Book 236: The Magical Hands Of Sheng-yen Lu

Written by Master Sheng-yen Lu

Translated by TBTTs

Vajrapani Bodhisattva once appeared before me standing atop a lotus in the middle of a blazing fire.

He was holding a curved knife in one hand and a skull cup in the other.
Vajrapani Bodhisattva spoke to me, “Grand Master Lu, why don’t you write about the magical power of your hands?”
I asked, “Do my hands have magical power?”
Vajrapani Bodhisattva replied, “There are great seals imprinted on your hands, don’t you know that?”
I said, “I would appreciate it if you explained that to me.”
Vajrapani Bodhisattva said,
“On your hands are the following markings:
1. Star Cloud – Power of Suchness
2. Dharma Vessel – Power of Deliverance
3. Merit – Power of Pacification of Disasters
4. Ghost King – Power of Subjugation
5. Fortune and Virtue – Power of Enhancement
6. Dharma Eyes – Power of Wisdom
7. Love and Affection – Power of Love and Respect”

I was speechless.
Vajrapani Bodhisattva continued, “Grand Master Lu, you just need to lay your hand on the head of any sentient being, and dharma power will emerge. That kind of power is very inconceivable and extraordinary. You have to write this down in a book!”
I said, “I will keep this in mind!”
Vajrapani Bodhisattva said, “On one occasion, you entered into deep meditation and someone took a photograph of you. In that picture, your hands were transparent and radiating a great white light. The picture only showed your body; both hands had disappeared. Grand Master Lu, don’t you know? Your invisible hands transformed into a dharma vessel to guide and carry the spirits to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.”
Vajrapani Bodhisattva analyzed my hands for me:
“Hands are made up of skin, nails, handprints, bones, flesh, blood vessels, and blood. They do not exist as separate entities from the rest of the body and are always undergoing subtle transformation. Their colors, textures, age, lines, and shapes change day to day. They do not remain the same and are also impermanent.”
Vajrapani Bodhisattva added,

“Hands are an extension of the body and just like the rest of the body, are made up of the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. Hands are therefore also empty. One day, the hands will also die. At the time of dispersal of the four great elements, only space remains. We practitioners have to recognize the true reality of the emptiness of the self.”
Vajrapani Bodhisattva said finally,
“Due to the dharma power of cultivation, Grand Master Lu is able to emit infinite light from his hands. When this light is instilled into the body-mind of students, it will result in many inconceivable events. The recording of these occurrences into a book will benefit sentient beings living in the world.”
I said, “Very well! Very well! Everything is understood!”
This book has been written upon the entreaty of Vajrapani Bodhisattva. Vajrapani literally means “one with lightning in his hands.”
May this book bring benefit to everyone who reads it.

Living Buddha Lian-sheng
Sheng-yen Lu
17102 NE 40th Ct.
Redmond, WA 98052
U.S.A.