Master Jingqing expressed his sorrow, saying, “In this world, there are donors with immense wisdom, yet I fear I cannot even match it with one hand. Buddhism offers a chance for deeper understanding and insight. If a donor squanders this gift, it would be a significant loss for all Buddhist disciples.” Nanako Ito shook her head in response.
“I have faith in Buddhism,” she stated. “I believe it has the power to cultivate kindness and peace within people, while also providing spiritual nourishment. It’s like dining at a restaurant; you can’t expect me to stay there and be the chef, can you?”
Master Jingqing quickly replied, “Amitabha, the monk is not urging the benefactor to remain, but rather encouraging her to consider staying. While your restaurant analogy is valid, the context and implications differ. A restaurant can satisfy hunger. A skilled chef can create recipes that offer bnced nutrition and even elevate the dining experience, potentially improving health and saving lives. However, no restaurant or recipe has the power to save all sentient beings.”
At this point, Master Jingqing borated, “Every religion possesses its own ssics. The reason they have persisted from the days of sh-and-burn agriculture to our current era of advanced technology is their profound impact, rooted in universal values centered around humanity. They explore deeper aspects of human nature.” He then inquired of Nanako, “Do you know why, despite the advancement of modern technology and productivity outpacing that of the ancients, many people still view scriptures from millennia ago as guiding lights on their life journeys?”
Nanako Ito shook her head, uncertain. “I… I haven’t thought that deeply about it…”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
“The distinction between ancient people and modern individuals is not merely in technological advancements or broader horizons,” Master Jingqing exined. “It also lies in the simplicity and purity of ancient lives and thoughts, which were more aligned with humanity.”
“Ancient thinkers could dedicate their entire lives to contemting one or two philosophical questions, untouched by today’s materialistic temptations. This depth of thought far surpasses the superficiality often seen in modern, utilitarian individuals.”
“This is why many of the greatest thinkers emerged around 400 to 300 BC. In the East, we had Laozi, Confucius, and Mencius; in the West, there were to, Socrates, and Aristotle. The Buddha was born a century or two before these philosophers.”
“These ancient sages were geniuses, dedicating their lives to unraveling the fundamental logic of existence and documenting their insights, creating what we now recognize as true ssics.”
“Regardless of societal advancements, people remain fundamentally human. As society evolves, individuals tend to disperse their energies more. Thus, the wisdom of ancient philosophies bes even more pertinent. This exins why believers in the three major religions continue to regard scriptures written over two millennia ago as guiding beacons in their lives. Countless individuals still study these ancient texts, seeking inspiration and insight.”
Ito Nanako bit her lip, ncing down at her feet before meeting Master Jingqing’s gaze. After a moment of contemtion, she raised her thumbs timidly and said, “S… Si Guoyi …”<fnd11f> Discover more novels at find·novel</fnd11f>
“Si Guoyi” is the Japanese pronunciation of “sugoi,” which roughly trantes to: wow, that’s amazing.
Master Jingqing, a top student prior to his monastic life, had also achieved enlightenment and traveled extensively over the years.