- First, when this master is teaching you, can he see through your outer packaging and point directly to the depths of your inner heart?
- Does this enlightened master have at least some understanding of the Dharma doors or practices you have previously chosen to study? Can the two of you communicate directly, heart to heart, most of the time?
- Most of the time, this enlightened master’s mind is very peaceful. This peace does not come from meditative concentration, but from his understanding of himself. He is aware of the arising and movement of every one of his thoughts, and he knows clearly what he is doing. He may feel annoyed, but he is not confused. Only an enlightened master who understands himself can possibly guide you onto the path of light!
- When you are in his presence, do you have the wish to open your inner heart to him? If you long for him to know and understand you, then you may have a dharma connection with him. When you have completely opened yourself to an enlightened master, becoming humble and respectful without resentment or regret, you have learned to stop packaging yourself and to open yourself to anyone and anything in life. Then you can see the qualities of an enlightened master—the qualities of the Way—in any matter, any object, anyone. This is the ultimate purpose of choosing a master.
- In truth, a genuine master-disciple relationship is a kind of resonance, just like Shakyamuni holding up a flower and Mahakasyapa smiling.