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墨書 Inktalez
There are five famous mountains in the world: to the east is Mount Tai, also known as Eastern Peak; to the west is Mount Hua; to the south is Hengshan, also known as Mage Nanyue; to the north is Hengshan, also known as Northern Mountain; and in the center is Songshan, referred to as Zhongyue. These are commonly known as the Five Great Mountains. Among the Five Great Mountains, only Southern Mount Heng is located farthest to the south of the central land. Jiuyushan lies to its south, Dongting Lake to its north, and the waters of the Xiang River meander around Hengshan on its southeast and southwest sides, resembling descendants bowing in respect to their ancestors. Hengshan has seventy-two peaks, each with unique shapes; some rise abruptly into the sky, while others stand tall and steep, blocking the drifting clouds. They appear like magnificent figures, exuding a refreshing and elegant aura, likely due to being the essence of heaven and earth. Among Hengshan's peaks, five are particularly lofty: Zhurong Peak, Purple Canopy Peak, Heavenly Pillar Peak, Shilin Peak, and Lotus Peak. These five peaks are steep and majestic, often shrouded in clouds and mist, making it difficult to see their true forms unless the weather is clear and cloudless. It is said that in ancient times, Da Yu ascended Hengshan during his efforts to control floods and erected a monument recording his achievements. The inscriptions on that monument were written by heaven itself and have survived for millions of years. During the Qin Dynasty, a fairy named Madam Wei practiced here and was commanded by the Heavenly Emperor to lead celestial children in guarding Hengshan; thus originated the title South Mother of Mount Heng. Since ancient times, there have been countless miraculous events and mysterious legends associated with Hengshan.
During the Tang Dynasty, a highly accomplished monk traveled from India over great distances to reach central land. He was immediately captivated by Hengshan's enchanting beauty and settled in a grass hut on Lotus Peak. Every day he preached Buddhist teachings, spreading Dharma and saving sentient beings from demons. In no time, Buddhism flourished with followers flocking to him as if he were a reincarnated living Buddha. Those with wealth donated money while those without offered labor, leveling mountains and building bridges to construct a grand temple atop this perilous peak. This temple was built against the mountain with an imposing grandeur. Du Fu once wrote: "The temple gate opens high towards Dongting Lake; the hall's base sinks into Chisha Lake. In May's cold wind chills Buddha's bones; at six o'clock heavenly music greets the incense burner." These four lines vividly depict the majestic presence of this Hengshan temple, highlighting its significance in southern Buddhism. This monk always held a copy of the Diamond Sutra in his hand; some called him Liu Ru Monk while others referred to him as Master Liuguan. He had over six hundred disciples, among whom more than thirty strictly adhered to precepts and achieved remarkable spiritual powers. Among these disciples was a young novice named Seongjin, who was exceptionally handsome with clear eyes like autumn water that seemed capable of seeing through everything in the world. At just around twenty years old, he had already read Buddhist scriptures thoroughly and understood Dharma deeply; he stood out among his peers and was greatly favored by Master Liuguan, who intended to pass on his teachings to him.
Every day Master Liuguan would lecture on Buddhist teachings with his disciples; even the Dragon King of Dongting Lake transformed into an old man in white robes to pay respects at his teaching seat and savor his words of wisdom. One day, Master Liuguan called all his disciples together and said: "I am old and frail; I have not stepped out of this mountain for over ten years and can no longer move easily. Is there anyone among you willing to visit the water palace on my behalf to express my gratitude to the Dragon King?" Upon hearing this, Seongjin immediately stepped forward to volunteer. The master was pleased by his sincerity and nodded in agreement. Seongjin respectfully donned a golden silk robe and held a copper ring staff as he floated towards Dongting Lake.
Not long after Seongjin left, a Daoist Priest came to report: "Master, South Mother of Mount Heng has sent Eight Fairies here to pay their respects; they are currently waiting outside the mountain gate." Upon hearing this, Master Liuguan ordered that the fairies be invited inside. The Eight Fairies entered gracefully in single file, circling around Master Liuguan's seat three times before standing still and gently scattering celestial flowers from their hands. Then one fairy knelt down to convey their message: "The esteemed one lives on the west side of the mountain while we reside on the east side; we are very close yet entangled in worldly affairs that prevent us from visiting your teaching seat until now. We realize our actions have been inappropriate and disrupted neighborly harmony; today we have specially brought maidservants for cleaning duties to assist you in daily life. Additionally, we have prepared divine flowers and fruits along with seven treasures as a token of our humble intentions; we hope you will not find them lacking." After speaking, they presented their rare treasures one by one. The master personally accepted them and handed them over to an attendant for offering at Buddha's altar while bowing deeply with hands joined together saying: "What virtue do I possess that warrants such generous hospitality from you celestial beings? I truly feel unworthy." He then ordered a vegetarian feast be prepared at the temple to warmly host the Eight Fairies until sunset when they finally took their leave. The master personally escorted them outside the mountain gate repeatedly expressing his gratitude.
Once outside the mountain gate, hand in hand, the Eight Fairies began discussing: "This Mage Nanyue Tianshan—every blade of grass and every tree here belongs within our domain. Ever since that monk arrived here preaching Dharma, it feels as though there is an insurmountable divide between us. The scenery at Lotus Peak is merely within arm's reach yet remains unexplored by us. Today we are fortunate enough thanks to our lady’s grace to finally arrive at this treasure land. Moreover, spring is splendid now with sunset still far off; why not take advantage of this beautiful moment to climb atop Lotus Peak? We can wash ourselves under its waterfall’s clear spring water before reciting poetry for enjoyment before returning home to boast about it among our sisters in court—how delightful!" Everyone agreed enthusiastically: "Good!" Thus they set off together up the steps while chatting merrily as they overlooked where mountain streams originated before slowly walking along cliffs beside flowing waters until they finally rested on a stone bridge.
In March's warm springtime, wildflowers bloomed everywhere creating an ethereal atmosphere resembling an exquisite tapestry unfolding before their eyes. The valley echoed with melodious bird songs akin to celestial music playing delightfully soothing their hearts. A gentle spring breeze caressed their cheeks bringing joy while captivating scenery made it hard for them to leave behind such beauty. Immersed in this stunning landscape brought forth feelings of emotion and happiness within them as they sat on the bridge gazing down at crystal-clear streams below where numerous waterfalls converged into a deep pool reflecting like a freshly polished mirror capturing heavenly light amidst clouds beautifully displayed above—a breathtaking sight indeed! The fairies were enchanted by their reflections in water forming an exquisite portrait reminiscent of Wu Daozi’s masterpieces just completed moments ago—lost in admiration for themselves they remained unaware of how time passed until sunset gradually approached deepening twilight around them.
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