What is a “Dharma Boat”? By Henry Chu Pu-Lin Temple Master

Introduction The concept of Dharma Boat comes from the Buddha’s teaching of Bodhisattva vows Buddha sees this world as a suffering sea (Samsara) and that spirits are drowning in this suffering sea of life and death One of the vows of a Bodhisattva is to be the ferry rider that rescues drowning spirits from the suffering sea and take them to the shore

Introduction Due to the massive number of spirits in this world, another name given to the Bodhisattva is the Eternal Ferry Riders The ferry that carries the spirits from this world to the Eternal Heaven is called a Dharma Boat It is the intension of the presenter to reveal some basic attributes and distinctions of the Dharma Boat

Spreading the True Teaching The mission of the Dharma Boat is to ferry the destine spirits from this world to the highest level of the Heaven of Truth Therefore the focus of the activities should be on the spreading of the true Teachings (Three Treasures) and the assistances of the spirits on their cultivations and overcoming of spiritual obstacles

Respecting Divine Connection The mission of the Dharma Boat comes directly from God to the Buddha and then to Grand Elder, Elder, Transmission Master and then to the Temple Master (this is called the Golden Thread). Therefore, a great deal of respect is paid to all who are apart of the Golden Thread. It is also a way for us to express our thanks for their sacrifices, guidance and blessings.

Outreach with Wu-Way Only the destined spirits who are assigned to the Dharma Boat is allowed to get on board and so there is no Proselytizing of the Tao However, it is our responsibilities to reach out to the destined spirits so we can truly fulfill our number. Therefore we utilize the concept of Wu-Way and allowing personal relationships and connections to guide our outreach

Safeguarding the Mission There are elements in this world that can penetrate the Dharma Boat and capsize the ship and they are: wealth, power and sex The Great Teachers understood these elements and installed the Three Forbidden: No Finance, No Politics and No Romance These activities are forbidden inside the temple and they should be left outside

Adherence to Protocols Temple rules and etiquette are important to the mission, particular during important functions such as the Dharma Meetings and Three Treasures Rituals Temple uniforms are: white shirt (with collar and sleeves), black or navy-blue pants (or long skirts for ladies) and black shoes (non-leather preferred)

Ten Great Vows Adherence to the Ten Great Vows ensures that members will not fall off the boat: – Uphold with sincerity--No disrespect elders – Earnest penitence--No disobey etiquette – No deception--No divulge secrets – No withdraw--No conceal the Tao – No renounce the Teachers--Act according to capacity

The Six Great Vows These vows ensure a successful mission and attainment of Divine Rank: – Value Heavenly over Earthly – Contribution of Wealth and Dharma – Upholding Buddhist Vegetarian Diet – Self Sacrifice for Tao – Establishing Buddhist Temple – Pioneering the Tao

Conclusion Great responsibility is placed on the Temple Master to make sure that the boat is steered in the right direction and not drifted astray God has assigned us all to be in this boat and it takes everyone of us to make sure we have a great and enjoyable ride back to the highest Heaven Bon Voyage Ship Pu-Lin!

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