Chapter 13 (1/2)

Chapter 13: A day touring Kucha

In “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions”, Xuanzang said the following about Kucha: “Kucha Kingdom spans a thousand li from east to west, over six hundred li from north to south, and the perihteen li”

I simply used “mile” before, but this is more accurate “Li” is Chinese hly equals 323ed from period to period)

Right now, I a the city below In my vision I see numerous mountains that make up the Tian Shan, all covered by snow At the foot of the range is the irrigation system and a series of neatly-forh there are also spots uncovered, revealing darkish soil underneath the sunlight

Tian Shan

“To have such great snowfall, the Kuchan people are really blessed,” Rajiva says as he looks at the Tian Shan far ahead, his breath for a white mist that dissolves into the air around him

At my puzzled look, he smiles and explains, “Kucha is arid and has little rain year-round Only when the winter is cold and there is great snowfall, will there be enough water for the crops next year”

Ah, that’s right, this place only rains a few tiation is dependent on Tian Shan’s snow The snoouldas those rivers exist, they will be able to farm Places that have no water will turn into deserts The sizes of countries in Central Asia were sraphical factor

I suddenly rerand festival called Su Mu Zhe, also known as the praying for cold festival On this day, various activities are held to pray for a cold season and heavy snow During the Tang Dynasty, this festival was brought over to the Central Plains and became one of the dynasty’s major festivals

Sorry, I had to opt for transliteration since I couldn’t find the festival’s name

“When does the praying for cold festival start?” I a able to witness this event

“At the beginning of the 7th month each year”

Why I did not use July is because the Gregorian calendar was not yet in use, dates and festivals were still based on the lunar calendar

“Great! I’ll definitely go!” I bring lance up at hiht?”

He freezes for afor a while Strange, it’s just attending a festival, why is he taking so long to decide? If he doesn’t want to, I’ll ask Pusyseda to go with me instead

“Ai Qing, one of the Ten Precepts says o [with you],” Eyes still looking at the Tian Shan, he speaks in a restrained voice with hints of discontent

I am stunned No wonder it took hi yesterday [T/N: refer to ch11] Thinking about how I had unintentionally uilt arises in my heart

“I’m sorry I’m not familiar with all the Buddhist precepts Tell me what the Ten Precepts are so that I’ll be more careful from now on”

Rajiva is silent for adown at his feet, and finally whispers, “The first five precepts are: No killing, no stealing, no lying, no drinking [alcohol], and no sexual activity”

These precepts sound familiar Puzzled, I ask him, “Aren’t these the five lay precepts?”

lay people as in those who are not monastic but still practice Buddhism

“There is one difference between the five lay precepts and the precepts for monks” Rajiva’s face suddenly turns red Perhaps due to the cold wind? He quickly strides over to a low section of the fortress I hasten after him

“The 5th precept for the lay is ‘no sexual misconduct’, and for monks is ‘no sexual activity’” He doesn’t look at lued to the wall

Now I understand It means that lay people can marry and consummate their relationshi+p, while e in any sexual relationshi+p Looking at his cri to discuss this precept I clear my throat and ask him what the next five precepts are

We step down fro Rajiva explains toprecepts

Abstain froh and luxurious beds and seats

Abstain fro to not apply your body with any scented products Oh this is an Indian habit

Abstain fro any musical performances This, he just explained to me earlier

Abstain fro they cannot have jewellery

Abstain fro to not eat after the sun has set This I already knew and observed

We keep talking as alk and before long, we have arrived at the main square west of the citadel On both sides of the road are huge Buddha statues, around 4-5 the air a solemn feel If only we could preserve these statues to the modern days, what a treasure they would be

Rajiva tells me that this is where the General assembly is hosted every five years This asse of the various countries that follow Buddhis the assembly, there are a variety of activities such as lectures, debates, al

I understand In the Central Plains, there is a similar assembly called “Wu Zhe Da Hui” [Open asse, no matter if one is a monk or a lay person, all are treated equally

Rajiva quietly waits while I measure and sketch the square I sketch it plainly and with si and do not want tohere often, plenty of tiuides me to northwest of the square, where there is a small river, albeit frozen On the other side of the river is a e on the far side but to save time, we decide to walk across the river

Even though ice has fortze River and do not possess any skating skills that any northern children would know I tremble, too scared to put ers extends in front of ht That waraze intently at the ice under my feet the whole time, afraid that I will fall down some hole

Finally we h of relief and about to look up to thank Rajiva, but I’m horrified to discover my vision is suddenly coloured with dark spots Even Rajiva’s face is beco obscured

I cry out, “Rajiva, why can’t I see you?”

I feel a hand covering ainst a thin fra me to a place to sit down

“Don’t be scared Keep your eyes closed, they’ll be fine in a moment”

I can feel his breath on , I’ve always disliked people blowing into my ears, so out of pure instinct, I i his chin We both grunt in pain

“Does it hurt?” We ask each other at the same time I a upin pain If am in this much pain, RajivaI do not knohat to think

After a while, he speaks up, “My fault, I should have told you to not look at the snow for so long”

His breath is tickling ain but this time, I don’t dare to avoid it I clearup my face

“Rajiva, I won’t becoht?”