The conditions for transmission

Under what circumstances would a master give transmission to a disciple? While there are several conditions that are important, the following are paramount:

• The master has sanctioned the disciple's realization of the emptiness of self and therefore holds correct views.
• The disciple is on the bodhisattva path of right action.
• The disciple is committed to fulfilling the Four Great Vows.
• The master deems the disciple ready to teach Chan as an heir in the lineage.

Realization

To receive transmission the disciple needs to have experienced no-self, or "buddha-nature." That is to say, the disciple has directly perceived that the true nature of phenomena is that of emptiness. As the Heart Sutra says, "Form is precisely emptiness, and emptiness is precisely form." This emptiness is not the nihilistic emptiness of "void" but the emptiness of things lacking enduring self-identity and separateness. This emptiness characterizes all forms, including the form of "self."

This realization of emptiness is possible only when the mind is without any trace of attachment. (For more on "buddha-nature," see Lesson 7.) Realization also means that the disciple possesses the correct view, which includes comprehending and accepting the three seals or marks of existence (suffering, impermanence, and no-self), and thoroughly grasping the meaning of conditioned arising (dependent origination).

It should be emphasized that a master may confirm a student's enlightenment without also granting permission to teach or without giving transmission. Much has to do with the causes and conditions between master and disciple. After receiving confirmation, some disciples continue to practice rather than teach and, in some cases, enter solitary retreat. A master may grant permission to teach to a student who has yet to attain realization, but this would not include Dharma transmission. In other words, a sine qua non of transmission should be that the student has realized at least a rudimentary level of genuine enlightenment.

Right Action

The disciple should be following the path of Right Action. Fundamentally this means that the disciple upholds the precepts, practices the Six Paramitas, and otherwise follows the Mahayana bodhisattva path. (See Lesson 6, The Bodhisattva Path.)

Four Great Vows

The disciple's commitment to the Path is unwavering and guided by the Four Great Vows:

• I vow to deliver innumerable sentient beings.
• I vow to eliminate all vexations.
• I vow to master limitless approaches to Dharma.
• I vow to attain supreme buddhahood.

By practicing in accordance with the Four Great Vows, one is naturally emulating the Buddha's wisdom and compassion.

Readiness to teach

A master's confirmation of a disciple's realization is not in itself transmission. In order for that to happen, the master should also be confident that the disciple is ready to teach Dharma as a representative of the lineage, in other words, to become a Dharma "heir." The master should also feel confident that the disciple has the requisite character and "skillful means" to teach the concepts of Buddhism and the methods of Chan to others. If the disciple is already teaching and in fact, has the means and resources to support group practice, this would enter the master's decision on the disciple's readiness to teach. In some cases the master may grant limited transmission in which the disciple may teach but not yet give sanction and transmission to others.