Temple matters we need to know

Learning Point No 57 



Quote from last paragragh of The shrine hall at Bo Tien Temple was designed based on the doctrine of Heaven.

Lord Bo Tien said in the parable of three temples that 
the first temple would be beset with fire obstacle 
and the second with water obstacle (flood).
The third will be beset with human issues.
All parties of differing viewpoints
in the same one temple 
must come together like yin and yang
and be a pillar of strength.
They stand to gain 
if they can learn from 
the good or bad of one another.
They can complement one another.

The first two temples faced external obstacles
but the third temple would face human issues
and would be test of whether members have
grasped the doctrine and were able to put it
into practice to overcome human matters.

If they could not and create problems
by trying to solve problems
using mundane worldly ways
instead of using the doctrine
taught by their lord saint,
then the temple would succumb
and go under.

The above do not refer to any specific temple or church
but must be seen from the doctrine perspective
to be applicable to any growing temple or church .

But there is the universal temple that Lord Bo Tien wants us to know and all under Heaven are in this temple. This is not a concrete building. The sky is the roof of the temple and religions and sects are the pillars of the temple. All under Heaven are in the temple. The whole wide world and web is the temple and must be regarded as a sacred place --- a temple for living and learning. It is more important that everyone that counts plays a role in this universal temple if due focus is to be given to the Mission of Heaven. Men must not be distracted by the agenda of men and end up serving the mission of man. That would be a far cry from the Mission of Heaven.