Provide Correct Replies to Inquiries
to the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters (UIWBAH):
“In the current Buddhist world, evil masters and swindlers are counterfeiting true Buddha-dharma. These people are totally strangers to the teaching of the sutras and Buddha-dharma. This kind of people can be seen all the time in various places of the world. In particular, even some people who have the titles of world-famous leading masters of sects and schools are in fact strangers occupying religious positions. Every swindler claims himself or herself to be very great and to be able to communicate regularly with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas or to be able to see Buddhas and Bodhisattvas every day. They put up the flags and banners of the leading master of a lineage or religious leaders and falsely declare themselves as great Bodhisattvas. What do they rely on? They rely on erroneous and confusing theories and lies to make amateurs feel like traveling within clouds and mists and believe them as genuine. They defraud Buddhist disciples and cause them to suffer the consequences of falling into their deceptive traps for the entire lifetime. The situation is too tragic to observe.”
“In reality, ordinary cultivators are unable to see the truthfulness and depth of a master’s realized power of cultivation. Often, the superficial appearance of packaging and elevating flattery blocked the eyesight of Buddhist disciples. As a result, numerous Buddhists with the correct faith did the bad acts of assisting the evil ones and have to share the dark karmas they created. Eventually they receive the ferocious retributions from causality. The consequence of suffering will be beyond description. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the ten directions all compassionately pity them, but the majority of them cannot be rescued. We can recall Sakyamuni Buddha’s holy capacities of Buddha-dharma at His time that were recorded numerously in the sutras. However, they have now become empty talks or even deceiving lies of nonsense and evil theories among rinpoches and dharma masters of the current time.”
“The system of dharma attire indicating ranks established by you at the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters have made those evil masters and swindlers with hollow and untrue reputations have no place to hide. The so-called great Bodhisattvas dare not even get close to the site of examination. Then they appear so obscene and embarrassed. This fact tells people that they are ordinary persons faking holy ones and heavenly kings and can never have the chance to wear the rank-indicating dharma attire you defined. So they are false holy ones and false Buddhist disciples. This action of your association is a deed of benefiting living beings and guarding Buddhists on their path. It belongs to carrying out the correct undertaking.”
The dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III pointed out the chaotic situation during this dharma-ending era of Buddhism. We at UIWBAH will do our best to put this measure of revising the system to benefit living beings into action.
We now collectively reply to several letters of inquiry received in recent days in the following:
The rank-indicating dharma attire of Buddhism means clearly labelling a holy and virtuous one’s level in the clothing worn by the holy and virtuous one. Levels of Sumeru wheels are labelled by blue buttons (pins). On the other hand, levels of Sun-Moon wheels are labelled by golden buttons. One button indicates one level or grade, which means a star wheel. For example, having a blue button is “Blue Button Grade One,” which is equivalent to the level of one Sumeru wheel. Having two blue buttons is “Blue Button Grade Two,” which is equivalent to the level of two Sumeru wheels. Having three blue buttons is “Blue Button Grade Three,” which is equivalent to the level of three Sumeru wheels. Adding one golden button in addition to having three blue buttons is “Golden Button Grade One,” which is equivalent to the level of one Sun-Moon wheel. Having two golden buttons in addition to having three blue buttons is “Golden Button Grade Two,” which is equivalent to the level of two Sun-Moon wheels.
The examination and verification of holiness and virtue for determining the correct level with specific number(s) of buttons is based on results from the three aspects of “state of realization,” “virtue and character from cultivation and conduct,” and “learning in the sutras and shastras.” The outcome belongs to a differentiating concept that is non-definitive and fuzzy in nature. However, it can be regarded as a definitive differentiation. Practicing any dharma of yidam can attain accomplishment and can attain the different levels or grades of star wheels. For example, the lowest accomplishment from practicing Mud-Pill Lamdre starts from the level of one Sumeru wheel. On the other hand, the lowest accomplishment from practicing Vajra Body Substitution Meditation starts from the level of two Sumeru wheels.
We now use Vajra Body Substitution Meditation as an example of analogy. A holy and virtuous one with the realization of “Blue Button Grade Three” in only one aspect of “state of realization,” but not in the other two aspects of “virtue and character from cultivation and conduct” and “learning in the sutras and shastras” cannot be regarded definitively with a one-hundred-percent certainty as belonging to the rank of Grade Three. That is why this concept is fuzzy in nature. In terms of awarding specific grades, having realized the level of Grade Three in any one aspect of “state of realization,” “virtue and character from cultivation and conduct,” and “learning in the sutras and shastras” will be awarded the rank of “Blue Button Grade Two” (the level of two Sumeru wheels) by UIWBAH’s Group of Examining Holy and Virtuous Ones. One who has realized Grade Three in terms of Sumeru wheels in two of the above three aspects is definitely a holy and virtuous one with the rank of “Blue Button Grade Three” (the level of three Sumeru wheels). One who has realized Grade Three in terms of Sumeru wheels in all three aspects has definitely entered the rank of “Golden Button Grade One” (the level of one Sun-Moon wheel).
However, you should know that this is just the standards established for levels of Sumeru wheels attained by practicing Vajra Body Substitution Meditation. For analogy, a 10-year old child being able to lift up a weight of 25 kilograms can be regarded as being very powerful but a 20-year old adult being able to lift up 50 kilograms is not necessarily a strong person. Therefore, realizations of Sun-Moon wheels in the above three aspects resemble the standard set up for adults at the prime age. Therefore, the standards measuring the states of realization of Sun-Moon wheels in the three aspects are higher.
If a holy and virtuous one has perfect realization required by one Sun-Moon wheel in one of the three aspects and attained at least half of the required realization in the other two aspects, the rank of “Golden Button Grade Two” (the level of two Sun-Moon wheels) will be awarded. If realizations are all perfect with respect to the level of one Sun-Moon wheel in all three aspects, the holy and virtuous one has the rank of “Golden Button Grade Three” (the level of three Sun-Moon wheels), which indicates the state of accomplishment of a great Bodhisattva. That is why it is stipulated that a holy and virtuous one not at the level of three Sun-Moon wheels or higher will definitely be erroneous when expounding the dharma or giving discourses. After joining the rank of three Sun-Moon wheels, cultivation and practice is not just Vajra Body Substitution Meditation. Rather, the dharma of progressing into a great Mahasattva has to be practiced. At this time, initiation of enlightenment practice must be received, in preparation for becoming a Bodhisattva at the level of universal enlightenment and progressing into attaining Buddha-hood.
Stating the truth explicitly, a holy and virtuous one with the rank of “Blue Button Grade Three” (the level of three Sumeru wheels) is already very rare. Currently within the entire world, the highest holy and virtuous ones who are publicly accepting disciples and propagating Buddha-dharma are at the level of “Blue Button Grade Three” (the level of three Sumeru wheels). There is no holy and virtuous one at a level of Sun-Moon wheel(s) propagating the dharma to the public. Therefore, we cultivators not only should strive to cultivate into holy and virtuous ones with the rank of “Blue Button Grade Three” (the level of three Sumeru wheels), but also should set the goal to cultivate into holy and virtuous ones at even higher levels of golden buttons (Sun-Moon wheels).
Since the non-definitive nature has been explained, why can we also say there is a definitive nature? The reason is that there are four different categories of rules and stipulations regarding the examination:
The examination by three masters and seven witnesses is examined and verified through human actions. Because the investigation and verification are done by humans, errors are hard to avoid. Therefore, it is not exact.
The examination certified by seven masters and ten witnesses is based on the exam taker’s own manifestation of one’s state of cultivation and realization. Although the manifested state of realization is truthful, the proof covers only the aspect of “state of realization” without examining “virtue and character from cultivation and conduct, and “learning in the sutras and shastras.” So the concept is fuzzy and the result is not definitive. That is why there are situation of some people who passed the examination have good power of cultivation but are still to be desired in the morality of cultivation and conduct and the learning of the sutras and shastras.
Only the examinations of recognition by yidam and “Validation of Correct Path” by dharma protectors are definitive in nature. Recognition by the yidam is a definitive conclusion from Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Also, the cultivator can choose to take the examination either in all three aspects or in just one or two aspects. Recognition by the yidam can make the determination publicly through any one of the three dharmas, “Divine Forecasting,” “Vajra Dharma Hair Initiation,” and “Selection Made in Dark Confinement from One-Hundred Dharmas to Choose the Door toward Enlightenment.” The conclusion is definitive without any possibility of being wrong. The reason is that the recognition is made before a surrounding crowd by the yidam on behalf of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and cannot be done by human actions.
Lastly, the examination of “Validation of Correct Path” is definitive in nature. It can truthfully tell true or false because the result is not obtained by human actions and dharma protectors never deceive people.
Cultivators who apply for taking an examination of holiness and virtue please do not ask for “Divine Forecasting” or “Selection Made in Dark Confinement from One-Hundred Dharmas to Choose the Door toward Enlightenment.” This is because UIWBAH has not been able to beseech respectfully a Buddha or a great Mahasattva who agrees to preside over the practice of the dharma. Holy and virtuous ones at UIWBAH did go in person to respectfully beseech H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “I only have humble cultivation and conduct. I do not have the ability to preside over the dharma. Another fact is that many people taking the examination are my students. I hand them over to Bodhisattvas, dharma protectors, and you at UIWBAH to examine them rigorously. Therefore, I cannot take part in your work on the examination.”
However, UIWBAH has invited Great Venerable Wang Zha Rinpoche who is an outstanding great dharma king among great dharma kings to conduct the selection for the examination with the dharma of “Vajra Dharma Hair Initiation.” Additionally, UIWBAH has great holy and virtuous ones who will preside over the examination of “Validation of Correct Path.”
Why should holy and virtuous ones be re-examined annually every year? H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said, “You at UIWBAH shall shoulder the responsibility of ensuring safety for Buddhists. Annual re-examination has to be done every year, to prevent evil masters who have receded in their cultivation and evil views from deceiving people.”
Because holy and virtuous ones may advance or recede in their cultivation and conduct, starting from 2015, UIWBAH will abolish the program of determining the status of a holy and virtuous one by three masters and seven witnesses through investigation and verification. All examinations are to be held publicly. In the future, holy and virtuous ones, whose statuses were either recognized by the yidam, measured and determined by dharma protectors through “Validation of Correct Path,” or awarded by the examination proctored by seven masters and ten witnesses, all must be re-examined annually every year to see their gains or losses. This is to ensure the safety of living beings’ learning the dharma and acquiring correct knowledge and views so they can receive the benefits of perfect good fortune and wisdom and to prevent people who lost their accomplishment and receded into ordinary persons and evil masters from deceiving the great masses. However, great holy and virtuous ones who have already attained realizations at the level of “Golden Button Grade Three” (three Sun-Moon wheels) or higher are not subject to the annual re-examination because the level of three Sun-Moon wheels means great Bodhisattvas at the non-receding stages.
Please note that any cultivator with the status of a holy and virtuous one regardless of the specific rank or level is authorized to apply to UIWBAH for receiving the recognition by the yidam through “Vajra Dharma Hair Initiation” to accurately determine his or her identity. However, UIWBAH does not forcefully or proactively ask holy and virtuous ones to take the examination of this type. Rather, we suggest them to apply for “Validation of Correct Path” to determine their identities.
UIWBAH has decided that starting from this year a holy and virtuous one may or may not hang the certificate of holiness and virtue when stepping to the dharma rostrum. This is due to a fact proven in reality that disciples dare not view and read the certificate hung by their master. However, all masters of holiness and virtue who are engaging in the act of saving living beings and propagating Buddha-dharma must wear their rank-indicating dharma attire in daily life. Any master who does not wear the rank-indicating dharma attire is not a good person without exception and is certain to have the intention of plotting to defrauding disciples. This person definitely has ulterior motives and dares not to face disciples with a brightly open attitude. Such a person is absolutely a swindler or demonic person!!! Buddhist disciples who continue to mingle with and communicate with a master of holiness and virtue who does not wear the rank-indicating dharma will be regarded as swindlers or demonic persons of the same category.
Separately, we would like to use this opportunity to inform you all to be sure to read the public announcements from the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and read the book titled True Stories behind Ancient Buddha’s Coming to This World, so as to understand H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III’s enlightenment capacity of a Buddha and teaching, conduct, and practice with correct knowledge and views.
Accomplishments attained from cultivating and practicing Mud-Pill Lamdre and other true dharmas of Buddhism all have rank-indicating dharma attire of star wheels determined by examination along with the matching certificate of holiness and virtue. Certificates of holiness and virtue must all undergo annual re-examination every year. The grading ranks indicate the classes and levels of cultivators’ realization toward enlightenment and serve the purpose of being recognized by cultivators to prevent swindlers and evil masters posing as holy and virtuous ones. This system is similar to the systems of grades and ranks used in sports such as martial arts and chess and also resembles the ranks and steps of military personnel. So one’s status of accomplishment can be seen from the grade or the rank.
You should also note one point. Even though holy and virtuous ones are no longer required to hang the certificate of holiness and virtue when they step onto the dharma rostrum, UIWBAH will still provide communication channels of telephone and email to Buddhist disciples to the Inquiry Center of Certificates of Holiness and Virtue at UIWBAH for inquiring to verify the genuineness of the rank worn by a so-and-so master and whether a master has passed the current annual re-examination.
Dharma Master Zheng Da who is Holy and Virtuous Awang Deji is required to take the annual re-examination. Great Venerable Wang Zha of the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III who is a great holy and virtuous one at the level of three Sun-Moon wheels told the chairman of UIWBAH, “Dharma Master Zheng Da verbally requested another recognition. Due to serving the duty of teaching at the meditation facility last year, I was not able to preside over the examination for her. Therefore, Dharma Master Zheng Da’s 2014 annual re-examination will be combined with the 2015 annual examination. Dharma Master Zheng Da did not recede in her cultivation.”
Dharma King Gar Tongstan who is the chairman of UIWBAH said, “Our Association will execute the dharma decree from Great Venerable Wang Zha. The waivers of examination granted to Dharma King Palden Lodoe and Dharma Master Long Hui were due to the heavy load of dharma affairs at UIWBAH. We have decided to make arrangements for their 2015 annual re-examinations. What re-examinations they will take will be based on their applications submitted at the time.”
United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters
March 7, 2015
Attachments: Letters received
Seeking Verification on Important Questions
(An e-mail with the date of Mar 1, 2015 at 7:46 PM)
From: yixi zhouga <yixizhouga@gmail.com>
Respected great holy and virtuous ones of the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters,
We have several very important questions to seek verifications. Many people within Buddhism are very confused by them. For instances:
Some people hold a certificate of three Sumeru wheels and declare to people that only people who had the crown opened by Vajra Body Substitution Meditation can achieve that level. This person also self-claims to be a great Bodhisattva. Is this true?
Does this mean that all who have the realization of Vajra Body Substitution Meditation belong to the level of three Sumeru wheels?
Are there people who have the realization of Vajra Body Substitution Meditation at the levels of Sun-Moon wheels?
Can people who had the crown opened by Mud-Pill Lamdre (Path and Fruit) attain the level of three Sumeru wheels?
Can cultivators who practice other dharmas wear dharma attire with star wheel insignia indicating their ranks?
What aspects determine one’s rank?
Is the rank indicated by star wheels a definitive label or a rough and coarse label of goodness?
Why are those who are already holy and virtuous ones required to undergo annual reexamination?
If a holy and virtuous one with star wheels does not hang the certificate and does not wear the dharma attire when receiving cultivators and disciples, should we separate from this person immediately, seek another good master who abides by the precepts, and regard this master who violated precepts as belonging to the category of swindlers?
We beseech great holy and virtuous ones to reply to us in time. We are boundlessly grateful!
Ignorant disciples, Yixi Zhouga and Hui Yue,
Beseeching for benefiting the great masses
March 2, 2015
Please Provide Answers to Me
(An e-mail with the date of Mar 6, 2015 at 12:52 PM)
From: Jing C <jingc1239@yahoo.com> #
To: “uiwbahinquiry@gmail.com” <uiwbahinquiry@gmail.com>
Office Serving Inquiries of Holiness and Virtue at the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters,
Disciple I read today the public announcement from the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters, which announced the plan to implement the system of dharma attire indicating the ranks within Buddhism. Currently, holy and virtuous ones may have Sumeru wheels or Sun-Moon wheels. What do Sumeru wheels and Sun-Moon wheels have to do with the ranks? It was also stated that there would be annual reexaminations. Do holy and virtuous ones who have the realization of Mud-Pill Lamdre verified by three masters and seven witnesses have to take the examination? However, I saw that the certificate of Dharma Master Zheng Da (Awang Deji Rinpoche) who is a holy and virtuous one at the level of three Sumeru wheels does not have the certification of annual reexamination. Does that mean that annual reexamination is not required or that she has receded from the accomplishment she had?
I also have a few other questions. What is the lowest accomplishment of having the crown opened by Mud-Pill Lamdre in terms of star wheels? What is the lowest accomplishment of having the crown opened by Vajra Body Substitution Meditation in terms of star wheels? Are the realizations from practicing other dharmas indicated by star wheels? What is the number of star wheels for the lowest accomplishment from practicing each of the other dharmas? We need to become clear about these questions, in order to be able to face and confront false masters and evil masters.
I beseech you to take the trouble to provide me with the answers. I am very grateful.
Buddhist disciples: Cheng Jing
March 6, 2015