Students should make offerings and show gratitude to their root master who transmits dharma to them as this master is the source of their liberation and enlightenment.
Erroneous View # 57: THE VIEW THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE NOT TO MAKE OFFERINGS TO YOUR MASTER AFTER YOU ATTAINED REALIZATION THROUGH RECEIVING YOUR MASTER’S DHARMA
Some people received a dharma transmission and initiation from their root master. They even attained realization and increased their accumulation of good fortune and wisdom through practicing such dharma. However, they have no idea of the need to be grateful to their master. They act as if they did not receive anything. It seems that as far as they are concerned, the master, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas all owe them something and should as a matter of course give them dharma transmissions and initiations. They do not understand that their root master is the dharma source or seed for their future liberation. Their root master is most important to them at this time. They must understand the need to be grateful and must requite the kindness they have received by making offerings to their master. One should not regard one’s own interests as being important. One should regard the Buddha-dharma as being important. That is because one becomes accomplished through receiving dharma. This is a kindness bestowed upon the disciple by the root master. This is a very important point. I do not want all of you to make offerings to me. I have already publicly announced that I do not accept offerings. However, according to the teachings and rules of the Buddha-dharma, this is how I must explain this subject. My explanation is in accord with the dharma. I must also clearly tell you that you actually should make offerings to me. Since I transmit Buddha-dharma to you, it is only right and proper that I accept your offerings. Why do I not accept your offerings? It is because I see your living conditions. In a word, I do this to reduce your expenditures. I do this out of compassion and sympathy for you. Therefore, I made a vow not to accept offerings. I unconditionally serve and benefit you. The increase in your happiness is the offering I want.
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