I first want to apologize for any confusion from our debates on the Erroneous Views Concerning the Five Vidyas that were part of yesterday’s class. Because there were only two somewhat similar “views,” I did say we could ask more general questions concerning the Five Vidyas. As a result, we focused more on the Five Vidyas, about which we have very little background, and did not look at the message of the 128 Views from the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL). My mistake, even though I hope we were able to gain some insight into how important the vidyas are to becoming enlightened and ultimately Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
In hindsight, I believe the two views that we were to consider more properly need to be considered in our next series of classes that will look at how you determine if someone is a holy person. We can still do that.
Our discussion on the Bodhisattva Vows was interesting. So much so, that I went back and researched what I knew and didn’t know about them. It is true that we do take four vows every day in our chanting that are usually referred to as the “Four Bodhisattva Vows.” However, in the translation of our refuge booklet that I have, these are just called “vows.” I am sure that most of you know them and consider them to be aspirational Mahayana vows:
[Afflictions and] Defilements are countless; I vow to put an end to them.
Dharma methods are limitless; I vow to learn them.
Living beings are innumerable; I vow to save them.
Buddhahood is unsurpassable; I vow to realize it.
I believe that there are other Bodhisattva Vows that are only conferred by the Buddha Master when one becomes a Bodhisattva and frankly, I do not know what they are and probably could not tell you if I did. What I thought I knew about them, I realized I did not and became even more confused after trying to research the matter. Since I do not want to spread any erroneous views on my own, I ask you to black box this matter and I will try to get more definitive answers when I am able to travel again.
Those of you who intend on participating in next week’s class should reflect on all our discussion and your own experiences to report on how these erroneous views and your understanding of the Five Vidyas have, are, or will impact your practice and cultivation.
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