CONTENTS Preface Chapter 1: Differences between Mahayana Buddhism and pseudo-Buddhist Cults
02 21
Chapter 2: Beware of “Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door” of Lu Tai Zhang
29
Chapter 3: Frequently Asked Questions about Lu Tai Zhang
43
Chapter 4: Beware of “Bodhi Meditation” of Jin Bodhi
61
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions about Jin Bodhi
71
Chapter 6: Other Types of Pseudo-Buddhist Cult
85
Chapter 7: Prevent Buddhists from becoming pseudo- Buddhists
93
Chapter 8: Some Suggestions to Counter Pseudo- Buddhist Cults
101
Chapter 9: Concluding Remarks
114
Appendix
119
(Joint Statement Made by Major Buddhist Groups Regarding “Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door” of Lu Tai Zhang)
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this lead to an ugly shouting match, instead, we should handle the issue in a calm and polite manner without anger or indignation. Question 25: After attending Lu Tai Zhang’s “Ten Thousand People’s Gathering”, some participants were reported to have seen certain propitious signs appearing in the sky, resembling Guan Yin Bodhisattva standing above some clouds. Is this not a convincing proof that Lu is propagating the right Dharma? Answer: To quote the Diamond Sutra: “A person who looks for me in physical form or seeks me in voice is indulging in deviant way. Such person sees me not”. This stanza cautions us not to be enticed by external sights and sounds. Our Buddha nature resides within us; it is futile to seek outside. The authenticity of a Dharma assembly does not depend on seeing any so-called auspicious signs, let alone citing it as concrete evidence on how excellent the assembly has been. Do not have the idea that when some “auspicious clouds” which seem to look like Guan Yin Bodhisattva appear after Lu’s big gathering, his assembly has been blessed and his teachings are endorsed by Guan Yin Bodhisattva. From a Buddhist viewpoint, we should instead note some serious faults which took place in Lu Tai Zhang’s so-called big “Dharma assembly”. For instance, it is most ridiculous to have a person in robe on stage to enquire Lu (a lay person who distorted many basic teachings of the Buddha and has a lot of misconceptions about orthodox Buddhism) whether another deceased monk has been reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. For a “monk” to consult such a lay person who hardly understands the Pure Land practice, it is surely one of the oddest things. Due to this kind of serious faults, we have to cast doubts on the wholesomeness of Lu Tai Zhang’s “Dharma assembly”. If what Lu propagates in his big gathering is in accordance with the BuddhaDharma, after listening to his talk in the assembly, his followers should not become more deluded, not able to distinguish between recitation of Sutras/ Mantras and burning of yellow paper (“little house” ritual). Buddhists require the Great Compassionate Mantra, but not that “little house” ritual stipulated by Lu Tai Zhang. Merits are derived from the recitation of Sutras and Mantras, not from the “little house” ritual. If the practitioner needs to keep count, a piece of paper of any colour can be used, with whatever proper markings, not necessarily yellow paper and making small red dots as specified by Lu.
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