Venerable Ananda gazed upon the ashes of the Sutra of Eternal Freedom, his heart a tumult of emotions, feeling both admiration and a slight unease toward the Tathagata.
"World Honored One, in the Western Heaven there is not only Ling Mountain, but also Lingjiu Mountain of the Ancient Lamp Buddha, and Xuedou Mountain of the Maitreya Buddha. If Ling Mountain cannot protect its Bodhisattvas, Venerables, and Arhats, I fear they will turn to Lingjiu Mountain and Xuedou Mountain! The Opening Tribulation might not have arrived yet, but Ling Mountain may already be doomed!"
He paused, then said, "Now that Chen Shi has yet to leave, there's still time to let him write another Sutra of Eternal Freedom. I am willing to practice this Sutra, and bear the infamy for Ling Mountain!"
The Tathagata smiled and said, "Ananda, Ling Mountain is not that important to us cultivators. I am also not that important to you. Do not cling, just let go."
