When I invited them to the carriage, I had the intention of spying on them. But after I got on the carriage, I didn't know where to start.
At this moment, the head lama smiled and took the initiative to introduce the Tar Temple to us.
According to him, the Taer Temple was built more than 600 years ago and was one of the six great temples of the Yellow Sect in Tibet. It was also the best Buddhist temple in Qing Province.
The head of the temple was his master, the second-level Living Buddha, Aja Hotogtu.
I know of this Living Buddha. It's a title given to the reincarnated cultivators of Tibetan Buddhism.
It was said that every time a Living Buddha passed away, the temple would search for a child born on the corresponding day. This child was seen as the reincarnation of the Living Buddha.
Then, he would be taken back to the temple to be raised and become the new Living Buddha.
However, I've never heard of Living Buddhas having different levels.
I couldn't help but interrupt the lama and ask about the Living Buddha's level.
Seeing me like this, the lama didn't have the slightest trace of dissatisfaction on his face. He hastily said, "Benefactor Zhou, you don't know.
In Tibetan Buddhism, there was more than one Living Buddha.
Hundreds of years ago, in order to facilitate governance, all the large-scale temples in Tibetan Buddhism had the title of Living Buddha. "
After listening to his explanation, I finally understood.
Due to the special geographical characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet region, for thousands of years, successive rulers had divided these temples into different levels in order to facilitate governance.
This situation was somewhat similar to Buddhism in Thailand, full of strong political overtones.
According to his introduction, the Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism were divided into four levels, from the first level to the fourth level.
Above these four levels of Living Buddhas, there were two Living Buddhas at the peak of power. These two were the Dalai Lama and the Bainqen Erdeni.
These two were not only the leaders of Buddhism, but also the leaders of secular local governments.
In that case, the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama were the supreme rulers of Tibetan Buddhism.
However, I was rather curious as to why there were two leaders in this place.
The lama seemed to know what I was thinking and told me, "Because Tibetan Buddhism is so widespread, we have to divide it into different areas.
The Dalai Lama is in charge of the front part of Tibet, and the Panchen Lama is in charge of the rear part of Tibet. "
He didn't expect Tibetan Buddhism to be so complicated, even more so than Thai Buddhism.
The rest of the lama's words were mostly about the architecture of the Taer Temple, which wasn't very interesting.
I didn't respond to him either. I leaned against the window and dozed off.
Four hours later, we finally arrived at the Ta 'er Temple in Xi Ning.
As soon as they arrived at the temple, the three lamas got out of the carriage and waited outside.
After the fatty and I came out one after the other, they led us to the temple.
At this time, it was already evening. The monks in the temple were in a hurry, rushing in one direction.
Each of them had a scripture in their hands. It seemed that it was time for the evening class.
The lama in front of us didn't take us to follow the monks. Instead, he took us around the hall and headed to the backyard.
After a quarter of an hour, he finally stopped in a quiet courtyard.
The layout and decoration of this courtyard were different from the previous buildings. It was more in the Han style.
The lama gently pushed open the door and said, "It's already late. Moreover, the two of you have traveled a long way, so you must be very tired.
This is the place that Master has specially chosen for the two of you to stay. Please have an early rest. This poor monk will come again tomorrow morning to disturb you. "
As they had hurriedly brought us to this place, I thought that the Temple Master had something urgent to discuss with me. I didn't expect that they would leave us here. I didn't know what they were planning to do.
However, since we were already in the temple, I couldn't say anything else. I cupped my hands to express my gratitude.
The lama returned my greeting then left the courtyard with the other two.
The fatty was lying on the bed, complaining that he was bored. He said that he wanted to go out for a walk, but I stopped him.
"Why?" He was puzzled.
Apparently, this fellow didn't know much about Buddhism. Generally speaking, Buddhists had a rule that monks couldn't enter or leave after the evening class. Although the Taer Temple was a Yellow Sect temple, I noticed that they had closed the gate when we entered. It was the same rule as the Buddhist sects in the mainland. After the gate was closed, it wouldn't open again until the sun rose.
If we went in and out as we pleased, we would be breaking their rule.
As we had just arrived, we didn't know their purpose yet. We had to be careful.
The fatty wasn't an ignorant man. After listening to me, he nodded and didn't say anything. He returned to his room and lay on the bed.
We didn't talk all night. The next morning, when the bell rang, the lama from yesterday came again and knocked on the door.
He held a red food box in his hand. I could smell the aroma of meat through the wooden frame.
I had heard that Tibetan Buddhist monks didn't have taboos like Han Buddhist monks. It seemed that it was true.
The Qinghai-Tibet region was high above sea level, and the climate was cold. Vegetarian food was much rarer than meat.
To fill our stomachs, we didn't need to be so particular.
I reached out my hand to receive the food box and thanked him.
The lama returned my greeting and signaled us to enjoy our breakfast. He would disturb us after the morning class.
Then, he left the room.
After the morning class, he came to tell us that his master was waiting for us in the Grand Hall of Golden Tiles. Then, he took us to the Grand Hall of Golden Tiles.
The Taer Temple occupied a large area. It took us around fifteen minutes to walk from the meditation room to the Grand Hall of Golden Tiles.
When we arrived, the lama stood outside the door and clasped his hands to invite us in. However, he retreated to the side of the hall.
After entering the hall, we saw that there was another door in the Grand Hall of Golden Tiles. While walking forward, I lifted my head to observe the decorations in the hall.
Completely different from the Buddhists on the mainland, this large Golden Tile Hall not only did not have a simple but elegant feeling, it was rather luxurious. Although it was daytime, the hall was still brightly lit. Almost all the Buddha statues in the hall were golden, shining under the illumination of the lights.
After passing through another door, I saw a white-haired monk sitting a few meters in front of us.
From his age and attire, I guessed he was the master that the lama had mentioned. He was the master of this temple, Ajay Hotogtu.
However, he had his back to us and was looking at a silver-white pagoda in front of us.
This pagoda wasn't more than a few meters tall, and it had the typical architectural style of Tibetan Buddhism.
On our way here yesterday, the lama who had guided us here had told me about this pagoda.
According to him, this pagoda was called the Great Silver Pagoda, and it was built at the same time as the Tal Temple. It was used to commemorate the 'Second Buddha', Tsongkapa. It was the symbol of the Tal Temple, which was why the Tal Temple got its name.
As for the 'Second Buddha', Tsongkapa, his name was not only significant in Tibetan Buddhism, but also in the mainland.
Tsongkapa was the founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Tal Temple was the representative temple of the Gelug Sect.
While I was pondering, the Temple Master, Ajay Hotogtu, stood up and walked toward us.
From his face, he seemed to be in his seventies. Perhaps it was because he had been cultivating for years, but his body was strong.
When he was two meters away from us, he stopped, put his palms together, and uttered the name of Buddha.
I had always respected the eminent monks of the Buddhist Sect, so I didn't dare to neglect him. I hurried to return the greeting.
After exchanging pleasantries, the Temple Master signaled us to take a seat. Then, he said to me, "Benefactor Zhou, I hope you won't blame me for inviting you here."
If I hadn't heard the Lama say that I wouldn't get anything unless I arrived at the Tal Temple, I would have been disgusted by his words.
However, Ajay Hotogtu was a Second Level Living Buddha and the Temple Master of the Tal Temple. He was very polite to me, so I didn't hold a grudge against him. I hastily cupped my hands and said, "It's alright."
When I first came here, I was wondering why Ajay Hotogtu invited me here. Now that I saw his attitude, it seemed that he had something to ask of me.
Thinking of this, I didn't ask him directly, so I said politely, "Great Master, you're wrong. It's my first time here, so I should pay you a visit."
The Temple Master Ajay Hotogtu was a straightforward person. After hearing my words, he nodded and went straight to the point. "To be honest, Benefactor Zhou, the reason why I invited you here is that I have something to ask of you."
I had already expected this, so I wasn't surprised.
However, I didn't have any contact with the Tibetan Esoteric Sect, nor did I have a deep understanding of Buddhism. So, I didn't know what he needed my help with.
Thinking of this, I told him what was on my mind.
After hearing my words, he didn't take it seriously. He even concluded that I had to help him with this matter.
I looked at him suspiciously, not knowing what he meant.
Seeing my reaction, Ajay Hotogtu said straightforwardly, "Benefactor Zhou, the thing that I want to ask of you is to open the Haotian Pagoda."
When I heard the words "Haotian Pagoda", I was stunned.
It was the first time that I saw the Haotian Pagoda in the Jade Buddha Temple. At that time, it took me a lot of effort to get out of the pagoda.
I do know the method to open it, but it's a secret. How did Ajay Hotogtu know about it?
Moreover, I didn't take the Haotian Pagoda with me, so why did he say that?
However, since this matter involves a Divine Artifact, I have to be more cautious. I can't admit it.
Thinking of this, I waved my hand and pretended to be confused. "May I know what the Haotian Pagoda is?"
Seeing my reaction, Ajay Hotogtu didn't show any surprise. He explained, "Benefactor Zhou, you don't need to be so careful.
I already know about your trip to Thailand. That day, you missed the Haotian Pagoda, but I was fortunate enough to get it. "
His words stunned me. How did he know about my trip to Thailand? Could it be that he is also good at divination?
Even so, why would he do that for no reason?
However, I realized that since he came to invite me, I had to make some preparations and investigate it.
In that case, it was unnecessary for me to play dumb.
I just didn't expect that he would get the Haotian Pagoda that flew away.
At that time, I thought that the Haotian Pagoda was surprised and left to protect itself.
Hearing his words, it seemed that it was within my expectations.