Ito Nanako felt a surge of excitement as she contemted the possibility of bing someone like Charlie Wade. Turning to Master Jingqing, she respectfully inquired, “Master, could you please share some insights on how to truly achieve enlightenment?”


    As she spoke, a wave of uncertainty washed over her.


    In today’s world, it seemedmonce to keep one’s thoughts and practices hidden. Even in the realm of martial arts, no sect or family openly shares their inner philosophies, let alone such profound pathways to enlightenment.


    Yet, despite this, she feltpelled to ask. Given the valuable teachings Master Jingqing had already imparted to her, she hoped he might be willing to offer even more wisdom that could lead to a sudden moment of rity.


    Master Jingqing took a deep breath and sighed, “You possess remarkable talent, and I cannot stand by while it goes unrecognized and wasted. You have already grasped the essential elements of enlightenment; however, the misstep lies in your attempt to force your consciousness into the sea of consciousness through a leap. This approach will not seed.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Quickly, Nanako pressed on, “Then how can one properly enter the sea of consciousness?”


    Master Jingqing responded deliberately, “You must allow your spiritual consciousness to merge in!”


    “Merge?!” Nanako eximed in surprise. “Are you saying I need to integrate my spiritual consciousness with the sea of consciousness?!”


    “Precisely!” Master Jingqing affirmed with a serious nod. “The sea of consciousness is akin to the universe I mentioned earlier. If you view your consciousness as your identity, it’s like a person trying to jump into the ocean. The ocean is expansive, yet our perception is limited to just a few feet around us. Only by blending your divine consciousness with the sea of consciousness can you gain mastery over it, allowing it to reveal itself to you as if it were a globe.”


    “Thus, you should not approach the sea of consciousness with the subjective view of ‘I.’ You need to let go of your sense of self within your spiritual consciousness. At the moment of your leap, release all notions of self and allow your spiritual consciousness to enter a state of selflessness. Once your selfless consciousness fully merges with the sea of consciousness, you will achieve enlightenment!”


    While Nanako grasped the essence of Master Jingqing’s words, she struggled toprehend the true meaning of the “no-self” state.<fn0555> For original chapters go to Find1Novel</fn0555>


    She felt that human thought is inherently subjective. In any situation, one must rely on their own reasoning—how could she possibly detach from her consciousness within her spiritual awareness?


    Thus, she sought rity from Master Jingqing, asking, “Master, how can one attain selflessness?”


    Master Jingqing replied, “Selflessness is akin to the unconscious realm described by the Buddha. It is a state that one can only understand through experience, not through words. I, too, struggled with the concept of true selflessness, taking eight years to finally discover that state. Therefore, you must gradually explore and seek it on your own; I can offer no further guidance.”


    Ito Nanako felt a sense of determination rather than disappointment. With great respect, she responded, “Thank you, Master, for your guidance. I will do my utmost.”


    Master Jingqing encouraged her, “You may attempt to explore this now. Although I cannot assist you directly, as an observer, I may offer insights based on your progress.”


    Nanako hesitated but then nodded appreciatively, saying, “Thank you very much!”


    After that, she asked, “May I try now?”


    Master Jingqing gestured to the futon beneath the lecture tform for disciples to sit cross-legged and meditate, saying, “Amitabha, please proceed!”