"Fate can be changed, as long as you are willing to try and willing to put in the effort."
I gazed at him thoughtfully and asked, "Then, can you change fate?"
The old monk shook his head. "I cannot change fate, but I can help people see their own fate clearly, allowing them to better choose their own path."
He stood up and walked over to a nearby bookshelf, taking out a book and handing it to me. "This is a classic on fate; you may take it and read." I accepted the book and expressed my gratitude.
The old monk gently patted my shoulder. "Remember, fate is in your own hands. As long as you face it bravely, you can change your future."
I nodded, deeply engraving his words in my heart.
As night fell, I bid farewell to the old monk and left the Bamboo Grove Temple.
At the Bamboo Grove Temple, I met the legendary old monk who called himself Master Lingche. He appeared quite aged, with a white beard and long eyebrows, his complexion rosy, resembling an enlightened sage.
He was very amiable and showed no impatience towards me, an unexpected guest. I asked him many questions about the hermit on the mountain, the history of the ancient temple, and the life of monks... He patiently answered each one, making me contemplate staying here for a while.
I thought how wonderful it would be to live simply and peacefully like them, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Master Lingche seemed to see through my thoughts; he smiled and said, "Benefactor, have you considered whether this kind of life truly suits you?"
I was slightly taken aback and then shook my head with a wry smile. Although I yearned for this lifestyle, I understood my own nature. I was too young and had not experienced much of the world; how could I truly grasp the essence of such a life?
Master Lingche gently patted my shoulder again and said, "Benefactor, you are still young; you have plenty of time to experience and understand."
"As long as you can maintain inner peace, you will find your own tranquility no matter where you are."
I nodded thoughtfully. Before leaving, I asked Master Lingche one last question.
"Master, have you ever experienced troubles?"
Master Lingche smiled slightly, "Of course, everyone has their own troubles, but I try to resolve them and not let them affect my inner peace."
"How do you resolve your troubles?"
"It's simple: look more, listen more, think more."
"Look more, listen more, think more..." I softly repeated these words.
Master Lingche nodded and said, "Yes, see the beauty of the world, listen to others' words, and contemplate the truths of life. When you see more, hear more, and think more, your troubles will naturally lessen."
I suddenly felt enlightened.
Indeed, many troubles in life stem from within ourselves. It is because of inner unrest that we fear setbacks; it is because of inner greed that we crave more.
Master Lingche's words were like a guiding light in the darkness, illuminating a path forward for me.
I respectfully bowed to him and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Master."
Master Lingche smiled and nodded, "Benefactor, you have great wisdom; I hope you have the chance to come again."
I gratefully nodded and turned to leave.
As the sun gradually set, I knew it was time for me to go home.
Though it was just a short day, it felt as if a long time had passed.
On this day, I met the legendary Master Lingche, heard many stories about life in the mountains, and learned numerous life philosophies.
Master Lingche saw me off at the door and noticed my reluctant expression; he suddenly laughed.
I looked at him in confusion, not understanding why he laughed so suddenly.
He pointed to a small tree not far away and asked, "Benefactor, what do you think of that tree?"
Following his finger, I saw an ordinary little tree swaying gently in the breeze.
I honestly replied, "It's just an ordinary little tree."
Master Lingche chuckled and said, "Yes, it is just an ordinary little tree. But do you know? This tree was once struck by lightning, yet it still survived tenaciously."
I took a closer look at the tree; indeed, there were signs of lightning strikes on its trunk, yet it continued to grow resiliently. Master Lingche slowly said, "The big tree has its own grandeur, while the small grass has its own grace. As long as you can maintain inner peace, you can find your own tranquility no matter where you are." I nodded thoughtfully.
Master Lingche turned to me and asked with a smile, "Benefactor, you really enjoy the scenery in the mountains, don't you?" I nodded and replied, "Yes, I do. The scenery here is beautiful and makes me feel very relaxed." Master Lingche smiled and said, "Then you must learn to appreciate the beauty of nature like a hermit in the mountains and understand the true essence of life. You should learn to feel life with your heart, not just see it with your eyes." I nodded seriously.
Suddenly, Master Lingche clapped his hands, and a young novice came over with a small straw hat. Master Lingche took the hat and said to me with a smile, "Benefactor, this hat is for you." I looked at him in surprise, not understanding why he suddenly wanted to give me a hat. Master Lingche chuckled, "You are a person of fate; this hat is a token from our temple. I hope you will keep it well." Excitedly, I accepted the hat and carefully placed it on my head.
Although the hat was small, it made me feel very comfortable and at ease. Master Lingche said with a smile, "This hat may not shield you from the sun, but it can help you maintain inner peace." I nodded gratefully, knowing that the significance of this hat went far beyond that. It represented Master Lingche's encouragement and blessing for my spiritual growth.
I bowed to him in farewell and walked down the mountain under the fading sunlight. In the sunset, my shadow stretched long and thin. I did not know how far this path would lead me, but I felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility and joy. I finally understood that true happiness does not lie in material abundance but in inner peace and contentment.
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