MASTER LU’S WORDS OF ADVICE ON WEI TUO BODHISATTVA’S BIRTHDAY
Caller: Hi Master, I hope you are well. Tomorrow is the third day of the sixth lunar month, which happens to be the birthday of Wei Tuo Bodhisattva, one of the dharma protectors, it would be great if you could give us a word or two about the upcoming special day.
Master Jun Hong Lu: Aren’t all of you dharma protectors too? Every dharma protector has had his fair share of life experiences, just like Guan Di Bodhisattva. Actually, while protecting the dharma, you are practising the teachings, and while learning the teachings, you are also learning to protect the dharma. Hence, the act of upholding and practising the dharma are interconnected. One who upholds the dharma is surely someone who is extremely diligent in his Buddhist practice and a very good virtuous teacher.
All of you must learn from all these major dharma protectors. Each of these Vajra Bodhisattvas, including the 500 arhats, have had their fair share of life experience after going through innumerable trials and tribulations through which their resolve was finely honed to become as solid as a diamond. At times, it is life challenges and misery that make us grow. I hope everyone can understand this principle.
Regardless of which Bodhisattva’s birthday it is, we must harness reverential gratitude towards Them and to learn from Them, as only then, are we better able to forge ahead in our Buddhist practice. The Six Paramitas encompass all methods of salvation. Hence, those who are able to practise the Six Perfections, are able to conquer any task and think of solutions to any problem that comes along. This is why we should emulate the spirit of these Bodhisattvas.
Wei Tuo Bodhisattva is extremely dignified. You can see His stately appearance in the temples. Furthermore, Wei Tuo Bodhisattva looks very pleasing in appearance, having the absolute solemn appearance of a Bodhisattva. He is known as Wei Tuo Bodhisattva in many temples as He is no longer just a deity who protects the dharma, rather He has attained the status of a Bodhisattva. It is just that He is an important Bodhisattva who is dedicated to upholding the dharma — the Triple Gems of Buddhism, that is, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Do you understand?
Source: Wenda20170625A 00:51, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program