Hui Deru
Name: Yang Ya-wen
Dharma name: Hui Deru
Occupation: Interior Designer
Meditation Center: Los Angeles
Date of taking refuge: 2002
When I met my guru, he was spreading the Dharma as a Tibetan doctor. Because of my special sense of mystery about Tibet, I also had a wonderful curiosity about Tibetan medicine. At that time, my friend's mother experienced a great improvement in her physical ailments through the guru's treatment.
At that time, I often saw this "Tibetan doctor" at my friend's house. He didn't talk much, but after a few chats, he naturally led us into the world of Tibetan Buddhism.
I only learned that my guru was a Rinpoche after knowing him for a long time. Because my guru never deliberately flaunted his Rinpoche status in daily life, I had some doubts about his identity. At that time, I did not understand the importance of choosing and relying on a guru in tantric practice, but my guru's perseverance in transmitting the teachings, and the humility and compassion revealed in his words and deeds, did indeed dispel my doubts.
When I began receiving formal training from my guru, practicing the "The Mudras Healing Meditation" and "The Inner Energy Healing Meditation," I started to feel some changes in my body. Before I started practicing, although I didn't have any major health problems, I would definitely catch a cold if someone had one during seasonal changes. Now I almost never catch a cold. My previous indigestion and other digestive issues have also disappeared without me even noticing.
My inner world has also undergone a transformation. Before practicing meditation, I had many doubts and insecurities about the world and people, thus missing many opportunities to help others. After practicing the "The Inner Energy Healing Meditation " these two negative feelings disappeared. I now proactively help those in need, and my heart is filled with peace, tranquility, and compassion. After each meditation session, I can feel positive energy of happiness and joy.
Besides teaching meditation methods, the Guru often used simple metaphors to explain abstract Buddhist terms, allowing us to clearly understand their meaning. The most memorable instance was when the Guru asked everyone, "Who wants to become a Buddha?" At the time, I didn't understand the meaning and thought that "becoming a Buddha" was a state attainable only by Dharma masters with wisdom, something ordinary people could never achieve. Of course, I could never have such an "achievement" either.
The master patiently and repeatedly gave instructions to his disciples. He explained why one should generate Bodhicitta and why one should recite the vow and merit of "I take refuge in the Three Jewels of the ten directions, until I attain the supreme enlightenment, and may all the merits I have accumulated be used to liberate all sentient beings and become a Buddha" each time.
The Guru's teachings suddenly made me understand the meaning of generating Bodhicitta, and also made me clearly aware of the life lessons I was seeking, and gradually understand how to integrate spiritual practice into my daily life. I am infinitely grateful for the Guru's compassion. I vow to diligently practice and pray that this merit will repay the Guru.