Chapter 522 - Four Dhyanas and Eight Samadhis

Shen Lian looked towards the direction Wangcheng, smiled and said, "This person is not to be taken lightly. You may be able to meet him if you wait at the Meridian Gate of Wangcheng."

"Meridian Gate?" Muzhen was puzzled. The Meridian Gate of Wangcheng was a demonic place. He who offended the King would be dragged to this gate and to be executed. Although a person was able to condense his spirit, it would be futile. This was because the surrounding Qi of devilry would attack the spirit and subsequently when it contacts with the sun of midday, the spirit would vanish.

Shen Lian nodded.

Muzhen continued, "Do you mean that the person will come out from the Meridian Gate?"

With a grin on his face, Shen Lian said, "I am sharing this piece of information with you only because I am also from a Daoist origin. It will be your choice whether to believe." Muzhen saw Shen Lian lightly waving his sleeves. All of a sudden, the scene around him began to recede until he managed to direct his Qi to stop. Then, he realized that he had crossed the Xia Canal, overlooking the Zhiwei Temple.

He was frightened. The celestial's means were unpredictable. It also had been awhile since he was playing around like a baby.

However, since Shen Lian sounded certain, Muzhen must try his luck in the Meridian Gate of Wangcheng.

Buneng witnessed the whole process. He deeply felt that the move was as smooth as thin clouds and mild winds. Moreover, it exceeded the essence of a non-being. Using the power of space, he moved Muzhen away without resistance.

Having this state of the realm among the bodhisattvas was considered good.

At the same time, Buneng was jealous of Muzhen because there was a sign of positive outcome for Xuanzhen Hall. However, Shen Lian's attitude towards Buddhism did not seem friendly. What he did not know was that Shen Lian had a predestined relationship with Muzhen's disciple, Liu Mengde. Hence, it was time for Shen Lian to return the favor.

Sluggishly, with his arms folded behind, Shen Lian told Buneng, "Are you sure you want to ask me for help? It's not an easy task to impress me."

In a serious tone, Buneng answered, "As you wish, State Preceptor. If there is anything that you want, we will go all out to get it and will not let you down."

Shen Lian laughed and said, "Although there are things that I am interested in Dajue Temple, I can take it directly, without your permission. Hence, you don't have to say that. Well, allow me to ask, who is the founder of Dajue Temple?"

Buneng could not figure out the reason behind the question but he truthfully answered, "The founder of our temple is the Kasyapa Bodhisattva."

There were many disciples of Buddha whom there were five people whose name was Kasyapa. Nonetheless, only Mahakasyapa could be individually called 'Kasyapa' to show his uniqueness.

To answer how powerful is Kasyapa, it could be seen by the title 'Maha'.

Daoist 'Taiyi' was corresponding to Buddhist 'Mahasattva'. 'Maha' was the surname of Kasyapa. This showed that Kasyapa was one of earliest Buddha's disciples to enter the realm of Mahasattva.

Shen Lian explained, "There were countless almighty Bodhisattva from the Buddha sect. However, Kasyapa is one of the top ones. I read about his records and one of the thing that blew my mind away was his conversation with the Buddha. Knowing that you had learned from Kasyapa and frequently practiced meditation, I would give you a chance."

In his heart, Buneng was happy. Even if the conditions requested by Shen Lian was hard, it was not vague. As long as he was able to do it, this effort was worth the trip.

He did not plead Shen Lian to give a task that was within his ability. After all, Shen Lian was a person of honour. He would not be so petty. In an earnest manner, Buneng asked, "Please tell me what to do."

Shen Lian said, "Since you practice the state of meditation, you can't diverge from four Dhyanas and eight Samadhis. Therefore, what is your current stage?"

Buneng not at all curious that Shen Lian knew about 'four Dhyanas and eight Samadhis' because this was not something unique to Buddhism. He replied, "I am now at the second Zen and its second heaven."

The practice of meditation was mainly for exploring the realm of non-being, noticing what the ordinary people had not seen, practicing the psyche and laying the foundation for future detachment.

There was no detailed distinction between the realms of the non-being but according to the realm of meditation, it could be slightly different.

In the different realms of meditation, the world of the non-being was divided into four Zens and seventeen heavens. Even at the first of Zen, there were three heavens; the second Zen had three heavens; the third Zen had three heavens; the fourth Zen had a total of eight heavens. In this way, the world of non-being was divided into four Zens and seventeen heavens. In other words, the level of meditation state determined the level he would be if he achieved to the non-being realm.

This non-being realm was unlike the Daoists' Heaven Enlightenment and the Western Paradise. It was a place that everyone in the universe could go to gain spiritual pleasure and to enhance their pysche power. This was also one of the three realms that Buddhism mentioned.

For Shen Lian, the non-being realm was nothing more than a mysterious space that could help one to extend great techniques of the spirit. It was full of forces that could enhance one's pysche power.

However, Shen Lian did not go to the non-being realm to obtain the psyche power. This was because his practice of the Mastery of Senses improved the psyche power to be pure and clean with minimum karma. At this stage of the journey, strength was readily obtainable. However, It was important that the source should be known to prevent frauds.

Most of the source of strength for his practice was related to Lingbao Tianzun. Being a status like him, there would not be other things that were worthy of his attention in this world. Hence, if Shen Lian were to be used by Lingbao Tianzun, it was considered as a blessing.

Shen Lian did not mean to be self-sufficient, but based on the Daoist master's status, there was no such thing as seeking help from another. It was usually the other way round. Otherwise, he would not be called as a Daoist master.

Shen Lian suddenly grinned. Buneng was actually second of two.

Buneng did not understand the reason behind Shen Lian's laughter. On the other hand, Shen Lian did not explain, because after all, only he knew the inside joke. Shen Lian's movement was as light as the thin smoke. He walked one circle around Buneng and stopped. He said, "If you are able to break this circle, you can come to see me for an explanation."

After speaking, Shen Lian entered the Zhiwei Temple. Both of the door attendants shut their doors, walked out of the door and guarded the circle which was drawn for imprisonment.

Buneng tried to walk to the edge of the circle. Suddenly, a wave of vigorous golden light flashed. It not only confused his perception but also seemed to have a hand, constantly pulling him downwards.

...

Wangcheng, Xia Palace, a green cotton curtain, enveloped a bed carved by king of jades. The whole body had no extra texture. It was simple and neat.

King of jades calmed minds. This could prevent evil spirits and could delay the onset of injuries. It was a rare treasure between heaven and earth.

In addition, king of jades of the Netherworld had mostly adhered to the pure power of the spirit. Furthermore, rarely any item could directly rejuvenate the soul with no side effects.

A beautiful man was lying on a bed. His face was paler than the jade. The king of jades produced spiritual vigor but still could not stop him from losing his life.

Not far away, Emperor Xia furiously said, "Rubbish, a group of useless people. If he is dead, all of you would be buried together with him."