Enlightenment 

By Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu
Translated by Lianhua Zhiwei

This was translated from Grandmaster Lu's 200th book, 開悟一片片.

CHAPTER 1 - Direct Dissection

In the street, I saw an arrogant man who authored several books. He led a group of out-spoken followers criticizing various aspects of dharma teachings and teachers from past and present.

He regards himself as a person with genuine enlightenment.

Based on my observation, he has not necessarily achieved realization!

I also read the book, "Immediate Enlightenment" by Supreme Master Ching Hai.

I giggled! How could there be a book called, "Immediate Enlightenment". I read this book out of curiosity. I feel that Supreme Master Ching Hai's thinking is very progressive. However, did she achieve enlightenment?

I reserve my judgment. Ha! I am not answering that question.

What cannot be denied is that Shakyamuni Buddha (World Honored One) is a cultivator who achieved genuine perfect enlightenment.

In Buddhist scriptures, there are teachings on the ultimate truth. Then, there are teachings on relative truths.

There are so many Buddhist scriptures in the Tripitaka (Buddhist Canon) that your beard will grow long if you try to read them all. But, those are only the scriptures revealed to humanity. There are even more scriptures being kept in naga's palaces that have never been seen by man.

Why am I certain that the World Honored One, Lord Buddha, achieved genuine perfect enlightenment?

It is all because of these three key statements of the Buddha:

1. Ineffable
2. Never even spoke one word
3. There is no Dharma to teach nor have I ever taught any Dharma.

I will reveal directly that Shakyamuni Buddha is genuinely enlightened.

At this point, I am certain that many Buddhist scholars and followers would howl: Who does Sheng-yen Lu think he is? He is truly outlandish. He has disrespected the Buddha. How dare anyone comment whether or not Lord Buddha himself is enlightened or not? This Sheng-yen Lu person really should go to hell!

I politely request all the Buddhist scholars and followers to ease up, don't be in such a rush to rebuke me.
Who am I really?

I had coffee with the World Honored One and we travelled on trips together.

I have great respect for the World Honor One. On this point, people should not have even the slightest doubt.

What World Honored One has taught is not something that can be thoroughly understood by cursory inspection.
Some of the teachings are profound to the point that you have no idea what the World Honored One meant or really said.

Yet, if you can skillfully use your eyes of wisdom, then you will slowly understand the genuine meaning of his teachings.

Think it over:

1. Ineffable
2. Never even spoke one word
3. There is no Dharma to teach nor have I ever taught any Dharma.

Enlightenment, what is it? It is concealed in these three statements. You should carefully contemplate them.

I am willing to help you to achieve enlightenment. Have you figured it out? If you haven't figured it out, please continue reading. I will certainly reveal "it".

No matter if it is alive
No matter if it is dead
Regardless living or non-living
They all have the same body without separation
Distinction and discrimination is unenlightened.
Neither distinction nor discrimination is great enlightenment

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Last edited September 14, 2008