Showing posts with label middle way. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle way. Show all posts

Saturday, October 21, 2017

不一不異 Not One Not Different


Terjemahan Bahasa: Bukan Satu, Tidak Berbeda


Referring to the recorded sermon:
2017年10月15日聖尊蓮生活佛盧勝彥開講「道果」

蓮生活佛繼續講授【道果】:依所依法、能所相屬、判因續軌
依所依法:花跟花的香味是不能分開的,如果沒有花不會有花香,
兩個是不同,這就是不一
沒有花就沒有花香,所以是不異
這是龍樹菩薩的中觀

金剛鈴的本體是銅,造成形相是金剛鈴,它的作用是噹(聲音),這三個東西不一不異。銅不是金剛鈴,沒有金剛鈴無法產生聲音。這就是體(銅),相就是金剛鈴,用就是發出聲音。我們學佛也是一樣,我們身體是體,裡面的種子是佛性,是人的身體,修了法就產生光,這是不一不異,就是中觀,所以叫依所依法。所就是你的身體,因為你依了法,修了法,才能成為菩提。是靠身體來成為菩提。

能所相屬:本體──銅,外相--金剛鈴,作用--聲音,就是能所相屬。佛性裡面被污染成為習氣,習氣成熟在身體裡面,內心成熟以後又有外境影響,所有外境的所有者,其實都是你心本身的顯現。本體就是銅就是佛性,構成的外相就是人,作用就是鏗的一聲。

判因續軌:你沒有遇到佛法就是輪迴之因,遇到佛法就是涅槃之因。
以笑話(蛋白、蛋黃、蛋殼)解釋不一不異,這就是龍樹菩薩的中觀。
柴米油鹽醬醋茶是佛法,現實的社會也是佛法,勝義諦的世界也是佛法。心、佛、眾生三個是沒有差別,是龍樹菩薩顯現出來的中觀。是不一也是不異,是自己本身念頭的問題。

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


中觀:解讀龍樹菩薩《中論》27道題
Nāgārjuna’s Middle Way:Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
http://www.books.com.tw/products/0010681184


Mūlamadhyamakakārikā


Extract:

Origin

The Mūlamadhyamakakārikā is Nagarjuna's best known work. According to Kalupahanna, it is
[N]ot only a grand commentary on the Buddha's discourse to Kaccayana,
[2] the only discourse cited by name, but also a detailed and careful analysis of most of the important discourses included in the Nikayas and the agamas, especially those of the Atthakavagga of the Sutta-nipata.[3]

According to Kalupahanna, in this work,
Utilizing the Buddha's theory of "dependent arising"(pratitya-samutpada), Nagarjuna demonstrated the futility of [...] metaphysical speculations. His method of dealing with such metaphysics is referred to as "middle way" (madhyama pratipad). It is the middle way that avoided the substantialism of the Sarvastivadins as well as the nominalism of the Sautrantikas.[4]

According to Kalupahanna, Nagarjuna insisted that...
[A]ll experienced phenomena are empty (sunya). This did not mean that they are not experienced and, therefore, non-existent; only that they are devoid of a permanent and eternal substance (svabhava). Since they are experienced, they are not mere names (prajnapti).[4]

~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you read the articles about how Lotuschef uses Guru's Mantra to help others, the Not Different is Guru's Mantra, and the Not One is the Visualisation!

In recent speech, GM Lu said that shi-mu is a good cook and only need to see once then can produce the same. :)
So using Nagajuna's Middle Way theory, the cuisine is the same but what varied is the cook. 

Now, have you read the articles in this blog entitled ~ [Housewife]?
The criteria of Buddha Dharma cultivation is to leave suffering behind to attain happiness!
This also apply to those that put efforts into easing others lot or bringing A Moment of Joy or putting A Smile on someone's face! 
However, with application of the [Formless 3 wheels] theory, the one that is giving or doing so, should never claim credit or glorified self with efforts put in!

Hahaha!
Buddha Dharma is pretty much all "Tied" up or Linked?

If One Craves praises as returns for efforts ploughed in to bring joy to others, that falls into Mara's territory!

So is Buddha Dharma too complicated for MOST?

Only to those that Lack Buddha Affinity at a particular juncture in their lives!

If they do good, they will develop Buddha Affinity In Time! 

Thats why GM Lu said he will never leave out anyone! 

TIME is a factor, as well as the Individual's sincere efforts to change for the Better of Self and eventually benefit others! 

A good housewife is not a good yogi, if no sincere diligence is plough in to cultivate Buddha Dharma.

Sounds contradicting?
Hahaha!

Use your Discerning Wisdom or try to develop it!


With Metta,

Om Guru Lian Sheng Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef

Friday, December 30, 2016

以般若智印證「空」跟「有」Use Prajna to Affirm [Void] & [Exist]




蓮生活佛 > 師尊開示 > 2009年蓮生活佛最新開示 > 2009-09-26 以般若智印證「空」跟「有」

《六祖禪經》。
六祖說:「元有般若之智,與大智人更無差別,因何聞法不自開悟?緣邪見障重、煩惱根深。猶如大雲覆蓋於日,不得風吹,日光不現。」

般若之智,也就是如來的智慧,其實跟有大智慧的人是沒有差別的,但是為什麼聽了法也不能夠開悟呢?這是因為邪見很重,障礙就很重,煩惱很深,這個煩惱深,邪見重,就有了障礙,就像很多雲,把太陽給遮住了。
沒有風去吹這些雲,太陽也不會出現。
  這裡面提到邪見我們稱為不正當的見解
眾生都有煩惱,我們每一個人每天都有煩惱,而且舊的煩惱還沒有去,新的煩惱就再跟著來,每天都在撥這個煩惱,你也不知道明天有什麼煩惱,突然間它就又出來了。因為你把自己的一切的思維都放在你的煩惱上面,你的煩惱永遠不停。
  舉一個簡單的例子,有一天如果我們把所有煩惱的事情統統都解決了,那我什麼事都沒有了,我就輕鬆了,無事一身輕。但是他沒有想到,今天有今天的煩惱,明天有明天的煩惱,而且是永遠不停的,很多大大小小的事情,統統都在干擾你的思維。
...........  

像剛剛蓮祥法師講的,「師尊該說的跟不該說的都說了。」
Like just now, Lianxiang fashi said: shizun spoke out all, be they must speak of or must not speak of.
蓮潔就問我「什麼是不該說的?」
Thus, Lianjie asked me: What is Must not speak of?

告訴你,師尊講話就是很直的,我這個小舅舅帶我去跳舞,這個就是不該說的。
Let me tell you, Shizun is straight forward in speech, my younger brother in law brought me to dance, this is Must not speak of.
這個是事實啊!This is true fact!
那是二十歲的事情啊!
那時候還沒有學佛嘛!
所以不是舞功高強,舞功沒有忘。
但是像過去跳舞唱歌的事情,有些出家人是不談的。
師尊是什麼都講的。Shizun is one that speaks of everything.
所以是該說的也講,不該說的也講。
Thus, must or must not speak of also speak of.
我的人就是這樣子,直直去,不該說的也說,大概就是指這個吧!
I am like this, going straight forward, must not speak of also speak of, roughly points to this one!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The whole passage:

善知識。小根之人。聞此頓教。猶如草木。根性小者。若被大雨。悉皆自倒。不能增長。小根之人 - People with Small Root Potential (for cultivation)。亦復如是。

元有般若之智。與大智人更無差別。因何聞法不自開悟。
People with Small Root Potential have Wisdom that are no different from those with Big Root Potential. Why then upon hearing dharma they fail to become enlightened?

緣邪見障重。煩惱根深。猶如大雲。覆蓋於日。不得風吹。日光不現。
The reason being their heavy hindrances from their evil affinity mindsets.
[烦恼 (梵文:क्लेश,Kleshas,kleśa,巴利语:kilesa,藏文:nyon mongs),佛教术语].
Kleshas roots are deep. Like big clouds that block off the Sun.
Without Wind to blow, Sunlight will not be visible.

般若之智亦無大小。為一切眾生自心迷悟不同。迷心外見。修行覓佛。未悟自性。即是小根。若開悟頓教。不 能外修。但於自心常起正見。煩惱塵勞常不能染。即是見性。

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hahaha!

Lianxiang fashi is one the 5, Fashi classmates of mine in Fashi Training in Seattle. 
The 5 students are - lotuschef莲厨, lianxiang莲祥, lianxing莲醒, lianshan莲珊 & lianling莲零.

From each of our maiden dharma speeches, and the comments made by GM Lu, the Root Potentials of each of us can be determined.

Body Speech Mind!

BUT, Root potential do not affect our inherent Buddha nature & Prajna!

6th Patriarch's Platform sutra also states that Cultivation will transform one into a Buddha! 

Must speak of?
Must not speak of?
Hahaha!
As GM Lu was sharing Platform Sutra, and one of its core pointer is Middle Path Theory, so do we still have Must or Must not speak of?

Speech and its interpretation also varies because of the Wisdom level of individuals!

When GM Lu said to me : Leave TBS.
My first reaction was: Why? I just took refuge and newly ordained as well!
I am only 2 years old!
However, with my experiences in TBS and through cultivation, I realised that what is the Standard Sadhana is a rough guide only.
AND, fixation is anathema in Cultivation.

So, the same sequences or steps as set out in the Standard Sadhana, but all that varies is the Visualisation! :)

So, I didn't buy or fall for what Titled masters sell or force upon others!

Remember, Your Prajna is Inherent and no different from anyone else!
All you need is to cultivate to reveal and use it!
No one can help you do that!

So who cares what titled or untitled masters feed you, Just stay focus on what Root Guru teach and share with you!

O! I remember some fashi that flashed photos of themselves taken with GM Lu.
Then they even add that GM Lu said they have great potential and soon to be enlightened!

Just listen and smile!
These are for sure those still very stuck on Ego, associates of poisons of Ignorance, Greed, Aversion!

AND, do beware, When you are cultivating, the Demon test gets more tough with each step up!
You might fall a few steps down, even to level below your initial starting point in cultivation!

I have seen many such subjects!
A pretty recent one is one that took the Catholic order, renounced & back home!
Like ordained monks & nuns in TBS too!

I remember the one that ordained as a nun, then renounced.
Then she got ordained again, and this time appointed as shangshi.
Then she ran away from 2010 HK dharma tour, and renounced and back home again.
She is also another that has some link to Jin-mu, like the green-bird.
I wonder whether anyone remember what I wrote about this fellow student after visiting her chapter during GM's tour of Taiwan chapters.
Any of you remember that she and her daughter shared tales of great suffering and great poverty?
I remember fellow students that went to her chapter for help, most of them paying hefty sums of more than NTD 10K, per visit!

Another one is the blue-collar that wrote to ask GM to retire.
This one is reputed to charge hefty sums for setting up of altars or invoking Earth God!

Another one, a white collar? That dresses himself up in the VM-attire with 5-Buddha Crown!
This one also "dispenses" solutions at hefty prices! 

Hahaha!
Sure seen lots and lots more to share!

Cultivate and reveal your inherent Prajna!


With Metta

Om Guru Lian Sheng Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef

Sunday, December 18, 2016

神通,神棍 Transcendental Ability / Transcendental Confidence Trickster




蓮生活佛著作 > 盧勝彥文集 > 227_悟境一點通 > 第十二問:神通是開發的嗎?

據我所知,很多低級的靈,均會冒充高級的菩薩,凡夫往往被低靈所騙,連通靈人也被騙,所以在這方面,不執著最好,切記!切記!
As per my knowledge, many lower level spirits all have know how to impersonate high level Boddhisattva, mortal always gets bluff by these low level spirits, even those that can communicate with spirits are no exception, therefore best do not be fixated in this direction, bear in mind! bear in mind!

我們學習佛法:
We studying Buddha Dharma:
  
一、學習文殊菩薩、龍樹菩薩為源頭的中觀般若佛法。
Study & practice Middle-path Prajna Buddha Dharma that originates from Manjusri & Nagajuna Boddhisattvas.

二、學習彌勒菩薩、無著菩薩為源頭的唯識般若佛法。Study & practice Citta-matra prajna Buddha Dharma that originates from Maitreya & Asanga Boddhisattvas.

「教」、「證」我們都要學。
[Teachings] , [Affirmation] we must all study.
  
我們不是開發神通。
We do not develop Transcendental Ability. 
切記!切記!念頭一差,便成魔了!
Bear in mind! Bear In mind! Thought once strayed, will become Demon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

蓮生活佛著作 > 盧勝彥文集 > 227_悟境一點通 > 第二十二問:怎麼區分是不是神棍?

以前,我的師父了鳴和尚告訴我:
Previously, my teacher, Reverend Liao-ming told me:  

「不可開口向人要錢!」
Cannot openly ask others for money!  

我辦到了!
I did it! 

「不可勉強他人!」
Do not force others! 

我辦到了!
I did it!

我實實在在的告訴大家,凡是開口向人要錢,勉強他人,假藉神明旨意的,應該列入嫌疑犯。
I tell all of you straight up, all that ask openly for money from others, force others, falsely alleged that they have divine's instruction, should be listed as criminal suspects.

如情如理如法的,可以信。
If as per situation, logic, dharma, can believe.

非情非理非法的,不可以信。
Otherwise, cannot believe.
  
真正的修行人,是這樣子的:
True cultivator is like this:  

佛說:三界如幻。一切無所有,一切無所得。
Buddha said: 3 realms similar to illusion. All don't exist, all can't attain.
  
現觀莊嚴論:發心為利他,求正菩提心。
Abhisamaya-alaṅkāra: bodhicitta-samutpada to benefit others, to affirm Boddhicitta.
  
寶積經:一切諸見,以空得脫。
Mahā ratnakūṭa sūtra: All sights (Forms), break free with void.
  
我鄭重的聲明:「如果貪著世間的財,貪著世間的色,其人不明佛教,不明無所得,不明空,不明菩提心。是假行者!」
I solemnly declare: If greed for sentient wealth, form, that person do not understand Buddhism, nothing to attain, void & boddhicitta. Is a fake cultivator!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The trickster is an alchemist, a magician, creating realities in the duality of time and illusion. In mythology, and in the study of folklore and religion, a trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, man, woman, or anthropomorphic animal who plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behaviour.

Confidence trickster - a person who sets out to defraud or deceive people by persuading them to believe something that is not true.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The above contents, GM Lu had expounded countless times over the past 40+ years!
And if you are one of them that got tricked or cheated, YOU are one of those that did not grasp any fundamentals of GM Lu's dharma teachings!

Do not call yourself a Student of The Living Buddha Lian Sheng or Buddha!
You are a FAKE!

AND, a Buddha's initial criteria for Hinayana, the first step of the 9 Yanas, is Not to Harm anyone!

By continuing to hurl negatives at XX openly, you do not have any merits as a Buddha's student!

GM Lu said yesterday that on the 6th floor, another couple brought up their story of being bluffed by XX too!

GM Lu really don't want to hear anymore, because he already knew!

It was always your personal choice to Believe anyone!

Thats why, its your own personal Karmic Influences and nothing to do with anyone else!

Hahaha!


With Metta,


Om Guru Lian Shen Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef

Friday, June 26, 2015

25 June 2015 – Lotuschef in Fun Chat



Hahaha! In the above, Lotuschef is chatting with Butterflies with LOVE shining brightly!

CHAT:

Lotuschef Lama: GC not attending?
G, when back in sg?

CT: GC the head of the pack is earning money to feed us!!!
wow we can have taiji n shaolin 1 finger zen👍👍👍 (Thumbs up)
GC, tell your clients u have an urgent meeting this Saturday & you have to return back to SG!

Lotuschef Lama: at a certain time in our career life, WORK takes on a new meaning. the babies we have nurtured, just like songs we have composed, becomes masterpieces, n we just sit back, relax and enjoy the playback. this is very similar to what GC does. earning money to feed the pack? 
hahaha! this mindset too stressful to contemplate :) :) :)

GC: Wah...so cheem PY😜 (Bat eye and stick out tongue)

Lotuschef Lama: Hehe! Buddha has infinite wisdom. so we need to look at things different to be able to leave suffering n attain happiness. that's one major teaching!😄😄😄
And the next is to control one's own destiny! Hahaha!
everything is manifestation of one's own mind. 
Pure or impure; to do or not to do !
sermon over! 😍😍😍


CS‬: I thgt destiny is predestined by God.

LW: I rmb even in sch, PY was full of wisdom n Buddhism teaching.

Lotuschef Lama: Hahaha! can you reach God?
religion is a state of mind
the concepts taught or shared are for each individual to use for own benefit n in a larger version to benefit all. that's what charity is about.
you help out at Buddhist temple or church or homeless shelter, to ease suffering n bring happiness to people you meet.


LW: That's true.

Lotuschef Lama: Jesus said: good deeds done by right hand don't let your left hand know.
Means do liao n don't brag n don't ever think of merits or returns.
Hehe! KJ said your helping out will bring you blessing! 
not really true if u do with that in mind! 😜 (Wink eye)
Hehe! giving sermons liao! best stop!
😘😘😘 ( Blow kisses)

LW: I'm now a baptised Catholic but I'm gg to help my BIL in his temple this wkend. They're hvg some kind of celebration n needs helping hands in e kitchen. I don't c anythg wrong, so volunteered my svc. Not for blessing or reward....

CS‬: Catholic faith is inclusive. All are our bros and sisters. "As long as you do to the least of your bros and sis, you are doing it unto me"

Lotuschef Lama: Ya. same concept of equality. we all have buddha nature or god's nature. thus we are all the same. whether u can dig this inherent nature out n use it all dependent on Self

CS‬: Catholicism is about faith in God Almighty not a religion. The Almighty yet Loving and merciful Father, wanting to have a relationship with us and thus we are called to also communion with others. Hope I got that right!

Lotuschef Lama: Hahaha! All teachings and rules or disciplines are guides to help each individual. the operative is Not to hurt anyone. that includes self:):) :)
in Buddhism there's something call Middle path. there's no right or wrong nor good n bad. this is Zen Buddhism.

Lotuschef Lama: CS, why does God wants to have a relationship with all of us? think on this! what are you stating? 😄:) :) :)

O! the Indian god , Brahma, is the creator n said to be Christian god n Allah too.

CS‬: Well my dear....I can explain. But to type on this little hand gadget is going to take quite a lot of time . Wait ah...Saturday....will try my best to explain.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The above is a chat with some old classmates of mine back in RGS and we are planning a meeting this Saturday. :)

Armed with the Basics of Buddha Dharma like the Four Noble Truths, check out what Lotuschef applied to this Chat! 

Cheers all.


Om Guru Lian Sheng Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef

Saturday, May 24, 2014

神秀与慧能 Shen Xiu & Hui Neng

Terjemahan Indonesia: Shen Xiu & Hui Neng



Quoted from 神秀与慧能:

身是菩提树
心如明镜台
时时勤拂拭
勿使惹尘埃 
The body is a wisdom tree,
The mind a standing mirror bright.
At all times diligently wipe it,
And let no dust alight.

这个偈子就是五祖的首席大弟子神秀写的,大家也因此而知道了神秀与慧能的这个故事——

弘忍传授衣钵的消息并没有传到柴草房,但是神秀的偈子一出,满寺震动,大家都认为神秀的偈子写的很好,身要像菩提树一样的正直,心也像明镜台,哪怕就是这样,也仍然要逝世的拂拭,不要为世俗之尘埃招惹~~~弘忍也认同他的这种思想,认为,一般的常人,如果按照神秀的做法,也会不堕入俗尘的。


大家都在墙边微观,因此也吸引了慧能前去观看,慧能不识字,别人念给他听,他觉得很不以为然,于是当即口述一个偈子,让另一个和尚帮他写在墙上——

Translated by Lama Lotuschef - I feel the translation for this verse into English does not give a comprehensive meaning, therefore I translate this short verse as follows:-

菩提本非树 Bodhi (Buddha's Wisdom) do not originate from Tree
明镜亦非台 Bright Mirror likewise not a stage
本身无一物 Original Body does not have any matter or void of matter
何处惹尘埃 Where can attract any sentient dust to come to rest or abide? 


慧能的偈子显示了其见性成佛的工夫,直指人心,直揭心性。
禅,是人心的直悟,是心与心的交流,其智慧在于不落“实”处。
于“空”中寻求解悟

偈子一出,惊动了弘忍,弘忍看了大吃一惊,但是装坐没事一样,用鞋子将慧能的偈子擦掉,并说——写的很一般~~但是,在晚上,弘忍却将金刚经的真髓讲解给慧能听,当慧能听到——“应无所住而生其心”时,顿时开悟了。弘忍将禅宗正宗的衣钵传授给了慧能,并且告戒他说,赶快离开此地,在我死之前不能说明你是我的衣钵传人,不能弘扬你的法~~~

慧能接收了弘忍的衣钵之后,一直展开了逃亡的生涯,躲避了神秀手下僧众的追杀
(这个信物,是一件用金丝锈满了佛像的袈裟,这个实物现在还在广东韶关的南华寺里,后话)一直来到了广州。后来,听说弘忍大师已经圆寂了,于是慧能出来了~~~


在广州的法性寺,正好举办佛教的盛会,出席的僧侣大师众多,在会场休息的时候,有两个僧人指着法性寺中的幡在争执,有的说是“风动”,有的说是“幡动”,并且正直不休。此时,慧能拨开众人,说——是仁者的心在动!!!

[At an event, two monks were arguing about movement of a banner.
One said it is the Wind that moves and One said it is the Banner that moves.
Hui Neng said: It is cultivator's or Individual's HEART that is moving!]

此言一出,震惊了法性寺的方丈印宗法师,他当时已经听说了六祖南下的事情,加上听眼前这个人的话,他立即认识到了眼前的这个人,就是六祖慧能。
于是印宗拜于慧能坐下。由此,慧能开始了在岭南地区传自己的法~~~最终在广东韶关定居传法,这就是广东韶关南华寺!

《千年菩提路》:六祖惠能的故事 – YouTube

六祖慧能傳 – YouTube
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Actually both are correct in their Individual Outlook!
Hui Neng has stated that there are No Right and Also No Wrong - Middle Path Viewpoint.

Both verses shows the Cultivation or Attainment Level of each Individual in their Level of Realization only.

Application of Buddha Dharma learned and put into practice only! 

Many that had read my Astral Series of articles showed utter disbelief and even scold, slander and label me as Crazy and Evil! 
Hahaha! Some, like Core and VM YC, pushed me into Mara's arms! 

From the Maha Perfection Dharma that GM Lu is sharing, do you all that had hurled insults & abuses at me and sent me into Mara's arms started to realize that what I shared is what GM Lu has been sharing with you in those Mahamudra and Maha Perfection Dharma articles he wrote?

Hahaha! If you still want to discredit me or hurt me, it is truly crucial that you figure out "Who Am I" first! 

O! you might also think this is bizarre!
Someone told me over the phone: Fashi, you........  , don't worry I won't do it.
At that instant, a vision appeared of the originator of this same statement which is not from me!
This someone created a lie and subsequently tried to cover up and put the blame of other misdeeds onto me! :)

When One starts to Lie, he/she has to churn out more to support their previous lies!
Eventually Lies only hurt the Originator!

Same thing when I received emails, reading through the contents, the author and all fellow conspirators appeared in my vision, Owning up to the parts they contributed! 

O! You think you can Run? 
But you can't hide from your own deeds or karma!

Remember the Student that wrote to GM Lu, and said that now you have a successor, it is time for you to retire.
Truly, when GM Lu read the contents, the whole group of leader and fellow conspirators were on stage acting out the parts they contributed to! 

Hahaha! Bizarre? 

Sorry to tell you, Not Bizarre at all! 

The 5 type of Eye that a Buddha has and the 5 Buddha's wisdom, can very accurately see, read, hear, reach,... you; where ever you may be! 
No sentient being can escape a Buddha's eye! :)


Cheers all.

Om Guru Lian Sheng Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef


Edited from Notes of Lotuschef

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Lotuschef at Play – 天魔知多少 How Much of Mara Do You Know?

Terjemahan Indonesia: Lotuschef Bermain-main – Seberapa banyak kamu tahu tentang Mara?

Mara Papiyas
Quoting from Wikipedia – Mara (demon):

Mara depicted in the Burmese style, attempting to tempt Buddha
The demons of mara. Palm leaf manuscript. Nalanda, Bihar, India

Mara (Sanskrit, also Māra), in Buddhism, is the demon that tempted Gautama Buddha by trying to seduce him with the vision of beautiful women who, in various legends, are often said to be Mara's daughters.

In Buddhist cosmology, Mara personifies unwholesome impulses, unskillfulness, the "death" of the spiritual life. He is a tempter, distracting humans from practicing the spiritual life by making mundane things alluring, or the negative seem positive.

In traditional Buddhism four senses of the word "mara" are given.
  • Klesa-mara, or Mara as the embodiment of all unskillful emotions.
  • Mrtyu-mara, or Mara as death, in the sense of the ceaseless round of birth and death.
  • Skandha-mara, or Mara as metaphor for the entirety of conditioned existence.
  • Devaputra-mara, or Mara the son of a deva (god), that is, Mara as an objectively existent being rather than as a metaphor.

Early Buddhism acknowledged both a literal and "psychological" interpretation of Mara. 

Mara is described both as an entity having a literal existence, just as the various deities of the Vedic pantheon are shown existing around the Buddha, and also is described as a primarily psychological force — a metaphor for various processes of doubt and temptation that obstruct spiritual practice.

"Buddha defying Mara" is a common pose of Buddha sculptures. 

The Buddha is shown with his left hand in his lap, palm facing upwards and his right hand on his right knee. The fingers of his right hand touch the earth, to call the earth as his witness for defying Mara and achieving enlightenment. 

This posture is also referred to as the 'earth-touching'mudra.


Etymology


The word "Mara" comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *mer meaning to die, and so it is related to the European Mara, the Slavic Marzanna and the Latvian Māra.
Mara in Latvian mythology means — The Mother of Earth and has positive meaning. She is wise and generous. [2]


Three daughters


In some accounts of the Buddha's enlightenment, it is said that the demon Māra sent his three daughters to tempt the Buddha to give up his quest.

Mara's three daughters are identified as Taṇhā (Craving), Arati (Boredom), and Raga (Passion).[3][4] 

For example, in the Samyutta Nikaya's Māra-saṃyutta, Mara's three daughters fail to entice the Buddha:

They had come to him glittering with beauty —
Taṇhā, Arati, and Rāga —
But the Teacher swept them away right there.
As the wind, a fallen cotton tuft.[5]

Some stories refer to the existence of Five Daughters, who represent the Three Poisons, Attraction, Aversion and Delusion, accompanied additionally by Pride and Fear.

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Dear all, as per Shizun, Mara is a 10th level or Ground Bodhisattva.

The 10th Level or Ground is a per Avatamsaka or Flower Adornment Sutra's "10th Ground or Level Sutra" - For all Bodhisattva's cultivators, after making vows of Boddhicitta and have to experience or realized the 10 Attributes of Faith, Abide, Execute, Dedicate, and etc...., all 40 divisions and cultivate meritorious deeds with Wisdom and Resources, then only can enter into the 10th Ground or Level to learn and cultivate.

[  已发菩提心的菩萨行者,要历经 十信十住十行十回向 等四十阶位修行福德与智慧资粮,然后进入十地修学。]

Hahaha! 

Mara is also the Boss of the highest level, level 6 of the Desire Realm! 
This Deity do not need to create his own leisure or fun, he loves to Transform lower realms matters, using others' fun to Play, thus term [Transform others for Self Ease, Comfort, Enjoyment.]

[第六天魔王,即欲界最高的他化自在天,此神就是不须自己行乐,而爱下天化作,以他人之乐事而自在游戏,故曰“他化自在天”。]

SZ also stress that nothing is permanent! 
There is no Everlasting People, Matters, Materials.

Mara slander Buddha Dharma but received his punishment when sent to Hell after his demise.
However, after redeeming or paying up for his "Sins", he again ascended to Heavenly realm to Cultivate! 

Hahaha! Buddha Dharma works for all people, matters, materials! 
The Middle Path Concept or Philosophy  中观正见, No Good, No Bad, ..... 

When You are sincere to Break Free from Suffering of Samsara, All Buddhas and their associates will give you another chance over and over again.

Like my buddy, Ksitigarbha, will be happy to clear Hell! 
Or All to Vacate Hell, upon their own sincere efforts and his Guidance! 


[[ They had come to him glittering with beauty —Taṇhā, Arati, and Rāga —But the Teacher swept them away right there.
As the wind, a fallen cotton tuft. ]]

Buddha was unmoved by the temptations of the beauties and also Mara's wrath!

This is True Cultivation.


Nothing to fear and be scared of!

Actually, Mara is not scary, the scary one is the heart demon that belongs to you, or transform by yourself!

Hahaha! 

Someone that has nothing better to do and ignorant of True Buddha Dharma, went round spreading lies that SZ said: Lianchu has 走火入魔 -means cultivate wrongly till Mara enters Lotuschef! 


Lotuschef and All From Pure Karma do hereby shares compassionately with you "The Truth about MARA"!

Lying breaches a Major Precept and best to ascertain your facts before falling into or upon lying!


Wishing all a Happy and Fruitful Chinese New Year and the Years ahead too!


Om Ah Hom, Guru Bei, Ah Her Sha Sha Ma Ha Lian Sheng Siddhi Hom
Lama Lotuschef