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The Aura of Wisdom
- Book 154: The Aura of Wisdom
- Chapter 18: Respect the Guru
- Written by Sheng-yen Lu
- Translated and edited by True Buddha Foundation
- Translation Team (Cheng Yew Chung, Victor Hazen, Dance Smith)
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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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