"The fifth truth: Kandata's roar, where vile words are more grievous than a vile heart. Why did the spider silk snap after the roar, rather than when the evil thought first arose? Words are more destructive than thoughts; a thought may arise but remain unacted upon, causing no harm to others, and thus carries no penalty. But once a heart is stirred by malice and vile words are unleashed, they disrupt the harmonious energy of heaven and earth. When yin and yang are thrown into chaos, disaster easily descends upon one's person."
The lantern-bearing old man explained this with such exhaustive detail, presenting these five profound truths in such accessible terms, that it left a deep impact on everyone present.
Chen Xuan could not help but harbor suspicions about the old man's true identity. It was possible, as Gu Chenxiao had suggested, that he was some Buddha from the Western Heavens—and not an ordinary one at that, given that all five metaphors he spoke were rooted in profound Buddhist teachings.
Chapter 5554