Redwood Zen Temple
Five years passed like a river on the grassland, flowing quietly.
From its humble beginnings as a small cottage, the Redwood Soul-Transferring Monastery has grown into a complex of carefully arranged buildings. The main hall, scripture hall, schoolhouse, and medicinal garden are nestled along the hillside at the edge of the redwood forest, blending harmoniously with the natural environment.
Qi Diao Yanfei stood on the second-floor terrace of the main hall, overlooking the courtyard gradually awakening in the morning mist. Five years ago, she would never have imagined that she would become the founder and instructor of an academy.
"Dean, morning classes are ready." A young woman's voice came from behind.
Qi Diao Yanfei turned and faced one of her most proud students, Baima Zhuoga. The girl haunted by vengeful spirits five years ago was now the youngest instructor at the Soul Crossing Academy, specializing in teaching soul communication techniques.
"Thank you, Zhuoga." Qi Diao Yanfei smiled and said, "I'll be there right away."
Inside the main hall, nearly a hundred students sat cross-legged on cushions, awaiting the start of morning classes. They came from all corners of the plateau, including children of Khampa families, young people from other tribes, and even a few who had traveled all the way from Han areas to seek knowledge.
Qi Diao Yanfei walked to the front of the hall and looked around at the young and focused faces.
"Today we will continue studying the 'Liberation Through Hearing in the Intermediate State,'" she began. "This text teaches us that death is not the end, but the beginning of the bardo state. Our responsibility as soul-ferryers is to guide souls safely through this transition..."
Her voice was calm yet powerful, echoing throughout the hall. The students listened intently, occasionally lowering their heads to take notes.
Over the years, Qi Diao Yanfei has integrated her practical experience as a sky burial master, the knowledge of time and space she gained from her encounter with Tashi Phuntsok, and the wisdom she gained from years of soul-transferring into a comprehensive teaching system. Sequoia Soul-Transferring Institution not only teaches funeral rituals but also offers comprehensive knowledge on the philosophy of life and death, herbal medicine, and soul communication.
After the morning class, Qi Diao Yanfei met Jiacuo in the courtyard. Over the years, he had become an important supporter of the Soul Crossing Institute and often traveled between the Khampa family and the redwood forest.
"Dean," Gyatso jokingly bowed, "I bring you good news. The imperial court has officially recognized the Soul Crossing Monastery as a place of religious practice, bestowed the name 'Redwood Zen Monastery,' and allocated funds to support its expansion."
Qi Diao Yanfei was a little surprised: "The imperial court? How do they know about our little place?"
Gyatso smiled mysteriously: "This is all thanks to a special visitor."
He stepped aside as a middle-aged man in official uniform approached from the courtyard gate. To Qi Diao Yanfei's surprise, the man was holding a roll of bright yellow silk in his hand—the material of imperial edicts.
"Dean Qi Diao, I have long heard of your great name." The official saluted respectfully. "I am Li Wenyuan, the Minister of Rites. I have come here by order of the Emperor to issue an imperial decree."
Qi Diao Yanfei led everyone in the academy to kneel and receive the imperial edict. In the edict, the emperor praised the Redwood Soul-Ferrying Monastery for "teaching the people to face life and death calmly and guiding souls to their rightful resting place, which is truly an act of immeasurable merit." He officially named it "Redwood Zen Monastery" and allocated 5,000 taels of silver for expansion.
After receiving the order, Qi Diao Yanfei invited Li Wenyuan to the guest hall for tea.
"Your Excellency, you have come a long way and must have worked hard." She poured butter tea for the guest. "I wonder how the Emperor learned of the existence of our little courtyard?"
Li Wenyuan smiled slightly: "Do you remember that I treated a businessman named Li three years ago?"
Qi Diao Yanfei thought for a moment and nodded. Three years ago, a merchant named Li from the Central Plains had indeed fallen ill while passing through the redwood forest and was rescued by students from the Soul Crossing Academy. He recuperated at the academy for two weeks, during which time he deeply identified with the academy's philosophy.
"That merchant Li is actually the emperor's cousin, Prince Jing," Li Wenyuan revealed. "After returning to the capital, he highly praised your ideals and virtues to the emperor. The emperor was deeply interested and sent me here to investigate. After observing you for a few days, I believe that Soul Crossing Temple—no, Redwood Zen Temple—is indeed worthy of the court's support."
This unexpected news surprised and moved Qi Diao Yanfei. She had never imagined that her soul-transferring concept, based on her personal experience and insights, would be recognized by the imperial court.
Over the next few months, Soul Crossing Academy began its expansion project. With the support of the imperial court, a new library, pharmacy, and more dormitories were built. Students from all over the land flocked to the academy, even children of the nobility, drawn by its reputation.
However, as his fame grew, so did doubts and criticisms.
One afternoon, Qi Diao Yanfei was instructing students to identify herbs in the herb garden when suddenly there was a commotion outside the courtyard gate.
"Let that witch out!" a rough male voice roared, "She's using witchcraft to bewitch people!"
Qi Diao Yanfei walked calmly towards the courtyard gate and saw a group of men in traditional Tibetan robes gathered outside the gate, led by an old lama with a stern face.
"What advice do you have?" she asked politely.
The old lama stepped forward, his gaze sharp as a knife. "Are you Qi Diao Yan Fei? The soul ferryman who claims to be able to communicate with spirits?"
"I've never called myself anything," she replied calmly. "'Soul Crossing Master' is a title given to me by others."
"Whatever the name," the old lama said sternly, "you are teaching young people to interact with the dead. This is against Buddhist teachings! Once the soul leaves the body, it should be allowed to enter the cycle of reincarnation and should not be forced to stay!"
Qi Diao Yanfei understood the old lama's concerns. Indeed, some people who only had a superficial understanding of soul-crossing would abuse this ability, attempting to stay with their deceased loved ones for a long time, which in turn hindered the soul's liberation.
"Master, you've misunderstood," she explained. "We never encourage the retention of souls. Quite the contrary, our goal is to help souls trapped in obsession let go of their worries and peacefully enter reincarnation."
She invited the old lama and his entourage into the courtyard to observe the students' daily practice.
In the scripture hall, students are reciting the Diamond Sutra, trying to understand the profound meaning of "no self, no person, no living being, no life".
In the practice room, senior students are learning the correct procedures for sky burial ceremonies, emphasizing respect for the deceased and awe for life.
In the medicine garden, students learn how to use herbs to ease the pain of the dying and help them pass away peacefully.
The old lama's expression changed from sternness at first, to surprise, and finally to deep thought.
"I originally thought you were teaching evil spirits," he confessed. "Now it seems you're actually imparting compassion and wisdom."
Qi Diao Yanfei nodded: "Life and death are natural, attachment is suffering. What we teach is nothing more than the wisdom of letting go of attachment."
When the old lama left, he not only cleared up the misunderstanding, but also left behind a precious ancient scripture as a gift. After this incident, the voice of the Redwood Zen Temple became more solid, and even some traditional temples that were originally skeptical began to communicate and cooperate with it.
However, the real test has just begun.
That winter, a rare plague swept across the plateau. Victims first suffered from persistent high fevers, then developed black spots on their skin, and ultimately died in excruciating pain. Even more terrifying, the souls of the deceased seemed restless, frequently causing disturbances among the public.
Temples and doctors from all over the country were helpless, so people came to the Redwood Zen Temple for help.
Qi Diao Yanfei immediately organized teachers and students to fight the epidemic. They built a temporary hospital outside the Zen temple to treat patients and sent teams to various places to help soothe restless souls.
"This plague is unusual," Baima Zhuoga said worriedly to Qidiao Yanfei after examining the tenth patient. "The patient's soul is contaminated by a dark energy that cannot be liberated even after death."
Qi Diao Yanfei personally examined the patient and confirmed Zhuoga's judgment. This was indeed no ordinary disease, but an evil force that could corrode the soul.
Late one night, she came to the holy lake alone and called out to Tashi Phuntsok.
The lake surface rippled for a long time before his reflection slowly emerged, blurrier than ever before.
"Yan Fei," he said weakly, "The space-time node... is being attacked..."
"What?" Qi Diao Yanfei asked in shock.
"A dark force from another dimension is trying to break through the barrier." Tashi Phuntsok's reflection flickered. "The plague is its manifestation in the human world... I must concentrate all my strength on guarding the node, so I may not be able to contact you for the time being..."
"How can I help?" she asked anxiously.
"Find the source of the plague...purify it..." His voice grew fainter and fainter. "Remember, light and darkness coexist and counteract each other...the power of the flower of rebirth..."
The reflection completely disappeared, and no matter how Qi Diao Yanfei called out, the lake surface no longer responded.
Returning to the Zen temple, she immediately summoned all the instructors and senior students.
"This plague is not a natural disaster, but an invasion of dark forces from other dimensions," she declared solemnly. "We must find the source of the plague and purify it."
Based on the distribution of patients and the severity of their symptoms, they eventually located the source in a valley to the northwest. Qi Diao Yanfei personally led a team of elite students to investigate.
The scene in the valley was shocking. Once vibrant, it was now utterly silent. Trees withered, streams ran black, and the air was filled with a foul stench. In the center of the valley, a black hole-like vortex slowly swirled, continuously emitting dark energy.
"That's the source!" Baima Zhuoga pointed at the vortex. "I can feel countless suffering souls trapped inside."
Qi Diao Yanfei took out the "Poetry Biography of Tsangyang Gyatso" that he carried with him. The book emitted a strong blue light, fighting against the dark energy.
"Everyone back off!" she ordered, walking towards the whirlpool alone.
The closer she got to the vortex, the greater the resistance. Dark energy clung to her like a substance, attempting to penetrate her mind. Countless agonized cries echoed in her mind, tempting her to give up resistance.
She continued to move forward resolutely, reciting the poems of Tsangyang Gyatso:
“At that moment, I raised the Wind Horse, not to beg for blessings, but only to wait for your arrival.
That day, I built the Mani pile, not for cultivating virtue, but just to throw a stone into the lake of my heart.
…”
The power of poetry formed a bright barrier, protecting her from the erosion of darkness. Finally, she came to the center of the vortex.
There, she witnessed a heartbreaking scene—a young girl's soul was locked in the core of the vortex, becoming an amplifier of dark energy. Even more shocking was that the girl's appearance was strikingly similar to her childhood memory.
"Why...why choose this form?" she asked Dark Vortex.
A cold voice rang directly in her mind: "Because this is the form that can most shake your heart. Let go of resistance, join us, and you will gain eternal power."
Qi Diao Yanfei instantly understood—this dark force had chosen her as a breakthrough point because she was Tashi Phuntsok's deepest concern in the human world. If she fell, it would directly affect Tashi Phuntsok's ability to protect the node of time and space.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and shook her head firmly: "You underestimate the power of love."
She held up the Biography of Tsangyang Gyatso's Poems and poured all her energy into it. The book burst into an unprecedented light, like a blue sun, illuminating the entire valley.
"I have let go of the world, but I have never let go of love." She declared loudly, "And love is stronger than any darkness!"
Light and darkness collided violently, shaking the entire valley. At the critical moment, Qi Diao Yanfei felt a familiar force joining her—it was Tashi Phuntsok. Although he had to guard the node of time and space, he still allocated some of his strength to support her.
"I will not let down Tathagata and I will not let you down..." She seemed to hear him whispering in her ear.
Light ultimately triumphed over darkness. The vortex rapidly shrank, eventually vanishing. The trapped souls were freed, including the spirit of the girl who resembled her childhood self. Before fading, she offered Qi Diao Yan Fei a grateful smile.
The valley came back to life, withered plants sprouted anew, and the dark streams became clear. The source of the plague was completely purified.
Back at the Redwood Zen Monastery, good news came one after another: the plague in various places quickly subsided, and the souls of the patients returned to peace.
After this incident, the Redwood Monastery's position became even more secure. People believed that it was not only an institution that imparted wisdom about life and death, but also a fortress that protected the world from the invasion of darkness.
Qi Diao Yanfei stood on the terrace of the rebuilt main hall, overlooking the more magnificent panoramic view of the Zen temple. After all this, she had a deeper understanding of her mission.
"Dean," Baima Zhuoga came to her side, "a new batch of students has arrived, waiting for your opening speech."
Qi Diao Yanfei nodded and walked towards the main hall. Inside, more than a hundred freshmen knelt in a neat row, their eyes filled with a thirst for knowledge and admiration for her.
She walked to the front of the hall, looked around at the young faces, and began the first lesson of the new school year:
"Many years ago, someone asked me: What is the mission of a soul ferryman?"
"Now my answer is: Soul Ferrymen ferry not only the souls of the dead, but also the souls of the living."
“We learn to face death in order to better understand life;”
"We communicate with souls to understand the eternity of love;"
"We face the darkness in order to protect the light in the world."
"This is the meaning of the Redwood Zen Temple's existence."
Outside the hall, the wind blew through the redwoods, making a rustling sound, as if echoing her teachings.
And in the distant holy lake, the reflection of Tashi Phuntsok showed a relieved smile.
Their love has transformed into compassion and wisdom, spreading like seeds in all directions, taking root and sprouting in countless hearts.
Everything in the world is you, and your love will be passed on forever through us.
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