Golden Lotus Guai Lesser Yaoguais
Description
Ancient texts record that whenever Bodhisattvas or Buddhas manifest their divine presence, golden lotuses bloom from the earth, radiating brilliance.
As time passed, the golden lotuses grew increasingly discontent. They saw the mice of Mount Lingshan, who became kings by stealing lamp oil; the carp of the Southern Sea, who became ancestors by plucking lotus flowers; and even the scorpion that stung the Buddha, gaining the power of the old yaoguai. In contrast, despite their diligent service, the golden lotuses received nothing.
After careful consideration, they decided to entrust the burden of ascending to the heavens to their descendants. They scattered their seeds into the mortal realm, hoping they would cultivate into yaoguais and attain enlightenment.
However, the golden lotuses did not anticipate the arduous path of cultivation in the mortal world. Many intelligent and brave beings also sought enlightenment, making the competition fierce and brutal. The golden lotuses that descended to the mortal realm tried various methods: transforming into women to deceive men and steal their vital essence, only to be recognized and slain by Daoists; transforming into old men to use their wits to deceive scholars, only to be seen through and mocked. Such attempts were numerous and often unsuccessful.
After many trials and tribulations, the golden lotuses in the mortal realm gradually realized that their original form had a better chance of success. They returned to the temples, using the auspicious signs of the Bodhisattvas and Buddhas’ protection to lure people into picking them, only to devour them afterward.
Alas, if one seeks to understand the world with a mindset of quick success, how complex the world becomes! Cause and effect are intertwined, and fate is mysterious. Every step taken is predestined.
Poetry
Auspicious clouds above, unaware of worldly strife,
Descendants scattered far, seeking a better life.
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