- Jeung-san Experiences Hardship and Examines Human Life
- 1 Jeung-san stayed a few days in Yun-sahn County, and then, having no money, He walked barefoot to Gohng-ju. There, in a school near Dae-tohng Bridge, He told people’s fortunes.
- 2 Before long, He became known throughout the county, and the many people who gathered to have their fortunes told marveled at His insight.
- 3 For the Chu-suk feast, they prepared and offered a cow in His honor.
- 4 After He left Gohng-ju, He stayed a month in Taejeon
- 5 and then continued traveling throughout most of the provinces.
- Jeung-san Suppresses Bohng-nahm’s Spiritual Qi
- 6 Bohng-nahm sometimes visited his parents’ home, but always returned to continue following Jeung-san. One day, worrying about Bohng-nahm’s future, Jeung-san suppressed Bohng-nahm’s spiritual qi.
- 7 Afterward, when Bohng-nahm looked at the world around him, the realm of spirits seemed hazy as though filled with fog. In frustration, Bohng-nahm pleaded to Jeung-san in tears to restore his spiritual qi.
- 8 Jeung-san told him, “You must be like a deaf-mute to survive in this world. Even if people insult you and do things against you, you must remain kindhearted.”
- Bohng-nahm Is Allowed to Address Jeung-san as Father
- 9 During Jeung-san’s travels, Bohng-nahm often followed carrying their bundle of belongings. When Bohng-nahm complained of fatigue, Jeung-san carried Bohng-nahm on His back.
- 10 One day, Bohng-nahm said, “Teacher, my legs ache.” Jeung-san stroked Bohng-nahm’s head and said, “From now on, don’t call Me Teacher. Call Me Father instead.”
- 11 During His travels, Jeung-san sometimes walked barefoot and slept in the open. For food, He relied on the hospitality of strangers, and He sometimes went without for many days. He harvested crops and, in the mountains, chopped wood.
- 12 He plowed fields for farmers, and in markets, He helped merchants and worked alongside craftsmen.
- 13 He watched performances of traditional music and dance, spoke with the elderly about the old times, and met with government officials and listened to them talk about politics. He experienced every form of hardship and observed all aspects of human life.
- 14 Through this period of intensive learning and observation, His insight deepened and His understanding became brilliantly clear. Everywhere He went, Jeung-san was praised highly as a divine person.
- (JSD Dojeon 1,30)
