Bodhisattva Lingji

From emptiness, desires arise, bringing strife, From compassion, lust grows, vast as life. Past joys turn to future regrets, Cleanse the heart, let go, as the wind sets.

The reasons behind Bodhisattva Lingji's beheading were widely debated.

Tiger Vanguard put it this way: "How could we, mere followers, dare to discuss the master's affairs? However, I once heard my father mention that our master despised that Bodhisattva of some sort. Their so-called 'master-disciple bond'. Huh, to me, it was more about merely seeking protection. Being a yaoguai, you got to be pragmatic. Immortals and Buddhas don't show mercy; it's all about mutual benefit."

The King of Flowing Sand seemed to know more details: "Years ago, when Master helped my humble kingdom avert disasters, I caught a glimpse of that big beetle. It had a Buddha head on its back, identical to the one Master beheaded. Alas, everyone in my kingdom turned into rats later. Master said it was a calamity he brought upon us and left with his followers. I know he didn't want to leave; he always wanted yaoguais to live dignified lives..."

The Second Prince was terse: "Master? Not bad. The Bodhisattva? Deserved it."

Ma Tianba, passing through, sighed and said: "An oil-stealing rat climbs high only if someone sets up a ladder."

The Yellow Wind Sage had only one comment about the matter: "Those who bring disaster upon others will have disaster brought upon themselves. If not by me, then by someone else."

Bodhisattva Lingji