STUDENT:

Do people who have seen their self-nature have more control over themselves and their vexations?

SHIH-FU:

We can only say that people who have seen their self-nature have greater faith in themselves and their practice. They know that having vexations is normal for sentient beings, but they have faith that, through practice, vexations will lessen and disappear.

STUDENT:

Do "bad" masters knowingly deceive others, or do they really think they are good masters?

SHIH-FU:

Both cases are possible. There are those who truly believe they are good masters, even though they aren't, and there are those who are aware of their mediocrity, yet they continue deceiving others because they desire fame or wealth.

STUDENT:

By what standard and whose judgment is a master considered good or bad?

SHIH-FU:

Sometimes it's obvious. For instance, if the master confirms the enlightenment of one disciple because he or she has donated money, but rejects another disciple who doesn't give money, then the case is clear. Usually, however, it's more subtle than this.