Q. In spiritual practice, what is the difference between the esoteric and the exoteric paths?

M. First, spiritual cultivation will be perfect only if it incorporates both the "esoteric" and "exoteric" aspects. However, most people do not practice the esoteric path because they have not found the lineage or met an Enlightened Master who can transmit the method. So, they choose the exoteric path, which is taught openly and can be followed without a change in deportment or moral standards. People who worship the Buddha statue and offer red envelopes (containing donations) at the temples are considered exoteric practitioners, even though they slaughter pigs sometimes. People devoted to the esoteric practice must have high moral standards, strictly observe the precepts, and know many secret methods that have been passed down through the ages. However, the most difficult thing is to find an Enlightened Master who has acquired the esoteric method that transcends worldly language. He can transmit the method to us only after he has graduated from this school of intangible teachings and attained the true method that "can be neither described nor named".

In the exoteric path, practitioners must study many scriptures and learn a lot of Buddhist terminology before they can graduate. They must know what the Buddha, Mahayana, or Mahaprajnaparamita means. They must learn and know all these things to be able to answer people's questions. Only then can they preach the exoteric path. It is more difficult to practice the esoteric path because there are no scriptures to learn from. We rely on our life-after-life spiritual practice, our intense aspiration for the Truth, as well as our sincerity, precepts and diligent practice. We rely on ourselves until we find our own Enlightened Master. Therefore, it is very difficult to graduate from the esoteric path. Shakyamuni Buddha was accomplished in both the exoteric and esoteric paths. He could teach anything and elaborate on any scripture, including the four Vedas. He had no difficulty debating with Brahman believers, or anyone, for that matter. He had also attained the esoteric teachings that cannot be transmitted through words or expressed in writing. Since He had graduated from this school of intangible teachings, He could transmit them to His believers.

The difference between the two paths is that very few people have accomplished the esoteric path while many have accomplished and graduated from the exoteric path. Ordinary people who have studied in a Buddhist institution for several years are also considered graduates from the exoteric school. So, even lay practitioners can preach and explain to the masses the definition of Mahaprajnaparamita; the Great Mercy Mantra; or the origin of Amitabha Buddha, the meaning of His name, and why we should repeat His name.

In contrast, the esoteric school is very difficult. There are no scriptures to rely on. We can only depend on our God Nature and wisdom to uncover the path. We yearn and practice diligently every day until we attain it completely. Then only can we transmit the path to other people. It is really difficult because it is the true and intangible scripture, the Muni Pearl, our intangible possession that we can only earn intangibly and silently. Not even the Master can help us; He or She can only guide us on the road. We have to devote our own efforts and know-how to use our Wisdom.