Question: There is this organisation headed by a lady who is said to be able to connect to the Jade Emperor (a Taoist god) and Maitreya ‘Buddha (or rather, Bodhisattva), and direct their light of blessings directed into mineral water bottles. What do you think?
Answer: Sigh…. such groups usually deviate from true Buddhist teachings. As a simple rule in true Buddhist practice set by the Buddha, anyone that repeatedly and openly claim to have direct access to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially when well and alive are not real Buddhists – because they are using the so-called ‘ability’ to get followers, fame, money and power – instead of getting followers to learn and practise the Dharma directly. Anyone can claim to be able to do this or that supernormal deed in the name of Buddhism if it was permitted by the Buddha – including con-men and women. As such, it is not permitted.