Since 2009, the International Buddhist Sangha Association has been selecting Dharma teachers through exams. Dharma teachers from various countries and regions around the world have led everyone in respectfully listening to the Dharma teachings of the Third Dharma King, Dorje Chang Buddha III, and learning about the Buddha's teachings, ethics, and cultivation. They have delved deep into self-cultivation and implemented the two core teachings of "What is Cultivation" and "The Great Liberation Mudra" that have been publicly released on the internet. Although they have not fully achieved these teachings, they have made remarkable progress. Not only have they improved their own moral character, but more importantly, they have influenced the moral atmosphere of their communities and society as a whole, creating a compassionate, kind, united, and helpful environment that benefits all beings, effectively promoting social progress.
In order to make it more convenient for everyone to respectfully listen to the Dharma teachings of the Third Dharma King, Dorje Chang Buddha III, and to allow more qualified and virtuous individuals to become Dharma teachers in a timely manner, the International Buddhist Sangha Association has decided that from now on, anyone with the status of an Arhat or a Rinpoche can hold Dharma teacher qualification exams for others. This will allow more outstanding individuals to become Dharma teachers because these people are in close contact with you. You understand their moral qualities, how they interact with others, and their virtuous actions in cultivation better than the association does. Those who pass your assessment will be directly approved by you, and then you can report to the International Buddhist Sangha Association, who will issue Dharma teacher certificates and robes.
During the examination process, Arhats and Rinpoches must pay attention to the following points:
First, anyone who applies to become a Dharma teacher, regardless of age, gender, or race, must be a devout Buddhist. They must not only have a good personal understanding and practice of Buddhism but also be willing to help others learn and practice Buddhism. Additionally, the applicant must have at least six people listening to the Dharma from them, and they must have established a specific and detailed location for listening to the Dharma. Those who wish to apply to become a Dharma teacher should submit their application materials to the organization hosting the exam, which will then be reviewed by that organization.
Second, the examination will be supervised and graded by individuals of the Arhat level or higher. They must examine the following content:
a. The Five Precepts: not killing, not lying, not stealing, not engaging in sexual misconduct, and not consuming intoxicants.
b. The Ten Virtuous Actions: not killing but practicing liberation, not stealing but practicing generosity, not engaging in sexual misconduct but practicing celibacy, not lying but speaking the truth, not engaging in divisive speech but speaking reconciling words, not using harsh speech but speaking gentle words, not engaging in idle talk but speaking meaningful words, not being greedy but cultivating the view of impurity, not being angry but cultivating the view of compassion, not being ignorant but cultivating the view of dependent origination.
c. The Four Immeasurable Minds: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.
d. The Six Perfections: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.
Third, the Five Precepts, Ten Virtuous Actions, Four Immeasurable Minds, and Six Perfections are the basic guidelines for Buddhist disciples' conduct. If a person strives to practice these guidelines in their daily life, it indicates that they are cultivating. If everyone does this, our society will become more auspicious, and humanity will become more loving, leading to the happiness of all beings.
Fourth, if there is no person in charge of a Dharma listening location at the Arhat level or higher, an Arhat or Rinpoche can be hired to hold the exam at that location. Alternatively, you can apply to other organizations that have Dharma teacher exams. However, for independent Dharma listening locations, after the Arhat or Rinpoche helps with the exam, they can choose to remain independent if they wish. If they do not wish to remain independent, they can join the organization. Once you have ten locations, you can apply to the International Buddhist Sangha Association to become an Arhat.
Fifth, holding exams for Dharma teachers is a very serious and solemn matter. Every Rinpoche and Arhat must understand that having the qualification to hold exams for others is honorable and a reflection of personal cultivation and the merit of benefiting sentient beings. However, if there is any deception or covering up of unqualified individuals as Dharma teachers, it is a violation of precepts and not the behavior of a good cultivator. The merit and virtue will be attributed to the main examiner, and correspondingly, any negative karma caused by deception will be borne by the main examiner. The purpose is to cultivate good people who benefit others, society, and all sentient beings.
Sixth, after each Arhat or Rinpoche holds the Dharma teacher exam, they must promptly submit the approved list to the International Buddhist Sangha Association. After the association's review, they will regularly issue Dharma teacher certificates and robes. Anyone who meets the requirements to become an Arhat as a Dharma teacher can directly apply to the International Buddhist Sangha Association or have a Rinpoche apply on their behalf for approval.
Seventh, the application method: online application (the International Buddhist Sangha Association will announce the online link in the near future).
Eighth, the International Buddhist Sangha Association has the right to interpret this announcement. If anyone has any questions, please contact the International Buddhist Sangha Association directly at Email: [email protected] or [email protected].
This announcement is hereby made.
International Buddhist Sangha Association
September 15, 2011