Determination by Holy Selection on the Regression or Progression on the Bodhi Path
The status of a Tai Zun is far superior to that of a Dharma King. A Tai Zun attains their position through genuine realization and holy verification, whereas the title of Dharma King is merely an empty name granted by ordinary people. Although a Tai Zun holds a higher status, I had never personally witnessed one perform a Dharma ritual—until yesterday, May 14th, when the conditions finally ripened.
This great Maha Sattva, a Five-Vajra Tai Zun, whom we also respectfully refer to as Sheng Zun (Holy Venerable), conducted a Dharma assembly at the World Buddhism Headquarters alongside us monastics. He publicly performed the profound “Determination by Holy Selection on the Regression or Progression on the Bodhi Path” for a devoted disciple engaged in Buddhist practices. This experience opened my eyes to the sacred realm—leaving me in utter astonishment, complete prostration, and deep repentance.
It turns out that the “Determination by Holy Selection on the Regression or Progression on the Bodhi Path” is truly the supreme Dharma among Dharmas. Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III said: “This is the Invincible Vajra Dharma to Enable Buddhist Practitioners to Achieve Accomplishment.” If an individual with such advanced cultivation conducts this Dharma successfully before the congregation, then this individual must be a Bodhisattva or a Buddha, a Tremendous Holy Guru. I had longed to attend such a Dharma assembly, and now, after countless lifetimes, I finally had the rare fortune to witness it. Knowing the preciousness of this opportunity, I cherished every second. Eager to observe the holy manifestation, I positioned myself about four feet away, keeping my eyes wide open to capture every detail.
All of us present fixed our gaze upon the disciple receiving the empowerment as she carefully counted and placed ten Bodhi pills into a porcelain cup. Sheng Zun, standing at a distance, never approached the cup throughout the ritual. Suddenly, as the Dharma was being performed, the cup began to emit a radiant glow, and a rare, enchanting fragrance filled the air. Then, with the striking of a bell—a sound unlike any ordinary chime, as if rolling through the waves of wind—the entire grand hall became immersed in an atmosphere of auspiciousness, deeply touching our souls.
At that moment, all I could see was the cup before me; the hall and the offerings seemed to vanish. I felt as if I were seated on soft, floating air, my body gently spinning, yet my gaze remained fixed on the cup. Then, in an eerie stillness, beyond all worldly distractions, an extraordinary event unfolded—the ten Bodhi pills inside the cup suddenly increased to thirteen. It was truly miraculous! Upon recounting, there was no doubt—the number had indeed grown.
The disciple’s sincerity had brought forth such an extraordinary blessing. From that moment on, the Bodhi pills she possessed would continue to multiply, allowing her to take one each day or month, ensuring longevity, perfect health, and boundless wisdom and merit, ultimately leading to enlightenment.
What is most admirable about Sheng Zun is that despite possessing such an extraordinary level of realization, he remains entirely free from ego and desire for fame. He told us:
“Once the Bodhi pills have been empowered, they are empowered. This is the blessing of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—it is not my doing. Do not mention me. If anyone brings up my Dharma name, you will not be allowed to attend any future Dharma assemblies I conduct. We are all disciples of the Buddha; what matters is cultivating ourselves in accordance with the Dharma, not using titles to show off.”
He then turned to the disciple and said:
“I will take one Bodhi pill and offer it to my revered teacher, Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III, as a blessing for tomorrow’s holy Buddha’s birthday—may auspiciousness and joy be eternal.”
Sheng Zun’s humility and detachment from worldly fame stand in stark contrast to the hollow titles of false Dharma Kings. His transcendent virtue is an unparalleled model for all practitioners and a wake-up call for my own self-reflection.
With profound repentance, I now make a solemn vow before the Buddhas of the ten directions—to cultivate the Dharma with utmost sincerity, to awaken myself and help others awaken.
A Repentant Buddhist Disciple,
Bhikshu Liao Zheng
May 15, 2021
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/02/07/a-sacred-experience-beyond-imagination/
Peace LiLy 