Little King Past II

By Geogre Alva

Jiva and Rajiva only stayed at home for three days, then moved to Vuong Tan temple (Tsioli temple). It was a royal temple, located on the western part of the royal palace, about fifteen minutes' walk from the palace. Before moving, Rajiva had arranged everything carefully: Because I am your teacher, I can still stay in the mansion. Every day he would go home after afternoon chanting to study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Jul 28, 2022

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cover-image, Little King Past II

Little King Past II

Geogre Alva © 2022

CHAPTER 1

Jiva and Rajiva only stayed at home for three days, then moved to Vuong Tan temple (Tsioli temple). It was a royal temple, located on the western part of the royal palace, about fifteen minutes' walk from the palace. Before moving, Rajiva had arranged everything carefully: Because I am your teacher, I can still stay in the mansion. Every day he would go home after afternoon chanting to study.

The plan to go to Trung Nguyen had to be postponed, because it was winter now, heavy snowfall, freezing on all roads, the merchant teams had to stop their journey. If you want to go, you have to wait until next spring. Besides, I'm in no hurry. As soon as I got to Khau Tu, I had not started my survey work, and I had not learned Tocharian yet. Someone willing to provide me with a decent place to live, there is no reason for me to refuse this teaching job.

The host, Kumarayana is hospitable and very warm, he is always considerate and attentive to me. He was elegant and polite, just like a professor at a university. If only my school had a teacher like him, surely all the female students of the school would race to register for the subject he taught, the class would have no seats, even the hallways would be packed. If he were to teach Sanskrit, Mr. Quy would no longer have to grieve and complain because no students would want to learn this language. Kumarayana completely trusted me, he never asked me about the method of class. And after hearing Rajiva praise me, he even suggested that I take on another student.

I was able to walk around the ancient city of Khau Tu. This country has three large, heavily guarded citadels. In the middle is a magnificent palace. The area of the castle is five or six times larger than the Delwyn castle that I have examined. The Odile religion is well received here. Wherever you go, you will find temples, shrines, big or small, built in a dense density.

Khau Tu leans back on Thien Son mountain in the north, is considered the country with the most abundant water resources in the Western Region, so farming and animal husbandry are very developed. Thien Son Mountain is rich in minerals, which can supply all countries in the region. In addition, Khau Tu is located on the intersection of the Silk Road, trade developed with the brilliant development of handicrafts. Therefore, Qiu Tu was the richest country in the Western Region.

Every day, each group of silk horses flocked back and forth on the main roads, the scene of trade and exchange of goods between merchants took place extremely busy, horses like water like wedges. The whole city is like an exhibition of ethnicities: the Yue Zhi, the Wusun, the Xiongnu, the Turk, the Sienpi, the Joujan, the Mongol, the Persian, the Iranian, the Indian, even people of the European race. modern like: Greek and Roma and lots of Charmaine people. Every time I step foot on the street, I stop, engrossed in the flow of people of all colors and costumes walking back and forth in front of me. It was only when the new student, who was holding my hand beside me, looked up with a disdainful face, did I move on in regret.

When I think of this new student, he is the problem that gives me the most headache right now.

An extremely cute, white kid is passionately scribbling with a pencil on my scratch paper, then erases it with an eraser and continues to draw. The boy who considers this reusable learning tool of mine to be the most attractive toy, keeps drawing and erasing all day without cCharmaine.

I stood by, my heart aching like cutting:

- Little boy, little man, devil! Do you think my family has a store selling school supplies? The eraser is only half, the pencil is only half, and it has lost three more pages of paper. Did you know these are all non-renewable resources? You used up all my money like that, in this day and age, where are you going to buy it for me?

Actually, I still have it in my pocket, but who knows how much longer I have to stay here, so I can't help but save.

The boy ignored my pleas and continued to draw. It's also because he doesn't understand Charmaine yet. But when the fourth sheet of paper died, I couldn't hold it any longer, so I shouted in Tocharianian:

- Do not. .. draw. .. again!

angry voice of Ha Dong lion did not work. The boy looked up at me with his big round, bright eyes blinking at me. The eyes were identical to Rajiva, both inherited from her father's light gray pupils and red curly hair from her mother. Those eyes darted back and forth a few times, then dropped the pencil, climbed down the chair, and rushed straight into my lap:

- Then you sing to me!

It happens again! Last time Kumarayana had to go to Gumo for a few days, he didn't come back for several days, every night he sneaked into my room to ask to sleep with me. Not wanting to waste my energy on yelling, I had to sing a children's song for him. Unexpectedly, from that day on, the boy asked me to sing well every day and even asked not to sing the same song. So my modern songs became lullabies. So bad luck!

I sighed, moved to the side, giving half of the chair to the boy to sit on and lean into my lap. While quietly singing the song Sleep well baby by Chau Hoa Kien, gently patted him on the back. The boy closes his eyes tightly, his long and smooth eyebrows accentuate the high bridge of Philomena's nose, very cute!

I can understand why he likes to cuddle me like that. Mother and brother both served Odile ancestor, he was just six years old when his mother left the country, four years apart, no word. The old nanny, the person closest to him, who had taken care of him since he was a child had passed away a few years ago. Although there were many servants and nannies in the house, no one could give him a mother's love. At this age, the boy desperately needs friends, although he still goes to the palace to study with the princes every day, but when he comes home, no one plays with him or plays with him. His brother, three years older than him, became old very early, and they had not seen each other for four years. Every time he saw Rajiva, he was very reserved.

Therefore, my appearance plays the role of both a mother, a playmate, and an object for him to cherish every day. Your naughty actions are just to attract my attention, because you want to be more interested in me. But that's too bad for me! Every day I had to play countless roles: at first as a soldier under the general's command, listening to the general's orders to report the situation. Then again pretended to be the enemy's voice to challenge the general. And finally pretended to be defeated, raised the white flag, surrendered and begged for his life. Every day, having to play, run, and fight with a boy who is growing old, makes me so tired that I can't breathe.

When the melody of love and lullaby ended, the boy fell into a deep sleep. I hugged him and put him on the bed. Hands on shoulders, mouth softly mutters: He's too heavy, if he grows up a little more , I might not be able to carry him. Ten years old and still playing like a kid. Just finished a song and fell asleep.

It's been snowing non-stop for the past few days. I'm from the Jiangnan region, so even though the greenhouse effect makes the whole earth warmer, I still rarely see big snowfalls like this. The first few days I was very excited, and excited to drag Pusyseda with me to build a snowman. But it wasn't long before I started seeing cCharmaine, because the snow was so heavy that I was afraid of the cold. So from that day on, I very rarely went out of the room, and the survey work was also temporarily put aside. Fortunately, Rajiva brought me a lot of Charmaine books: History, Tale Tales, La Thi Spring and Autumn, Warring States Book, King Thi. .. books that I read a long time ago. And there are also a number of documents that have been lost such as Thach Thi Tinh Kinh.

The Rajiva family reading room has a lot of scriptures and documents written in languages: Sanskrit, Tochariania, Brahmi, Kharosthi, with rich and diverse content, covering almost all fields: Philomena, philology, technology, engineering, calendering, medicine, logic, astronomy, music law, and calendar.

I looked at that massive bookstore with lust. If they could be brought back to modern times, it would be of great research value. Most people couldn't afford the books of this era, because each book was worth a year's income. Not to mention the books written on silk. Then the official documents, the purchase and sale contracts, were mostly written on wood, because writing paper was many times more expensive than wood.

From the outside, the palace looks very simple, the layout is also simple, so all the most valuable possessions are in this room.

So, every day I come and sit here for a few hours, diligently copying those precious documents. I used to think about going to buy it, but there are a lot of books here that no matter how much money you bring to the street, you can't buy them. These are the books that Kumarayana brought back from India, or the rare books that were presented by the envoys of neighboring countries to King Khau Tu. If I can't take it, then I can only copy it. Therefore, more than ten days have passed, and it has not been boring for me.

Every day, when I come home, Rajiva comes in to greet my father, then comes to my place to study, then to the library to read. He quietly read the book, I quietly copied the book. When he returned to the temple, he often brought a book that was still unfinished, but the next day saw him exchange it for a new one. One day he came home when Pusyseda's class wasn't over yet. He quietly sat next to him studying before the lesson. By the time I started teaching, he had memorized the content I was about to lecture, many places I misread, he even gently reminded me, making me sweat. He thinks I'm a genius. The historical knowledge of five thousand years is not much, what is wrong in a few places? I was so angry that I hit him on the head, warning him not to fool the teacher.

While reviewing the memories of being a tutor for more than ten days at the national monk's residence, while pulling up the blanket to cover Pusyseda, suddenly there was a cold feeling behind, it turned out to be Rajiva. He pulled back the windscreen and stood with his back to the sill, looking at me.

- Hey, why are you back so early today?

Rajiva's afternoon chanting starts at four o'clock and ends at five o'clock. So, usually, it's about six o'clock when he comes to my place to study. But today five thirty minutes were present. You wonder how I know the exact time? Because my timeless watch has an alarm function, and also has a contrasting lunisolar and yang calendar, which is very handy. Since the timekeeping function is broken, this watch can only be used to tell the time. So I still wear it on my hand every day, everyone who sees it just thinks it's a weird bracelet.

One more thing I need to make clear. The time zone in Xinjiang and Beijing is two hours apart. Therefore, when traveling to Xinjiang, I usually adjust the time according to local time. Otherwise, my daily schedule would become very weird because: I wake up at ten in the morning, have lunch at two or three in the afternoon, the lights are still on at nine o'clock, and I don't go to bed at one o'clock at night. Anyway, 1650 years ago, people still didn't have a concept of time difference, so I adjusted to the time in XXI century Xinjiang.

- I go to the palace to talk to the king, then come back straight here.

He entered the room, glanced at Pusyseda sleeping on the bed, then suddenly said in Tocharian:

- Stop pretending!

Pusyseda immediately opened his eyes, crawled out of bed, his face flushed, his mouth mumbling:

- Brother!

I rolled my eyes, this sly boy, daring to pretend to be asleep to be carried to bed by me. Still indifferent as before, Rajiva reminded Pusyseda to go to his room to sleep. Pusyseda was more afraid of his brother than his father, so he quickly fled.

- He's still young, so don't be too strict.

My maternal instincts suddenly surged, I was never harsh or harsh with Pusyseda.

- The song was very good.

He cleverly changed the subject.

- Just some Charmaine children's songs. Khau Tu's music is probably much better.

Kuu Tu's music is famous throughout the region, everyone knows it, is Felicity's praise of Khau Tu's music.

- I've never heard of it.

He hesitated, a hint of sadness in his eyes.

- My parents never sang me lullabies like you.

I burst out laughing imagining Kumarayana and Jiva singing lullabies to their children, perhaps instead of singing they would chant.

Rajiva was a bit surprised to see me smile. I hasten to suggest:

- Do you want to hear?

He hesitated a bit, didn't answer me, just lowered his head in silence. Then, as if he had to make up his mind, he raised his head to look at me and gave me a strong nod. I find it a bit strange, only listening to one song, why bother so much? I sang the song Sleep well baby. Then, I suddenly remembered the scene where Song Hye Kyo both composed lyrics and choreographed herself to perform very funny dances in the movie Happy House. The dance is not artistic, but has a very good amusing effect. So I tried to imitate that dance. The handsome little King in front of me was smiling brightly, the relaxed, carefree smile normally seen in a thirteen-year-old boy.

I finished singing, but he continued to laugh happily, a very beautiful smile. I silently looked at Rajiva, wanting to imprint that youthful image in my memory. For several days I worked hard to draw Rajiva, because I wanted to bring him back to modern times, so that people in the 21st century could admire the vivid portrait of the great King 1650 years ago. But I'm not a painter, I can sketch cross-sectional shapes of objects, but drawing portraits is really limited. Draw again and again and still not satisfied. Not to mention his eccentric aura, his looks alone are not even three parts. Right now, I wish I had a magic pen. That smile, as beautiful as a sculpture, if it could be repainted, to keep it for thousands of years, how wonderful!

Rajiva's face began to turn red again, his eyes wandering far away. I suddenly woke up from a dream, I must have been looking at him so intently that he lost his temper. I rushed to find a way to change the subject:

- Hey Rajiva, what's the matter with the king meeting you?

CHAPTER 2

- The king wants me to return to the world, to help him handle the affairs of the court.

- You refused, right?

Otherwise, we wouldn't have a great translator!

- How do you know?

Rajiva tilted his eyes to look at me, surprised.

- Because you are that Kumarajiva!

That said, only modern people can understand. So I hastily changed my voice:

- Because, not only do you want to liberate yourself by the spiritual path after having understood samsara, stay away from lust and reach the highest realm, but you also want to convert people, save sentient beings, cultivate into righteous results, save lives.

During our days in the desert, we used to discuss ideals. At that time I did not know he was Kumarajiva, so I did not dare to speak. But now, I know his true identity, and have read documents about him, so I understand what Rajiva is worrying about.

I have always thought that Odileism is an interesting religion and that the high priests of Odile are philosophers.

Before his death, Odile Mani (Sakya Mani) did not leave behind any canonical texts like the Christian TCharmaineh or the Islamic Coran and at that time, Odile religion was also new. only a small tribe among the many great religions in India. But since the time of Sakyamuni, the Odile religion has had its own sects, such as that founded by Odile's cousin Devadatta, for example.

Disciples of Odile ancestor also had different interpretations of the Odile doctrine. People with different ideas will often write a set of scriptures and form their own sect. Therefore, over the past few thousand years, the Odile sects were born like mushrooms after the rain, synthesizing all kinds of scriptures from these religions may take several generations to read them all. Mahayana, Hinayana, Tantra are the main nCharmaineh, while the other minor nCharmaineh are numerous. Hinayana has Tuyet Son Bo with the theory of necessary existence (all, past, present and future exist simultaneously). The Odile sect of Mahayana in Trung Nguyen has Thien Dai Tong, Tinh Tho Tong, Phap Tuong Tong, Hoa Nghiem Tong, and Thien Tong. The Tibetan Tantric sects have: Gelugpa, Nyingmapa, Kagyu, Sakya, Papal, Red, Chinese, Black, so many that when traveling to Tibet, despite having read a lot of books, I'm still confused and don't understand anything.

Saying that much is to explain why the Odile sect has so many sects.

It can be seen that the high monks who attained enlightenment and founded their own sects were all erudite philosophers. Odile religion is a religion that has a strong attraction to these people of transcendent intelligence. Think about it, if you are a person with intelligence far beyond ordinary people, with a level of thinking that ordinary people do not have and on the basis of not going against traditional teachings, by way of religion, you can You can express your outlook on life, worldview or profound insights about the spiritual world, in order to be admired, admired and believed by thousands of people. That is great. For the monks, if they can bring all the accumulated knowledge of a lifetime to build up theories, teachings with their own views, and then establish their own sect, that will be a great achievement. in the field of Odile Studies.

Rajiva is brilliantly intelligent, good at thinking and arguing like a philosopher, surely he also wants to become the spiritual father of thousands of people, enlighten and lead sentient beings to the realm he thinks he is. absolute. Although he was only thirteen years old, I believe that he had formed that view of life and world a long time ago.

I kept engrossed in my endless thoughts without realizing the silence that had lasted all this time. It turned out that Rajiva was looking at me intently, the corners of her lips were trembling slightly, her eyes seemed to focus all the light on me, those eyes seemed to be enjoying, feeling emotional and most of all, feeling comforted. because I just met a trio.

- Ai Tinh, what qualities does Rajiva have to meet you in this vast world.

I smiled wryly. It was only because I had read documents about him that I knew that Rajiva first studied Hinayana Odile but later switched to Mahayana. What I have just said is just a generalization, the basic difference between these two sects only. And before that, Rajiva also expressed concern, so I can guess his current thinking is the issue of changing sect.

- Ai Tinh, remember one evening in the desert, you asked me why I left home?

Rajiva's gaze left me behind, drifting away to a distant place. I forced myself to sit up straight, so that I could listen seriously.

- When I was seven years old, my mother went to the suburbs to go on a trip, saw the body full of mounds, white bones full of copper, she realized that greed is the cause of all suffering. Man's lust is as terrible as the fire in hell, that fire will burn man to ashes, causing man to expose his body in the wilderness. She didn't want to have to endure those miserable torments anymore, so she swore that if she couldn't cut her hair and become a monk, she wouldn't eat or drink anything. My father was vehemently opposed at first, but my mother was determined to go on a hunger strike. Until the evening of the sixth day, when her mother's breath was as thin as the wind, she still refused to eat or drink. My father panicked, so he agreed to her. But my mother was afraid that my father would change his mind, and asked her to let her hair down first before eating. The next day she received ordination, left the house, and moved to the Tsio-li temple.

The story about Rajiva clearly recorded the reason why Jiva left home, so I nodded slightly:

- So you followed your mother to ordination?

Rajiva shook his head, the light paused for a long time on the kerosene lamp swaying in the wind, as if he were remembering something.

- After my mother left home, because I missed her so much, I often went to the temple to visit her. As she and the great masters chanted sutras, I sat beside her and listened. I don't know why, those scriptures, I only heard them once and memorized them, making everyone surprised. In the temple, the high priest Odile Do Thiet Di asked me about the meaning of the verses that I memorized, and I answered fluently. The teacher praised me as the talent of Odile, so he talked to his mother and expressed his desire to accept me as his disciple.

Rajiva's sublime wisdom was revealed from a very young age. In the story about him when he was seven years old, it was described as follows: One day he recited five thousand verses, thirty-two words each , thirty-two thousand words in total. Think about it, a seven-year-old boy who can memorize thirty-two thousand words every day, which are difficult to understand texts, perhaps only Albert Einstein or Steven William Hawking can compare. I think that if Rajiva were to recite the number Pi, he would definitely break the Guinness record.

- My mother asked me if I was willing to leave home. I thought that if I left home, I would be with my mother, so I agreed.

I was a bit stunned, but that's okay, no matter how smart he is, he's just a kid, nothing more, he doesn't want to be away from his mother. This reason is very natural. But Rajiva's life was decided by that seven-year-old nod.

Rajiva's gaze drifted away from the lamp and toward me, a puzzled look on his face again:

- Last time, when she asked me why I left home, I realized, I didn't know how to answer. Because you want to be with your mother? I am no longer a seven-year-old. In a few more years, I will receive great ordination and officially enter the realm of form and emptiness. But, for the past few days, every night I still wonder, after all, what am I ordained for?

- Have you got the answer yet?

I'm a bit curious.

- In the past, when studying Odile Dharma, the teachers all said that by spiritual practice, one can liberate oneself, understand the cycle of birth and death, stay away from anger, delusion, desire and reach Nirvana. When I was in Kabul, I followed Master Bandhudatta to study Theravada Odile, a total of four million verses explaining the method of attaining true fruition. But...

Rajiva stood up, walked to the window, put his hands behind his back, before my eyes was a lonely, ascetic figure. Despite his young age, he exuded the aura of a high monk.

- On the way back to Khau Tu, witnessing the scene of white bones piled up in the desert, thieves raging everywhere, people miserable and miserable. I wondered, I can attain enlightenment through spiritual practice, but what about those people? Those bandits are still unruly , and living beings are still immersed in the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death. So what do I study Odile for?

I stood up, walked over to Rajiva, and softly said:

- The Little Vehicle entered the world, the Great Vehicle entered the world. Therefore, when he came into contact with the Mahayana Odile, he felt that this sect was more in line with his will. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva once said: As long as hell is not empty of souls, vow not to become Odile. Do you also want to learn from the bodhisattva and save many people, not just yourself?

Rajiva suddenly turned to look at me, his eyes touched, his face beaming.

- Right. When I was still in Sulaq, I studied under the great master Suryasoma, and when I first encountered the Mahayana Odile, I was deeply convinced. In the past few days, with her discussing Odile dharma, her profound insights into Mahayana and Hinayana Odile made me extremely admired, but...

His face was a little worried, his voice became melancholy:

However, after returning to Khau Tu, every time I mentioned the Mahayana teachings, the teachers thought it was a false pagan treatise, which made me feel very miserable.

I can understand that sentiment. The Theravada Odile religion has existed and flourished for several hundred years in Khau Tu. At first, the rivalry between these two sects took place very fiercely. Then the propagation of Mahayana teachings, which was a small sect at that time, was considered evil behavior by a very small number of active monks. Therefore, it is understandable that Rajiva encountered kCharmaineg resistance, how strongly opposed and how internally he had to struggle and struggle.

- Rajiva, in fact, Mahayana was developed on the basis of Hinayana teachings, these two schools are not opposed to each other. Odile the founder and Odile religion because he wanted to oppose Brahminism, oppose the harsh caste system, so his teachings are very simple. The method of practice was adapted from the ascetic practice, which was very popular at that time, hoping that by your own efforts, you could achieve liberation. But society is on the way of development and change. The limitations of the Hinayana teachings are becoming increasingly apparent.

I walked over to Rajiva's side and looked at him with the greatest sincerity I had:

- The Hinayana Odile teaches self-salvation, in order to be liberated, it is necessary to leave home. Those who follow the Theravada Odile religion do not participate in production and do not give birth to children. If everyone left home and followed this sect, the country would not be able to exist, mankind would surely perish. Yes, when the Odile religion and the ruling power were in conflict, the Mahayana sect was born to solve that problem.

I raised my head and said:

- Moreover, Mahayana teachings can help people. Just worship the Odile and read the Odile to become Odile. And so, no need to leave home, lay people can also become Odile, which will solve the conflict about production capacity. Lay people can become a body again, which means it will relieve the need for the endless proliferation of mankind. Only when recognized by the ruling class could the Odile religion spread widely and attract more followers. That's when Odile's spectrum shines, the spectrum of sentient beings.

Rajiva seemed to be listening deeply, with a pensive expression on his face. I don't know how much he understands. I only give my analysis based on the relationship between religion and productivity, between religion and the ruling class. Then add:

- Rajiva, your wish to change sect is right. Odile Buddhism is in line with the development trend of the times, helping to relieve the spiritual needs of many people.

Given his liberal personality and radical thinking, the Mahayana teachings certainly suit him better. So his decision to change his sect in the future was also inevitable.

Rajiva raised his head to look at me, a troubled expression on his teenage face.

- What about in Trung Nguyen? Will the Charmaines accept the Mahayana Odile?

I smile:

- That's natural. The Mahayana Odile will be widely circulated in Trung Nguyen from generation to generation.

Ji Qian Lam once said: The length of time for the flourishing of a religion depends on the degree of its Chineseization. The more popular a doctrine is, the more popular it will be and thus the more it will be supported by the ruling class. Hinayana teachings require people to practice austerely, but it is not certain that they can become Odile. While the Mahayana Odile, especially the Zen school, advocates enlightenment, Icchantika (one syllable: only lowly people, lacking good roots) also has Odile nature. Therefore, just sincerely pray Odile, learn Odile, you can throw away the sword and immediately become Odile. Wouldn't that make Philomena more relaxed, more relaxed?

Rajiva gradually became fresher, determination emanating from his broad forehead. Looks like a strong resolve has been established.

- A few days ago, at an abandoned shrine in the Tsio-li temple, I happened to pick up a book of scriptures, which is the Mahayana sutras. I couldn't help it, so I secretly opened it and read it. But for fear of adversely affecting the teachers' lectures and teachings, I dared not tell anyone how much I wanted to learn the new teachings. Today, after discussing with Ai Tinh, I knew what to do. When I return, I will read it again to my masters and brothers. And the next day will widely spread the Mahayana teachings, save and save more and more sentient beings into Odile.

The book he mentioned, I find it very familiar.

- Rajiva, is that book you found the Low-Blood Sutra? And were the demons surrounding him, forcing him to give up?

In the story about Rajiva there is a passage that says: When Kumarajiva opened the book to read the 'Luminous Sutra', suddenly the writing on the wooden card disappeared. The master knew that it was caused by demons, so his determination to read the sutras became even greater. With that, the magic power became ineffective, the writing immediately returned, and the master continued to study the book. Suddenly, in the air came a voice: You are a wise person, why are you reading the Radiant Sutra? The Master replied: You devil, get out of here! My determination is as big as this earth, nothing can shake it.

Of course, I don't think he actually met ghosts. I believe Tue Jiao wrote this thrilling story to emphasize that Kumarajiva encountered enormous psychological obstacles when deciding to change sect. Because, having to change the beliefs that we have always worshiped and believed in is a very painful thing. Surely he has been tormented, hesitated, even wanted to give up. Psychological ties are always the biggest obstacle and the hardest to get rid of.

Surprised, he exclaimed:

- Radical lens?

Then read once the title of the book in Sanskrit and nodded approvingly:

- The title of the book is translated very well. Lord Odile radiates light, illuminating sentient beings.

Rajiva pondered for a long time, then said:

- This scripture says that the propagation of Odile is to help the blind to see light, the deaf to hear Philomena, the mute to gain voice, the hunchback to straighten their backs, to make the foolish become serious. , the confused get peace of mind, the sick are cured, the sick get healthy, the old get young again, the torn get warm. Odile Dharma shines, helps sentient beings to be equal, treat each other like parents, like siblings. That is to say, the purpose of spiritual practice is to save sentient beings, not to promote individuals to attain enlightenment. These profound values, I personally agree wholeheartedly.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly.

- But, why is there any devil harassing me?

His eyes flashed a smile, thought for a moment, and continued to explain:

- If yes, then it is my own psychological obstacles. I don't know whether to follow the Mahayana teachings or not. Ever since I got this sutra, I have hesitated many times over whether to read it or not. After reading, he hesitated. Should I propagate it or not? Those obstacles have not been completely removed until today.

Remember that night you asked me, what is the ideal of my life?

Take a deep breath and lean forward.

- Up to now, I have been able to be like you, clearly stating my ideals.

He paused for a moment and then raised his voice high:

- Spreading Odile religion everywhere I go, creating new theories, saving sentient beings, this is the ideal of my life.

Rajiva in a pose with his head held high, the glimmer of kerosene lamps could not hide the confidence that flooded his face. This unusual aura makes me keep watching mesmerized. That self-assurance and brilliant intellect shined through the figure of a teenager, as if I were seeing the bright light of the future, which was the light emanating from the pulsating fire that was ignited by all. life force, aura radiates everywhere.

- Very virtuous!

I clapped my hands, nodded, and cheered.

- I admire people with ideals and ambitions. Go ahead according to the set goal, you will surely succeed.

Rajiva suddenly turned to me, bowed respectfully, and made me jump. When he looked up, I saw a thin face flushed with red, eyes sincere and intense:

- Ai Tinh, Odile, dearly loved, sent me a wise teacher like you to guide and pave the way for Rajiva. Rajiva vows not to disappoint her!

He has never been so respectful towards me. A small spark suddenly ignited in my heart and, like lightning, spread throughout my body. Unconsciously, I used my hand as a fan to catch the wind. Why is it so hot in the middle of winter?

That evening, after finishing school, as he walked out the door, Rajiva looked up at the starry sky and said:

- Tomorrow will be sunny.

Then he turned his head to look at me, a smile as bright as the spring wind:

- Ai Tinh, tomorrow I will take you to visit Khau Tu Citadel.

CHAPTER 3

In The Great Tang Dynasty of the West Region, Felicity described Qiu Ci as follows: The country of Qiu Ci, from east to west more than a thousand miles, from south to north more than six hundred miles, the Great Capital Citadel has a circumference of about ten seven, eighteen miles.

I was standing on a section of the wall, looking out into the distance. Falling into view are the mountains in succession on the Thien Son range, with white snow falling. At the foot of the mountain is the irrigation system and the fields are square, very regular, snow covered the fields, plain or exposed in the sun two or three dark areas.

- God favors Khau Tu people, so this year snow season like that.

Rajiva looked at Thien Son mountain in the distance, his breath following Philomena's sound spreading out into space.

I raised my troubled eyes to Rajiva. He smiled and explained.

- Khau Tu is a dry area, lacking rain all year round, if the winter is cold and snows a lot, then next year there will be enough water for cultivation.

That's right, this place only gets a few rains a year, the source of irrigation water is mainly based on the melting snow on Thien Son mountain. The snow melts, creating seasonal rivers. As long as there is a river, it will be possible to cultivate and grow crops. Places without water will be deserted, turning into deserts, deserts. The area of the countries in the Western region is very small because of this reason.

Suddenly I remembered that every year in Khau Tu, the Su Mu Zhe (To Mac Gia) festival is held, also known as the cold bridge festival. On this day, the people of Khau Tu organize activities to pray to Odile God for a long cold winter with heavy snow. During the Tang Dynasty, this festival was transmitted to Trung Nguyen, becoming one of the important festivals of this dynasty.

- What time of year does the Cold Bridge Festival take place?

I secretly promised myself, I must definitely watch this rare festival.

- Start tCharmaineg Seven