When many of the accomplished monks saw Fangzheng take his seat in a perfectly calm and collected manner as though he was a meditating old monk or imperturbable mountain, they nodded in silent approval. They had met many geniuses as well as those that were inordinately proud of their own abilities, but few could act like Fangzheng. He was not pleased by external gains or saddened by personal losses. He remained unfazed in the light of discussion.
However, this was only a prelude. Soon, the Dharma Assembly began. There was the sutra recitals, Buddhist prayers, and Dharma preaching. All of these went on in orderly fashion. Meanwhile a series of loudspeakers outside the monastery transmitted the proceedings happening inside. Of course, none of this had much to do with Fangzheng. He naturally did not get a chance to go up on stage to preach the Dharma at the Dharma Assembly. Zen Master Baiyun and company kept their mouths shut on anything regarding the matter.
