Chapter 294 - 243 Mount Ling_2

"Alas, if Guanyin, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra were not mere spectators, and I could secure their support, my position as Buddha would undoubtedly be secure."

Elsewhere, a group of monks in tattered Kasayas gathered beside the Eight Treasures Merit Pool. Their worn Kasayas, many patched, were stark contrasts to the surrounding brilliance.

Yet, these monks seemed not to care, maintaining composure despite their ragged attire.

"Maitreya misinterprets the teachings of Buddhism, claiming it’s for the ease of preaching, but it leads to endless troubles. We must stop him, otherwise Buddhism will be destroyed," an ascetic monk said solemnly.

"After all, he is the successor designated by the Buddha, and his intentions are still for the greater good of Buddhism, albeit by dubious means," another spoke.

"That’s precisely why I have tolerated him so far, otherwise, I would have already openly challenged him to a scriptural debate," the ascetic monk said disdainfully.

"For the moment, we better hasten to see the Buddha and seek his judgment; otherwise, acting on our own will only lead to the disintegration of Buddhism," he continued.

The surrounding ascetic monks nodded in agreement; Buddhism was their everything, hence they preferred to find a balance between the sides, avoiding conflict unless absolutely necessary.

The group proceeded toward Mount Ling and soon reached its peak. Normally bustling with Bodhisattvas and Buddhas, the summit now lay bare, save for a massive Lotus Platform at its center, the seat of Buddha.

But now, the grand Lotus Platform was empty, without a trace of the Buddha.

The leading elder ascetic monk took a few steps forward and called out loudly, "Buddha Tathagata, where are you!"

He was one of the first Buddhists, having joined the Buddhist Sect before Sakyamuni ascended Mount Ling, thus holding an exceptionally high rank.

However, it was precisely because he focused on ascetic cultivation that he rarely visited Mount Ling, which is why he was not well-known.

Today, to ensure the survival of Buddhism, this elder monk had no choice but to come to Mount Ling, seeking answers.

His voice echoed across the mountainside, but there was no response for a long while, causing the elder monk to furrow his brow. He slowly approached the Buddha’s Lotus Platform and carefully sensed the aura around it.

He then realized that the platform seemed permeated by a mysterious presence, intangible yet palpable, as though it were both near at hand and far off, embodying all contradictions.

Feeling this aura, the elder monk’s face suddenly lit up with excitement, for he knew why the Buddha had been so eager to pass on the Buddha’s mantle to Maitreya; he had already reached this extraordinary state at some unknown time.

"There’s no need to persuade further; the Buddha is no longer able to lead Buddhism," the elder monk said with a deep sigh.

Upon hearing this, the nearby ascetic monks were visibly startled, showing confused and puzzled expressions.

Seeing this, the elder monk slowly elaborated, "He has touched that world; he cannot look back now, nor can he return."

All present were cultivators of profound cultivation level; they had all heard, more or less, about that legendary world but had never expected the Buddha to reach it so stealthily.

While many in the Three Realms were still ignorant of how to progress into that world, the Buddha had already commenced his journey.

"Given this, indeed we can’t stop it, but handing the mantle to Maitreya, is it wise? His actions are becoming increasingly unbecoming of a Buddhist, let it not corrupt our Buddhist Law," an ascetic monk said, furrowing his brow.

"Fair sirs, greetings!" a gentle voice called out.

The ascetic monks turned their heads to see Guanyin, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Mahasthamaprapta, four Bodhisattvas descending, their radiant Buddha’s Light instantly lighting up the entire Mount Ling.

"So it is the four Bodhisattvas who have graced us with their presence; may I inquire the purpose of your visit?"

"We have come, naturally, to help you reconcile with Maitreya," Guanyin said softly.

"This is a contention of paths, how can we yield? We have dedicated our efforts tirelessly to promote the Buddhist Law. How can we sit idle and watch it be defiled? You Bodhisattvas not only possess vast divine skills but are also masters of the Buddhist Law; surely, you understand the meaning of my words," the elder monk said with a pained expression.

If it were not so, why would he personally come to Mount Ling? It was all for the sake of the continuation of the path and for the future of the Buddhist Law.

"The master speaks too seriously; Maitreya is also a profound scholar of the Buddhist Law. How could he not understand the consequences?"

"If that’s the case, why does he still promote it? With humanity’s heart gone astray, if this continues, our Buddhist Sect will inevitably cut itself off from the world," the elder monk said loudly, his tone laden with frustration.

These were people who had dedicated themselves for the sake of the Buddhist Law, how could they just watch it being tarnished and not intervene?

"Amitabha Buddha, master, your attachment is too deep, this is why you suffer from gain and loss," Manjushri Bodhisattva said softly.

The two actually began a scriptural debate there.

As the most traditional activity within Buddhism, scriptural debate was prevalent in an era when Buddhist Law was not yet fully formed; high monks from various sects would gather and debate the Buddhist Law, seeking its true essence.

However, with the emergence of Sakyamuni, theories of the Buddhist Sect were quickly refined, forming a self-consistent system of thought, which facilitated the widespread acceptance of what is today known as Mahayana Buddhism.

Following this, debates within the Buddhist Sect became increasingly rare. After all, with the precedents set by the pearls and jade of the Buddha, many questions were already answered, and there was no longer a need for debate to elucidate the principles.

Now seeing Manjushri and the elder monk engaging in a debate at Mount Ling, countless eyes turned to watch, drawn to this rare spectacle. Even some devout believers at the base of Mount Ling trekked there to witness the grandeur of the debate.

The debate lasted for nine days and nights, eventually ending with Manjushri Bodhisattva declared the victor.

Countless Buddhist cultivators sat cross-legged on the vast grounds of Mount Ling, engrossed in the debate between the two powers. For a time, golden flowers scattered everywhere, spiritual springs gushed from the ground, and it was as if celestials were dispersing flowers, enrapturing all present.

It is said: "Hearing the Dao in the morning, one can die contentedly in the evening."

For many, what these two august figures expounded was the Great Dao itself. Not concerning specific cultivation methods, they directly addressed the essence of the Dao and articulated the core of the Buddhist Law.

This was a rare opportunity, and many were unwilling to let it pass, leading to vast numbers gathering on Mount Ling within a short span of time.

"It is no surprise coming from Manjushri Bodhisattva, this debate is one that I have lost," the elder monk with a weathered face said gently as he brought his palms together and bowed to Manjushri Bodhisattva, speaking very calmly and naturally.

He didn’t become angry or embarrassed because of his defeat in the debate, which made the people around him admire his comportment, truly fitting the reputation of an ascetic monk, unaffected by honor or disgrace.

"Master, there is no need for self-deprecation; I too have gained much from this debate," Manjushri Bodhisattva responded with a smile.

"Since I have lost in this debate, there is nothing more for us to say; naturally, we will not obstruct Maitreya’s accession to the Buddha’s position. However, if the day comes when we find that the Buddhist Law is corrupted, then naturally, we will act as the Vajra of Angry Eyes and cleanse the Buddhist Sect," the elder monk declared resolutely.

The sound lingeringly echoed around Mount Ling, as if resounding in every person’s heart—a promise and also an oath, and moreover, a sword hanging over these individuals.

"Amitabha Buddha, master, you speak truly. If the day comes that the Buddhist Sect falls into decay, as the Future Buddha, I naturally should sacrifice myself for the Dao. All members of the Buddhist Community should remain vigilant, not allowing desire, anger, and delusion to manipulate themselves and dim their souls, causing harm to the world," Maitreya Buddha said as he slowly stepped onto the Golden Lotus at the summit of Mount Ling.

By this time, many had brought their hands together and were murmuring, "Namo Maitreya Buddha-to-come!"

In this moment, Maitreya chose to directly ascend to the position of Buddha. He continued walking, each step blooming with lotuses, all the way to the large Lotus Platform atop Mount Ling.

Without hesitation, Maitreya sat upon the Lotus Platform, and instantly behind him, a grand Merit Sun burst forth endless rays of light.