Supernatural Girls

Chapter 9: The Blessed One (Part One)

When Ann was finally able to walk again, Lin also had her leg cast removed. The two supported each other, often taking strolls in the temple courtyard. The terrain of Nengyin Monastery was peculiar; it was said that no supernatural power could be exercised within the temple. At first, Ann and Lin were skeptical, trying their supernatural powers a few times, but they vanished without a trace, leaving both girls secretly astonished.

Ann learned from Lin that Kangbu of Nengyin Monastery had been a disciple of the Doorless Academy many years ago. He was not only highly respected but also exceptionally skilled in medicine. Although Ann and Lin had not officially entered the academy, their identities had already been exposed. Kangbu was compassionate; he not only treated them but also temporarily took them in at the temple to recuperate.

A few days later, Ann requested to meet Kangbu, who agreed to see her after the sermon in the main hall. A surge of joy filled Ann's heart. The autumn sunlight bathed the entire temple as she walked slowly up the stone steps, flanked by prayer flags swaying gently in the breeze. In the distance, the low murmurs of the lamas chanting seemed to merge with the air itself. The sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, enveloping this holy place in a peaceful golden glow.

As Ann entered the main hall, the faint scent of butter lamps filled the air. A solemn Buddha statue was enshrined in the center, surrounded by several rows of simple cushions neatly arranged. Colorful thangkas hanging on the walls vividly depicted the life of the Buddha. Kangbu sat quietly on a low Dharma seat at the back of the hall, draped in a deep red robe, his demeanor as steady as a rock. Upon her arrival, he slowly lifted his gaze and smiled faintly, saying, “You’ve come.”

Ann's heart jolted. Kneeling on the cushion with her hands clasped together, she respectfully replied, “May I attain enlightenment and liberate all sentient beings.” In Tibetan culture, Kangbu’s “You’ve come” signifies not just a physical arrival but also a spiritual entry into the path of practice. Having been taught by Grandma Annie since childhood, Ann had a deep understanding of reincarnation and karma, filling her heart with reverence.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Kangbu’s eyes before he calmly responded, “May I always be a refuge for sentient beings and relieve all their suffering. You have come this time not just to thank me; is there something else on your mind?”

Ann hesitated for a moment, then raised her head and said, “Yes, I did not come just to thank you. I also want to know if the academy can help me get rid of the supernatural power I have.” She paused slightly. “The power caused lightning to strike and injured my friend. She is now unable to walk. I want to know how I can help her stand again. If possible, I am willing to exchange my life for hers.”

Kangbu shook his head slightly. “Supernatural powers are tools for helping beings; the focus is on accumulating goodness and liberation. Exchanging life for life cannot truly resolve the issue. If you are destined to enter the academy, cultivation is like walking a path. While it is certainly important to help your friend for a time, ultimately, you must move toward liberation.”

Ann felt confused and continued to ask, “How should I understand energy, supernatural beings, and aliens?”

Kangbu answered gently, “Energy is the foundation of all things in the universe. Supernatural beings are those who grasp and utilize their inner energy. As for aliens, they are another form of life in the universe. Some outsiders liken aliens to the deities or celestial beings in Buddhist texts, but this is not the case. In Buddhist teachings, there is the concept of ‘non-attachment,’ which means one should not cling to the forms or existence of things. Even if alien life exists, we should not become overly entangled in their specific forms but should focus on their relationship with the laws of the universe. Wise beings, regardless of where they come from, must ultimately face awakening and reincarnation, abiding by the laws of cause and effect.”

Just as he was speaking, four monks entered, one of whom bowed his head in distress and said, “Kangbu, we have failed in our task; the blessed one is unwilling to come to the temple.”

Kangbu’s expression remained unchanged as he asked, “Why is that?”

The monk respectfully replied, “The blessed one posed a question, and only if we answer it correctly will he agree to come with us. He asked, ‘When a stone is thrown into the water and creates ripples, why does the water return to calmness afterward?’”

Kangbu gently closed his eyes, thinking quietly for a moment, then said softly, “The answer has long been within your hearts.”

The four monks exchanged puzzled glances, their faces reflecting confusion. Ann quietly observed, sensing the deeper meaning behind this question.

Kangbu opened his eyes and said, “The nature of water is purity; it moves when the stone is thrown in but returns to stillness afterward. Though ripples arise, they are not everlasting; just like the phenomena of the world, amidst the rise and fall, they are merely temporary illusions.”

One of the monks suddenly understood and murmured, “Water is ultimately still water; the ripples are just fleeting disturbances.”

Kangbu nodded in acknowledgment. “The mind is like water; the ripples represent worries and joys. They arise from the outside but cannot change the nature of the mind. If one can see one’s true nature, what harm can external disturbances do? What that blessed one is testing you on is precisely this.”

Ann was truly curious and asked, “Kangbu, who do you refer to as the blessed one?”

Kangbu smiled and said, “Every person has their karmic conditions; some are born with abundant merit and wisdom, while others must experience hardships to gain enlightenment. The blessed one is someone born with innate wisdom, and my temple wishes to guide him.” He then gently waved his hand, signaling the lamas to leave. The four monks stood up, bowed deeply, and exited in turn.

Ann pondered thoughtfully. Kangbu continued, “Every person has a question in their heart. You ask whether the academy can resolve your supernatural power, and that is your inner question. Rather than entangling yourself in the superficial, it is better to turn inward and find the truth within.”

Ann still couldn’t comprehend and asked, “The supernatural power I possess is a force I cannot control, and my friend was hurt because of me... How should I bear this karma?”

Kangbu rose and walked toward the Buddha statue in the hall, his gaze resting on its compassionate face. “To bear does not mean to bear a burden. Supernatural powers, if you cling to them, become your shackles; if you are aware of them and transcend them, they become your path to liberation. The purpose of the academy is never to help people rid themselves of supernatural powers but to help them understand how to use them correctly for the benefit of all beings.”

Ann seemed to grasp something but was still unsure as she prepared to leave the main hall. Kangbu suddenly said, “Tomorrow, you and Lin will go together and invite that blessed one to Nengyin Monastery.”