CH 4

The abbot did not expect that such a young girl could speak so eloquently. In her hands, she held the Bodhi Mirror inscribed with the Diamond Sutra. If there were any evil spirits present, they would have already vanished.

“I did not expect that the young lady is also practicing Zen. Please forgive me for my disrespect,” the abbot said, impressed by her intelligence and wit. He then asked, “Young lady, your words are insightful, but I wonder if you have opened your heavenly eyes and can perceive fate differently from other beings?”

Gu Yunru used this opportunity to show off her knowledge and recited a Buddhist verse from a previous life: “A thousand rivers, a thousand moons; Ten thousand miles, a clear sky.” This poem from the Jia Tai Pu Deng Lu, a collection of Zen Buddhist teachings, means that with a calm and clear mind, the moon will naturally reflect in the river, and the sky will be clear for miles. It emphasizes the importance of a peaceful and focused state of mind in Zen practice.

Indeed, the abbot was thoroughly impressed by her and somewhat taken aback and embarrassed. “Despite your young age, your mind is broad and your insight keen. You are not possessed by evil spirits, but rather blessed by the gods,” he said with a sigh. He then took off a string of Buddhist beads from his hand and handed them to Gu Yunru. “I hope that the young lady will come back often to discuss Buddhist teachings with me.”

On the other side, Madam Gu couldn’t accept this miraculous turn of events. She looked at Gu Yunru in disbelief as she took the beads and put them on her wrist. “Abbot, are you sure she’s not possessed by evil spirits?” Madam Gu asked, unable to comprehend how her dull and foolish daughter could be favored by the Buddha and even enlightened by a god.

“Madam, please be careful with your words. This young lady has a strong Buddhist nature and a clear mind. How could she be possessed by evil spirits? Her heavenly eye was opened by the Bodhisattva as a sign of her great fortune,” the abbot replied.

Madam Gu realized that if the news of Gu Yunru’s miraculous experience were to spread, it would surely cause a sensation. The Empress Dowager, who enjoyed vegetarianism and Buddhist practices, would be particularly interested in this. If she learned of Gu Yunru’s enlightenment, she might even summon her to the palace.

No, this cannot happen. Gu Yunru must marry King Zhao as soon as possible to secure the safety of Jun Yao.