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- Dharma Talk by Master Lian Pao
- Transcribed by Corine Chen
- Edited by Dance Smith
- Proofread by LE
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Grand Master, all Masters, everybody, good evening!
Some time ago, when I was studying in my study, I came across some
sutra verses that contained some terminology that is rarely heard.
Some of it I did not understand. Out of curiosity, I looked up a
few of the terms in a Buddhist dictionary. I would like to take
this opportunity tonight to share my discovery with you.
First of all, I would like to share with you the name "Spinning
Wheel King" or "King of the Spinning Wheel". The
King of the Spinning Wheel has the most merits in this world. His
merit is so great that it is second only to heaven. How did he get
so much merit? From accumulation from his past lives. Actually,
there are four types of Spinning Wheel Kings - the Iron Spinning
Wheel King, the Bronze Spinning Wheel King, the Silver Spinning
Wheel King, and the Golden Spinning Wheel King.
General speaking, when human beings attain a lifespan of 20,000
years, the "Iron Spinning Wheel King" will appear in this
world. According to the sutra, human beings will reach a lifespan
of 840,000 years, and it will also be reduced to a mere 10 years.
For every 100 years, the human lifespan will either increase or
decrease by one year. When the Iron Spinning Wheel King appears
in this world, he will only rule the southern territory of this
world. When man attains a lifespan of 40,000 years, the Bronze Spinning
Wheel King comes out. He will be in charge of the South and East
side of the world. When the human lifespan reaches 60,000 years,
the Silver Spinning Wheel King appears. He will be in charge of
the South, East and West sides of the world. Finally, when mankind
reaches a lifespan of 840,000 years, the Golden Spinning Wheel King
will come out. He will be in charge of the four directions - the
East, West, South and North.
How do we differentiate the four Spinning Wheel Kings? By the material
of their Spinning Wheels. One very unusual thing is that when a
Spinning Wheel King appears, there are seven treasures that come
along with him. For example, when the Golden Spinning Wheel King
appears, he will have a golden wheel treasure with him. To put it
in another way, if he has a car, then it will have a golden wheel.
All his servants and animals will drive in cars with wheels as transportation,
and he will take them all along with him, touring every part of
the world, showing people how to cultivate the dharma. The second
treasure is a pure white elephant with six tusks. This particular
elephant is specially prepared for the Spinning Wheel King, and
he also has a green horse. These two animals are used by the Spinning
Wheel King to ride around the world. The third thing he has is a
precious pearl that emits radiant energy at night time. These are
already four of the treasures.
The fifth treasure of the Spinning Wheel King are pretty wives.
They are also his attendants. They go along with the Spinning Wheel
King to serve him wherever he goes. What is the sixth treasure of
the Spinning Wheel King? The sixth item is a very very wise minister
who has transcendent power, third eyes and computer-like wisdom.
Depending on the needs of the Spinning Wheel King, he provides the
Spinning Wheel King with correct information at any moment. The
seventh item is a minister who is a great warrior and knows all
the strategies of war. He protects the Spinning Wheel King against
the enemy.
A while ago, we mentioned that the Spinning Wheel King has the
most merit in this world. So what kind of merits does he have? First
of all, his wealth is number one or the foremost in the world. He
has lots of properties, servants, attendants, treasures - everything
is the most. Secondly, his appearance is foremost in the world,
very nice and solemn. He has 32 manifestations, just like the Buddhas.
We know the 32 manifestations of the Buddhas, for example his skin
is shining, his eyes have lots of energy in them and there is sunlight
on top of his head etc. The third symbol of his merit is that he
remains healthy, never gets sick at all, and is free of all illness,
which is also the foremost in the world. The fourth symbol is longevity,
which also the foremost in the world. So he has these four great
merits. When a Spinning Wheel King comes into this world, the world
will be in peace everywhere, there will be a nice atmosphere filled
with the fragrance of flowers and perfumes with lots of fruits.
You will not find garbage anywhere. Even the climate will be very
mild and people will be happy.
But when a Spinning Wheel King passes away, then what happens?
Even though his life is very long, with his merit of longevity,
he will still come to an end. So whatever he has or he owns, his
treasures, his servants, his attendants etc., on the seventh day
after he passes away, everything will disappear to follow him back
to heaven. So, as cultivators, we should know that even if you find
a person with the most merits in the world, when he passes away,
all the things he owns will disappear. The only thing you have is
the genuine cultivation that you have done. Continuous and diligent
cultivation will purify the body, speech and your mind's karma.
It will also help you attain to Buddha's kingdom and not be bound
to the six realms. So, from the term "Spinning Wheel King",
we know that everything in this world is impermanent. All things
are just illusion. The only permanent thing is to do your own cultivation.
So this is what I would like to share with you tonight.
Om Mani Padme Hum.
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