THE TEN GREAT VOWS

As we know, there are three kinds of people whom Buddha cannot lead them to cultivation : those without affinity, those without faith and those without will. We know that Buddha is very benevolent and his vow is to bring salvation to the world. Then why did Buddha reject these three kinds of people? Well, these three kinds of people are really impossible to be saved.

Firstly, let us take the example of acquiring Tao. If we did not cultivate during our past lives, how can we be born in this third stage and have the chance to meet the Ming Shi who bring salvation to the San Cao?

There is a saying :

7. "Rootless grass cannot be noursihed by heavy rain. A person without affinity will not benefit from the widespread of Buddha's teaching."

8. "A person with affinity will be born during a Buddha's lifetime. A person without affinity will be born after Buddha's lifetime."

The seniors also said:

83. "Fifty years ago, the Great Tao was not widely transmitted yet. Fifty years from now, it would be quite difficult to acuqire the Great Tao."

Thus we know that affinity is very important in order to acquire the Great Tao.

Secondly, why can't Buddha save thouse who do not have faith? This is because they may have the affinity to meet with the Great Tao and the Ming Shi, but unfortunately, they do not believe them. They wonder whether Tao is a deception and remain hesitant in exploring further. No matter how much you have told them, they are just unable to accept it. This group of people will not be easily persuaded to acquire the Great Tao.

There is a common saying:

84. "If you do not recognise Immortal Han Xiang Zi when you meet him, it is impossible to meet Immortal Lyu Dong Bin later on." *33

On the other hand, affinity without faith is also insufficient. That is to say that although they have the affinity but do not have faith, they will miss the chance of acquiring Tao. It will be quite impossible for them to look for the same opportunity again. That is why we say "without faith one will not have the chance to acquire Tao".

Lastly, those who do not wish to seek salvation will not be saved. Vows are necessary to show us the direction for cultivation. Although every one of us makes different vows, we should all aim to be better people, taking after Buddha's footsteps so that we can return to Heaven. Making vows are also another way to show our sincerity to cultivate ourselves and it is impossible to gain ultimate englightenment without making any vows.

The Yin Shi and the Bao Shi *34 have vowed in front of the altar to guarantee that the Tao and the Tian Ming are true. They have also guaranteed that we are good and kind hearted people. As for us, we have to pledge our faith in Tao by making the Ten Great Vows on the day of Tao acquisition, we might have forgotten them by now. So let's revise them together.