Unshaken by Humiliation: The Dharma Vessel Worthy to Receive the Guru's Teachings

An ancient saying goes: When testing a person, one who can endure humiliation and insults is acceptable; one who can accept rejection and denial without resentment when seeking something is acceptable. Only those who first bear the weight can later enjoy the glory. In the practice and realization of the Dharma, a true vessel of the Way can bear all burdens and endure all humiliations, for their mind is empty and selfless, in harmony with the Way. Those who always seek to have things their own way are not true vessels and cannot be employed, for their self-centered mind lacks emptiness and does not align with the Way. Anyone who consistently prioritizes themselves over others is self-important, not a vessel of the Way. A great vessel must possess great capacity; only a broad mind can bear all things—a prime minister's belly can sail a boat, while a narrow-minded person can only contain filth. For those with great aspiration and responsibility, endowed with a vast mind and magnanimity, seize every opportunity to subject them to trials, tempering their character. Only through repeated refinement can steel be forged. When all kinds of adverse circumstances and tests are endured, the vessel is then perfected. Thereafter, no state of suffering or joy can disturb them; their heart becomes like unyielding stone. When the first dhyāna approaches and demons come to disrupt, their mind remains unmoved—thus passing the test of the first dhyāna. After attaining the fruit of enlightenment, afflictions will surely be severed. 

Those with meditative attainment possess strong concentration. Their disposition is often more pliant; they do not dwell on any humiliation inflicted upon them, neither complaining nor crying injustice, for their mind resonates with emptiness. In the past, when practitioners reached a certain stage, their masters would test them to enhance their endurance—subjecting them to insults, beatings, and false accusations. Disciples would feel no resentment, offer no defense, and certainly not storm off in anger. Only those who cannot be driven away by beatings or scoldings are true disciples, genuine vessels worthy of being guided. Those with an empty mind pay no heed to any mistreatment; as long as there is Dharma to learn and the Way to cultivate, their mind finds refuge. Soon after, they will realize the Way, proving that the Way has eyes. 

Master Zhaozhou said: Superior individuals are received upon the meditation seat, middling individuals at the door, and inferior individuals outside the temple gate. The lower the caliber, the narrower the mind, the more limited the vision, the heavier the sense of self—thus requiring gentler speech and loving words. Even if they are wrong, one cannot directly point it out, much less reprimand them, for the slightest reproach may cause them to leave and abandon the practice. Superior individuals possess a vast mind; their sense of self is faint, with little emotion and few attachments. Their mind abides in the Way, indifferent to people, affairs, and objects beyond it. Therefore, those with heavier self-esteem need more respect and tolerance, addressed with tactful and polite language. Yet, those with strong inner fortitude need only direct and straightforward speech, even blunt and forceful words, without the need for politeness, for their capacity is great. Whether one possesses the Way or not, whether one cultivates or not—it is immediately apparent.