After listening to Han Mo’s words, even Monk Daojian was momentarily speechless.
As the leader of Buddhism, he knew better than anyone the true nature of Buddhism.
However, things had reached a point where he could no longer make decisions alone.
He was aware that there were indeed many black sheep among the monks in the world, but these individuals held high positions, making it difficult to deal with them.
Especially during this time of social unrest and constant warfare!
If he dared to wield the sword of justice, those people would likely turn against him immediately and defect to the Daoist sect!
“Benefactor, I do not deny that there are many such monks in the world, but do you dare to say that there is not a single devout monk in the Grand Xiangguo Temple?”
After being stifled for a long time, the old monk finally spoke again.
“Master, are you engaging in sophistry? Since you’ve brought it to this point, let’s debate it today! You monks all claim to be ascetics. Even if there are truly devout high monks, what good do they bring to the nation?”
“You do not pay taxes, you are not required to perform military service, you do not need to fight on the battlefield, and you do not even need to support your own parents, wives, and children. Tell me, what is the meaning of your existence in this world?”
“To accumulate virtue and perform good deeds for the sake of the afterlife! To save all sentient beings and free them from suffering across the six realms!”
“Master, do you believe what you are saying?”
As soon as the old monk finished speaking, Han Mo retorted with a cold smile.
“I…”
Looking at Han Mo’s half-smiling expression, Daojian could only offer a bitter smile.
“You see, even a high monk like you is hesitating. Buddhism has long since lost its way. Master, open your eyes and see clearly. From the moment those devout men and women walk into the temples, they have to pay incense money before they can burn incense and worship Buddha. To make a wish before the Buddha, they must first offer a ‘good affinity’ to the monks in the temple. If they have no money, they don’t even have the qualification to burn incense and worship Buddha! Do you call this Buddhism?”
“In this world, the biggest usurers are the Buddhist refectories, followed by the Daoists. Master, do you have nothing to say?”
Han Mo’s words struck at the heart of the matter, leaving Daojian at a loss for words.
“Master, although your life is simple, every mouthful of food and every bowl of rice you eat is supplied by the refectory, isn’t it? Do you know how many heinous acts your disciples and grand-disciples have committed with the incense money offered by those devout men and women? Lending at usurious rates, with interest compounded like a donkey’s rolling dice, forcing many to sell their children and daughters. Master, do you dare to say that not a single copper coin you use is stained with human blood?”
“What is the benefactor trying to say?”
After taking several deep breaths, Daojian finally managed to stabilize his mind.
“I am saying that if Buddhism does not change, even without those Daoists, it will surely be a dead end in the future!”
Seeing the old monk’s solemn expression, Han Mo took a sip of tea and said leisurely.
“How to change?”
Upon hearing this, Monk Daojian’s face clearly showed a hint of confusion.
“Return to one’s true heart and do what Buddhism is truly meant to do!”
“What is it that Buddhism is meant to do?”
After listening to Han Mo’s words, Daojian immediately sat up straighter.
“Currently, the Song, Liao, Jin, and Western Xia are engaged in constant warfare, especially the Jin people, who are now blinded by their bloodlust. If Master can spread Buddhism to the northern kingdom and lessen the Jin high officials’ inclination for violence, wouldn’t that be a blessing for all under heaven?”
“This…”
Upon hearing Han Mo’s proposal, the old monk was momentarily at a loss for words.
Everyone knew that the Jin people were currently massacring people everywhere. Going there to preach at this time would be tantamount to seeking death!
Although he did not concern himself with worldly affairs, he was not foolish!
“Does the benefactor truly believe that this matter can succeed?”
With his mouth twitching uncontrollably, the old monk looked at Han Mo with disbelief.
“Master, Jianzhen Monk was able to cross the sea to Japan and propagate Buddhism back then. Why can’t Master go north? Is the road to the north more difficult than the vast ocean?”
After listening to Han Mo’s words, the old monk just wanted to roll his eyes. Isn’t this stating the obvious?
The areas of Hebei and Hedong were in chaos. If these monks were to travel on foot through the war zones at this time, they would likely be beheaded as spies before they even reached the Jin camp!
Furthermore, even if they managed to reach the Jin kingdom, would those barbarians who had just emerged from the forests listen to their nonsense?
“Master, is it to lie on Buddhism’s laurels and wait for death, or to risk your life for nine out of ten to forge a path to survival for Buddhism? The choice rests with you!”
After saying this, Han Mo stopped speaking. He had said all he needed to say. The rest depended on the old monk’s own choice.
He had already set the trap for the old monk. If these monks lacked the courage to fight for survival, then the decline of Buddhism would be deserved!
“Please trouble Benefactor Han to wait here for a moment. This old monk needs to discuss with my disciples!”
This matter was too significant. Even Daojian could not make a decision immediately.
“It’s fine. The environment here is quite serene. I’ll just sit here for a while. Master, please go about your business!”
Stretching his back a long way, Han Mo waved his hand indifferently.
“My apologies!”
Bowing to Han Mo once more, the old monk turned and walked out of his meditation room.
It took nearly half an hour before Monk Daojian returned to the meditation room.
“If the Grand Xiangguo Temple can be preserved, this old monk is willing to agree to have all Buddhist disciples from other temples withdraw from Bianliang for three years!”
After hesitating for a moment, the old monk spoke tentatively.
Hearing this, Han Mo was immediately amused.
The old monk had clearly agreed. As for preserving the Grand Xiangguo Temple, it was merely a lingering reluctance in his heart.
“Master, you are attached to form. The Buddha resides in the heart, not in clay sculptures and wooden statues! If the Buddha is in your heart, all things in the world are Buddha. If there is no Buddha in your heart, even Buddha’s relics are merely shattered stones. Do you agree with me?”
Finishing the remaining tea in his cup, Han Mo said with a smile.
“You, you…”