(I posted it as soon as it was written and haven’t revised it yet. I’ll code the next chapter first and revise it together when that chapter is finished.)
Chen Jingke's argument is simply about selective absorption and assimilation. This compromise method can be accepted by both Cheng Xuanying and Tian Shiwen.
Although Cheng Xuanying did not support targeting Buddhism, as long as he was allowed to absorb the excellence of Buddhism, he would accept anything else.
Although the Lou Guan sect is anti-Buddhist, after so many years of struggle, they also know that it is unlikely to expel Buddhism, so they spend their main energy on belittling Buddhism and promoting Laozi's Hu Sutra.
At that time, the "Laozi Hua Jing" compiled by Wang Fu only had one volume with a few thousand words, but now it has been expanded to more than ten volumes with nearly 100,000 words. This is basically the credit of the Lou Guan School.
Therefore, Tian Shiwen didn't have much objection to this rhetoric. He was even very interested in Chen Jingke's idea of annexing Buddhism and asked:
"Everyone knows that Buddhism comes from India, how can we annex them?"
Chen Jingke stretched out two fingers and said: "The two paths are carried out at the same time. If they can be completed, it will not be difficult to turn Buddhism into a side branch of our Chinese civilization."
Tian Shiwen perked up and said, "May I ask which way?"
Chen Jingke said: "The first is to reform the mind, so that everyone in the world believes that Laozi transforming Hoover is the way."
"Second, by conquering Tianzhu by force, Sakyamuni's Buddhist kingdom will become the territory of the Tang Dynasty, and Buddhism will naturally become part of China."
Everyone looked at each other in shock. They wanted to occupy Tianzhu. This... was really a genius idea, but there was a big problem in implementing it.
Tian Shiwen said with some disappointment: "Tianzhu is to the west of the Western Regions and thousands of miles away from the Tang Dynasty. How can we conquer it?"
Chen Jingke smiled and said: "That's just a rumor. Going from the Western Region to Tianzhu actually means taking a long detour and walking thousands of miles more. Taking the normal road is much closer."
Tian Shiwen said in surprise: "Does this little fellow Taoist know the shortcut to Tianzhu?"
Chen Jingke did not answer him directly, but said: "Master Tian can ask the saint about this matter to see what his opinion is."
What this means is that the emperor knows the route, so go and ask him.
Tian Shiwen was stunned for a moment, then slowly calmed down, "This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided by a few Taoist priests. It must be approved by the emperor."
But...if he can really conquer the Buddhist Kingdom, Tian Shiwen will have completed the unfinished work of the Lou Guan sect for dozens of generations.
It didn't matter if I didn't know where Tianzhu was before. Now that I know it, if I don't do it, I would be very sorry to all the ancestors.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He must think carefully about how to persuade the emperor to use troops against Tianzhu.
Aren’t you foreign pagans very powerful? This time I’m going to take the heat out of the cauldron and see who can have the last laugh.
But let's not rush on this point. Even if Tianzhu is not as far away as imagined, it is certainly not close. Expeditions to other countries are not an easy task and require long-term planning.
Well, since this Taoist fellow Taoist Xiao Chen has proposed this strategy, he must have more ideas. Let’s communicate more with him when we have the opportunity in the future.
Moreover, he was also the quasi-consort, and had a great influence on the emperor. It would be much easier for the two families to join forces to promote this matter.
The matter has been settled for the time being, and now we will discuss Journey to the West and Laozi's transformation into a beard.
"Okay, I will come back to discuss this matter with my little friend after asking the saint another day. Regarding the Journey to the West, our Louguan sect will do our best to support it." Gu Li
Li Chunfeng and Cheng Xuanying naturally also expressed support.
Once one thing is confirmed, everyone starts to discuss the reform of Taoism. What we discussed just now is whether to change it, but now we are discussing why and how to change it.
Sun Simiao intended to help his disciple and gave him the opportunity to speak.
Chen Jingke was not polite, and pointed out the situation rather energetically, saying: "To be honest, due to the Yongjia Rebellion, the road between China and the Western Regions was cut off, and in the past few hundred years, our Chinese civilization has been somewhat closed-door and amusing itself.
"
Seeing that Tian Shiwen wanted to refute, he stretched out his hand to stop him and explained: "This can be clearly seen through comparison. It is the same religion, and Buddhism is braver than us."
"They dare to cross thousands of miles to preach in China, but what about our Taoist sect? In our own country, we are always outnumbered by Buddhism."
"At least 70% of the people believe in Buddhism, and very few believe in Taoism. Outside China, there are very few believers in Taoism, but Buddhism is a major religion in places thousands of miles around."
"This is a vivid example. No amount of preaching can change the reality. Instead of denying it, it is better to sit down and think about what we lack compared to Buddhism, and then make changes."
Cheng Xuanying couldn't help but said: "What religion seeks is peace of mind and detachment, how can it be competitive."
"Hey..." Before Chen Jingke could say anything, Tian Shiwen couldn't help but sneered:
"Laozi traveled to the west, Confucius traveled around the world... Many of the various schools of thought opened forums to teach and promote their doctrines. So, do you think they are all competitive?"
Cheng Xuanying also felt a little embarrassed, but what he dared not accept more than his face was the accusation from above. If word got out, he could just find a deserted place to live in seclusion.
He quickly said: "Master Tian, please don't misinterpret my original intention. I..."
Tian Shiwen interrupted him and said: "What can be misinterpreted? How can he be competitive when he preaches doctrines and educates sentient beings for the sages? His Buddhism can travel thousands of miles to China to preach, why should we, Taoists, swallow their anger?"
"Blessings are born in the Immeasurable Heavenly Lord." Cheng Xuanying recited a mantra without further explanation.
Chen Jingke was a little at a loss. Why did he suddenly start spraying when he was fine just now? He didn't expect such a thing to happen, and for a while he didn't know what to do.
Sun Simiao came to the rescue in time and said: "What both of you said is reasonable. Some people seek peace in the world, so they preach doctrines and educate all living beings. Some people seek personal transcendence, so they pursue peace of mind."
"However, no matter what kind of theory it is, its purpose is to persuade people to do good so as to achieve peace in the world and let the people live and work in peace and contentment."
Tian Shiwen did not dare not give him face, and said: "What the real person taught me is that I misunderstood Master Xihua."
Cheng Xuanying sighed inwardly and said: "There is also a problem with my expression, which led to Mr. Tian's misunderstanding. Let's just let this matter go."
Chen Jingke admired in his heart, the master is the master, he settled the matter in two words.
But at the same time, he was also very confused. He didn't know if it was an illusion. Tian Shiwen seemed to have a strong opinion of Cheng Xuanying.
What causes this?
"Ahem." Just when he was thinking wildly, Sun Simiao coughed dryly and winked at him, gesturing for him to continue.
Chen Jingke gathered his thoughts, rearranged his language, and said: "If you want to innovate, you must understand what religion is used for and what its essence is, so that it is easier to start."