Chapter 6, Enzagbu Lama
Just as several high lamas were embroiled in a heated debate within the resplendent hall of Kawa Lun Temple, Lama Enzagbu emerged from his meditation room into the hall, lightly striking the Dharma gong. The sound of "dong, dong, dong" resonated three times, and the previously lively hall fell silent. The golden-adorned mandala murals and the towering eight-meter golden Buddha statue were overshadowed by the presence of Lama Enzagbu. He cast a glance around the assembly, then leisurely walked out of the hall, exited Kawa Lun Temple, and headed southeast. The other lamas, including the younger lamas and Gabujis, obediently followed behind.
"Yes, it is just a headache," Losang replied honestly while looking at the village head.
Losang somewhat understood that County Chief Gabuj did not want the lamas from Kawa Lun Temple to engage in another dispute over the search for the reincarnated living Buddha. However, Losang still did not grasp the true intention of County Chief Gabuj; he did not want multiple living Buddhas in this world. The influence of living Buddhas on the Tibetan people is too significant, and the fewer there are, the better.
Old Luosang was startled upon hearing this and hurriedly asked, "Haven't you taken any medicine? Aren't you able to treat illnesses?"
I want Lausanne to answer honestly
The county magistrate of Gabuj sighed, took the prayer beads from Luosang's hands, and said: "You just need to tell the lamas of Kawa Lun Temple that Master Enzagebu has returned to the Pure Land, and he will not come back again, and that will be sufficient"
Indeed, the old lama is the Enzagebu Lama of Kawa Lun Monastery
Cadres from the county have arrived, cadres from the region have come, representatives from the autonomous region have also been dispatched, a large group of lamas has come, and nearby herdsmen have all rushed over. In just a few days, the pastoral village has almost become the venue for the horse racing festival
The old lama was discovered twenty li to the due west, by the snowy mountains. He sat in meditation by the Sonar River, hands forming a mudra, facing west, just as he did in life. For a moment, those who went to greet him could hardly believe that he had truly passed away.
The Grand Lama placed the prayer beads in your hands, which is both a gift to you and a connection to your fate. If I were to keep them, it would be a disrespect to the Buddha. This has been a source of great distress for old Losang throughout the day, regretting that he picked up the prayer beads from the unconscious Losang, who was treating patients. One must understand that these are the sacred implements of such a prominent lama; even with ten times the courage, he would not dare to touch them.
The county magistrate of Gabujie arrived after the doctor from the filming crew gave Losang some medicine. After inquiring about Losang's condition, Losang expressed that he was feeling much better; the magistrate fiddled with the herbs Losang had collected on the ground and carefully sat down opposite Losang
The transaction was completed, and County Chief Gabuj reminded Luosang: "You must take this string of prayer beads and tell the lamas of Kavalun Temple that Master Enzagubu has returned to the Pure Land and will not come back; only then will they believe, and if they believe, you will be able to attend university"
Qiao Ying slowly sat up from Luo Sang's embrace, "Beijing is vast and beautiful, with buildings taller than the snow-capped mountains, and there are more cars there than your flocks of sheep; when you come to Beijing, I will help you a lot."
The young living Buddha of Kawa Lun Temple arrived amidst a throng of senior lamas, and the emotions of the herdsmen reached a climax; people ran out from dozens of miles away to welcome the arrival of the living Buddha, and the fervent herdsmen nearly frightened the Buddha, who was not yet five years old, to tears
A few years ago, the abbot of Kawa Lun Monastery, Living Buddha Sangye Tso, passed away without leaving any clues for his reincarnation, which is a very serious issue. Kawa Lun Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist sacred site in Northern Tibet, comparable in status to the Potala Palace in Southern Tibet; various factions began to stir. In order to stabilize the emotions of the believers and the lamas, the regional government dispatched a working group to assist in the search for the reincarnated child. At that time, the then deputy county head, Gabuji, also participated in the working group.
"Hasn't the Living Buddha ascended to heaven? Will he return?" Losang decided to play dumb
"Do you want to go to university in Beijing?" The next sentence from the county chief startled the honest Losang, who was already frightened by the incident with the living Buddha. He could not understand the connection between going to university in Beijing and what had happened the night before. Seeing the surprised expression on Losang's face, the county chief felt a sense of satisfaction and applauded himself in his heart, further confirming that Losang was a simple child of the grasslands. For a young man who had studied a bit on the grasslands, going to university in Beijing was as eagerly anticipated as a pilgrimage to the Potala Palace. Seeing the surprised expression on Losang's face, the county chief felt a sense of satisfaction and applauded himself in his heart, further confirming that Losang was a simple child of the grasslands. For a young man who had studied a bit on the grasslands, going to university in Beijing was as eagerly anticipated as a pilgrimage to the Potala Palace
The lamas did not dwell excessively on the issue of the Lobsang branch; two elder lamas respectfully expressed their gratitude to Lobsang. After the living Buddha bestowed blessings upon Lobsang, they departed.
Thus, Luosang nodded his head like a chick pecking at grains, his eyes reflecting a bewildered yet resolute expression
"You will not come back, but this sentence must be spoken by you; do not say anything else," the stubborn Tibetan youth was reminded by the county head of Gabuj. "As long as you handle this matter well and make a promise to Buddha, I will definitely send you to university in Beijing." Losang was already unsure whether he should believe this person who swore to Buddha, as he was teaching himself to deceive the followers of Buddha!
Without his own assistance, the Enzagebu Lama cannot complete this final step; he may still be reincarnating in this world, and no one can truly understand which choice is better. Therefore, just as he felt no unease in helping the Enzagebu Lama take that last step, Losang also felt no psychological pressure regarding his current fabrications. The Enzagebu Lama indeed no longer needs this physical form. Thus, the seemingly simple Losang expressed himself with both a sense of righteousness and profound piety while speaking, to the extent that all the lamas and religious figures present were utterly convinced. Those in the know, including the commissioner, the county party secretary, and the county head Gabuj, felt genuinely pleased to have such a good shepherd.
After conducting a religious ceremony for Lama Enzagbu, the young living Buddha, accompanied by several senior lamas, received Losang, who had treated the living Buddha, assisted in his ascension, and was fainted by the holy sight of the living Buddha's ascension. Holding a string of prayer beads, Losang introduced the details of how Lama Enzagbu fell ill on the grassland, how he treated him under the guidance of the village chief, and how, after Lama Enzagbu recovered, he presented Losang with prayer beads and books, as well as the account of how Lama Enzagbu transformed into colorful rays of light five days ago on his way to the Pure Land. He also elaborated on the divine prophecy that Lama Enzagbu had given him before his departure to the Pure Land: that Lama Enzagbu is the radiant Buddha of worldly practice—Vajrasattva Bodhisattva. He has fulfilled his great vow of worldly practice and will eternally return to the Pure Land, never to return again. There should be no traces of him left in the secular world, and after the body of the Dharma is worshipped and a likeness is made, it should be returned to the heavenly realm.
In the afternoon, when the village chief Losang arrived at the tent of the healer Losang, the healer was suffering from a headache; ever since the elder Losang learned of the identity of the Enzagbu Lama, he seemed to have taken up the practice of silent meditation, frightened into silence. The herders on the grasslands are devout followers of Tibetan Buddhism, having received religious teachings since childhood; they visit temples for worship every year, and a significant portion of their income is donated to the temples
Qiao Ying leaned in his arms and softly replied: "Yes, don't you know?"
The district commissioner, who had specially arrived a day earlier than the lamas from Bikawa Monastery, first visited the village chief's tent to pay respects to the revered Lama Enzagebu, accompanied by the county party secretary and the county mayor, Gabujie. Following this, he urgently met with Losang, who had treated the living Buddha, sent the living Buddha to the heavens, and was fainted by the awe-inspiring sight of the living Buddha ascending to the heavens (there was no other choice; this Losang was too famous, so people added multiple titles before his name)
This was the first time Lausanne was bewildered by a nonsensical statement, and it was also the first time he witnessed the charming demeanor of a modern politician. Later, at the United Nations General Assembly, Lausanne remarked: "I have encountered the most eloquent speaker, whose linguistic artistry is beyond your reach. He can express a practical viewpoint clearly and distinctly through a beautiful piece of nonsense, while your multitude of clear viewpoints and reasons holds no more value than nonsense."
Losang, who was frightened to illness by the ascension of the Living Buddha, knew that the county magistrate must have something to discuss with him
Fortunately, Luosang is not a true Tibetan, and he knows where Enzagebu Lama has gone; from the very first glance at Enzagebu Lama, Luosang could tell that he was a practitioner who had reached the ninth level of cultivation. Long years of practice had drained Enzagebu Lama of too much energy, leaving him unable to gather the powerful energy needed for ascension. His purpose in coming out this time was to find someone who could help him complete the final step, and he found Luosang; Enzagebu Lama almost simultaneously sensed Luosang's cultivation, but unlike Luosang, he could not see through Luosang's realm. As he handed the prayer beads to Luosang, he also entrusted himself to him, while Enzagebu Lama quietly awaited the arrival of that final moment not far away. Luosang only needed to explore the prayer beads, which outsiders regarded as treasures, to understand his request. As he handed the prayer beads to Luosang, he also entrusted himself to him, while Enzagebu Lama quietly awaited the arrival of that final moment not far away. Luosang only needed to explore the prayer beads, which outsiders regarded as treasures, to understand his request
The county chief of Gabujie, who fully understood the meaning of the commissioner, indeed began to focus on the protection and cultivation of Luosang. He lived and ate in Luosang's tent and even specifically found a merchant to take care of the sheep. He said: "Luosang and Tushu will go to Beijing for school in the future. When they return after completing their studies, they will be the officials here. You take good care of these sheep for him, and I will sell them to you at a good price. Luosang will not forget you." One must understand the underlying meaning behind a politician's words. Indeed, Luosang did not wait to leave the grasslands before forgetting that merchant.
Usually, receiving the blessing of a high lama can bring joy and pride for an entire year. Now, with such a great lama, akin to a living Buddha, passing away before one's eyes, it is only natural for anyone to be struck into a state of silent meditation. The village chief, Losang, gazes with a sense of reverence at the healer, Losang, takes out a string of prayer beads from his bosom, respectfully hangs them around the healer's neck, bows deeply, and prepares to withdraw
He took out a piece of paper and handed it to Luosang, "This is my phone number. Call me when you get to Beijing, and I will definitely come to pick you up and show you around the capital."
Upon seeing the old lama, the most astonishing was actually County Chief Gabuj. County Chief Gabuj knew that the old lama was a high monk from Kawa Lun Temple, a great lama whose age was unknown to anyone: Enzagebu the Great Lama. No one had ever heard him speak; Enzagebu the Great Lama only appeared before the public during the New Year, spending the rest of the time in quiet meditation in his small meditation room
When the old lama was lifted from the vehicle, he remained in a meditative posture, his expression serene, as if the wrinkles on his face had diminished significantly. The doctor, Losang, awakened, completely unaware of everything that had transpired the previous night, curiously listened to the audience recounting the miracles that had occurred around him. Once the lama was brought back, the crowd's encirclement around him was lifted, and everyone went to greet the esteemed monk.
I do not remember
I do not know
The exhausted county magistrate could never forget Lama Enzagbu, especially the pair of clear eyes he directed towards the crowd. Under the call of those eyes, it seemed that everyone was willing to follow him to the ends of the earth.
Luo Sang and Qiao Ying settled down and suddenly asked, "Did you come from Beijing?"
The county magistrate of Gabujie will immediately dispatch a vehicle to a town 200 kilometers away to report to the county and the region, and also to inform the Kawala Temple; additionally, the township government has been notified to prepare a batch of tents and supplies to be sent over, as many people are about to arrive here.
After County Chief Gabujie left, Qiao Ying arrived; the female reporter excitedly entered and hugged Luosang, giving him a kiss. Luosang understood why she was so excited: Qiao Ying's myopia, gastric ulcer, constipation, dysmenorrhea, and toothache had all been cured. After getting up in the morning, she could see the distant snow-capped mountains without needing a doctor's degree; even the false tooth she had fitted had fallen out today. When the doctor saw this, he immediately fainted: at twenty-five years old, she had grown a new tooth, and the little white tip of the new tooth was already visible on her gum! The doctor, who knew her background, even had the lewd thought: she wouldn't grow a new hymen, would she? The people in the literary circle, even the doctors are a bit perverse!
Does the Enzagebu Lama have any teachings left for you
The lamas opened the tent door, marking the end of a year-long struggle for the reincarnation of the living Buddha, and the new tulku has been found
I will go to Beijing for school in the autumn, and the village chief said he would send me to a certain central academy of arts and literature. "Is Beijing beautiful? Will I be able to see you in Beijing?" asked Luosang.
I cannot take it either; you might as well give it to the county magistrate. I can't remember what happened last night; it seems I am fated to have no connection with Buddhism. The doctor, Losang, looked sincerely at Losang, who was serving as the village head, covering his head with one hand. "I still feel dazed; my head is about to explode."
Do you know the location where Enzagebu Lama sat in meditation that you mentioned last night
The sacred body of the Enzagbu Lama has been kept in the village chief's tent. Three days have passed, and the Enzagbu Lama shows no signs of decay; his skin remains as soft and elastic as in life, maintaining a meditative posture. The pilgrims who come to pay their respects all call him the Living Buddha. Six large barrels filled with butter have been filled to the brim within a day by the fervent offerings of the herders, and rows of butter lamps extend for thousands of meters. Prayer wheels spin day and night, and the strings of hanging khatas can stretch for several kilometers. Six large barrels filled with butter have been filled to the brim within a day by the fervent offerings of the herders, and rows of butter lamps extend for thousands of meters. Prayer wheels spin day and night, and the strings of hanging khatas can stretch for several kilometers.
Qiao Ying has awakened from these dreamlike days; playing emotional games with this handsome herdsman is also a kind of embellishment to her travel life. Although Luosang is an excellent, handsome, and very attractive young man, upon arriving in Beijing, her normal social circle is still waiting for her. Not to mention the age difference, just imagine herself snuggling with a herdsman whose face is marked by the redness of the plateau on Chang'an Street; she would not only be laughed at by others but would also feel embarrassed herself. Love requires conditions, just as she would be captivated by a handsome herdsman on the grassland because the grassland accentuates his ruggedness, in the city, she would be fascinated by even more powerful individuals. But upon arriving in Beijing, her normal social circle is still waiting for her. Not to mention the age difference, just imagine herself snuggling with a herdsman whose face is marked by the redness of the plateau on Chang'an Street; she would not only be laughed at by others but would also feel embarrassed herself. Love requires conditions, just as she would be captivated by a handsome herdsman on the grassland because the grassland accentuates his ruggedness, in the city, she would be fascinated by even more powerful individuals.
Uncle Lausanne, the Lausanne who can treat illnesses, called out to the Lausanne who was the village chief; "Isn't this the prayer beads of Enzagbu Lama? What are you giving this to me for?"
The herdsmen all knelt down, for the Enzagebu Lama holds a revered place in the hearts of the herdsmen in this area, comparable to that of a living Buddha, possessing great spiritual powers. He has been at the Kawa Lun Monastery since the time of the village elder, which means that Enzagebu Lama is at least over 120 years old; his presence here is itself a miracle, and his passing is an event of immense significance.
After observing Luosang for a long time, Mayor Gabuj finally spoke up: "Luosang, do you really not remember what happened last night?"
Luo Sang finally touched the prayer beads, and at that moment, he and Lama Enzagbu connected on a spiritual level; in the final moments, Luo Sang even hesitated whether to help Lama Enzagbu complete this last step, but under the Lama's urgent urging, he assisted him in fulfilling this lifelong wish. He had already been to that place, long yearned for by countless practitioners over millennia, where reality is always harsh; just as there is no hell, there is no paradise anywhere! Yet, under the Lama's urgent urging, Luo Sang still helped Lama Enzagbu complete this lifelong wish. He had already been to that place, long yearned for by countless practitioners over millennia, where reality is always harsh; just as there is no hell, there is no paradise anywhere!
The commissioner inquired in detail about the journey of Lama Losang Enzagebu to the Pure Land. Holding a prayer bead, Losang recounted the story strictly according to the village chief's teachings. The commissioner glanced at the county head, who quickly provided a detailed introduction to Losang's situation, emphasizing the plans to recommend Losang for admission to a certain central academy. After listening attentively, the commissioner expressed with emotion: "Our herders are such wonderful herders. We must focus on protecting and nurturing children of the grasslands like them. Our country and beautiful grasslands need more modern herders to manage the pastoral areas, protect the grasslands, and preserve a pure blue sky for future generations, allowing the majestic snow-capped mountains to remain even more pristine." After saying this, he shook hands tightly with Losang, who had treated the living Buddha, sent the living Buddha to heaven, and was fainted by the holy scene of the living Buddha ascending (now also adding the bewildered Losang). Then, Village Chief Gabujie led Losang away. On the way, Gabujie said to the bewildered Losang: "The commissioner is very satisfied with your performance. Once this matter is settled, you can go to the region to participate in preschool guidance." Then, Village Chief Gabujie led Losang away. On the way, Gabujie said to the bewildered Losang: "The commissioner is very satisfied with your performance. Once this matter is settled, you can go to the region to participate in preschool guidance."
Luo Sang admired the cunning of the village chief, Gabujie, as he spoke. As a result, the body of the great lama Enzagubu would be subjected to sky burial; the term 'returning to heaven' refers to sky burial. Therefore, not only would Enzagubu not be reincarnated, but he would also leave behind not even a stupa; how cunning indeed
Losang decided to break the mysterious image he had in the eyes of others. Jokingly, it was fine for Losang to treat patients, but when it came to treating a living Buddha, he found himself in trouble. If he accidentally became the one to send the living Buddha to the heavens, he would be seen as a monster. Although Buddhism emphasizes the law of causation, being connected to a living Buddha was beyond what he could bear. Losang, who could treat patients, certainly did not want to go to Walu Temple to become a lama practicing silent meditation or to serve as the private doctor for the lamas.
In the early morning, as the rising sun dispelled the night mist over the grassland, the caravan searching for the old lama returned
They had been walking for five days, and Enzagbu remained silent; during these five days, they only stopped three times to drink some water and rest briefly in meditation. Once the group had somewhat recovered, Enzagbu the Great Lama continued to stroll southeast without showing any signs of fatigue, leaving the followers utterly exhausted. On the evening of the fifth day, Enzagbu stopped in front of a simple yurt, glanced back at a few of the Great Lamas behind him, and sat down on the ground, closing his eyes and remaining silent.
"If you help me with a favor, I guarantee you can attend a certain central academy this year!" The county head, Gabuj, employed a ruthless tactic; in his imagination, Losang should have fainted immediately. The central academy is indeed a cradle for minority ethnic cadres; graduating from there is akin to securing a golden job. He himself had only attended a general college in Chengdu for two years. Unfortunately, Losang was unaware of what kind of school the central academy was, and simply nodded in a plain and unadorned manner.
Luo Sang was completely unaware of the other person's change, holding the piece of paper against his chest, "I will definitely come to find you, wait for me, I will bring the snow lotus to Beijing to see you"
"It’s no use, I’ve taken a lot of medicine, but it hasn’t worked. Please ask a Han doctor to come and take a look at me, I’m in so much pain." Old Losang hurried off to find County Chief Gabuj. From that moment on, the doctor Losang became known as the Losang who was frightened into illness by the Living Buddha.