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“Abbot, you cannot leave!”
“Master, how can you abandon your disciples and the monastery so easily?”
“What will we do if you go?”
“I am willing to follow you wherever you go!”
The monks behind him were all dumbfounded upon hearing his words, then immediately began urging him to stay. Only one among them expressed the desire to follow.
“There is no need to persuade me further. My mind is made up.” Master Xuanhua slowly turned, looking at the assembled monks. “This year’s drought has brought forth many evils. Do you know how many Daoists have come down from their mountains to save the people of Longzhou? Do you know how many wandering monks have passed by our monastery in just these few months?
“You have all spent years diligently studying Buddhadharma. Each of you should stay true to your own path, upholding your Buddhist teachings to bring salvation in your own way. But never forget this...”
His gaze swept across the monks, his voice steady. “If one wishes to be a dragon or elephant among Buddhas, one must first serve as an ox or horse for all living beings.”[1]
The monks were silent. It was as if their ears had been cleansed by his words. Their expressions turned solemn, and they no longer tried to dissuade him. Instead, they pressed their palms together and murmured their assent in low voices.
“Master! I wish to accompany you!” In the end, only that one disciple stepped forward.
“Why?”
“Today, I just finished a debate with Senior Brother, discussing precisely the matter of how to bring salvation to the world. Last night, I listened to...
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