To all Dharma Centers:
Amitabha Buddha!
In April 2010, the International Buddhist Sangha Association issued a "Dharma Center Temple Layout Diagram." Due to the rough explanation provided by our department at that time, there were some misunderstandings regarding the points of understanding the Dharma. It is acceptable to hang the images of the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the third Panchen Lama, the simplified transmission of Buddhism, and the World Peace Award as objects of reverence in the temple. However, it is incorrect to arrange them as the formal layout for the altar.
Today, we consulted the office of the third Panchen Lama regarding this "Dharma Center Temple Layout Diagram." The office severely reprimanded the chairman of the association. The chairman of the association conducted an investigation into the personnel who handled this related layout diagram at that time. The personnel mistakenly believed that it was a hanging object of reverence for the Dharma Center and the temple's preservation. Therefore, they did not explain it clearly, resulting in the mistake. The office of the third Panchen Lama pointed out that the arrangement of this layout for worship is not in accordance with the teachings. The correct layout for worship should follow the fourth announcement issued by the office or the "Great Liberation Mudra" in the altar layout. Therefore, please be aware that if this diagram is used for display and reverence in the temple, it can be retained. However, if it is used as the formal layout for the altar, it is not in accordance with the teachings and should be corrected immediately. The correction method is to worship only one of the images. If you want to worship all four images of the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the third Panchen Lama, the World Peace Award, and the simplified transmission of Buddhism, they should be placed on different walls and have separate altars. It is best to have multiple rooms for this purpose. In fact, worshiping only one image is sufficient.
In addition, the office of the third Panchen Lama specifically pointed out to the International Buddhist Sangha Association that some people have placed Shakyamuni Buddha under the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. This is a serious impure action. Although the Panchen Lama is the ancient Buddha and the predecessor of Shakyamuni Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha is the leader of Buddhism in the Saha world. Therefore, if you want to worship Shakyamuni Buddha, you must place him in the center and not under the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. If it is necessary for the Dharma, and you want to worship the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, then you must place Shakyamuni Buddha on another wall or in another room. Do not place Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva under the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama because these Bodhisattvas are ancient Buddhas and should be treated equally. Also, please note that only Samantabhadra Tathagata, the first Panchen Lama, can be placed above the head of any Buddha. If practitioners of the "Great Liberation Mudra" need to strictly arrange the altar layout according to the "Great Liberation Mudra," otherwise, they will not receive any benefits.
This announcement is hereby made.
International Buddhist Sangha Association
February 15, 2012