With Countless Qualities Bestowed Upon Me, I Shall Ultimately Become Immortal-Chapter 691 - 572: Extending Life by Fifty Years, A Monk’s Inquiry into the Dharma, and the Truth Behind the Mountains’ Whispers!

Chapter 691: Chapter 572: Extending Life by Fifty Years, A Monk’s Inquiry into the Dharma, and the Truth Behind the Mountains’ Whispers!

"???"

The young monk looked surprised, had Brother Meng achieved such "enlightenment" after just a visit to the Demon Nest?

Seeing Master Baibao begin to eat, the young monk also picked up his bowl, happily took a big sip, savoring the taste left on his lips and teeth.

While drinking porridge, feeling content, he shook his head and said:

"Brother Meng has understood the origin of cooking porridge, only then can he grasp the fundamental essence of the pumpkin porridge’s flavor."

Bai Bao smiled, tapping the edge of the bowl with his chopsticks:

"Two slippery fellows, drink the porridge first, no talking during meals."

The test had yet to begin, hinting at Meng Chuan not to rush.

Seeing this, he smiled knowingly.

It seems Master Baibao knew what he intended to do today.

Within the time of a single incense stick burning, driven by haste, unafraid of the heat, he was the first to finish drinking.

While waiting slightly, he internally flipped through the Buddhist scriptures, sharpening his mind before the test.

Soon after, the young monk also finished drinking.

Seeing him deep in thought, he playfully scratched Meng Chuan’s backbone:

"Brother Meng, did you gain some insight just from drinking porridge?"

Once finished eating, they could speak.

Meng Chuan brushed off the young monk’s hand, silently waiting for Master Baibao to finish his meal.

Not long after, Bai Bao leisurely took his last mouthful of porridge.

He gently set down the bowl, his gaze piercing as he looked towards him.

Meng Chuan unconsciously straightened his back.

The test had arrived!

"Today I’m assessing your understanding of Buddhist teachings, which are never spoken in vain. If you can see true meaning in everyday life, only then have you begun to understand the path of Buddhist practice.

So... having consumed porridge and rice, do you feel warm and full?"

Bai Bao’s expression became solemn as he asked.

The examination of Buddhist principles is absolutely no trifling matter.

The inquiry by a high monk is indeed a very serious assessment within the Buddhist sect.

Seeing this scene, the young monk dared not interrupt again.

Holding his breath and concentrating, he quietly listened, silently praying for Brother Meng.

The examination by Master Bai Bao was, without doubt, not simple.

The Celestial King Monk would never pose nonsensical questions, so even the young monk pondered within...

"Hmm... Have I really eaten enough?"

The young monk felt he could still eat another bowl...

As the question was posed to him, Meng Chuan paused, then immediately understood.

Starting with porridge before the meal, examining after the meal, both intend to "discuss teachings with porridge."

He put down his chopsticks, contemplating and said:

"I am satisfied with food but dare not indulge."

Answering in this way, Meng Chuan was not just "performing Tai Chi," speaking circular words.

To satisfy hunger is an essential need for the mortal body, considered a "necessity."

However, "daring not to indulge" warns against developing greed for the desire to be full, the taste of food.

This answer closely adheres to the core tenets of the Buddhist sect’s principles "not attaching to appearances" and "abstaining from greed," in line with the [Diamond Sutra’s: As It Is Seen Section].

Perfect!

Meng Chuan quietly encouraged himself in his heart.

Bai Bao smiled gently, nodding:

"Rice grains may be small, yet they can nourish millions. Do you understand its reason?"

Meng Chuan pondered for a moment:

"Each bowl of porridge, each meal, is sustained by all beings; one must hold a grateful heart and avoid greed and anger."

As he finished speaking, he saw the young monk immediately pick up the bowl and finish the few remaining grains.

Answering thus, centers on "origin" and "cherishing blessings" as response key points.

Where do the grains come from?

They require the farmer’s toil, the nourishment of wind and rain, and other conditions, not appearing out of nowhere.

In essence, it reflects the "combination of conditions."

"To hold gratitude" is reverence to the origin; "to avoid greed and anger" maintains the heart’s nature, not wasting because grains are easily obtained, nor complaining because of flavor.

Bai Bao’s eyes revealed a hint of approval, yet he further questioned:

"If the porridge cools, what would you do?"

Meng Chuan sensed vaguely and responded immediately:

"Hot porridge, cold porridge, both are inherently empty. Heat and cold are appearances; free from attachment is freedom."

Speaking plainly, it means: if it cools, it cools, I don’t mind; in any case, it’s the same once consumed.

Porridge "heat and cold" are external appearances; not attaching to temperature appearance prevents irritation from cold porridge.

The essential idea is explaining to Master Baibao.

He has penetrated "the emptiness of appearances," realizing "emptiness brings freedom."

Bai Bao heard this and laughed, tapping the edge of the bowl with his chopsticks:

"Good! But if there are remaining grains, how would you interpret that?"

As the words fell, Bai Bao glanced at Jue Ming.

He was about to hold this young monk as an example but did not expect his swift action...

Jue Ming also broke out in a cold sweat, internally exclaiming good luck...

"Lucky the young monk acted quickly..."

After some contemplation, Meng Chuan earnestly said:

"Each grain is hard-earned; to cherish blessings is to cherish the origin, clearing away leftover grains to reveal inherent purity."

Not clearing away remnants reflects the external perception formed by the six senses.

What does it mean?

"These leftovers remain in the bowl as determined by the six senses, not needing consumption."

Meng Chuan answered like this, subtly communicating to Master Baibao.

His six senses were clear, and he could cultivate the [Medicine Master’s Clear Six Sensory Experiential Practice].

Mystery woven within mystery, Meng Chuan praised his transcendental Buddha wisdom...

At the same time, the young monk stood aside, savoring the two’s interchange of Zen wisdom.

Feeling equally benefitted richly.

Bai Bao nodded with satisfaction, it seemed the young man indeed put in effort:

"The Zen wisdom in porridge lies in everyday usage. You understood the porridge well today.

Thus, this method, I believe you can also comprehend well."

Meng Chuan struck his palm with his fist, he had graduated!

After Bai Bao spoke, a manuscript appeared in Meng Chuan’s palm.

Just over thirty pages, not very long.

He also discovered the deeper the Buddhist scriptures.

No matter martial arts or philosophy, the text becomes increasingly shorter.

Could it be that upon reaching the divine skills of the Buddhist sect, the entire text becomes just one sentence, the rest relies entirely on comprehension?

Cluck, cluck...

Bai Bao laughed and said:

"Take it to study, if not understood in three days, I will take it back.

This method aims to nurture the strength of one’s mind, achieving purity of the six senses, escaping the heart demon; not understanding may lead to self-deception.

If you can comprehend one page, you have entered, if you can persist and explain three pages thoroughly without tiring the mind, this scripture will no longer serve you.