The Art of Teaching the Dharma

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Venerable Master Chin Kung, who now resides in the Western Dharma-Nature Land. This account reflects upon his insights into the nature of teaching the Dharma, recorded by Venerable HaiZe at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia on December 28, 2022.

Venerable Master Chin Kung speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, the topic given to me by Namo Amituofo is 'Chin Kung Teaches the Dharma.' For me, this is not a difficult subject, as teaching the Dharma has been my life's work. During my sixty years in the human world, I spoke on the Dharma every single day. Yet, looking back, the one phrase I most admire is: 'The Dharma has no fixed form.' To be qualified to speak of this, to embody this, and to truly benefit sentient beings through this principle, one must be an awakened being. This is because all Dharmas exist within the state of 'emptiness' and 'non-existence.' An awakened being realises this emptiness, walks the righteous path, and ensures that every word and action aligns with the ultimate Truth and the universal principles of the cosmos."

The Fluidity of Wisdom

"The world is defined by impermanence, and the human heart is equally fickle, changing from moment to moment. Because of this, our actions and words must also adapt. A method that is perfectly suited for you in this minute may be entirely ineffective in the next. Therefore, a wise true spiritual friend—an awakened being—must be capable of constant adjustment. Sometimes, those who are listening or working under such a teacher may feel confused: 'Why did the teacher say one thing a moment ago and change it now?' It is because the circumstances have shifted. If one lacks the ability to observe these subtle changes, or if one lacks the skill to respond appropriately, one will simply continue with an outdated method. The result of such rigidity is merely the accumulation of karma—good or bad, right or wrong, all dictated by the Law of Cause and Effect.

However, those who possess true Wisdom and virtue can see the reality of a situation clearly. They have the power to transform the method, the behaviour, and the speech. If you follow their guidance, the outcome will also transform. This result is no longer a product of mere karma; it is a manifestation of the Dharma. It often leads to results that are truly eye-opening and beyond expectation. It can turn a major crisis into a minor one, or even dissolve a problem into nothingness. This is what we call 'dissolving karma.' Even if it does not fully dissolve, it significantly reduces the burden. Is this not a magnificent opportunity? Such chances are rare, unless you have the fortune to meet a great practitioner or receive the guidance of a Buddha or Bodhisattva. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, all these conditions are present. But the question remains: are you willing to be taught? We have Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su here. But can you, as a student, accept the practice of 'no fixed form'? Some people grumble, thinking the true spiritual friend is intentionally making things difficult. When you think this way, your heart is already polluted by doubt, and even the most profound Dharma cannot benefit you. Even if you follow the instructions, your heart is not pure, and you will not receive the full benefit."

The Path of Obedience

"If you are a true student, you must have one hundred per cent faith in your true spiritual friend and simply listen. If they ask you to do something, and then change it a moment later, you should follow without hesitation, without suspicion, and without grumbling. This is the correct way. It shows that you have already begun to let go of the 'self.' You have taken the first step toward no-self. Congratulations! Next, by trusting Namo Amituofo and your true spiritual friend, you follow their words without doubt, and you have taken the second step. By following through, you will receive the benefits of the Dharma. This is the advantage of being obedient—and you are listening to Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su! Throughout the vastness of the Dharma Realm, in the six realms of existence and beyond, there are immeasurable, boundless beings listening to their lectures. They are the great guides for all sentient beings. You are one of these beings. If you listen, you are the one who benefits—not the Buddha, not the Bodhisattvas, and not the true spiritual friend. You lose nothing; you only gain immense benefits.

Even if difficulties arise, you have Namo Amituofo, the Bodhisattvas, and your true spiritual friend to face them with you. Any confusion or problem can be resolved through their guidance, and you even have the protection of the Dharma protectors. You only need to listen and follow instructions. How wonderful is that? Many practitioners seek such an opportunity for lifetimes, yet here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, it is easily accessible. Because Namo Amituofo, Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, and Practitioner Su are caring for everyone twenty-four hours a day, you can request teachings at any time. It is truly enviable. If you do not understand the importance of listening and diligent practice, it is a great pity! This is a point about 'no fixed form' that many do not understand, and I am taking this opportunity to clarify it. Everything depends on whether your heart truly believes in the Buddha."

Adapting to the Audience

"Furthermore, one who is skilled in teaching the Dharma must observe the capacity of the audience. If you are speaking to a group, you must look at the root capacity of the majority, understand their problems, and offer the Dharma that resolves the confusion in their hearts. Do not use overly profound Buddhist terminology. Instead, make the Dharma part of daily life. Use language they can understand, explain deep truths in simple ways, and let them feel the benefit so that they are willing to listen and follow. If they achieve positive change, your teaching has been successful. If the audience is a group of Pure Land practitioners, you must mention Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Share examples of monastics and lay practitioners who have successfully chanted the Buddha's name, especially those who knew the time of their passing and successfully achieved rebirth in the Western Pure Land. When everyone listens with interest, the time, energy, and effort spent on the lecture are well worth it. At the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, there are so many successful examples of Chao Du and rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss that we can share to increase everyone's confidence in practice, Awakening, and rebirth.

Before teaching, let the audience chant the Buddha's name ten times. This purifies the environment and the body, mind, and spirit of everyone present. It also gives every listener and the beings within their bodies a chance to plant a Vajra Seed of Bodhi, providing everyone with an opportunity for salvation and liberation."

The Power of Awakening

"Individual teaching is different. You must speak according to the person's capacity and understanding, offering a method that they can accept at that moment. Sometimes, Awakening occurs in that very instant; this depends entirely on the skill of the teacher. Sometimes, I teach without a set topic, allowing those present to ask questions about their doubts. I then answer them based on their inquiries. Although I have not reached full Awakening, I have the blessings of the Buddha. In my sixty years of lecturing, I have been able to answer the questions of those who listen. This is the experience of a teacher.

Now that I am no longer in the human world, I have passed on the methods and precautions for lecturing to my successors. I have fulfilled my duty; how they apply these methods is up to them. Before one is Awakened, one must teach according to the Dharma, not according to one's own opinions. Rely on the Dharma, not on the person; rely on the meaning, not on the words; rely on the ultimate truth, not on the incomplete; rely on Wisdom, not on consciousness. This is something every teacher must remember."

Infinite Space and the Dharma

"If one is Awakened, it is different. The teachings of an Awakened being are magnificent; they flow naturally with the Dharma and can be delivered anywhere, at any time. They can teach beings in any space without prior preparation, because all Dharmas are already within their hearts. If there is material to show them, it can be used as a teaching aid. Sometimes they point directly to the truth; sometimes they use one example to explain many, bringing up things that people have never had the chance to encounter, see, or think about. You must believe their words, for they can help you broaden your horizons and your mind-capacity. This world and the universe are certainly not limited to what the physical eyes can see. I now believe that space is infinite and cannot be fully observed or researched by scientists. The eyes of an Awakened being penetrate time and space; what they see and hear covers the six realms of existence and spaces beyond the ten directions. Therefore, you can learn much from the teachings of an Awakened being. Everyone must believe, listen carefully, and learn diligently. If you accept this, listen, and are fiercely diligent, your progress will be visible, and Awakening will be within reach.

Today, the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre has Practitioner Su, an Awakened being, teaching the Dharma. In the future, we look forward to a second, a third, and many more Awakened beings teaching everyone. In this way, the Pure Land will surely be widely spread. Knowing the time of one's passing and being reborn in the Western Pure Land will no longer be a dream, but a reality realised in this world. If you are invited to teach, especially if you are an Awakened being, you can draw upon the Dharma naturally. As for me, because of the Dharma affinities I have cultivated, I have often been welcomed by many, bringing them confidence in rebirth. Such invitations are opportunities to spread the Dharma. This foundation of followers is the best opportunity to introduce Namo Amituofo at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I hope that by speaking as a spirit, I can tell everyone this: you must believe, as it will directly help you fulfil the vow of rebirth in the Western Pure Land.

'Faith is the source of the path and the mother of all virtues'—this is a profound truth, the wisdom of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. As for the audience, there are no limits. People teaching people is the usual situation. But beyond the people we see with our physical eyes, there are many beings in different dimensions who are also listening. People cannot see them, but those with 'open eyes' can. Beings in higher dimensions naturally know what people are doing and can listen to the Dharma freely. However, for beings in lower dimensions—even air molecules are sentient beings—their space must be 'opened' for them to hear the teacher. Otherwise, they exist in a different space and cannot hear or understand the Dharma, thus missing the benefits.

An Awakened being has the ability to open these spaces. Opening space is the specialty of Practitioner Su. Therefore, when Practitioner Su lectures, the beings in the spaces and Dharma Realms he delivers can hear and understand the Dharma. From the Milky Way down to the hells, the spiritual realms, earthly creatures, and even the smallest insects can hear the Dharma, converse with Practitioner Su, and receive Chao Du. It is truly magnificent! Therefore, you must actively, earnestly, and diligently listen to and learn from the Dharma taught by an Awakened being. Your practice will progress quickly, and the results will be visible. You will feel filled with Dharma joy. This is very important. That is all for today. Namo Amituofo."