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"How does one become a Buddha? Those with the heart of Buddha can become one."
"Devote oneself to Buddha, that is the heart of Buddha."
"To taste all sufferings, endure through all eons, know love and hatred, comprehend cause and effect, attain the great Dao, realize Nirvana, that is the path to becoming a Buddha."
Ku Chen, facing the unfamiliar monk blocking his way, pressed his palms together in a salute, solemnly responded, yet he was inwardly on guard.
Although he couldn't sense anything amiss about the person before him, their unexpected encounter and inquiry about Buddha seemed out of the ordinary; nevertheless, after years of practicing the Buddha's teachings, he still gave a respectful answer.
The strange monk showed an expression that neither agreed nor disagreed and asked again, "Buddha says, all beings are equal. In the eyes of a friend of Buddha, are all beings equal?"
"Naturally!"
