The Aura of Wisdom By Living Buddha Sheng-yen
Lu This was translated from Grandmaster Lu's 154th book, 智慧的光環. CHAPTER 18 - Respect the Guru When I first studied Buddhism, I learned from many Masters. I took refuge in Venerable Yin Shun, Venerable Le Guo, Venerable Dao An, Reverend Liao-ming, Guru Thubten Taerchi, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, Guru Sakya Zheng-kong, Guru Pufan and others. I received my bodhisattva vows from the Masters of precepts, Venerable Xian Dun, Venerable Hui San, and Venerable Jue Guang. I learned the recitation of sutra and the repentance ritual from Venerable San Ci and Venerable Shang Lin. My invisible spiritual teachers are Mr. Three-Peaks Nine-States and Padmasambhava. I am always prepared to serve my teachers, and I believe completely in the teachings they transmit. I shall always remember what they taught and shall abide by their instructions without fail. Of course my teachers lectured me, but I never once rebutted them. I exercised tolerance, as I felt my teachers were giving me lessons on the Perfection of Patience. I have always been respectful to my teachers. I once took refuge in a guru (whose name is not listed here). His teachings and behavior had violated the Buddhist precepts and Buddhadharma. My affinity with him was thus inadequate, and I decided to stay away from him. Still, I maintain my respect for him, and I will not criticize him, simply because he had once taught me. What I mean is that I am respectful to any teacher who has taught me at one time or another, and I shall always abide by their instructions. When Padmasambhava rode on his horse and ascended to the sky, he said, `Only those who honor the Guru, treasure the Dharma and practise diligently shall attain enlightenment.` I have indeed lived up to this statement. I am aware that without the empowerment of the Lineage Guru while cultivating the Tantric Dharma, it is absolutely impossible to gain enlightenment. Let me share this with you, `All accomplished Tantric adepts are respectful to their teachers, and have attained spiritual union with them.` If someone is disrespectful to his guru, yet claims to be an enlightened one, who do you think would believe it? Maybe a ghost would! |
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