The First Cultivator - Changing Existence - Chapter 711

Chapter 711: Buddhist Practices – 711 Chapter 711: Buddhist Practices – 711 The Imperial Scholar similarly looked around, confused.

“That is all, young friend.” A monk said.  Skymender didn’t know what to say.  “I am supposed to learn it from just that?” He asked.

“That is the basics.

We can teach you more, but it will all be our own conjectures, not necessarily factual.

You must learn this technique yourself.

Luckily, the vast majority of people who learned this technique were blind, so you already have a pretty good starting point.” The monk in charge explained.

Skymender nodded.

Although it wasn’t much, at least he had some sort of guidance to follow.

And it was as the monk in charge said, he could still learn from the monks, it would just not necessarily be one hundred percent correct.

Over the next day, Skymender stood on the ground, sensing the vibrations, and trying to see through them.

However, he never succeeded.

He eventually asked a monk, which led to him hearing some conjectures.

“Seeing through the world requires one to become one with the world.

This is something we monks excel at.

If you wish to learn this technique, consider first learning about Buddhism.” Skymender thanked him for his guidance and spoke to the monk in charge.

“You wish to learn Buddhism?” The monk in charge asked.

“I do.” Skymender said.

The monk in charge looked at him for a moment before shaking his head.

“I don’t think it’s possible.” Skymender was confused.

“Why not?” “Do you know what Buddhism is?” The monk in charge asked.

“Loosely, yes.” Skymender responded.

He had learned a bit about it from the Imperial Scholar.

“Well to be short, I can feel a murderous aura on you.

You have killed a lot of people, and none of it was by accident.

I can also imagine that you do not feel sorry, or for that matter, any sort of guilt or remorse at all.” Skymender nodded.

This was objectively the truth.

The monk in charge continued.

“Buddhism, in its original form, is the practice of ending suffering.

Naturally, this has branched off into countless forms over countless years, but that basic goal still remains.

In order to end suffering, you must not bring it to others.” Skymender understood, but at the same time he found it unnecessary.

“I don’t wish to truly become a Buddhist, I just wish to understand Buddhism and its practices.

My hope is that this will allow me to understand this technique.” The monk in charge thought for a moment before speaking.

“It may be difficult for you, but it may also be easy.

I suppose it would depend on your talent and affinity with Buddhist practices.

Alright then, I’ll help you understand Buddhism.” Skymender bowed and thanked him.  Over the next few days, Skymender was introduced to Buddhist ideas and philosophies.

He was shown practices and rituals.

He was even told a story so ancient that nobody knew where or when it came from.

“The Buddha was born long ago.

So long ago, that it is indescribable.

Yet his teachings have persisted until today.

He saw all of the suffering of the world, and decided that he would dedicate his life to ending suffering.

He would not end others’ suffering, but his own suffering.

He would teach others to end their own suffering, as the only person that one can rely on is oneself.

And that is exactly what he did until he died.” The monk in charge explained.  “Since you do not wish to truly end suffering, I will teach you that which is undeniably beneficial.

I will teach you meditation, calmness, and inner peace.

Only then, in a state of true calm, will you be able to sense the world beneath your feet.

Do you understand?” Skymender nodded.  “Good.

Sit down and cross your legs.

I’m sure you know how to meditate, so meditate.

Think about ceasing all thoughts.

Clear your mind completely.

When you do so, I will teach you how to sense the world beneath you.

Although it is vastly different from truly seeing through the world, it forms a spiritual connection that will no doubt be helpful to you.” Skymender did as the monk in charge said.

As he was being taught, the Imperial Scholar was also learning from the surrounding monks.

Deep in his heart, he had a desire to learn everything.

It naturally faded away as he grew older and his knowledge reached a peak, but these monks had things to teach him that he had not known.

Specifically, it was Buddhism.  Although he, like Skymender, was not naturally fit to practice it, he could at least learn from it.  It seemed that, temporarily, the Western Monks had gained two new members.

Skymender spent a week meditating, trying to calm his mind, until the monks decided to move.  “If you wish to follow us, you may.” The monk in charge said.

“But be prepared.

We do not travel like others.” The Western Monks began to pack up what little they had.

Essentially, they had clothes, some tools, and large cans of water that they carried in backpacks.

Then, without camels, they set off.

Skymender instantly saw the problem.

First, they were walking distances that would take days.

Albeit walking was just as fast as riding a camel, but it was far more exhausting.  The Imperial Scholar, with his old body, would not be able to make this journey.  “Go on, Skymender.

I’ll wait here.” Skymender hesitated before shaking his head.

“Get on.

I’ll carry you.” The Imperial Scholar was stunned.

“The strain put on your body from carrying me so far would be unbearable.

Not to mention me, you wouldn’t make it to the next spot.” Skymender shook his head.

He owed the Imperial Scholar too much.

He would not leave him here.

Besides his blindness, all of his injuries from the Natural Empire had long healed.

He was physically as fit as before.  “I’ll carry you.” Skymender said.

“I have my pride, Skymender.

Don’t think I’m willing to ride on another man’s back.” The Imperial Scholar said.

Skymender walked towards the camels that they had ridden.

He untied the ropes connected to the platform carrying the barrel of water.

He removed the barrel of water, leaving behind a wooden palet, and held onto the two ropes.

“Sit there.”  The Imperial Scholar spoke again.

“That is even more weight.” “Just do it.

I’m not leaving without you, one way or another.” Skymender said resolutely.