1. Escape From The Inferno Of Death
Since the English publication of one of my spiritual books, multitudes of Western students have come to take refuge. One of them is a Mr. Raymond, an international trade businessman. His company mailing address in Seattle is P.O.Box 738, Seattle, Washington 98111.1 He had previously learned Kalika and was introduced to me by Doctor Chieh Wen. Mr. Raymond then took refuge in the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master Sheng-yen Lu, the Venerable Tantric Practitioner.
In January, 1985, Mr. Raymond came to say goodbye to me before leaving the country to do business overseas. At that time, I gave him a Dharma picture of mine and a copper amulet and told him that he could chant the Guru Heart Mantra anywhere, at any time. I also told him he could take out the Master's picture and practice the Guru Yoga during his trip.
Mr. Raymond asked me if this journey was inauspicious.
I did an aura reading on him and replied, "You will have a frightening experience in Southeast Asia. However, once it is over, everything will go smoothly for you." I specially told him that the Master's spiritual light would protect him at all times, and that he should be afraid of nothing.
On the night, February 13th, 1985, Mr. Raymond was in his room on the third floor of the Regent Hotel in Manila. At nine o'clock, he took out the Master's Dharma picture and did his practice. He went to bed at ten. At about eleven o'clock he saw the Master in his dream, wearing a yellow robe and a yellow hat, and smiling at him.
In his dream, Mr. Raymond asked the Master, "Aren't you in the United States? Why are you here in Manila?"
"I've specially come to see you, Lian-piao." (Mr. Raymond's refuge name is Lian-piao.)
"It is a long journey! I am very grateful to you for doing that."
"Do you remember that prior to your departure, I told you that you will have a frightening experience in Southeast Asia?"
"Yes, I do. I do. I do."
"Now, it's time to get up, now it's time to get up, hurry, hurry, .............."
Master shook Lian-piao vigorously with his hands and Lian-piao was like a boat being rocked violently back and forth by the wind and tides. Still in his dream, Lian-piao continued to murmur, "Master, please do not shake, do not shake..."
Then suddenly he woke up. There was no Master. It was a dream. But the dialogue in the dream alerted him. He got up and checked the time - it was eleven-thirty p.m.. Mr. Raymond opened the door. There was thick smoke outside. Instinctively, he put on his clothes, grabbed his briefcase, rushed down the stairs and, in no time, was out on the street. By this time, the fire was burning ferociously in the hotel. Mr. Raymond stood on the spot, terrified. For a moment this, too, felt like a dream.
The fire at Manila's Regent Hotel began in two places. One was in the conference room on the second floor, the other was in a room on the ninth floor. The fires started at around eleven-thirty p.m., and quickly spread throughout the hotel. Damage was extremely serious.
There were twenty-two identified dead, uncountable numbers of injured, and many unidentified bodies. Among the dead were two Americans: Edward Carroll, a U.S. Internal Revenue Service official based in Tokyo, and Lewis Carrol Rowney, a serviceman stationed at Subic Bay Naval Base.
Mr. Raymond saw a woman standing on the eighth floor's balcony crying, "Help! Help me please!" But, no one moved, because nobody could help her. Many people jumped to their deaths. Some were killed by sharp, broken glass, some hit protruding blocks and broke their limbs. It was cruel to watch.
The huge fire, people escaping, suffocating, burning, and jumping off the building interwove in a living tragedy. People become totally helpless in such a situation. Inside a third-floor room, three people, hugging together, were burned to charcoal.
Mr. Raymond felt extreme sorrow, but he was grateful that he was completely unharmed. He even had his valuable briefcase in his hands. He wholeheartedly believes that the Master is a Buddha, a Bodhisattva whose works of miracles are not myths, not absurdities, and not groundless.
Mr. Raymond said that the wisdom of Master is very rare. It was the Light of the Master that woke him up in the dream. From the United States, a ray of Light emitted by the Master traveled thousands of miles to reach Manila - this is an act of omnipresence. Mr. Raymond is grateful for his second chance in life and believes that the practice of the Guru Yoga and the chanting of the Guru Heart Mantra have ultimately saved his life.
Mr. Raymond's account of this true incident proves the great power of Padmakumara. Padmakumara is a Bodhisattva from the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, and a Great Energy of the Universe. This is an era of salvation by Padmakumara. Vajra Master Sheng-yen Lu is only one of the many transformations of Padmakumara, incarnated in a human body in order to help release the world's beings from suffering and misery.
The events recorded in this book, The Mystical Experiences of True Buddha Disciples, are fact. They are absolutely not fantastic "myths." One should know that the number of people helped and saved by the Master has reached tens of thousands. The Master has created "Myths" in America, a country without myths.
Many people might wonder how Vajra Master Sheng-yen Lu is capable of making multiple appearances to help his disciples. As a matter of fact, I have explained this many times before. During the course of cultivation, one can, in the state of meditation, concentrate the power of the mind and unite it with the Great Energy of the Supreme Consciousness of the Universe. If one can do this, one will possess the power of the Great Energy, the Great Energy of meditation and wisdom.
To say one possesses the Great Energy of meditation and wisdom is equivalent to saying that, by applying the energy of the weak magnetic field of our human body, one can command the energy of the strong magnetic field of the Universe. You and the Universe become one and, when you think of doing something, the Great Energy of the Universe will do it for you, as if you were doing it yourself. It is like radiations beaming reciprocally at each other. This is supernatural and exceedingly powerful.
I knew beforehand that Lian-piao would be in a frightening predicament.
However, as he always chanted the Guru Heart Mantra and practiced the Guru Yoga, I knew he was in tune all the time with the Great Energy of Padmakumara.
When disaster fell on Lian-piao, the Great Energy of Padmakumara manifested in the form of the Master to save him. Therefore, he escaped the inferno of death.
The same logic applies to sincerely chanting the name of the Buddha. If one does this, one is thinking of the Buddha all the time. The Buddha knows about you because you always call upon him. Then, when you are in trouble, the Buddha will know and manifest to rescue you. Many people practice the Pure Land [method] by chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha until the mind becomes concentrated and singly focused on Amitabha. For the same reason as before, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will appear and rescue the practitioners. This is rebirth in the Pure Land through chanting Amitabha.
2. Lawyer Henry's Daughter
The first lawyer with whom I became acquainted in the United States was Lawyer Henry. His full name is Henry Liebman. He is an earnest lawyer. When I was in the process of obtaining my U.S. immigration visa, he went to Taiwan from the States, especially to help me at the American Institute in Taiwan.
In 1982, on June 16th, my whole family arrived at the Seattle Airport. Lawyer Henry was there to help us through immigration.
Lawyer Henry is of Jewish ancestry. His grandfather had traveled all over the world and had been to China. His father, who was also a lawyer, immigrated to the States and settled down in Miami. When Henry was young, he studied hard and resolved to become a great lawyer. Eventually he succeeded in becoming a lawyer. In addition, he is also an accountant. Therefore he has two careers.
I discovered that there are three kinds of indispensable people in the United States: lawyers, accountants and doctors. These people are needed everywhere, especially the lawyers. In America, lawsuits can happen anytime, anywhere; people are used to going to court even for trivial matters. Therefore, lawyers are definitely needed.
Take for example the construction of Ling Shen Ching Tze Rey Tseng Temple in Redmond. Lawyer Henry acted on our behalf in court to debate the city government and local residents. We went through many court debates, trying to win through legal means the right to establish a Chinese temple. It took three years before approval for the construction was granted. The bitterness we encountered was impossible for someone, who was not involved in it, to understand. Lawyer Henry, however, was able to utilize his strength at the proper moment in the court hearings.
Lawyer Henry helped us and we also helped him. We helped him with his daughter. About six months after she was born, doctors discovered some abnormalities. She frequently and suddenly lost consciousness. This happened without any provocation. Her whole body would become flaccid, sometimes her mouth drooled and her eyes rolled up, which was very frightening.
Henry and his wife had taken her for examinations to all the large hospitals in Seattle. The answers were discouraging:
1) Incurable - the brain was oxygen-deficient.
2) Not going to survive.
3) Even if she survived, she would be mentally retarded.
These were the results of the diagnoses by doctors in the large hospitals.
During this period of time, Lawyer Henry looked wan and worried. He simply could not concentrate on his work and the smile on his face disappeared.
I asked him, "Do you believe in Chinese deities? Do you believe in Chinese fus? Certain Chinese mystical power can save life from death. I believe I can help you, especially since you are our lawyer."
Our American friend, Lawyer Henry, wearing a long face, accepted my offer since he had no other alternative.
At that time, some people had advised me not to write fus to Americans because they simply do not understand the Chinese fus, which involve the drawing of some character-like symbols in ink with a brush-pen. These are drawn on a yellow piece of paper, which is then taken to cure sickness. Americans will not believe it will cure sickness. To help people, I was advised to not use fus but to use, instead, the Great Compassion Dharani Holy Water (water empowered by mantra). In this way, Americans would not criticize it.
But, when Lawyer Henry was at my place, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas wanted me to draw three fus which were the divine endowment fus. The Bodhisattvas held my hand to draw them and I asked that the Divine Light be empowered on the fus. As a result, three beams of white light radiated from the heavens and shone on the fus for a long time.
After that, I instructed Lawyer Henry to burn one fu every night in a bowl, pour boiled water over the ashes, and filter the water with a coffee filter. Then he must let his daughter drink the water before she went to sleep. I told him to do that each night for three nights and that, in a week, we would see how she had improved. (During this week, I empowered his daughter every night in my practices.)
After a week, the "non-viable" and "mentally retarded" daughter's episodes of fainting decreased. Her eyes did not roll up any more and her mouth no longer drooled. One month later, there was no more loss of consciousness. Lawyer Henry's daughter had become absolutely normal.
The couple again took their daughter to the doctors for complete examinations. The results were that she was cured "miraculously." The brain was no longer oxygen-deficient. The doctors in the big hospitals said "it was impossible." The fact is, the impossible had already become the possible. The doctors were baffled.
On March 5th, 1985, at 7:00 p.m., Lawyer Henry and Mr. John W. Austin, Vice Cabinet Minister of the Economic Department of the State of Washington, dined with us at the Yu Yuan Restaurant. Lawyer Henry told the Minister the story of his daughter, and the Minister kept saying that it was a miracle.
This is a true story about using three fus to heal Lawyer Henry's daughter, whose brain was oxygen-deficient. Since I arrived in the States, I have also cured many Westerners with mantras and fus. Some of them had insomnia, which was cured in one week. One American woman had a relaxed colon illness; she could not hold her bowel whenever she ate. She had been to many doctors but their treatments were ineffective. She was cured with paper fus within two months and her health returned to normal. She also came to take refuge in the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master.
There was also an administrative officer at the White House in Washington, D.C. who had early stage lung cancer. He was so worried that, in a very short time, his hair turned gray. He came to see me on someone's recommendation. I chanted the Great Compassion Dharani one hundred eight times every day for seven days to bless the water, and then gave it to him in a container. Three months later, he overcame the grave illness and wrote to thank me.
Many Westerners came to take refuge in the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master because their chronic ailments had been cured by the Master. Every Saturday night they attend the Dharma talks given by Master in his house, and they practice meditation together. The occasions are full of Dharma joys, with new concepts and changes of attitude. Everyone bows to the Master after receiving the teachings.
Some of these people have great understanding of the Buddhist teachings. They have gradually eliminated the view of Western supremacy and the idea of the Christian God being the only God. I especially would like to choose from among my Western disciples those who have the quality of a master, teach them the unexcelled fine Dharmas so that they can preach with the power of unhindered discourse.
Among the Western disciples, there will, in the future, be a few great masters who will know the boundlessness of Buddha Dharma, the limitlessness of Buddha power, and have deep understanding of the Dharma.
The main task of the emergence of Western masters is to help the Westerners.
3. A Collection of Mystical Experiences From Students
1) Empowerment
I have received the certificate of initiation and the teaching of the Four Preliminary Practices. After the empowerment, I had a mystical experience. The first day at 1:00 a.m., I smelled the fragrance of sandalwood in the whole room and there were strong golden lights flashing in the air. The next day at 3:00 a.m., I smelled the fragrance and again saw the flashing of golden lights. I knew this was the empowerment of Master and was glad to receive it. Master's power is unlimited; we are so fortunate to be your students.
Lian-kung
Hong Kong
2) Job Seeking
On the same day I received Master's letter, I had an early morning dream about Master. In the dream, my family and I gathered around the Master, listening to his teachings. After that, I rushed forward with the intention of requesting guidance on job seeking. Before I opened my mouth, Master had already stretched out his right hand and gently led me by my left hand to the eleven o'clock position of a big round clock, saying that this was the place. I considered this to be the five-minutes-to-twelve o'clock position, and that it must mean that the problem of unemployment would be over very soon.
The next morning about ten o'clock, I received a letter from Ai-sheng International Brokerage Ltd., asking me to attend an interview. The following day I went to see them and was hired. Later, I found out the company's logo (as shown on the attached company letterhead) was a circle with three indentations, one of which was exactly located at the five-minutes-to-twelve o'clock position. This matched the dream completely. Master's empowerment is unimaginable!
Lian-chou
Republic of China
3) Sickness
Last month, I received Master's reply and the three charms dated November 20th. It was redirected to me upon my request by Dharma brother, Lian-ch'i from Kuala Lumpur. I am grateful for Master's compassion and for curing my second child, Mu-yao Ch'en, of his serious illness. My gratitude is inexpressible. I immediately used the charms according to your instructions. Three weeks later, my son got much better, much healthier, and manifested the effect of Master's empowerment. I am filled with admiration for the Master, and I would especially like to thank you.
Hu-ch'ing Ch'en
Malaysia
4) Initiation
Thank you, Master, for not forsaking me. Last year on August 15th, I received my certificate of initiation and became a student. This is the greatest glory of my life. Two days before I received your letter, I saw Master in a dream saying to me, "You are my student now." Indeed, two days later, I received the certificate. Master is really today's Living Buddha, answering me immediately.
I started to practice the Guru Yoga, according to your guidance. I had mystical experiences too! When reading Master's books, especially Tantric Magic: A Collection, the mudras on the book emitted sparkling lights. I was very surprised. Your books are really valuable and mystical. It is great fortune for people to be able to read them. Master has compassion for all beings and helps them by writing books. There is a strong feeling in me that makes me want to tell all the people in the world to read your books, to take refuge in you and practice the right Dharma, so as not to waste this lifetime.
Lian-chi
(Mei-hu Lin)
Republic of China
5) Prize Winning
I have worn the Prize Winning Charm written by Master and it was incredible. Within three weeks, I won the first prize of the "thousand-number ticket," winning about two thousand dollars. I was very happy because it was the first time I've won a jackpot or had that much money. Thank you, Master.
Lian-sui
(Yu-pin Wong)
Malaysia
6) Headache
As a result of Master's help, the headaches which Dharma sister, Lian-je, has had for the last thirty years or so, were cured without medication. My mother has no religious belief but, after listening to me talking about the meritorious deeds and the spiritual books of Master, she was impressed and requested to take refuge. I am writing on her behalf and hope Master will accept her.
Lian-jung
Brazil
7) Back Pain
Six years ago, I read the book, How to Awaken One's Spirit. I have since visited the Master at your former residence, requesting help in the healing of my chronic back pain. At that time, Master only gave me two charms, one for washing, the other for ingesting. Master also instructed me to eat boiled spinach for a week. By simply doing what was prescribed, my illness was cured.
Chi-lung Fu
Republic of China
8) Vision of Light
One night about two months ago, I did my practices according to the methods taught on pages 158, 159, and 160 of Attaining Realization Through Sitting Meditation. I did my practices with my palms closed, while I visualized the Master. Suddenly I saw very bright golden stars emanating from Master's forehead, radiating towards me. In my visualization, I tried to see the Dharma Body of Master, but I could only see the golden lights. After a while, I started quietly chanting the Guru Heart Mantra. I chanted it one hundred eight times. The light gradually disappeared. This was indeed a very wonderful experience. I was very delighted and would sincerely like to tell you so.
Lian-ch'i
(Tsu-lieh Ch'en)
Malaysia
9) Chanting of the Heart Mantra
Whenever I chanted: "Om ah hum, guru bei, ah-ho-sa-sa-ma-ha, Lian-sheng siddhi hum," Master appeared in the space. This wonderful scene happened over and over again. Master's forehead emitted a white light onto my face, red light from his throat to mine, and blue light from his chest to mine. When the lights were on me, I had an indescribable, blissful sensation.
We live in the small town of Mindanou. Although there is a bookstore, they only sell stationery. Recently, I discovered that they have started selling Master's books. So, I bought eight of them. The first day we practiced the Guru Yoga, we had the mystical experience.
Lian-huan, Lian-yao
Malaysia
10) Healing of a Sprain
After reading the book A Little Taste of Zen, I am deeply respectful of the Master for suffering in the place of his students and reducing their negative karmas, as recorded in the chapter, "Seven Days of Buddha's Bleeding." I remember during the time period mentioned in the book, I was also ill. I am grateful and will never forget Master's help.
Recently, I sprained a muscle. I placed the statue of the Medicine Buddha on the altar and my condition got a little better. I also placed Master's Dharma picture on the altar and, immediately, I could move freely again. (I thought perhaps this meant I was closer to Master than to the Medicine Buddha.)
Last year, in Taipei, there was a particularly heavy rainfall. The water rose a foot high. I was, at that time, at the suburban Holy South Temple. So I prayed, and the rain stopped. I used the praying method according to your book.
The daughter of my friend's colleague was also a student of yours. When she was very sick, she continued practicing the Dharma and became well. This friend of mine used to criticize Master's writing of mystical experiences. I responded that, as Buddhists, we should offer testimony on Buddhism. He told me that, indeed, the reason for his studying Buddhism was because of reading Master's books. Recently, I ran into this friend and he, acting differently than before, praised Master as being wonderful. He even went on to say he found some other Dharma masters to be lacking in substance!
Lian-t'ung
Republic of China
11) Guru Yoga
On January 19th, I practiced the Guru Yoga. At the time of merging, my body tremored lightly and the ground shook as if there were an earthquake. When I entered into meditation, I saw my body becoming white and giving out lights, and there was the continuous sound of mantra, as if I had done it in my past life. The energy reached the top of my head as if I were receiving empowerment.
On January 20th, I practiced the Personal Deity Yoga together with the Guru Yoga. After entering into samadhi, I saw a vision in which two pillars of fire rose up next to me, or two lamps arced up like a rainbow. For the last several days, my body has felt warm, and I see light but have no visions.
I now understand that I should not be happy at the sight of lights, should not be afraid at the sight of visions, and that I must not be attached to these. These are the Master's instructions.
Lian-luo
(Hsiu-li Chang)
Republic of China
12) Lucid Dream
In a dream I saw Master coming to my new residence. I was very happy. Master's face looked just like the Dharma picture, but he was wearing casual attire. When I saw Master, I felt as if I saw my own relative and I started crying. Master said, "I'll come to see you again."
When my father bought a new house, he was short of funds. I prayed to the Padmakumara and, in the afternoon, someone came and lent money to my mother. Therefore, we had adequate funds to buy the new house. I actually saw the image of Padmakumara sitting on a lotus. His left hand was holding a lotus and he was wearing a Five Buddha Crown.
Lian-kao
(Po-wen Chang)
Republic of China
Footnote:
1This was the mailing address of Mr. Raymond in 1985.
Since the English publication of one of my spiritual books, multitudes of Western students have come to take refuge. One of them is a Mr. Raymond, an international trade businessman. His company mailing address in Seattle is P.O.Box 738, Seattle, Washington 98111.1 He had previously learned Kalika and was introduced to me by Doctor Chieh Wen. Mr. Raymond then took refuge in the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master Sheng-yen Lu, the Venerable Tantric Practitioner.
In January, 1985, Mr. Raymond came to say goodbye to me before leaving the country to do business overseas. At that time, I gave him a Dharma picture of mine and a copper amulet and told him that he could chant the Guru Heart Mantra anywhere, at any time. I also told him he could take out the Master's picture and practice the Guru Yoga during his trip.
Mr. Raymond asked me if this journey was inauspicious.
I did an aura reading on him and replied, "You will have a frightening experience in Southeast Asia. However, once it is over, everything will go smoothly for you." I specially told him that the Master's spiritual light would protect him at all times, and that he should be afraid of nothing.
On the night, February 13th, 1985, Mr. Raymond was in his room on the third floor of the Regent Hotel in Manila. At nine o'clock, he took out the Master's Dharma picture and did his practice. He went to bed at ten. At about eleven o'clock he saw the Master in his dream, wearing a yellow robe and a yellow hat, and smiling at him.
In his dream, Mr. Raymond asked the Master, "Aren't you in the United States? Why are you here in Manila?"
"I've specially come to see you, Lian-piao." (Mr. Raymond's refuge name is Lian-piao.)
"It is a long journey! I am very grateful to you for doing that."
"Do you remember that prior to your departure, I told you that you will have a frightening experience in Southeast Asia?"
"Yes, I do. I do. I do."
"Now, it's time to get up, now it's time to get up, hurry, hurry, .............."
Master shook Lian-piao vigorously with his hands and Lian-piao was like a boat being rocked violently back and forth by the wind and tides. Still in his dream, Lian-piao continued to murmur, "Master, please do not shake, do not shake..."
Then suddenly he woke up. There was no Master. It was a dream. But the dialogue in the dream alerted him. He got up and checked the time - it was eleven-thirty p.m.. Mr. Raymond opened the door. There was thick smoke outside. Instinctively, he put on his clothes, grabbed his briefcase, rushed down the stairs and, in no time, was out on the street. By this time, the fire was burning ferociously in the hotel. Mr. Raymond stood on the spot, terrified. For a moment this, too, felt like a dream.
The fire at Manila's Regent Hotel began in two places. One was in the conference room on the second floor, the other was in a room on the ninth floor. The fires started at around eleven-thirty p.m., and quickly spread throughout the hotel. Damage was extremely serious.
There were twenty-two identified dead, uncountable numbers of injured, and many unidentified bodies. Among the dead were two Americans: Edward Carroll, a U.S. Internal Revenue Service official based in Tokyo, and Lewis Carrol Rowney, a serviceman stationed at Subic Bay Naval Base.
Mr. Raymond saw a woman standing on the eighth floor's balcony crying, "Help! Help me please!" But, no one moved, because nobody could help her. Many people jumped to their deaths. Some were killed by sharp, broken glass, some hit protruding blocks and broke their limbs. It was cruel to watch.
The huge fire, people escaping, suffocating, burning, and jumping off the building interwove in a living tragedy. People become totally helpless in such a situation. Inside a third-floor room, three people, hugging together, were burned to charcoal.
Mr. Raymond felt extreme sorrow, but he was grateful that he was completely unharmed. He even had his valuable briefcase in his hands. He wholeheartedly believes that the Master is a Buddha, a Bodhisattva whose works of miracles are not myths, not absurdities, and not groundless.
Mr. Raymond said that the wisdom of Master is very rare. It was the Light of the Master that woke him up in the dream. From the United States, a ray of Light emitted by the Master traveled thousands of miles to reach Manila - this is an act of omnipresence. Mr. Raymond is grateful for his second chance in life and believes that the practice of the Guru Yoga and the chanting of the Guru Heart Mantra have ultimately saved his life.
Mr. Raymond's account of this true incident proves the great power of Padmakumara. Padmakumara is a Bodhisattva from the Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, and a Great Energy of the Universe. This is an era of salvation by Padmakumara. Vajra Master Sheng-yen Lu is only one of the many transformations of Padmakumara, incarnated in a human body in order to help release the world's beings from suffering and misery.
The events recorded in this book, The Mystical Experiences of True Buddha Disciples, are fact. They are absolutely not fantastic "myths." One should know that the number of people helped and saved by the Master has reached tens of thousands. The Master has created "Myths" in America, a country without myths.
Many people might wonder how Vajra Master Sheng-yen Lu is capable of making multiple appearances to help his disciples. As a matter of fact, I have explained this many times before. During the course of cultivation, one can, in the state of meditation, concentrate the power of the mind and unite it with the Great Energy of the Supreme Consciousness of the Universe. If one can do this, one will possess the power of the Great Energy, the Great Energy of meditation and wisdom.
To say one possesses the Great Energy of meditation and wisdom is equivalent to saying that, by applying the energy of the weak magnetic field of our human body, one can command the energy of the strong magnetic field of the Universe. You and the Universe become one and, when you think of doing something, the Great Energy of the Universe will do it for you, as if you were doing it yourself. It is like radiations beaming reciprocally at each other. This is supernatural and exceedingly powerful.
I knew beforehand that Lian-piao would be in a frightening predicament.
However, as he always chanted the Guru Heart Mantra and practiced the Guru Yoga, I knew he was in tune all the time with the Great Energy of Padmakumara.
When disaster fell on Lian-piao, the Great Energy of Padmakumara manifested in the form of the Master to save him. Therefore, he escaped the inferno of death.
The same logic applies to sincerely chanting the name of the Buddha. If one does this, one is thinking of the Buddha all the time. The Buddha knows about you because you always call upon him. Then, when you are in trouble, the Buddha will know and manifest to rescue you. Many people practice the Pure Land [method] by chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha until the mind becomes concentrated and singly focused on Amitabha. For the same reason as before, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will appear and rescue the practitioners. This is rebirth in the Pure Land through chanting Amitabha.
2. Lawyer Henry's Daughter
The first lawyer with whom I became acquainted in the United States was Lawyer Henry. His full name is Henry Liebman. He is an earnest lawyer. When I was in the process of obtaining my U.S. immigration visa, he went to Taiwan from the States, especially to help me at the American Institute in Taiwan.
In 1982, on June 16th, my whole family arrived at the Seattle Airport. Lawyer Henry was there to help us through immigration.
Lawyer Henry is of Jewish ancestry. His grandfather had traveled all over the world and had been to China. His father, who was also a lawyer, immigrated to the States and settled down in Miami. When Henry was young, he studied hard and resolved to become a great lawyer. Eventually he succeeded in becoming a lawyer. In addition, he is also an accountant. Therefore he has two careers.
I discovered that there are three kinds of indispensable people in the United States: lawyers, accountants and doctors. These people are needed everywhere, especially the lawyers. In America, lawsuits can happen anytime, anywhere; people are used to going to court even for trivial matters. Therefore, lawyers are definitely needed.
Take for example the construction of Ling Shen Ching Tze Rey Tseng Temple in Redmond. Lawyer Henry acted on our behalf in court to debate the city government and local residents. We went through many court debates, trying to win through legal means the right to establish a Chinese temple. It took three years before approval for the construction was granted. The bitterness we encountered was impossible for someone, who was not involved in it, to understand. Lawyer Henry, however, was able to utilize his strength at the proper moment in the court hearings.
Lawyer Henry helped us and we also helped him. We helped him with his daughter. About six months after she was born, doctors discovered some abnormalities. She frequently and suddenly lost consciousness. This happened without any provocation. Her whole body would become flaccid, sometimes her mouth drooled and her eyes rolled up, which was very frightening.
Henry and his wife had taken her for examinations to all the large hospitals in Seattle. The answers were discouraging:
1) Incurable - the brain was oxygen-deficient.
2) Not going to survive.
3) Even if she survived, she would be mentally retarded.
These were the results of the diagnoses by doctors in the large hospitals.
During this period of time, Lawyer Henry looked wan and worried. He simply could not concentrate on his work and the smile on his face disappeared.
I asked him, "Do you believe in Chinese deities? Do you believe in Chinese fus? Certain Chinese mystical power can save life from death. I believe I can help you, especially since you are our lawyer."
Our American friend, Lawyer Henry, wearing a long face, accepted my offer since he had no other alternative.
At that time, some people had advised me not to write fus to Americans because they simply do not understand the Chinese fus, which involve the drawing of some character-like symbols in ink with a brush-pen. These are drawn on a yellow piece of paper, which is then taken to cure sickness. Americans will not believe it will cure sickness. To help people, I was advised to not use fus but to use, instead, the Great Compassion Dharani Holy Water (water empowered by mantra). In this way, Americans would not criticize it.
But, when Lawyer Henry was at my place, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas wanted me to draw three fus which were the divine endowment fus. The Bodhisattvas held my hand to draw them and I asked that the Divine Light be empowered on the fus. As a result, three beams of white light radiated from the heavens and shone on the fus for a long time.
After that, I instructed Lawyer Henry to burn one fu every night in a bowl, pour boiled water over the ashes, and filter the water with a coffee filter. Then he must let his daughter drink the water before she went to sleep. I told him to do that each night for three nights and that, in a week, we would see how she had improved. (During this week, I empowered his daughter every night in my practices.)
After a week, the "non-viable" and "mentally retarded" daughter's episodes of fainting decreased. Her eyes did not roll up any more and her mouth no longer drooled. One month later, there was no more loss of consciousness. Lawyer Henry's daughter had become absolutely normal.
The couple again took their daughter to the doctors for complete examinations. The results were that she was cured "miraculously." The brain was no longer oxygen-deficient. The doctors in the big hospitals said "it was impossible." The fact is, the impossible had already become the possible. The doctors were baffled.
On March 5th, 1985, at 7:00 p.m., Lawyer Henry and Mr. John W. Austin, Vice Cabinet Minister of the Economic Department of the State of Washington, dined with us at the Yu Yuan Restaurant. Lawyer Henry told the Minister the story of his daughter, and the Minister kept saying that it was a miracle.
This is a true story about using three fus to heal Lawyer Henry's daughter, whose brain was oxygen-deficient. Since I arrived in the States, I have also cured many Westerners with mantras and fus. Some of them had insomnia, which was cured in one week. One American woman had a relaxed colon illness; she could not hold her bowel whenever she ate. She had been to many doctors but their treatments were ineffective. She was cured with paper fus within two months and her health returned to normal. She also came to take refuge in the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master.
There was also an administrative officer at the White House in Washington, D.C. who had early stage lung cancer. He was so worried that, in a very short time, his hair turned gray. He came to see me on someone's recommendation. I chanted the Great Compassion Dharani one hundred eight times every day for seven days to bless the water, and then gave it to him in a container. Three months later, he overcame the grave illness and wrote to thank me.
Many Westerners came to take refuge in the Holy-Red-Crown-Vajra-Master because their chronic ailments had been cured by the Master. Every Saturday night they attend the Dharma talks given by Master in his house, and they practice meditation together. The occasions are full of Dharma joys, with new concepts and changes of attitude. Everyone bows to the Master after receiving the teachings.
Some of these people have great understanding of the Buddhist teachings. They have gradually eliminated the view of Western supremacy and the idea of the Christian God being the only God. I especially would like to choose from among my Western disciples those who have the quality of a master, teach them the unexcelled fine Dharmas so that they can preach with the power of unhindered discourse.
Among the Western disciples, there will, in the future, be a few great masters who will know the boundlessness of Buddha Dharma, the limitlessness of Buddha power, and have deep understanding of the Dharma.
The main task of the emergence of Western masters is to help the Westerners.
3. A Collection of Mystical Experiences From Students
1) Empowerment
I have received the certificate of initiation and the teaching of the Four Preliminary Practices. After the empowerment, I had a mystical experience. The first day at 1:00 a.m., I smelled the fragrance of sandalwood in the whole room and there were strong golden lights flashing in the air. The next day at 3:00 a.m., I smelled the fragrance and again saw the flashing of golden lights. I knew this was the empowerment of Master and was glad to receive it. Master's power is unlimited; we are so fortunate to be your students.
Lian-kung
Hong Kong
2) Job Seeking
On the same day I received Master's letter, I had an early morning dream about Master. In the dream, my family and I gathered around the Master, listening to his teachings. After that, I rushed forward with the intention of requesting guidance on job seeking. Before I opened my mouth, Master had already stretched out his right hand and gently led me by my left hand to the eleven o'clock position of a big round clock, saying that this was the place. I considered this to be the five-minutes-to-twelve o'clock position, and that it must mean that the problem of unemployment would be over very soon.
The next morning about ten o'clock, I received a letter from Ai-sheng International Brokerage Ltd., asking me to attend an interview. The following day I went to see them and was hired. Later, I found out the company's logo (as shown on the attached company letterhead) was a circle with three indentations, one of which was exactly located at the five-minutes-to-twelve o'clock position. This matched the dream completely. Master's empowerment is unimaginable!
Lian-chou
Republic of China
3) Sickness
Last month, I received Master's reply and the three charms dated November 20th. It was redirected to me upon my request by Dharma brother, Lian-ch'i from Kuala Lumpur. I am grateful for Master's compassion and for curing my second child, Mu-yao Ch'en, of his serious illness. My gratitude is inexpressible. I immediately used the charms according to your instructions. Three weeks later, my son got much better, much healthier, and manifested the effect of Master's empowerment. I am filled with admiration for the Master, and I would especially like to thank you.
Hu-ch'ing Ch'en
Malaysia
4) Initiation
Thank you, Master, for not forsaking me. Last year on August 15th, I received my certificate of initiation and became a student. This is the greatest glory of my life. Two days before I received your letter, I saw Master in a dream saying to me, "You are my student now." Indeed, two days later, I received the certificate. Master is really today's Living Buddha, answering me immediately.
I started to practice the Guru Yoga, according to your guidance. I had mystical experiences too! When reading Master's books, especially Tantric Magic: A Collection, the mudras on the book emitted sparkling lights. I was very surprised. Your books are really valuable and mystical. It is great fortune for people to be able to read them. Master has compassion for all beings and helps them by writing books. There is a strong feeling in me that makes me want to tell all the people in the world to read your books, to take refuge in you and practice the right Dharma, so as not to waste this lifetime.
Lian-chi
(Mei-hu Lin)
Republic of China
5) Prize Winning
I have worn the Prize Winning Charm written by Master and it was incredible. Within three weeks, I won the first prize of the "thousand-number ticket," winning about two thousand dollars. I was very happy because it was the first time I've won a jackpot or had that much money. Thank you, Master.
Lian-sui
(Yu-pin Wong)
Malaysia
6) Headache
As a result of Master's help, the headaches which Dharma sister, Lian-je, has had for the last thirty years or so, were cured without medication. My mother has no religious belief but, after listening to me talking about the meritorious deeds and the spiritual books of Master, she was impressed and requested to take refuge. I am writing on her behalf and hope Master will accept her.
Lian-jung
Brazil
7) Back Pain
Six years ago, I read the book, How to Awaken One's Spirit. I have since visited the Master at your former residence, requesting help in the healing of my chronic back pain. At that time, Master only gave me two charms, one for washing, the other for ingesting. Master also instructed me to eat boiled spinach for a week. By simply doing what was prescribed, my illness was cured.
Chi-lung Fu
Republic of China
8) Vision of Light
One night about two months ago, I did my practices according to the methods taught on pages 158, 159, and 160 of Attaining Realization Through Sitting Meditation. I did my practices with my palms closed, while I visualized the Master. Suddenly I saw very bright golden stars emanating from Master's forehead, radiating towards me. In my visualization, I tried to see the Dharma Body of Master, but I could only see the golden lights. After a while, I started quietly chanting the Guru Heart Mantra. I chanted it one hundred eight times. The light gradually disappeared. This was indeed a very wonderful experience. I was very delighted and would sincerely like to tell you so.
Lian-ch'i
(Tsu-lieh Ch'en)
Malaysia
9) Chanting of the Heart Mantra
Whenever I chanted: "Om ah hum, guru bei, ah-ho-sa-sa-ma-ha, Lian-sheng siddhi hum," Master appeared in the space. This wonderful scene happened over and over again. Master's forehead emitted a white light onto my face, red light from his throat to mine, and blue light from his chest to mine. When the lights were on me, I had an indescribable, blissful sensation.
We live in the small town of Mindanou. Although there is a bookstore, they only sell stationery. Recently, I discovered that they have started selling Master's books. So, I bought eight of them. The first day we practiced the Guru Yoga, we had the mystical experience.
Lian-huan, Lian-yao
Malaysia
10) Healing of a Sprain
After reading the book A Little Taste of Zen, I am deeply respectful of the Master for suffering in the place of his students and reducing their negative karmas, as recorded in the chapter, "Seven Days of Buddha's Bleeding." I remember during the time period mentioned in the book, I was also ill. I am grateful and will never forget Master's help.
Recently, I sprained a muscle. I placed the statue of the Medicine Buddha on the altar and my condition got a little better. I also placed Master's Dharma picture on the altar and, immediately, I could move freely again. (I thought perhaps this meant I was closer to Master than to the Medicine Buddha.)
Last year, in Taipei, there was a particularly heavy rainfall. The water rose a foot high. I was, at that time, at the suburban Holy South Temple. So I prayed, and the rain stopped. I used the praying method according to your book.
The daughter of my friend's colleague was also a student of yours. When she was very sick, she continued practicing the Dharma and became well. This friend of mine used to criticize Master's writing of mystical experiences. I responded that, as Buddhists, we should offer testimony on Buddhism. He told me that, indeed, the reason for his studying Buddhism was because of reading Master's books. Recently, I ran into this friend and he, acting differently than before, praised Master as being wonderful. He even went on to say he found some other Dharma masters to be lacking in substance!
Lian-t'ung
Republic of China
11) Guru Yoga
On January 19th, I practiced the Guru Yoga. At the time of merging, my body tremored lightly and the ground shook as if there were an earthquake. When I entered into meditation, I saw my body becoming white and giving out lights, and there was the continuous sound of mantra, as if I had done it in my past life. The energy reached the top of my head as if I were receiving empowerment.
On January 20th, I practiced the Personal Deity Yoga together with the Guru Yoga. After entering into samadhi, I saw a vision in which two pillars of fire rose up next to me, or two lamps arced up like a rainbow. For the last several days, my body has felt warm, and I see light but have no visions.
I now understand that I should not be happy at the sight of lights, should not be afraid at the sight of visions, and that I must not be attached to these. These are the Master's instructions.
Lian-luo
(Hsiu-li Chang)
Republic of China
12) Lucid Dream
In a dream I saw Master coming to my new residence. I was very happy. Master's face looked just like the Dharma picture, but he was wearing casual attire. When I saw Master, I felt as if I saw my own relative and I started crying. Master said, "I'll come to see you again."
When my father bought a new house, he was short of funds. I prayed to the Padmakumara and, in the afternoon, someone came and lent money to my mother. Therefore, we had adequate funds to buy the new house. I actually saw the image of Padmakumara sitting on a lotus. His left hand was holding a lotus and he was wearing a Five Buddha Crown.
Lian-kao
(Po-wen Chang)
Republic of China
Footnote:
1This was the mailing address of Mr. Raymond in 1985.