Selected Questions and Answers

Asceticism Cannot Erase Karmic Hindrances


Spoken by Supreme Master Ching Hai, Hong Kong,
May 2, 2000 (Originally in Chinese) Videotape # 690


Q: Master, although we can't attain Buddhahood through ascetic practice, can it help to eliminate some of our karmic hindrances or erase some of our karma?

M: No, It can't! Ascetic practice is useless! Why should you abuse your own Buddha? The Buddha is within us. If you abuse Hirm, you're abusing the Buddha. You offend Hirm. You see, Shakyamuni Buddha had to give up asceticism after practicing it for some time! Eventually, He abandoned ascetic practice to practice the true and correct method. That was how He eliminated His karmic hindrances, not through ascetic practice.

When you practice the correct method, it doesn't matter if you practice a bit of asceticism, or indulge in luxury, if you wish. Since you're on the right track, it doesn't matter if you travel in a cab, a Mercedes-Benz or a Rolls Royce. It's the right path that matters, not the automobile. Just now I took a cab and arrived at the venue just the same. You might have come by bus, in a Rolls Royce or in your own car and you too have arrived. It's because we're traveling on the right road. It isn't whether asceticism is good or bad; the path must be correct. Practice the Quan Yin Method and you'll attain liberation and eliminate your karmic hindrances!

Q:Be One with God and Know that Everything Has its Cause
Q:Support Environmental Protection and Rescue Our Planet
Q:Renouncing the World Depends on Personal Factors
Q:Asceticism Cannot Erase Karmic Hindrances
Q:Enlightenment Awakens our Innate Healing Power