In today's environment, the monks of Qingliang Temple seem to continue upholding the beliefs of the Buddhist faith, which is why the temple remains shrouded in a divine light.
"Esteemed benefactor, how may I assist you?" A monk in the main hall noticed Jiang Chen entering and standing in front of the Buddha statue, lost in thought. Assuming Jiang Chen had some inner turmoil, he approached him.
The Buddhist teachings emphasize the salvation of all beings; by helping others, one also helps oneself. Thus, the monks of Qingliang Temple are compassionate and warm-hearted.
"May I meet your Abbot?" Jiang Chen withdrew his gaze from the statue and asked with a gentle smile.
"Uh, esteemed benefactor, I apologize, but our Abbot is currently meditating on the back mountain and cannot meet with you. If you have urgent matters, you may leave a note, and I will convey it to him once he finishes his meditation," the monk replied.
Zheng Ding is one of the Eightfold Paths in Buddhism, involving correct meditation to achieve a state of purity. Although it would be inappropriate to disturb the Abbot during his retreat, Jiang Chen felt that since he was already there, it would be unreasonable to leave without at least trying to see him.
However, as this was a sacred place, Jiang Chen did not want to force his way in. After some thought, he decided to "become invisible" and visit the Abbot on the back mountain.
"Thank you. Since the Abbot is in retreat, I won't disturb him. I'll linger for a while before leaving. Please excuse me," Jiang Chen said politely with his hands clasped together.
The monk returned the gesture and then moved on to assist other visitors.
Jiang Chen took another look at the main hall and was about to leave in search of a secluded spot to use his skills when suddenly a middle-aged couple hurried into the main hall with a girl around seventeen or eighteen years old.
The girl wore a mask, but her delicate features were evident from her eyes and brows. However, she was surrounded by Sha Qi, appearing listless and unwell.
"Esteemed benefactors, please follow me to the back courtyard," the monk who had spoken to Jiang Chen earlier seemed to recognize this couple and led them toward the back.
Jiang Chen smiled; it seemed unnecessary to "become invisible" now. Since others could enter the back courtyard openly, he decided to follow them as well. Even if he couldn't meet the Abbot, he could at least see some other high monks.
Cheerfully, Jiang Chen trailed behind the middle-aged couple and the girl. Noticing Jiang Chen's sudden presence, the monk did not change his expression but politely said, "Benefactor, it is truly inconvenient for the Abbot to meet you right now. Perhaps you could come back another day?"
"I don't mind not seeing the Abbot; I merely passed through this area and noticed a divine light in the mountains and forests. I wanted to take a look before leaving. I hope you can accommodate me," Jiang Chen replied courteously.
The monk regarded Jiang Chen and noted that although he was young, he possessed an extraordinary demeanor. The back courtyard of Qingliang Temple was not entirely off-limits; it was just that they rarely received visitors for tranquility's sake. However, if a visitor insisted on entering for sightseeing purposes, monks generally would not obstruct them.
For Buddhism, everything is an illusion; allowing someone to tour the temple is not a significant issue.
"Then please come along," said the monk, seemingly unable to refuse others.
The middle-aged couple frowned slightly, clearly reluctant for Jiang Chen to accompany them. However, since their host had invited him, they felt it inappropriate to voice their objections.
The back courtyard of Qingliang Temple was spacious and connected to the back mountain. It served as a place for monks' daily practice. As for the back mountain itself, it was considered a true forbidden area of Qingliang Temple; under normal circumstances, even monks were not allowed entry without special permission since the Abbot was meditating there and disturbing him would be inappropriate.
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