【True Buddha Foundation Announcement】Monks and Nuns Must Not Prostrate Before Lay Dharma-propagating Personnel
On Jun. 28th, 2016, at Seattle Lei Tsang Temple, Grandmaster Living Buddha Lian-sheng gave this teaching: Shakyamuni Buddha stated that in the era when Buddhism is in decline, the dharma will weaken, and evil spirits will gain strength. Monks and nuns who prostrate before lay persons are ''manifesting evil.'' Those who violate this rule should be punished.
In accordance with the Root Guru's instructions and following the established system of Buddhism, the True Buddha Foundation makes this special announcement:
Masters of the True Buddha School must not prostrate before non-ordained masters.
Reverends (monks and nuns) must not prostrate before non-ordained masters.
Even more so, reverends must not prostrate before lay dharma instructors and dharma assistants.
Any monks or nuns who have violated this rule should repent in front of the altar. From this day forward the True Buddha Foundation will severely punish those who violate this rule. Masters who violate this rule will have their master qualifications revoked. Reverends will likewise lose their title.
True Buddha Foundation
Jul. 1, 2016