Chapter 327: Hinayana, Mahayana! Dao Discourse! Buddha Bows!

Chapter 327: Hinayana, Mahayana! Dao Discourse! Buddha Bows!

"Ridiculous!"

The moment Su Changqing spoke, Kasyapa's fury erupted, and he shouted, "Who do you think you are to speak to the 'Buddha' like this!"

At this moment, not just Kasyapa but all the Buddhist cultivators on Vulture Peak glared at Su Changqing as if he had committed a grave sin.

Su Changqing remained calm and replied, "Buddha teaches that all sentient beings are equal. Does this mean we must consider one's status?"

"If all are equal, why should the 'Buddha' be so special?"

"A true Buddha helps all beings escape suffering, not create it."

"A Buddha should have a great heart and great aspirations. Only those who care for all beings can be the Buddha in my heart!"

These words, which almost overturned the core teachings of Buddhism, left all the Buddhist cultivators present both enraged and shocked.

They were angry that Su Changqing had insulted the 'Buddha,' yet they were also amazed by the 'Buddha' he described.

They wanted to refute him, but in the end, they found no grounds for argument.

Was Amitabha's interpretation of Buddha narrow-minded?

It was inevitable!

Because in the entire universe, no one besides Amitabha could attain Buddhahood.

This was evident from the fact that in the endless ages, no one in Buddhism had ever become an emperor.

Amitabha's path to Buddhahood was too exclusive.

On the other hand, Su Changqing's vision of Buddha was too vast, so vast that no one dared to imagine it.

"All beings as Buddhas?"

"Wouldn't that be a true Buddha Land?"

A novice monk who had just entered Vulture Peak whispered these words.

And it was this very statement that made Amitabha, who had been deep in thought, tremble and his pupils constrict.

"Buddha Land."

"Is that what a true Buddha Land would be?"

The Buddha Land had been Amitabha's lifelong pursuit in his cultivation.

He had believed that to establish a Buddha Land, one must 'liberate' all beings.

Using his own power to suppress all realms, letting the light of Buddha illuminate every corner of the world.

Abolishing all other paths and elevating Buddhism above all. When all races practiced Buddhism, the Buddha Land would be established.

This was the only way Amitabha could think of, or rather, the only way his understanding of the 'True Essence of Buddhism' allowed.

However, today, the words of a young monk struck him like a bolt of lightning, leaving him standing there in a daze.

A Buddha Land, it turned out, had another possibility.

That was for all beings to become Buddhas!

His path to Buddhahood involved suppressing all realms, illuminating the world with Buddha's light, and establishing a Buddha Land.

But what Su Changqing proposed was for everyone to become a Buddha, at which point a Buddha Land would naturally form without the need for establishment.

These two paths had fundamental differences.

One was through coercion, the other through voluntary choice, and the superiority was clear.

Without even considering cultivation levels, in terms of doctrine and the True Essence of Buddhism, Amitabha was almost completely outmatched.

"Narrow-minded."

Amitabha muttered to himself.

These words, Yan had once said to him.

But at the time, he had been so consumed by his grand vision of a Buddha Land that he could not hear them.

However, today, when a person similar to 'Yan' repeated these words, he had a completely new understanding.

Not just him, even the Heaven-Devouring and Heaven-Annihilating Swordsmen looked at Su Changqing with a mix of shock and admiration.

"His understanding of Buddha is exactly the same as Yan's."

Heaven-Devouring Swordsmen whispered, "Heaven-Annihilating, could he really not be Yan?"

Heaven-Annihilating did not speak, only staring intently at Su Changqing.

After a while, he sighed, "I don't know. Unless the Four Swords Unite and reach the Ancient's Zenith."

"Otherwise, the tangled karmic connections around him will shield everything."

Heaven-Devouring fell silent, his gaze fixed on Amitabha.

At this point, whether Su Changqing was Yan or not was no longer important.

What mattered was whether Su Changqing could change Amitabha's mindset.

If he could, the Continent would gain a terrifying ally.

If not...

The final battle might involve more than just the Demons.

...

"Changqing, why are you provoking him?"

"This person is very dangerous. We should leave now."

Seeing Su Changqing's risky move, Wu Jiuling couldn't help but send a mental message.

"Teacher, the Western Regions are very important to me."

"My Law needs to be spread among all beings, using their power to perfect my own Law."

Su Changqing explained helplessly, "It's very difficult to spread the new Law. Only by overthrowing a Dao Lineage can my Law be accepted."

"The Western Regions are my only chance."

He knew Amitabha was very powerful and would rather not provoke him if unnecessary.

But his path involved Dao Lineage conflicts, and he himself possessed the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism.

Missing such a rare opportunity would mean waiting for a long, uncertain time.

Therefore, despite the danger, he had to try!

"New Law? Spreading it among all beings?"

Wu Jiuling's eyes widened in shock.

This was the first time she learned of the path Su Changqing intended to take.

Even more shocking was the difficulty of the other's path.

What is the new method?

The World's three thousand great Dao may be the same, but their cultivation methods differ.

The new method seeks to overthrow the complete system that controls Law, encompassing 'Divine Body, Divine Spirit, Divine Output, Divine Law, and Divine Principle.'

On the Cangyan Continent, this system has been deeply rooted, and almost no one can shake it.

If the new method were to appear now, it would be no different from heresy, perhaps even more terrifying than a Demon!

Because it would shake the very foundation of cultivation on the Continent!

No Dao Lineage in the World would agree to this!

"Spread the teachings to all sentient beings and promote the new method."

Wu Jiuling murmured with a bitter smile, "This is a dead end. How can you possibly make it through?"

"Unless—"

A thought seemed to strike her, and her eyes flickered. She turned to look into the distance.

"Unless... a new world emerges."

Thinking of this, Wu Jiuling glanced at Su Changqing, then lowered her eyes in deep thought.

...

The world was silent. Amitabha Buddha stood still for a long time, then took a step and sat cross-legged in the sky.

His calm gaze turned to Su Changqing, "May I have your guidance?"

When these words were spoken, the countless Buddhist cultivators of Vulture Peak and the Western Regions were all taken aback.

Was he going to engage in a Dao discourse?

The venerable Amitabha Buddha, the ancestor of all Buddhas, was actually going to hold a Dao discourse with a mere Divine Law Realm cultivator?

This scene left not only the Buddhist cultivators of the Western Regions but also Su Nan and Wu Jiuling with shocked expressions.

"Changqing... knows Buddhism?"

Su Nan couldn't help but ask.

"He should... know", Wu Jiuling murmured uncertainly, "Back in Xianzong, the master of the Buddha Peak gave Changqing quite a few secret Buddhist texts."

Upon hearing this, Su Nan and the others present all had their lips twitch.

Using the secret texts given by the master of the Buddha Peak to engage in a Dao discourse with the Buddha?

This seemed unreliable. Even the peak master would have to kneel before Amitabha Buddha.

"Let's see. If things go wrong, we'll deal with it, regardless of whether he's a Buddha or not!"

Su Nan's eyes hardened, and he gripped the long spear in his hand tightly.

The Great Azure Spear shimmered with a dark light, as if ready to shoot out at any moment.

...

In the sky, Amitabha Buddha and Su Changqing sat facing each other.

The contrast between the two was stark.

Behind Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha light was like an ocean, as if a golden wheel was shining upon him.

Su Changqing, on the other hand, sat in a clear and peaceful cloud, with no extraordinary aura.

All the countless Buddhist cultivators of the Western Regions watched Su Changqing with disdain and anger in their eyes.

"Challenging the Buddha in a Dao discourse, this is sheer recklessness!"

This seemed to be the common thought among most Buddhist cultivators.

The word 'Buddha' in the Western Regions was heavier than the heavens and the earth.

However, unlike the other Buddhist cultivators, Amitabha Buddha showed no sign of underestimating Su Changqing.

He adjusted his robes, his expression calm and solemn, looking at Su Changqing as if he were an equal.

"There are countless paths, but only one Buddha. My Buddha is Amitabha."

The first words of the Dao discourse were to state his lineage and background.

It was clear that Amitabha Buddha took this Dao discourse very seriously.

"The Dao is infinite, and the Law is boundless. Buddha is also Dao. How can there be only one 'Buddha'?"

Su Changqing sat cross-legged, seemingly unaffected by Amitabha Buddha's realm and status.

His posture was relaxed and comfortable, his expression serene, as if he were facing an equal being. He smiled and said,

"The path of one Buddha is too narrow, leading only to Hinayana."

"But when all sentient beings are Buddhas, that is the grand path, known as Mahayana!"

Below, the countless Buddhist cultivators of the Western Regions looked up at the two figures engaged in the Dao discourse.

No one had expected that Amitabha Buddha would already be at a disadvantage at the very beginning.

One was Hinayana, the other Mahayana. The difference was apparent from the very roots of their beliefs.

However, Amitabha Buddha, who had cultivated Buddhism for countless ages, would not be swayed so easily.

He spoke slowly, as if reciting the teachings of a true Buddha:

"My Buddhist teachings are rooted in the Four Noble Truths: Suffering, Origin, Cessation, and Path. They help sentient beings recognize the suffering of the world and understand the root of suffering."

"By severing all attachments, one can achieve the fruit of an Arhat, transcend the cycle of life and death, and attain liberation."

Su Changqing's mind churned, ancient memories surfacing one by one.

"Buddhas do not seek happiness for themselves but wish for all sentient beings to be free from suffering."

"Bodhisattvas generate the Bodhi Mind, practice the Six Paramitas and Ten Thousand Practices, endure countless calamities, and help all sentient beings become Buddhas, entering the world of mortals, transcending life and death, and aiding the people—this is Mahayana!"

Below, countless Buddhist cultivators, who had absolute faith and devotion to Amitabha Buddha, were left stunned.

Not seeking happiness for oneself but wishing for all sentient beings to be free from suffering...

The Buddhist teachings often spoke of the compassion of the Buddha, but if compassion were to be embodied, it seemed that Mahayana Buddhism was the true embodiment of compassion.

The compassion of Hinayana, on the other hand, was limited to oneself and the Buddha.

At this moment, the words "narrow-minded" and "Hinayana" gave everyone a new understanding.

"Even personal enlightenment is difficult, let alone enlightening all sentient beings."

"Why not focus on oneself and wait until one is liberated before helping others?"

Amitabha Buddha’s expression was filled with confusion. Although he was discussing the Dao, it seemed more like he was seeking an answer.

"How do you know that enlightening others is not part of one’s own cultivation?"

Su Changqing’s words left Amitabha Buddha momentarily stunned.

"Enter the mundane world, endure countless calamities, assist the people, and achieve true enlightenment."

"Each person you help, each calamity you resolve, isn’t that also a part of your own journey?"

"By helping sentient beings, you are being helped in return. Each calamity you face is a way to break through your inner demons and refine your cultivation."

Su Changqing looked at Amitabha Buddha, clasped his hands in prayer, and smiled.

"The Buddha should focus on all sentient beings, not just on oneself."

"Those who follow the Dao receive much help, while those who lose the Dao receive little. The heart of the Buddha should be boundless and compassionate towards all beings."

Hum!

Su Changqing’s words seemed to contain the profound truth of the Heavenly Dao.

Despite no unusual phenomena around him, a pure and refined Buddhist aura suddenly appeared behind him.

This aura transformed into countless beings, each of whom clasped their hands in prayer and looked grateful.

The countless Buddhist cultivators in the Western Regions were stunned by this sight.

Among those ethereal figures were many familiar presences.

These were the ascetics who had been swallowed by the golden sands of the Western Regions while pursuing the path of the Buddha.

Today, Su Changqing’s profound Buddhist truth had awakened them, making them understand what the true Buddha was.

In the past, the ascetics on the Western Regions’ land, though devout, often had sorrowful faces.

But now, the monks behind Su Changqing were equally devout.

However, their expressions were not filled with bitterness but with serene and peaceful smiles.

The many high monks on Vulture Peak were left speechless by this scene.

Why did most ascetics in the Western Regions have sorrowful faces?

Because those who encountered various calamities came to the Buddhist door seeking liberation and salvation.

But what did Vulture Peak do?

They did not help anyone but instead used the endless desert as a test.

They added more suffering to the calamities faced by sentient beings.

The Buddha had said that only by breaking through and understanding suffering could one achieve liberation.

In the past, Buddhist cultivators regarded this as the ultimate truth and firmly believed it.

But now, seeing the pure and refined Buddhist aura that had transformed from the ascetics’ lingering wills behind Su Changqing, a terrifying thought arose in their minds.

Was the Buddha really right?

The true Buddha should be like what Su Changqing described—helping sentient beings and being compassionate.

Mahayana Buddhism enters the world to save people, facing calamities to refine oneself, benefiting both oneself and others.

Hinayana Buddhism recognizes suffering, creates suffering, and breaks through suffering, benefiting oneself at the expense of others.

Both aim for enlightenment and becoming a Buddha.

But one is a narrow-minded Buddha for oneself, while the other is a Buddha who helps all sentient beings.

Which one is right?

The countless Buddhist cultivators in the Western Regions fell silent, their long-held beliefs about the Buddha shaken for the first time.

Amitabha Buddha clearly perceived this impact.

Su Changqing’s words about the Buddhist Dao had shaken his very foundation.

Had it been anyone else, they would have been killed on the spot; how could they continue discussing the Dao?

However, Amitabha Buddha seemed unaware, still deep in thought.

He was trying to understand the profound meanings of Mahayana Buddhism and compare them with the Hinayana Buddhism he practiced.

"Sentient beings have different natures, and it is hard to distinguish good from evil. How can they be enlightened?"

"Compassion should be the foundation, wisdom the guide, and the profound truths of Buddhism the enlightenment."

"Hinayana Buddhism emphasizes strict adherence to precepts. Is this method correct?"

"Adhering to precepts is not wrong, but the Bodhi Mind should be the root. As long as the intention is pure, it should be considered a great achievement."

Amitabha Buddha and Su Changqing sat high in the sky, expounding the profound truths of Buddhism.

However, their discussion gradually turned into Amitabha Buddha seeking guidance from Su Changqing.

Su Changqing’s profound understanding of Buddhism shook the Western Buddha Land, and eventually, a massive ancient Bodhi tree appeared behind him.

The vast Buddhist aura soared into the sky, and Su Changqing’s voice grew louder.

From his initial calm and composed demeanor, he now seemed to have become a true Buddha.

The discussion lasted for a long time, and three days passed in the blink of an eye.

At this moment, Su Changqing’s Buddha light soared to the heavens, and the ‘Buddhist Dao Law’ on the Cultivation Jade Disc had long reached perfection.

On the other side, Amitabha Buddha’s expression was complex.

There was joy, resentment, unwillingness, and hesitation. The two truths of Buddhism constantly clashed and intertwined in his heart.

After a long time, Amitabha Buddha quietly stood up.

He looked at Su Changqing, clasped his hands in prayer, and bowed deeply, "The grace of your teachings will be etched in my heart."

In the past, Amitabha Buddha never understood what Yan meant by taking the wrong path.

But now...

He understood completely!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end