The Vimalakirti Sutra (維摩詰經) explains that there is no formula for attaining enlightenment. Anyone can comprehend the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings by eradicating all delusions, attachments and worries in one's mind. We must understand that everything in the universe is impermanent. We must help the spiritually and materially impoverished, even at the expense of our own life. The sutra severely condemns people who care only about their own spiritual cultivation while ignoring the suffering in the world. Any Buddhist should adopt the character of a bodhisattva, a being who has attained enlightenment but who remains in the world to help the poor and the needy. In the Vimalakirti Sutra, I can clearly see the basis for one of Master Cheng Yen's most passionate ideals, that of "walking on the Path of the Bodhisattvas"--taking concrete action to help relieve the suffering of the poor in the world.

The sutra begins as the Buddha learns that the erudite and wise cultivator Vimalakirti has fallen ill. In response to the grim news, the Buddha urges his ten major disciples to call on the old gentleman. To his surprise, each of the disciples refuses his request. They are worried they may not be able to answer any questions on spiritual cultivation that Vimalakirti might ask them.

As a result, the Buddha sends Manjusri Bodhisattva, a symbol of wisdom to all Buddhists, to call on Vimalakirti. The essence of the Buddha's teachings is gradually revealed to us through the conversations and debates between Vimalakirti and Manjusri. The high point of the exchange occurs when Manjusri asks Vimalakirti how he avoids falling into the trap of making distinctions between things. Instead of answering, Vimalakirti remains completely silent. Manjusri immediately certifies the wisdom in this "silent answer." He praises Vimalakirti by saying that his "wordless sermon is indeed the key to enlightenment." Thus, over 1,500 years ago Vimalakirti's silent reply established the primary etiquette for Chinese Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism: wordless sermons and the verification of an enlightenment from heart to heart.

The Vimalakirti Sutra also records two interesting scenarios that have been repeatedly referred to in Chinese literature: the sprinkling of blossoms by celestial ladies, and the serving of xiang-ji fragrant rice.

The first story tells of celestial ladies that sprinkle blossoms on the heads of everyone at a meeting. As the blossoms fall on the heads and shoulders of bodhisattvas, they immediately fall to the ground. However, the blossoms adhere tightly to the heads of junior cultivators. The moral of the anecdote is that the blossoms, which symbolize mundane pleasures and temptations, do not bother the bodhisattvas. They have cultivated their spirituality to the level of being totally unattached to anything; thus, there is nothing that the blossoms can cling to. In contrast, the junior cultivators still have delusions and attachments hidden in their hearts. For this reason, the blossoms become embarrassing stickers.

In the second story, Vimalakirti uses his supernatural power to ascend to the Heavenly Kingdom of Xiang-ji and ask for fragrant rice to serve his visitors. Not only is this rice delicious, but its fragrance emanates from everyone who eats it. When Vimalakirti returns to earth, he is accompanied by nine million bodhisattvas, but they cannot tolerate the world's filth and stench. In this story, we sense the compassion of the bodhisattvas who do live in this world, because they are willing to put up with the filth and corruption in order to help alleviate suffering. As in the story, the fragrance of compassion and love emanates from their very pores, helping to rid the world of pain and filth. How touching!