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The Aura of Wisdom
- Book 154: The Aura of Wisdom
- Chapter 22: Liberal Verification
- 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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Besides receiving verification from one`s Root Guru, can the Tantric practitioner authenticate himself, such as that of liberal verification?
I feel that this has to be done by one who has the correct view of cultivation. Such a practitioner must have actual attainment gained from true practice, and must hold great compassion for others. He must thoroughly master the theoretical and practical aspects of cultivation, being wise and humble, and transform his five poisons into the Five Transcendental Wisdoms.
Thus, the first few things to verify when exercising liberal verification are:
Is your mind purified? Is your speech purified?
Is your body purified? Is your vital chi sufficient?
Are your channels unblocked?
Are your drops free from leakage?
Have you gained bliss?
Has the clear light appeared?
Has the mind been emptied?
Have you attained completion of the ground of fruition?
The last verification is, `The doctrines of inner realization attained by the Dharmakaya Tathagata cannot be fathomed even by bodhisattvas who have attained the Stage of Buddha Enlightenment. It is only known between buddhas.`
People today are living in a degenerate age. As such, if liberal verification is advocated, it is difficult to tell the real gurus from the pseudo ones. Many do not speak the truth, yet they claim to have attained enlightenment when they have not. These pseudo gurus look for quick ways to get rich, craving fame and fortune, thereby deceiving themselves and others. They put on a cloak of falsehood and try to pull themselves off as the real thing, but in so doing they have stepped onto the evil path and will descend to hell at the end of their lives.
Liberal verification shall result in the following occurrences:
1. A liar claiming he is enlightened.
2. A lunatic (mental patient) also claiming he is enlightened.
3. An individual possessed by Mara also claiming he is enlightened.
4. Any person possessed by ghosts claiming he has great spiritual powers.
5. What appears to be an enlightened adept actually being fooled by Mara.
I feel that it is better to be honest with one`s cultivation. Do not hold such thoughts that one has already reached certain spiritual heights and realms. Be natural, or it will be easy to be attached to illusory forms and run the risk of destroying one`s wisdom life.
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