Two decades ago, when I left my teacher Taoist
monk Ching Zhen (Liao Ming the monk), his parting words were
: "Now that you are going to serve society, you must remember
to lead a simple and frugal life, adopt a down-to-earth style
of work, and not to seek fame and wealth, and enjoyment of material
pleasure. Above all, when using Dharma power to help people,
monetary rewards should not be fixed. You must leave it to the
donors. Remember this salient point ! Don't forget !"
Grateful for his care, encouragement and guidance, I stood still
on the roadside and sincerely answered him : "I shall bear
this in mind."
Twenty years over have since passed, I can still remember
what my teacher taught me vividly. I have implemented the
following three points:
1. Never ask people for money.
2. Donation should always be as you wish .
3. Never engage in business dealings.
Of course, I have seen many cases of Dharma masters, Zen
masters and venerable monks selling "cement Buddhas",
"stupas for the dead", and "rebirth lotus flowers."
The price fixed was exorbitant and ridiculous.
On the other hand, honorable directorship at certain charitable
organizations can be purchased at one million NT a seat. Many
have responded to such appeals for donation.
I have seen them all. I am not impressed. I still do it my
way - i.e. donations are always as the donors wish. All my
disciples from the True Buddha School know my style. My reason
for doing so is just following my teacher's advice !
Lately, Taiwan's religious fraternity started to get rid
of triad interference. It reminds me of my teacher's advice.
His speech was still glittering and can be considered "golden
saying." We have an easy conscience doing our Dharma
propagation.
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