Chapter Twenty-One: Debating in the Buddha Hall

We approached slowly, the monastery's golden rooftop shining brilliantly under the sunlight, engaging in a harmonious dialogue with the lush prairies and distant mountains around us. Gold and green, heaven and earth, the sacred and the natural, at this moment they merged perfectly. The sun's light bathed the golden roof, reflecting off its surface with a gentle sheen, compelling an involuntary focus on its splendor, as a reverence for the monastery rose within our hearts.

A tranquil atmosphere enveloped the monastery's surroundings, as if every stone, every blade of grass, was endowed with religious significance. This sacred tranquility weighed heavily on our state of mind.

Especially striking were the prayer flags fluttering in the wind, gently swaying about the perimeter of the monastery in a vivid array, with Sanskrit scriptures written upon them. As the wind rose, the flags swayed, seemingly whispering the accumulated prayers and silent recitations of a thousand years; gentle and peaceful, yet filled with power. The fluttering prayer flags were not just a symbol of religion; intertwined with the embracing natural scenery, they seemed like a mystical bond linking heaven, earth, and humanity.

The three of us stood still before the monastery, filled with awe for the grandeur and solemnity of this ancient temple. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as the expansiveness of the prairie, the silence of the monastery, and the voices of history mingled in our hearts, giving rise to a sense of solemnity that transcended the mundane world.

We stepped into this historical monastery. Everything within revealed the dignity and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism. With our echoing footsteps in this quiet space, it was as if we could hear the echoes of yesteryears.

The monastery's internal structure was intricate, with interlacing corridors and galleries. Each turn seemed to conceal an untold story. The copper bells hung under the eaves swayed with the wind, their ding-dong sound unveiling the prelude to the mystery. The huge sandalwood doors slowly rotated on their axis, opening a door leading deep into the realm of faith.

Inside the hall, the glittering golden Buddha statues stood majestically. The face of Buddha was serene and compassionate, and its eyes seemed to see through the joys and sorrows of the world. Behind it, murals depicted the stories of reincarnation and enlightenment, prompting contemplation of life's meaning. The characters in the murals had vivid expressions, each different from the other, as if illustrating the myriad aspects of the world.

Lysandra was deeply attracted to this profound artwork, lingering in front of the murals, touching the lines that time had brought, as if feeling the warmth and sweat left by the creators.

Our attention was gradually drawn to the large Buddha statue located in the center of the main hall. The engravings on the statue's base were complex and refined, each line breathing history's air. Li Hao studied these carvings intently until his gaze fixed on an inconspicuous little symbol that closely resembled a mark we had seen on the ancient map.

"Look at this symbol; could it be related to the clues of the Five Elements Rings?" said Li Hao softly, his voice filled with excitement and surprise.

Following Li Hao's discovery, we began to meticulously inspect the base of other Buddha statues, hoping to find more clues. As we were immersed in our careful study, chanting echoed within the monastery, the deep and resonant chants reverberating through the temple's hallways, carrying an invisible power that penetrated our hearts.

We halted and closed our eyes, listening to every sound around us, as the fluctuations within our hearts gradually quieted. Amidst the solemn and sacred atmosphere, we sensed an unprecedented connection, as though the secrets of the Five Elements Rings were about to be unraveled here.

Lost in contemplation, an elderly monk came walking towards us, his eyes shining with a bright and clear light. Clad in simple robes with hands clasped, he greeted us with a smile.

We approached and explained to the venerable monk in a respectful and peaceful tone that we were travelers passing through. After listening, he gestured for us to follow him into a side chamber filled with the crisp sound of prayer beads being struck, the air perfumed with the faint scent of sandalwood. In this tranquil environment, even the most frivolous heart could find peace.

The monk paused before beginning a slow recounting of the monastery's profound history. "This monastery is a crucible of Tuyuhun and Tubo cultures, having become a symbol of peaceful coexistence between the two peoples over hundreds of years." His deep and powerful voice made us feel the indissoluble bond between the monastery and this land.

He then led us through the monastery's library and the main hall, displaying ancient scriptures and murals, including chronicles of the histories and Buddhist teachings of both nations. We were captivated by a mural depicting the peaceful union of a Tuyuhun prince and a Tubo princess, telling a story of communication and understanding whose roots were deeper than we had previously known.

The monk further pointed out the vital role Buddhism played in harmonizing the two peoples. "Whether Tuyuhun or Tubo, everyone's spirit is purified and nurtured in the main hall. Buddhism not only cultivates their spiritual world but also builds a bridge between the two tribes." 

During the conversation, his words were infused with wisdom, unveiling profound insights into life, the universe, and the harmonious coexistence of all. Lysandra listened intently, deeply moved by the profound influence of Buddhism, while Li Hao and I couldn't help but ponder the impact of Buddhism on spiritual growth.

After the introduction, the monk took us to the guest accommodations and then busied himself with other matters.

The snow-capped mountains were like screens, and the Buddhist chants accompanied by the morning wind resonated across the endless prairies. On our second day of waiting in the monastery, we happened upon the Tibetan Buddhist debate activity, a grand meeting where lamas exchange thoughts and philosophy.

Debate, for Tibetan Buddhists, is not merely a religious ritual but a deep contemplation and understanding of Buddhist scriptures. Li Hao, Lysandra, and I sat in a corner of the ancient main hall, witnessing together with other devotees the unfolding debate.

At that moment, the center of the main hall had become a battlefield of dialogue for the lamas. Young monks sat face to face, clapping hands or shaking heads at times, their forceful palms releasing the collision of their ideologies. These exquisite debates were not contention but a quest for the true meaning of Buddhist teachings.

The elder monks sat aside, listening quietly, their expressions serene, their eyes flickering with wisdom. They smiled reassuringly at the enthusiasm of the younger monks, providing guidance occasionally, but mostly they were immersed in endless contemplation of Buddhist teachings.

I whispered to Lysandra beside me, "Observing these lamas engaging in debate, one can feel their respect and love for the Dharma."

Lysandra responded, "Indeed, this method of discussion not only showcases their deep study of Buddhist philosophy but also elevates their spiritual cultivation."

We noticed that the hall was suffused with a serious atmosphere of seeking truth and spiritual heritage. Through these debates, the monks either validated their concepts or overturned preconceived notions. Hours of debate seemed a transformative process, with sparks of faith flickering in speech and philosophies sublimated through deliberation.

The debates of the monks were filled with passion and intellect. As we listened to the discussions on Buddhist wisdom, we indirectly learned of the unique Tibetan Buddhist interpretation of the Five Elements. Within Tibetan Buddhism, the elements represent not only the fundamental components of the natural world but are also intimately connected with inner spiritual growth and the circulation of cosmic energy.

In a discourse on the Five Dhyani Buddhas, a lama suggested that metal, wood, water, fire, and earth correspond to the five protective Buddhas of the tradition. These figures hold not only significant status within the monastery but also symbolize the harmony and balance of the universe. The profound link between the Five Elements and the Five Dhyani Buddhas enlightened us all, prompting Wu Zetian to conjecture boldly, "If the Five Elements Rings are connected to the elements, and the elements are related to the Five Dhyani Buddhas, could it be possible that this monastery is the hiding place of clues to the Five Elements Rings?"

During the break in the debates, we eagerly approached the kindly abbot and presented our conjecture. After listening, he gazed at me deeply with his eyes and finally nodded solemnly, making an unexpected gesture. He pulled out an ancient Tibetan map, covered in a dense array of ancient characters, marking the structure of the monastery and the surrounding geography. His finger lingered over a specific point on the map, the deepest part of the scripture library, always revered as a sacred chamber.

Li Hao and I exchanged excited glances, while Lysandra asked softly, "Honorable Master, does this mean we are one step closer to uncovering the secrets of the other three ancient rings?" The abbot responded with a faint smile, "Thus it is, the wisdom of the Buddha and the secrets of the world are always hidden beneath the surface, awaiting those with destiny to reveal."

The clues we had just received were like faint rays of light in the darkness, weak yet filled with immense hope. With utmost reverence and respect, we prepared to enter the secret chamber of the scripture library to explore the monastery's guarded history and the mysteries potentially linked to the Five Elements Rings. It was not just a treasure hunt but a journey of the soul, about to unveil a new beginning like the rebirth of the phoenix.

After passing through the silent main hall and continuous corridors, we followed the abbot's steps to the monastery's inner depths, the scripture library. The thick wooden door opened slowly at the abbot's familiar touch, revealing the hidden mystery inside.

The scent of ancient books permeated the air, dust particles danced in the mottled light, and the quiet atmosphere exuded the sediment of years and the tranquillity of wisdom. The scripture library, an ocean of knowledge, was lined with densely packed scriptures and texts, as if harboring the stories and secrets of the whole world.

Delicate Buddha statues and ritual instruments were interspersed among the bookshelves, appearing solemn and mysterious under the dim light. The entire library was like a container of time, gathering the cultivation and enlightenment of generations of monks, insulated from the noise and dust of the outside world.

Only the soft footsteps and the sound of other monks turning pages echoed in the space, adding a touch of intangible sanctity. With each heavy step and every careful breath, we feared breaking this quietude.

Upon reaching the deepest part of the library, we noticed ancient murals covering the walls, marked by time but still depicting Buddhist stories and emblems with deep symbolic meanings. They seemed to silently narrate the fusion of religion and culture from days gone by.

The abbot stopped, turned around with a solemn dignity in his eyes, and then reached into a small, hidden compartment, retrieving an old wooden box intricately carved, worn by time yet unaffected in its elegance. His movements were respectful and sacred.

The moment the box was opened, time seemed to stand still.