Living Buddha Lian-sheng Sheng-Yen Lu Book 294, A Flower for You
Preface
That year, I (Grandmaster Lu) was in Taiwan. I came down with cellulitis in my legs, and was at home lying in bed. In a semi-conscious state, half awake and half dreaming, I suddenly saw an old monk with a white beard sitting on top of a cloud, murmuring to himself, "It looks like I’m going to have to save my soulmate, cultivator Lu.”
He said to me, "I am Xuyun." Venerable Monk Xuyun extended his hand, which was very strange. It became longer and longer as it pierced through the white clouds, the sky, the roof of my house, and finally right into my bedroom where it touched my crown to give me a blessing. After this, I recovered from the infection!
Later, I discovered that Venerable Xuyun was a Patriarch of the Zen Sect. I (Grandmaster Lu) have affinity with the Zen Sect.
Before I was ordained, I had taken refuge under the elderly Venerable Leguo, who was the lineage successor of the Caodong Sect.
During my ordination, Venerable Monk Guoxian shaved my head. Venerable Guoxian was the lineage successor of the Linji Sect.
While I was ill and bedridden, from the sky, Venerable Xuyun bestowed on me a crown blessing. Venerable Xuyun was the lineage successor of the Guiyang Sect. (The Elderly Venerable learned from many sects.)
I cultivate Vajrayana practices, but I also know Zen teachings. Initially, after taking refuge in Buddhism, I practiced the teachings of the Pure Land Sect. So, I can say that I propagate teachings of all the sects.
I admire this verse by Venerable Xuyun: What is the reason for this foolish man
Why draw attention in the Dharma Ending Age
Sighing deeply for this sage whose sacred lineage is held precariously by only a hair
Abandoning personal matters to focus solely on others' worries
Like from the peak of the lonely mountain, fishing for carp with a straightened fish hook,
Entering the deep sea, stirring up fire to boil water
A kindred spirit is hard to find, only silently lamenting in sadness
Laughing until the void breaks, cursing you as one devoid of wisdom
Alas! Ask him why he is unwilling to let go
Not until the suffering of the sentient beings is over
This verse by Venerable Xuyun was intended as a self description. It seems that the elder Venerable considered me his soulmate.
I have great admiration for Zen teachings:
Nothing to gain.
Non-abiding
Nothing matters.
These three teachings have become my motto. I frequently remind myself of them.
This book is titled A Flower for You. The title is derived from this incident: During a Holy Assembly on Vulture Peak, Sakyamuni held up a flower, showing it to everyone. The Assembly was silent, except for Mahakasyapa, who smiled. The World Honored One said, “I possess the true Dharma eye, the sublime heart of Nirvana, the real aspect of non-aspect, the subtle Dharma gate that does not rely on words, a teaching outside the scriptures, transmitted directly to Mahakasyapa.”
Today, I have a flower for you. You can also hold up a flower. Why hold up a flower? Go contemplate it! May this book enrich you!
Living Buddha Lian-sheng Sheng-Yen Lu
17102 NE 40th CT
Redmond WA 98052
U.S.A.
April 2023.
Translated by TBTTs
Translator: Brandon Liew
Editor: Henry Wolf and DJ Chang
We will send an authentication letter to your registered email account. Please verify that you have received the letter in your inbox. The authentication letter will be mailed within 5-10 minutes after registration. If you do not receive the authentication letter, please check if the letter is located in Spam.
English