Chapter 2247 Insight
Fang Jun thought about Yuan Tiangang's question. In fact, there was no answer to this question, or in other words, there was no answer at all.
This is not a problem of knowledge, nor is it a problem of the environment, but a problem of Taoism itself.
The core roots of Taoism can be traced back to the birth of the "Book of Changes", and its origin is earlier than the three major religions in the world. In terms of religious spirit, explanation of soul, and philosophical system, it is more comprehensive than other religions. In terms of practicality of religion, the philosophical thoughts contained in "Bagua" are probably unmatched by any religion.
A particularly important point is that from the birth of Taoism to the 21st century, the land of China has experienced countless disasters and was even occupied by foreign invasions twice, but it has still been able to continue to multiply for thousands of generations, which shows that its influence is extraordinary. Generally speaking, it has never become the supreme "state religion" of an entire nation or even a certain dynasty like other religions...
This must start from the core ideas of Taoism.
What are the core ideas of Taoism?
Four words - quiet and inaction.
You are going through a tribulation, who has the time to care about you?
You're just refining elixirs, who has time to care about you?
It doesn’t care about the divine right of kings, it doesn’t care about God’s love for the world, and it doesn’t care about how many people have fallen into karma and need to be saved by God.
Even if the ruler wants to use it as a tool of rule, it won't work, because Taoism is like this. Whoever you love, believe it or not, don't waste my time. I want to build a foundation and refine elixirs, to live forever, and to ascend in the daytime. ……
Only when the entire world's environment has undergone earth-shaking reversals will Taoists focus on the world. They do not care about the suffering of the people or the change of political power. They just think that it violates the purpose of Taoism and affects the survival of Taoism.
As long as the world is stable, they will go deep into the mountains to refine elixirs and practice Taoism in pursuit of immortality...
However, the rise of Buddhism has already threatened the survival of Taoism even in the prosperous times, so Yuan Tiangang is so impatient.
He does not have to lead Taoism to a supreme position. He is just worried that if Buddhism is allowed to develop and Taoism does nothing, the foundation of Taoism's existence will be cut off sooner or later...
But since he has the intention of deceiving Yuan Tiangang, how can he say that he has nothing to do?
Fang Jun straightened his waist, and the old god said: "All things in the world are only static and conserved, and only change and progress. In the current situation, if Taoism continues to stick to the rules and remain unchanged, it will be surpassed or even replaced by Buddhism sooner or later. Then if Taoism wants to survive , then We can only look forward to the coming of troubled times. In fact, you Taoists have done many such things in history. Once you find that your living space is threatened, you will use the name of the people to advocate the right way and lead an uprising..."< br>
Yuan Tiangang's face trembled, looking forward to the coming of troubled times?
This cannot be said. Even though the emperor is now broad-minded, these words that touch the foundation of imperial rule are enough to make the emperor furious.
After all, Taoism has been revered as the "state religion" by the Li and Tang royal families. The two have the same interests. It is the time when honey mixes with oil, and they must not rebel...
As for what Fang Jun said about calling for an uprising under the guise of the people's orders... he avoided the topic and asked directly: "Don't go around in circles, just say it if you have any way."
Fang Jun spread his hands: "Didn't I tell you everything?"
Yuan Tiangang was confused: "What did you say?"
Fang Jun said: "Please change! In the current situation, Taoism is in a disadvantageous position, and the general trend has been achieved. The rise of Buddhism has already accumulated enough foundation in a subtle way. If it continues to develop, it is impossible for Taoism to compete with it. Only Only with change can we have opportunities.”
Yuan Tiangang frowned tightly and hesitated: "How to change?"
Fang Jun didn't have an answer at all, but he couldn't admit it frankly, so he evaded: "Where does so-and-so know? Maybe he is cultivating Taoism among the people, helping refugees, or he is requesting your majesty to include Taoism as the state religion in the "Zhenguan Law", or even more, Directly inciting people somewhere to start an uprising..."
"Shut up!"
Yuan Tiangang scolded angrily and glared: "You little boy with a yellow mouth, don't talk nonsense! Can you say such words casually? Even if it is just nonsense, it may put our Taoist family into a situation of disloyalty and unrighteousness. Be careful Words!”
After scolding him, he turned around and asked: "What is your reason for writing Taoism as the state religion into the "Zhenguan Law"?"
Fang Jun said: "Confucius said: If the name is not correct, then the words will not go smoothly, and if the words are not right, the deeds will not be accomplished. This has never been the case in ancient and modern times, at home and abroad. No matter how evil and rebellious things are, you must also find a high-sounding excuse before doing it, occupying the moral and legal grounds. Take the commanding heights and then follow the trend and get twice the result with half the effort.”
Yuan Tiangang stroked his beard and pondered, silent.
If Taoism is written into the "Zhenguan Law" as the state religion of the Tang Dynasty, Taoism has occupied the commanding heights of legal principles and morality throughout the Tang Dynasty. Even if it is impossible to truly maintain the status of Taoism, it at least makes Taoism the only orthodox one, and other sects such as Buddhism and so on , anyone who dares to be an enemy of the Taoists is a heretic!
Nowadays, the Li Tang royal family respects "Laozi" as their ancestor, believes in Taoism, and regards Taoism as the state religion. Taoism brings unparalleled support to the rule of the Li Tang royal family.
Under such circumstances, Yuan Tiangang is still somewhat confident in persuading His Majesty Li Er to act this way...
Fang Jun added: "I am somewhat certain about this matter, but Master Yuan cannot take it for granted. After all, this move is tantamount to placing Taoism above other sects in the world. It will definitely cause dissatisfaction among sects such as Buddhism. Your Majesty may not be able to do so." I will agree. I heard that the "Thirteen Stick Monks" outside Hulao Pass were a life-long friendship. Your Majesty will always leave some face to the Buddhists."
Yuan Tiangang looked confused: "Thirteen stick monks rescued the King of Tang? What is that?"
Fang Jun was also a little confused: "Uh... In the battle of Hulao Pass, His Majesty had three thousand against one hundred thousand. Didn't there still be a group of monk soldiers accompanying His Majesty to charge into the battle with His Majesty?"
Yuan Tiangang said: "This is indeed true, but where did you, the 'Thirteen-stick Monk', come from?"
Fang Jun was stunned.
At that time, "Shaolin Temple" was very popular, and the scene of "Thirteen stick monks saving the king of Tang Dynasty" was well-known throughout the country. Later, some people questioned its authenticity, and some people confirmed that it happened in history. The story took place outside Li Shimin's Hulao Pass in "Three Thousand Breakthrough". Fang Jun always believed in the famous battle of "one hundred thousand".
How come this Yuan Tiangang means that it never happened?
Yuan Tiangang looked at Fang Jun's bewildered expression and burst into laughter, stroking his beard and mockingly said: "What kind of fool can make up such a lie, and what kind of fool can believe it to be true?"
Fang Jun was a little angry: "Yuan Daochang has lived for more than a hundred years and has seen a lot. The younger generation has never experienced the turbulent years of those years. How can it be stupid to believe others' words?"
Yuan Tiangang laughed and said: "What does this have to do with the past? It is obviously a logical problem. Only a fool can believe it!"
Fang Jun was not convinced: "I would like to hear the details."
Yuan Tiangang pointed at the tea cup, and Fang Jun had no choice but to pour tea for him again...
"Back then, Emperor Gaozu issued an edict and ordered King Qin to attack Wang Shichong who was entrenched in Luoyang. After Wang Shichong heard the news, he took the initiative to attack and started a fierce battle at Hulao Pass. At that time, King Qin had great achievements and was the pillar of the Tang Dynasty. , There are a series of official titles such as Shangshu Ling, Daoxingtai of Yizhou in Eastern Shaanxi Province, Mu of Yongzhou, General Youwuhou, General Manager of Liangzhou, King of Qin, etc. However, there is no such title as "King of Tang" and it is absolutely impossible! ”
Fang Jun thought about it carefully and felt ashamed.
Jokes, stories, killing people...
It should be noted that the emperor at that time was Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan. He could not be called Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty. It was the temple name after his death. In some "divine dramas", ministers often called him "Emperor Taizu", "Emperor Taizong", or even Emperor Xizong of the Song Dynasty. , Emperor Mingx is so ignorant, who dares to say such a thing in front of the emperor, no matter which emperor he is, he will kill your whole family in minutes!
A more formal name should be "Emperor Wude of the Tang Dynasty"...
Li Yuan's legal heir is Prince Li Jiancheng, and his status is unshakable. No matter how much Li Yuan respects Qin King Li Shimin, he cannot be named "King of Tang" - there are no two days in the sky, no two masters in the country, and the country's name is "Tang". If you then confer the title of "King of Tang" to a legitimate son who is not a prince, does this mean "one country, two monarchs"?
Even if Li Yuan was confused, it was impossible for the ministers of the Manchu Dynasty to let him do this.
Yuan Tiangang smiled happily, seeming to enjoy the fact that a "monster" like Fang Jun, who was "so intelligent that he was almost a monster", was being humbled in front of him. (End of chapter)