Chapter 70: A New Discourse on Buddhist Zen

This chapter is written in a prose style, a first attempt that leaves me uncertain about its effect. In the city’s Jiufeng Mountain, the undulating ridges have created a landscape of natural history. He Zhixing, accompanied by four women, drove here to seek inspiration, then turned back and headed toward Ancient Buddha Rock—a place he’d never had the chance to visit since it opened as a tourist destination.

Leisure like this is rare indeed; is it not better than the life of an immortal? In those years apart, did you ever think of me? If that fortuitous encounter once led me to discover a thousand-year-old stalactite, then this return to familiar ground comes several years later. The cave dwelling is still the same as before, yet it now wears a new face.

People, too, change; friends once intimately familiar may feel different after years apart. Is it the mutation of life or its continuation? Who can say for certain?

The four women are brimming with excitement, pointing out the beauty of each cavern, exclaiming at the wonders, their cameras flashing incessantly, as if the world’s natural splendors are about to vanish before their eyes. Since they have witnessed them, they must preserve them. How wonderful it would be to keep beauty forever.

For the man, this visit is a rare chance; who knows when the next will come? Perhaps, next time, it will not be this same group—maybe more, maybe fewer. The future is unknowable, so let the beauty of the present be cherished by each witness. Let memories be stored in that elusive space, even if the world should wither away.

Having seen the monk praying at the mountain gate, that serenity and remoteness are qualities few can attain. Unable to compare, I simply enjoy my own view and live as a free spirit.

He Zhixing took special care to leave behind a painting: “The Old Monk Beneath the Twin-Headed Buddha at the Cave’s Mouth.” There were those drawing lots for fortunes, others praying for blessings—a scene capturing the triad of the ancient Buddha, Zen, and the hearts of the people. It is at once a place of beauty and a holy land for the transmission of Buddhist wisdom.

A thousand affairs trouble the common folk, but with Buddha in one’s heart, all becomes serene.

He Zhixing could no longer enter the cave where he once found the ancient stalactite; it was now sealed off, and those in charge of the scenic area would not allow anyone to climb up, for the dangers are undeniable.

Leaving the cave and climbing to the summit, he stood before the great Buddha to greet the morning sun, feeling a surge of emotion—could it be that I am Buddha, and Buddha is me?

He drove straight to Danxia Mountain, seeking out only the nunnery beneath Elder Peak and Elder Temple. He paid no heed to the women—let them wander to Sisters’ Peaks or the Yin-Yang Stone or wherever else; it was of no concern to him.

He painted many works depicting the monks, nuns, and temples in their unique settings: could it be that I have become a demon? He Zhixing could not help but wonder.

Even if one were to become a demon, it would be merely that their cultivation had surpassed Buddhist doctrine. Life is full of suffering—who can truly reach perfection? I long to ride the wind and return, yet I fear those jade towers and crystal palaces. Temples, architecture, grandeur, gates, sacred halls—perhaps these are but manifestations of Buddhist influence. Is it the chicken or the egg? There’s no need to scrutinize the origins too deeply.

Finally, they visited Nanhua Temple. This time, He Zhixing had arranged to meet Jiang Ni, the beautiful nun. In addition to the four women, Jiang Ni joined them, making the journey far from lonely, the scenery along the way endless, and their photo sessions filled with laughter.

With lovely ladies for company, the journey was anything but lonely. He Zhixing enjoyed scenery and camaraderie beyond compare—hardly resembling a practitioner of Buddhist discipline, but rather a wild soul of the mountains. I am true to my nature, wild and unrestrained—why should I care?