The Little Monk asked again, "Why must they see Master? Are there some things that even Senior Hongzhi and Senior Hongyuan don't know?"
The Old Monk said, "Because I have lived long enough..." He then looked around the courtyard at the flowers and plants, and with a laugh, added, "Sitting and watching the clouds unfold, lying down and listening to the birds sing, watching the leisurely flowers in the morning and listening to the rain at night, of course, I have lived a long life. Even the Emperor, the abbot, do not have a life as carefree and joyful as an Immortal."
The Little Monk looked at his Master, this was quite different from what Senior Hongzhi and Senior Hongyuan had told him.
The Old Monk seemed to guess what the Little Monk was thinking, chuckled a few times, and then said, "You should only listen to half of what your two Senior Brothers say. My words, however, should be remembered fully."
The Little Monk nodded thoughtfully.
