Chapter 168: 084 Marriage Fate (First Update)_2
Translator: 549690339
Ming Jing shook her head, showcasing a profound wisdom that was beyond certain comprehension. As she sat there bathed in a holy light, Gao Jia stood in stark contrast, appearing foolish and arrogant.
The spectators cast a mixture of glances filled with discontent towards Gao Jia.
How dare he question the Master? He knows nothing of respect and humility.
Gao Jia seethed with rage. Have they all gone mad? How could they trust her so readily? A bunch of fools, he thought.
Mrs. Gao, the organizer of the gathering and the one who sat at the head of the gathering, addressed Gao Jia, “Gao Jia, it is disrespectful to challenge the Master. Madam Li’s faith in her shows that the Master possesses extraordinary talents. Isn’t that right, Master?”
With just a single sentence, she had put Ming Jing on a pedestal. In truth, she herself was half doubtful and intended to put Ming Jing to the test.
Madam Li voiced her displeasure, “A Master is a Master because of their high-level spiritual practice. That sets them apart from the average street fortune tellers. How could she just casually predict someone’s marital fate?”
“Indeed, I’ve heard that high-ranking monks hardly ever speak carelessly.
Revealing the secrets of heaven could shave off their lifespan.”
“Hmm… I don’t think it should be an issue. I see many people seeking fortune-telling in temples…’
“Modern temples are commercialized. Their monks work during the day and go back to their wives and children in the evening. They’re all frauds.”
“Ah…? Surely not Master Zhu?”
She’s very young indeed, it’s hard to say, ” another chimed in.
Ming Jing calmly listened to the various doubts and did not rush to explain.
Instead, she gently took a sip from the white jade porcelain cup in front of her, her every action slow and deliberate with a sense of assurance and tranquillity.
All eyes were on her, time seemed to slow to a crawl. The faint ticking of the wall clock echoed clearly in the silent tea room.
‘Marital fate, as the name suggests, is the destined affinity for marriage,” said Ming Jing. It was the first thing she said since her arrival. Her calm and resolute voice immediately captivated everyone.
Without realizing it, Madam Li sat upright in a reverent posture, like a good student preparing to listen to a lecture from her teacher.
Quoting from the Yuanjue Sutra, she said, “Sentient beings from all worlds, whether born from egg, womb, moisture, or transformation, rely on the cravings of lust to bring life into existence. On developing a desire for thirst, they will degenerate into the three realms and won’t be redeemed. For beings who abstain from the desire to marry, to copulate, and to eat or drink, they can become spiritually nourished and by practicing purification, they thereby may transform into saints. They remain unaffected by the burdens of marriage, eternally pure, they comprehend enlightenment, while the cravings of worldly beings remain unfulfilled, hence, marriage is necessary. This is the Way.”
Her gentle voice brushed over them like a spring breeze. They all listened attentively as if they were listening to a high-ranking monk enlightening wisdom. Previously looking down at her, they now started to take her more seriously.
Lin Qing, too, reflected earnestly. The existence of human desires led to the creation of marriages. Though marriage was supposed to be beautiful, it had brought her immense pain.
“Because humans have needs and desires, marriage was introduced. In this vast world, karmic relations and behavioral influences have brought men and women together. Families are formed, children are born, amassed good deeds result in a blissful marital fate, while accumulated wrong deeds result in a painful one. The actions from a person’s past and present life plant the seeds of joy and pain in their marriages. Therefore, anything that happens to you at this moment is the consequence of your own actions. Your fate, since a long time ago, was arranged by your own hands. Do not blame it on heaven, other people, or your own self, “.
Everyone fell into deep contemplation. Among those present, who hadn’t endured the torment of marriage? And who could bear to share such privations with others? To hear the young girl unravel the truth was like having a huge wound ripped open in their hearts.
A woman with teary eyes abruptly asked, “So Master, how can I free myself?”
Ming Jing looked at her with compassionate and understanding eyes, as if she bore her pains. The woman felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude welling up inside her.
Ming Jing said, “The Buddhist principle of dependent origination states that everything in this world is ever-changing, hence, there is no such thing as eternal love or marriage. When there is a cause, there will be an effect and when the causes cease, so do the effects. The nature of the world is ever-changing, but human desires often pursue an eternal state of perfection.
Thus, this is the root of all suffering.”
A sigh emanated from the room, followed by a profound silence.
“Marital fate arises from our thoughts and deeds. Our desires for the current life shape our fate in the next life. All phenomena and their forms in this world are illusions produced by our own attachment. Let go of everything and stay true to your heart.”
The sound of the young girl’s voice served as a catalyst to awaken emotions even in Madam Gao. They all understood this wisdom, but once they were caught up in their own delusions, no other voices could penetrate their clouded minds. However, the girl’s voice sounded like the pure tones of a bell, clean and ethereal. It washed away their restlessness and pain, leading them out of confusion, allowing them to glimpse into their true selves..
