In this collection of teachings titled “The Buddha that I know” (Volume 270), Living Buddha Lian-sheng addresses the controversy surrounding the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra.
Provisional translation by Jaye Tan, proofread by Charlotte Frejya-Richwoods
Living Buddha Lian Sheng holds the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra in high esteem, and many individuals who recite this sutra report remarkable and auspicious experiences. But what makes this scripture so efficacious, and what is its illustrious origin? Living Buddha Lian-sheng reveals the incredible truth in –
“Is The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra a Pseudo-Sutra?”
Master Lianchi stated: “The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra is a pseudo-sutra!” Additionally, Master Jingkong remarked: “Why not recite the Universal Gate Chapter of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva?” These are comments from a master and a venerable, and there are still many debates on this issue.
Living Buddha Lian-sheng’s affinity with the High King Sutra began at the Jade Emperor Temple where he had his divine eyes opened by Golden Mother. He received the sutra from Ven. Master Shi Hui Ling, the abbot of the temple, who, handed him a thin scripture, namely, the High King Avalokitesvara Sutra.
Living Buddha Lian Sheng commenced reciting the sutra at the age of twenty-six and has continued without interruption until the age of seventy-four. Regardless of his location – be it on boats, airplanes or trips – he maintained a constant recitation. Though aware that this scripture is not directly spoken by the Buddha and is considered a “dream-transmitted sutra,” he sees no harm in it.
The High King Avalokitesvara Sutra encompasses various elements, including:
Three Refuges
Great Spiritual Mantras, Great Wisdom Mantra, Supreme Mantra, Unequalled Mantra.
An affinity with the Pure Land opens the Dharma Doors.
The shining Buddha: the Pure Light Secret Buddha, Sumeru Light King Buddha, Medicine Crystal Light Buddha, Universal Light Merit Mountain King Buddha, Fixed Light Buddha.
The Seven Past Buddhas, the Future Thousand Buddhas of this fortunate eon, the Present Buddhas. (the Buddhas of the three time periods)
Buddhas in the ten directions.
Eight great Bodhisattvas, Medicine King Bodhisattva, and other Supreme Medicine Bodhisattvas
The Billions of Clear Cool Treasure Mountain Bodhisattvas
The Ten Billions Vajra Treasury Buddhas.
The Seven World-Honored Buddhas Mantra.
I was fascinated by:
‘one is liberated from the sufferings of birth and death, and freed from all the many kinds of suffering, by reciting the sutra one thousand times.’
Witnessing its miraculous effects, I have not only continued reciting it myself but also encouraged others to do the same.
The High King Sutra has miraculous effects, a fact widely known. From ancient times to the present, there are numerous stories of miraculous occurrences. Master Sheng Yen stated: “Devotees, while reciting, have not experienced any adverse consequences.”
I personally went to seek clarity from the Buddha. I asked the Buddha:
“Is the High King Sutra spoken by you, the Buddha, directly?”
The Buddha answered:
“No.”
I inquired:
“If it’s not spoken by you, does that make it a spurious scripture?”
The Buddha replied:
“No.”
Confused, I asked:
“I am perplexed; it’s not spoken by the Buddha, and it’s not a spurious scripture. What is it, then?”
The Buddha answered:
“It was transmitted through a dream by the Pure Light Secret Buddha. Many scriptures, spoken by various Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and wise sages, are for the benefit of all sentient beings. All of these are genuine teachings!”
I further asked:
“How can one distinguish between what is genuine and what is not?”
The Buddha answered:
“Apply the three Dharma seals. If it aligns with them, it is genuine Dharma; if not, it is not.”