, and therefore, I humbly request to converse with you again to address these flaws. Would you be willing to continue our discussion?"
"Haha, what is there to fear? I too find enjoyment in debates."
Liang Long let out a hearty laugh, though he was genuinely surprised by Fa Kong's resilient spirit. He had anticipated Fa Kong would be dejected, yet the monk quickly regained his composure and focused on his Buddhist Heart. Truly, he was a master dedicated to the Buddhist path.
"Good sir, based on your earlier statements, the theories within Buddhism are flawed, primarily because they lack worldly relevance, is that correct?"
"Precisely. You advocate for individuals to perform good deeds, thereby establishing positive connections that yield favorable outcomes. But what exactly constitutes these good results? For the common person, is the promise of a better next life truly a desirable outcome? Even if it were, have you considered what a genuine good result entails?"
"A peaceful nation and a secure society, coupled with sufficient sustenance and clothing for all, are outcomes that require specific resources. Regardless of how profound Buddhist teachings may be, they cannot guarantee that the billions of inhabitants on Lingjing Star will have their basic needs met."
"Indeed, such a feat is impossible. Not even a system dedicated to cultivating immortality could achieve that. Only your technology possesses such capabilities."
"Technology is not omnipotent; we should learn from each other's strengths to achieve continuous improvement."
Liang Long refrained from making a definitive statement, leaving the door open for further dialogue. Whether it be Buddhist civilization, the practice of Immortal Language, or technological civilization, each possesses its own limitations. From a philosophical standpoint, the train problem, a classic ethical dilemma, cannot be perfectly resolved by any single approach.
"It is precisely as you say, and thus, it is time for Buddhism to evolve."
"My congratulations, master, on discovering the true essence of Buddhism."
"Not at all, I have merely embarked on this path. My intention is to learn from you."
"Well, I have actually dedicated many years to studying Buddhist scriptures. I believe that while your scriptures may contain elements of roughness and emptiness, they also possess commendable aspects. For instance, the principle of performing good deeds is praiseworthy. The majority of people prefer virtuous actions over malevolent ones. Consequently, I would categorize your current Buddhist teachings as Hinayana Buddhism, rather than the true Mahayana Buddhism."
"Hinayana Buddhism? Mahayana Buddhism?"
Fa Kong was taken aback by these concepts, having never encountered them before.
"Indeed, Hinayana Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism are fundamentally distinct."
"Please, enlighten me."
"Hinayana Buddhism primarily focuses on self-cultivation for personal benefit. It bears little difference to our own cultivation system. While it speaks of aiding others, in practice, it yields no tangible results and is not significantly different from malevolent actions."
"Mahayana Buddhism, conversely, represents the true teachings for all beings. It strives for genuine equality amongst all living things. If one can attain Buddhahood, then so can anyone else; even the humblest blades of grass and the smallest ants possess this potential. The practice of Buddhism is intended for all sentient beings. We must exert ourselves and work tirelessly for their sake…"
As Liang Long expounded his ideas, Fa Kong's expression grew increasingly solemn, his gaze more resolute, and a profound sense of upheaval resonated within him.
Liang Long closely observed Fa Kong's reactions, prepared to adjust his narrative accordingly. However, witnessing Fa Kong's intense engagement, he continued to elaborate on his theories.
His theories were not entirely novel; borrowing terms from the Blue Star network, he aimed to guide Fa Kong towards becoming a genuine saint, one who genuinely cared for the world, rather than a superficial one.
Liang Long harbored no benevolent intentions of nurturing a true saint for the Buddhist community; his sole objective was to sow discord and fracture their unity. The Buddhist community had become excessively cohesive, with all doctrines originating from the revered Buddha Master, and the Buddhist cultivators demonstrated unshakeable faith in him. Thus, his strategy was to introduce a new theoretical framework, instigating conflict from its very foundations and fostering division.
Even if Fa Kong were to possess the capacity to become a true saint, it would not represent a loss for them; a saint, by definition, possesses a boundless heart, and accommodating a Blue Star would hardly be a monumental task.
Fa Kong found his own understanding to be limited and lacking depth after hearing Liang Long’s theory. His Buddhist heart was deeply unsettled, and in that profound moment, he experienced an awakening, realizing his presence on Lingjing Star was not in vain but for the purpose of finding true teachings. Not wishing to disturb Fa Kong’s enlightenment, Liang Long departed quietly, ensuring he would not be bothered. ······· "Amitabha" Liang Long, amidst discussions with his subordinates, heard a chant and, with a slight smile, asked them to take a break before ascending into the sky. "Master Liang" "Master, have you achieved enlightenment?" "Yes, it is time for me to depart." "Are you returning to the Buddhist world?" "Indeed." "You were the pioneer, correct? Upon your return, will you lead the Buddhist army to retake Lingjing Star?" "That was the original plan, but circumstances have shifted." "What has changed?" Liang Long smiled at Fa Kong, reflecting that all his actions had led to this very moment. "Every individual possesses the potential to become a Buddha. If we engage in conflict due to differing philosophies, it merely highlights our own narrow-mindedness." "Haha, the master speaks the truth." "However, do not place all your hopes on this. I trust you will act upon your convictions. The path of Blue Star is truly for the benefit of all sentient beings, not for personal gain. Therefore, I will continue to visit Lingjing Star and even Blue Star to observe your conduct. Should your words and actions diverge, the Buddha’s teachings will surely be upheld with greater resolve." "You are most welcome to observe us, master." Liang Long remarked, "That is merely idle talk. Aligning words with actions—is that not the way of a sage? Where would Blue Star find so many saints? We are all ordinary mortals, and following our instincts is the most natural course." Yet, it mattered little for now; the priority was to impress Fa Kong and offer Lingjing Star some advantages. Once the interdimensional teleportation array was operational, with the backing of Blue Star and Jiang Star, resistance would be a trivial matter. "Then, my friend, we shall meet again." "Master Fa Kong does not leave an address. Should I seek you out someday?" "There is no need. Some truths are best kept between us. It would be more beneficial for you to give the Buddha’s teachings a chance." "Hahaha, it is indeed serious, very serious." Liang Long chuckled again, adding, "Fa Kong, your despair regarding the Buddhist path is quite amusing. You believe your words can dismantle Buddhist theory." In truth, Fa Kong was overthinking; Liang Long’s discourse was specifically crafted for him. These pronouncements might hold no value for others, and indeed, other Buddhist cultivators might simply dismiss them. "Amitabha." Fa Kong repeated the Buddhist chant before soaring into space and vanishing rapidly. "No." Immediately after Fa Kong’s departure, Liang Long heard a cry of sorrow, swiftly followed by a burst of hearty laughter. Liang Long smiled; it appeared the high-dimensional entity that had plagued Xia Qingshan for years had finally been vanquished. Xia Qingshan had emerged victorious. "You are magnificent." Xia Qingshan materialized before Liang Long, stating he had witnessed all their machinations. He marveled at the brilliance of the deception, noting that even the Bodhisattvas of the Buddhist world had been fooled. "May I now enter your Magical Eye?" "You may, but you cannot supplant Lin Jiang." "I am aware. Ancestor Lin is now revered and immensely powerful. I do not measure up to him." "You are not yet aware of Lin Jiang’s unique nature; he is a person of destiny. Nonetheless, I hold great expectations for you. Your future is boundless." "Thank you kindly." Liang Long laughed, remarking, "You are quite benevolent, even wishing him a bright future." Little did he realize that the day might come when he, Liang Long, would defeat Xia Qingshan, and perhaps not feel such joy. Xia Qingshan, elated by his recent accomplishments, had absorbed the Dao of Lingjing Star, significantly boosting his power and knowledge. He remained oblivious to Liang Long’s subtle smile, continuing to paint grand visions for him. Xia Qingshan disappeared swiftly. Liang Long shook his head, smiled, and returned to Modern City to resume his work. Without diligent effort, how could he possibly aspire to the grand dream that had been envisioned for him?