Written by: Living Buddha Lian-sheng, Sheng-yen
Lu
Translated by: Harmony
Edited by: Dance Smith
Proofread by: Jessie
Chapter 78: Observing Disciples
Each day of my retreat goes by just like a pebble thrown into a
lake. It goes "dong!" and sinks to the bottom of the lake,
[invisible to the world]. Although disciples can't visit me, I am
still very much alive and continue to observe them.
I have acquired an unsurpassed understanding in telepathy, human
nature, and Buddha-nature. Many of my disciples remain calm in their
heart, which results from long practice and training. They know
Grand Master can't possibly stay by their side forever. Even if
I didn't go into retreat, eventually I will leave this world just
like Sakyamuni Buddha. As long as you remain loyal to yourself and
dharma, it doesn't make any difference whether I am around or not.
I appreciate these disciples the most. Regardless of my presence
or absence, they continue to cultivate diligently on the dharma
I've taught and concentrate on developing their inner world. They
realized that I live in their heart and have never left them for
even one second. These are sacred disciples.
Nevertheless, there are foolish disciples whose hearts left after
I went on retreat. Why? They say Grand Master left, so they decided
to leave, too. Why practice dharma when they can't locate Grand
Master? They mean no harm; it's just that since they are unaccustomed
to independence, they are easily distracted by obstacles.
Naturally when I left, their hearts were in confusion. The five
consciousnesses stop preserving their inherent nature and start
to flow with the outside world. People's thoughts are continuously
changing. The thoughts run out of control. This gives rise to a
multitude of discrimination. In addition, there are all sorts of
rumors around [to further disturb the state of mind]. These disciples
might as well look for another master.
These disciples with chaotic thoughts desert the precious "True
Buddha Tantric Dharma" and take up kindergarten level practices
instead. How can they not understand that even though Grand Master
is absent, the dharma still exists? As long as you respect Grand
Master and practice tantric dharma diligently, you will not be affected
by any guilt or distress caused by your confused heart.
I am a "Sugata " (Well Gone), just as Buddha is a "Sugata".
Buddha is "present" but also "absent". He "comes"
and he also "goes". Disciples who consistently concentrate
on developing their inner hearts are the true sacred disciples of
Living Buddha Lian-Sheng.
