..续本文上一页 no uncertain terms reveal the Buddha”s intended meanings. It is something as rare as the morning star for one to encounter in this age of spiritual degeneration. Should you aspire to practice it, you must first receive the requisite empowerment and also complete all the preliminary practices. Having established a solid foundation, if you exert yourself under the guidance of an authentic teacher with strong faith, you will attain the subtle realization with ease.

　　In recent years, due to the barriers of language, transportation, or historical record, many college students have held erroneous views toward Tibetan Buddhism, especially the Secret Mantrayana. When I was at the China University in Hong Kong, I had spoken frankly at the occasion of critiquing their Buddhist essays: “It is commendable that you as college students today have some faith as well as interest in the Dharma. But regrettably you do not know enough of Tibetan Buddhism and your understanding is kind of shallow. For instance, your descriptions on the thangka culture, the charnel ground, and the human bone ritual implement in the essays are done out of curiosity alone; you have not grasped the profound meaning behind them.”

　　I believe that any historical account or practice of Tibetan Buddhism can completely withstand the closest scrutiny, as they are backed by ample scripture evidence and have been validated by many lineage masters. It is absolutely nothing like folk religions that deal with the mysterious power of ghosts and spirits. If you truly want know Tibetan Buddhism thoroughly, then please do not stop short as dilettantes, dig in deeply into its many facets.

　　Really, my talk today is sort of impromptu, as I have not done much preparation. In the remaining time, let”s discuss together the questions you may have.

　　[1]According to some historic account, King Songtsen Gampo in his reign communicated with monks of the Tang Dynasty and discussed the Dharma with them.

　　[2] Kamalaśīla was an Indian Buddhist of Nalanda Mahavihara. He and Shantarakshita, also from the Nalanda, are scholars of Svatantrika Madhyamaka.

　　[3] Those who truly understand the meaning of the Great Perfection or Mahamudra will not practice this way but instead will build a solid foundation first and then move on higher practices gradually.

　　[4] Shantaraksita was requested by King Trisong Detsen to preside over the ordination of Tibet”s first seven monks and gave them vows according to Sarvāstivāda Vinaya. The so-called seven men who were tested were:: Ba Trizhi (rba khri gzigs), also known as Nanam Dorje Dudjom (sna nam rdo rje bdud ”joms); Ba Selnang (sba gsal snang); Pagor Vairocana; Ngenlam Gyelwa Choyang (rgyal ba mchog dbyangs); Khonlui Wangpo Sungwa (”khon klu”i dbang po srung ba); Ma Rinchen Chog (rma rin chen mchog); and Lasum Gyalwa Jangchub (la gsum rgyal ba byang chub). Other different names were also found in Tibetan Buddhist literature.

　　[5]Wei Yuan, an idealistic torchbearer, politician and litterateur of Qing dynastywhoonce made the proposal “to conquer foreign countries, first learn the advanced technologies from them” had this critique onthe emperors of Yuan Dynasty:” Each of them is brave and stately, open-minded and generous; though the majority did not live to old age, they carry themselves with aristocratic bearing. And: “The Yuan Dynasty is remarkable. Its vast land, riches, military power, and material resources surpass those of the Han and Tang Dynasties. Its seven emperors ruling the Han land are all heroic and majestic; none of them are fatuous tyrant.”

　　[6] The Cool Charnel Ground is said be located at the present day Wutai Mountain.

　　[7] As the time was in the remote past, no explicit information on the location of Jixiang Gate can be found in the Han archives. Deducing from historical accounts and the teachings from past masters, the location should correspond to present-day Xian city.

《The Characteristics and Essential Ideology of Tibetan Buddhism》全文阅读结束。