Master Miekong did not use any complicated words to press the question, but simply brought up a story from the Su Wen chapter of the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which all practitioners would know.
But just this one question is enough to make it difficult for many practitioners to understand.
Because this involves the differences in the methods of practicing Taoism.
This Su Wen chapter asks, "There is a huge difference in life expectancy between ancient people and modern people. This is because ancient people followed the natural course, while modern people go against it, which leads to such serious consequences."
But later on, solutions and ways to avoid such problems were given, but they were only temporary solutions and not a cure for the root cause. It can even be said that the Su Wen chapter is indeed a classic, but it is no longer suitable for today's way of cultivating immortals.
Therefore, the first thing the old monk said when he opened his mouth was this matter, which clearly hit directly at the most crucial point in the cultivator's heart regarding the path of cultivation.
No matter how Zhang Fan answers, it will reveal what kind of Taoism he practices.
In this way, the old monk can naturally use this to test the result, using his strengths to attack his weaknesses, so he can easily win.
Of course, not everyone can see what the old monk is planning.
Many other pilgrims were frowning in deep thought. In addition to their usual knowledge of Buddhism, they naturally also learned something about Taoism.
But now, the Taoist idea of harmony between man and nature and letting nature take its course seems to be in contradiction with the practice of becoming an immortal.
After all, the ascetics are the ones who plunder the resources of heaven and earth, and they are also the ones who destroy nature. So how can we say that man and nature are one and that we can let nature take its course?
"As expected of Master Miekong, this question may seem easy, but it actually points directly to the true heart of cultivation. Every word and action of yours has a purpose."
"It's too tricky. Mr. Zhang Fan is so young, can he really understand such profound knowledge?"
Everyone started asking questions at once, their eyes cast worriedly on Zhang Fan, too scared to answer for a moment.
But what surprised everyone was that the expression on Zhang Fan's face did not change at all. He even shrugged mockingly, as if the question raised by Master Miekong was a trivial question that was not worth mentioning!
He raised his head and answered easily!
"Master Miekong said that this way of heaven and man is not actually the path I practice, but since you asked, I can answer you."
Zhang Fan just said it casually, and he saw that Master Miekong's eyes widened and he looked shocked.
The faces of the people around him also changed slightly.
They have only heard of Taoism, but do not know how many methods of practice it has.
Could it be that the Mr. Zhang in front of him has taken a different approach?
But Zhang Fan did not directly answer these people's questions, but spoke.
“The way of heaven and man should conform to the changing of the seasons, the rise and fall of the human body, the rising and setting of the sun and the moon, and everything we see, hear, think and contemplate, all of which has its time and date.
So, letting nature take its course is actually a return to primitive times. Eat when you are hungry, drink when you are thirsty, be happy when you see beautiful things, and be angry when you see hungry things.
Everything is what you want in your heart, and nothing goes against your wishes!
As for the question asked by the Master, why do Taoists want to cultivate to become immortals, then why can't the Master think that as long as everything goes with the flow, they can become immortals as they wish. "
Master Miekong was stunned for a moment. In fact, he had heard these words from other people before, but none of them were as clear as what Zhang Fan said.
Everyone believes that the Taoist practice of going with the flow, which advocates letting nature take its course, is actually in contradiction with hard work.
Little do we know that everything is in harmony with nature, has never been separated from life, and seems no different from ordinary people.
If this is the case, how can it be considered as being different from the way of letting nature take its course and the principle of harmony between man and nature?
"This..." Master Miekong frowned. With his wisdom, he could only deduce to the end point of what Zhang Fan said about the way of heaven and man. But he didn't know how this method of letting nature take its course fit into the path of cultivating immortals.
This is also something that many practitioners are confused about!
But Zhang Fan was unwilling to explain for this old wizard.
Instead, he brought up the issue that he had just mentioned when he opened his mouth.
“You old mage may not know that the reason why the way of heaven and man seems paradoxical to you is not because the Taoist has changed, but because the world has changed.
The Taoists have naturally found another way to cultivate immortality. This road is extremely smooth and is called the Golden Elixir Road!"
As soon as these words came out, the old wizard's eyes widened.
This great way of the golden elixir is actually not complete, and can be said to be incomplete. It is a departure from the method of going with the flow that was derived from the Su Wen chapter of the Yellow Emperor period. There is a world of difference between the two.
Now Zhang Fan said that the road to the Golden Elixir is extremely smooth. For ordinary monks who specialize in Buddhism and practice according to the ancient methods, this is a very unfair and shocking thing.
And Zhang Fan continued to speak proudly.
“As the saying goes, Tao follows nature, so why should I be bound by the method of cultivation? This world is full of wonders and contains everything. Beyond this world, there is an even greater expanse of space, with infinite opportunities and infinite distance.
In this case, why bother with the so-called practice, and why bother with the so-called nature? Just like the old master, knowing that the practitioner has thousands of paths to choose from, he still asked a question that even the most basic little Taoist boy can answer!
This... doesn't it mean that the master's vision has been limited?"
After these words were spoken, the many monks present could not help but laugh.
What Zhang Fan said and implied was that his path of Buddhist practice had become narrower and had more rules and regulations, which would inevitably lead to no chance of achieving immortality in the future.
How is this possible?
So, Master Huikong, who was at the back, suddenly frowned and spoke.
"The pure land of Buddhism is originally for spiritual practice. Naturally, one should abide by the precepts and rules to restrain oneself. If one is sincere and likes Buddha, how can one's horizons be narrowed?"
Zhang Fan chuckled, shrugged gently and said, "Doesn't Buddhism also have its own way of practicing as a living Buddha? If we don't follow the rules and keep things fresh, won't we be able to get through?"
Everyone around was a little surprised, and their eyes gradually became confused.
Because at this level, ordinary people can no longer imagine what this method of practice is.
The straightforward Master Huiming was so shocked by what Zhang Fan had just said that he even forgot that he and Zhang Fan had a personal grudge!
It can be said that if one wants to find a path for spiritual practice, he will ask impatiently!
"Donor, what do you mean by that? The way the Living Buddha practices is not something that ordinary practitioners like us can imitate!
Could it be that you have already comprehended some of the Buddhist practice methods?"
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