0133 Seeking common ground while reserving differences
One thing we have to guard against is that the Chinese people are a double-edged sword. If you use the plan to build civilization's identity well, you can get twice the result with half the effort. If you use it poorly, it will make the Chinese civilization become extremely narrow.
But these are things that need to be considered later. For now, let’s settle the matters of Taoist innovation and Journey to the West.
After looking around inside the temple, everyone went to the backyard.
Pan Shizheng was already waiting at the door with his disciple Si Yuncheng. He was also a guest and did not accompany the host to welcome guests. But Tian Shiwen, Cheng Xuanying, and Li Chunfeng were not ordinary people. It would be too much for him not to welcome them.
Standing at the door of the backyard to greet you expresses sincerity and respect without overpowering the guest, which is just right.
Inevitably, they exchanged pleasantries and exchanged greetings for a long time, and then they went to the backyard lobby and took their seats.
Chen Jingke stood on one side of Sun Simiao, and Si Yuncheng stood on the other side of Master Pan.
Tian Shiwen also came here with his disciples. It was Yin Wenchao who was famous in the history of Taoism. He was the next generation leader of Lou Guan Sect and the next leader of Zong Sheng Guan.
Chen Jingke was able to get involved with him even by beating around the bush - his ultimatum was personally issued by Changsun Wugou, and she also appointed him to go to Zongsheng Temple to worship Tian Shiwen as his teacher.
As for why the empress decided to designate someone to become a monk at Zong Sheng Guan, to use a popular saying, she understands everything.
He was only seventeen or eighteen years old at this time, and he seemed particularly calm and steady, not at all lively as he should be at this age.
When Chen Jingke was observing him, he was also observing Chen Jingke. When their eyes met, the two smiled politely, and then looked away at the same time.
Li Chunfeng and Cheng Xuanying are both very young, and they don't know whether they haven't found a suitable successor yet, or they have no plans to do so for the time being. Anyway, they both came alone.
As the landlord, Sun Simiao first made the opening remarks: "The arrival of all Taoist friends has made Zixiao Temple shine. The Taoist is very grateful, and I would like to express my gratitude."
Pan Shizheng and the other two in turn thanked Sun Simiao for the invitation. Anyway, it was just some conversational remarks.
None of them were ordinary people. After a few simple words, they went straight to the topic.
Sun Simiao was the first to say: "For reasons known to all, the opportunity for the great prosperity of our Taoism is just around the corner. We must seize this opportunity, otherwise we will be Taoist sinners."
Everyone nodded. This was an open secret. The royal family of Li and Tang recognized Lao Tzu as their ancestor and respected Taoism. This was the opportunity for great prosperity.
As leaders of the Taoist side, they were naturally unwilling to miss this opportunity.
"But the factions within our Taoist sect are complicated. If we cannot complete the integration, I am afraid this opportunity will be wasted and give the Buddhist sect an opportunity to take advantage of."
"You are all the leaders of the party. I invite you all to come here just because I hope we can sit down together and discuss the future of the Taoist sect."
"Let me ask you a question first. You should have no objection to the need for integration within our Taoist sect, right?"
Pan Shizheng was the first to reply: "The Blessed Immortal Lord, I deeply admire my senior brother for his great ambition, and the Maoshan sect is willing to join Jiwei."
Everyone's hearts sank. He must have reached an agreement with Zixiaoguan by being so active. Maoshan is a major Taoist sect, and having his support means that the reform of Zixiaoguan is a foregone conclusion.
Although they have no room for opposition because of the royal family, they still hope to gain more benefits for their faction.
As we all know, the earlier you join a group, the greater the benefits you will get. Now that the Maoshan faction has taken the lead, they have much fewer bargaining chips, so naturally they cannot relax.
Tian Shiwen considered it and said: "Everyone agrees that reform is inevitable, but we still need to call everyone over to sit down and discuss how to reform."
Li Chunfeng echoed: "Since Mr. Shengxuan became an immortal, Sun Zhenren is actually the leader of our Taoist sect. I personally support you to promote the innovation, but I don't know how the Zhenren is going to deal with the relationship between the factions?"
Tian Shiwen said: "This is also a question I want to know. I would like to ask a real person to clarify my doubts."
Cheng Xuanying also nodded and expressed that he had the same question.
This question is similar to Pan Shizheng's question the day before yesterday. Everyone is afraid that Zixiao Temple will take advantage of them. If an agreement cannot be reached on this point, there will be no need to talk later.
Sun Simiao also understood this truth, but this time he did not answer it himself. Instead, he said: "Let me answer this question for you."
As he spoke, he winked at Chen Jingke, and everyone looked at him.
Chen Jingke took a deep breath, stepped forward and said, "Seniors, you don't have the right to speak as a junior like me, but you can't violate the teacher's orders."
"Since Master asked me to say a few words on his behalf, I will venture to say a few words. If there is anything I say that is not right, please forgive me, seniors."
At this point, he paused, and when there was no objection, he continued: "Seeking common ground while reserving differences is the fundamental principle of Zixiaoguan in dealing with various factions."
"There are great ideological differences among the various factions, and each represents different interests. It is normal to have conflicts and disputes. We must face up to this problem."
"But no matter how deep the conflicts between us are, one thing is unquestionable, that is, we all belong to the Taoist sect."
"We and the Taoist sect will both prosper and suffer. When the Taoist sect prospers, all factions will benefit from it. When the Taoist sect declines, everyone will suffer. Therefore, revitalizing the Taoist sect is our common pursuit."
"Bah!" Cheng Xuanying, who had remained silent, couldn't help but clapped his hands and praised: "Seek common ground while reserving differences, my little Taoist friend's words are wonderful and wonderful. If all our Taoist sects can have this intention, then there is hope for great prosperity.
"
Li Chunfeng also said: "With this statement, Sun Zhenren's innovation will surely win the support of all Taoist sects."
Chen Jingke bowed humbly to the two to express his gratitude, and continued: "Seeking common ground while reserving differences is the fundamental principle. We also have several principles on how to implement it."
"First, respect each other. Each family has its own ideas. We should respect each other's teachings."
"Secondly, they do not interfere in each other's internal affairs. Each faction is independent and each faction handles its own internal affairs. Other factions are not allowed to interfere."
"Including this innovation, we, Zixiaoguan, have proposed a general program, and each faction can integrate according to their own circumstances, provided that the interests of other factions are not harmed."
"Third, equality and win-win. All factions are equal and there is no distinction between superior and inferior. Normal contacts should also be based on the principle of mutual help and mutual benefit."
"Fourth, do not attack each other. Each faction must not attack other factions' ideas at will..."
"Fifth, live in peace. I believe everyone can understand this without explanation... If there is a conflict, a solution should be found through negotiation."
"This fundamental principle and five specific principles are Zixiaoguan's expectations for the Taoist sects in the future. I wonder what you seniors think?"
