Transcript What is a *Dharma Boat - Pu

What is a “Dharma Boat”?
By Henry Chu
Pu-Lin Temple Master
Introduction
• The concept of Dharma Boat comes from the
Buddha’s teaching of Bodhisattva vows
• Buddha sees this world as a suffering sea
(Samsara) and that spirits are drowning in this
suffering sea of life and death
• One of the vows of a Bodhisattva is to be the
ferry rider that rescues drowning spirits from
the suffering sea and take them to the shore
Introduction
• Due to the massive number of spirits in this
world, another name given to the Bodhisattva
is the Eternal Ferry Riders
• The ferry that carries the spirits from this
world to the Eternal Heaven is called a
Dharma Boat
• It is the intension of the presenter to reveal
some basic attributes and distinctions of the
Dharma Boat
Spreading the True Teaching
• The mission of the Dharma Boat is to ferry
the destine spirits from this world to the
highest level of the Heaven of Truth
• Therefore the focus of the activities should
be on the spreading of the true Teachings
(Three Treasures) and the assistances of the
spirits on their cultivations and overcoming
of spiritual obstacles
Respecting Divine Connection
• The mission of the Dharma Boat comes
directly from God to the Buddha and then to
Grand Elder, Elder, Transmission Master and
then to the Temple Master (this is called the
Golden Thread).
• Therefore, a great deal of respect is paid to all
who are apart of the Golden Thread. It is also
a way for us to express our thanks for their
sacrifices, guidance and blessings.
Outreach with Wu-Way
• Only the destined spirits who are assigned to
the Dharma Boat is allowed to get on board and
so there is no Proselytizing of the Tao
• However, it is our responsibilities to reach out
to the destined spirits so we can truly fulfill our
number. Therefore we utilize the concept of
Wu-Way and allowing personal relationships
and connections to guide our outreach
Safeguarding the Mission
• There are elements in this world that can
penetrate the Dharma Boat and capsize the
ship and they are: wealth, power and sex
• The Great Teachers understood these
elements and installed the Three Forbidden:
No Finance, No Politics and No Romance
• These activities are forbidden inside the
temple and they should be left outside
Adherence to Protocols
• Temple rules and etiquette are important to
the mission, particular during important
functions such as the Dharma Meetings and
Three Treasures Rituals
• Temple uniforms are: white shirt (with collar
and sleeves), black or navy-blue pants (or long
skirts for ladies) and black shoes (non-leather
preferred)
Ten Great Vows
• Adherence to the Ten Great Vows ensures that
members will not fall off the boat:
– Uphold with sincerity
--No disrespect elders
– Earnest penitence
--No disobey etiquette
– No deception
--No divulge secrets
– No withdraw
--No conceal the Tao
– No renounce the Teachers --Act according to
capacity
The Six Great Vows
• These vows ensure a successful mission and
attainment of Divine Rank:
– Value Heavenly over Earthly
– Contribution of Wealth and Dharma
– Upholding Buddhist Vegetarian Diet
– Self Sacrifice for Tao
– Establishing Buddhist Temple
– Pioneering the Tao
Conclusion
• Great responsibility is placed on the Temple
Master to make sure that the boat is steered
in the right direction and not drifted astray
• God has assigned us all to be in this boat and
it takes everyone of us to make sure we have a
great and enjoyable ride back to the highest
Heaven
• Bon Voyage Ship Pu-Lin!
Question