The Inner Meanings Of “Pu Men”Chapter
■Book 104 - A Plethora Of Scenic Splendours
■Written by GrandMaster Sheng-yen Lu
Time: 2.00 p.m.
Date: 19 December 1992
Venue: Singapore IMM building
Twenty thousand people attended the sermon on the inner meanings of “Pu Men” chapter, given by Living Buddha Lian Shen.
“Pu Men”chapter mentions:
“Chanting the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, by virtue of his powers, you will not be burnt by the fire, even if you are in a sea of fire.”
I am asked to explain :
“The fire mentioned here is no ordinary fire. It is the inner restless and salacious fire of human beings. Avalokitesvara can turn our senses of hearing off, and these fires would be dampened. Once the outer fire is extinguished, the inner one will be put out immediately.
“Pu Men” chapter mentions:
“The Bodhisattva uses his power of self-realisation to prevent human beings from drowning even they fall into water.”
I am asked to explain:
“The water mentioned here is no ordinary water. It is the inner water such as blood and excrement of human beings. Before we die, we tend to see the earth submerges into the water. With the mystic powers, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva imparts us the skill of “hearing by seeing”. Once we have mastered the skill, our inner water will dry up and the outer water subside. “
“Pu Men” chapter mentions:
“If the ship is blown into a demon country by evil wind, as long as one of the passengers recites the name of Avalokitesvara, all will be saved from such misfortune.”
I am asked to explain:
“This is no ordinary wind. It is our inner ignorant wind, which causes waves of thoughts passing through our confused state of mind. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva teaches us to be detached from our surroundings, and our heart will be tranquil. Without attachment, environment will be absolute. When there is calm and tranquil, the inner wind will subside and the outer wind will also calm down. This is the manifestation of mystic powers of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.”
“Pu Men” chapter mentions:
“A person who is due to be killed, recites the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the murder weapons (knives and sticks) will break into pieces, and he will be saved.”
I am asked to explain:
“The knives and sticks mentioned here refer to our cracking bones. As Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva has mastered the Vajra samadhi and illusory samadhi, as long as we cultivate these dharma, we will be able to obtain the Vajra indestructible and illusory body. That is why when knife and stick hit the body, the weapons will break into pieces. It is like chopping the water - an illusory transformation.”
We were talking about the four elements of “fire”, “water”, “wind”, and “earth”.
Most ordinary Buddhists think that “Pu Men” chapter from the Lotus Sutra is one of the most elementary text. It is easy to recite and comprehend. But I am of the view that it is easy to recite but very difficult to comprehend.
To me, the sutra is not only elegant outwardly. It is also full of inner realisation and mentality. It is one of the most profound Sutras. It is simple and yet difficult.
“Not burn in fire, not drown in water, saved from demon and destruction of weapons .”
It sounds simple and yet not really so.
“Pu Men” Chapter is always considered a Sutrayana Sutra. Outwardly it appears to be so. But strictly speaking, it is a Sutra of Tantrayana. It manifests a perfection of inner cultivation of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Emptiness. It is much more than just for reciting only.
To me, Avalokitesvara has four inconceivables:
(1) His Mantra
(2) His transformations
(3) His omnipresent salvation
(4) His granting of wishes to all directions
I am the person who has the full comprehension of “Pu Men” chapter. Thus, I know the interpretation of :
“The past Buddha by the name of “True and Bright”, now manifests as Avalokitesvara. He has accumulated the magnificent virtue
and assumed the form of thousand arms and eyes. With great compassion, he radiates lights to the dharma realms, and protects all sentient beings. He teaches them to follow the Bodhi path and recite the perfect Mantra.”
