I was fortunate to be led by Liang Liang, a guide at Elephant Cultural Tourism. During the off-season, there were only three people on the tour. The explanation was profound and easy to understand, and it was a truly worthwhile experience.
Standing beneath the gaze of the Vairocana Buddha, time seemed to lose its linearity. The gurgling Yi River flows, and the sound of chiseling has long since faded into the rock face, but those unknown artisans have achieved immortality through stone. The lingering resonance of today's journey stems not only from the visual awe but also from the wisdom and guidance I encountered, akin to opening a blind box. Its profound insights made this visit a spiritual pilgrimage.
Towards the end of the lecture, the topic turned to civilization, time, and death. Hearing the words, "The only equality before all living beings is death. A hundred years from now, AI will be widespread, and yet Buddha will still be watching," I was struck by a deep sense of peace. Isn't this a solace that transcends time? All the clamor and change, in the face of the thousand-year-old rock face, fade into a mere sigh.
Perhaps the charm of an outstanding cultural interpreter lies precisely in this: without needing to speak for themselves, they can, through the medium of history and art, allow you to sense a wisdom as gentle as the moon and as strong as the sun. They use knowledge as a bridge, connecting us to the vastness of civilization, and imbuing the coldness of stone carvings with the warmth of humanity.
Like the moon and the sun, their courage is clear and impure. The Buddha's light, like the sun and the moon, illuminates and cleanses all worldly filth and troubles. Today, this light comes from both the compassionate smile of Vairocana Buddha and from the remarkable women throughout history who have advanced the progress of civilization with wisdom, courage, and tolerance. Their figures may not have been etched on the stone walls, but their spirits are woven into this eternal watchfulness.
Returning from Longmen, I carry with me not only photographs but also a sense of clarity and peace, standing amidst the currents of time and reflecting on myself.