Chapter 364: Chapter 129: Harmony

Two quarters past the Mao hour, Yueyao got up on time to perform her morning prayers.

Naturally, Yueyao’s chanting woke Yuehuan, who was surprised, “Is third sister reciting scriptures?” After saying that, she got up to dress and was about to go to the main house, but was stopped by Hua Lei.

The reason Hua Lei gave was simple, “Fourth Miss, you mustn’t disturb someone when they are studying. Please wait for my young lady to finish her studies before entering.”

Yuehuan was somewhat puzzled, “Studying, what studying?”

Full of pride, Hua Lei said, “Our young lady practices her studies every day following the sound of the bell. Even Master Ru Kong of Zhaohua Temple has praised our young lady for her perseverance and determination. Don’t tell me you weren’t aware?” Seeing Yuehuan’s puzzled face, Hua Lei continued, “Could it be that Eldest Miss hasn’t told you?” From her expression, it was clear she hadn’t been informed. Their young lady was so devout, yet Eldest Miss hadn’t spoken a word about it, which was too much.

Yuehuan shook her head; she really hadn’t heard anyone mention this. Cai Lan had been complaining within Lian Mansion about how Yueyao mistreated them but hadn’t mentioned Yueyao’s daily morning and evening prayers.

Seeing Qiao Lan and Hua Lei working, Yuehuan said to Hong Mei and the others, “Go help them.”

Cai Lan was spreading tales about how Yueyao made them work, but never mentioned a word about Hua Lei and Qiao Lan. By doing this, Cai Lan was creating the impression that only she and Cai Qing were working. If others knew that Hua Lei and Qiao Lan were also engaging in heavy labor, naturally, no one would say anything.

During the morning meal, Yuehuan cautiously asked, “Third sister, I would like to join you in the morning prayers. Would that be possible?”

Yueyao glanced at Yuehuan, “If you are willing, I will naturally teach you. After you learn, you can simply follow the temple bell to conduct your morning and evening prayers.” What Yueyao meant was she was willing to teach, but not to pray alongside Yuehuan.

Yuehuan’s face lit up with delight, “Thank you, third sister.” Since arriving on the mountain, it was natural to go with the flow, and besides, life on the mountain was tough; it was good to have things to do.

After breakfast, Yueyao took the scriptures and patiently explained to Yuehuan, “The morning and evening prayers are divided into five parts, the first being the ‘Shurangama Mantra.’ The ‘Shurangama Mantra’ primarily details how the Buddha’s disciple Ananda was bewitched by a sorceress, and how the Buddha recited this mantra to save Ananda. This mantra serves to protect oneself from the temptations of desire…”

Yuehuan listened until her head swirled dizzy, and couldn’t help thinking her sister must be a divine being–absolutely divine. She struggled just to read these scriptural texts, let alone memorize them, while Yueyao mentioned them with ease. Although the content was esoteric and difficult to understand, Yuehuan still listened attentively.

Seeing Yuehuan’s sincere desire to learn, Yueyao continued in great detail, “After reciting the ‘Shurangama Mantra,’ it is followed by the ‘Great Compassion Mantra’ and the ‘Minor Jie Mantra.’ These two scriptural texts are for praying for peace and an untroubled life.” Yueyao then briefly explained the meanings of these two texts to Yuehuan.

Yuehuan nodded continuously, worried she might forget much of it, and busily noted it down with a pen.

Yueyao was actually in agreement with Yuehuan’s approach; she also believed that a good memory was no match for a pen. Moreover, she planned to teach Yuehuan only once, whether Yuehuan could persevere was up to her. Yueyao did not doubt Yuehuan’s ability to understand, but was concerned about her lack of persistence, “After that, we recite the ‘Heart Sutra,’ which is the focus of the morning prayers.”

Yuehuan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing “Heart Sutra,” “I know this one. Form is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from form. Form is emptiness; emptiness is form…” After reciting two lines, she forgot the rest.

Yueyao continued chanting, “Sensation, perception, volition, and consciousness are also like this. Shariputra, all phenomena are marked by emptiness; they neither arise nor cease, are neither defiled nor pure, neither increase nor decrease. Therefore, in emptiness there is no form, no sensation, perception, volition, or consciousness…”

Yuehuan’s face flushed red, once again embarrassed to the core. However, she reassured herself that she couldn’t compare to Yueyao now, but with effort, she would surely catch up.

Unaware of Yuehuan’s thoughts, Yueyao explained the meaning of the “Heart Sutra,” then said, “Lastly, we chant the ‘Praises to the Buddha,’ ending with the ‘Praise of Wei Tuo,’ and bowing in reverence to the Buddha to conclude the morning prayers.” Having finished explaining, she demonstrated for Yuehuan.

Though Yuehuan had never seen monks conduct morning prayers, the thought suddenly crossed her mind–could Yueyao have once been a nun? This thought startled her, prompting her to bring her palms together, “Amitabha Buddha.” She really was overthinking things, and resolved not to entertain any more excessive thoughts in the future.

Yueyao was quite pleased with Yuehuan’s attitude, “The evening prayers are the same as the morning prayers. Remember to wash up before doing the morning prayers, as a sign of respect for the Buddha.” She herself always made sure to wash and cleanse before starting her morning prayers.