Early the next morning, before dawn, Tripitaka opened his door to find Abbot Goldenpool standing outside with all the elders of Mercy Abbey, making him pause in surprise.
Prince Adrian the Little White Dragon, Barry Bear, and Louis Quickpaw all craned their necks to watch curiously.
Abbot Goldenpool pressed his palms together and bowed with a dry chuckle, saying, "Venerable Tripitaka, I offended you in many ways these past two days. Please forgive me."
"To what does Abbot Goldenpool refer?" Tripitaka asked softly.
"Well..."
All the elders present gave awkward laughs. Abbot Goldenpool pressed his palms together, bowed again, and said, "Venerable Tripitaka, your generosity is truly admirable. We are all convinced. Today, we have come to ask if you would open a platform and lecture here at Mercy Abbey."
"Open a platform and lecture?"
"Yes," Goldenpool nodded. "What you spoke of yesterday, this poor monk was too dull to comprehend at the time, but only realized its meaning late last night. So I consulted with the disciples of the abbey and we decided to ask you to lecture for everyone here. Please, Venerable Tripitaka, do not refuse."
Tripitaka was momentarily taken aback and quietly glanced at Monkey, who stood not far behind Goldenpool.
"Quite the reversal. Manjusri is no longer at the abbey. Judging by their demeanor, this time their invitation for you to lecture is sincere." Monkey's voice sounded in Tripitaka's mind.
After a brief hesitation, Tripitaka pressed his palms together, smiled, and bowed, saying, "Since Abbot Goldenpool requests it, I shall do my utmost."
At these words, all the elders immediately broke into broad smiles.
Goldenpool also breathed a slight sigh of relief and bowed again, saying, "On behalf of the whole abbey, this poor monk thanks you, Venerable Tripitaka. Yesterday, I was the one asking questions and you were answering. Today, I would like to ask you to lecture on whatever scripture you wish. Would that be agreeable?"
Tripitaka tilted his head and thought for a moment, then said, "How about I lecture on 'Discussing the Buddha'? Would that be suitable?"
At these words, all the elders were startled and exchanged glances.
Although they had already agreed beforehand to let Tripitaka choose the topic for today's lecture, none of them expected him to pick such a subject.
Goldenpool hesitated slightly and asked in a low voice, "But... can one discuss the Buddha?"
Tripitaka countered, "If one does not discuss the Buddha, how can one know what the Buddha is? And if one does not know, how can one become a Buddha?"
Goldenpool gritted his teeth and bowed, saying, "If that's the case, then we must trouble you, Venerable Tripitaka."
With a single command, the entire abbey was soon assembled.
In the great hall, Tripitaka spoke with graceful clarity, offering fresh interpretations of Buddhist stories the disciples thought they already knew. Each phrase from his lips unfolded into a vast, world-like chapter, revealing countless layers and drawing awe from all who listened.
Unlike ordinary sermons by senior monks, Tripitaka did not simply offer answers—he raised his own questions and shared his personal hopes, inspiring deep reflection.
He wished to become a Buddha, yet refused to be bound by the pursuit itself.
This lecture lasted from early morning until late evening—more than six full hours.
At one point, an elder worried that Tripitaka might not be able to continue and suggested a break, but Tripitaka replied, "As long as there is even one person who sincerely wishes to listen, I will keep lecturing."
Each disciple was fully absorbed, unwilling to leave their seat.
Even Goldenpool found himself entranced by the scene.
He had given countless sermons in his life, but never before had he seen disciples so engrossed that they forgot to eat or sleep, afraid to miss a single word from Tripitaka.
For the entire day, under Tripitaka’s guidance, they explored the Buddha-world they had always yearned for but could never truly touch.
At dusk, Goldenpool announced the end of the lecture, but many disciples were reluctant to leave, and several even begged to accompany Tripitaka on his journey west.
By the time everyone finally dispersed, the sky was filled with stars.
With great effort, the disciples were dismissed. Seeing no one else around, Goldenpool slowly approached Tripitaka, knelt, and bowed his head to the ground.
Tripitaka was startled and quickly reached out to help him up, saying, "Abbot Goldenpool, why such a formal gesture?"
Goldenpool sighed softly, "I have practiced Buddhism for over two hundred years. Though I am famous far and wide, I have never grasped the true intent of the Buddha, let alone attained Buddhahood. People say my longevity comes from my deep understanding of the scriptures and the Buddha’s grace, but only I know it is thanks to the Peach of Immortality. Today, after hearing your teaching, I realized there are always greater heights. Without the peach, I would be no different from any other disciple here."
After speaking, he stepped back and bowed again, saying loudly, "I beg you, Venerable Tripitaka, to accept me as your disciple. I am willing to follow you west, lead your horse, and beg for alms. If you refuse, I will remain kneeling here."
Well...
Tripitaka hesitated. At that moment, Monkey’s laughter rang out in his mind, "Heh, another one wants to join. What will you do now?"
Tripitaka took a deep breath, bent down again to help Goldenpool up, and said gently, "Abbot Goldenpool, you exaggerate. My journey west is not for Buddhahood, but for universal salvation. Following me will not lead to Buddhahood. Enlightenment can be found anywhere."
But... I have practiced here at the abbey for over two hundred years and have never understood the true meaning of Buddhism. If I could travel with you and receive your guidance, I might attain enlightenment sooner.
Abbot Goldenpool, the reason you cannot attain Buddhahood is because you cannot see through and let go. If you can relinquish worldly attachments, Buddhahood is but a step away.