Silver Fox.

Summary

The foreign monk, a pivotal character, is based on Indian ascetic monks who view their bodies as sinful vessels, seeking spiritual freedom through rigorous self-discipline. They adhere to the "three no's": no desire, no lying, and no killing, aiming to escape reincarnation. Unlike Chinese monks, they have unkempt hair, no fixed abode, and may self-mutilate or use ashes in their rituals. Tie Xin Yuan, skeptical of divine figures, doubts the monk's death, suspecting a resurrection trick. In the Great Song Dynasty, information was scarce, leading to misunderstandings. Tie Xin Yuan's interactions with neighbors, like the Copper Plate family, highlight cultural and economic differences. Despite hardships, he values simple joys, like sharing food with Copper Boy. The story reflects on societal norms and the pursuit of wisdom in an era lacking scientific understanding.

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