True Buddha Foundation Dharma Affairs Announcement
Arya Avalokitesvara (Noble Guanyin) Wealthiest Person Practice (Wealth-Over-Lifetimes Practice) Q&A I
TBF-DA Prac # 022

On Sep. 20, 2023, the True Buddha Foundation (TBF) Seattle office sought answers to the following questions from Grandmaster Living Buddha Lian-sheng:
Q1: Does viewing a video replay of just the Root Guru bestowing empowerment of the Arya Avalokitesvara Wealthiest Person Practice or a complete replay of the ceremony qualify as receiving personal empowerment from Grandmaster?
A1: Watching a video replay of the ceremony does not qualify as receiving empowerment. This would be regarded as receiving a blessing. Grandmaster Living Buddha Lian-sheng has, however, explicitly instructed that anyone who experienced a flow of Dharma is considered to have received empowerment.
Note 1: If one has the opportunity, it’s best to receive empowerment from Grandmaster personally.
Note 2: According to True Buddha School (TBS) regulations, following the debut transmission of a practice, one should wait six months to see whether the True Buddha Foundation (TBF) has announced that remote empowerment is available. If so, one may write a letter requesting remote empowerment.

Q2: In regard to the must-have offerings, other than the five grains, is it necessary to change the five treasures and the five-colored fabrics prior to each practice?
A2: Individuals with ample financial resources should replace the offerings every half month. Those with limited financial resources should change the offerings every three months.
All three types of offerings (five treasures, five-colored fabrics and five grains) should be replaced at the same time. The time of replacement is up to the practitioner.

Q3: Can five-colored threads be substituted for the five-coloured fabrics?
A3: Five-colored threads cannot be substituted for the five-colored fabrics.

Q4: In terms of making gold, silver and other treasure offerings to Noble Guanyin, are there set quantities for gemstones and crystals (one or five)? Also, in terms of color, should the gemstones and crystals be of a single color or five different colors?
A4: The amount and color are optional, that is, it’s up to the practitioner.

Q5: How should the three essential offerings (gold, silver and other treasure, five grains, and five-colored fabrics) be arranged on the altar? Should these offerings be placed alongside the eight offerings? Or, as with altar arrangements for Mahamayuri and the Dragon-riding White Jambhala, are there specific rules for arranging the offerings on the altar?
A5: The three types of offerings on the altar should be arranged on three plates.

Best Regards,
True Buddha Foundation
September 25, 2023