And so, from half past Hai Shi (9-11 PM) after Liuli and the others left until the end of Hai Shi, all the surviving disciples of Bodhi Temple finally forced the ant gu out of their bodies. Everyone felt their scalp tingle as they looked at the pile of ant gu corpses.
By this time, Shi Chan was already exhausted. He used his seven-jeweled robe to emit a Buddha-light that illuminated the meditation rooms on the back mountain, and that Buddha-light had a calming effect on the many monks. Then, he used his own Buddha-power to recite scriptures, so that the scriptures could spread throughout the entire Pure Land Mountain and reach the ears of the monks, helping them to completely calm their minds.
Seeing that all the monks had driven away the ant-like insects, Shi Chan put away his seven-jeweled kasaya and slowly landed on the ground.
He staggered slightly after stepping onto the ground before regaining his balance. He took a deep breath, put his palms together, and chanted a Buddhist prayer: "Namo Amitabha Buddha!"
"Junior Brother Shi Chan!" Shi Ning walked towards him, raising his voice so everyone could hear him, and said, "Thanks to you today, otherwise my Bodhi Temple would have been wiped out!"
Shi Chan shook his head and said in a low voice, "Senior brother, you are too kind. This is all what I should do."
Shi Ning turned his head and looked around. He saw that all the disciples in the temple were looking at Shi Chan with a hint of gratitude in their eyes. He nodded with satisfaction and said loudly, "As you all have seen, if it weren't for Junior Brother Shi Chan's composure in the face of danger and his help to drive away the ant poison, my Bodhi Temple would probably have been completely destroyed!"
"Everyone has witnessed what Brother Shi Chan has done in the mountains over the years. He continues to spread Buddhism and save suffering people everywhere."
“Back then, Junior Brother Shichan was only temporarily bewitched by the fox demon, which led him to violate the precepts. The Buddha said that one can become a Buddha on the spot by laying down the butcher’s knife. How much more so for a Buddhist disciple like Junior Brother Shichan who has always been devoted to the Buddha. If he is sincere in repentance, we should accept him back into the temple.”
"Don't you all agree?"
As soon as Shi Ning finished speaking, many disciples in the temple hesitated for a moment before responding in unison, "Yes!"
Shi Ning then turned his gaze to the elders and said, "What do you elders say?"
The elders exchanged glances, hesitating to answer immediately.
"Senior brother," Shi Chan suddenly spoke up, saying, "Senior brother, there's no need to say anything more."
Shi Ning paused for a moment, then turned to look at him.
Shi Chan put his palms together in a Buddhist gesture of respect and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, senior brother, I have failed your expectations."
“Now, Master Shichan has only one wish. There is only one thing that Master Shichan wants to do for the rest of his life. But this thing has nothing to do with Buddha. Master Shichan is ashamed.”
Shi Chan looked up at Shi Ning and saw the disappointment in Shi Ning's eyes, which made his heart tremble. But after a moment of silence, he continued, "Shi Chan is not worthy of entering the temple. I hope my fellow disciples and I will take care of myself. Shi Chan takes his leave."
After saying that, he turned and flew away.
Shi Ning watched Shi Chan fly away with a look of deep regret. After a long while, he shook his head and sighed softly. He turned to his disciples and said loudly, "Disciples, listen up! Recite the Rebirth Mantra to help our deceased brothers and sisters pass on to the afterlife."
All the disciples responded, straightened their clothes, composed themselves, and began to chant the Rebirth Mantra in unison. The chant echoed throughout the entire Bodhi Temple, their voices solemn and filled with sorrow.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
