Chapter 369: Chapter 130: Master_4

Mr. Yu Shan smiled and said, “Last time your uncle showed me the begonia painting that you did. Your painting skills are quite good, and the painting itself has a lot of spirit, a rare find.”

Yueyao stood up and paid her respects to Mr. Yu Shan, “I am endlessly grateful for Mr. Yu Shan’s guidance.” Regardless, receiving tips from such a master, she benefitted immensely.

Mr. Yu Shan smiled and said, “The commentary I offered on your painting last time, did you understand it?”

Yueyao hesitated before responding, “The meaning of ‘Seeing the mountain as a mountain and seeing the water as water’ is that we perceive the reality presented before our eyes merely as a phenomenon; ‘Seeing the mountain not as a mountain and seeing the water not as water’ means that through the scenery before our eyes, we need to delve deeper to understand its essence, that is, we should see through the phenomenon to grasp the essence; ‘Seeing the mountain still as a mountain and seeing the water still as water’ implies a return to the original purity.”

Mr. Yu Shan slightly nodded, “Since you are here to attend the class today, could you tell me how you would interpret it using Buddhist principles?”

Without needing to think, Yueyao directly said, “Explained through Zen: ‘Seeing the mountain as a mountain and seeing the water as water’ signifies the beginning of entering Zen; ‘Seeing the mountain not as a mountain and seeing the water not as water’ signifies enlightenment within Zen; ‘Seeing the mountain still as a mountain and seeing the water still as water’ indicates complete enlightenment within Zen.”

Mr. Yu Shan looked at Yueyao with surprise. This child’s understanding of Zen was incredibly profound. It was not merely a matter of talent in painting: “Have you heard ‘Buddhist principles are like clouds, clouds hover above, when you ascend the mountaintop, the clouds drift farther; Scripts are like the moon, the moon in the midst of water; Stir the water and the moon’s reflection deepens.'”

Yueyao nodded, “I have read that sentence in books.”

Mr. Yu Shan couldn’t help but nod, “You do read extensively. If you have any doubts in the future, you may come to ask me.” If he previously thought Yueyao had a talent for painting, now he was moved by her perception. This child possessed exceptional understanding.

Yueyao was thrilled; how could she miss such a great opportunity? She immediately voiced all the questions in her heart. Mr. Yu Shan patiently answered each for Yueyao.

The young servant beside them dared not interrupt the two, and by the time they finished deliberating, it was the early of the Shen hour. Yueyao came back to her senses and felt very embarrassed.

Mr. Yu Shan, however, shook his head, “No worries; you can have your lunch and then go back.”

Yueyao didn’t decline, not wanting to miss such rare opportunities. After having lunch, Mr. Yu Shan said, “Your foundation is very solid, and you have talent in this area. If you work hard, you will undoubtedly achieve success in the future. However, if you truly wish to become a Great Painter, I suggest you don’t go and observe or copy other masters’ artworks. Every Great Painter must have their own style and characteristics. Copying others’ artworks can easily be influenced.” Mr. Yu Shan said this also because Yueyao had already passed the first two thresholds, and was now before the third. It was a critical moment; if she continually copied the artworks of masters, she would be influenced by them and not develop her own style. Without her own style, no matter how good her talent or insight, she would only be second-rate.

Mr. Yu Shan had seen many such cases and did not wish Yueyao to stray on a similar path, especially since she was so young and already had such skill and understanding; not taking the wrong path could potentially lead her to great future accomplishments.

Yueyao quickly nodded, “Thank you, sir.” Her father had once told her when she was practicing calligraphy that the characters of a true calligrapher have their own unique features and style. Painting was the same as writing.

Yueyao thought for a good while, then repeated her earlier question, “Master Ru Kong said that my cultivation is insufficient, Master Xuan Tian said that many things have causes and effects, with karmic retribution. Sir, what do you think?”

Mr. Yu Shan listened and then smiled slightly, “Buddha will neither save anyone nor will he refuse to save anyone! Buddhist principles provide guidance and direction; the key to reaching the end is not the Buddhist teachings but yourself! We respect Buddha because we find a path of self-awareness through him, not because he walks the path for us or makes us reliant on it.”

Yueyao was startled. She was just harboring doubts, wondering if there was any way to resolve them. She truly did not want to encounter Zhou Shu again, nor did she want to go through the events of her last life. It could be said that this had become her personal demon.

Mr. Yu Shan thoughtfully killed one is a sin, slaughtering thousands is a hero. Slaughtering nine million, is undoubtedly a hero among heroes: “This person you spoke of who has obsessions, if he is unrelated to you, you naturally should not bother about him, if related, you should just avoid it.”

Yueyao blurted out, “What if I cannot avoid it?” She was afraid that she might not be able to.

Mr. Yu Shan laughed, “Killing one is a sin, slaughtering thousands is a hero. Slaughtering nine million, is undoubtedly a hero among heroes.” Mr. Yu Shan meant that if you cannot avoid it, then you must remove that stumbling block.

Yueyao lowered her head in thought, the same question answered in three different ways by three people.

Mr. Yu Shan, seeing Yueyao’s conflict, remarked, “If one wishes to live freely in this world, they should not be bound by societal conventions. If you fear the wolf ahead and the tiger behind, you will accomplish nothing.” Mr. Yu Shan said all this because he also felt that Yueyao was a promising talent with limitless potential.

Yueyao neither nodded nor shook her head.