The Ultimate Meaning of 15 Buddha Conducts

By Holy Teacher

The Grace of Heaven is everywhere. Buddha’s compassion and mercifulness can truly be felt and we can never repay the blessings we have received. Due to the Grace of Heaven and Buddha’s mercy, these Holy scriptures were made available to help us better understand the true meaning of the 15 Buddha Conducts.

1. REVERE THE BUDDHA

In addition to respecting and honoring Buddha, you shall respect the true Buddha inside of you. You all pay great respect to the Buddha inside the temple, but how about your own inner Buddha? Buddha said, “The mind is Buddha”. “Mind is the Buddha”. Where is the real Buddha? Buddha is in your heart! As long as you act without deviating from your True Self, abide by Buddha’s conducts, align with the heavenly truth and not violate your conscience, you are truly revering the Buddha. 

Like holy Saint Yen-Hui, he sincerely upheld the Tao shortly after his initiation.  A sincere heart which constantly holds onto the Tao demonstrates the act of revering the Buddha.  Why would he do so?  Because he realized “Life is short”.  There are so many uncertainties in our life, therefore we should take advantage of every opportunity to do good deeds and accumulate virtues.  He constantly looks inward in order to cultivate his own inner Buddha, changes his own bad temper, and corrects his shortcomings.  Thus, Yen-Hui reached the state of “not blaming others and not being judgmental,” and become a saint at the age of thirty-two.

My dear disciples, remember this is the best time to take advantage of the White Stage and truly use this opportunity to pay great respect to your inner Buddha. 「二六時中, 允執厥中」This means, “act accordingly to Tao during every second and truly cultivate oneself by following the Truth”.  “Take the initiative and move forward when it is aligned with truth and step back if you find yourself being deviated”.  When cultivating at the deepest level, you shall attain the state of not being separate and not being judgmental.  True reverence of the Buddha is only achieved when one is in a state of purity and clarity, lives simply, is without a sense of ego, upholds the heavenly mind, is formless and exhibits a natural expression of what we truly are.

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, Farmington Hills, MI

2. RESPECT THOSE AHEAD AND HELP THOSE WHO COME AFTER

What does it mean to respect those ahead? What does it mean to help those who come after? “Ahead” refers to a senior cultivator and “After” refers to a beginner. What type of person is qualified to be called a “senior cultivator”? What type of person is still a “beginner”? You may think that seniors are based upon a person’s status and are limited to those who received the Tao earlier than you, like your introducer, your guarantor or a Tao Transmitting Master. In reality, when a person’s virtue is abundant, they have great wisdom, and their actions and words are aligned, the person is then capable of being a role model who can lead others. Only then can the person be qualified to be called a senior cultivator. At that moment, others will respect him or her wholeheartedly. If a person’s virtue is inadequate, they lack wisdom and blindly lead others to a fire pit, how is he or she in a position to truly guide sentient beings back to heaven?

My disciples, time is not on our side. We are entering the last stage. If you still are not able to breakthrough all the images and forms, and only focus on name and fame, then how can you obtain true freedom and liberation? How are you able to return back to your original True Self and truly understand who you really are? My disciples, all sentient beings that are still learning the Tao, cultivating the Tao, and not being able to transcend the cycle of birth and death are all considered to be “beginners”. All sentient beings (the ignorant and lost ones) still depend on guidance from Buddha towards the path of awakening!  My disciples, which one of you claim to be a senior cultivator? Aren’t you all considered as beginners? Therefore, the true meaning of respecting those ahead and helping those who come after is to emulate the saints and sages and learn from their upstanding character. Furthermore, you must lower yourself and be humble in helping all sentient beings. You have to support and help those you have affinity with to transcend the reincarnation cycle. 

If you understand the principle: “receiving the Tao has its timing and affinity has its pace” and you sincerely cultivate the Tao, how can you not respect those who received the Tao ahead of you and respect those who received the heavenly decree earlier than you?  In regard to those who receive the Tao after us, and to those who need proper assistance and guidance, if we maintain a compassionate heart and emulate the Buddha, how can we not love and help them? Therefore, the true essence of “respect those ahead and help those who come after” is to remind us to learn to let go of our ego and respect our seniors. In addition, support and guide those who come after us, and help those with whom you have an affinity with a compassionate heart. 

3. DIGNIFY FROM YOUR UPRIGHT HEART

What does it mean to dignify from your upright heart? Is it dressing neatly to show a dignified appearance before you enter the temple? How can you demonstrate dignity from an upright heart if your heart is not pure, if your mind still contains an abundance of desires and a need to see them realized? If you only want to smell what you desire, if you only want to eat what you desire, if you only want to listen to what you desire, if you only want to wear good clothes, and if your mind continues to focus on many delusional and unnecessary thoughts that is not dignifying from an upright heart. Therefore, if you cultivate merely on your appearance, forget to cultivate your inner virtue, and let your senses attract dust, then even though you look sharp, you are not truly dignifying from your upright heart.

To dignify from your upright heart is not only combing your hair neatly and wearing attractive attire. It’s reaching deep within your inner heart and freeing your six senses from attachment. In other words, if your mind can maintain constant peace without unnecessary thoughts and act righteously, this is truly dignifying from your upright heart. 

How do you dignify from your upright heart? First and foremost, in order to change others, isn’t it necessary to start with oneself? In order to transform ourselves isn’t it necessary to restore the brightness of the True Self within? With this attitude of dignifying from your upright heart, you can touch, influence and guide others on the right path. 

You must realize that in this last stage. Talking about the Tao is not very effective. The essence of Tao is not manifested verbally. One must apply Tao through actions instead. How? By using the brightness within to manifest a dignified conduct and by adhering to proper etiquette so that your words and actions do not deviate from the Truth.  The true meaning of dignifying your upright heart is demonstrated when your heart is pure without contamination, without evil or devious thoughts, and without letting your desires and emotions drag you down.

4. BE RESPECTFUL AND FOLLOW THE RULES

What does it mean to follow the rules? What does it mean to be respectful (observe boundaries)? What types of rules should we follow? What types of boundaries should we observe? To follow the rules means to apply the Buddha conducts. To observe all boundaries means to act accordingly to one’s position and not attempt to go beyond your position. When you are able to hold your position and truthfully cultivate, this is what is meant by, Be Respectful and Follow the Rules. 

So why is there the need to establish Buddha conducts? After we have received the Tao, what are we supposed to do? The goal is to become immortals, saints, sages, or Buddha. If you don’t follow the rules, are you able to become immortals, saints and sages, or Buddha? The basic requirement for “being respectful and following the rules” is to act in accordance with one’s position. The rules of Buddha Conducts are well established, but if you do not apply them, how can you achieve sainthood or Buddhahood? Regardless of what rules Dian Chuan Shi established, as long as the rules are according to the principles, everyone should comply and follow them. This is what it means by: Be Respectful and Follow the Rules.

One should understand that “Be Respectful and Follow the Rules” is not limited to written rules. One should constantly ask oneself: “Have I been following the Buddha conducts of the True Self”? There is a temple within you. What does that mean? Well, the original nature of the human being is wholesome. Every one of us has this consciousness. You have to ask yourself, in dealing with worldly issues “Have I been following my True Self?” “Have I applied the Buddha Conducts of the True Self?” “Was I sincere in how I treated others?” “Was I compassionate towards others?” Your consciousness is the rules of the Buddha! In cultivation, one should not solely present the outer image, but also focus on the manifestation of the inner Buddha. 

It is necessary to follow the rules of the Buddha Conducts that are written down, but you must also pay careful attention to the Buddha Conducts within. Constantly clean the light within and not let it be contaminated and do not go against your consciousness. This is the true meaning of “Be Respectful and Follow the Rules”.

5. SHOULDER THE RESPONSIBILITIES

What is a responsibility? It means a duty or task that you are required or expected to do. It also means something that we should make our best effort to fulfill as our duty and mission because it is morally right. 

My disciples, what kind of responsibility does each I-Kuan Tao relatives have? What kind of mission? Isn’t there the mission of heavenly work, plus the duty of secular work? The mission of heavenly work means to transmit the Tao and rescue as many lost souls as possible. This is done so all those that are lost can return to the original source. The duty of secular work is to purify the mind, to promote world unification, to allow everyone’s behavior to be upright, to have peace within the family, and to create a harmonious society. 

My disciples, what do you think of this responsibility? Isn’t it honorable and significant? If each of you can lead by example, become a bridge or a messenger to heaven, emulate the saints and sages, correct oneself and help others, you will be able to manifest Tao within. Use Tao in your daily life to carry out actions according to your consciousness with no regrets. Let family members feel joyful and grateful, bring peace and harmony to society, create prosperity for all, and most importantly help all lost souls return to their original nature. This is truly shouldering the responsibilities! 

At this critical moment in time you must remember this: Be mindful of your thoughts, be disciplined in your actions, and be careful of any negative influences. Please do not merely practice Buddha Conducts in the temple and let yourself become reckless with debauchery at home. If you are not able to truly put the Tao into practice, then you have not demonstrated the proper responsibility to shoulder the mission.

6. HIGHLY REGARD THE HEAVENLY WORK OVER MUNDANE

Regardless of whether the things that your do are Tao related, divine related, or any other matter, if the focus is on sentient beings and is in consideration of others then it is highly regarded as the heavenly work. On the other hand, if your main focus is on your personal situation and you only emphasize your own well-being, this is dwelling on the mundane. Therefore, all acts that benefit sentient beings are considered heavenly work. Those who place a priority on heavenly work are indeed regarding heavenly work over the mundane. Therefore, a Tao cultivator, who highly regards heavenly work over the mundane, will not focus on themselves and how others treat them. They will not be concerned about being respected, liked, or supported. His mind, his heart, his thinking and his actions will always place a priority on the needs of others and will work to benefit all sentient beings. 

What is true Heavenly work? Disciples, let me ask you this:  In this universe, other than the Tao being real and the spirit being real, what else can last forever and will never change? Assisting sentient beings in walking the path of liberation, cultivating their True Self and manifesting the Tao within them, is truly emphasizing heavenly work over the mundane.

Only by going through self-transformation to diminish human desires and by awakening one’s self-consciousness, can one truly say that an emphasis is being placed on the heavenly work over the mundane. How are we able to emphasize heavenly work and overcome mundane temptations if desires continue to arise because of our ego, ignorance and confusion? Shouldn’t you think seriously on these questions my disciples?    

The ultimate goal of cultivating and propagating the Tao is to let go of the ego and return to the pure heart. My disciples, in the process of cultivating your heart and giving your best effort in propagation of the Tao, if you do not have the upmost sincerity, if you complain and if you are unable to express the Buddha Nature, how can you say that you highly regard the heavenly work over the mundane?

7. BE HUMBLE, COURTEOUS, AND KIND

Being humble, courteous and kind is not limited to showing respect towards seniors, Dian Chuan Shi (Tao Transmitting Master) and Tao speakers. This behavior should be applied to everyone with utmost sincerity. Think deeply about this. As a Tao cultivator shouldn’t you be courteous and kind towards everyone? 

Those who study I-Ching, Book of Change, know that out of the 64 hexagrams (symbols), 63 of them can shift from inauspicious to auspicious and vice versa. There is only one hexagram, which represents Modesty, and it contains only auspicious without inauspicious and fortunate without unfortunate. Why? In I-Ching it is said: “With an attitude of modesty in taking care of a situation, it is easier to complete things without any obstructions”. A modest manner comes from within through cultivation and is not reluctantly acted out. A true cultivator is always humble and will not look down on others. 

According to the I-Ching, “Everyone dislikes the arrogant but likes those who are humble”. Therefore, modesty can reveal the integrity of a person’s character and express the brightness of the True Self. Although it may seem that the person is in the lowest position, such a noble personality is noteworthy! This is the ultimate and highest level of manifestation of one’s cultivation because he expresses the beauty within by letting go of the ego and by being respectful towards all sentient beings. 

Being humble, courteous and kind is also an expression of your inner Buddha because you are willing to lower yourself, treat everyone equally, and be non-judgmental. In that moment you are truly manifesting the True Self and the true Buddha nature within. As a result, one can reach enlightenment when they are able to truly exhibit this conduct. On the other hand, those that are arrogant and look down on others will never reach enlightenment because their attachment to The Self still exists. 

8. DO NOT DISCARD THE SACRED ADMONITIONS

All the sacred text written down is considered to be the teachings of saints and sages. What did they teach? In a thousand words the truth and principles are written to guide us on the Tao path and back to heaven. These teachings help sentient beings correct bad habits, return to righteousness, and transform from ignorant to awaken. 

Since buddhas have already reached attainment, their teachings can represent the Tao and the Truth. Every word and every sentence was spoken from their Buddha nature to answer sentient beings’ doubts and questions. Their teachings are true sutra, true manifestation of buddha nature, true guidance for expression of inner brightness, and a true GPS for returning home. Therefore my disciples, such teachings are very precious. How can you not cherish them? How can you not apply them in your life?

“Do not discard” means, do not abandon, do not despise, and do not disobey. Because each phrase of each sutra is the result of saint’s and sage’s mercifulness and compassionate, naturally they are guarded with their holiness. As long as you use and carry them with great sincerity and an upright heart, they can bless you invisibly and protect you from danger and evil. Thus, how can you easily discard them and not take them seriously? In addition, knowing that sacred admonitions are guides for leading sentient beings to the path of awakening, my disciples, if you do not follow the teachings how can you achieve Buddhahood? All the buddhas, saints and sages are merciful and they use every means possible to save us from suffering.  How can you ignore that and take it lightly? So, the meaning of “do not discard the sacred admonitions” is to realize and to appreciate the compassion of buddhas, saints and sages. Most importantly, understand and apply the teachings. By doing so, you can reach enlightenment. 

9. DO NOT BECOME ATTACHED TO IMAGES

“Do not become attached to images” means, don’t be influenced by outer appearance. All forms and images are impermanent and will one day deteriorate and disappear. In Diamond Sutra it states: “All images are illusory. To see that images are not images is seeing the Tathagata”. If you are unable to see beyond the images and are still confused by the form, then you are still stuck in the physical or energy (duality) world and cannot enter the heavenly world (home). The reason confused beings are unable to be truly liberated is because they are bound by physical images. Their minds become slaves of images and their True Self cannot be the master and they will remain in the cycle of birth and death.

“Do not become attached to images” reminds us do not to be obsessed by channeling but focus on realizing the true essence of Buddha’s teachings. Furthermore, regardless of your situation, if you can be your true master and not be negatively influenced, that is truly detaching from images. 

My disciples, you can often refer to the Doctrine of The Mean (Zhong Yong) by saying “Zhong means bent neither one way nor another and Yong represents unchanging.” What is The Mean? The Mean is the moment when you can truly manifest your Buddha nature. Why? Because when your mind is clear and pure, it is not bent one way or another, not attached to form and not expecting anything in return. When your mind can maintain balance and harmony and is in constant equilibrium, you are expressing your Buddha nature. Therefore, “Do not become attached to images”, is also an expression of who you truly are! Once you become attached to images, you will always be in the cycle of birth and death and can never reach enlightenment.      

10. KEEP ALL PROCEDURES CLEAR

There is a saying, “A penny from the monastery is as big as a mountain.” To deceive without truthfully disclosing the transactions one has to repay it with labor (be reborn as an animal wearing a horn or wool). Understand my disciples, regardless of how small the amount, it came from the donation of sentient beings’ hard earned money. Once it is donated to the temple, its value and impact are as tall and as huge as a mountain. Therefore, once money is donated to the temple, if you do not keep the transaction clean and cherish it, even the misuse of a penny can cause you to suffer from the consequence of karmic law. In doing so you could be reborn as a cow or a horse as repayment for what you owe.

So my disciples, when it comes to any donation of objects or money by Tao relatives, you have to keep everything transparent. You must be cautious in this aspect because the heavenly law is strict and your actions are clearly recorded; there is no room for error.  Every Tao relative’s donation must be carefully recorded. 

11. LET OTHERS KNOW YOUR DEPARTING AND RETURNING

This Buddha conduct means that when a senior Tao relative assigns a task, regardless if it’s big or small, near or far, you must complete the task. Once the task is complete, you must clearly report the result and not be vague. As a junior cultivator, when you are on a mission, remember to sincerely ask the senior Tao relative for further instruction or advice. Report the outcome to the senior Tao relative shortly upon your return, so they will not be concerned or worried about you. This Buddha conduct reminds cultivators to be loyal and honest with people and be responsible for the delegated task. Furthermore, it teaches the cultivator the proper etiquette of departing and returning. Self-reporting allows everyone to be on the same page and ensures that all areas are covered. 

Spiritually, many of you came to this life time with a heavenly vow to assist God in saving other‘s souls.  It’s important to keep your vow wholeheartedly and never forget where you came from. Do your best effort in cultivating and propagating Tao. Through practice you can truly understand the essence of departing and returning. 

12. RESPECT AND HONOR THE HEAVENLY DECREE AND TAO TRANSMITTING LINEAGE 

The heavenly decree and Tao transmitting lineage is like a rope resembling a golden thread. The lineage is the line of predecessors from whom one’s True Self is descended. Tao governs all beings and we all have Tao (the True Self) within. The essence of this conduct reminds each Tao cultivator not to deviate from the golden thread (right path). Let your True Self be the true master under all situations and never allow yourself to pursue an easier route or get side tracked. 

The essence of the golden thread is twofold. One is spiritual and the other is physical. The spiritual aspect of the golden thread represents our God given (heavenly bestowed) True Self which everyone has. It can echo with God’s mind and connect to Buddha’s heart. This True Self does not increase or decrease. When a person’s mind and thoughts are pure and selfless, you’ll naturally be in one with Heaven. At this moment, your inner brightness can shine throughout the universe. In regard to the physical aspect of the golden thread, it is because of your introducer and guarantor that you have had the chance to receive the Tao from a Tao transmitting master. With such a great affinity you and the Tao community can cultivate together. 

My disciples, in this last period there are many false patriarchs and teachers. They are able to perform many miracles and display unique abilities to disguise the truth and to attract people. In such a sinister era, if you are unable to hold onto the golden thread, follow the footsteps of predecessors, grow steadily, and uplift spiritually towards the upright path, then how can you be safe and sound when the big trial or catastrophe comes? When you have cultivated to a level where you can adhere to wholesome thinking, conduct righteous acts without being distracted by any evil or negative thought, then you have truly mastered this conduct.

13. CHERISH PUBLIC PROPERTY AND MATERIALS

Like objects inside of the temple, public property and materials are things that are at the public’s disposal. Do you cherish them, take good care of them, and make good use of them? If you are able to fully appreciate and value each item, this is cherishing public property and materials. 

Have you ever taken an item home and used it for your personal use? My disciples, we covered this in the Buddha conduct - Keep all procedures clear. “What may seem like a small act of greed can later turn into a serious mistake.” Therefore, when it comes to public property, do not take it for your personal use or destroy it due to carelessness. 

Furthermore, do you cherish your Tao Transmitting Master, Tao speakers and temple staff? Have you ever been rude to them or verbally attacked them? Respecting them is an act of cherishing public property because they are messengers of God they belong to the public. If you do not respect and cherish them, than you are not cherishing public property. If you criticize them behind their backs or slander them, this is not cherishing public property. So, cherish not only objects, but also everyone within the temple. Treat everyone with kindness and respect and help one another spiritually. 

My disciples, think deeply on these principles. To cherish public property and respect everyone in the temple is similar to cherishing all things in Heaven and showing respect to all buddhas, saints and sages. Cherish those who are around you so that they can assist you in propagating the Tao. Please take good care of them and nourish them, as good physical health is necessary to do the Tao work and to accumulate merit and virtue. Without the physical body this cannot be possible. Never verbally abuse or punish others because they too are considered to be public property. Please think about what I have said in regard to the essence of this conduct deeply.

14. BE FLEXIBLE IN HANDLING OTHERS

The essence of Buddha conduct is Tao, which is flexible and not engraved to stone. The conduct may change due to the situation but the principle never changes. Tao gives endless hope, love and peace to all. As a cultivator, you should have a cheerful and flexible mind. Do not stubbornly hold on to rules and become immutable. For example, if the senior is not available for consultation or to give advice and a situation, which cannot wait for their return, requires your immediate attention then you have to learn to take full responsibility and handle the problem yourself. In all of your actions as long as they are in accordance with your True Self and they can benefit all sentient beings, you may do it. Even if your actions are not well taken by your seniors or even if they condemn them, you may still take action. What we are doing is an act of God’s wish, not an attempt to please a particular person. The task that we are charged with is to help sentient beings transcend the cycle of birth and death.  It is not a minor task. So, when a situation arises, do not delay. As long as your intention is for the greater good and without any selfish intent, you can take on the responsibility. 

No conduct is absolute. The types of human desires and minds are unlimited, therefore you must use various means to guide others. You must learn how to handle matters as they arise and learn to settle your mind as they leave. Seize the opportunity to use your True Self in handling all types of situations. In the process, try to “manifest Tao directly from the Source,” as it said in Diamond Sutra. Those who are truly flexible in handling their affairs can be said to have attained the highest level of wisdom. 

My disciples, Buddha’s heart is not attached or contaminated. Sentient beings’ hearts on the other hand are constantly changing. The ability to use your true wisdom to relate to the wide range of human desires and minds so that everyone can return back to heaven is worthy of your searching and cultivating!  

Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, Farmington Hills, MI

15. BE CAUTIOUS IN WORDS AND ACTIONS

The ancients said: "Words are the voice of a person’s heart, and behaviors are the shadow of a person’s mind." Words can express the voice of a person's heart and behavior can reflect a person's inner shadow. So what kind of inner intentions do you have? What kind of words and deeds do you present to the outside world? In contrast, if you do not have any intention, naturally there will be no words and deeds. Therefore, what you say and do are truly a reflection of your inner self. Your words and deeds are representative of the real you!

Tao is not to be separated from us for any moment. In addition, Heaven has no words and earth does not speak. The preciousness of Tao is to be manifested by your actions. So, how can you be careless with your speech and your actions and be disrespectful of your own inner Buddha? Laws exist in heaven and in every country just as the Buddha conducts exist in the Tao community. If you are not mindful of your speech and actions and engage in misconduct you not only hurt others but yourself as well. 

God is fair to everyone, is selfless, and sees and knows all things. In the great Law of Karma, disciples, how can you have faults and misdeeds yet not expect to be punished? Therefore, you should not speak words that wound, speak words that defeat the moral, nor speak words that disguise the truth! A Tao cultivator should speak truthfully, highly regard the heavenly work and not judge. A Tao cultivator should not be verbally abusive, speak unnecessarily and use words only to flatter others. That is what is meant by being cautious in words. The same principle applies to your actions.  Your words and deeds must agree, you should be a moral model, manifest the Tao within and share the Tao with others.  Carry the presence of God, make others’ needs a priority, always be cautious and mindful of one’s conduct and refrain from making mistakes. As such, you are a true Tao cultivator who shares the words of God and who sets a good example for others to imitate.