Maitreya Buddha, suppressing the unease in his heart, said with equal authority, "Tathagata, you need not embellish your words. If you think you can force us to bow with your strength, then you are mistaken.
Life and death are like burning flames, filled with suffering. We, who have the heart to save all beings, have long seen life and death as illusions."
The Tathagata Buddha was also somewhat uncertain. This was not Maitreya's usual style. With his understanding of Maitreya, before he could act, Maitreya would either flee in panic or surrender. He was not the kind of Buddha who would disregard life and death. Could it be that he had another plan, and instinctively thought of Tang Sanzang? Could it be that Maitreya had also pledged allegiance to the Heavenly Court?
