The Meaning of "The Dharma Is Not Lightly Transmitted"

The so-called Guan Zizai is a translation, meaning you can observe your own heart and achieve freedom.

And the meaning of Bodhisattva is that you possess this brave and fearless determination.

Or you can compare it to a powerful energy, with which you can achieve liberation.

Once upon a time, I too felt lost in my own cultivation, unsure if I was going down the wrong path or straying from it.

But in a dream, I saw Guanyin Bodhisattva. Just as I was about to confess my past mistakes, fearing her reprimand.

She, with a mother's kindness, smiled at me and said, "Don't rush, take your time."

From then on, I became firm in my path of cultivation and knew I wasn't cultivating wrongly; all my insights were on the correct path.

After that, I continuously practiced, until I had complete control over myself.

Then, altruism naturally arose within me, the desire to use what I understood to help the masses.

In truth, cultivating Buddhism and understanding the Dao is both simple and complex.

It's simple in that every bit and every thought is cultivation. It's complex because of dialectical frameworks like the theory of duality.

For example, some people tell you that cultivators need a lot of money, while others say that cultivation has nothing to do with having money or not.

Which one do you think is right? Actually, both are right and both are wrong.

When they talk about cultivation, they mix in their personal perceptions and beliefs, leading to different interpretations.

True cultivation means not getting caught up in whether something exists or not. If it exists, then use it; if you have money, think about how to use it to help sentient beings.

If it doesn't exist? Even without money, there are many ways to help others.

If you dwell on existence or non-existence, you are attached to appearances and will fall into the cycle of birth and death, because existence and non-existence are opposing concepts; existence makes non-existence apparent, and non-existence makes existence apparent.

Look at how some monks preach that cultivators must accumulate wealth, arguing that without money, even basic survival is difficult, so how can one save others?

Such talk is basically heresy. Why? Are you spreading the Dharma out of altruism or for financial gain?

If it's out of altruism, how can you expect a return? If you seek a return, isn't that just a transaction?

Do you understand? Anyone who promotes the Dao with ulterior motives is actually after your pocket change.

What is compassion? Not seeking anything in return is compassion. Not expecting any reward is the greatest compassion and merit.

What is merit? After helping someone, not expecting a return, the genuine joy you feel is merit.

This is the key to altruism.

If altruism is followed by a desire for wealth or ulterior motives, then this altruism is not genuine.

Some friends might say, "Isn't that foolish?" No, it's not foolish; it's actually great wisdom.

The resources you obtain are not sought, but rather, by helping others without expecting anything in return, this virtue naturally brings its own rewards.

This is why you see some eminent monks and Daoist masters who don't touch money, yet seem to have their needs met. Many believers or disciples genuinely take care of their food and lodging, simply so their masters can dedicate more time to spreading the Dharma and the Dao.

Remember this: anything that uses the guise of cultivation to earn money is a transaction, not spreading the Dharma.

The true meaning of "The Dharma is not lightly transmitted, the Dao is not sold cheaply" doesn't mean it's not transmitted easily, nor does it mean you need a lot of money to buy it.

This phrase needs to be understood separately. The true meaning of "The Dharma is not lightly transmitted" is that you shouldn't just preach the Dharma to anyone. When sentient beings' wisdom is not yet awakened, imparting this knowledge to them will not only fail to help them but will also bring much suffering to both them and yourself. It means helping those who truly need help and seek your guidance, not preaching to everyone you meet.

The meaning of "The Dao is not sold cheaply" has absolutely nothing to do with money. It means that the Great Dao cannot be measured by money or other things, nor can it be used for profit. Furthermore, it cannot be easily transmitted to others. Instead, it depends on a person's character and moral quality. Only those with a righteous heart and righteous thoughts can be taught. It should not be taught lightly to others for the sake of money or profit.

Many demons and monsters have distorted its true meaning, using these phrases repeatedly to extort money from people when they are charging for their services or committing fraud.

They constantly say, "The Dharma is not lightly transmitted, the Dao is not sold cheaply," and that their followers need to offer sacrifices and tributes, giving you a long list of reasons to demand money.

They'll even tell you they are acting on behalf of Heaven! How laughable! Truly laughable!

What kind of "acting on behalf of Heaven" requires asking people for money? Heaven or gods, do you think they need the good things you offer as tribute?

Of the tribute items you buy, which ones aren't things you yourself like to eat? Which ones haven't you eaten? What have you given the statues? Besides the cheap incense you light endlessly, haven't you benefited from everything else?

Why are you pretending to be some great master in front of me? Aren't you just doing your job? What are you talking to me about? Damn it!

The ancient saying goes, "As Heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentleman should constantly strive for self-perfection." You lot, on the other hand, maintain vigor through deception, truly despicable.

No wonder there are so many demons and monsters nowadays! Look at them, appearing human, saying "Amitabha" and "Boundless Heavenly Venerate" with every breath, and farting when they're not speaking.

Good heavens! Every single one of them is a master of accumulating wealth. So, this is how you cultivate the Dao, Buddhism, and become a Spirit Medium, huh?

The pure Buddhist temple, you've turned it into a publicly listed company! The free and unfettered Daoist mountain, you've turned it into a cultural tourist attraction!

The most infuriating are those who act as Spirit Mediums. Ninety-nine out of a hundred are swindlers. One moment they'll fool you into believing one thing, the next they'll have you believing another.

When they can't trick any more money out of you, they'll turn around and say they need to uphold righteousness and ward off evil. Damn it all, they've fooled these common folk.

Their own sons and daughters, who can barely read or write, are lazy and constantly complaining about aches and pains. After taking a cold medicine, they go out and party all night, only to end up becoming Spirit Mediums.

Holding a stick of incense in one hand, they'll sway their heads, leaving you confused. Heh, damn it, these scumbags have made the human world a mess.

In the end, the most basic trust between people has been destroyed by these bastards. Now, when someone strikes up a conversation or asks for directions, you have to think for a long time, wondering if they're from a pyramid scheme, trying to trick you into becoming a Spirit Medium!

The reason I'm saying all this isn't because I can't stand it; there's nothing I can't stand. My attention isn't focused on such trivial matters.

It's just that by saying this, I hope to bring some caution to certain people, so that in the future, when they encounter similar situations, they won't be at a loss.

Don't panic, don't be intimidated. See clearly whether they are human or ghost before you believe them. Don't end up being played by a ghost and then claim it's a true god. Don't you agree?