A businessman by the name of Gu Quan had contacted stomach cancer. He searched everywhere for a cure but his condition showed no signs of improvement. His illness deteriorated and both the Western and Chinese doctors could do little about it. On the other hand, his belief in secret remedy had made him spent considerably in purchasing such prescriptions, but they remained ineffective.
Gu Quan was so desperate he decided to approach the deity and asked, "If I am cured of my cancer, I'll vow to build a temple and serve in the temple as an attendant for the rest of my life."
The deity replied, "You shall recover."
Gu Quan asked, "Which godly being can cure my cancer?"
The deity answered, "Shakyamuni Buddha."
"How can I find Shakyamuni Buddha? Where does he stay?"
"Go look for him at the Buddhist temple."
Gu Quan had never stepped into a single monastery in his life. Thus when he arrived at the Buddhist temple, and asked where he could find Shakyamuni Buddha, the priest told him that the Buddha was in the Precious Hall of the Great Hero. When Gu Quan stepped into the main Buddha hall, he saw the golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in the middle of the hall. He bowed to the Buddha and made his promise. But the Buddha remained still and did not treat his condition at all.
Gu Quan became frantic, and asked a monk, "Can the Buddha cure illness?"
"If you're sincere, things happen."
"Where can I find Shakyamuni Buddha who can cure illness?"
The priest had wanted to laugh, but held his laughter and replied, "If you're sincere, things happen."
Gu Quan then asked, "I want to look for Shakyamuni Buddha to cure me of my illness. Where can I find him?"
The priest replied with a verse, "Do not go the distance to seek for the Buddha who resides in the spiritual mountain. The spiritual mountain actually lies within the heart."
"In the heart?" Gu Quan did not understand.
The priest became impatient after Gu Quan's persistent questioning and finally told him, "Go find Sheng-yen Lu."
"Why Sheng-yen Lu?"
"Because..."the priest startled and said, "Because Sheng-yen Lu and Shakyamuni Buddha always enjoy having coffee together."
This priest had read my books and he remembered my detailing of how I had coffee with the Buddha at a cafeteria.
Gu Quan was thrilled to learn this and exclaimed, "I want to have coffee with Shakyamuni Buddha!"
The priest hurried him along and said, "Go quickly. Hurry up. Go fix an appointment with Sheng-yen Lu!"
Gu Quan actually did come to see me. I told him that Shakyamuni Buddha was actually the son of the King Suddhodana, ruler of Kapilavatthu. His mother was Queen Maha Maya. He was born in the Lumbini Park, east of Kapilavatthu, and was named Siddhattha.
In his youth, the Buddha contemplated on the inexorable nature of life, such as hardships faced by the farmers, the sight of animals killing each other for food, and viewed the fighting in life with much distaste.
Whiling travelling through the city, he witnessed the phenomenon of birth, old age, sickness and death. Thus, the Buddha, in his renunciation, became a monk. For six years he went into ascetic practices and later realized such austerities were not the way to enlightenment. He later bathed in the river Neranjara and accepted the offering of milk-rice from a village girl.
Finally, he sat in meditation under the bodhi tree, contempleted on the Four Noble Truths and the Twelve Links of Dependent-Arising, and became the Enlightened World-honored One, teacher of devas and men.
Since his Enlightenment, the Buddha had traveled to many places and preached to many groups of beings for forty years. In the year 487 B.C., the Buddha entered Nirvana under the two Sala trees near the city of Kusinaga.
I briefly recounted the life of the Buddha and upon listening to my narration, Gu Quan finally understood. Gu Quan said, "I asked the god, and the god said my cancer will recover if I can find Shakyamuni Buddha to cure my illness. Now that I understand Shakyamuni Buddha's life story, it appears that my cancer is incurable."
I told Gu Quan, "Not true!"
"You mean you have a secret remedy?"
"It's not that. You need to have faith when you fight cancer, and there are numerous cases of cancer patients who have survived the ordeal. You can believe in the Buddha, and learn from his teachings. You can find liberation through them."
"This is how Shakyamuni Buddha heals?"
"That's right."
Gu Quan was very inquisitive and asked, "Buddha had died more than two thousand five hundred years ago. How is it possible that you can drink coffee with Shakyamuni Buddha?"
I asked him, "Do you believe it?"
"I believe."
"If you trust me, I shall explain this to you clearly. The truth is actually quite simple. Though the Buddha had entered into Nirvana, his spiritual light spans the universe. This is similar to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva who can answer a thousand prayers and appear simultaneously. The Buddha ranks higher than the Bodhisattva and thus can do likewise. I, Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu have cultivated the spiritual light and I can certainly meet the Buddha and drink coffee with him in our spiritual light bodies. This is Soul meeting Soul, and is actually a very natural thing to do."
I said, "Besides this, when a person passes away, his body may be destroyed but Soul remains. When another person dies, these two Souls can meet each other. I mean to say that the difference between life and death is simply one where a physical body exists, and one which it doesn't. Life and death is thus one reality. In birth one refers to existence in the human world and in death one refers to existence in the netherworld."
I continued, "I can cultivate to the level of Soul leaving the body, and as long as I stay concentrated, seated in yoga posture, circulate the Chi, channel, light drop, and light, and moves my Soul out of the body, I can enter the Dharma Realm and meet Shakyamuni Buddha himself!"
Gu Quan listened but not quite fully comprehended my words. But he said, "Since you can meet up with Shakyamuni Buddha, can you do me a favor and ask the Buddha how can cancer be cured!"
"Ah!" I paused and thought about this before I said, "To meet the Buddha depends on circumstances and affinity. It happens naturally."
"No matter what you must help me!"
"All right!" I nodded my head and said, "But you have to listen to my instruction. You need to enshrine a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, recite one sutra, and chant Shakyamuni Buddha's epithet with focus and perseverance. Can you do this?"
"Yes!"
Gu Quan displayed the utmost sincerity as he enshrined the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. I taught him how to recite the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra, and recite the Buddha's epithet.
Gu Quan believed these words, "One is liberated from the suffering of birth and death, and freed from all the many kinds of suffering" as outlined in the High King Sutra. Gu Quan was even more devoted and sincere in his recitation of the sutra and epithet because of his illness.
This is:
In reciting any sutra one should persist all the way,
Ceasing all thoughts if you may.
In Saha's Ocean of Suffering one shall see,
The wind and wave is as calm as it can be.
Thus riding in a boat towards the Lotus Land,
One sails steadily.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One night, I had a strange dream. I found myself walking along in a lane. As I was walking, I suddenly heard the cries of men and women; a group of young and old people numbering about a hundred running towards me. They looked like they were running from some calamity.
I asked, "What's happening?"
One of them said, "The robbers killed their way into the village and we escape!"
Who is the leader of the robbers?"
"Gu Quan." The person replied.
While in the dream, I realized Gu Quan's cancer was a result of his past karma. He had killed too many men and the resentment crystallized as cancer. Gu Quan's karma was heavy and it was no easy task to save him. I felt very dejected and in deep sorrow I broke down and cried.
As I was grief-stricken, I heard a voice from the sky, "Lian-sheng, why are you so sad?"
I replied, "Gu Quan!"
When I replied, I looked up the sky and saw Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva was all smiles, her hands holding a vase with a willow stem. She turned the vase and said, "Lian-sheng, look!"
Out of the vase emitted a white light. This white light is one of magnificence and wonder, complete in all merits and shows no indifference towards all. It is inconceivably limitless in its scope and yet it can change with the flow and strength of the wind. It surpasses the Three Lower Realms(Tridusgati).
Within the white light appeared men, women, young and old, a mix of all kinds of people. I was amazed at the sight. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva said, "These are the Souls of those killed by Gu Quan. Now I am leading them away. In future, these Souls will become the manifestation of lotus born from Tathagata Amitabha's pure consciousness. They share the same world and there shall be no other."
I was overjoyed and said, "So those killed by Gu Quan are now liberated by Bodhisattva?"
"That's right."
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva added, "When I was at the Maha Thunder Monastery, Shakyamuni Buddha instructed me that should I meet Lian-sheng, I need to teach you a mantra so that you can in turn impart it to Gu Quan. This mantra shall purify Gu Quan and set his body and mind at ease, eradicating the cancerous tumor completely."
"What is the mantra?"
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva then recited the supreme mantra:
"Tadyata Alante Alame Sribi Sili Sili Mahasiji Sambobato Svaha."
I memorized the supreme mantra and held my palms in respect and saw Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva off. The Bodhisattva gradually left on auspicious clouds. I taught Gu Quan the supreme mantra. He was very hardworking and recited the mantra day and night.
Gu Quan went for a medical check up after two months and found out his stomach cancer had miraculously disappeared. The count of cancerous cells was zero. Gu Quan had a full recovery and this sent him jumping for joy.
I was happy for him. This is:
Reciting mantra leaves no room for erroneous thoughts.
Every sound of chanting thus flows from within the heart.
Purifying all the way,
The rootless cancerous tumor shall disperse naturally.
Later, I came across the Sutra of Curing Malignant Tumors and Hemorrhoid in the Buddhist Canon and realized the similarities between the mantra from the sutra and the one transmitted by Shakyamuni Buddha himself. I was amazed to find out that the so-called piles as described refers not only to piles and hemorrhoid, but also tumor and cancer. If you read the text of the sutra you shall know what I mean.
I am including the sutra here:
The Sutra of Curing Malignant Tumors and Hemorrhoid
Thus have I heard. At one time the Buddha was in the Bamboo Park in the city of Rajagriha, accompanied by five hundred monks. Many monks were suffering from malignancies and hemorrhoids and as a result they had become thin and weak. Tormented day and night by these diseases, the monks lived in constant pain and agony. The Venerable Ananda observed the situation and went to the place where the Buddha was. Bowing his head in obeisance before the feet of the Buddha, Ananda stood up and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, there are many monks residing in Rajariha who are suffering from cancerous diseases and as a result have become thin and weak. They are living in constant pain and are tormented by these diseases day and night. World-Honored One, is there a way to cure these diseases?"
The Buddha said to Ananda, "Listen to this Sutra of Curing Malignant Tumors and Hemorrhoids. Read and recite it, accept and uphold it. Memorize it well and propagate it far and wide. These tumors and hemorrhoids will be removed. Tumors formed from internal wind, heat(disorder), blood disorder, combination of wind, heat and blood disorder, bleeding hermorrhoid, stomach cancer, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer, oral cancer, tongue cancer, eye cancer, ear cancer, head cancer, arm and feet tumor, spinal cord cancer, rectal tumor and hemorrhoid, tumors or sarcomas arising from the skeletal and connective tissues.
Such tumors will fall off upon drying and thus be eliminated. All diseases shall be cured. Thus, recite this magical mantra. The mantra:
Tadyata Alante Alame Sribi Sili Sili Mahasiji Sambobato Svaha.
"Ananda! North from here, there is a huge snow mountain where this Phalasa tree called Sudurjaya (Difficult to Conquer) grows. It has three types of flowers. One is early bloom. Second, full bloom, and third, wrinkled. Likewise, the monks' illnesses shall dry up and fall off like the flowers. The blood shall stop bleeding and you shall find no pus. The monks' suffering and pain shall be eliminated and they shall recovery completely. This is due to the action of drying up the tumors."
If you recite this sutra constantly, you shall gain the knowledge of recollecting seven of your past lives, thus achieving attainment of the mantra. Svaha."
Thus, another mantra:
Tadyata Jarmi Jarmi Sajami Samani Sajani Svaha.
When the Buddha had finished expounding this sutra, Ananda and the other members of the assembly were filled with joy, and they believed and accepted it and respectfully put it into practice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I personally feel that illness ranks first among the sufferings in this Saha or human world. The Buddhist sutras mention that arising from the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind are four hundred kinds of illness. Every illness is tormenting and painful, especially cancer, as it remains incurable till date.
Shakaymuni Buddha's mantra on curing cancer is:
"Tadyata Alante Alame Sribi Sili Sili Mahasiji Sambobato Svaha."
This mantra is rarely seen and not many are aware of it. It is recorded in the Chinese Buddhist Canon (Zhonghua Dazangjing) first series volume five on page 16868. This mantra has helped many.
I know of another case. A person by the name of Ho Chai approached me. He knelt at my front door and despite my attempts to lift him, he simply refused to stand up. Until I promised to save him, he would remain kneeling. I finally gave in, and he stood up.
I asked him, "What's wrong?"
"Cancer, last-stage."
"What cancer?"
"Hodgkin's lymphoma in the armpits." Ho Chai pull up his sleeves and showed me. I was taken aback at the sight of lymph nodes spreading over the skin. The malignant tumor cells had spread to the bones and other areas. I shook my head as I knew he was beyond any treatment. I asked, "What did the doctors think?"
Ho Chai replied, "Within half a year."
I told Ho Chai I would do my best to help him, but I could only do so much. He had to seek help from Shakyamuni Buddha himself!
I taught him the Cancer Curing Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha. I mentioned that after chanting the mantra, he would need to recite these lines of blessing, "I am disciple Ho Chai, presently suffering from cancer. I pray to the Buddha for the blessing. May you bestow your compassion upon me so that my cancerous decease may be removed and my life prolonged. Namo Shakyamuni Buddha. Namo Buddhas of the Ten Directions. Namo Dharma of the Ten Directions. Namo Sangha of the Ten Directions."
Upon returning home, Ho Chai did as he was instructed, and after twenty-one days of cultivation, he saw Shakyamuni Buddha appearing before him in a twilight state between waking and dreaming. Shakyamuni Buddha spoke to him, "Ho Chai. Your illness is beyond cure. Leave with me!"
"No! I want to live!"
"The human world is but an ocean of suffering. It is a mansion in flame. Isn't it better to leave with me?"
"No! My wish is not fulfilled. I have to stay alive." Ho Chai insisted.
"How many more years do you need to fulfill this wish of yours?"
"Five years."
Shakyamuni Buddha said, "Very well then. You shall have five more years. You should continue with chanting your mantra."
Interestingly, after having this dream, Ho Chai's illness seemed to diminish, and he felt like he was normal and healthy like most people. The cancer was not eradicated, but it had not worsened, and went no further. Ho Chai lived another five years, and when the time came, his tumor spread and he passed away.
Ho Chai's cancer was not cured, but it had not deteriorated, thus allowing him to fulfill his wish before he left for good. Regarding Ho Chai's case, I feel it has little to do with the effectiveness of the Cancer Curing Mantra, but rather his time is up. Not even the Buddha can save his life. If his life can be saved, there will be no dead person on earth. However, I discover this Cancer Curing Mantra can prolong one's life, and I believe it can deliver one to the Buddha Land, thus explaining why Shakyamuni Buddha himself would appear and receive Ho Chai upon his death!
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap8.shtml
Friday, June 11, 2010
Chapter 9 - A Fulfilled Vow
A Buddhist by the name of Lee Wei had taken refuge with the old monk Kuang-chin. His mother, Madame Wong was also the disciple of the old monk. Madame Wong passed away one year following the death of the old monk. She had devoted herself to charity, alms-giving as well as Buddhism when she was alive.
Once, Lee Wei took part in a pilgrimage to the mountain. This pilgrimage involved a group of pilgrims bowing once every three steps from the foot of the mountain towards the Precious Hall of the Great Hero situated at the top of the mountain. Everyone was chanting the epithet of the Buddha, and leading the group was a community of monks holding an instrument called Liu-yin( a handheld brass gong attached to a wooden handle and stringed to a striker). Liu-yin is a ritual instrument which produces a bell-like tinkle sound when struck. Everyone listens to the sound as it signals all to knell or bow, walk or chant the Buddha's epithet.
The constant flow of pilgrims wove a long and winding contingent, adorning the place with sacredness and liveliness. Pilgrimage has its advantages:
Climbing mountains and exercises build the body.
Cultivation through sincere prostration.
Recitation of the Buddha's epithet.
Cessation of erroneous thoughts.
Taking this rather rugged mountainous journey of pilgrimage is a test to every pilgrim as it winds for a few thousand feet, and the path is paved with nothing but soil. Lee Wei followed the contingent of pilgrims, chanting the Buddha's epithet and bowing in all sincerity. He once turned his head and saw a group of women in the pilgrimage. Among them was a woman carrying an incense bag, whose feature resembled his mother.
Lee Wei was stunned. He waved at her and she waved back. Lee Wei was sure that the woman was his mother. He quickly left his group and hurried towards the woman. Yet, when he stared again, the woman who looked like his mother was gone. Lee Wei could not believe his eyes, but she was nowhere to be seen. Lee Wei trusted his own vision and knew the woman was his mother. No doubt about that. Yet she disappeared in a flash. Most people thought Lee Wei was seeing things. Lee Wei said, "My mum was really among the group of women and we had waved to each other. How could she have disappeared within a few steps I took towards her. What is happening here?"
Outsiders felt it was simply impossible. When one is dead, one cannot possibly come to life. It had to be a blurred vision. A debate resulted between two camps. Someone suggested to Lee Wei, "Go look up Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu."
"Why go to him?" Lee Wei asked.
"He has spiritual ability." The person replied.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Wei came to me and said, "Can you tell me the truth of the matter!"
I asked the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for an answer, and they gave me a verse in reply:
Keeping a strong and determined vow,
And carrying a marvelous bag of incense,
One praises the merits of the Buddhas,
And displays a countenance of compassion.
I told Lee Wei, "Your mother has a round facial feature with long and thin eyebrows and a pair of compassionate eyes. Her teeth have a marked characteristic as she had set a gold tooth on the right side of her lower middle tooth."
Lee Wei exclaimed, "That's absolutely correct! You even got the characteristic of her teeth right. This is simply incredible. Master, may I ask what's the significance of my mum's appearance?"
I replied, "Your mum has an unfulfilled vow."
"What vow?"
I replied, "When your mother was alive, she loved charity work and had volunteered to serve in the monasteries for many years. She once made a vow to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that she had wanted to build this mountainous road of pilgrimage. But the cost and budget of this work was huge and she did not have the means to shoulder this responsibility. Soon after she had made this vow she passed away. Thus, this vow of hers remained unfulfilled. Thus, it was possible that when she appeared to her own son during the pilgrimage, she was hoping that her son might help her fulfill this vow of paving and building this pilgrimage road." Lee Wei told me his mother had indeed served as a volunteer for many years with the monasteries and was very charitable. She had donated almost all the pocket money that her husband and her children gave her to charity. But he had not heard of his mother's vow to construct the road for the pilgrimage. Lee Wei decided to enquire about this matter from his father. Perhaps dad would know best.
Lee Wei returned to ask his father. His father confirmed there was such a vow, but due to his less than ideal financial condition, he could not carry out the vow. Lee Wei returned to tell me, "Master Lu! Your divination is truly remarkable. Besides knowing about the human world, you're able to know the things of the netherworld. This is simply unthinkable!"
"Why don't you fulfill your mum's vow!" I said.
Lee Wei said, "It's not that I'm unwilling. I am more than willing to carry out this task. But I am short of something."
"What something?"
"Money."
I said, "I'll teach you a mantra and you shall have money!"
Lee Wei smiled and said, "Master Lu you must be kidding."
"No, I am serious." I told him in no uncertain terms, "I am willing to teach you this mantra because your mum had made a vow to build this road of pilgrimage and you're carrying this vow of your mum. If you chant this mantra you shall have great fortune within a few years. Remember, once you're rich, you must fulfill this vow."
Lee Wei asked, "Such mantra really exists?"
I said, "Certainly."
I took out one sutra. It was the Vasudhara Dharani Sutra. The sutra states:
"If any good man should write and accept (this sutra), he shall receive all joy and enjoy peace and prosperity. If anyone should adopt vegetarianism and celibacy, recite daily, he shall receive great wealth and prestige."
Lee Wei was apprehensive and said, "To adopt vegetarianism and celibacy?"
I said, "How about this. Don't feel anxious. I keep my methods naturally and simple. I don't want you to stick to vegetarianism and adopt a pure lifestyle. As long as you recite "Om Ah Hum" once before meal and once before you have sex, you can continue as per normal."
In addition, I taught him, "When you recite this mantra, you must first recite it 800times, after which you shall recite three times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once at night, 108 times each."
"Is the mantra long?"
"Only a few words long. It's that simple."
I wrote the mantra for him:
"Om Vasu Dhare Svaha."
Lee Wei read and said, "That's simple enough. I can do it."
I told Lee Wei,"Don't undermine these three syllables Om Ah Hum. These three syllables are the Three Syllables of Vidya. Vidya is purity, also described as a transformation into purity; hence, pure living. These three syllables are beyond comprehension, carrying a meaning that is deep and profound. Thus, they are simply awesome.
The Vasudhara Dharani can certainly attract great wealth and prestige. This mantra is not widely known, and is very precious. Unless necessary, I don't teach it. I would only teach those who truly keep their vows."
"Does it require initiation?"
"Yes. All mantras of the Tantrayana require initiation so that the power of the lineage transmission is linked."
I gave Lee Wei the initiation. Such is:
Vegetarianism and pure living are required,
But most people simply cannot follow.
One who stirs no dust of life is already a Buddha.
Thus there is nothing bizarre about transforming into purity.
Every layman is in reality a Buddha.
Yet men lusts for wealth and fortune.
My transmission of a mantra today is done in the name of charity.
An enlightened lotus must bloom in the face of a deluded heart.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Wei trusted me. He had faith in the Vasudhara Dharani Mantra. Lee Wei was not new to Buddhism. He knew that to follow the Buddha's way, one needs to make these five great vows:
Living beings are innumerable; I vow to liberate them all.
Blessings and wisdom are endless; I vow to gather them all.
Dharma methods are countless; I vow to learn them all.
The Buddhas are supreme; I vow to serve them all.
The ways of Bodhi are limitless; I vow to attain them all.
Everyone in every Dharma Realm shall benefit from this.
Lee Wei has always wanted to learn Buddhism, and he is filial. He thus shared his mother's vow and felt that he should set out to complete whatever vow that his mother could not fulfill.
Everytime he completed his chanting, he would dedicate the merits:
May the prayers of sentient beings, bearing such remarkable vows of this world and beyond, be fulfilled swiftly.
Lee Wei cultivated for a year. His financial state remained unchanged, and there was no response of any kind. But he persisted without losing hope. One night, he had an interesting dream. He dreamed of his mother taking him for a flight.
He asked his mom, "When will my financial situation improve?"
His mom replied, "The conditions are ripe!"
He then asked, "How about the vow to build the pilgrimage road. Will it remain unfulfilled?"
His mom replied, "The condition is ripe!"
They flew to a hill and landed on the ground. The mother pointed to the hill and said, "Remember this. Left of this place lies a little temple of the Earth God. And to your right is a grave. In front there is a bridge over a stream and it is called Pu-li Bridge."
"This hill?" Lee Wei was sceptical.
"Purchase it."
"But there's no value to this piece of barren hill!" Lee Wei was in doubt.
Mom said in no uncertain terms, "Purchase it."
Lee Wei woke up from this dream and realized he was still lying on his bed. But the conversation he had with his mother still lingered and the two words "purchase it" came through loud and clear. One day, a friend was in financial difficulty and he needed to sell off his assets. He pleaded to Lee Wei to purchase his real estates as he was willing to sell it at a bargain. His friend brought Lee Wei to view a hill. To his astonishment, Lee Wei saw that it was the same hill he had dreamed of. There was an Earth God temple at the left and a grave at the right. In the middle lied a bridge over a running stream.
Lee Wei told his friend, "The bridge is named Pu-li."
His friend said, "When I first purchased this place the bridge was already there. I have never taken notice of its name."
They approached the bridge and checked. It was indeed named "Pu-li Bridge". His friend was shocked and asked, "You've been here?"
Lee Wei replied, "In my dream."
The friend said, "You must be kidding me!"
Lee Wei did as his mother had instructed in his dream and purchased the barren hill at a real bargain. After the purchase, Lee Wei was at a loss as to what to do with it. Did mom want me to grow laichee, longan, plum, papaya, banana.......
People mocked Lee Wei's stupidity. These days, there was simply no way one could get rich by planting fruits. Lee Wei felt he was foolish indeed! Every now and then he would take a trip to the hill. He realized this hill had little to offer. If he were to grow fruits, he felt he was not an expert in this field. Development of hilly lands into large communities stopped short of his hill. He never planned to build a columbarium. What about building a temple? But who would bother to build a temple in a remote hilly location? Besides, this hill was not exactly a good Feng Shui spot.
Lee Wei just could not figure it out. Many had wondered about this. The reason of Lee Wei's purchase of this hill was purely based on a dream. He told someone about it and people regarded him as a person "gone mad".
However, Lee Wei discovered cool and refreshing spring water flowing from a certain concave area in the hill since his purchase of the place. At first he took little notice of it. But as the water was gushing out continuously in great volume, flowing into the riverbank nearby, an idea struck Lee Wei. He bottled a sample and sent it to a laboratory for testing. It turned out to be a high quality natural mineral water. This water contains no fat, carbohydrates and protein. It contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, flourine...The laboratory report stated that the water is of superb quality and contains minerals needed and absorbed by the human body. It contains no deposits and tastes refreshingly cool. It is mineral water. Lee Wei linked this idea to building a factory for mineral water. He came to me for a name, "Please give the mineral water a good brand name."
I first named it, "Simply Pure. Fresh. Crystal Clear."
Lee Wei said, "Seems repetitive."
I gave it another name, "Puli"
Lee Wei uttered, "That's it! It clicks!"
The name of the bridge is Puli Bridge. He named his hill as Puli Hill. Thus, naming the water that springs forth from the hill as Puli Mineral Water was totally fitting! When Puli Mineral Water was launched, its sales rocketed and was very well received. Puli Mineral Water swept the market and consumers simply loved it. It became the choice drink over other brands of mineral water.
This is:
Popular among people.
Beneficial to all.
Even stranger is the fact that the spring water from the hill keeps flowing, as if there is an inexhaustible underground river beneath the hill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Wei did not forget his vow and upon receiving his blessings, completed the pilgrimage road in no time. He thus fulfilled his mother's vow. Lee Wei, like his mother, gives to charity and as a wealthy man, his donation amounts to huge sums of money. Many Buddhist organizations have thus approached him for donations. Lee Wei supports the building of temples, hospitals...etc. I had seen Lee Wei appearing on television and was being praised for his charity. One year, I returned to Taiwan. I went pass a rather grand and luxurious building and asked, "Whose company is this?"
"Lee Wei's."
I uttered "Ah!" and fell silent. I heard later that Lee Wei had wanted to look me up but I did not see him. Until one time he sent a car to pick me up that I finally arrived at his house. His house was guarded with security sentry at the gate. The house appeared magnificent, a testimony to Lee Wei's status as the director of many companies. Lee Wei came down from the stairs and when we met he appeared very warm and friendly. He instructed the servants to serve me well. He said, "Why didn't you look me up?"
I said, "Sorry! I am really busy!"
"What are you busy with?"
"Liberating sentient beings."
"Do you need me to help you?" Lee Wei asked.
"Ah! Nothing!" In turn, I asked him, "What is it that you want?"
"Nothing. I just want to meet up with you, Master Lu. Now you're a grand Living Buddha."
We spoke for a while. I asked, "Do you still recite the Vasudhara Dharani Mantra these days?"
He replied, "Yes of course. I recited more often in the past. But now that I am busier, I recite less." His face blushing, feeling a little embarrassed.
I told him in no uncertain terms never to forget his mantra recitation. He nodded and replied, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap9.shtml
Once, Lee Wei took part in a pilgrimage to the mountain. This pilgrimage involved a group of pilgrims bowing once every three steps from the foot of the mountain towards the Precious Hall of the Great Hero situated at the top of the mountain. Everyone was chanting the epithet of the Buddha, and leading the group was a community of monks holding an instrument called Liu-yin( a handheld brass gong attached to a wooden handle and stringed to a striker). Liu-yin is a ritual instrument which produces a bell-like tinkle sound when struck. Everyone listens to the sound as it signals all to knell or bow, walk or chant the Buddha's epithet.
The constant flow of pilgrims wove a long and winding contingent, adorning the place with sacredness and liveliness. Pilgrimage has its advantages:
Climbing mountains and exercises build the body.
Cultivation through sincere prostration.
Recitation of the Buddha's epithet.
Cessation of erroneous thoughts.
Taking this rather rugged mountainous journey of pilgrimage is a test to every pilgrim as it winds for a few thousand feet, and the path is paved with nothing but soil. Lee Wei followed the contingent of pilgrims, chanting the Buddha's epithet and bowing in all sincerity. He once turned his head and saw a group of women in the pilgrimage. Among them was a woman carrying an incense bag, whose feature resembled his mother.
Lee Wei was stunned. He waved at her and she waved back. Lee Wei was sure that the woman was his mother. He quickly left his group and hurried towards the woman. Yet, when he stared again, the woman who looked like his mother was gone. Lee Wei could not believe his eyes, but she was nowhere to be seen. Lee Wei trusted his own vision and knew the woman was his mother. No doubt about that. Yet she disappeared in a flash. Most people thought Lee Wei was seeing things. Lee Wei said, "My mum was really among the group of women and we had waved to each other. How could she have disappeared within a few steps I took towards her. What is happening here?"
Outsiders felt it was simply impossible. When one is dead, one cannot possibly come to life. It had to be a blurred vision. A debate resulted between two camps. Someone suggested to Lee Wei, "Go look up Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu."
"Why go to him?" Lee Wei asked.
"He has spiritual ability." The person replied.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Wei came to me and said, "Can you tell me the truth of the matter!"
I asked the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for an answer, and they gave me a verse in reply:
Keeping a strong and determined vow,
And carrying a marvelous bag of incense,
One praises the merits of the Buddhas,
And displays a countenance of compassion.
I told Lee Wei, "Your mother has a round facial feature with long and thin eyebrows and a pair of compassionate eyes. Her teeth have a marked characteristic as she had set a gold tooth on the right side of her lower middle tooth."
Lee Wei exclaimed, "That's absolutely correct! You even got the characteristic of her teeth right. This is simply incredible. Master, may I ask what's the significance of my mum's appearance?"
I replied, "Your mum has an unfulfilled vow."
"What vow?"
I replied, "When your mother was alive, she loved charity work and had volunteered to serve in the monasteries for many years. She once made a vow to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that she had wanted to build this mountainous road of pilgrimage. But the cost and budget of this work was huge and she did not have the means to shoulder this responsibility. Soon after she had made this vow she passed away. Thus, this vow of hers remained unfulfilled. Thus, it was possible that when she appeared to her own son during the pilgrimage, she was hoping that her son might help her fulfill this vow of paving and building this pilgrimage road." Lee Wei told me his mother had indeed served as a volunteer for many years with the monasteries and was very charitable. She had donated almost all the pocket money that her husband and her children gave her to charity. But he had not heard of his mother's vow to construct the road for the pilgrimage. Lee Wei decided to enquire about this matter from his father. Perhaps dad would know best.
Lee Wei returned to ask his father. His father confirmed there was such a vow, but due to his less than ideal financial condition, he could not carry out the vow. Lee Wei returned to tell me, "Master Lu! Your divination is truly remarkable. Besides knowing about the human world, you're able to know the things of the netherworld. This is simply unthinkable!"
"Why don't you fulfill your mum's vow!" I said.
Lee Wei said, "It's not that I'm unwilling. I am more than willing to carry out this task. But I am short of something."
"What something?"
"Money."
I said, "I'll teach you a mantra and you shall have money!"
Lee Wei smiled and said, "Master Lu you must be kidding."
"No, I am serious." I told him in no uncertain terms, "I am willing to teach you this mantra because your mum had made a vow to build this road of pilgrimage and you're carrying this vow of your mum. If you chant this mantra you shall have great fortune within a few years. Remember, once you're rich, you must fulfill this vow."
Lee Wei asked, "Such mantra really exists?"
I said, "Certainly."
I took out one sutra. It was the Vasudhara Dharani Sutra. The sutra states:
"If any good man should write and accept (this sutra), he shall receive all joy and enjoy peace and prosperity. If anyone should adopt vegetarianism and celibacy, recite daily, he shall receive great wealth and prestige."
Lee Wei was apprehensive and said, "To adopt vegetarianism and celibacy?"
I said, "How about this. Don't feel anxious. I keep my methods naturally and simple. I don't want you to stick to vegetarianism and adopt a pure lifestyle. As long as you recite "Om Ah Hum" once before meal and once before you have sex, you can continue as per normal."
In addition, I taught him, "When you recite this mantra, you must first recite it 800times, after which you shall recite three times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once at night, 108 times each."
"Is the mantra long?"
"Only a few words long. It's that simple."
I wrote the mantra for him:
"Om Vasu Dhare Svaha."
Lee Wei read and said, "That's simple enough. I can do it."
I told Lee Wei,"Don't undermine these three syllables Om Ah Hum. These three syllables are the Three Syllables of Vidya. Vidya is purity, also described as a transformation into purity; hence, pure living. These three syllables are beyond comprehension, carrying a meaning that is deep and profound. Thus, they are simply awesome.
The Vasudhara Dharani can certainly attract great wealth and prestige. This mantra is not widely known, and is very precious. Unless necessary, I don't teach it. I would only teach those who truly keep their vows."
"Does it require initiation?"
"Yes. All mantras of the Tantrayana require initiation so that the power of the lineage transmission is linked."
I gave Lee Wei the initiation. Such is:
Vegetarianism and pure living are required,
But most people simply cannot follow.
One who stirs no dust of life is already a Buddha.
Thus there is nothing bizarre about transforming into purity.
Every layman is in reality a Buddha.
Yet men lusts for wealth and fortune.
My transmission of a mantra today is done in the name of charity.
An enlightened lotus must bloom in the face of a deluded heart.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Wei trusted me. He had faith in the Vasudhara Dharani Mantra. Lee Wei was not new to Buddhism. He knew that to follow the Buddha's way, one needs to make these five great vows:
Living beings are innumerable; I vow to liberate them all.
Blessings and wisdom are endless; I vow to gather them all.
Dharma methods are countless; I vow to learn them all.
The Buddhas are supreme; I vow to serve them all.
The ways of Bodhi are limitless; I vow to attain them all.
Everyone in every Dharma Realm shall benefit from this.
Lee Wei has always wanted to learn Buddhism, and he is filial. He thus shared his mother's vow and felt that he should set out to complete whatever vow that his mother could not fulfill.
Everytime he completed his chanting, he would dedicate the merits:
May the prayers of sentient beings, bearing such remarkable vows of this world and beyond, be fulfilled swiftly.
Lee Wei cultivated for a year. His financial state remained unchanged, and there was no response of any kind. But he persisted without losing hope. One night, he had an interesting dream. He dreamed of his mother taking him for a flight.
He asked his mom, "When will my financial situation improve?"
His mom replied, "The conditions are ripe!"
He then asked, "How about the vow to build the pilgrimage road. Will it remain unfulfilled?"
His mom replied, "The condition is ripe!"
They flew to a hill and landed on the ground. The mother pointed to the hill and said, "Remember this. Left of this place lies a little temple of the Earth God. And to your right is a grave. In front there is a bridge over a stream and it is called Pu-li Bridge."
"This hill?" Lee Wei was sceptical.
"Purchase it."
"But there's no value to this piece of barren hill!" Lee Wei was in doubt.
Mom said in no uncertain terms, "Purchase it."
Lee Wei woke up from this dream and realized he was still lying on his bed. But the conversation he had with his mother still lingered and the two words "purchase it" came through loud and clear. One day, a friend was in financial difficulty and he needed to sell off his assets. He pleaded to Lee Wei to purchase his real estates as he was willing to sell it at a bargain. His friend brought Lee Wei to view a hill. To his astonishment, Lee Wei saw that it was the same hill he had dreamed of. There was an Earth God temple at the left and a grave at the right. In the middle lied a bridge over a running stream.
Lee Wei told his friend, "The bridge is named Pu-li."
His friend said, "When I first purchased this place the bridge was already there. I have never taken notice of its name."
They approached the bridge and checked. It was indeed named "Pu-li Bridge". His friend was shocked and asked, "You've been here?"
Lee Wei replied, "In my dream."
The friend said, "You must be kidding me!"
Lee Wei did as his mother had instructed in his dream and purchased the barren hill at a real bargain. After the purchase, Lee Wei was at a loss as to what to do with it. Did mom want me to grow laichee, longan, plum, papaya, banana.......
People mocked Lee Wei's stupidity. These days, there was simply no way one could get rich by planting fruits. Lee Wei felt he was foolish indeed! Every now and then he would take a trip to the hill. He realized this hill had little to offer. If he were to grow fruits, he felt he was not an expert in this field. Development of hilly lands into large communities stopped short of his hill. He never planned to build a columbarium. What about building a temple? But who would bother to build a temple in a remote hilly location? Besides, this hill was not exactly a good Feng Shui spot.
Lee Wei just could not figure it out. Many had wondered about this. The reason of Lee Wei's purchase of this hill was purely based on a dream. He told someone about it and people regarded him as a person "gone mad".
However, Lee Wei discovered cool and refreshing spring water flowing from a certain concave area in the hill since his purchase of the place. At first he took little notice of it. But as the water was gushing out continuously in great volume, flowing into the riverbank nearby, an idea struck Lee Wei. He bottled a sample and sent it to a laboratory for testing. It turned out to be a high quality natural mineral water. This water contains no fat, carbohydrates and protein. It contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, flourine...The laboratory report stated that the water is of superb quality and contains minerals needed and absorbed by the human body. It contains no deposits and tastes refreshingly cool. It is mineral water. Lee Wei linked this idea to building a factory for mineral water. He came to me for a name, "Please give the mineral water a good brand name."
I first named it, "Simply Pure. Fresh. Crystal Clear."
Lee Wei said, "Seems repetitive."
I gave it another name, "Puli"
Lee Wei uttered, "That's it! It clicks!"
The name of the bridge is Puli Bridge. He named his hill as Puli Hill. Thus, naming the water that springs forth from the hill as Puli Mineral Water was totally fitting! When Puli Mineral Water was launched, its sales rocketed and was very well received. Puli Mineral Water swept the market and consumers simply loved it. It became the choice drink over other brands of mineral water.
This is:
Popular among people.
Beneficial to all.
Even stranger is the fact that the spring water from the hill keeps flowing, as if there is an inexhaustible underground river beneath the hill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Wei did not forget his vow and upon receiving his blessings, completed the pilgrimage road in no time. He thus fulfilled his mother's vow. Lee Wei, like his mother, gives to charity and as a wealthy man, his donation amounts to huge sums of money. Many Buddhist organizations have thus approached him for donations. Lee Wei supports the building of temples, hospitals...etc. I had seen Lee Wei appearing on television and was being praised for his charity. One year, I returned to Taiwan. I went pass a rather grand and luxurious building and asked, "Whose company is this?"
"Lee Wei's."
I uttered "Ah!" and fell silent. I heard later that Lee Wei had wanted to look me up but I did not see him. Until one time he sent a car to pick me up that I finally arrived at his house. His house was guarded with security sentry at the gate. The house appeared magnificent, a testimony to Lee Wei's status as the director of many companies. Lee Wei came down from the stairs and when we met he appeared very warm and friendly. He instructed the servants to serve me well. He said, "Why didn't you look me up?"
I said, "Sorry! I am really busy!"
"What are you busy with?"
"Liberating sentient beings."
"Do you need me to help you?" Lee Wei asked.
"Ah! Nothing!" In turn, I asked him, "What is it that you want?"
"Nothing. I just want to meet up with you, Master Lu. Now you're a grand Living Buddha."
We spoke for a while. I asked, "Do you still recite the Vasudhara Dharani Mantra these days?"
He replied, "Yes of course. I recited more often in the past. But now that I am busier, I recite less." His face blushing, feeling a little embarrassed.
I told him in no uncertain terms never to forget his mantra recitation. He nodded and replied, "Yes. Yes. Yes."
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap9.shtml
Chapter 10 - The Usnisa Vijaya Mantra
A man by the name of Zhao Hui enquired about his destiny. When he stepped into my house I sensed a dark cloud was roaming over this person's head, and two ghostly entities were following him. However, these two ghosts were stopped by the Door Guardian outside my door. They were raising much noise.
Zhao Hui sat in front of me. I looked at him and his face appeared greyish; a stale energy lingered around him. I sighed as I observed this person from head to toe; his skin, his flesh, his bones, and all his past lives revealed nothing that was worthy of mention. What should I do?
Zhao Hui asked, "How's my destiny?"
I told him, "Seriously speaking, your life's destiny is something I rather not say."
"Its OK. Please speak frankly."
I said, "Your parents died when you're young. You're raised by your relatives."
"That's right. Damn! You're good!"
"You had a tough life during your youth. You left school and did odd jobs, got into fights, and was sent for rehabilitation."
"That's right."
"In your youth you became a thief and was jailed twice!"
"That's right. You even know about this."
"Now you have achieved nothing and people avoid you."
"Yes."
"Are you still mixing with the gangsters?" I asked.
Zhao Hui nodded his head. When I came to this point, I spoke no further. I knew that a person like Zhao Hui could be described with a modern usage, "scum bag". This was because he had never done something proper in his life. He fooled around, led a fast life and lived loosely. He went wining and dining, whoring and gambling. He took drugs, stole and robbed, swindled and cheated.
Zhao Hui asked me, "When will I become rich?"
I laughed bitterly inside but told him, "You may have to wait!"
"For how long?"
"I don't know."
Zhao Hui was not too happy and said, "People say you're the best in divination and you know everything. Now you are saying you don't know about my destiny. You had better be careful."
"Sorry. But the truth is your destiny is quite challenging to predict."
"Even a dog's life has its destiny. You better tell me about my life. If I am pissed off, I'll make sure you disappear from the face of this earth!"
It sounded like a direct threat! I said, "Zhao Hui, if I help you, will you do as I say?"
"Yes I'll listen. I may be a good-for-nothing, but I can tell who's good to me and who's not."
I said, "I want to help you change your destiny. In actual fact, your destiny is clouded and I'm afraid you will not have any success in your life. Only by changing your destiny then you can become rich. If you do as I say, I can help you change your life."
"Cut the crab! Tell me!"
I said, "You have two ghosts following you. If these two ghosts don't leave, you'll never have a good life. Where did these two ghosts come from?"
"Two ghosts?" Zhao Hui was all confused.
"You killed anyone before?" I asked.
"Nope. I have threatened to kill, but in reality I only hurt someone, never killing any."
"Think. If you haven"t killed anyone, where does these two ghosts come from? Have you offended any ghost somewhere?"
Zhao Hui scratched his head and then exclaimed, "Damn! That's it! I robbed someone's grave twice. Is grave robbing offensive to the ghosts?"
I replied, "Of course."
"Damn! I only stole his funerary objects. I didn't hurt anyone. What on earth are they following me for?"
"Grave robbing is a crime. If you dig up someone"s grave, the dead are not going to be happy. These two ghosts are following you and you"re doomed to bad luck all the time!"
"What then?" Zhao Hui asked.
At that time I was thinking of teaching him a mantra which could help turn his life around. But how should one balance all the causes and effects in his life?
To be charitable - one receives blessings.
To be miserly - one attracts poverty.
To release life - one gains longevity
To kill life - one suffers a short life.
I know that the teachings of Buddha is supreme, extraordinary and refined. The Tantric mantra functions like the Precious Mani Pearl, which can fulfill all virtuous vows and attain all matters of excellence. But is Zhao Hui worthy of receiving this Precious Mani Pearl? I reviewed the past lives of Zhao Hui and saw in one life he was a butcher and in another he ran a brothel. In this present life, apart from stealing and robbing others, there is nothing good about him.
I asked Zhao Hui, "Have you done any kind deeds?"
"Kind deeds?" Zhao Hui shoke his head.
"Do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not lie, do not engage in worthless talk, do not gossip, do not insult, do not be greedy, do not get angry, do not be ignorant. These are the Ten Precepts."
"Ha! I have committed all evils!"
"Can you think of one good thing that you have done?" I could not simply impart the precious Tantric teachings to some rascal who had committed all evil doings.
Zhao Hui thought hard and said, "Once, I stole many things from a Buddhist temple, mainly, the money donated for incense offering. I stuffed myself full of cash and actually carried the whole damn offering box away. They got it locked but it's useless. I also picked a painting off the wall and when I got home I saw that it was the picture of Shakyamuni Buddha. When I realized it was the image of the Buddha, I had wanted to dump it away. Damn! How much can you fetch from this piece of work? I might as well dump it. But later, I thought it actually looked kind of nice and so I hanged it on the wall. I looked at the Buddha image, put my palms together and paid my respect to the Buddha. Is this a good deed?"
"Oh?" I was dumbfounded.
Would you consider hanging a stolen painting of the Buddha on the wall a good deed? And paying respect to this stolen painting with palms close an act of goodness? I was confused.
Zhao Hui said, "I did something really good. Hehe!"
"What great kind deed have you done?" I was surprised.
"I came to see you. That itself is a very good thing!"
"Oh!" I was again speechless.
I told Zhao Hui, "Every sentient being is born with the purity of heart. A heart so clear, it shines like the full moon. Should the hungry ghost from the Three Lower Realms recite the mantra three times, all of them shall receive the profound secret teachings and be liberated from the entanglement of all negative karma. They shall gain all merits. If I impart this mantra to you, your destiny will change and you shall have great achievement."
Zhao Hui was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Then hurry and teach me!"
I imparted the Usnisa Vijaya Dharani Mantra to Zhao Hui:
Om Amrita Teja Vate Svaha (Heart Mantra).
I took out a copy of the Usnisa Vijaya Dharani Sutra and showed it to Zhao Hui. The sutra reads:
Then the Buddha told Lord Indra, "The above Mantra is known as the "Purifying All Evil Paths Usnisa Vijaya Dharani". It can eliminate all evil karmic hindrances and eradicate the suffering of all evil paths."
"Lord of Heaven, this great Dharani is proclaimed together by Buddhas as numerous as eighty-eight kotis (hundred million) of the grains of sand of the Ganges River. All Buddhas rejoice and uphold this Dharani that is verified by the wisdom seal of the Maha Vairocana Tathagata. Lord of Heaven, if someone hears this Dharani even for just a moment, he will not undergo karmic retribution from the evil karma and severe hindrances accumulated from thousands of kalpas ago, that would otherwise cause him to revolve in the cycles of birth and death - in all kinds of life forms in the evil paths - hell, hungry ghost, animal... even ants. Owing to the merits accrued from hearing for a moment this Dharani, once this very life is over, he will be reborn in the Buddhalands, together with all the Buddhas and Ekajati-pratibaddha Bodhisattvas."
I told Zhao Hui, "Grab a handful of soil, recite this Dharani twenty-one times before scattering the soil onto the deceased and his Soul shall ascend to heaven."
When Zhao Hui heard this, he immediately put it into action. I led Zhao Hui outside the house and instructed Zhao Hui to cast the soil in the direction as directed, and with a loud "Bang!, the two ghosts vanished and ascended to heaven. When the two ghosts disappeared, the dark energy around Zhao Hui slowly faded away.
The Usnisa Vijaya Dharani states:
"When someone recites this Dharani, all his karma from a hundred kalpas shall be eradicated. He will be free from serious disease and receive peace and longevity; his destiny changed and at the time of his death he shall be reborn into the various Buddhalands."
I imparted the Usnisa Vijaya Mudra. I imparted the visualization needed during the chanting of the mantra. One visualizes his heart transforming into a Moon Disc, and above this Moon Disc imprints a Sanskrit syllable "Kham", emitting rays of light to illuminate all sentient beings. Whosoever connects with this light shall have his karma removed, rendering his mind and body in a state of purity. He shall attain great wisdom.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhao Hui was enlightened with an idea. After he had learned the Usnisa Vijaya Dharani, he practised diligently and felt that the instruction "Grab a handful of soil, recite this Dharani twenty one times before scattering the soil onto the deceased and his Soul shall ascend to heaven" was simply marvellous.
Zhao Hui told no one about this. He recited the mantra continuously with all his heart and visited the cemetery every night to scatter the mantra-empowered soil to every grave he found. It matters not whether he knew the dead. Zhao Hui felt that it was simply a meaningful thing to do.
When he completed scattering the soil at one public cemetery, he would proceed to another. Zhao Hui left his mark at many public graveyards.
Once, the sight of Zhao Hui gave me a fright. There were ghosts all over him. But these ghosts were not his debtors but rather a community of benevolent ghosts who were here to support Zhao Hui.
I said, "You have become a Ghost Keeper!"
Zhao Hui replied, "That's the only way I know how to do good!"
Zhao Hui's aura had changed. His countenance of dark greyish cloud of energy had faded, replaced with a reddish and whitish glow. He appeared to be very proud of himself.
The truth was, Zhao Hui's luck had changed for the better. His health was not good. After chanting the mantra, he felt he had more strength. His immune system strengthened (due mainly to the support given to him by the benevolent ghosts). His illnesses healed naturally. They simply diminished without medication.
Zhao Hui had always been taking protection fees from stores and hawkers in his territory. The hawkers were enjoying a good business and gave him good dividends. He was not greedy and returned the dividends to the hawkers. Thus, he gained more respect. His foster parents died and left a sum of money for him. With the money, he started a restaurant and to his surprise it made him lots of money. He went into investment and every investment was a success. He had become a wealthy man. He got married and had a son. From being the chief of the neighbourhood, he rose to become the borough warden, and then a magistrate of a rural township, and finally a councilor today. (Many had supported Councilor Zhao. In reality, his support comes from the many benevolent ghosts around him.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhao Hui told me one incident, "Usnisa Vijaya Mantra can protect one from physical harm!"
Zhao Hui related an incident when an opposition candidate sent a hit man to kill him. The hit man positioned himself at close range and pointed his handgun at his chest. Zhao Hui immediately recited the mantra once, "Om Amrita Teja Vate Svaha". The gunner pulled the trigger and Zhao Hui felt he was doomed. Unthinkably, a cracking sound suggested a blockage of the bullet in the gun. The hit man shouted, "Shit! Something is spooky here!" The hit man ran away quickly. Zhao Hui said, "This is just one example of how a crisis was averted. There are numerous cases of such miracles. In the worst of times, there will always be a turn of events to resolve any crisis. It is simply unbelievable!" I saw the growing numbers of benevolent ghosts who had gathered to help him, and he would likely rise from being a city councilor to a provincial councilor, and eventually a member of the parliament.
Here's a verse:
Empowering the ordinary soil with mantra,
This scattering of soil over the deceased is a way of Dharma.
When one reaches the end of the tunnel and all seems lost,
A new world opens and awaits him.
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap10.shtml
Zhao Hui sat in front of me. I looked at him and his face appeared greyish; a stale energy lingered around him. I sighed as I observed this person from head to toe; his skin, his flesh, his bones, and all his past lives revealed nothing that was worthy of mention. What should I do?
Zhao Hui asked, "How's my destiny?"
I told him, "Seriously speaking, your life's destiny is something I rather not say."
"Its OK. Please speak frankly."
I said, "Your parents died when you're young. You're raised by your relatives."
"That's right. Damn! You're good!"
"You had a tough life during your youth. You left school and did odd jobs, got into fights, and was sent for rehabilitation."
"That's right."
"In your youth you became a thief and was jailed twice!"
"That's right. You even know about this."
"Now you have achieved nothing and people avoid you."
"Yes."
"Are you still mixing with the gangsters?" I asked.
Zhao Hui nodded his head. When I came to this point, I spoke no further. I knew that a person like Zhao Hui could be described with a modern usage, "scum bag". This was because he had never done something proper in his life. He fooled around, led a fast life and lived loosely. He went wining and dining, whoring and gambling. He took drugs, stole and robbed, swindled and cheated.
Zhao Hui asked me, "When will I become rich?"
I laughed bitterly inside but told him, "You may have to wait!"
"For how long?"
"I don't know."
Zhao Hui was not too happy and said, "People say you're the best in divination and you know everything. Now you are saying you don't know about my destiny. You had better be careful."
"Sorry. But the truth is your destiny is quite challenging to predict."
"Even a dog's life has its destiny. You better tell me about my life. If I am pissed off, I'll make sure you disappear from the face of this earth!"
It sounded like a direct threat! I said, "Zhao Hui, if I help you, will you do as I say?"
"Yes I'll listen. I may be a good-for-nothing, but I can tell who's good to me and who's not."
I said, "I want to help you change your destiny. In actual fact, your destiny is clouded and I'm afraid you will not have any success in your life. Only by changing your destiny then you can become rich. If you do as I say, I can help you change your life."
"Cut the crab! Tell me!"
I said, "You have two ghosts following you. If these two ghosts don't leave, you'll never have a good life. Where did these two ghosts come from?"
"Two ghosts?" Zhao Hui was all confused.
"You killed anyone before?" I asked.
"Nope. I have threatened to kill, but in reality I only hurt someone, never killing any."
"Think. If you haven"t killed anyone, where does these two ghosts come from? Have you offended any ghost somewhere?"
Zhao Hui scratched his head and then exclaimed, "Damn! That's it! I robbed someone's grave twice. Is grave robbing offensive to the ghosts?"
I replied, "Of course."
"Damn! I only stole his funerary objects. I didn't hurt anyone. What on earth are they following me for?"
"Grave robbing is a crime. If you dig up someone"s grave, the dead are not going to be happy. These two ghosts are following you and you"re doomed to bad luck all the time!"
"What then?" Zhao Hui asked.
At that time I was thinking of teaching him a mantra which could help turn his life around. But how should one balance all the causes and effects in his life?
To be charitable - one receives blessings.
To be miserly - one attracts poverty.
To release life - one gains longevity
To kill life - one suffers a short life.
I know that the teachings of Buddha is supreme, extraordinary and refined. The Tantric mantra functions like the Precious Mani Pearl, which can fulfill all virtuous vows and attain all matters of excellence. But is Zhao Hui worthy of receiving this Precious Mani Pearl? I reviewed the past lives of Zhao Hui and saw in one life he was a butcher and in another he ran a brothel. In this present life, apart from stealing and robbing others, there is nothing good about him.
I asked Zhao Hui, "Have you done any kind deeds?"
"Kind deeds?" Zhao Hui shoke his head.
"Do not kill, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not lie, do not engage in worthless talk, do not gossip, do not insult, do not be greedy, do not get angry, do not be ignorant. These are the Ten Precepts."
"Ha! I have committed all evils!"
"Can you think of one good thing that you have done?" I could not simply impart the precious Tantric teachings to some rascal who had committed all evil doings.
Zhao Hui thought hard and said, "Once, I stole many things from a Buddhist temple, mainly, the money donated for incense offering. I stuffed myself full of cash and actually carried the whole damn offering box away. They got it locked but it's useless. I also picked a painting off the wall and when I got home I saw that it was the picture of Shakyamuni Buddha. When I realized it was the image of the Buddha, I had wanted to dump it away. Damn! How much can you fetch from this piece of work? I might as well dump it. But later, I thought it actually looked kind of nice and so I hanged it on the wall. I looked at the Buddha image, put my palms together and paid my respect to the Buddha. Is this a good deed?"
"Oh?" I was dumbfounded.
Would you consider hanging a stolen painting of the Buddha on the wall a good deed? And paying respect to this stolen painting with palms close an act of goodness? I was confused.
Zhao Hui said, "I did something really good. Hehe!"
"What great kind deed have you done?" I was surprised.
"I came to see you. That itself is a very good thing!"
"Oh!" I was again speechless.
I told Zhao Hui, "Every sentient being is born with the purity of heart. A heart so clear, it shines like the full moon. Should the hungry ghost from the Three Lower Realms recite the mantra three times, all of them shall receive the profound secret teachings and be liberated from the entanglement of all negative karma. They shall gain all merits. If I impart this mantra to you, your destiny will change and you shall have great achievement."
Zhao Hui was overjoyed and exclaimed, "Then hurry and teach me!"
I imparted the Usnisa Vijaya Dharani Mantra to Zhao Hui:
Om Amrita Teja Vate Svaha (Heart Mantra).
I took out a copy of the Usnisa Vijaya Dharani Sutra and showed it to Zhao Hui. The sutra reads:
Then the Buddha told Lord Indra, "The above Mantra is known as the "Purifying All Evil Paths Usnisa Vijaya Dharani". It can eliminate all evil karmic hindrances and eradicate the suffering of all evil paths."
"Lord of Heaven, this great Dharani is proclaimed together by Buddhas as numerous as eighty-eight kotis (hundred million) of the grains of sand of the Ganges River. All Buddhas rejoice and uphold this Dharani that is verified by the wisdom seal of the Maha Vairocana Tathagata. Lord of Heaven, if someone hears this Dharani even for just a moment, he will not undergo karmic retribution from the evil karma and severe hindrances accumulated from thousands of kalpas ago, that would otherwise cause him to revolve in the cycles of birth and death - in all kinds of life forms in the evil paths - hell, hungry ghost, animal... even ants. Owing to the merits accrued from hearing for a moment this Dharani, once this very life is over, he will be reborn in the Buddhalands, together with all the Buddhas and Ekajati-pratibaddha Bodhisattvas."
I told Zhao Hui, "Grab a handful of soil, recite this Dharani twenty-one times before scattering the soil onto the deceased and his Soul shall ascend to heaven."
When Zhao Hui heard this, he immediately put it into action. I led Zhao Hui outside the house and instructed Zhao Hui to cast the soil in the direction as directed, and with a loud "Bang!, the two ghosts vanished and ascended to heaven. When the two ghosts disappeared, the dark energy around Zhao Hui slowly faded away.
The Usnisa Vijaya Dharani states:
"When someone recites this Dharani, all his karma from a hundred kalpas shall be eradicated. He will be free from serious disease and receive peace and longevity; his destiny changed and at the time of his death he shall be reborn into the various Buddhalands."
I imparted the Usnisa Vijaya Mudra. I imparted the visualization needed during the chanting of the mantra. One visualizes his heart transforming into a Moon Disc, and above this Moon Disc imprints a Sanskrit syllable "Kham", emitting rays of light to illuminate all sentient beings. Whosoever connects with this light shall have his karma removed, rendering his mind and body in a state of purity. He shall attain great wisdom.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhao Hui was enlightened with an idea. After he had learned the Usnisa Vijaya Dharani, he practised diligently and felt that the instruction "Grab a handful of soil, recite this Dharani twenty one times before scattering the soil onto the deceased and his Soul shall ascend to heaven" was simply marvellous.
Zhao Hui told no one about this. He recited the mantra continuously with all his heart and visited the cemetery every night to scatter the mantra-empowered soil to every grave he found. It matters not whether he knew the dead. Zhao Hui felt that it was simply a meaningful thing to do.
When he completed scattering the soil at one public cemetery, he would proceed to another. Zhao Hui left his mark at many public graveyards.
Once, the sight of Zhao Hui gave me a fright. There were ghosts all over him. But these ghosts were not his debtors but rather a community of benevolent ghosts who were here to support Zhao Hui.
I said, "You have become a Ghost Keeper!"
Zhao Hui replied, "That's the only way I know how to do good!"
Zhao Hui's aura had changed. His countenance of dark greyish cloud of energy had faded, replaced with a reddish and whitish glow. He appeared to be very proud of himself.
The truth was, Zhao Hui's luck had changed for the better. His health was not good. After chanting the mantra, he felt he had more strength. His immune system strengthened (due mainly to the support given to him by the benevolent ghosts). His illnesses healed naturally. They simply diminished without medication.
Zhao Hui had always been taking protection fees from stores and hawkers in his territory. The hawkers were enjoying a good business and gave him good dividends. He was not greedy and returned the dividends to the hawkers. Thus, he gained more respect. His foster parents died and left a sum of money for him. With the money, he started a restaurant and to his surprise it made him lots of money. He went into investment and every investment was a success. He had become a wealthy man. He got married and had a son. From being the chief of the neighbourhood, he rose to become the borough warden, and then a magistrate of a rural township, and finally a councilor today. (Many had supported Councilor Zhao. In reality, his support comes from the many benevolent ghosts around him.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhao Hui told me one incident, "Usnisa Vijaya Mantra can protect one from physical harm!"
Zhao Hui related an incident when an opposition candidate sent a hit man to kill him. The hit man positioned himself at close range and pointed his handgun at his chest. Zhao Hui immediately recited the mantra once, "Om Amrita Teja Vate Svaha". The gunner pulled the trigger and Zhao Hui felt he was doomed. Unthinkably, a cracking sound suggested a blockage of the bullet in the gun. The hit man shouted, "Shit! Something is spooky here!" The hit man ran away quickly. Zhao Hui said, "This is just one example of how a crisis was averted. There are numerous cases of such miracles. In the worst of times, there will always be a turn of events to resolve any crisis. It is simply unbelievable!" I saw the growing numbers of benevolent ghosts who had gathered to help him, and he would likely rise from being a city councilor to a provincial councilor, and eventually a member of the parliament.
Here's a verse:
Empowering the ordinary soil with mantra,
This scattering of soil over the deceased is a way of Dharma.
When one reaches the end of the tunnel and all seems lost,
A new world opens and awaits him.
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap10.shtml
Chapter 11 - The Light Mantra
I went to visit a small lake situated at a very remote site. There I came across a centralized location among the trees which offered a spacious view of the place, yet blocking me from the scotching sunlight. I set my eyes upon the glittering lake and felt very much at ease.
I closed my eyes and meditated in silence. Suddenly, I heard someone whispering, "This guy is illuminating light!"
"The light is strong!"
"Will he ruin what we do here?"
"It's hard to say!"
"Let's report to Dodo!"....
I opened my eyes and caught a glimpse of several kids hopping and talking under a fir tree before they disappeared in a split moment. These kids were not human beings apparently. They were little ghosts.
I stood up quietly and walked along the narrow path along the lakeside towards a nearby shop. I then asked the shop owner, "People often swim here?"
"Yes."
"Have any accidents happened here before?"
The shop owner did not try to avoid the subject and instead replied, "There are a few cases every year. School children love to play with water and disregard any danger. Accidents are bound to happen. The water in this lake is rather strange, and there are a few areas that are quite deep actually."
"Any warning notice?"
"There is." The shop owner said, "But to most school kids, it makes no difference whether there is a warning sign or not. They still swim there!"
At the lakeside, I saw several school students removing their shirts and ready to enter the water. During summer, no one could resist a dip in such fine lake. I said nothing. After changing into my swimming trunk, I followed suit and entered the water after them.
The kids were splashing water towards one other, playing and pushing in their own game. Some even swam towards the deeper end of the lake. I noticed the lake appeared tranquil, but hidden turbulence of water current flowed beneath the water surface. The sand bed of the lake was very soft, sinking ever deeper. Water weeds growing in the lake could entangle the swimmer's leg. The water nearer the shore was warmer than the water further away.
When the students were not looking, I formed a mudra with my right hand and wrote the Sanskrit syllable 'Ah' in the air and stamped it in the direction of the students. I opened my spiritual eye.
Besides the four students swimming in the lake, I saw four other little ghosts riding the wave towards the kids. But at a certain point, they were stopped by an invisible energy shield and could proceed no further. The shield sheltered the four students, and despite many attempts, the ghosts could get no closer to the students as they had desired. At last, the four little ghosts were exhausted and left unwillingly.
The four little ghosts darted an angry stare at me before they vanished. I returned with a smirk. The four students had fun for a longer while before they emerged from the water. I asked, "Was it good fun?"
"We had great fun. We'll come back next time!"
I said, "Swimming is prohibited here. It's dangerous. The police has erected a warning notice!"
They rebutted, "Didn't you just swim in the lake yourself?"
"I...." I chuckled and could say nothing.
That night in my dream, a water ghost approached and transformed himself into a huge water snake. It was swimming zigzag around my bed, yet it could not come near. The water ghost resumed his original form and shook his head, and out from his mouth he threw up a long strain of water weed. This water weed moved forward to strangle my throat and tried to suffocate me to death. But the water weed stopped upon reaching my face.
The water ghost threw up gushes of water and flooded my room, attempting to drown me. Again, water filled the place round me, but not one drop of it could sip through and reach me. The water ghost vomited stinking and smelly mud and yet it affected me not.
The water ghost realized an invisible energy field was covering the four corners of the bed, shielding me like a net of light. The bed itself was transformed into a lotus flower. I was transformed into a Vajra. A net of light encircled me. He water ghost knew he had met his match and knelt down with his palms closed. I asked, "Are you Dodo?"
"Yes."
"You have harmed and taken many lives?"
"Regretfully so!"
"Why did you do it?"
Dodo replied, "Reincarnation."
I asked, "How did you die?"
"I committed suicide."
"Why didn't you take up cultivation?"
"I have no teacher to teach me. If I can follow you, I would achieve something." Dodo was curious and asked, "How come there is a glow around you and that you're surrounded by a net of light?"
I answered him, "This radiance and net of light is a result of my cultivation of the Light Mantra. If you promise not to harm anymore lives, I shall impart this Light Mantra to you and you shall be liberated together with your other little ghostly friends. The sutra states that if any sentient being should commit the ten evil ways, the five deadly sins and upon his death degrades to the lower realm, recite this mantra 108 times and the decease shall ascend to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss. It also states that if any sentient being should listen to this mantra for two, three or seven times, all his karmic hindrances shall be eradicated."
The water ghost Dodo was thrilled to hear this and immediately took refuge and requested the transmission of this mantra.
I recited:
"Om Amogha Vairocana Mahamudra Mani Padma Jvala Pravartaya Hum."
I said, "This Light Mantra is the Light Mantra of the Great Initiation of the Vairocana Buddha. When you recite this mantra, visualize an imprint of a golden Sanskrit seed syllable 'Ah' imprinted on the Moon Disc in your heart. This syllable 'Ah' radiates light and illuminates all sentient beings. Anyone in contact with this light shall be liberated from suffering and receive joy. This mantra is the very Illuminated Vairocana Seal with which one may take refuge with Tathagata Vairocana. It is as good as receiving a jewel, a lotus, a rebirth and illumination, where liberation is instantaneous and all vows fulfilled."
I told Dodo, "Tomorrow past noon, I shall script this Light Mantra and cast it into the lake. I hope all of you shall recite it diligently and be liberated."
The water ghost Dodo bowed and left.
Past noon the following day, I wrote the Light mantra onto a piece of yellow paper and cast it into the lake. I chanted sincerely, "As the Light Mantra enters this lake, the lake shall become pure water. If commanded to wash one's feet, this water shall perform this task. If commanded to wash one's knee, this water shall do so. If commanded to wash one's waist, this water shall carry out the work. If commanded to wash one's neck, this water shall accomplish so. If commanded to wash the internal organs, the internal organs shall be purified. If commanded to clean the dirt off one's heart, the heart shall become clear. If commanded to initiate, one receives the Light Initiation."
I recited, "As the Light Mantra enters this lake, uncountable treasures lie within. The net of light spread across the sky and all kinds of Dharma Sound shall be heard, propagating the words of Buddha. Surrounding the lake one shall find illumination of glowing light dazzling in spectacular beauty. A wind of a meritorious nature blows naturally over the lake, creating ripples, offering a tenderness and warmth to the water. An intricate mix of soft gentle fragrance also permeates the area. It is simply unbelievable."
I saw Dodo transformed into a huge water snake, and all the little ghosts transformed into many smaller snakes. They came to the lakeside to receive the Light Mantra Initiation. Upon the completion of the initiation, a wind blew across the jewel trees creating musical Buddha Sound. All the water snakes received bliss and joy. The lake with its soft countenance released an all pervading fragrance. The snakes were transformed into dragons in an instant, breaking the water surface and riding on.
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap11.shtml
I closed my eyes and meditated in silence. Suddenly, I heard someone whispering, "This guy is illuminating light!"
"The light is strong!"
"Will he ruin what we do here?"
"It's hard to say!"
"Let's report to Dodo!"....
I opened my eyes and caught a glimpse of several kids hopping and talking under a fir tree before they disappeared in a split moment. These kids were not human beings apparently. They were little ghosts.
I stood up quietly and walked along the narrow path along the lakeside towards a nearby shop. I then asked the shop owner, "People often swim here?"
"Yes."
"Have any accidents happened here before?"
The shop owner did not try to avoid the subject and instead replied, "There are a few cases every year. School children love to play with water and disregard any danger. Accidents are bound to happen. The water in this lake is rather strange, and there are a few areas that are quite deep actually."
"Any warning notice?"
"There is." The shop owner said, "But to most school kids, it makes no difference whether there is a warning sign or not. They still swim there!"
At the lakeside, I saw several school students removing their shirts and ready to enter the water. During summer, no one could resist a dip in such fine lake. I said nothing. After changing into my swimming trunk, I followed suit and entered the water after them.
The kids were splashing water towards one other, playing and pushing in their own game. Some even swam towards the deeper end of the lake. I noticed the lake appeared tranquil, but hidden turbulence of water current flowed beneath the water surface. The sand bed of the lake was very soft, sinking ever deeper. Water weeds growing in the lake could entangle the swimmer's leg. The water nearer the shore was warmer than the water further away.
When the students were not looking, I formed a mudra with my right hand and wrote the Sanskrit syllable 'Ah' in the air and stamped it in the direction of the students. I opened my spiritual eye.
Besides the four students swimming in the lake, I saw four other little ghosts riding the wave towards the kids. But at a certain point, they were stopped by an invisible energy shield and could proceed no further. The shield sheltered the four students, and despite many attempts, the ghosts could get no closer to the students as they had desired. At last, the four little ghosts were exhausted and left unwillingly.
The four little ghosts darted an angry stare at me before they vanished. I returned with a smirk. The four students had fun for a longer while before they emerged from the water. I asked, "Was it good fun?"
"We had great fun. We'll come back next time!"
I said, "Swimming is prohibited here. It's dangerous. The police has erected a warning notice!"
They rebutted, "Didn't you just swim in the lake yourself?"
"I...." I chuckled and could say nothing.
That night in my dream, a water ghost approached and transformed himself into a huge water snake. It was swimming zigzag around my bed, yet it could not come near. The water ghost resumed his original form and shook his head, and out from his mouth he threw up a long strain of water weed. This water weed moved forward to strangle my throat and tried to suffocate me to death. But the water weed stopped upon reaching my face.
The water ghost threw up gushes of water and flooded my room, attempting to drown me. Again, water filled the place round me, but not one drop of it could sip through and reach me. The water ghost vomited stinking and smelly mud and yet it affected me not.
The water ghost realized an invisible energy field was covering the four corners of the bed, shielding me like a net of light. The bed itself was transformed into a lotus flower. I was transformed into a Vajra. A net of light encircled me. He water ghost knew he had met his match and knelt down with his palms closed. I asked, "Are you Dodo?"
"Yes."
"You have harmed and taken many lives?"
"Regretfully so!"
"Why did you do it?"
Dodo replied, "Reincarnation."
I asked, "How did you die?"
"I committed suicide."
"Why didn't you take up cultivation?"
"I have no teacher to teach me. If I can follow you, I would achieve something." Dodo was curious and asked, "How come there is a glow around you and that you're surrounded by a net of light?"
I answered him, "This radiance and net of light is a result of my cultivation of the Light Mantra. If you promise not to harm anymore lives, I shall impart this Light Mantra to you and you shall be liberated together with your other little ghostly friends. The sutra states that if any sentient being should commit the ten evil ways, the five deadly sins and upon his death degrades to the lower realm, recite this mantra 108 times and the decease shall ascend to the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss. It also states that if any sentient being should listen to this mantra for two, three or seven times, all his karmic hindrances shall be eradicated."
The water ghost Dodo was thrilled to hear this and immediately took refuge and requested the transmission of this mantra.
I recited:
"Om Amogha Vairocana Mahamudra Mani Padma Jvala Pravartaya Hum."
I said, "This Light Mantra is the Light Mantra of the Great Initiation of the Vairocana Buddha. When you recite this mantra, visualize an imprint of a golden Sanskrit seed syllable 'Ah' imprinted on the Moon Disc in your heart. This syllable 'Ah' radiates light and illuminates all sentient beings. Anyone in contact with this light shall be liberated from suffering and receive joy. This mantra is the very Illuminated Vairocana Seal with which one may take refuge with Tathagata Vairocana. It is as good as receiving a jewel, a lotus, a rebirth and illumination, where liberation is instantaneous and all vows fulfilled."
I told Dodo, "Tomorrow past noon, I shall script this Light Mantra and cast it into the lake. I hope all of you shall recite it diligently and be liberated."
The water ghost Dodo bowed and left.
Past noon the following day, I wrote the Light mantra onto a piece of yellow paper and cast it into the lake. I chanted sincerely, "As the Light Mantra enters this lake, the lake shall become pure water. If commanded to wash one's feet, this water shall perform this task. If commanded to wash one's knee, this water shall do so. If commanded to wash one's waist, this water shall carry out the work. If commanded to wash one's neck, this water shall accomplish so. If commanded to wash the internal organs, the internal organs shall be purified. If commanded to clean the dirt off one's heart, the heart shall become clear. If commanded to initiate, one receives the Light Initiation."
I recited, "As the Light Mantra enters this lake, uncountable treasures lie within. The net of light spread across the sky and all kinds of Dharma Sound shall be heard, propagating the words of Buddha. Surrounding the lake one shall find illumination of glowing light dazzling in spectacular beauty. A wind of a meritorious nature blows naturally over the lake, creating ripples, offering a tenderness and warmth to the water. An intricate mix of soft gentle fragrance also permeates the area. It is simply unbelievable."
I saw Dodo transformed into a huge water snake, and all the little ghosts transformed into many smaller snakes. They came to the lakeside to receive the Light Mantra Initiation. Upon the completion of the initiation, a wind blew across the jewel trees creating musical Buddha Sound. All the water snakes received bliss and joy. The lake with its soft countenance released an all pervading fragrance. The snakes were transformed into dragons in an instant, breaking the water surface and riding on.
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap11.shtml
Chapter 12 - The Eye Mara
A wealthy forty-plus year old man by the name of Wang-en once walked pass a cemetery and his eyes contacted a wind that seemed to be blowing sand into them, rendering them reddened and itchy. He consulted a doctor but after some treatment his eyes no longer stay reddish and itchy, but his vision became blur. Wang-en's vision had become poor and deteriorated in time. Though he had gone for many treatments, none had worked and eventually he became completely blind. He had to reply on his crutches and the help from his family to move about. The days of darkness went on for two years. In these two years, Wang-en consulted almost all the famous ophthalmologists(eye doctor) he could find and tried out every kind of special remedies, including Chinese medication. Whenever he heard of any man of exceptional skills, he would rush over to meet him. He would also seek consultation with any reputable fortune teller and psychic medium. Yet, his condition had not improved despite all the medication, acupuncture and special remedies. He had prayed to the gods and Buddhas but to no avail.
That year, I returned to Taiwan from the United States to preach the Dharma. Wang-en sent someone to request an appointment. However, my schedule was tight and there was simply no free time left to meet any stranger. Thus his request was turned down.
Wang-en told his family, "I heard Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu possesses great spiritual power. I must meet him!"
His family said, "He is busy."
Wang-en said, "Then we go to the airport to try our luck!"
His family said, "We heard that upon his arrival to Taiwan, thousands of people will be at the airport to welcome him. There's no way anyone can go near him."
Wang-en exclaimed, "I must go!"
"It's useless even if you're there."
"If I go, there's a hope of meeting him. If I don't go, than all is lost." Wang-en insisted.
His family could not talk Wang-en out of it, so they went with his wish and brought him to the international airport. If Wang-en had waited for me at the arrival hall in the airport, his chance of meeting me would be zero, as they would be tens and thousands of people waiting. Even my mom and mother in law could not get close to me. I was surrounded by the crowd and whisked away to a car and quickly drove off.
But Wang-en's family had good connections in Taiwan and his friends arranged to get Wang-en an entry pass which allowed him to enter the customs and immigration checkpoints and walked straight right up the arrival gate outside the door of the aircraft. This method of engagement was indeed most remarkable. When I arrived and walked out of the docking exit, I saw a man wearing a suit and a dark sunglasses, kneeling beside the aircraft door. A lady was supporting him.
The man said to me, "I am Wang-en and have come specially to receive Living Buddha."
I said, "Good! Good! Thank you!"
I held him up. He continued to say, "I am Wang-en."
I replied, "Wang-en! Er! Wang-en!" Actually I had no idea who this Wang-en was!
We walked and Wang-en told me, "Living Buddha! I am sick for two years and my eyes have become blind. I tried to meet you but was turned down, thus I come specially to receive you, to ask Living Buddha to bless my eyes so that they become bright again." When I heard this, I finally realized what it was all about. To me, these matters are a regular occurrence. Often people close in on me and ask for a blessing. But it was rare to find someone such as Wang-en who actually waited and knelt at the aircraft door seeking a blessing. His chest area actually hung an official reception pass of the administrative personnel!
I said no further and extended my palm and pressed on Wang-en's head. I also used the Sword Mudra and gently touched Wang-en's eyelids. I told him, "The blessing is done."
Wang-en thanked me profusely. At this time, the group of people welcoming my arrival had approached and they also wore the official reception pass of the administrative personnel in front of them. They told me they were late because the airplane had arrived earlier than scheduled. There are many True Buddha disciples who work in the Aviation Police Bureau, Customs, Immigration Department and the Passport Control Bureau etc... When they arrived, Wang-en moved even further away. I waved goodbye to Wang-en but obviously he could not see that. We quickly stepped into the VIP room.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After receiving the empowerment, Wang-en went home. His eyes did not regain their vision and there was hardly any improvement. Thus, it made no difference whether he had received a blessing or not. But that very night, Wang-en overheard a conversation between two beings, whispering these words.
One said, "This Living Buddha Lu almost forced two of us out!"
Another added, "When he pressed his head once, I found myself shrinking to half my size. If he should press again, I would have disappeared!"
"When he touched my eyelids, I felt an earthquake!"
"I dropped to the floor and couldn't get up!"
"Did you hurt yourself?"
"I lost much of my vitality!"
"What was the scale of this earthquake?"
"I think it's at least eight on the scale!"
"Can we continue to stay here?"
"We have been here two years. I cannot bear to leave!"
When Wang-en heard this, he was shocked! Wang-en questioned these two beings, "Who are you? Are you living in my eyes? Between us we have no scores to settle, so please leave!" Wang-en spoke, but there was no reply. He decided he should meet me one more time. After all, there was some kind of reaction, and meeting me could bring results. But his family opposed.
"Please don't be superstitious!" His family voiced out.
"I really heard voices!"
"You must have imagined it!"
"Only this once!"
His family rebutted, "This is not the first or tenth or fiftieth times you seek these people of magical skills. Every time you went with high hopes and expectations; and all of them have claimed to cure you, none of them could. In the end you always became disappointed. It's better to forget it!"
Wang-en pleaded, "Just this once. I really heard voices!"
"It's probably a dream!"
"Only this once, please!" Wang-en kept pleading.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During my Taiwan Dharma tour, my schedule had been very tight. Grand Dharma Ceremonies were conducted in the northern, central and southern Taiwan, at stadiums that were packed to full capacity. Besides, I had to visit every local chapters and Dharma centres in Taiwan. Once, while having my meal in a restaurant, an attendant said to another, "Should we report to Grand Master?"
"I think we better not. Grand Master is too busy!"
I turned around and asked, "What's the matter?"
The attendant replied, "A blind man whose name is Wang-en has been following us for two three days in a car, and he kept requesting a meeting with Grand Master. We had turned him down many times, but he never gave up. We almost couldn't take it anymore!"
"Ah! Wang-en! I know! Please let him in!"
Wang-en and his family were quickly led into the restaurant. I gave Wang-en another blessing. I said, "I have this Clear Vision Sutra and Clear Vision Mantra. I am passing this to the family of Wang-en, so that your family may teach you how to recite. Upon recitation, the eyes shall radiate light."
Wang-en was overjoyed. I wrote the Clear Vision Sutra and handed it to Wang-en's family.
The Clear Vision Sutra as Spoken by the Buddha
Namo the All Illuminating Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The Thousand-arms Thousand-eyes Kuan Yin Bodhisattva. The two eyes resemble two golden lamps. In the west where the Buddha throne is lies a pagoda. In the assembly of the Tathagata exists one sutra. Manjushri Bodhisattva is riding his lion. Samantabadra Bodhisattva is riding on the elephant king. The two eyes resemble the heaven. Mara within man. Mara within the eyes. All the hindrances within the eyes shall be removed. Veil within man. Veil within the eyes. All the cloud and fog within the eyes shall be cleared. Clarity within man. Clarity within the eyes. All the light spots within the eyes are glowing brightly. When someone recites this Clear Vision Sutra, the individual shall gain clear vision in every life. Mahamayura Vidyarajni, the Peacock Dharma Protector is spiritually in tune. The Kuan Yin Bodhisattva offers peace and tranquility. Om Siddamta Bajuna. Namo the All Illuminating Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Svaha.
I handed the Clear Vision Sutra to the family of Wang-en. Wang-en was very happy to receive the Clear Vision Sutra and regarded it as a jewel. This sutra only records the names of the Bodhisattvas and a small line of mantra. This makes it very easy to memorize. Before long, Wang-en was able to recite the sutra by heart.
Wang-en recited the sutra countless times every day. And on the 49th day, during the afternoon, a roll of thunder sounded in the sky. Wang-en was frightened by it and was shivering away. Then he felt two things rowed out of his eyes. These things seemed like tears but they were not tears, and they appeared to resemble a bead but they were not. But once they rowed out, everything changed. In fact when thunder and lightning came, Wang-en heard and sensed both the thunder and lightning flashes.
His eyesight improved everyday since. He could slowly see things and eventually, he regained his full vision. Wang-en exclaimed, "Hooray to Grand Master Lu! Hooray to the Clear Vision Sutra! My eyes have finally recovered!"
This is:
While it is true that all things are subjected to nature's law,
To recover from illness would depend upon a good connection.
When one obtains a genuine sutra one shall become as clear as the mirror.
Within this clarity everything in the world shall be reflected.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During my tour to preach the Dharma, there was once when I sat on the Dharma throne and felt something flew into my eyes, causing some unease and pricking. My eyes became redden and I felt very uncomfortable. That night, after dipping some eyedrops I went to bed. I too heard some voices, "Grand Master Lu, Living Buddha Lu, Pardon our intrusion."
Confused, I questioned, "What's the matter?"
"We're the tenants of Wang-en but Wang-en has just chased us out. Every injustice has its perpetrator and every debt has its debtor. So we are moving into your house!"
I instantly knew what was going on.
"Are you the Maras within the Eye?"
"That's right."
"What will happen to my eyes?"
"Blindness." The Eye Maras said.
"I can drive you away from Wang-en. What makes you think I can't get rid of you the same way?"
The Eye Maras said, "You're too involved in the game to see objectively like the onlookers."
I asked them, "How many people have you victimized?"
"Countless."
I said, "Very well then! You have harmed many Souls and today you have chosen to enter a place where you could have avoided. I will not let you off!"
The Eye Maras shouted, "We're not afraid of you!"
I shut my eyes tightly to seal off their escape. Water poured out from within my eyes and this water is no ordinary water. This is the 'mythical cosmic sea of low-buoyancy water' that flows below the Kun Lun Mountain. Not even feather can float on it. Water gurgled continuously, filling my two eyes into two great oceans. The two Eye Maras yelled, "We're drowning. We can't swim. Let us out of here!"
I said, "No way!"
Eventually, the two Eye Maras were drowned. These evil beings who had caused so much harm to others finally had a taste of their own medicine.
I, Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu suffered no harm at all!
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap12.shtml
That year, I returned to Taiwan from the United States to preach the Dharma. Wang-en sent someone to request an appointment. However, my schedule was tight and there was simply no free time left to meet any stranger. Thus his request was turned down.
Wang-en told his family, "I heard Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu possesses great spiritual power. I must meet him!"
His family said, "He is busy."
Wang-en said, "Then we go to the airport to try our luck!"
His family said, "We heard that upon his arrival to Taiwan, thousands of people will be at the airport to welcome him. There's no way anyone can go near him."
Wang-en exclaimed, "I must go!"
"It's useless even if you're there."
"If I go, there's a hope of meeting him. If I don't go, than all is lost." Wang-en insisted.
His family could not talk Wang-en out of it, so they went with his wish and brought him to the international airport. If Wang-en had waited for me at the arrival hall in the airport, his chance of meeting me would be zero, as they would be tens and thousands of people waiting. Even my mom and mother in law could not get close to me. I was surrounded by the crowd and whisked away to a car and quickly drove off.
But Wang-en's family had good connections in Taiwan and his friends arranged to get Wang-en an entry pass which allowed him to enter the customs and immigration checkpoints and walked straight right up the arrival gate outside the door of the aircraft. This method of engagement was indeed most remarkable. When I arrived and walked out of the docking exit, I saw a man wearing a suit and a dark sunglasses, kneeling beside the aircraft door. A lady was supporting him.
The man said to me, "I am Wang-en and have come specially to receive Living Buddha."
I said, "Good! Good! Thank you!"
I held him up. He continued to say, "I am Wang-en."
I replied, "Wang-en! Er! Wang-en!" Actually I had no idea who this Wang-en was!
We walked and Wang-en told me, "Living Buddha! I am sick for two years and my eyes have become blind. I tried to meet you but was turned down, thus I come specially to receive you, to ask Living Buddha to bless my eyes so that they become bright again." When I heard this, I finally realized what it was all about. To me, these matters are a regular occurrence. Often people close in on me and ask for a blessing. But it was rare to find someone such as Wang-en who actually waited and knelt at the aircraft door seeking a blessing. His chest area actually hung an official reception pass of the administrative personnel!
I said no further and extended my palm and pressed on Wang-en's head. I also used the Sword Mudra and gently touched Wang-en's eyelids. I told him, "The blessing is done."
Wang-en thanked me profusely. At this time, the group of people welcoming my arrival had approached and they also wore the official reception pass of the administrative personnel in front of them. They told me they were late because the airplane had arrived earlier than scheduled. There are many True Buddha disciples who work in the Aviation Police Bureau, Customs, Immigration Department and the Passport Control Bureau etc... When they arrived, Wang-en moved even further away. I waved goodbye to Wang-en but obviously he could not see that. We quickly stepped into the VIP room.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After receiving the empowerment, Wang-en went home. His eyes did not regain their vision and there was hardly any improvement. Thus, it made no difference whether he had received a blessing or not. But that very night, Wang-en overheard a conversation between two beings, whispering these words.
One said, "This Living Buddha Lu almost forced two of us out!"
Another added, "When he pressed his head once, I found myself shrinking to half my size. If he should press again, I would have disappeared!"
"When he touched my eyelids, I felt an earthquake!"
"I dropped to the floor and couldn't get up!"
"Did you hurt yourself?"
"I lost much of my vitality!"
"What was the scale of this earthquake?"
"I think it's at least eight on the scale!"
"Can we continue to stay here?"
"We have been here two years. I cannot bear to leave!"
When Wang-en heard this, he was shocked! Wang-en questioned these two beings, "Who are you? Are you living in my eyes? Between us we have no scores to settle, so please leave!" Wang-en spoke, but there was no reply. He decided he should meet me one more time. After all, there was some kind of reaction, and meeting me could bring results. But his family opposed.
"Please don't be superstitious!" His family voiced out.
"I really heard voices!"
"You must have imagined it!"
"Only this once!"
His family rebutted, "This is not the first or tenth or fiftieth times you seek these people of magical skills. Every time you went with high hopes and expectations; and all of them have claimed to cure you, none of them could. In the end you always became disappointed. It's better to forget it!"
Wang-en pleaded, "Just this once. I really heard voices!"
"It's probably a dream!"
"Only this once, please!" Wang-en kept pleading.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During my Taiwan Dharma tour, my schedule had been very tight. Grand Dharma Ceremonies were conducted in the northern, central and southern Taiwan, at stadiums that were packed to full capacity. Besides, I had to visit every local chapters and Dharma centres in Taiwan. Once, while having my meal in a restaurant, an attendant said to another, "Should we report to Grand Master?"
"I think we better not. Grand Master is too busy!"
I turned around and asked, "What's the matter?"
The attendant replied, "A blind man whose name is Wang-en has been following us for two three days in a car, and he kept requesting a meeting with Grand Master. We had turned him down many times, but he never gave up. We almost couldn't take it anymore!"
"Ah! Wang-en! I know! Please let him in!"
Wang-en and his family were quickly led into the restaurant. I gave Wang-en another blessing. I said, "I have this Clear Vision Sutra and Clear Vision Mantra. I am passing this to the family of Wang-en, so that your family may teach you how to recite. Upon recitation, the eyes shall radiate light."
Wang-en was overjoyed. I wrote the Clear Vision Sutra and handed it to Wang-en's family.
The Clear Vision Sutra as Spoken by the Buddha
Namo the All Illuminating Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The Thousand-arms Thousand-eyes Kuan Yin Bodhisattva. The two eyes resemble two golden lamps. In the west where the Buddha throne is lies a pagoda. In the assembly of the Tathagata exists one sutra. Manjushri Bodhisattva is riding his lion. Samantabadra Bodhisattva is riding on the elephant king. The two eyes resemble the heaven. Mara within man. Mara within the eyes. All the hindrances within the eyes shall be removed. Veil within man. Veil within the eyes. All the cloud and fog within the eyes shall be cleared. Clarity within man. Clarity within the eyes. All the light spots within the eyes are glowing brightly. When someone recites this Clear Vision Sutra, the individual shall gain clear vision in every life. Mahamayura Vidyarajni, the Peacock Dharma Protector is spiritually in tune. The Kuan Yin Bodhisattva offers peace and tranquility. Om Siddamta Bajuna. Namo the All Illuminating Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Svaha.
I handed the Clear Vision Sutra to the family of Wang-en. Wang-en was very happy to receive the Clear Vision Sutra and regarded it as a jewel. This sutra only records the names of the Bodhisattvas and a small line of mantra. This makes it very easy to memorize. Before long, Wang-en was able to recite the sutra by heart.
Wang-en recited the sutra countless times every day. And on the 49th day, during the afternoon, a roll of thunder sounded in the sky. Wang-en was frightened by it and was shivering away. Then he felt two things rowed out of his eyes. These things seemed like tears but they were not tears, and they appeared to resemble a bead but they were not. But once they rowed out, everything changed. In fact when thunder and lightning came, Wang-en heard and sensed both the thunder and lightning flashes.
His eyesight improved everyday since. He could slowly see things and eventually, he regained his full vision. Wang-en exclaimed, "Hooray to Grand Master Lu! Hooray to the Clear Vision Sutra! My eyes have finally recovered!"
This is:
While it is true that all things are subjected to nature's law,
To recover from illness would depend upon a good connection.
When one obtains a genuine sutra one shall become as clear as the mirror.
Within this clarity everything in the world shall be reflected.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During my tour to preach the Dharma, there was once when I sat on the Dharma throne and felt something flew into my eyes, causing some unease and pricking. My eyes became redden and I felt very uncomfortable. That night, after dipping some eyedrops I went to bed. I too heard some voices, "Grand Master Lu, Living Buddha Lu, Pardon our intrusion."
Confused, I questioned, "What's the matter?"
"We're the tenants of Wang-en but Wang-en has just chased us out. Every injustice has its perpetrator and every debt has its debtor. So we are moving into your house!"
I instantly knew what was going on.
"Are you the Maras within the Eye?"
"That's right."
"What will happen to my eyes?"
"Blindness." The Eye Maras said.
"I can drive you away from Wang-en. What makes you think I can't get rid of you the same way?"
The Eye Maras said, "You're too involved in the game to see objectively like the onlookers."
I asked them, "How many people have you victimized?"
"Countless."
I said, "Very well then! You have harmed many Souls and today you have chosen to enter a place where you could have avoided. I will not let you off!"
The Eye Maras shouted, "We're not afraid of you!"
I shut my eyes tightly to seal off their escape. Water poured out from within my eyes and this water is no ordinary water. This is the 'mythical cosmic sea of low-buoyancy water' that flows below the Kun Lun Mountain. Not even feather can float on it. Water gurgled continuously, filling my two eyes into two great oceans. The two Eye Maras yelled, "We're drowning. We can't swim. Let us out of here!"
I said, "No way!"
Eventually, the two Eye Maras were drowned. These evil beings who had caused so much harm to others finally had a taste of their own medicine.
I, Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu suffered no harm at all!
Source:
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap12.shtml
Chapter 13 - The Boomerang Shield Mantra
The basis of Tantric teachings hinged on three factors of cultivation. These three factors are:
Mantra (True Word)
Mudra (Hand Mudra, Body Mudra)
Visualization (Power of Concentration)
This means chanting the mantra, forming the hand mudra and visualizing the Personal Deity in one's practice. Thus, our 'body, speech and mind' become purified, achieving the goal of transforming the 'Three karma into the Three Inner Tantras. This kind of cultivation method constitutes the practice of Tantrayana.
Padmasambhava, the founder of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism once faced the attack of five hundred heretics during his journey of cultivation. These five hundred heretics chanted spells to invoke the descent of various animal entities and attempted to take Padmasambhava's life with the use of magical power.
Padmasambhava landed himself in an extremely critical situation and was pushed to the verge of death. These five hundred heretics were by no means high priests of the evil sect who had practised their art for many years. They could summon the wind and rain at will and cast out beans that turned into soldiers. They were also adepts at summoning spiritual beings.
Padmasambhava collapsed upon reaching a huge tree and his life was hanging on a string! At that moment, Ekajati appeared. One braid, one eye, one tooth marks the characteristics of Ekajati, who is the mother of all Buddha Mothers. Her power is supreme. She is the Guru, the Personal Deity as well as the Dharma Protector of Padmasambhava, all rolled in one.
Ekajati imparted the Boomerang Shield Mantra to Padmasambhava. This mantra is of the highest secret among all secrets, and would not be transmitted unless one is qualified.
It would not be transmitted to the following:
A malevolent person.
A person not within the lineage.
A person who has a fickle heart.
A person who cannot keep secrets.
What constitutes a person whose heart is fickle? Most students who follow a master would display their loyalty and obedience. Yet, as days and months pass, they would reveal a change of heart. Examples of these disciples include the likes of Devadatta, Judas and countless others.
This Boomerang Shield Mantra is a supreme mantra, and holds great importance. Thus it should not be imparted indiscriminately.
What exactly is the Boomerang Shield Mantra?
The Boomerang Effect - Whatever spell is being cast by the perpetrator, it will be rebound upon the sender in the exact and equal strength.
The Shield Effect - Whatever spell is being cast by the perpetrator, it will be shielded, rendering the spell completely useless.
When Padmasambhava received the Boomerang Shield Mantra from Ekajati, he recited the mantra and retaliated. A clap of thunder was sounded and the fog dispersed, revealing the stiff bodies of the five hundred heretics who had been killed by the shock wave of the Boomerang Shield Mantra. This is the famous Boomerang Shield Mantra psychic battle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A female disciple of mine has a friend named Fong Fang. This Fong Fang is of such entrancing beauty that someone once described her through a love letter this way, "You carry yourself with the grace and elegance of a swan. Your every step ripples like the blossoming white lotus flower upon the shimmering green water. Your slim waistline firms up as though a silk scarf is wrapped around it. Your slander neckline, your arms, your ankles, your countenance of such fairest complexion it certainly needs no cosmetic makeup. Your beauty is unmatched by anyone. Your silky dark hair flows like the waterfall and your eyebrows curve like the silver moon. Your cherry-like sweet-scented red lips shield a row of white teeth that lines like the tiny seashells. Your pair of clear bright eyes are glistening with such charm ......"
Fong Fang's beauty is praised by all. Most importantly, Fong Fang carries herself with ease and confidence, and glows with a natural charismatic aura. She has many admirers.
One of them is an evil sorcerer who has a notorious fame. He too wrote love letters to Fong Fang.
Your beauty is unsurpassed through time.
As a gesture of my admiration,
I offer thee precious gem handed down from my ancestors.
I ask God to be my matchmaker.
Please do not reject me.
Do not be heartless.
Now that I have you,
My search is finally over.
This evil sorcerer could pen some good poetic verses! Unfortunately, Fong Fang disliked him, thus rejected his proposal. The evil sorcerer was furious and he told people, "What is so great about Fong Fang. Women like her are a dime a dozen. Since she had despised me, I will show her my power. I want her to suffer the rest of her life and come begging for my mercy. Even if she begs I wouldn't be bothered."
The evil sorcerer told not just one, but many others. Fong Fang was not afraid and did not take it seriously. However, the evil sorcerer did perform his ritual of sorcery. He used the blood of a white roaster to draw a talisman and a seal of jade mandate to empower the talisman. And he offered quality rice to the spirits....
The spiritual entity that the evil sorcerer enshrined was unusual. Its body was black and it had two heads. It had a ferocious feature and it held two snakes, a green one on the left and red one on the right. This deity was known as the Psycho Spell Ghost.
One night, Fong Fang saw the evil sorcerer in her dream and he was performing a ritual of sorcery. Her head was completely pierced with needles dripped in chicken blood.
When she woke up, she found herself in a delirium. Subsequently, she suffered from insomnia and could not sleep at night, despite all attempts to fall asleep. She went on pills and initially she could sleep, but eventually the medication could not help her. She had become despondent and miserable; her face drained of its bright countenance. In the end, she suffered a mental collapse and went mad.
The psychiatrist diagnosed her as suffering from Persecutory Delusion Disorder. Fong Fang felt that a large organization was out to harm her. Examples were such that when a plane was flying over the sky, she would imagine the plane was there to spy on her. When the postman delivered mails, she would think that he was a crook disguised as postman to assassinate her.
The cats and dogs kept by Fong Fang were given away because she felt their Souls had been seized by evil doers and replaced with the Souls of malevolent people all out to harm her.
Food cooked for her was considered poisoned, unless she had cooked it herself.
She bathed many times in a day as she felt that she had been stained and no amount of washing can clean away all the defilement. She had to wash her own clothes over and over again in a day. Everyone she saw had been polluted and stained, and she was afraid of contamination.
She also uttered nonsense, laughing away openly and giggling secretly by herself. Sometimes she was crying because she had felt that there was no benevolent person in the world and everyone was out to harm her! She would not sleep and eat. Yet occasionally she could sleep for two to three days consecutively, and at times she would not sleep at all, screaming and shouting loudly. Whatever idea came to mind she would execute it.
Her condition had deteriorated to the point where she would undress and run to the marketplace. She would pour away all edible food and meals in the middle of a road. She would break all light bulbs, claiming that all glowing things were of the devil.
This is similar to an ancient poem:
Self is clearly the object,
Which misfortune could attach and befall.
You must know that illness spares nobody.
Just as one thinks of stopping idle thoughts,
The very thought itself is but a delusion.
Even should you find what you hold as true reality,
The reality itself may hold little truth.
All illnesses are results of karma.
Clearing one's karma is the only key out of any misery.
Thus cultivating oneself one finds the way out of life and death,
And all disaster shall then turn to dust.
Fong Fang was once a real beauty, but as her illness lingered, her countenance was reduced to a spooky skeletal feature. Fong Fang was led to seek my help by my disciple. I wrote a 'Shang Yan' talisman (a talisman designed to shield or Yan, that is written with the syllable Shang on the top) to help shield her, but it did not work on her! I set up a spiritual boundary around her body, but it was ineffective!
I was at a loss. I decided to sit in meditation and observe the situation. With the incense burning half way, I suddenly had a vision of a forest with a path that led to an altar. I saw a man dressed in black praying to a rather bizarre looking deity. It was the same completely dark being that I recognized. I saw the man in black dress armed with a knife stained with blood butchering a lady. And this lady was non other than Fong Fang herself!
I was shocked to see this. I asked the family of Fong Fang about this matter and her family confirmed it. Her family told me that Fong Fang had rejected the sorcerer and thus offended the man. The sorcerer had indeed cast a spell on Fong Fang and this was being witnessed by some people. The sorcerer himself had told this to many, that he wanted Fong Fang to suffer for the rest of her life!
Normally, applying the 'Shang Yan' talisman and setting a spiritual boundary are very powerful and effective. Yet this sorcerer and the deity were even more powerful. This came as a shock to me.
Later, I searched the ancient books and found a reference to the spiritual deity. It was not any Psycho Spell Ghost but was an ancient being that had lived for thousands of years known as Qiang. As this being was ancient, the 'Shang Yen' talisman and spiritual boundary had lost their effectiveness.
I felt I should have a word with this sorcerer. I believed that a face-to-face meeting would at least set some ground for discussion. If the other party had any sense of reasoning, it should not be a problem to sort things out.
I finally met up with the sorcerer. His family name is Gu and his sorcery skills were taught to him by a master from Mainland China. His disciples feared him, as his mastery of spell casting was extremely powerful. Anyone who had been a victim of his spell would have suffered insanity.
I said, "I am here for Fong Fang!"
Sorcerer Gu replied, "She was some spoilsport. Serve her right!"
"Can you let her off? She has suffered enough, and she should learn her lessons by now." I asked Sorcerer Gu to consider lifting this spell.
Sorcerer Gu said, "Everyone knows I have cast a spell on Fong Fang. My business has prospered because of her insanity. Who are you to demand that I release her?"
"I am Sheng-yen Lu!"
"So I see. You do enjoy a small reputation and wouldn't it be interesting to see you suffer from my spell?"
"Look! Between us we have no scores to settle. I am here to appeal for her release!"
"You're appealing to me? It sounds more like you're picking a fight! So what if I don't let Fong Fang off? You want to challenge me to a psychic battle?"
"No!"
"Go home Sheng-yen Lu. Let's see who's better!"
"No!" I said.
Sorcerer Gu simply ignored me and attended to his own business. I felt I had just bumped into a wall, sticking my warm and friendly face into someone's hard cold ass. So much for an appeal.
But the matter did not end here. This sorcerer Gu had invoked the presence of Qiang to cast a spell on me. My fence of protection had been completely removed. This meant that my Dharma Protectors had abandoned me when they realized they were no match to Qiang. Even my umbrella shield that I set up during my sleeping hours was neutralized.
I felt dizzy and my temper was extremely hot. Physically, I felt cold and warm interchangeably and my mind drew a blank screen. I had no appetite for food and everything was tasteless. As I slept, I felt I was just as awake, and during sleep, my dreams appeared chaotic and messy. I felt as though my body was burning in flame.
Life had lost its meaning to me and I found no reason to live. The thought of wanting to die grew ever stronger. Indeed, once a person dies everything dies with him. No matter how hard one tries, either to be a hero or a saintly practitioner or to acquire fame and fortune, eventually we all end up dead. Maybe I should die! This life is one of pain and sorrow, filled with only emptiness and impermanence. There is no more reason and meaning in living. Then, it dawned upon me that I had been victimized by the sorcerer's spell!
I felt an aching pain between the joints of my whole body and it seemed that all kinds of illnesses were about to break out. I could not enter into meditation and even if I managed, I had visions of green and red snakes crawling all over and within me. This Qiang was indeed some ancient being. I could not think of any method to counter it. I began to hallucinate, seeing and hearing things. I felt I was on the verge of a mental breakdown.
At that time it was simply:
Of mountains of clouds of water so cold.
Everything seems empty as insanity shows.
I see a tiger growling beneath the cliff.
Then see a clay figurine running among the trees.
As the wind blows and the solar heat dissipates,
The illusionary flowers weather the rain and fall away.
There is no place on earth I can truly stay.
Should any immortal being suffer from this,
He would have snapped and gone mad anyway.
I saw a green snake and a red snake sliding into my urinary system, resulting in an unusual illness which forced me to dash for the washroom every five minutes. Yet, each time it was nothing more than just a few droplets of urine, but the urgency caused by the need to urinate was overpowering and this described excessive urination(polyuria).
There were times when I felt the bladder was full and needed to use the washroom. Yet upon reaching the toilet I could not urinate anything. I had considered seeking help from doctors who could ease my urination.
Yet by the time I could pass urine, I would feel the immediate need to urinate again. Besides urination, excretion was equally tormenting. I felt nauseating and dizzy, losing my sense of balance. No medication and prescription from doctors could cure me of my illness and I felt that this period of eating and sleeping disorders had been a living hell.
Fierce deities and demons appeared before me, trying to host in my body so that they could disrupt the normal function of my internal organs, causing inflammation and malfunction, and eventually ceasing their functions. I thought of death. I felt that suffering from illness itself is the mother of all sufferings in this world. I felt that once our body and mind was suffering from a chronic disease or a terminal illness, it was better to die than live. Seriously speaking, I would be very willing to embrace euthanasia (mercy death) if given the opportunity.
I thought of committing suicide. Many with long-term illnesses can not take the pain of the suffering and after struggling to leave their beds, they commit suicide. I used to think that these patients who took their own lives were foolish but I had since gained a new perspective. Only those who have experienced the tormenting agony of illness would understand why these patients have chosen to kill themselves. The ordeal of suffering from illness definitely tops all sufferings in the world.
I saw no value in being alive, as I had saved many lives and was persecuted just as many times. Having come to this pathetic stage, I felt no reason to go on. I was wrestling with myself at the edge of life and death!
As the sun is bound to set in the west,
Soul awaiting judgement lingers in the spirit world.
Enlightenment is certainly within oneself.
One must decide if he would be filial.
Come to think about it. Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu had committed suicide! The Lotus Light Self Mastery Buddha had killed himself! Padmakumara had taken his own life!
This was against my earlier stand that killing oneself meant killing the Buddha. The physical self is the means to attaining Buddhahood, and thus killing this self is as good as killing the Buddha.
Those who have committed suicide cannot enter heaven, and will reincarnate in the Three Lower Realms. They suffer from a lack of wisdom and even if reborn as human beings, they shall be born handicapped.
I am a guru, and if I were to kill myself, it would certainly be one big joke of divine and human proportion! But all the eight kinds of suffering that Buddha Shakyamuni had mentioned converged on me. It was tormenting! Unbearable! I just wanted to end my life!
If I had died, it would be one hell of a joke. The founder of True Buddha School, Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu had committed suicide! Would True Buddha School exist then?
It would be agonizing to those who embraced me and exhilarating to those who hated me. What diversity of emotion it would be!
When sorcerer Gu beheaded me with his magical power, the green and red snakes slipped into my head. My head then split into eight petals! In the middle appeared a shrine and my Personal Deity Amitabha Buddha was seated in stillness. You might say that I was dead and only this Personal Deity remained. This is the very essence of my years of cultivation.
Sorcerer Gu wanted to destroy my Personal Deity. The green and red snakes wanted to devour my Personal Deity. Unperturbed by these, my Personal Deity recited the Boomerang Shield Mantra once, "..............."
A stroke of lightning flashed:
When one's arms and limps are separated,
What is left of this bodily form?
Besides losing one's feature and image,
One's name and identity is void and gone.
Just as the autumn grass paints the tide of life,
The twilight wind speaks the truth of one's changing figure.
I ask that you discern from a higher perspective,
And contemplate more on this matter.
Never push someone to a corner!
Never push me to a corner!
My Personal Deity Amitabha Buddha recited the Boomerang Shield Mantra once and there appeared a flash of lightning. I found myself lying on the bed motionless; my body completely exhausted like a living dead. Yet I was aware that the green and red snakes had vanished, and so was sorcerer Gu.
In the space above, I saw the green and red snakes biting sorcerer Gu in a locked grip, and his struggle to break free only led to the snakes tightening around him even more.
Sorcerer Gu's shrill and depressing cry streaked across the night sky!
All symptoms of my illness had suddenly disappeared, and my health improved, and recovered completely after a week. In Fong Fang's case, her symptoms also vanished suddenly, and she regained her clarity of mind. After a period of rest and rehabilitation, her health returned to normal.
To me, it seemed like a nightmare, and to Fong Fang, the nightmare had stretched even longer! In sorcerer Gu's case, he was attacked by the very ancient deity, Qiang whom he had prayed to. And eventually, he became mad!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just want to let you know how important is this Boomerang Shield Mantra. It is supreme, all important and must be shielded in secrecy. Thus, I can only impart this Mantra in secret, and cannot expose it.
This incident taught me a great lesson. I must focus on the importance of reciting mantra, keep a pure and detached state of mind and take my cultivation seriously.
This is:
The Primal State of Tantrayana,
Is anchored in mantra.
You should keep your mind pure
And maintain a good body.
Untouched by all
And focus on helping others.
Remove your karma
And increase your wisdom.
Align with your Personal Deity
And attain the highest purity.
Devote actively to liberating sentient beings,
Yet maintain a simple lifestyle.
Cultivating yourself truthfully,
While holding righteous thoughts and be sincere.
Month after month and year after year,
Without beginning, without ending.
Om Ah Hum.
Mantra (True Word)
Mudra (Hand Mudra, Body Mudra)
Visualization (Power of Concentration)
This means chanting the mantra, forming the hand mudra and visualizing the Personal Deity in one's practice. Thus, our 'body, speech and mind' become purified, achieving the goal of transforming the 'Three karma into the Three Inner Tantras. This kind of cultivation method constitutes the practice of Tantrayana.
Padmasambhava, the founder of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism once faced the attack of five hundred heretics during his journey of cultivation. These five hundred heretics chanted spells to invoke the descent of various animal entities and attempted to take Padmasambhava's life with the use of magical power.
Padmasambhava landed himself in an extremely critical situation and was pushed to the verge of death. These five hundred heretics were by no means high priests of the evil sect who had practised their art for many years. They could summon the wind and rain at will and cast out beans that turned into soldiers. They were also adepts at summoning spiritual beings.
Padmasambhava collapsed upon reaching a huge tree and his life was hanging on a string! At that moment, Ekajati appeared. One braid, one eye, one tooth marks the characteristics of Ekajati, who is the mother of all Buddha Mothers. Her power is supreme. She is the Guru, the Personal Deity as well as the Dharma Protector of Padmasambhava, all rolled in one.
Ekajati imparted the Boomerang Shield Mantra to Padmasambhava. This mantra is of the highest secret among all secrets, and would not be transmitted unless one is qualified.
It would not be transmitted to the following:
A malevolent person.
A person not within the lineage.
A person who has a fickle heart.
A person who cannot keep secrets.
What constitutes a person whose heart is fickle? Most students who follow a master would display their loyalty and obedience. Yet, as days and months pass, they would reveal a change of heart. Examples of these disciples include the likes of Devadatta, Judas and countless others.
This Boomerang Shield Mantra is a supreme mantra, and holds great importance. Thus it should not be imparted indiscriminately.
What exactly is the Boomerang Shield Mantra?
The Boomerang Effect - Whatever spell is being cast by the perpetrator, it will be rebound upon the sender in the exact and equal strength.
The Shield Effect - Whatever spell is being cast by the perpetrator, it will be shielded, rendering the spell completely useless.
When Padmasambhava received the Boomerang Shield Mantra from Ekajati, he recited the mantra and retaliated. A clap of thunder was sounded and the fog dispersed, revealing the stiff bodies of the five hundred heretics who had been killed by the shock wave of the Boomerang Shield Mantra. This is the famous Boomerang Shield Mantra psychic battle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A female disciple of mine has a friend named Fong Fang. This Fong Fang is of such entrancing beauty that someone once described her through a love letter this way, "You carry yourself with the grace and elegance of a swan. Your every step ripples like the blossoming white lotus flower upon the shimmering green water. Your slim waistline firms up as though a silk scarf is wrapped around it. Your slander neckline, your arms, your ankles, your countenance of such fairest complexion it certainly needs no cosmetic makeup. Your beauty is unmatched by anyone. Your silky dark hair flows like the waterfall and your eyebrows curve like the silver moon. Your cherry-like sweet-scented red lips shield a row of white teeth that lines like the tiny seashells. Your pair of clear bright eyes are glistening with such charm ......"
Fong Fang's beauty is praised by all. Most importantly, Fong Fang carries herself with ease and confidence, and glows with a natural charismatic aura. She has many admirers.
One of them is an evil sorcerer who has a notorious fame. He too wrote love letters to Fong Fang.
Your beauty is unsurpassed through time.
As a gesture of my admiration,
I offer thee precious gem handed down from my ancestors.
I ask God to be my matchmaker.
Please do not reject me.
Do not be heartless.
Now that I have you,
My search is finally over.
This evil sorcerer could pen some good poetic verses! Unfortunately, Fong Fang disliked him, thus rejected his proposal. The evil sorcerer was furious and he told people, "What is so great about Fong Fang. Women like her are a dime a dozen. Since she had despised me, I will show her my power. I want her to suffer the rest of her life and come begging for my mercy. Even if she begs I wouldn't be bothered."
The evil sorcerer told not just one, but many others. Fong Fang was not afraid and did not take it seriously. However, the evil sorcerer did perform his ritual of sorcery. He used the blood of a white roaster to draw a talisman and a seal of jade mandate to empower the talisman. And he offered quality rice to the spirits....
The spiritual entity that the evil sorcerer enshrined was unusual. Its body was black and it had two heads. It had a ferocious feature and it held two snakes, a green one on the left and red one on the right. This deity was known as the Psycho Spell Ghost.
One night, Fong Fang saw the evil sorcerer in her dream and he was performing a ritual of sorcery. Her head was completely pierced with needles dripped in chicken blood.
When she woke up, she found herself in a delirium. Subsequently, she suffered from insomnia and could not sleep at night, despite all attempts to fall asleep. She went on pills and initially she could sleep, but eventually the medication could not help her. She had become despondent and miserable; her face drained of its bright countenance. In the end, she suffered a mental collapse and went mad.
The psychiatrist diagnosed her as suffering from Persecutory Delusion Disorder. Fong Fang felt that a large organization was out to harm her. Examples were such that when a plane was flying over the sky, she would imagine the plane was there to spy on her. When the postman delivered mails, she would think that he was a crook disguised as postman to assassinate her.
The cats and dogs kept by Fong Fang were given away because she felt their Souls had been seized by evil doers and replaced with the Souls of malevolent people all out to harm her.
Food cooked for her was considered poisoned, unless she had cooked it herself.
She bathed many times in a day as she felt that she had been stained and no amount of washing can clean away all the defilement. She had to wash her own clothes over and over again in a day. Everyone she saw had been polluted and stained, and she was afraid of contamination.
She also uttered nonsense, laughing away openly and giggling secretly by herself. Sometimes she was crying because she had felt that there was no benevolent person in the world and everyone was out to harm her! She would not sleep and eat. Yet occasionally she could sleep for two to three days consecutively, and at times she would not sleep at all, screaming and shouting loudly. Whatever idea came to mind she would execute it.
Her condition had deteriorated to the point where she would undress and run to the marketplace. She would pour away all edible food and meals in the middle of a road. She would break all light bulbs, claiming that all glowing things were of the devil.
This is similar to an ancient poem:
Self is clearly the object,
Which misfortune could attach and befall.
You must know that illness spares nobody.
Just as one thinks of stopping idle thoughts,
The very thought itself is but a delusion.
Even should you find what you hold as true reality,
The reality itself may hold little truth.
All illnesses are results of karma.
Clearing one's karma is the only key out of any misery.
Thus cultivating oneself one finds the way out of life and death,
And all disaster shall then turn to dust.
Fong Fang was once a real beauty, but as her illness lingered, her countenance was reduced to a spooky skeletal feature. Fong Fang was led to seek my help by my disciple. I wrote a 'Shang Yan' talisman (a talisman designed to shield or Yan, that is written with the syllable Shang on the top) to help shield her, but it did not work on her! I set up a spiritual boundary around her body, but it was ineffective!
I was at a loss. I decided to sit in meditation and observe the situation. With the incense burning half way, I suddenly had a vision of a forest with a path that led to an altar. I saw a man dressed in black praying to a rather bizarre looking deity. It was the same completely dark being that I recognized. I saw the man in black dress armed with a knife stained with blood butchering a lady. And this lady was non other than Fong Fang herself!
I was shocked to see this. I asked the family of Fong Fang about this matter and her family confirmed it. Her family told me that Fong Fang had rejected the sorcerer and thus offended the man. The sorcerer had indeed cast a spell on Fong Fang and this was being witnessed by some people. The sorcerer himself had told this to many, that he wanted Fong Fang to suffer for the rest of her life!
Normally, applying the 'Shang Yan' talisman and setting a spiritual boundary are very powerful and effective. Yet this sorcerer and the deity were even more powerful. This came as a shock to me.
Later, I searched the ancient books and found a reference to the spiritual deity. It was not any Psycho Spell Ghost but was an ancient being that had lived for thousands of years known as Qiang. As this being was ancient, the 'Shang Yen' talisman and spiritual boundary had lost their effectiveness.
I felt I should have a word with this sorcerer. I believed that a face-to-face meeting would at least set some ground for discussion. If the other party had any sense of reasoning, it should not be a problem to sort things out.
I finally met up with the sorcerer. His family name is Gu and his sorcery skills were taught to him by a master from Mainland China. His disciples feared him, as his mastery of spell casting was extremely powerful. Anyone who had been a victim of his spell would have suffered insanity.
I said, "I am here for Fong Fang!"
Sorcerer Gu replied, "She was some spoilsport. Serve her right!"
"Can you let her off? She has suffered enough, and she should learn her lessons by now." I asked Sorcerer Gu to consider lifting this spell.
Sorcerer Gu said, "Everyone knows I have cast a spell on Fong Fang. My business has prospered because of her insanity. Who are you to demand that I release her?"
"I am Sheng-yen Lu!"
"So I see. You do enjoy a small reputation and wouldn't it be interesting to see you suffer from my spell?"
"Look! Between us we have no scores to settle. I am here to appeal for her release!"
"You're appealing to me? It sounds more like you're picking a fight! So what if I don't let Fong Fang off? You want to challenge me to a psychic battle?"
"No!"
"Go home Sheng-yen Lu. Let's see who's better!"
"No!" I said.
Sorcerer Gu simply ignored me and attended to his own business. I felt I had just bumped into a wall, sticking my warm and friendly face into someone's hard cold ass. So much for an appeal.
But the matter did not end here. This sorcerer Gu had invoked the presence of Qiang to cast a spell on me. My fence of protection had been completely removed. This meant that my Dharma Protectors had abandoned me when they realized they were no match to Qiang. Even my umbrella shield that I set up during my sleeping hours was neutralized.
I felt dizzy and my temper was extremely hot. Physically, I felt cold and warm interchangeably and my mind drew a blank screen. I had no appetite for food and everything was tasteless. As I slept, I felt I was just as awake, and during sleep, my dreams appeared chaotic and messy. I felt as though my body was burning in flame.
Life had lost its meaning to me and I found no reason to live. The thought of wanting to die grew ever stronger. Indeed, once a person dies everything dies with him. No matter how hard one tries, either to be a hero or a saintly practitioner or to acquire fame and fortune, eventually we all end up dead. Maybe I should die! This life is one of pain and sorrow, filled with only emptiness and impermanence. There is no more reason and meaning in living. Then, it dawned upon me that I had been victimized by the sorcerer's spell!
I felt an aching pain between the joints of my whole body and it seemed that all kinds of illnesses were about to break out. I could not enter into meditation and even if I managed, I had visions of green and red snakes crawling all over and within me. This Qiang was indeed some ancient being. I could not think of any method to counter it. I began to hallucinate, seeing and hearing things. I felt I was on the verge of a mental breakdown.
At that time it was simply:
Of mountains of clouds of water so cold.
Everything seems empty as insanity shows.
I see a tiger growling beneath the cliff.
Then see a clay figurine running among the trees.
As the wind blows and the solar heat dissipates,
The illusionary flowers weather the rain and fall away.
There is no place on earth I can truly stay.
Should any immortal being suffer from this,
He would have snapped and gone mad anyway.
I saw a green snake and a red snake sliding into my urinary system, resulting in an unusual illness which forced me to dash for the washroom every five minutes. Yet, each time it was nothing more than just a few droplets of urine, but the urgency caused by the need to urinate was overpowering and this described excessive urination(polyuria).
There were times when I felt the bladder was full and needed to use the washroom. Yet upon reaching the toilet I could not urinate anything. I had considered seeking help from doctors who could ease my urination.
Yet by the time I could pass urine, I would feel the immediate need to urinate again. Besides urination, excretion was equally tormenting. I felt nauseating and dizzy, losing my sense of balance. No medication and prescription from doctors could cure me of my illness and I felt that this period of eating and sleeping disorders had been a living hell.
Fierce deities and demons appeared before me, trying to host in my body so that they could disrupt the normal function of my internal organs, causing inflammation and malfunction, and eventually ceasing their functions. I thought of death. I felt that suffering from illness itself is the mother of all sufferings in this world. I felt that once our body and mind was suffering from a chronic disease or a terminal illness, it was better to die than live. Seriously speaking, I would be very willing to embrace euthanasia (mercy death) if given the opportunity.
I thought of committing suicide. Many with long-term illnesses can not take the pain of the suffering and after struggling to leave their beds, they commit suicide. I used to think that these patients who took their own lives were foolish but I had since gained a new perspective. Only those who have experienced the tormenting agony of illness would understand why these patients have chosen to kill themselves. The ordeal of suffering from illness definitely tops all sufferings in the world.
I saw no value in being alive, as I had saved many lives and was persecuted just as many times. Having come to this pathetic stage, I felt no reason to go on. I was wrestling with myself at the edge of life and death!
As the sun is bound to set in the west,
Soul awaiting judgement lingers in the spirit world.
Enlightenment is certainly within oneself.
One must decide if he would be filial.
Come to think about it. Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu had committed suicide! The Lotus Light Self Mastery Buddha had killed himself! Padmakumara had taken his own life!
This was against my earlier stand that killing oneself meant killing the Buddha. The physical self is the means to attaining Buddhahood, and thus killing this self is as good as killing the Buddha.
Those who have committed suicide cannot enter heaven, and will reincarnate in the Three Lower Realms. They suffer from a lack of wisdom and even if reborn as human beings, they shall be born handicapped.
I am a guru, and if I were to kill myself, it would certainly be one big joke of divine and human proportion! But all the eight kinds of suffering that Buddha Shakyamuni had mentioned converged on me. It was tormenting! Unbearable! I just wanted to end my life!
If I had died, it would be one hell of a joke. The founder of True Buddha School, Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen Lu had committed suicide! Would True Buddha School exist then?
It would be agonizing to those who embraced me and exhilarating to those who hated me. What diversity of emotion it would be!
When sorcerer Gu beheaded me with his magical power, the green and red snakes slipped into my head. My head then split into eight petals! In the middle appeared a shrine and my Personal Deity Amitabha Buddha was seated in stillness. You might say that I was dead and only this Personal Deity remained. This is the very essence of my years of cultivation.
Sorcerer Gu wanted to destroy my Personal Deity. The green and red snakes wanted to devour my Personal Deity. Unperturbed by these, my Personal Deity recited the Boomerang Shield Mantra once, "..............."
A stroke of lightning flashed:
When one's arms and limps are separated,
What is left of this bodily form?
Besides losing one's feature and image,
One's name and identity is void and gone.
Just as the autumn grass paints the tide of life,
The twilight wind speaks the truth of one's changing figure.
I ask that you discern from a higher perspective,
And contemplate more on this matter.
Never push someone to a corner!
Never push me to a corner!
My Personal Deity Amitabha Buddha recited the Boomerang Shield Mantra once and there appeared a flash of lightning. I found myself lying on the bed motionless; my body completely exhausted like a living dead. Yet I was aware that the green and red snakes had vanished, and so was sorcerer Gu.
In the space above, I saw the green and red snakes biting sorcerer Gu in a locked grip, and his struggle to break free only led to the snakes tightening around him even more.
Sorcerer Gu's shrill and depressing cry streaked across the night sky!
All symptoms of my illness had suddenly disappeared, and my health improved, and recovered completely after a week. In Fong Fang's case, her symptoms also vanished suddenly, and she regained her clarity of mind. After a period of rest and rehabilitation, her health returned to normal.
To me, it seemed like a nightmare, and to Fong Fang, the nightmare had stretched even longer! In sorcerer Gu's case, he was attacked by the very ancient deity, Qiang whom he had prayed to. And eventually, he became mad!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just want to let you know how important is this Boomerang Shield Mantra. It is supreme, all important and must be shielded in secrecy. Thus, I can only impart this Mantra in secret, and cannot expose it.
This incident taught me a great lesson. I must focus on the importance of reciting mantra, keep a pure and detached state of mind and take my cultivation seriously.
This is:
The Primal State of Tantrayana,
Is anchored in mantra.
You should keep your mind pure
And maintain a good body.
Untouched by all
And focus on helping others.
Remove your karma
And increase your wisdom.
Align with your Personal Deity
And attain the highest purity.
Devote actively to liberating sentient beings,
Yet maintain a simple lifestyle.
Cultivating yourself truthfully,
While holding righteous thoughts and be sincere.
Month after month and year after year,
Without beginning, without ending.
Om Ah Hum.
Chapter 14 - The True Buddha Sutra
The Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune
The Great Homage
Homage to the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
Homage to all Bodhisattvas
Homage to the Vajra Protectors
Half Bow with the Equanimity Mudra
Recite the Speech Purification Mantra:
Om Suri Suri Mahasuri Susuri Svaha
Recite the Body Purification Mantra:
Om Sudori Sudori Sumoli Sumoli Svaha
Recite the Speech Purification Mantra:
Om Vajra Dam Ho Ho Hum
Recite the Earth god Mantra
Namo Samanta Buddanam Om Duru Duru Devi Svaha.
Supplication for the Blessing of Living Buddha Lian-sheng
Om Ah Hum.
With reverence I make my purified body, speech and mind an offering to Mahavairocana. The Holy Buddhalocana is the Dharmakaya, Padmakumara is the Sambhogakaya, and Living Buddha Lian-sheng is the Nirmanakaya, these three bodies being the same in essence as the expression of Buddha's great compassion.
Homage to his True-Buddha lineage and to hs transcendent power that encompasses the whole Universe. Radiating light throughout the Three Times, He can manifest himself instantaneously. Disciples of Buddha should constantly cry out for his pure light which magnifies virtue and wisdom.
In the past his Realization was prophesied by Sakyamuni Buddha. He was entrusted with the mission of salvation by Amitabha Buddha. Maitreya Bodhisattva crowned Him with the Red Crown and Guru Padmasabhava taught Him the Tantra.
We pray that you will never abandon your vast vows to liberate us all. Thus as you embrace and enfold us with protection and care, empower us to more quickly attain realization.
Namo Mahavairocana Buddha,
Namo Buddhalocana,
Namo Padmakumara,
Namo Living Buddha Lian-sheng,
Namo the True-Buddha Assembly, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas everywhere throughout the Three Times.(3X)
Recite the Holy Edict three times:
The Western True-Buddha Assembly, Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, the Eighteen Mahapadmakumaras, the Holy Revered One Robed in White, the Holy Red Crown Vajra-Master, the Secret Ruler of the Realm of Vajra-mantra, the Great Enlightened Founder of Ling Xian True Buddha School: the Illustrious tantrika Sheng-yen Lu.
Incense Praise
The censer is now lit, suffusing the Dharma Realm and from afar the scent is inhaled by the True-Buddha Assembly.
Auspicious are the gathering clouds, as we now request, with sincere and earnest hearts, that all Buddhas manifest.
Homage to the Enlightened One, cloud canopy of fragrance, Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas. (3X)
Homage to the True-Buddha Assembly, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas. (3X)
Evocation of the Two Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas
Namo Vairocana Buddha of the All-Conquering Palace in Dharma Realm,
Namo Amitabha Buddha of the Western Paradise,
Namo Mahasattva Avalokitesvara,
Namo Mahasattva Maitreya,
Namo Mahasattva Akasagarbha,
Namo Mahasattva Samantabhadra,
Namo Mahasattva Vajrapani,
Namo Mahasattva Manjusri,
Namo Mahasattva Hindrance-Removing Bodhisattva,
Namo Mahasattva Ksitigarbha,
Namo all Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas.
Sutra Opening Verse
The most supreme profound Dharma,
Is rarely encountered in hundred and thousands of kalpas
Having now received this transmission and blessing,
I vow to penetrate the true meaning of Tathagata.
The Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune as spoken by Living Buddha Lian-sheng.
Thus have I heard. At one time, white Mahapadmakumara was at the Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, sitting upon the great white lotus dharma-throne; surrounding him were seventeen other great lotus blossoms. The green lotus radiated green light, the yellow lotus yellow light, the red lotus red light, the purple lotus purple light. Each lotus blossom was mysteriously wonderful, pure and full of fragrance.
The White Padmakumara, silently calling forth his spiritual power, transformed the Maha Double-Lotus Ponds into an extraordinarily splendid place filled with golden light. All the flower-buds simultaneously burst into fragrant blossoms. Jade grasses sent forth a wonderful scent. White cranes, peacocks, parrots, saris, kalavinkas and jivajiras all took on a golden hue and sang graceful heavenly songs in harmony. The sky filled with golden light. A pure and wonderful heavenly melody resounded from the sky, The fragrance of blossoms suffused all realms. Golden sky-abodes, adorned throughout with golden lotuses, radiated splendor. From the sky there showered heavenly flowers.
At that moment, the ground shook violently in Maha Double-Lotus Ponds and throughout countless heavens the tremors could be felt. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Sravakas all felt it as well as came to Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, as did the rulers of all the Thirty-Three Heavens. The assembly included beings from the Twenty-Eight Heavens, Lords Indra and Brahma, the eight classes of supernatural beings and the Fourfold Sangha, all of whom came to hear the revelation of quintessential teaching.
At that moment, the Golden Padmakumara emitted the Great Wisdom Light. The White Padmakumara emitted the Dharma Realm Light. The Green Padmakumara emitted the Ten Thousand Treasure Light. The Black Padmakumara emitted the Subjugation Light, Red Padmakumara the Vow Light, Purple Padmakumara the Proper and Dignified Light, Blue Padmakumara the Virtuous Fruit Light, Yellow Padmakumara the Fortune Fulfilling Light, and the Orange Padmakumara emitted the Child Innocence Light.
Upon seeing this, all the heavenly beings were greatly awed. Then Indra arose from his seat and bowing to White Padmakumara said, "This is most rare, O Holy and Revered One. By what cause does the Maha Double-Lotus Ponds emit such great light and splendor?
White Mahapadmakumara said, "I will expound this for everyone present." Indra said, "The Holy Revered One is the most mighty and powerful. Please explain to everyone present, that all Men and Devas may know where to turn.
At that moment, White Mahapadmakumara addressed Indra and the assembly as follows: "Very well, very well. I will now explain to you and all the beings of the last period of this Buddha-kalpa and all those in the future who have an affinity with the Dharma, that all may know the True-Buddha Dharma and the principle which remove obstacles and bestows good fortune."
White Mahapadmakumara then said, "All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have, in order to liberate living beings, manifested the worlds known as 'All-Conquering', 'Wonderful Treasure', 'Round Pearl', 'Sorrowless', 'Pure Rest', 'Dharma Thought', 'Full Moon', 'Profound Joy', 'Profound Completeness', 'Lotus', 'Immutable', and 'Omnipresence'. Now, there shall be the 'True-Buddha World'."
Thus the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Sravakas, Pratyekabuddhas and all the heavenly beings witnessed the Holy Revered One bringing forth the True-Buddha World, understanding it to be a manifestation of the great compassion of the auspicious Sugatas of the past, present and future, and realizing that the Holy Revered One came for the sake of all beings. All present were moved by joy as never before. Then bowing their heads they made praise with these verses:
The Holy Revered One of great compassion,
The Secret One who is most supreme,
Had attained enlightenment in the past,
And transcended all worldly passions.
He now establishes the True-Buddha World,
Showering compassion on all living beings.
Transforming Himself into a Pure Land founding Buddha,
He descends into the Saha World. With Lian-sheng as His name,
He announces and proclaims the Dharma to all.
We have all now heard and shall vow to protect and uphold His Dharma.
At that moment, the holy revered White Mahapadmakumara instructed the assembly, saying "In cultivation, the key to realizing the Buddha Jewel Sambodhi is a quiescent mind; that of realizing the Dharma Jewel is purity of body, speech and mind and that of realizing the Sangha Jewel in refuge in a True-Buddha Guru."
The Holy Revered One further instructed the assembly, saying "If good men or women, on the eighteenth of the fifth month of each lunar year, make ablution and abstain from flesh and wear new and clean clothes, or on the eighteenth of each lunar month, or on their own birthdays, call upon the Two Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas before the shrine and reverently recite this Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune, then their supplications will be answered. Moreover, if incense, flowers, lamp, tea and fruits are offered, along with sincere prayer, then all wishes will be granted.
The Holy Revered One told the assembly, "People of this saha world, be they high officials, nobility, renunciates, householders, yogis, or commonfolk, who upon learning of this sutra, uphold, read and recite it, shall prosper above all others, have greater lifespan, obtain either a son or daughter as sought, and be blessed with measureless fortune. This is indeed a great fortune-bestowing sutra for obtaining blessings.
"One may have deceased ancestors, enemies, close ones or creditors who are unable to obtain liberation and remain lost in the nether world. However, by upholding, reciting, and propagating this sutra, the deceased will ascend to heaven, enemies will be turned away, and those living will be blessed. If there be man or woman seized by negative forces, afflicted by spirits, or confused and haunted by nightmares, then by upholding and propagating this sutra, all negative influences shall be banished, thereby restoring peace and ease.
If one suffers the physical retribution of illness and calamity, whether due to nonvirtuous body karma from previous lives, or due to the afflictions of spirits, then by holding, reciting and propagating this sutra, ill omens will immediately disappear and the cause of illness is quickly removed. If one suffers from misfortune, legal entanglement or imprisonment, then upon upholding, reciting and propagating this sutra, all such obstacles will be removed, and the suffering of birth and death extinguished."
"Should nations enter into war, then whoever holds this sutra and creates an image of Padmakumara, setting up offerings before it, immediately receives extra prowess wherein no battle can be lost. Those who recite, print, or propagate this sutra will receive every good fortune, just as they desire. All hindrances will be removed, and the sufferings of the cycle of birth and death will be extinguished."
Then in the Western True Buddha Assembly at Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, White Mahapadmakumara proclaimed this mantra:
"Om Guru Lian-sheng Siddhi Hum."
When the holy Revered One completed this discourse, Indra and the whole assembly, including devas, nagas and the Fourfold Sangha all paid reverence. They brought forth faith and upheld the teaching.
Thus ends the Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune.
Source :
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap14.shtml
The Great Homage
Homage to the Buddhas of the Ten Directions.
Homage to all Bodhisattvas
Homage to the Vajra Protectors
Half Bow with the Equanimity Mudra
Recite the Speech Purification Mantra:
Om Suri Suri Mahasuri Susuri Svaha
Recite the Body Purification Mantra:
Om Sudori Sudori Sumoli Sumoli Svaha
Recite the Speech Purification Mantra:
Om Vajra Dam Ho Ho Hum
Recite the Earth god Mantra
Namo Samanta Buddanam Om Duru Duru Devi Svaha.
Supplication for the Blessing of Living Buddha Lian-sheng
Om Ah Hum.
With reverence I make my purified body, speech and mind an offering to Mahavairocana. The Holy Buddhalocana is the Dharmakaya, Padmakumara is the Sambhogakaya, and Living Buddha Lian-sheng is the Nirmanakaya, these three bodies being the same in essence as the expression of Buddha's great compassion.
Homage to his True-Buddha lineage and to hs transcendent power that encompasses the whole Universe. Radiating light throughout the Three Times, He can manifest himself instantaneously. Disciples of Buddha should constantly cry out for his pure light which magnifies virtue and wisdom.
In the past his Realization was prophesied by Sakyamuni Buddha. He was entrusted with the mission of salvation by Amitabha Buddha. Maitreya Bodhisattva crowned Him with the Red Crown and Guru Padmasabhava taught Him the Tantra.
We pray that you will never abandon your vast vows to liberate us all. Thus as you embrace and enfold us with protection and care, empower us to more quickly attain realization.
Namo Mahavairocana Buddha,
Namo Buddhalocana,
Namo Padmakumara,
Namo Living Buddha Lian-sheng,
Namo the True-Buddha Assembly, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas everywhere throughout the Three Times.(3X)
Recite the Holy Edict three times:
The Western True-Buddha Assembly, Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, the Eighteen Mahapadmakumaras, the Holy Revered One Robed in White, the Holy Red Crown Vajra-Master, the Secret Ruler of the Realm of Vajra-mantra, the Great Enlightened Founder of Ling Xian True Buddha School: the Illustrious tantrika Sheng-yen Lu.
Incense Praise
The censer is now lit, suffusing the Dharma Realm and from afar the scent is inhaled by the True-Buddha Assembly.
Auspicious are the gathering clouds, as we now request, with sincere and earnest hearts, that all Buddhas manifest.
Homage to the Enlightened One, cloud canopy of fragrance, Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas. (3X)
Homage to the True-Buddha Assembly, all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas. (3X)
Evocation of the Two Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas
Namo Vairocana Buddha of the All-Conquering Palace in Dharma Realm,
Namo Amitabha Buddha of the Western Paradise,
Namo Mahasattva Avalokitesvara,
Namo Mahasattva Maitreya,
Namo Mahasattva Akasagarbha,
Namo Mahasattva Samantabhadra,
Namo Mahasattva Vajrapani,
Namo Mahasattva Manjusri,
Namo Mahasattva Hindrance-Removing Bodhisattva,
Namo Mahasattva Ksitigarbha,
Namo all Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas.
Sutra Opening Verse
The most supreme profound Dharma,
Is rarely encountered in hundred and thousands of kalpas
Having now received this transmission and blessing,
I vow to penetrate the true meaning of Tathagata.
The Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune as spoken by Living Buddha Lian-sheng.
Thus have I heard. At one time, white Mahapadmakumara was at the Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, sitting upon the great white lotus dharma-throne; surrounding him were seventeen other great lotus blossoms. The green lotus radiated green light, the yellow lotus yellow light, the red lotus red light, the purple lotus purple light. Each lotus blossom was mysteriously wonderful, pure and full of fragrance.
The White Padmakumara, silently calling forth his spiritual power, transformed the Maha Double-Lotus Ponds into an extraordinarily splendid place filled with golden light. All the flower-buds simultaneously burst into fragrant blossoms. Jade grasses sent forth a wonderful scent. White cranes, peacocks, parrots, saris, kalavinkas and jivajiras all took on a golden hue and sang graceful heavenly songs in harmony. The sky filled with golden light. A pure and wonderful heavenly melody resounded from the sky, The fragrance of blossoms suffused all realms. Golden sky-abodes, adorned throughout with golden lotuses, radiated splendor. From the sky there showered heavenly flowers.
At that moment, the ground shook violently in Maha Double-Lotus Ponds and throughout countless heavens the tremors could be felt. Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Sravakas all felt it as well as came to Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, as did the rulers of all the Thirty-Three Heavens. The assembly included beings from the Twenty-Eight Heavens, Lords Indra and Brahma, the eight classes of supernatural beings and the Fourfold Sangha, all of whom came to hear the revelation of quintessential teaching.
At that moment, the Golden Padmakumara emitted the Great Wisdom Light. The White Padmakumara emitted the Dharma Realm Light. The Green Padmakumara emitted the Ten Thousand Treasure Light. The Black Padmakumara emitted the Subjugation Light, Red Padmakumara the Vow Light, Purple Padmakumara the Proper and Dignified Light, Blue Padmakumara the Virtuous Fruit Light, Yellow Padmakumara the Fortune Fulfilling Light, and the Orange Padmakumara emitted the Child Innocence Light.
Upon seeing this, all the heavenly beings were greatly awed. Then Indra arose from his seat and bowing to White Padmakumara said, "This is most rare, O Holy and Revered One. By what cause does the Maha Double-Lotus Ponds emit such great light and splendor?
White Mahapadmakumara said, "I will expound this for everyone present." Indra said, "The Holy Revered One is the most mighty and powerful. Please explain to everyone present, that all Men and Devas may know where to turn.
At that moment, White Mahapadmakumara addressed Indra and the assembly as follows: "Very well, very well. I will now explain to you and all the beings of the last period of this Buddha-kalpa and all those in the future who have an affinity with the Dharma, that all may know the True-Buddha Dharma and the principle which remove obstacles and bestows good fortune."
White Mahapadmakumara then said, "All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have, in order to liberate living beings, manifested the worlds known as 'All-Conquering', 'Wonderful Treasure', 'Round Pearl', 'Sorrowless', 'Pure Rest', 'Dharma Thought', 'Full Moon', 'Profound Joy', 'Profound Completeness', 'Lotus', 'Immutable', and 'Omnipresence'. Now, there shall be the 'True-Buddha World'."
Thus the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Sravakas, Pratyekabuddhas and all the heavenly beings witnessed the Holy Revered One bringing forth the True-Buddha World, understanding it to be a manifestation of the great compassion of the auspicious Sugatas of the past, present and future, and realizing that the Holy Revered One came for the sake of all beings. All present were moved by joy as never before. Then bowing their heads they made praise with these verses:
The Holy Revered One of great compassion,
The Secret One who is most supreme,
Had attained enlightenment in the past,
And transcended all worldly passions.
He now establishes the True-Buddha World,
Showering compassion on all living beings.
Transforming Himself into a Pure Land founding Buddha,
He descends into the Saha World. With Lian-sheng as His name,
He announces and proclaims the Dharma to all.
We have all now heard and shall vow to protect and uphold His Dharma.
At that moment, the holy revered White Mahapadmakumara instructed the assembly, saying "In cultivation, the key to realizing the Buddha Jewel Sambodhi is a quiescent mind; that of realizing the Dharma Jewel is purity of body, speech and mind and that of realizing the Sangha Jewel in refuge in a True-Buddha Guru."
The Holy Revered One further instructed the assembly, saying "If good men or women, on the eighteenth of the fifth month of each lunar year, make ablution and abstain from flesh and wear new and clean clothes, or on the eighteenth of each lunar month, or on their own birthdays, call upon the Two Buddhas and Eight Bodhisattvas before the shrine and reverently recite this Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune, then their supplications will be answered. Moreover, if incense, flowers, lamp, tea and fruits are offered, along with sincere prayer, then all wishes will be granted.
The Holy Revered One told the assembly, "People of this saha world, be they high officials, nobility, renunciates, householders, yogis, or commonfolk, who upon learning of this sutra, uphold, read and recite it, shall prosper above all others, have greater lifespan, obtain either a son or daughter as sought, and be blessed with measureless fortune. This is indeed a great fortune-bestowing sutra for obtaining blessings.
"One may have deceased ancestors, enemies, close ones or creditors who are unable to obtain liberation and remain lost in the nether world. However, by upholding, reciting, and propagating this sutra, the deceased will ascend to heaven, enemies will be turned away, and those living will be blessed. If there be man or woman seized by negative forces, afflicted by spirits, or confused and haunted by nightmares, then by upholding and propagating this sutra, all negative influences shall be banished, thereby restoring peace and ease.
If one suffers the physical retribution of illness and calamity, whether due to nonvirtuous body karma from previous lives, or due to the afflictions of spirits, then by holding, reciting and propagating this sutra, ill omens will immediately disappear and the cause of illness is quickly removed. If one suffers from misfortune, legal entanglement or imprisonment, then upon upholding, reciting and propagating this sutra, all such obstacles will be removed, and the suffering of birth and death extinguished."
"Should nations enter into war, then whoever holds this sutra and creates an image of Padmakumara, setting up offerings before it, immediately receives extra prowess wherein no battle can be lost. Those who recite, print, or propagate this sutra will receive every good fortune, just as they desire. All hindrances will be removed, and the sufferings of the cycle of birth and death will be extinguished."
Then in the Western True Buddha Assembly at Maha Double-Lotus Ponds, White Mahapadmakumara proclaimed this mantra:
"Om Guru Lian-sheng Siddhi Hum."
When the holy Revered One completed this discourse, Indra and the whole assembly, including devas, nagas and the Fourfold Sangha all paid reverence. They brought forth faith and upheld the teaching.
Thus ends the Sutra of Authentic Dharma that Removes all Hindrances and Bestows Good Fortune.
Source :
http://www.padmakumara.org/books/book148/chap14.shtml
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
