First day
In the past dynasty, Emperor Wuzong's anti-Buddhist purge led to temple collapse, scripture burnings, and monks' secularization. At Hangzhou's Lingyin Temple, monk Kongming fled with treasured texts to escape turmoil, journeying to the frontier. After ten years, he returned enlightened. Devoted to saving souls, he taught Buddhism widely until his passing at Feilai Peak in Emperor Xizong's Qianfu Year.
Later, young Huineng also of Lingyin discovered Kongming's journals in the scripture hall and learned of his secret training beneath a massive waterfall, where he aligned earth, water, fire, and wind to achieve joyful perfection. Though Huichang's anti-Buddhist campaign ended, further peril loomed; hence, Kongming hid scriptures in a cave beneath the falls. Now, I follow his ascetic path, striving to master All is Void before returning.
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Third day
To complete the marvelous formation of earth, water, fire, and wind, I, a young monk, left my cave for materials and witnessed two villagers in dispute. One claimed the shrine's waterfall flowing like a white dragon was so named; the other said that long ago a white dragon, punished by Heaven, was trapped in the deep pool below, hence its name.
In my view, White Dragon signifies the Nāga host among the eight celestial dragons, sworn to protect Dharma and the pure-hearted. Master Kongming practiced in the cave beneath the falls and attained profound liberation, likely under their guardianship. In our transient world, every being sees differently each flower a universe, each leaf a path to enlightenment.
I record this intriguing tale.
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Seventh day
...Recently, the practice has been taxing me. Perhaps due to flaws in Formation, not entering true path. One must focus and refine Formation before continuing practice.
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Thirteenth day
...The previous day's adjustments were quite effective. With diligent practice, today's understanding of Earth element has become clear.
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Nineteenth day
...Water of White Dragon purifies heart, attests to purity, and reveals compassion. Water element symbolizes understanding.
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Twenty-seventh day
Fire, characterized by warmth, is used to refine and transform all things. The blazing flame burns away all troubles and ignorance.
As Fire element forms, Hellfire extinguishes, and Pure Fire arises.
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Thirty-fifth Day
Solid and indestructible, this is Earth.
Pure and joyful, this is Water.
Warm and majestic, this is Fire.
Dustless and untainted, this is Wind.
All forms are illusions; if one sees forms no forms, one sees Tathagata.
Now the three elements are in harmony, leaving only Wind element. When Wind element is complete, the mind becomes clear.
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Fortieth day
The wind signs are clear.
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Forty-ninth day
Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, forcibly named Four Elements. Love, hate, anger, ignorance, mundane life hard to unravel.
All is Void. Clouds disperse, the moon shines bright, illuminating the sandy world.
I depart.