Right View

Writen by Sheng-yen Lu


Right View is listed first in the Eightfold Path, indication its importantance. Right View means having the correct perspective: It refers to a Buddhist having faith, acceptance and understand about the truth of cause and effect, the practice and doctrines of Buddhism, the Three Dharma Seals, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Twelve Branches of Dependent-Arising.

In the Tantric teachings, it is vital to maintain the Right View. Hence, it is essential that a Tantric Practitioner take refuge in a vajra master who is true lineage holder. This means that one should identify with and follow a root guru, trusting him completely, and focus on one's cultivation. It is only by placing one's attention on the Root Guru and contemplating often on his image that one shall arrive at a state of immovable calm. This is the Right View of Tantric Buddhism.

The present mix of Buddhist teachings does not necessarily reflect the true doctrine of Buddhism. A multitude of denominations have sprung up to actively promote themselves and attract a following either by highlighting their respective skills, their ability to communicate with spirits, the use of Qigong, or by even resorting to the means of using ghosts to deceive men and women.

These sects attract a following for the purpose of cheating people of offerings and expanding their territories through entirely unscrupulous means. Many who lack the Right View have fallen into these wrong paths and can not extricate themselves from the influences of these paths. They feel they have found an enlightened master through whom they can study the supreme teachings, and feel they are nearing buddhahood. Yet they have long fallen prey to the Mara.

These individuals should reflect on the Right View of Tantric Buddhism as having one Root Guru, one principal deity, and one crusial Dharma protector, and practice accordingly. Do not crave for spiritual powers and evil skills. Avoid craving for the special arts and trying many things. Avoid attachment to illusory visions and sounds. Do not submit to slander and don't become doubthful.

Do not believe anything blindly, and turn away from superstition. It is important to use common sense.

Ask yourself, do you or do you not hold the Right View? If you expect to achieve Tantric attainment and gain liberation from samsara, you must maintain the Right View all the way through!