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10 EASTERN HORIZON | TEACHINGS

How to Be Faultless

By Venerable Master Sheng Yen (1931-2009)

Master Sheng Yen, born Zhang Baokang, was a Chinese Recently a prominent celebrity declared
Buddhist monk, a religious scholar, and one of the that, in terms of morality, he was beyond
mainstream teachers of Chan Buddhism. He was a 57th reproach—faultless. This stimulated much
generational dharma heir of Linji Yixuan in the Linji school public discussion. My thought was that this
and a third-generation dharma heir of Hsu Yun kind of declaration can be viewed from various
perspectives. There is no need to doubt the
Master Sheng Yen dedicated his life to sharing, writing about, statement that this person has not done
and lecturing on Buddhist teachings. A prolific Buddhist anything illegal in his life and need not feel
author, he also left behind many correspondents and guilt toward others. He seems to have a clear
manuscripts that give advice to people on Buddhist learning conscience. Therefore, there is nothing wrong
and practice. Through his explanations on Buddhist doctrines, with saying that he has no faults. However,
guidance on Chan practice, and contributions to Buddhist from the Chan perspective, everyone has faults.
education, the Master had presented an important model for There is no need to be afraid of having faults,
inheriting and inspiring the Dharma lineage, manifested the because knowing we have them can help us to
essence and ideal of Buddhism, as well as shedding light on improve. If you considered yourself perfect,
the direction of and approach to promoting the Dharma. would you still want to meditate and cultivate
your practice? Therefore, from the perspective
His publications and personal experiences have a significant of practice, to hope to have no faults is to
meaning for his disciples, the research of Buddhist cultures, realize that you do have faults, and that in itself
and the development of Buddhist studies. His manuscripts, is to be faultless. Not being aware of your own
notes, and letters serve as a huge data base for tracing the faults is the greatest fault. But if you are aware
developments and methods of practice for contemporary and make adjustments immediately, you can
Buddhism. then be faultless at all times and everywhere.