Inquiry from a Phuntsok Rinpoche
We received an inquiry from someone who stated that he is Phuntsok Rinpoche. We don’t know which Phuntsok Rinpoche he is. The inquiry led to the question of whether such so-called cultivators are truly cultivating or not. What are they thinking in their minds? Public Announcement No. 2012029 just issued by the International Buddhism Sangha Association (IBSA) has already unambiguously and openly informed all cultivators with the essence of the dharma with very clear definitions. In the end, some people like this self-addressed Phuntsok Rinpoche still came forward to inquire about the same questions. This is really hard to understand. If he truly is a Rinpoche and took such attitude toward an IBSA announcement, he must be taught and educated.
According to the stipulation of the dharma that has been openly published, the determination of whether a person is a mundane being or a holy one is not established by one’s self-boasting or false declaration. The evidence has to be a certificate of holiness and virtue seen by all. Awang Deji Rinpoche mentioned in the inquiry does hold a certificate of holiness and virtue. Except by a specific document issued by the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III or the United International Buddhism Headquarters, no rinpoche can expel a holder of a certificate of holiness and virtue from the rank of holiness and virtue, regardless of who that rinpoche may be. The only other possibility is that the holder’s certificate of holiness and virtue has already been revoked or expired. That would indicate he is no longer a holy and virtuous one.
In today’s Buddhist world, there are too many people who falsely claim to be holy and virtuous ones. Among them, many are very famous with notorious status. It is very hard for cultivators to judge whether they are genuine or fake. In order to prevent swindlers from falsely claiming to be holy and virtuous ones, a certificate of holiness and virtue signed by three masters and seven witnesses can only be issued after conducting the investigation of finding true facts and evidence. The certificate of holiness and virtue by seven masters and ten witnesses is particularly different. It is determined from the realization and accomplishment of the applicant demonstrated during taking an examination given by seventeen dharma masters and rinpoches on the spot. One who received such a certificate is definitely an extraordinarily holy one. Holders of certificates of holiness and virtue are what people should rely upon and learn from. They deserve to be respected. We suggest that Phuntsok Rinpoche learn carefully from Awang Deji Rinpoche and seriously cultivate himself. We hope he becomes a holy and virtuous one as Awang Deji Rinpoche is.
Also, you all should pay attention on this, regardless what holy and virtuous one you have met. Respectfully listening to the recorded dharma lessons expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is the one and only way of learning the ultimate definitive truth. You should not listen to the so-called discourses given by any holy and virtuous one. Holy and virtuous ones can only lead people to respectfully listen to the recorded dharma lessons expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and conduct initiations and dharma transmissions that they are qualified to do.
This announcement is hereby made publicly to all.
International Buddhism Sangha Association
June 19, 2012