A professional strongman trains himself every day. It takes more than 10 years, even up to almost 20 years, for him to become a strongman of exceptionally strong physique. However, the essential nature of his physique is still the same. He is still unable to transform his physique or physical functions of an ordinary person. Whereas, the holy physical strength from the holy physique of a holy person, who has learned and practiced true Buddha Dharma, will far exceed the physical condition and strength of a strongman without doubt. Such holy strength is absolutely not something anyone with the physique of an ordinary person can hope to attain. Otherwise, that would not be holy strength.
As proven by many facts, even if a strongman can lift 1,000 catties (approximately 1,100 pounds) with two hands, he would not be able to lift a 300-catty (approximately 330 pounds) Platform Pestle off the ground with one hand. He can only lament over the sight of such a Pestle.
Knowing that there is such a difference between a holy person and an ordinary person, it is not difficult to understand why the elementary level Holy Guru Kaichu Jiaozun—who has never practiced any kind of exercises to improve His physical well-being, learned any martial arts or done any weight training, but is simply a scholarly person who cultivates His conduct, practices meditation and Dharma—was able to lift the Vajra Pestle effortlessly with the hand that was deformed in an old injury, hold the Pestle for seven seconds for the duration of a mantra chanted seven times, then place the Pestle onto the Platform. He successfully surpassed His base weight standard by 16 levels. Whereas, the Asian Champion of the Strongest Man Competition Lyu Xiao could not match the performance of Kaichu Jiaozun who is almost 90 years old. That is because the physiques and physical functions of a holy and an ordinary person are different.
According to the Dharma rules of the “Exam of Lifting the Pestle onto the Platform,” each candidate has a base weight standard that he has to reach based on his respective age and body weight. One who reaches his standard is called a Healthy Physique Man.
Exceeding the level of Healthy Physique Man is surpassing the standard. Going below the level of Healthy Physique Man is subpar. There are, in total, 30 levels above, and five levels below.
It is stipulated in the Dharma rules that one who surpasses his own base weight standard by 12 to 19 levels is an elementary level Holy Guru, by 20 to 25 levels is a mid-level Holy Guru and surpassing 26 to 29 levels is a Great Holy Guru. One who surpasses his own base weight standard by 30 levels to reach the pinnacle is a Tremendously Great Holy Guru and a Vajra King of Great Strength.
Under normal circumstances, it is very difficult for a normal person of good strength to surpass his own base weight standard by two to three levels. A national level strongman can surpass up to nine levels. A world-class strongman can surpass 10 levels, but not beyond that.
For example, Strongman Long Wu won the Golden Belt and title of Grand Master of Strength, World’s Strongest Man for Lifting the Pestle onto the Platform. Even though his fingers were torn and bled during the process, he was only able to surpass his own base weight standard by 10 levels. Yet Kaichu Jiaozun, who is almost 90 years old, was able to surpass His own base weight standard by 16 levels. This has proven that Kaichu Jiaozun has attained the supernormal physique and physical strength of an elementary level Holy Guru. This is the difference between a holy one and an ordinary person.
3. Personally witnessing H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III perform a feat of holy strength beyond compare with other holy ones
During the Dharma Assembly for assessing Dharma realization power through “Lifting the Pestle onto the Platform” held on February 9, the congregation had the good fortune to witness H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III achieve a feat of holy strength that is beyond compare with any other holy ones.
On that day, there was a huge, 420-pound vajra pestle inside the Hall of Shakyamuni Buddha at the Holy Miracles Temple. This pestle was placed on the Golden Step Dharma Platform during a Dharma Assembly held two days earlier by Holy Gurus. It should be especially pointed out that only a Tremendously Great Holy Guru with the ability to surpass His own base weight standard by 30 levels at the pinnacle is able to lift this Supreme Holy Vajra Pestle “Onto the Golden Step,” or “Off the Holy Seat.” Prior to this, no one in this world has ever been able to lift the Pestle up one bit. Lifting such a level of weight will break the bones, tear the tendons and muscles, and dislocate the joints of an ordinary person.
It is stipulated by the Dharma rules that when the Supreme Holy Vajra Pestle is placed on top of the Golden Step, no Dharma activities can be conducted in the Grand Hall unless the Pestle is lifted off the Golden Step. Naturally, the “Exam of Lifting the Pestle onto the Platform” could not take place in this Mandala. The Vajra Hook absolutely must not be used to lift any pestle, or else the Dharma rules will be violated.
What could be done? Everyone was looking at each other and was extremely anxious. All those of good physical strength came forward to try to lift the huge Pestle off the Golden Step. Despite the fact that everyone exerted utmost physical effort, no one was able to lift this Pestle with one hand at all, not to mention lifting it off the Holy Seat. The Dharma Assembly could not proceed.
It happened that His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III had accepted a respectful request to be present at this Dharma Assembly to observe the proceedings. The congregation then beseeched H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to resolve this difficult situation.
H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III said: “From the beginning, I have disagreed with your using this as an exam subject. After all this time, all those who were tested were but ordinary people. How many of them are elementary level Holy Gurus? Those who are not holy ones could not surpass more than 10 levels! Have whoever put this Pestle onto the Golden Step take it down!”