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Master's Manjusri Sword By a Quan Yin messenger

I used to have a strong, passionate nature, yet by Master's and God's arrangement, I joined the monastic order and pursued spiritual practice. Ten years have flown by since then. Meanwhile, I have been able to abide by the monastic rules and live up to my expectations. Now that I think back, it all seems incredible. It invokes in me nothing less than the deepest admiration for Master's successful education and meticulous protection of us. Without Her, I could not have safely overcome the countless struggles and trials in my life over the years.

For example, I recall a Truth-sharing event overseas where we had a shortage of staff workers. As a result, a sister initiate and I often worked together until midnight. Perhaps it was a mutual interest or aspiration between us that led to mutual appreciation. We enjoyed each other's company and became very close, as though we were from the same family. Whenever I asked her for help, she would do her best to do what she could. Later, she would, on her own initiative, offer to help without my having to ask her. And this touched me deeply.

One day, I became aware that something was not quite right. Quickly I reminded myself that I was Master's monastic disciple and that I should be careful in body, speech and thought. However, things did not improve. Improper thoughts often arose in my mind. At this time, I thought of Manjusri Bodhisattva's wisdom sword that Master had once mentioned. I raised this sword but did not have the strength to bring it down. Without hesitation, I asked the inner Master for help. It worked. Not long after, an incident occurred where this sister initiate reprimanded me, which was very unlike her usual self. I immediately knew that Manjusri's sword had done its work. It had awakened me, pushing me out of the illusion before I got sucked deeply into it .

Master has said that there is nothing wrong with getting married. Even among masters, some are married, like Kabir and Marpa (Milarepa's master), who practiced together with their wives. However, Master has also shown me clearly that most ordinary married folks become immersed in material enjoyment and fettered in their little world of love. With only the other party in their hearts, they are unable to feel an indiscriminate love for all sentient beings. Often, they forget why they are here. They forget God. They forget their Master and the Truth. Eventually, they give up the noble ideal of a monastic life. They return to the mundane world to toil busily for their loved ones and families and earn their three meals a day, and are unable to complete their aspiration of delivering sentient beings. Such situations are unfortunate and regrettable.

During the past ten years, I have gone on from the forced control and suppression of the emotions and desires of my earlier days to an elevated consciousness, and now to a change in my appreciation of beauty, of beautiful people and things. How joyful and relaxing it is to enjoy them as the blooming flowers by the roadside! I often remember the warning in Taoist practice - cut the attachments as you notice them. More than that, we should protect ourselves against possible trouble, avoid creating improper situations for ourselves. However, if nothing works, the one last option is to seek Master's help. She will very willingly lend us Manjusri's wisdom sword and help us cut off all our attachments and troubles.

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