Chapter 7, Sky Burial on the Snowfield

Sixteen strong young lamas lifted the esteemed Enzagebu Lama, who was seated on a lotus throne, and began to walk slowly towards the snow-capped mountains over a hundred miles away. Lobsang held the prayer beads, accompanied by two disciples of Enzagebu Lama on either side.

This is one of the most famous sky burial sites in the northern Tibetan region. It is said that King Indra of the ancient kingdom of Tibet held rituals here to honor the deities, making it a site of historical significance.

Simple and unadorned. Without any decorations or daily necessities, allowing the departed to cast aside all temptations and abandon all worldly attachments, coming and going in a state of utter nakedness, without any concerns or lingering thoughts, wholeheartedly moving towards reincarnation

Losang indirectly left the prayer beads at Kawa Lun Temple, which deepened his understanding of Tibetan Buddhism; most importantly, Losang realized that he owed Kawa Lun Temple something, though what it was remains a profound mystery; this encounter with Lama Zare Ni had no clear victor or vanquished

Luo Sang had not practiced for a long time. At his level of mastery, ordinary levels of energy were insufficient to enhance his skills. However, gathering a sufficiently large amount of energy required a considerable amount of preparation time, which is commonly understood as seclusion. Yet, as soon as Luo Sang entered a state of seclusion, he would unconsciously begin to attract everything around him; if this continued, he would surely suffocate himself. Therefore, for several years, Luo Sang had only maintained the internal circulation of his true energy within his body, slowly absorbing the weak energy from his surroundings, which could only prevent his skills from regressing, making any enhancement impossible. As soon as Luo Sang entered a state of seclusion, he would unconsciously begin to attract everything around him; if this continued, he would surely suffocate himself. Thus, for several years, Luo Sang had only maintained the internal circulation of his true energy within his body, slowly absorbing the weak energy from his surroundings, which could only prevent his skills from regressing, making any enhancement impossible.

Opposite the sky burial platform (approximately 30 to 50 meters away), there are generally winding mountain ranges that obstruct the line of sight, preventing the deceased from associating with their loved ones and the emotional ties to their homeland and possessions.

The meditation practice of the Enzagbu Lama emphasizes the cultivation of the spirit, which follows a different path from Losang's focus on the cultivation of the body and mind. In recent days of quiet contemplation, Losang has sensed a glimmer of hope in resolving his current predicament. Losang is no longer the Cao Yulang of the past; he has completely severed his yearning for that so-called paradise and only wishes to live happily in this world. The Enzagbu Lama has chosen to abandon the physical body and retain the energy of the spirit to enter that realm. Before departing, Losang shared his experiences with him, but the Enzagbu Lama insisted on completing this final step. As Losang opened the passage through time and space for him, he also left his own mark on him, hoping that his predecessor would be of assistance. The Enzagbu Lama, having forsaken his physical form, has forever lost the hope of returning, and Losang wishes for him to suffer less in that place. In his heart, Losang silently prays for him.

A high lama approached Luosang, extending his hand towards him, "Luosang, I want to take away the high lama's ritual implement." After saying this, he reached for the item in Luosang's hand

The smoke rising from the sacrificial offerings to the revered Enzagebu Lama wafts gently upwards, while glutinous rice cakes are being roasted by the cedar fire, the fragrant aroma of the roasted barley flour dispersing in the wind, enticing the vulture to glance around restlessly.

The middle-aged lama used the tip of a knife to draw horizontal and vertical lines on the back of the Enzagebu Lama, as if deciphering a pattern. Buddhist philosophy holds that the human body resembles a lotus flower, with the lowest wheel treasure located at the base of the pelvis. The perineum in front of the anus is likened to a four-petaled lotus. If this lotus is cut open and crushed, the soul loses its anchoring body and is left to "drift away," heading towards another world. Once the soul departs from the body, the human flesh becomes akin to soil, stone, brick, and wood, devoid of any intrinsic value of life. If this lotus is cut open and crushed, the soul loses its anchoring body and is left to "drift away," heading towards another world. Once the soul departs from the body, the human flesh becomes akin to soil, stone, brick, and wood, devoid of any intrinsic value of life

Qiao Ying has already called in the other two filming crews. The sky burial ceremony of a high lama occurs only once in several hundred years. For people of their status, the more common choices are cremation or burial; very few high lamas undergo sky burial. Such precious historical material cannot be captured by just one crew. Qiao Ying secretly feels fortunate to have encountered such a great opportunity; if she seizes it well, she could win several major awards and quickly become a popular journalist and a leading host.

Luo Sang pretended to be frightened and knelt down, while the other lamas also knelt and fervently recited scriptures. After a while, the vulture slowly descended again

Luo Sang displayed a look of surprise, glancing at the prayer beads, then turning to observe the vultures scavenging along the snow line in the distance. A thread of consciousness immediately reached the group of vultures; sensing unease, the vultures suddenly soared high into the sky, ascending to nearly 1,000 meters, where they circled and refused to descend.

This is akin to a boy in his first love, who, in pursuit of a beautiful woman, is willing to burn his life in a frenzied chase, disregarding everything. It is only when the boy matures or truly possesses her that he awakens from his grand dream, feeling that his madness was not worth it. Although he is aware of the bittersweet nature of the journey, the passionate fervor of burning desire is no longer present

The Zhaleni Lama was uncertain whether Losang was helping him or harming him, or perhaps warning himself. Just moments ago, he had attempted to use esoteric practices to control Losang's thoughts, hoping that Losang would willingly return the prayer beads to Kawa Lun Monastery. Although employing such techniques on an ordinary person contradicted the essence of Buddhism and the taboos of practitioners, the Zhaleni Lama was too eager for these prayer beads. The mere thought of Kawa Lun Monastery basking in the glory of countless devotees under the radiance of these beads made him forget all other considerations, not to mention the immense spiritual power that the beads possessed. However, Losang revealed everything to the Zhaleni Lama through the prayer beads, leaving all choices to him.

The Zhaleni Lama did not respond to the village chief's words, merely standing there quietly, locking eyes with Losang. Suddenly, a brilliant light flashed in the Zhaleni Lama's eyes, filled with sharpness, and Losang seemed momentarily stunned, yet maintained a calm and somewhat expressionless demeanor as he continued to gaze back. County Chief Gabuj was a bit anxious, fearing that Losang might not be able to withstand the pressure and would hand the prayer beads to the Zhaleni Lama. He attempted to step in between the two, but found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move any further. He wanted to scream, but discovered that he could not even produce a sound. County Chief Gabuj was a bit anxious, fearing that Losang might not be able to withstand the pressure and would hand the prayer beads to the Zhaleni Lama. He attempted to step in between the two, but found himself rooted to the spot, unable to move any further. He wanted to scream, but discovered that he could not even produce a sound

Only after the Zhaleni Lama and the others had walked far away did he raise his head, his sweat already soaking his robes. The Zhaleni Lama gazed deeply at the distant figure of Luosang, fully aware that Luosang was the one who could possess that string of prayer beads. He felt completely disconnected from the realm in which Luosang existed. In his eyes, Luosang seemed to possess immense spiritual power, yet appeared to have no cultivation at all; however, it was this person who opened his realm to him, a state that neither the Enzagebu Lama nor the Sangji Cuohuo possessed, a supreme state indeed! In his eyes, Luosang seemed to possess immense spiritual power, yet appeared to have no cultivation at all; however, it was this person who opened his realm to him, a state that neither the Enzagebu Lama nor the Sangji Cuohuo possessed, a supreme state indeed!

The lamas were so overwhelmed by the large hats that they could hardly catch their breath, and they were also astonished by the strange behavior of the Zhaleni Lama. After much discussion, they ultimately decided that the offending lama would recite scriptures for forty-nine days here as penance. Thus, the generally liberated lamas escorted the young living Buddha back to Kawa Lun Monastery, while the senior lamas, accompanied by two disciples, continued to recite scriptures for atonement.

Qiao Ying was astonished, staring in disbelief; such a priceless treasure as hetushu.com had been right beside her, in front of her, for so long. She quickly adjusted the camera and began to take a flurry of shots of the Buddhist beads.

Zareni the Great Lama and others walked away in silence, hastily heading towards Kavalun Monastery, which is several hundred kilometers away. Their destination was the Vajrayana meditation retreat at Kavalun Monastery, where he intended to enter seclusion for quiet contemplation, seeking early liberation; the day of liberation would mark a new elevation for Zareni the Great Lama. If he could master himself well, Zareni the Great Lama would surpass the Living Buddhas and become the foremost figure in Tibetan Buddhism

The selection of a sky burial site in the Tibetan region is quite meticulous: the terrain should be flat and open, facilitating the ascent of the smoke from the offerings, allowing the vultures to observe, and enabling the departed souls to attain eternal life in a serene and tranquil manner

Amidst the throngs of people stretching for over ten miles, the final step of the worldly journey of the Enzagebu Lama has begun

"Zareni Lama, do you have something to discuss?" The governor of Gabuj County is acquainted with him. Zareni Lama is one of the most influential lamas at Kawa Lun Monastery. This was before Lama Enzagebu passed away; now that Lama Enzagebu is no longer present, Kawa Lun Monastery may be the most influential under Zareni Lama. The issue is that Zareni Lama is quite different from the reclusive and low-profile Enzagebu Lama. He is a deeply engaged lama, possessing profound Buddhist teachings and ambitious aspirations. Over the past few years, Living Buddha Sangji Cuo has passed away, and the young living Buddha is still in his infancy. Zareni Lama has managed to keep the incense offerings at Kawa Lun Monastery thriving, almost on par with the Potala Palace in the south.

The county magistrate of Gabuj watched as Losang handed the prayer beads to the Zarlini Lama, and a curious event occurred: the prayer beads emitted a glow in the hands of the Zarlini Lama. After a moment, the shimmering glow disappeared, and the prayer beads returned to their unadorned nature. The Zarlini Lama raised the prayer beads high, reciting Buddhist scriptures, and respectfully hung the beads around Losang's neck. He bent his knees in a gesture of kneeling but did not actually kneel; ultimately, he merely performed a respectful bow and stepped aside to clear the path. The prayer beads returned to their unadorned nature, and the Zarlini Lama raised the prayer beads high, reciting Buddhist scriptures, and respectfully hung the beads around Losang's neck. He bent his knees in a gesture of kneeling but did not actually kneel; ultimately, he merely performed a respectful bow and stepped aside to clear the path.

The southern position generally refers to the area south of the ravines. Choosing the south may imply that the departed souls are heading towards the southern continent, one of the four great continents mentioned in Buddhist scriptures. This continent is home to the Vajrasana, "where all Bodhisattvas who are to attain enlightenment will sit." Thus, choosing the south symbolizes a convergence towards the Bodhisattvas, seeking rapid liberation for the soul

The Enzagbu Lama initially hung the prayer beads around his neck with significant intent, indicating a need for self-assistance; however, at that time, I did not comprehend this meaning. When the Enzagbu Lama left the Kawa Lun Monastery, he left a message for his disciples, stating that they should seek the ladder to the Western Paradise. This signifies that the Enzagbu Lama understood that he could not complete the final step solely relying on his own cultivation and power, and thus needed to seek help; I was the person he was looking for. At the moment I infused my inner breath into the prayer beads, the Enzagbu Lama began his final journey; at that moment, Losang felt the Enzagbu Lama's surprise and anticipation, indicating that he knew he could not complete the final step alone and needed assistance; I was the one he sought. At the moment I infused my inner breath into the prayer beads, the Enzagbu Lama commenced his final journey; at that moment, Losang sensed the Enzagbu Lama's joy and hope, as the Lama showcased his lifelong efforts and cultivation before Losang, allowing him to share in his experiences and tribulations. Silent meditation is indeed a profound practice, which greatly benefited Losang, providing hope for breakthroughs in realms he had long ceased to explore.

From the prayer beads, the Zhaleni Lama understood everything about the situation; Losang did not conceal anything from him and told him everything in complete detail. This is precisely what makes Losang remarkable. By revealing to the Zhaleni Lama things beyond his own realm and abilities too early, he lost the sense of mystery regarding his cultivation goals and the intense desire for the unknown world that arises from it. This desire for the future is the original motivation for all practitioners, serving as the spiritual pillar that supports them in persisting through the monotony of their practice. Without the motivation for cultivation, the Zhaleni Lama would be unable to make any further progress. He thus lost the sense of mystery regarding his cultivation goals and the intense desire for the unknown world that arises from it. This desire for the future is the original motivation for all practitioners, serving as the spiritual pillar that supports them in persisting through the monotony of their practice. Without the motivation for cultivation, the Zhaleni Lama would be unable to make any further progress

The lamas retreated to a distant place; the vultures circling in the sky swooped down with a rush. Once they had pecked away the last remnants of flesh and bone from the great lama Enzagbu, he would have completed his final step.

During this grand ceremony, Luosang detached his thoughts, mechanically following the path of the lotus throne; his consciousness had already immersed itself in the prayer beads.

County Chief Gabujie coldly said to the lama, "You have disturbed the return of Master Enzagebu; you are too impatient." The lama's face turned red, and he lowered his head to chant scriptures, not daring to respond. "This was given to Losang by Master Enzagebu before he left, because Losang helped the master escape the cycle of reincarnation. To snatch back Master Enzagebu's relics like this is a desecration of the master." County Chief Gabujie repeatedly referred to Master Enzagebu, firmly and accurately pinning the blame on the group of lamas, leaving them too intimidated to speak. After finishing his words, he pulled the still-kneeling Losang and walked down the mountain. It seemed he had no intention of leaving the prayer beads at Kawa Lun Temple. He feared that the lamas would use these miraculous prayer beads for some purpose, even to build a stupa for them would be troublesome; these beads were too famous, and none of the relics, bones, or sacred items at Kawa Lun Temple had the same appeal. Powerful items should not be in one's own hands, nor should they be in the hands of others. He needed to quickly send Losang out of the grasslands; he now understood the value of these beads. In the outside world, that foolish boy would surely trade them for something else! County Chief Gabujie thought.

A lama who had never spoken before suddenly appeared in front of Luosang, blocking their path, softly reciting Buddhist scriptures; his gaze fixed intently on Luosang. From his appearance, it was difficult to discern his age; he looked as ordinary as a herdsman frequently traversing the grasslands. However, the robe he wore indicated his high status, and that was all. What stood out were his eyes, from which Luosang perceived the shadow of the great lama Enzagbu. The county head was startled by his speed; he seemed as if he had always been standing there, naturally, as if he had been there for a long time. From his appearance, it was difficult to discern his age; he looked as ordinary as a herdsman frequently traversing the grasslands. However, the robe he wore indicated his high status, and that was all. What stood out were his eyes, from which Luosang perceived the shadow of the great lama Enzagbu. The county head was startled by his speed; he seemed as if he had always been standing there, naturally, as if he had been there for a long time.

The Enzagbu Lama has been stripped of the last ties to the mortal world, laid bare before the divine. The accompanying yaks and goats have also been freed from their bindings, released here, scattering to every corner of the snowy plains. As the final recitation of the Light Sutra is completed, the herders bow their heads for the last time and turn to leave, singing as they go.

Losang had always concealed his own abilities; he had long recognized that this Grand Lama possessed the fourth level of cultivation. He also discerned that among the Lamas, at least three had reached the seventh level of cultivation. However, the Grand Lama's arrogance infuriated him, and teaching him a lesson would also benefit his future cultivation. This was the first time he combined the closed-mouth Zen meditation technique with his internal energy to unleash a powerful strike. Losang did not expect that through this string of prayer beads, he could project his internal energy to such a distant place almost simultaneously with his thoughts. The prayer beads amplified his internal energy several times, affecting the vulture. In his surprise, Losang dared not say anything. Initially, he did not regard this string of prayer beads as particularly significant; after all, all miracles were achieved through his own efforts. Although he knew the beads were worth a considerable amount, he did not become greedy. Had it not been for the Grand Lama's impolite actions that provoked him, Losang had intended to return the beads to the Kawa Lun Monastery. However, now he decided to keep them, as he did not possess a usable weapon, and these beads seemed to be a good magical tool. Not to mention their ability to transmit his power over distances, even the amplification of his abilities alone was worth cherishing. Currently, Losang's cultivation method was quite peculiar; after each exertion, he could not dare to replenish his energy and would take several days to recover fully. With these beads, he could save a considerable amount of effort.

The Zhaleni Lama is indeed a person of profound understanding and deep practice of Buddhist teachings. Ultimately, he decided to return the prayer beads to Losang, intending to find his own way to assimilate all that he has received. In this way, Losang effectively owes a significant favor to the Kawa Lun Monastery. Given Losang's level of attainment, the returns that Kawa Lun Monastery will receive in the future will far exceed the value of a string of prayer beads. This reflects the emphasis in Tibetan Buddhism on the choices made by spiritual practitioners. If it were a practitioner from the mainland who focuses on intrinsic cultivation, they would have acted differently today.

Upon arriving at the sky burial site, the first task of the funeral team is to ignite the cedar and mulberry wood fire, allowing thick plumes of smoke to rise into the sky, while the scent of charred tsampa fills the air

The area surrounding the sky burial platform should not be filled with shrubs or flower beds, lacking any special scenery and attractiveness, thereby eliminating the spirits' attachment and longing for nature

Luo Sang deeply bowed to the Dharma body of the Enzagebu Lama, and the disciples retreated to below the snow line before turning to leave. The high-pitched songs gradually faded away, while the film crew set up their equipment over a thousand meters away from the sky burial mountain, using a long lens to capture this final scene

A middle-aged lama stepped forward, adjusting the body of the Enzagebu Lama to face south, limbs spread out, securing the collarbone with a golden hook attached to an iron stake (to prevent the vulture from disturbing the corpse's posture while tearing it apart). He also covered the head with a cloth (it is said that human brain matter is most enticing to vultures. If they consume the brain first, they lose interest in the flesh and bones), thus the head must be preserved for the final sky burial. The disciple of the Enzagebu Lama carried the shroud to the prayer flag grove, solemnly placing it on a piece of pure land, and tied the newly brought red and white prayer flags in the grove, silently wishing for the Enzagebu Lama's swift return to the sacred.

Two hundred meters above the snow line, a solitary snowfield is nestled between the snow-capped mountains, with over one hundred vultures circling above the peaks.

I do not know, last year someone sold a string of prayer beads for 500,000, which is far inferior to this one. The more spiritual power a lama possesses, the more valuable their prayer beads become. I have yet to see anyone sell items left behind by a living Buddha. The lamas are getting closer, and the voice of County Chief Gabujie is growing fainter.

Below the snow line, the lamas of Kawa Lun Temple stopped Losang, who was about to leave with the journalist Qiao Ying and County Chief Gabuji. Before the lamas approached, County Chief Gabuji said to Losang: "They want your prayer beads, do not give them to them, as they are a valuable treasure"

Everyone regained their ability to move and respectfully bowed to the Zhaleni Lama before daring to leave. He truly is a terrifying Lama, having rendered so many people motionless like zombies in an instant; it is better to keep a distance from him. Even the television crew found it unbelievable, as just moments ago, even the cameras had ceased to function.

"How much is it worth?" Qiao Ying asked, as she had always been curious about this string of prayer beads

After three days of travel, the Enzagbu Lama finally completed all his earthly journeys

One should not approach the steep cliffs, lest it frightens the spirits, causing them to be restless and uneasy.

Luo Sang felt a sense of discomfort in his heart as a thread of true energy penetrated the prayer beads; the prayer beads emitted a flash of fluorescence, propelling the Grand Lama five or six meters away

The solemn white conch shell emitted a deep, mournful sound, while the long ceremonial chant was raised high above the heads of the people, paving the way ahead; beneath the white umbrella, the young living Buddha sat on a lotus seat, hand forming the mudra, as a large group of lamas recited solemn scriptures closely following; behind two rows of lamas holding aloft the images of the deities of light were two rows of solemn victory banners and a group of wildly dancing dark deity flags; the raised prayer flags obscured the sky; individuals wearing masks of deities and spirits leaped in and out of the procession; tens of thousands of believers turned prayer wheels, bowing three times and prostrating nine times, filling the grassland; on either side, monk soldiers held aloft fire guns, releasing bursts of fireworks every few steps; amidst the throng of lamas reciting solemn scriptures closely following; behind two rows of lamas holding aloft the images of the deities of light were two rows of solemn victory banners and a group of wildly dancing dark deity flags; the raised prayer flags obscured the sky; individuals wearing masks of deities and spirits leaped in and out of the procession; tens of thousands of believers turned prayer wheels, bowing three times and prostrating nine times, filling the grassland; on either side, monk soldiers held aloft fire guns, releasing bursts of fireworks every few steps; accompanying the great lama Enzagebu to the heavenly realm were cattle and sheep enjoying glory above the heads of the people

Similarly, how can one expect a five-year-old child to endure the long years with the experience of a forty-year-old? It would be remarkable if the child did not suffer a mental breakdown.

Gentle slopes and platforms facilitate the operations of sky burial and the takeoff and landing of vultures

After erecting a forest of prayer flags all around, the conch shells echoed, and the lamas recited the Buddhist scriptures in loud voices. The melodious chanting of the scriptures, along with the frequent shaking of the vajra and the sound of the ritual bell, drowned out the distant clamor of the herdsmen. Beneath the forest of flags stood an old brick and wood Buddhist corridor, housing hundreds of niches containing statues of the principal Buddhas, the Taras, and protective deities. In front of the Buddhas were offerings of butter lamps, bowls of pure water, and other offerings.

Facing the east, the sun rises early and sets late, allowing one to bask in the warm sunlight throughout the day, symbolizing the masculine energy that envelops the burial mound at all times

Now, Luosang's abilities have surpassed the so-called Ascended Tai Chi Immortal Realm by a significant margin. He forcibly reversed his divine powers to escape from the destination of ascension; had it not been for Luosang's determination to shatter jade, he would not have been able to escape that so-called realm. Although he returned to freedom, the reversal of Tai Chi divine powers in that place transformed his techniques into a monstrosity in this world. Each time he practiced, inexplicably, the sand, trees, and even rocks around him would be drawn to within half a meter, gathering into increasingly tight piles until they became so dense that even the air was cut off. This, in turn, severed his channel for absorbing external air and energy. After escaping from the nuclear test site, Luosang jumped into the lake to cultivate and heal his injuries, nearly burying himself alive. The mud he attracted formed a dense ball of mud over ten meters thick around him, while the outside was water, and the air was cut off; it was a joke. There are cultivators who do not eat or drink, but everyone can absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and draw energy from nature to replenish their consumption. However, a cultivator who does not breathe cannot possibly survive; without a source of oxygen and nutrients, no one can last more than five days. No matter how strong the body is, it is still made of flesh; can flesh compare to steel? There are those who are unafraid of knives because they are fast enough to separate the knife from their flesh with internal energy in the instant the knife strikes. However, there is no one unafraid of bullets; no matter how fast a person is, they cannot outrun a bullet. Steel is certainly harder than iron; it will not be flesh. Understanding this principle comes at the cost of blood.

The windbreak, with the sky burial platform facing directly towards a mountain bay that is embraced by the mountains, is free from mountain gaps and canyons, and is not disturbed by the chill of阴气 or cold winds