Story 8 – The Initiation Rite – Stealing the Dharma

Câu chuyện số 8 – Điểm đạo và Trộm đạo by ThầyGià on 12 November 2008, translated by NgocXuan, edited by Horangi

Back in 1980, when I was in Vietnam, there was a notable lecturer who had previously served as the dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Livestock. He adhered to a vegetarian diet, primarily consisting of potatoes. He devoted himself to the study and exploration of numerous Buddhist texts, engaged in rigorous meditation practice for several years, and encountered a series of profound mystical experiences. Frequently, he experienced visions of the spiritual realm, some of which were particularly profound and held significant importance. In these visions, he often found himself mounted on an Asian dragon, ascending to the heavens where he met with Amitabha Buddha. During these encounters, Amitabha Buddha revealed to him that his spiritual origin was a Buddha himself.

During that period, I had gained some recognition for performing several exorcisms. Consequently, he sought me out, hoping to find someone who could understand and empathize with his experiences, as well as to broaden his understanding of religious teachings and dharma. Aware of my practice in Mantrayana and Vajrayana Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism), he shared his story with me, seeking an explanation.

In his mother’s cabinet of scriptures, he found a book titled “The Fundamental Thesis on Exoteric and Old_Guru Secret Teaching of Becoming Buddha’s Essential Heart.” This scripture mentions five mantras described as being protected by countless Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and holy deities. They are: Om lam – Om shi lam – Om mani padme hum – Om chet li, chu li, chuan de ta ba ha – Bo Lam.

There are two very well-known mantra:
1 – The mantra “Om mani padme hum,” which can also be pronounced as “Án mani bát di hồng in Vietnamese” This mantra is considered powerful in both pronunciations. It holds significant esteem in Tibetan Buddhism. In the classic Chinese novel ‘Journey to the West,’ it is mentioned that to subdue the Monkey King, Buddha placed a Yantra inscribed with this mantra on the Five Elements Mountain. This act constrained the Monkey King, confining him under the mountain for over 500 years.

2 – The mantra “Om chet li, chu li, chuan de ta ba ha,” pronounced in Vietnamese from the original Sanskrit, is known as The Chuan De or Cundi mantra. It is familiar to every practicing Buddhist and is associated with the 18-Armed Cundi Bodhisattva, who is venerated in pagodas.

When Mr. Xech, the former college dean, decided to experiment with these mantras by adopting the Cundi mudra with his hands and reciting the five mantras (“um lam- um xi lam” etc.), he experienced a vision of innumerable saints and deities, arranged in successive ranks, arriving on clouds and gathering before him. Notably, two deities from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (associated with the Southern Canal and Northern Bushel constellations) appeared before him. They looked for his name in a book and, not finding it, became angered. They accused him of unlawfully appropriating the Dharma and sought to apprehend him for practicing the Dharma without having received it through the traditional guru lineage or without proper initiation from a qualified guru.

Hearing Mr. Xech’s story did not surprise me. I had a young disciple whom I had taught these five mantras. Despite sometimes feeling tired, he practiced them nightly, lying down if necessary, and regularly saw countless saints and deities appear before him.

I have extensively promoted the method known as the Initiation Ceremony or Dharma Initiation, where an already initiated individual performs the initiation for another. This ceremony marks the beginning of a layperson’s entry into the metaphysical school, allowing them to seek refuge in GOD and Buddha and commence their spiritual journey under divine guidance. Through this initiation, the individual gains the protection and guidance of countless bodhisattvas, saints, and deities, supporting them on their path to achieving sainthood, deity status, or Buddhahood.

Individuals who wish to practice mantras without having undergone the formal lineal transmission through initiation can proceed without fear, but must approach their practice with humility. While they can work towards reducing bad karma and accumulating blessings, their spiritual experiences may be less profound, and they won’t possess the divine abilities to perform miracles.

Conversely, those who receive the proper Initiation gain the protection and guidance of numerous divine entities, aiding their development into gurus who can transmit the dharma and perform divine miracles, thereby enlightening others.

I pioneered the dissemination of Esoteric, Old_Guru Secret Teaching to everyone by allowing individuals aspiring to explore metaphysics to invoke the name of God, any Buddha, Saints, or Deities they hold in high esteem. Upon doing so, they will witness a metaphysical phenomenon or a Divine sign, confirming their Initiation and acceptance as a disciple in the metaphysical realm.

Following this, they are encouraged to adhere to the faith they genuinely believe in, with the stipulation that they live by this principle: shun evil, embrace good, and foster virtuous conduct. This is the fundamental requirement.

Until next time
Old_Guru 12-11-2008