One Master and Twelve Teachers on the Path of Cultivation

A Master and Twelve Teachers on the Path of Cultivation

This way of thinking should be like writing a thesis, having a guiding professor, while other subject professors impart different knowledge and learning methods.

 

Therefore, during the process of cultivation, we will clearly understand which deity we are following. There will only be one main deity in a lifetime, while during the cultivation process, whether for a long or short time, you may have up to twelve associated teachers. So when deities and Buddhas appear one by one, do not feel overly pleased or overly fearful.

The main deity helps you understand what kind of spirit you will learn in your life’s journey; for example: Guanyin Bodhisattva. Why is that?
What we know is that Guanyin Bodhisattva gives people a feeling of compassion, responding to cries for help and rescuing those in distress, reforming the unruly (like the Monkey King),
So why is Guanyin Bodhisattva your main deity in this life? One reason could be that you have unfinished practices on the path of the Bodhisattva; another reason could be due to deficiencies from prenatal habits, hence sending a Bodhisattva as a teacher to correct these deficiencies and learn the spirit.

Now what about the twelve associated teachers? They arise from being human in an environment shaped by family upbringing, learning conditions, social interactions… etc., leading to blind spots and deficiencies,
For example: losing integrity due to conforming to life’s demands, grievances arising from exams during education, or forcing relationships when they are not going well… among various situations,
Associated teachers (who carry those deficiencies or lack maturity) will appear at appropriate stages; for instance: struggling with studies,
You may often encounter Guanyin Bodhisattva, Wenchang Dijun (God of Literature), Ji Gong (Master Ji), Manjushri Bodhisattva… When faced with indecision,
If your mind is ambivalent, you might frequently meet Xuantian Shangdi (God of Dark Heaven), Guan Sheng Dijun (Lord Guan), San Taizi (Prince San), Tian Shang Sheng Mu (Heavenly Mother)… etc.,
When experiencing excessive pressure from spiritual matters or life difficulties, it’s usually Taishang Laojun (Supreme Old Lord), Fuyou Dijun (Lord Fuyou), Ji Gong (Master Ji), Wumu Niangniang (Mother Wumu), Bodhisattvas… who come to assist.

Thus, associated teachers come to help based on your spiritual condition arising from your circumstances; this does not mean you should seek some supernatural powers,
But rather that you should learn their spirit to navigate through this stage of life and strengthen your spiritual essence. This also explains something,
When too many associated teachers come seeking you at once, it indicates how unstable you are at this moment and how significant your character deficiencies are; thus it’s essential to quietly reflect within,
Confront your fears and shortcomings so that associated teachers can help you pass through this hurdle. This also explains why some people wonder why deities would frequently visit them for a while but now seem absent without any feelings.

When associated teachers come seeking you, don’t be too happy; it means you’re being closely monitored because you’re not doing well in your practice. If all twelve associated teachers appear, then there are indeed significant character deficiencies.

When your practice stabilizes and brings peace of mind, your spiritual essence can then seek guidance from the main deity and original teacher at any time. At that point in your cultivation journey, you’ll naturally understand: the distinction between true and false as well as expressibility—the essence of Dao is inseparable from nature.

by- Yin Shi