HOW DO WE DETERMINE IF WE ARE GENUINE IN OUR SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION
Caller: Many Buddhist practitioners are looked upon by their fellow practitioners to be spiritually well cultivated, and yet calamities and karmic passes are bound to befall them at such an untimely manner, rendering them helpless.
Master has said that it is not possible to ascertain the spiritual cultivation of others, but we are able to judge for ourselves whether we have been genuine in our cultivation. In this regard, how do we know whether we are true to our cultivation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: To ascertain your spiritual cultivation, only you know it best. There isn’t a need to get others to judge because true cultivation is all in your heart. Use your conscience to judge for yourself whether what you do is right or wrong. Don’t tell me you don’t have a clue?!
Caller: I understand now. This means that instead of doing things stealthily, all of our future undertakings should be above board, that is, in full view of others, including ourselves.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Absolutely! Bring everything above board. Failing to do so can only mean you have veered off the right path. Think about it, why do certain people whisper in others’ ears? By doing so, you are not giving others the respect and it shows that you are treading the wrong path. What is there to be so secretive about?
Caller: Many Buddhist practitioners are involved in organising group life liberation or dharma sharing sessions. It looks like we should set aside a bit of time for self-cultivation, during which we can perform some self-introspection. Am I right to say so?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Such group activities should be organised above board with three to four people taking charge. Do you understand? No one single person should unilaterally be in charge. Besides, people of reasonably young age should not be directly involved in handling the finances of such group activities. This is why there are cashiers and accountants in a bank.
Caller: Sure! Thank you, Master.
Source: Wenda20141102A 06:29, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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