Relying on Individuals Instead of the Law Will Lead to Negative Consequences

Explaining the whiteness of snow to a blind person requires exhausting every possible metaphor with utmost effort, yet the blind person still cannot comprehend the whiteness of snow. In the end, the explainer goes mad.

The deeper the Dharma, the greater the controversy; the shallower the wisdom, the greater the controversy. Because they cannot observe it directly through experiential insight, lacking sufficient wisdom, they can only rely on imagination and intellectual understanding, or depend on those with great fame, believing that greater fame equates to greater reliability. The Buddha taught reliance on the Dharma, but when the Dharma is too profound to be observed, it cannot be relied upon.

In the secular world, it is the same: the lower the level of a group, the more disputes arise. They argue over low-level concepts, and there is constant conflict and contention, never ceasing. Higher-level groups debate high-level issues, with fewer conflicts over trivial matters. Among groups of high wisdom, there is almost no controversy; it is quiet, serene, like a gentle breeze and light rain that nourishes all things silently. For example, among communities of great Bodhisattvas and other supremely blessed Buddha-lands, not only is there no controversy, but there is not even the sound of discussion or conversation. The sages share consistent thoughts and views, acting in perfect harmony without any disagreement.

Because sentient beings possess low wisdom, they inevitably rely on those with great fame. Therefore, those with fame must be extremely cautious when expounding the Dharma. Their influence is vast, they guide many people, and their teachings endure for a long time. If there is any error, the mistaken views may persist for generations, and those with lesser fame will find it difficult to correct them, facing great obstacles in spreading the Dharma. Even if the Buddha were to return in another form to correct it, because he initially lacks fame, sentient beings would not recognize him.

Whether in the secular world or the Buddhist community, to maintain stability and order, they prevent individuals from aggressively building their reputation and expanding their influence. Once someone gains a large following, their influence becomes immense. If such a person harbors ill intentions, they can exploit their personal influence to incite followers to commit evil deeds, thereby harming the overall interests of the nation and Buddhism. Whenever someone deliberately promotes themselves and widely builds their reputation, they must have a special agenda, inevitably leading to significant conflicts, troubles, and destructive consequences. Such incidents are not uncommon; recently, there have been such individuals and events in our Buddhist community. Fortunately, in this Saha world, we still have the care and protection of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, which has prevented greater turmoil. A true Bodhisattva has long emptied their mind of all desires, seen through all worldly affairs, and attained selflessness and selfless compassion. Their inner state is profoundly tranquil. How could they possibly engage in seeking fame and gain, maliciously undermining Buddhism, widely committing evil acts, or stirring up widespread conflict and chaos in the Buddhist community like an asura?