How to understand that affliction is Bodhi?

Interactive Q&A with the Grand Master

1.

Question: After becoming a Buddha, have you become a machine for saving sentient beings?  Grand Master, please help me to resolve this evil thought in my mind.

Grand Master: The state of mind, behavior, and appearance of the Buddha are very incredible and beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Read the biography and virtues of the Buddha carefully and develop faith in the Buddha.

2.

Question: Pay homage to the Grand Master! When I get up every morning and go to the toilet, I often use my mobile phone to read some articles about Buddhism. There are many images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and eminent monks in them. From the perspective of respect, I am afraid it is a bit unfaithful, but I am definitely not disrespectful in any way. Instead, I feel when I wake up in the morning and read these, my mind will continue to maintain clear understanding, mindfulness, and purity. Is it ok to do this? I ask for guidance from the Grand Master. Thank you, Master!

Grand Master: It’s better not to read articles and sutras containing Buddha pictures in the restroom. You can think about the “Four Preliminary Cultivations” in the mind. 

3.

Question: Grand Master, I have been feeling sleepy or crying for no reason recently while doing my homework, and I feel unfocused. How can I overcome this obstacle? I ask for guidance from the Grand Master.

Grand Master: Many people have this situation. They fall asleep while meditating or listening to lectures. This is a disorder. If you sleep too much, you will not be able to complete many things. You can eat less, which is good for meditation. Choose a well-ventilated place when listening to lectures, and getting up and walking around when you feel sleepy.

4.

Question: I especially like silence when meditating or visualizing, but my neighbor has been boisterous, and the stereo is very loud.  Communication attempts have failed.  What can I do?  Grand Master, please advise me.

Grand Master: When neighbors are noisy, you will have affliction. When affliction comes, immediately observe your mind; the sounds outside are actually the dancing of your own mind.

5.

Question: I am a beginner. I heard from my Taoist friends that learning Tantra can rely on multiple masters. So, how can I practice properly when relying on multiple masters?

Grand Master: You must have pure confidence in every guru, especially the root guru, and you must be respectful.

6.

Question: How can I know who my root guru is?

Grand Master: A root guru is a guru who gives you Abhisheka, explains the Tantras to you, and uses tips to help you understand the nature of the mind and to help you to be enlightened.

7.

Question: Why are sentient beings ignorant?

Grand Master: Ignorance in Tantra, which means that sentient beings do not recognize themselves in the beginning.

8.

Question: How do we understand “affliction is Bodhi”?

Grand Master: All phenomena outside do not exist. Afflictions are incarnations. Incarnations do not exist. They are universal compassion. The three bodies transformed by our mind are no different from our enlightened nature. Therefore, the enlightened nature is Bodhi.

9.

Question: The master said that only those who are about to die can wear a Dharani quilt. I had covered a Dharani quilt when I was seriously ill. I am ok now, should I repent or do some merit for the Dharani quilt I wore before?

Grand Master: Just don’t be disrespectful.

10.

Question: Shakyamuni! I, your disciple am determined to guide the dharma brothers who have taken refuge. I have helped them a lot before. Lately, they slandered and robbed me because of business competition. I know cause and effect and understand the difficulty of their lives, but every time such a thing happens, I still feel uncomfortable. I like to use Dharma to deal with this issue. I do not want to have this kind of trouble and have almost given up the business several times, but I am still unwilling to do so. Grand Master, please advise me.

Grand Master: People in the world are more persistent about their own affairs, so the above-mentioned things happen easily. We must understand them and try our best to help them. You understand a lot of Buddhist principles and have been practicing them for a while, so please continue to guide them with great intentions.

11.

Question: Is it okay for monks and lay people to practice in the same room?

Grand Master: it is not appropriate for monks and nuns to live with lay people. This is especially not allowed for a monk and a female lay practitioner or a bhikshuni and a male lay practitioner to be together.

12.

Question: Shakyamuni! Pay homage to the master! My work hours are long, my colleagues like to talk, my mind is easily distracted, I can’t calm down, and sometimes I don’t have time to finish my morning classes. Master, what should I do?

Grand Master: Manage your body, speech, and mind with the right knowledge and right mindfulness.

13.

Question: Pay homage to the great master! My husband is having an affair, and I feel some pain and resentment in my mind. What mantra should I recite? Is it related to my previous abortion? How can we make the family as harmonious as before? Thank you, Master!

Grand Master: Don’t attach too much. It is necessary to contemplate four kinds of impermanence. The more difficult life you have, the more success in World-Transcending dharma.