236 - The Magical Hands of Sheng-Yen Lu

Preface:

    Vajrapani Bodhisattva once appeared before me, standing upon a lotus amidst a blazing fire. In one hand he held a curved knife; in the other, a skull cup.

    He said to me, “Grand Master Lu, why not write about the spiritual power of your hands?”

    I asked, “Do my hands truly possess such power?”

    Vajrapani Bodhisattva replied, “Great seals are imprinted upon your hands — are you not aware of this?”

    I said, “I would be grateful if you could explain.”

    Vajrapani Bodhisattva then said:

    “Upon your hands are the following markings:

    1. Star Cloud — the Power of Suchness

    2. Dharma Vessel — the Power of Deliverance

    3. Merit — the Power to Pacify Disasters

    4. Ghost King — the Power of Subjugation

    5. Fortune and Virtue — the Power of Enhancement

    6. Dharma Eyes — the Power of Wisdom

    7. Love and Affection — the Power of Love and Respect”

    I was left speechless.

    Vajrapani Bodhisattva continued, “Grand Master Lu, you need only place your hand upon the head of any sentient being, and Dharma power will naturally arise. Such power is inconceivable and extraordinary. You must record this in a book.”

    I replied, “I will bear this in mind.”

    Vajrapani Bodhisattva then said, “On one occasion, while you were in deep meditation, someone took a photograph of you. In that image, your hands became transparent and radiated a great white light. Only your body appeared — your hands had vanished.

    “Do you not understand? Your invisible hands had transformed into a Dharma vessel, guiding and ferrying spirits to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.”

    Hearing this, I was astonished, for this had indeed occurred.

    Vajrapani Bodhisattva further explained:

    “Hands are composed of skin, nails, lines, bones, flesh, blood vessels, and blood. They do not exist independently of the body and are in constant, subtle transformation. Their color, texture, age, lines, and form change from day to day. They do not remain fixed; they are impermanent.”

    He continued:

    “Hands are an extension of the body and, like the body itself, are formed from the four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. Therefore, hands too are empty. One day, they will perish. When the four elements disperse, only space remains.

    As practitioners, we must recognize the true reality — that is, no-self.”

    Finally, Vajrapani Bodhisattva said: “Through the Dharma power cultivated in practice, Grand Master Lu is able to emit infinite light from his hands. When this light enters the body and mind of students, it gives rise to many inconceivable responses. Recording these events in a book will bring benefit to sentient beings in the world.”

    I said, “Very well. I understand.”

    This book has been written at the earnest request of Vajrapani Bodhisattva. The name “Vajrapani” literally means “the one who holds the vajra,” or “he whose hands bear the power of lightning.”

    May all who read this book receive its benefit.

Living Buddha Lian Sheng

Sheng-Yen Lu

17102NE 40th Ct.

Redmond, WA 98052

U.S.A.