I asked White Tara: Is there samaya between a Buddhist practitioner and sentient beings?
White Tara replied:
Yes.
Has Grandmaster Lu heard of this following verse? It goes:
As long as empty space exists,
Earth, water, fire, wind, and emptiness will be present.
As long as earth, water, fire, wind, and emptiness exist,
Sentient beings will surely come into being.
As long as sentient beings continue to exist,
Emotions, desires, cravings, hatred, and delusions will definitely be everywhere.
Amidst the existence of these Five Poisons,
The great compassion of spiritual cultivators will definitely be everywhere.
Oh Grandmaster Lu! Grandmaster Lu, this is the samaya between a Buddhist practitioner and sentient beings.
I asked White Tara:
What kind of samaya does a Buddhist practitioner have towards sentient beings?
White Tara replied:
Like the radiant sun, a Buddhist practitioner's duty is to illuminate the darkness within all beings.
Like one with clear vision, a Buddhist practitioner must lead those who are spiritually blind.
Like one with great wealth, a Buddhist practitioner should relieve the poverty experienced by sentient beings.
Like one who turns the dharma wheel, a Buddhist practitioner aspires to provide spiritual refuge to all sentient beings.
Like a teacher, a Buddhist practitioner aims to impart the wisdom of Buddhadharma to all beings.
Like an unbreakable vajra, a Buddhist practitioner is committed to protecting sentient beings from various afflictions and hardships.
Like the compassionate Avalokiteśvara, a Buddhist practitioner diligently practices the six paramitas, offering aid and support to all beings.
Like a bodhisattva, a Buddhist practitioner works towards bringing benefit and welfare to all sentient beings.
Like Grandmaster Lu, a Buddhist practitioner never abandons even a single sentient being. They teach Buddhadharma to all sentient beings equally, without discrimination, so that all may attain enlightenment.
This is samaya!
***
I asked White Tara:
In the vast ocean of sentient beings, they either stay afloat or become capsized like a boat. When their spiritual journey is overturned, what should a Buddhist practitioner do?
White Tara replied:
Now, I am going to teach practitioners how to cultivate. These practices are in fact, key turning points in a Buddhist practitioner’s spiritual journey.
When sentient beings are experiencing poverty,
this is the time and opportunity for Buddhists to practice “generosity.”
When sentient beings insult you,
this is the time and opportunity for Buddhists to learn how to “patiently endure.”
When sentient beings bully and oppress you,
this is the time and opportunity for Buddhists to make “steadfast progress.”
When sentient beings tempt Buddhists to act immorally,
this is the time and opportunity for Buddhists to “abide by the precepts.”
When sentient beings are ignorant, confused, and deluded,
this is the time and opportunity for Buddhists to gain “wisdom.”
When sentient beings are consumed by unrealistic desires and fantasies,
this is the time and opportunity for Buddhists to practice “meditative stability.”
These are also samaya!
***
I, Grandmaster Lu, say this:
The samaya between a Buddhist practitioner and sentient beings is undeniably present. Due to the unfathomable nature of sentient beings, our only response can be gratitude towards them. Even in the face of defamation, humiliation, oppression, or harm, we should still appreciate their role in helping a Buddhist practitioner develop the “six paramitas.”
Even the smallest causes can lead to tremendous benefits. We should treat sentient beings with the same care and consideration as we do ourselves, nurturing bodhicitta and extending our compassion to help them. Embracing these ideas and putting them into action is what samaya entails. Any actions that deviate from this are a breach of samaya.
When it comes to individuals with great wisdom and kindness, their underlying objective is to free sentient beings from the cycle of rebirth. Sentient beings should seek refuge in these remarkable individuals, as they can guide them on the path of spiritual growth through Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Within this context, samaya becomes even more important!