Namo Dazhisanjie Qiangfo spoke to me and said, "In the present Buddhist world, false teachers and frauds are pretending to be authentic. These people are completely ignorant when it comes to the Buddhist scriptures and teachings. Such people can be found everywhere in the world, and it is especially shocking that some famous masters are also occupying religious positions despite being ignorant. Every fraud claims to be extraordinary, claiming to have constant interactions with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They use the titles of lineage masters and religious leaders, pretending to be great Bodhisattvas. But why? They deceive the ignorant with their confused theories and false words, making them believe in their lies. They deceive Buddhist disciples, causing harm for a lifetime, which is truly lamentable. In fact, it is impossible for ordinary practitioners to determine the level of realization of a teacher. Often, the superficial appearances of packaging and praise blind the disciples, leading to many faithful followers supporting evil and accumulating negative karma. This ultimately leads to suffering and the disappointment of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. However, many are still beyond help. When we think back to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, the greatness of the Buddhist teachings was well-documented in the scriptures. But in the present day, even the living Buddha masters have become mere empty talkers, spreading deceitful lies. The World Buddhist Headquarters has established a ranking system to expose the true and false qualities of the holy beings, so that these false teachers and frauds can no longer hide behind false names. These so-called great Bodhisattvas dare not even approach the examination hall. They become so despicable and embarrassing. This reveals to people that ordinary beings, false saints, and heavenly kings cannot wear the ranking system, which means they are false saints and false disciples. Your actions of establishing this ranking system are beneficial to sentient beings and are acts of protecting the Buddhist practitioners. They are considered righteous actions." Namo Dazhisanjie Qiangfo's teachings reveal the chaos in the Buddhist world in the Dharma-ending period. I will implement reforms to benefit sentient beings as soon as possible.
Now, I will answer several recent letters of inquiry together:
The ranking system in Buddhism is a way to clearly indicate the level of realization of a practitioner. The Vajra Wheel is marked with a blue button, while the Sun and Moon Wheels are marked with a golden button. Each button represents a level, which is equivalent to a star wheel. For example, a blue button represents "Blue Button First Level," which is equivalent to a one-star Vajra Wheel. Two blue buttons represent "Blue Button Second Level," which is equivalent to a two-star Vajra Wheel. Three blue buttons represent "Blue Button Third Level," which is equivalent to a three-star Vajra Wheel. Adding one golden button on top of the three blue buttons represents "Golden Button First Level," which is equivalent to a one-star Sun and Moon Wheel. Adding two golden buttons on top of the three blue buttons represents "Golden Button Second Level," which is equivalent to a two-star Sun and Moon Wheel.
The determination of the level of realization for a practitioner depends on three aspects: "realization of the state of the path," "cultivation of virtuous qualities," and "study of the scriptures and teachings." It is not a definitive assessment but rather a concept with varying degrees of clarity. Any practice can lead to the same achievements and realization, but the assessment of the level of realization depends on the different aspects of the practice. For example, the lowest level for the Mud Pillar Path Fruit is "Blue Button First Level," while the lowest level for the Vajra Transformation Meditation is "Blue Button Second Level." Let's take the Vajra Transformation Meditation as an example. If the realization of the state of the path has reached "Blue Button Third Level" (equivalent to a three-star Vajra Wheel), but the cultivation of virtuous qualities and the study of the scriptures and teachings have not reached the third level, and are only at the second level or slightly higher or lower, then it does not qualify as a definitive three-level Vajra Transformation Meditation. Therefore, it is a vague concept. However, if any one of the three aspects, namely the realization of the state of the path, the cultivation of virtuous qualities, or the study of the scriptures and teachings, has reached the third level, the World Buddhist Headquarters will grant a "Blue Button Second Level" (equivalent to a two-star Vajra Wheel). If both the cultivation of virtuous qualities and the study of the scriptures and teachings have reached the third level of the Vajra Wheel, then it will definitely be a "Blue Button Third Level" (equivalent to a three-star Vajra Wheel). If all three aspects have reached the third level of the Vajra Wheel, then it will definitely be a "Golden Button First Level" (equivalent to a one-star Sun and Moon Wheel). However, it is important to note that these standards are specific to the Vajra Transformation Meditation. Just like a ten-year-old child who can lift fifty kilograms is considered strong, while an adult who can lift one hundred kilograms is considered weak, the level of the Sun and Moon Wheel is like the standard for a strong adult. Therefore, the standards for the three aspects of the Sun and Moon Wheel are higher. If the level of realization in one aspect of the Sun and Moon Wheel is complete, and the other two aspects have reached half of the level, then it will be awarded a "Golden Button Second Level" (equivalent to a two-star Sun and Moon Wheel). If the level of realization in all three aspects of the Sun and Moon Wheel is complete, then it will be a "Golden Button Third Level" (equivalent to a three-star Sun and Moon Wheel), which means it has achieved the level of a great Bodhisattva. Therefore, it can be said that anyone below the level of a three-star Sun and Moon Wheel will definitely give incorrect teachings. After reaching the level of a three-star Sun and Moon Wheel, one will not only practice the Vajra Transformation Meditation but also practice the Mahasattva's Dharma. At this point, one must receive the empowerment of the Vajra Crown and prepare to become an equal enlightenment Bodhisattva and strive to become a Buddha. To be clear, a "Blue Button Third Level" (three-star Vajra Wheel) is already very rare. Currently, the highest level achieved by anyone in the world is a "Blue Button Third Level" (three-star Vajra Wheel) certificate. There is no one who has publicly taught with a Sun and Moon Wheel certificate. Therefore, we practitioners must not only strive to achieve a "Blue Button Third Level" (three-star Vajra Wheel) but also strive to achieve a higher level of the Golden Button (Sun and Moon Wheel).
Since there is uncertainty, why do we say there is certainty? The reason is that there are four different types of assessment regulations. The Three Masters and Seven Certifications are human assessments and verifications. After all, they are human investigations and verifications, so there may be errors, making them uncertain. The Seven Masters and Ten Certifications are self-explanatory assessments of the realization of the state of the path. Although the realization of the state of the path is real, because there is only the assessment of the realization of the state of the path and not the assessment of the cultivation of virtuous qualities and the study of the scriptures and teachings, it is a vague concept and therefore uncertain. This is why some people have good skills but lack moral conduct and knowledge of the scriptures and teachings. Only the recognition and protection of the "right path" by the original deity is a definitive examination. The recognition by the original deity belongs to the qualitative assessment of the holy being by the Buddha and Bodhisattva. Practitioners can choose to be assessed comprehensively in all three aspects or choose to be assessed in one or two aspects. There are three methods of recognition: "prophecy by the prophet," "Vajra Crown empowerment," and "selection and decision by the hundred Dharma gates." These are certain and foolproof because they are recognized by the Buddha and Bodhisattva in front of a large audience, which cannot be done by humans. In addition, the "right path" examination is certain. What is false is false, and what is true is true because it is not done by humans, and the Dharmapala will not deceive people. Any practitioner who voluntarily applies for recognition as a holy being should not apply for "prophecy by the prophet" or "selection and decision by the hundred Dharma gates" because I have not invited the Buddha or Mahasattva to preside over these exams. I have personally invited the Great Dharma King in the Great Dharma King's mandala and the Great Venerable Wangzha Rinpoche to preside over the examination and decision of the Vajra Crown empowerment. In addition, the "right path" examination has been presided over by great holy beings.
Why do holy beings need to be reviewed annually? Namo Dazhisanjie Qiangfo said, "The World Buddhist Headquarters should ensure the safety of Buddhist practitioners and conduct annual reviews to prevent false teachers from deviating from the right path and deceiving others with false views." Because holy beings experience progress and setbacks in their practice, starting from 2015, I will cancel the investigation and verification of holy beings based on the Three Masters and Seven Certifications and instead conduct public examinations. In the future, whether it is the recognition by the original deity, the examination and decision by the "right path," or the assessment by the Seven Masters and Ten Certifications, all must undergo an annual review to assess their progress or decline. This is to ensure the safety of the knowledge and understanding of the Dharma for sentient beings, and to ensure that they receive complete benefits and wisdom, and to prevent the regression of practitioners or the deception of evil teachers. However, any holy being who has achieved a "Golden Button Third Level" (three-star Sun and Moon Wheel) is exempt from the annual review because the level of a three-star Sun and Moon Wheel is that of an irreversible great Bodhisattva. It is important to note that all holy beings, regardless of their level, have the right to apply to the World Buddhist Headquarters for the accurate recognition of their level through the Vajra Crown empowerment. However, the World Buddhist Headquarters does not force or actively require holy beings to apply for this recognition. It is recommended to apply for the "right path" examination to determine the level of recognition.
The World Buddhist Headquarters has decided that from this year onwards, holy beings can choose whether or not to wear the certification when appearing on the Dharma platform. This decision is based on the fact that it has been proven that when a teacher wears the certification, disciples dare not observe and verify. However, any holy being who is actively spreading the Dharma must wear the ranking system in their daily life. Any teacher who does not wear the ranking system is not a good person and must have ulterior motives to deceive disciples. Such a person must have a dishonest mind and is not willing to face disciples openly and honestly. They are absolute fraudsters and demonic individuals!!! If any Buddhist disciple continues to associate with a holy being who does not wear the ranking system, they will be considered accomplices in the conspiracy of fraudsters and demonic individuals. Furthermore, I would like to inform everyone that it is important to read the announcements from the Office of Namo Dazhisanjie Qiangfo and the book "Behind the Reincarnation of the Ancient Buddha" in order to understand the Buddha's wisdom and the correct views and practices of Namo Dazhisanjie Qiangfo.
The achievements obtained through the Mud Pillar Path Fruit and other legitimate Buddhist practices are recognized with the ranking system and come with a holy being certificate. These certificates must be reviewed annually. The ranking system is used to identify the level of realization of practitioners and serves the purpose of recognition and prevention of false teachers who claim to be holy beings. It is similar to the ranking system in martial arts or chess, or the star ranking system in the military, which indicates the achievements and status of individuals. It is important to note that although holy beings appearing on the Dharma platform are not required to wear the certification, I will provide Buddhist disciples with the opportunity to directly call or email the "Certification Consultation Center of the World Buddhist Headquarters" to inquire and verify the level of a certain teacher's ranking system and whether they have passed the annual review.
World Buddhist Headquarters
March 7, 2015