Master Ren Shan - Story - Golden Millet and A Dream 黃粱一夢的故事

(English subtitles) Master Ren Shan 仁山法師, born in 1980, is a remarkable Buddhist master in China.
Subtitles:
Have you heard the story, Golden Millet & A Dream? Dongbin Lu, a man of the Tang Dynasty, born in 796. He was a diligent student since childhood and vowed to pass the imperial examinations and become an official to contribute to the country and people. As a result, he was unlucky. Although he had good academic performance, he failed several exams. When he reached middle age, people couldn't help but laugh at him. He responded in a fit of pique , If I fail again, I will go up the mountains to study the way. It was an alternative goal for him.
One day, he traveled alone to the capital to take the imperial exam. At dusk, he checked into a hotel.
1:00
The host was cooking dinner, which is golden millet. When he just entered the hall, an old man with a white beard came in behind him and chatted, You looked like an intellectual, are you going to the capital to take the exam? Although you've had a difficult journey, you're confident about the exam. However, you look physically and mentally exhausted and would do well to take a break. Then I have something to tell you. Lu said, I'm too lazy to chat with you. It doesn't matter. I have a pillow here that has the function of sleeping soundly and calming mind. You can use it for free. Then he lent him the pillow.
2:00
Lu leaned his head on the pillow and fell sound asleep. Early the next morning, he woke up in high spirits and continued on his way to the capital. This time he was very proud of himself because he had been accepted. The emperor publicly announced in person that he was the first and named the student of the emperor. Moreover, the prime minister's daughter took a fancy to Lu and married him. After that, his career flourished in just a few years. He was appointed minister and in charge of national affairs, and his status got higher and higher. The emperor trusted him and officials admired him very much.
3:00
He was well-known and popular with the public. His beautiful wife gave birth to lovely children who grew up to be excellent in every way. Later he grew old. The emperor retired and a new emperor succeeded. The prime minister had been replaced several times.
One day, the emperor had a dispute with him. His opponents took the opportunity to check his record. They accused him of years of corruption out of thin air, even though they had no clear evidence of his past wrongdoing. Regardless, this is a chance to knock him out. At that time, the emperor wanted to cultivate some people he trusted. Using this as an excuse, Lu was found guilty regardless of any explanation. He was sentenced to death and had all his property confiscated.
4:00
That day, he was taken to the execution ground. The executioner raised his hand and slashed the knife. Lu was so scared that he broke out in a cold sweat. He opened his eyes and saw the old man fanning him. Have a sweet dream? Are you doing well in your lifetime? Life has passed like this. He smelled the aroma of golden millet porridge. The porridge has just been cooked. That's why it's called A Dream of Golden Millet. The elder said, “Though you have succeeded in your imperial examination, your life is nothing more than that and cannot be surpassed.”
5:00
Perhaps you are not sure yet. I just play the movie for you beforehand, and let you know the result first. Even though you lead a wonderful life, it is nothing more than that. What do you get in the end? At this moment, Lu suddenly realized that he should wake up quickly. Then he gave up the idea of taking the imperial exam and followed the elder to the mountains to learn the way (Daoism). This is not a fabricated story. You may look it up in the history if you are interested. Later, there comes the well-known Dongbin Lu, one of the 8 gods.
Having said that, I'm not telling you to go to the mountains to learn the way. We will keep dreaming when we fall asleep at night. However, it’s time to get up as soon as it’s daylight. At dawn, if you still cling to this dream and refuse to wake up, then you are too dumbfounded.