139: Chapter 139: Overdoing is Worse than Not Doing Enough (4000 Words) 139: Chapter 139: Overdoing is Worse than Not Doing Enough (4000 Words) A joke, with the eight parts of the Buddha Hell currently full of unlawful monks being apprehended across the Xiniuhe Continent, an Arhat appearing before them, cloaked with the power of karma, isn’t this just actively seeking death?
Since the Arhat has offered himself, who else should they apprehend if not him?
Thus, without uttering another word, the eight factions of the Buddha Hell rapidly apprehended the Arhat.
But capturing one Arhat brings about consequences far more severe than capturing hundreds of Buddhist disciples.
After all, an Arhat’s network is much larger than that of Buddhist disciples.
His friends are primarily Arhats and Bodhisattvas.
As a result, when the eight factions of Buddha Hell captured the Arhat, they stirred up a hornet’s nest, provoking a large band of Arhats to attempt a rescue mission.
Good heavens, what are these members of Buddha Hell?
They are merely ruthless law enforcement machines, devoid of any compassion or understanding.
Upon seeing someone attempting a rescue, they immediately consider them an accomplice, and begin to apprehend them without a second thought.
Strong as the Arhats may be, the forces of Buddha Hell are clearly stronger.
When one hundred and ninety-two Golden Immortals join forces, unless an equal number of Golden Immortals are dispatched to combat them, it is difficult to escape from falling into the Buddha Hell.
The situation escalated until finally, a Bodhisattva named Most Supremely Intent was alerted.
He left his Taoist Field and personally went to the Heavenly Dragon Temple, hoping to persuade Jiang Chen to cease his actions.
In front of the Heavenly Dragon Temple, a Bodhisattva and a Wisdom King stared at each other for a moment before the Bodhisattva said:
“Wisdom King, our Buddhism cherishes compassion and always strives for tolerance.
Why do you insist on stoking problems in the Xiniuhe Continent and increasing your own violations?”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chenopened his eyes and said, “I show compassion to them, but who shows compassion to those beings who have been cruelly harmed by them?”
“We are all born of parents, all of flesh and blood.
Who can claim to be more noble than others?
Who is born to be enslaved by others?”
“If I let them go, allowing them to act above the law, those beings who have been victimized by them will never find peace.
If other monks see these violators going unpunished, who will take Buddhism’s precepts seriously?”
Upon hearing Jiang Chen’s questioning, the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva clasped his hands together, uttered a Buddha’s name, and said: “Amitabha, this is what is known as cause and effect, or karma.
It is precisely because these beings committed many evils in their previous lives that they are facing this tribulation and are dying at the hands of Buddhist disciples.”
“However, if they perform virtuous deeds in this life, even though they may die, they will surely be reborn in the Pure Land in the next life, and they will attain great freedom.”
When the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva said this, Jiang Chen couldn’t help but laugh, “According to the Bodhisattva’s words, are Buddhist disciples harming these beings for their own good?”
“The secular world is too bitter, and it’s difficult to navigate the mundane world, so Buddhist disciples take it upon themselves to end their lives, grant them liberation, and allow them to be reborn in bliss?”
The Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva clasped his hands together and, seeming to understand the sarcasm in Jiang Chen’s words, responded shamelessly: “The Wisdom King speaks truly.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chen knew that there was no point in discussing further.
The saying ‘people of differing paths do not plan together’ held true.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Chen suddenly laughed and said: “I am fortunate to have had this exchange with the Bodhisattva today.
It has made me realize just how righteous my actions are.”
Upon saying this, Jiang Chen’s tone grew fierce, “It is precisely because of people like you in Buddhism that the Heavenly Dragon Temple was born.”
“You only see cause and effect, but fail to see the Buddhist tenets of kindness to others, equality among beings, and the compassion to save the world…”
“When you murder, there is not a shred of compassion in your eyes.
Now, when the executioner’s blade falls on you, you speak of mercy.”
“Is this your version of compassion?
You are selfish and disregard others.
Such egotism is utterly contemptible.”
“It is exactly because termites like you exist that Buddhism has been unable to flourish.
Today, I am here, abiding by Buddhist precepts, to clear the weeds such as you.
I aim to restore order and bring about a peaceful and prosperous era to the Xiniuhe Continent.”
Being called a termite, the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva could only feel a surge of anger welling up within him.
His face turned red as he shouted at Jiang Chen:
“Evil monk, you accuse me of lacking mercy, yet there isn’t a shred of compassion in your eyes.
Those Buddhist disciples who died by your hand were also born of parents.
Isn’t it cruel for you to kill them?”
Upon hearing the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva’s words, Jiang Chen realized just how twisted his reasoning was.
Only those who committed the same crimes would have empathy for the offenders and defend them.
Otherwise, wouldn’t they have to admit they were the villains?
Of course, besides this, there’s the idea that it is not easy for Buddhism to cultivate a disciple.
But is it easy for an ordinary family to raise a child?
Banter ceases when minds don’t meet.
Jiang Chen had lost interest in further conversation with the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva.
He said, “Bodhisattva, are you worthy of that title?
Look at your current state, do you deserve to be called a Bodhisattva?”
“Ask yourself, have you done right by the beings who believe in you?
I don’t know what sort of Buddhism you practice, but your selfishness and self-interest show nothing of a Bodhisattva’s heart.
You are nothing more than a demon in the guise of a Buddha.”
“You…” At his words, the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva was on the verge of a heart attack, a faint hint of murderous intent emerging.
Then, he suddenly brandished his Magic Treasures and ferociously pounced on Jiang Chen.
“Evil monk, you have fallen into the demonic path.
I shall capture you and send you to the Spiritual Mountain to be judged by the Buddha.”
Seeing the Most Supremely Intent Bodhisattva attack, Jiang Chen was not alarmed.
He simply smiled and said: “Bodhisattva, you seem to have violated the precept of not giving in to anger due to your insufficient practice!”