022 CHAPTER EIGHT: A. BUDDHA’S QUEST

In countless attempts to understand the essence of Zen, many have reached the end of their lives without grasping its true meaning. They've pursued it like grinding tiles into mirrors or accumulating snow as their sustenance. Still, in the end, they remain lost and confused for many years.

Some try to swallow the vastness of the sea or shrink the vast universe into a mustard seed, but a golden-robed monk simply smiles at these futile endeavors. While some have achieved enlightenment, transcending the ten stages of the Bodhisattva path, others remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death across the four realms and six paths. Who can truly comprehend this?

In a secluded place, one might hear the cuckoo's call on a spring morning, far away from the cliffs and shadeless trees. Along the treacherous roads of Caoxi and within the deep clouds of Jiuling, the voices of old friends seem distant and elusive. On the precipice of a thousand zhang high ice cliff, where the five-leaf lotuses bloom, the fragrance permeates the ancient temple's hanging curtains.

During those times, those who had realized the source's origin could perceive the Dragon King's three treasures[1].

This verse, titled "Su Wu's Patience," describes how our Buddha, the Tathagata, bid farewell to the Jade Emperor and returned to the Thunderclap Temple. There, three thousand Buddhas, five hundred Arhats, eight great Vajras, and countless Bodhisattvas awaited, holding exquisite banners, precious canopies, and rare celestial flowers, all gathered beneath the fairyland's sacred mountains and twin forests.

Seated on a cloud, the Tathagata addressed the assembly: "Through profound wisdom, I observe the three realms. The fundamental nature is ultimately still and tranquil, akin to the void, possessing nothing. The vanquishing of the troublesome Monkey King is an event beyond comprehension. The origin of names, birth, and death, all phenomena are as such." With these words, he radiated a brilliant light from his Relic, forming forty-two white rainbows that extended across the sky, connecting the north and south.

Upon witnessing this majestic sight, the assembly bowed in reverence.

After a short while, auspicious clouds and mist gathered, and the Tathagata ascended to the Lotus Platform of the highest grade, where he serenely sat.

The three thousand Buddhas, five hundred Arhats, eight Vajras, and four Bodhisattvas approached, joining their palms in respect, and inquired, "Why did the commotion occur in the Heavenly Palace, which disturbed the Peach Banquet?"

The Tathagata said, "That fellow is a monkey born in the Flower Fruit Mountain, a wicked and unfathomable monster. Even the heavenly gods and generals couldn't subdue him. Although Erlang captured him, and Lord Dao used fire to temper him, they still couldn't harm him. When I arrived, he was in the midst of showing off his might and prowess among the Thunder Generals. I stopped the hostilities and inquired about his background. He claimed to possess magical powers and the ability to transform, boasting of riding a nimbus cloud to travel thousands of miles instantly. I challenged him to a contest, and he couldn't escape my grasp. So, I grabbed him and put him under the Five Elements Mountain, sealing him there.

The Jade Emperor then opened the golden palace. He invited me to sit in the honored seat, hosting a grand banquet to express gratitude. Afterward, I took my leave and returned."

Upon hearing this, the assembly was delighted and jubilantly praised the Tathagata. After bowing, everyone dispersed into their respective groups and continued with their duties, enjoying the pure bliss of heaven.

It was a marvelous sight: auspicious mists enveloped the Vulture Peak, and rainbows illuminated the World-Honored One. The Western Land proclaimed him the supreme leader, the Dharma King without a form. They often witnessed mystical apes offering fruits, deer nibbling on flowers, azure phoenixes dancing, and colorful phoenixes singing. Spiritual tortoises presented longevity, and celestial cranes held sacred herbs.

In this paradise of the Buddha, they experienced the wonders of the Dragon Palace and the Dharma Realm. The flowers bloomed every day, and fruits ripened all the time. They cultivated tranquility, returning to their true selves and attaining the realization of Zen, where there is no annihilation, no birth, no increase, no decrease. Amidst the ethereal mists and clouds, the seasons of cold and heat couldn't age them.

A poem described the scene:

"Free to come and go, at ease and carefree,

No fear, no worries in this heavenly spree.

The Paradise is a place of serene delight,

In the boundless cosmos, time takes no flight."

The Buddha resided in the great Thunderclap Temple on Mount Ling. One day, he called together all the Buddhas, Arhats, Bodhisattvas, Vajras, and the monks and nuns, saying, "Since subduing the rebellious monkey and establishing peace, I have lost track of time in this place, but it must be about five hundred years in the mortal realm. Today, on the occasion of the mid-autumn festival, I have a precious bowl filled with various rare flowers, extraordinary fruits, and other delights. I invite all of you to partake in this Hungry Ghost Festival. What do you say?"

Everyone responded with palms together, bowing to the Buddha three times in reverence. The Buddha then had Anuo hold the precious bowl steady while Kasyapa scattered the flowers and fruits from it. The assembly was profoundly grateful, and each offered poems of thanks.

One poem:

Fortune's star shining before the revered,

Abundant blessings, endless and unseared.

Virtuous fortune, boundless and vast,

With heaven's grace, a union steadfast.

Fields of fortune, flourishing each year,

A sea of fortune, resolute and clear.

Throughout the cosmos, its shadow cast,

Endless and complete, forever to last.

Another poem:

Riches towering like a phoenix's call,

Prosperity follows, blessing time's thrall.

Wealth in abundance, health secure,

A thousand bells toll, peace to endure.

Heavenly ranks of prosperity rise,

A name as vast as the boundless skies.

Enduring grace, revered from afar,

A throne of prosperity, adorning each star.

Another poem:

Longevity's star presents to the divine,

A realm of radiance, new blessings align.

Fruits of longevity, a platter filled,

Blooms of longevity, the lotus is thrilled.

Melodious poems, grace and wonder blend,

Harmonious tunes, talents commend.

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Life's span extending like sun and moon,

Enduring like mountains and seas, its boon.

After the Bodhisattvas made their offerings, they requested the Buddha to clarify the fundamental teachings and explain the origins of everything.

Gently, the Buddha presented the profound Dharma, proclaiming the true path. He taught the sublime scriptures of the Three Vehicles and expounded on the profoundness of the Five Aggregates. Around him, celestial dragons circled, and flowers fell like a rain of petals.

It was a scene where the meditative mind shines like the moon over a thousand rivers, and true nature reflects clearly over the vast expanse of the heavens.

After the Buddha finished lecturing, he addressed the assembly. "I have observed the four great continents and the various beings inhabiting them. Their conduct varies in different regions. The Eastern Divine Continent inhabitants are respectful towards heaven and earth, calm in mind and spirit. The Northern Land of Jambu Trees’ dwellers may kill, but only out of necessity to sustain themselves. They are simple and unsophisticated, with little harmful intent. The western Cowherd's Territory inhabitants do not indulge in greed or killing. They cultivate their inner spirit quietly, and although they may not attain the highest truth, they all have long life spans. However, the southern continent's inhabitants are greedy, indulge in pleasure, and frequently engage in killing and conflicts. It is indeed a place of strife and turmoil, filled with verbal disputes and malicious intentions."

"I now possess three sets of true scriptures, called Tripaka, which can encourage people to do good."

The bodhisattvas heard this and, with palms together, paid their respects to the Buddha, asking, "What are the three sets of true scriptures? "

"I have one set of Vinaya, discussing heavenly matters; one set of Sutras, expounding the earthly teachings; and one set of Abhidharma, offering salvation to ghosts. Altogether, there are thirty-five divisions and a total of fifteen thousand one hundred and forty-four volumes. These are the scriptures for cultivating truth and the gateway to virtue," The Buddha replied. "I intended to take them to the Eastern Divine Continent, but unfortunately, the beings there are ignorant and may defame true teachings. They do not understand the essence of my Dharma and disregard the genuine lineage of Shakyamuni. I need someone with spiritual power to go to the Eastern Divine Continent, seek a worthy disciple, guide them to traverse mountains and cross rivers, come to me to obtain the true scriptures and perpetuate them in the Eastern Divine Continent to enlighten sentient beings. This task requires profound blessings and immense merits. Who is willing to undertake this journey?"

At that moment, Bodhisattva Guanyin approached the lotus throne, clasping her palms. "I am your humble disciple and wish to go to the Eastern Divine Continent to find the one who will retrieve the scriptures."

The crowd looked up and saw Guanyin:

Her virtues complete, a circle profound,

A mind of wisdom, a golden crown.

Adorned with jewels, pearls of green and blue,

A sandalwood pendant, a treasure's bright view.

Her skillful bun, like dragons coiled with care,

An embroidered sash, a phoenix in the air.

Jade-like strings, and robes of pristine white,

Auspicious light encircles her in flight.

In silk and brocade, with colors grand,

Radiant blessings, a magical land.

A gown of velvet, with golden threads,

A radiant presence wherever she treads.

Her brows, crescent moons, her eyes, stars that gleam,

Her jade-like face, a joyous dream.

Her lips like crimson, a vibrant hue,

A vessel of nectar, forever new.

She adorns her hair with willow's green,

Year after year, an eternal scene.

She dispels eight hardships, embraces all life,

Compassion and kindness, free from strife.

On Mount Tai she stands, a guardian revered,

In the Southern Sea, her presence adhered.

A savior of suffering, with a thousand names,

A thousand saints, her benevolence claims.

Her heart is a lily, embracing purple bamboo,

Her nature, like jasmine, entwines with vine's dew.

On Mount Potalaka, the compassionate guides,

In the Cave of the Tide's sound, she resides.

With boundless mercy, her heart does shine,

Alive, Guanyin, the deity divine.

When Guanyin volunteered, the Buddha was delighted. "Others cannot undertake this campaign, only the Venerable Guanyin, who possesses vast magical powers, can do it."

"Is there any instruction for me for this journey to the eastern lands?" Guanyin asked.

"On this expedition, you must carefully observe the path and not soar through the sky. You should travel with half clouds and half mist, passing through mountains and rivers, and remember the distance of the journey. Give clear instructions to the person who will undertake the quest. I'm afraid the faithful person might encounter difficulties, so I will grant you five precious treasures."

The Buddha then instructed Anuo and Kasyapa to bring a brocade robe and a nine-ring tin staff. He told Guanyin, "This brocade robe and pewter staff, called Khakkhara, are to be given to the one who will retrieve the scriptures. If they are willing to wholeheartedly come here and wear my cassock, they will be freed from the cycle of reincarnation. Holding my Khakkhara will protect them from poison and harm."

Guanyin bowed and accepted the gifts.

Then the Buddha took out three rings and handed them to Guanyin, saying, "These treasures are called Tightening Rings. Though they look the same, each has a different use. I have three sets of powerful spells for these rings. If you encounter formidable demons and monsters on the journey, you must advise them to learn from the scriptures' seeker and become their disciple. If they refuse to obey, you can place one of these rings on their head, which will take root in their flesh. Recite the appropriate spell, and they will experience swelling eyes, headaches, and a split skull, forcing them to surrender and follow the right path."

Upon hearing the words, the Bodhisattva showed eager respect and withdrew. She called the Benevolent Pilgrim to follow her.

The Benevolent Pilgrim wielded a sturdy iron staff weighing a thousand pounds and stood by the Bodhisattva's side as a powerful demon-subduing guardian.

Then the Bodhisattva wrapped the brocade robe into a bundle and had him carry it on his back. She concealed the Tightening Rings and held onto the pewter staff as she descended Ling Mountain.

From this moment on, their journey can be divined as follows:

The Buddhist son shall return to fulfill his vow,

and the venerable Golden Cicada shall wrap himself in fragrant sandalwood.

When they reached the foot of the mountain, the Bodhisattva was warmly received by the Grand Immortal of the Golden Summit. At the entrance of the True Jade Temple, he offered tea to the Bodhisattva.

The Bodhisattva did not stay for long and said, "I have received the Buddha's teachings and must now proceed to the Eastern Land to find the person who will obtain the scriptures."

The Grand Immortal asked, "When will the scrolls arrive?"

The Bodhisattva replied, "It's not certain, but approximately within two to three years, they might arrive here."

After bidding farewell to the Grand Immortal, the Bodhisattva vanished into the mist, setting off on the planned journey.

A poem was composed to recount the event:

In journeys spanning miles untold,

Silent are the bonds that tightly hold.

Claiming no one finds true content,

Seeking answers, hearts are bent.

In seeking others, sudden and clear,

Fate's design, not merely veneer.

Teaching wisdom with purpose grand,

But trust in words may drift like sand.

Let hearts pour out, seeking a friend,

For ahead, destiny shall transcend.

[1] The "Dragon King's Three Treasures" are a set of symbolic treasures associated with the Dragon Kings, powerful and revered deities in East Asian mythology, particularly in Chinese and Buddhist traditions. The Dragon Kings are often depicted as rulers of bodies of water, such as seas, rivers, and lakes. The Three Treasures are:

1. Jewel (Mani or Cintamani): This mystical jewel is believed to possess magical properties and is said to grant its possessor wishes or fulfill desires. It symbolizes the Dragon King's power to bring abundance and fulfill people's needs.

2. Orb (Chintamani Cakra or Dragon Pearl): The orb or pearl represents spiritual wisdom, enlightenment, and the pursuit of knowledge. It is often associated with the Dragon King's ability to control water, weather, and natural phenomena.

3. Sword (Naga-Kanya or Divine Sword): The sword symbolizes authority, protection, and the Dragon King's role as a guardian and ruler of his domain. It is sometimes associated with the Dragon King's power to control and calm the waters.

These Three Treasures are often depicted in art and stories related to the Dragon Kings. They carry both material and spiritual significance, reflecting the Dragon Kings' roles as benevolent and influential beings in the natural world. The treasures also embody broader themes found in East Asian mythology, including the interplay between power, wisdom, and protection.