Heaven here and now and not wait for afterlife

Learning Point No 216





When we go for the spiritual life, the same values for spiritual life if applied to our worldly life gives adequate optimum comfort and success in worldly life as well.

 

The spiritual values include having inner peace come what may, neither denying or giving up life nor overindulging in life, neither living in the past(thinking and brooding over the past or living on past glory) nor living only for the future. These are aspects of balance of yin and yang, the polarities of life. Such balance can bring inner peace come what may. 

There is also the need to be balanced with respect to God, neither denying His existence nor fearing his existence but ever loving and practising the doctrine God and His saints stand for.

God is like a father. What a father wants out of a child is not adulation and fear of the father but to be able to grow up, be an embodiment of the values the father stand for.

 

These spiritual values allow us to gain spiritually simultaneously while leading worldly life as the values bring peace and comfort to both worldly and spiritual life. This is possible because our moment to moment life, that is, our daily life is the very ground for our spiritual practice and cultivation. We can have heaven and inner peace here and now in this life and not wait for heaven beyond this life. We have both worldly and heavenly gains. Worldly comfort comes with avoidance of denial of worldly life at one extreme and overindulgence in worldly life at the other extreme. The latter will result in suffering as the person is effectively the slave of life and not the master of life.

Our worldly life is our gospel. We learn from the gospel of life as it unfurls. The whole wide world and web is our temple for spirituality - for spiritual understanding and cultivation. We learn to be one with God. God is everywhere in the nature or world we live in and even in us and in our life.

We certainly can have heaven by having more inner peace here and now in this life and not wait for heaven beyond this life.

We practise the doctrine behind the Bagua. The bagua embodies the flux of yin and yang, the polar or dual contingencies of life like gain & loss, love & hatred, joy & sorrow, praise & blame, success & failure, denial & indulgence etc --- the balance of which yields inner peace. Inner peace is the essence of Heavenly experience which would lead to enlightenment - oneness with Divinity

The Bagua

 

 

Elaboration of extract from The shrine hall at Bo Tien Temple was designed based on the doctrine of Heaven.

 

 

No to fear and guilt in spiritual cultivation?

Learning Point No 215

 

"The word SIN or WRONG may appear simple and widely used (and is more derogatory than empathic and motivating). Yet few really understand the depth of its meaning and ramifications. Bear in mind that there is no rigidity but in reality, there is great degree of flexibility with regards to SIN or WRONG. This may not be apparent to the brethren on earth. Everyone will come to know more and will not want to refer to word SIN or WRONG. Rather as they progress, and emancipate themselves from fear (due to lack of grasp of inner truth), they will then progressively not view life superficially but more correctly in depth and width to understand that all need to learn and progress. Thus it is important to know that brethren are not WRONG but less right. This disposition removes fear and guilt and motivates brethren to improve and learn." Lord Bo Tien's 1975 Anniversary Message

 

If all understand this, they will harbour no fear and guilt. They will not in their passion in their belief or faith instill fear and emotional unrest to bring others to their fold or viewpoint.

This would bring humanity back to the day of cave dwellers when men feared lightning and thunder and think that heaven was angry with them.

When there is fear and guilt in religion, often this is the creation or folly of man and not of God and saints

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grasp of doctrine is the best worship

Learning Point No 214

The emissary of Lord Bo Tien at the end of His anniversary message in 1975 at the awning shed temple at Singapore Woodlands Road 11 and 3/4 ms turned to a devout medical undergraduate and commended him in advance that one day that young man will be very adapt at worshipping the lord saint. The emissary had just explained on who knows and is closest to the saint best.

 

He said, "If brethren are to understand the saint, they must first understand the Doctrine that the saint expounds. If the Doctrine is understood, that brethren will understand the saint. Whosoever knows (understands) the Doctrine will know (understand) the saint and whosoever knows (understands) the saint will know (understand) the Doctrine." Lord Bo Tien's 1975 Anniversary Message

 

That medical undergraduate had at end of 1975   became a medical doctor. That doctor over the decades have remained close at heart to the saint by knowing the doctrine better and better as the day and years passed by. The doctor had been instrumental in helping out to pen the doctrine, so as to forge ahead with the mission of the lord saint.

 

After he passed age 60, he has  more than ever helped inner truth netizen to put out the doctrine in the world wide web.

 

The one who is good at worship of the saint  is the one who has grasp the doctrine. Grasp of doctrine is the best worship.

The doctor has requested for anonymity and is the reason why his name is not mentioned.

 

 

All saints and religions are one and yet different

Learning Point No 213

Ji Gong the Living Buddha

Ji Gong advised us to go direct to the inner truth and not the ways of men in name of conventional religious institutions, practices and traditions. He said that what matters is what goes through the heart and not what goes through the guts. Do not pander to the many whims and fancies of the problem prone folks, He said. Let God be in our heart. Be God-centric and not Man-centric. You will have more peace that way. Go for the inner truth behind religions. Worship God and saints but not men. Man is man and God is God. Let your heart be in God more than in men if you want peace.This too did Lord Bo Tien say. (Excerpt from What Ji Gong wants us to know)

 

 



Lord Bo Tien

Lord Bo Tien and Ji Gong the Living Buddha are different saints but yet one in truth and in God. If you know the truth of life, you know God and the essence of truth that is the basis of all religions.

You know that all saints are one and yet different. You know that all religions are one and yet different in the way they broach on the truth of life that brings us peace in God and saints above. 

Ji Gong and Bo Tien are saints in their own right but if you understand what each is trying to tell you, you understand the other when you go into depth of what they say.

The same applies to religions. All religions appear to be different and that is because there is need to appeal to different needs of society at different times and places.

But if you truly understand any one religion in depth, you will understand what the other religions are trying to tell you and why they approach from different perspectives. 

All saints and religions are one and yet different.

 

 

 

 

Saint Mathew and Worship

Learning Point No 212
Extracted from Insight into the simplicity that Ji Gong wants us to know ...

Matthew 19:23-24 “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

We cannot worship money and at same time worship God.

But we cannot also live without money in this world and be an ascetic. Such denial of money world will not do even for the devout and religiously inclined.

But living the excessive princely life, going for money at all cost is an indulgence or excess that that will give us no peace and make us far from the kingdom of God and saints.

We must be atop and balance the yin and yang of life, like the feet of the seated image of Lord Bo Tien or like symbolised by the Ba gua.

Money is a good servant but not a good master. Better to worship God than money or another man. Let us worship God as master of our life and not man or money.

God is the doctrine and the doctrine is God. The best master for man is the doctrine and letting the doctrine come to life in life is what God and saints expect of men. 

Lord Bo Tien reminded that he who knows the doctrine knows God. He who does not, knows not God even if God is beside him.

The best worship of God is to worship life and life is the living gospel. Let the doctrine be the master of our life. Then God will be in us and we in God.


 

Solidly gelled as one like elements of pillar

Learning Point No 211

In 1976, the Saint reiterates that a temple or spiritual organisation be solid like the concrete pillar. The pillar is made up of many elements. Members of the organisation are like the elements of the pillar. If they have the oneness of heart and commitment and if they are equipped with the Doctrine of Truth, they should not fear where the pillar be moved or where it is sited. It is important that they should remain solid as a concrete pillar and must not be fragmented. A spiritual organisation could exist anywhere and even in the open without a building if members are united, equipped and fortified by the Doctrine." Lord Bo Tien's 1976 Anniversary Message

 

We must be solidly gelled as one like elements of pillar and the doctrine is the gel though we may be at different levels and perspectives of doctrine cultivation.


 

 

 

Only some make it but doctrine is always for all

Learning Point No 210

Even with the best of spiritual endeavours and environment, many at a temple or church may falter and only some can make it but Heaven will never give up and will repeatedly reach out to the many even those who are colorful.

The far may be near and dear to God and saints but men may question the wisdom of God and think that this should not be.  Men will often think that colorful characters should not be at a temple or church. This however is man's view and not God's view.

The excerpts from 1976 and 1983 messages will provide the understanding. 

 

In 1976, the emissary of Lord Bo Tien elaborate on this. "The Lord Saint shares and reiterates that not all who though blessed enough to listen to doctrine would necessarily benefit and turn good. There is no certainty and predictability of outcome. There is invariably individual choice, effort and decision. Men are not perfect, do have free will to choose, do have weak moments and can make mistakes. They may fall and falter despite the best divine intention, repeated efforts and intervention. But His grace is heartened that there will still be those who can understand and who will turn good. They will be rewarded. Heaven will persist time and again to reach out to those who may falter. They will not be left behind and be left on the side line. This is the eternal and infinite love and compassion by divine Heaven for all beings." Lord Bo Tien's 1976 Anniversary Message
 

In 1983, the lord saint said, "Even Lord Buddha's teachings are not exclusive to the more good but are for all whether good or not and regardless of their personalities, status, job, or background. This is the heavenly perspective that doctrine is for all and not reserved for or the enclave of any group . Whoever finds fault with a temple for having colorful people within its rank will effectively be finding fault with the helicopter wisdom and prerogative of Heaven." Lord Bo Tien's 1983 Anniversary Message

Who sins?

Learning Point No 209

Lord Bo Tien in 1975 anniversary message said thus, ''Bear in mind that humanity is not pegged or equated with sinfulness. Man has not wronged Heaven. Man is not sinful by nature. It is by action and deed that sin arises. Have no unnecessary guilt conscience therefore but strive to analyse oneself (and issues) calmly instead. It is important that every brethren or being reflects calmly and looks inwardly at his actions and thoughts to correct any of the not-so-right (wrong) instead of being mentally upset, ruffled, tormented and disturbed by guilt or fear of the not -so-right (wrong) he has done." (Worst scenario is when he thinks he has done wrong to God and saints and has hurt them. Blog writer reminds that we do not view saints as man for man can be hurt by other man but not God and saints) Lord Bo Tien's 1975 Anniversary Message

 

Do not expect only the good even in a temple

Learning Point No 208

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Bo Tien touched on the reality that a temple will always attract not only good people but also the not-so-good. In fact, there may be many of the latter. He touched on the issue in 1974 and then again in 1984. There is truth in what he said and time has given us insight on the depth and width of his words. What he said is true too of many a temple or church even in 2012 and beyond.

In 1974, Lord Bo Tien said, "A temple too will attract people of various characteristics, some good and some not so good. These will be contrasted for all in the group and be noticeable. Learn and absorb as much of the good points of others. Do also learn from the weaknesses and mistakes, so that these will not be repeated in their own life." Lord Bo Tien's 1974 Anniversary Message

In 1984, the lord said after ten years, "The pure and beautiful flower is the creation of nature. Ants and insects are attracted to the flower and all should not blame the flower for attracting ants and insects. A heavenly saint is like the flower and the least expected amongst men will be attracted to the saint like ants and insects to the flower. This is not the wrong doing of the flower but nature's way of survival and existence. That the least expected should be at the helm or in the following of a temple is not the folly of a heavenly saint and Heaven but Heaven's way to reach out to all, more so the more lost in society. But the folly of men should not be regarded as Heaven's folly." Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message

 

Purity of heart in the faithful few in a temple

Learning Point No 207

In 1981 anniversary message, Lord Bo Tien referred to the presence of many who come to a temple for other than doctrine and not keen to purify themselves. He said that few are pure at heart when coming to a temple or church. Many are not pure at heart and go to a temple or church primarily for other than spiritual agenda. They see the opportunity to further their social agenda at a temple or church. 

 

He said, "Purity of heart that prevails in the unique few in any pioneering spiritual organisation fortifies the finite few from the problems that may arise from the many others who may have come for self-centred vision, that is, the agenda of men instead of that of Heaven." Lord Bo Tien's 1981 Anniversary Message

In 1984, he refers to such people as like insects coming to a flower for nectar and that the flower should not be blamed for insects coming to it. Whilst the flower may wither, hopefully a fruit may still come about with seeds for more plants and flowers. But there may also be no fruit because of no pollination.

The lord said in 1984, "The pure and beautiful flower is the creation of nature. Ants and insects are attracted to the flower and all should not blame the flower for attracting ants and insects. A heavenly saint is like the flower and the least expected amongst men will be attracted to the saint like ants and insects to the flower. This is not the wrong doing of the flower but nature's way of survival and existence. That the least expected should be at the helm or in the following of a temple is not the folly of a heavenly saint and Heaven but Heaven's way to reach out to all, more so the more lost in society. But the folly of men should not be regarded as Heaven's folly." Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message

 

 

 

Focus on doctrine and practice

Learning Point No 206

The 1978 anniversary message of Lord Bo Tien includes this. "What is lacking often is grounding in the doctrine in members of any temple or spiritual group. For any temple, good results will always be there for good efforts made but members are often lacking in grounding in doctrine. Because of this, many may come to a temple or religious premise with personal motives. Some have self interests, others to gain higher status in society but there are those who are not expecting any returns. It is important therefore to be strong in doctrine and its practice" Lord Bo Tien's 1978 Anniversary Message

 

We should go to temples and churches to learn the doctrine, make it the basis of our life and to purify our spirit. Our sole objective must be spiritual.

With spiritual drive, the worldly blessings will then be there to provide the congenial milieu or environment for divine inner peace which in turn fosters more ample mundane world for more inner peace.

Our objective should never be primarily our mundane worldly concerns with spiritual and Divine Doctrine of Inner Truth taking back seat.

Lord Bo Tien has said that the modus operandi that yields spiritual satisfaction will bear results too in mundane world.

But the ways for mundance world often will usually not be the ways for spiritual satisfaction that sages refer to as inner peace.

 

God's way of reaching out to the many

Learning Point No 205

In 1981, the emissary of Lord Bo Tien said, "Heaven however will not forsake the well being of the significant numerical many... Divinity will always reach out somehow to their hearts and souls and endeavour to change their ways." Lord Bo Tien's 1981 Anniversary Message

Thus there are many religions, and many sects per religion, many schools per sect and many styles of leadership and premises per school. This is the will of God or Divinity that all souls must be saved by more than one way but the underlying inner truth is the same inner peace leading to harmony of souls with the holy spirit of God, Pure Ones, Buddhas and Saints.

Thus even in a temple of the lord saint Lord Bo Tien, the few who know the doctrine though near to him may not be the ones to run a temple. But the many who know not the doctrine but still find interest in the temple albeit for the less noble motives may well end up running a temple.

This is the lord saint's way of reaching out to the many and not just to the few who know the doctrine. They are given the chance to make good but whether they can make good or may well end up like insects coming to a flower is the issue. They are given places in the sun by the grace of the lord and not by their goodness and value. Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message

Many may be taken aback that in any church or temple  (such as that of Lord Bo Tien), the leaders may be loud mouth or unbecoming in other ways such as loose morals and even socially tainted and corrupt. Ordinary folks will find them distasteful and lose faith. They would think that the saint or god of that temple doesn't exist and just the concoction or mere figment of imagination of men. But perhaps this too may be that temple saint's way of reaching out to the many, not just the goody-goody. Often the popular priest, pastor or monk is no goody-goody.

In the first place, perhaps goody-goody men are rare and even non-existent. Thus even any anchor pioneer may have his dark side. After all, who does not have dark side? Only "pharisees" think they are angels and above all others, as they deem themselves as having no dark side.

At best, men can only be an unpolished diamond and thus far only one man has been referred by Lord Bo Tien as an unpolished diamond. Who is he? He must be an elder in the mission of the lord saint.  
 

Lord Bo Tien's inaugural message (before 1974)

Learning Point No 204

In his inaugural message a good half a century ago, Lord Bo Tien said: " From time to time in history, saints arose amongst men to lay down certain rules and regulations to help the masses lead better lives and to incline them towards GOD. "

"Over time, these rules become the tenets of an organised religion, but the idealistic spirit and motive, which prevailed during the founding saint's life time, changed gradually after his passing with arising of sects and differing sectarian styles."

"This is why often an organisation cannot bring out spiritual truth more effectively and closer to true nature of life unique to each individual in society. Life is an individual concern. Religion is always centred on life and a personal concern. Religious organisations often may end up over time as archaeological departments trying to discover the past."

"Therefore, I shall not attempt to establish any new religion, cult or organisation. But I shall rekindle and re-invigorate the religious thought* of all people and instill a higher understanding of life in them."

"Dogmas evolved over centuries after the founder's death frequently differ startlingly, unexpectedly, inadvertently and at times even uncannily in emphasis from the preliminary teachings for each faith and between faiths and sects."

"But the fundamentals of all religions and sects remain the same and enduring, because all originate from the same source -- GOD. Thus, when I deliver the GOD knowledge (Jade Emperor's teachings tau-li or tou-li), I shall neither comment (e.g. critique, judge) on existing religion nor commend (e.g. favor, prefer, highlight, be selective, be bias) any as the special one. All are unique and serve the divine plan in their own way."

"I want to turn man's mind away from being clouded by sectarian differences, so that man sees with clarity the truth in life. Man must cultivate insight on inner truth aspects that are common to and the basis of all faiths."

"Be insightful though of this aspect. Every saint and prophet considered the times, the circumstances and the prevailing mentality of the people before delivering appropriate sermon. Every saint or prophet would deliver doctrines in the format and style best suited to the prevailing times, people and needs" Messages before 1974

This inaugural message before 1974 set the tone and basis for the mission to rejuvenate the inner truth of the oneness of God behind religions. The message drives home the message of oneness of religions --- oneness in diversity.

Lord Bo Tien's parting advice in 1984

Learning Point No 203

In 1984 anniversary message, the emissary of Lord Bo said as parting advice, "The descent of the lord saint that night is similar to the flower. The pure and beautiful flower is the creation of nature. Ants and insects are attracted to the flower and all should not blame the flower for attracting ants and insects. A heavenly saint is like the flower and the least expected amongst men will be attracted to the saint like ants and insects to the flower. This is not the wrong doing of the flower but nature's way of survival and existence. That the least expected should be at the helm or in the following of a temple is not the folly of a heavenly saint and Heaven but Heaven's way to reach out to all more so the more lost in society. But the folly of men should not be regarded as Heaven's folly." Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message

 

Going to God for gain

Learning Point No 202

Men do go to God or to a temple or church for personal gain and not primarily out of love for God and saints. They also do not go for the doctrine and the Way. This is not ideal but still alright if done in right context. This is neither exactly right nor wrong

In 1974, Lord Bo Tien said, "Followers and well wishers of a temple or organisation must learn to accept that not all the wishes and aspirations, be it personal or otherwise, be granted or supported when they pray to their saint. There are some who come with troubled and heavy hearts while others may not have this heaviness of heart. However, like those who come to Bo Tien Temple, they come to seek for something from the saint." Lord Bo Tien's 1974 Anniversary Message

Lord Bo Tien reiterated that many do come to a temple for personal wishes and this is to be expected and understandable. But they should know the limits

 

There are those who come to a temple with very unwholesome and non-spiritual motives. Men should not blame the saint for such men coming to that temple.

 

The temple is like a flower.  There are those who come to a temple with unwholesome motives or motives though sociopolitically good are not spiritually based or orientated. They are like insects coming to a flower to derive benefit or nectar. (Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message)

 

Lord Bo Tien reiterated that we should not blame insects for coming to the flower. Ultimately even insects though coming for nectar too can create some good for others and not just for themselves even though the good effects for others may obviously be at times very much unintended. 

Going to God or temple for personal gain is neither an issue nor non-issue, but leaves much to be desired. But such men have right to be with God just like insects to be with the flower.

There are basically two types of gain. Personal gain is one. Gain for others is the the other type of gain. But the best gain is the endless circle of gains. Our gain benefits others and others' gain benefit us as well. Everyone in the circle gains.

This endless cycle of gains is everything, yet not everything about life and gain. The circle has no beginning and no end.

The circle is complete and yet not as well. For everything in mundane will come to naught.

So what must we do. We carry on as we are of this world and not behave as though we are out of this world.

We go for the spiritual completeness beyond the mundane but deny not the mundane life. Go for no gain and no loss or to put it in another way, we need to accept both gain and loss and have the inner peace that is at the centre of the circle of life.

 

 

 

 

Let hearts beat as one even if not of one mind

Learning Point No 201

There is only one God Almighty and his host of saints in the apparent universe of heaven and the realms below heaven. Together with the diverse beings in all realms, God has to make things work in the apparent universe of realms and beings under heaven.

 

It is not possible to have one heart, one mind and one way but it is possible to make more hearts beat as one. It is necessary to have many religions and many sects each doing its part to win the hearts of beings.

 

This is good but the respective good work will go to waste if men do not make their hearts beat as one in God and saints above.

 

To do so, as a starter, men in a temple or church must accept that they do have separate minds of their own, views of their own, preferences of their own but let not these differences, variations and diverse views divide men.

Let their hearts beat as one in God and saints above even if they cannot really be of one heart. But if men cannot do so in one temple, then it would be onerous to have the hearts of men in the world beat as one.

 

That  however is the best gift we can offer to God and saints. The mission of God is to see that more hearts can beat as one in God but do not go overboard to think that minds must think one way and not in more ways. Thus there will not be only one religion but many religions and sects. Men cannot be of one mind.

 

Religions, sects and beliefs will always differ and no way all will be same. No way there be only one belief, one religion and one sect (no sect). 

 

Lord Bo Tien is a divine messenger of God for this mission to have more hearts beat as one in God and saints above. 

 

Let more hearts beat as one even if not of one mind. Let there be oneness in diversity through mutual respect and complementary synergy.

Let there be more religions, more sects, more temples, churches and places of worship but the hearts of men must beat as one in God and saints above even if they cannot be of one mind.

 

 

 

 

 

The ship of life and temple

Learning Point No 200

In 1977, Lord Bo Tien said, "In life, you are like a ship sailing in the sea. When you are caught in a storm, the ship of your life will be tossed about mercilessly. It would be difficult to steer ship to reach destination. There appears to be no certainty."

 

"But the one who is more equipped, who is more steady, who has more back-up and who has a bigger and steadier ship can fare better."

 

"You too must be a big ship of doctrine with backup by heaven. You will be sturdier and can better withstand the storms of life and be able to resume life's journey after any storm."

"At times, in the case of a spiritual organisation like the temple, the temple is like a ship and can be beset by forces of storms. Be strong in practice and doctrine and have confidence. Do not lose heart if no immediate or obvious results. Good efforts will bear good outcome somehow but the outcome may not be obvious now but later (e.g. next life). Do be steady, confident and be at peace. Be strong in doctrine of truth and have faith."  Lord Bo Tien's 1977 Anniversary Message

 

 

 

 

 

 

A temple is also for the non-spiritual

Learning Point No 199

Lord Bo Tien in 1984 anniversary day message pointed out to the Taoist Octagon or Pakua, which showed two fish-like symbols the yin and the yang. Both must exist and if there was only one, then there will be no balance and peace. Man must seek the inner peace through balance of yin and yang. A temple or organisation must find balance in the yin and yang elements of people that constitute the temple. Only then will there be peace and harmony."  Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message

 

Without the wrong in men, there would be no need for a temple and its mission. A temple or spiritual organisation needs to attract both the spritual and non-spiritual, the yin and yang and this is as the case with all nature.




 

Embrace doctrine wholeheartedly

Learning Point No 198
Extract from Lord Bo Tien's 1983 Anniversary Message

Lord Bo Tien in 1983 message, "All should let the doctrine dwell in their hearts and persevere in pursuing understanding and practice of doctrine wholeheartedly. Do hold the doctrine securely next to your heart all the time and for many lives to come. Even the Buddha had to under go five generations to attain buddhahood. Sam Chong had lost part of the Buddha's Teachings in the river. If Heaven wants these to be recovered, it could be done. Do not lose heart but have heart to pursue the doctrine and its practice. Heaven willing, followers would even have access to more of the doctrine that men had failed to take cognisance and understand in the past."

We should embrace doctrine wholeheartedly.

 

The demise of a temple can also be good

Learning Point No 197

In 1974, Lord Bo Tien reminded thus. "A temple too will attract people of various characteristics, some good and some not so good. These will be contrasted for all in the group and be noticeable. Learn and absorb as much of the good points of others. Do also learn from the weaknesses and mistakes, so that these will not be repeated in their own life." Lord Bo Tien's 1974 Anniversary Message

 

We should not be perturbed and disgusted that how is it that a temple could have gamblers, womanisers, cheats, those with non-religious inclinations and even loud mouths.

 

We should not ask how come those who are good don't seem to do well in life and those who are bad seem to be more blessed.

 

Try to understand that there is the bad and the good and no one is perfect. If a temple cannot have people of different color and of shades of grey, then how is God going to reach out to men?

 

Lord Bo Tien reiterated in subsequent years that we should not blame insects for coming to the flower.  Ultimately even insects though coming for nectar too can create some good even though obviously very much unintended. (Refer to Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message)

There will be fruit and from this seeds to give rise to new plants and more flowers. The original flower may wilt and face its demise but its seeds can give rise to more flowers.

 

A temple likewise may wilt and be gone due to the weaknesses of men managing the temple but some good will come about. This is in the nature of things. It is the learning process and the spread of this learning process that is important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spiritual man, temple or religion can backslide

Learning Point No 196
Extract from Inner Truth Practice Perspectives

"A situation may arise when complacency sets in. The individual may be carried away by his worldly prowress due to his spiritual blessings.. He then focus on the worldly. He has less focus and time for personal spiritual cultivation. He back slides and becomes weaker spiritually without even being aware. He is then not as good in effecting the pristine spiritual principles and as a result, his worldly life becomes complex, messy and problematic. He has less time for himself. He has no peaceful and easy life. There is lack of insightfulness and he gets carried way by the worldly contingencies, the yin and yang. He got entangled in the cobweb of worldly life. He is controlled by life and not in control - not at peace."

A temple too can suffer the same fate. The pioneers toil to build a temple. The second and third generations take over. A few will clamour for control to get worldly fame, and they make it difficult for others to share in the pie. This is due to lack of spiritual focus which takes back seat to give way to worldly focus.

That is why religions can lose focus with time and that is the very reason that requires the Jade Emperor to send Lord Bo Tien to rectify the problem.

But the temple in his name too may suffer the same plight but the lord saint like a building contractor will persist in his mission by having new workers. If one generation or two cannot succeed, subsequent generations may be inducted till success is in sight. Heaven will not give up though man may do so.

The concrete building  of a temple is not the sign of success but it is the calibre of the people that makes up the temple that counts. A temple is the people and not a concrete building however majestic it may be.

If there is no quality in the people, a temple building is no better than a paper house chinese culturalists  burn as offering for their departed ones. Of what use is a paper house offering to those who burn it as offering?

Of what use is a concrete building to the lord saint if the men in the building only have heart for worldly matters and personal agenda? Sadly, the building no longer serves as a temple but a community centre for socio political agenda.

 

 

 

Context of worldly success in spiritual life

Learning Point No 195
 Extract from  Inner Truth Practice Perspectives

The very principles for spiritual life not only uplift us spiritually but are applicable to and effective for non-spiritual life. Just by being spiritually motivated, we reap two gains - spiritual and worldly. But the very purpose for the cultivation of these principles is for spiritual development. The worldly successes are just secondary or perhaps even incidental. This spiritual focus does not equate to leaving the worldly life. We live our life correctly in divine way and do not leave life.

Mission History

Learning Point No 194
Extract from Mission History and Elder Ling

The need for mission history is critical. The trials and tribulations in the pioneer years must be recorded. Otherwise the experiences of pioneers would not be known to the many who come after them. Waves upon waves of events happened so quickly in the early years and they were intertwined with the numerous descents of the lord saint Lord Bo Tien and his representatives like Mou Chi Sun. Without a book on the diary of events and the archaeological documents, history would run risk of being lost and rewritten.

This history should be a documentation of spiritual milestones of the mission of that group in the first 12 years. This has to do with the mission and not with any institution or organisation or with their individual members' histories.





 

The jist of the Four Pillar Doctrine

Learning Point No 193     
Extract from
Let the spirit of the Four Pillar Doctrine govern our lives ...
   

   

 

The Four Pillar Doctrine states that all religions in the four cardinal directions can differ in dogmas and approaches but still have the same inner truth. That inner truth is that there is need to help all beings in their issues and problems and ultimately to save their souls and bring them to God. This is the same as saying that there is one Rome but there are many roads that lead to Rome.

We do not expect religions to be the same. The prophets of religions have their own separate ways to hold their followers and bring them to God. Followers of one religion must be matured and insightful to know that and agree to disagree and to respect differences and styles. 

There must be that underlying divine love that will enable them to do so and this is the loving kindness that will endear them to God and saints. There must be love even if there are differences. This is characteristic of true love.




 

Worldly life can go with spiritual life

Learning Point No 192

Extraxt from
Insight into the simplicity that Ji Gong wants us to know

 

 

 

 

 

The family way is not at odds with spirituality as the same principle that work for spiritual also work for family life. Both spiritual and family life must be synchronised like yin and yang.

Lord Bo Tien reiterated that spiritual principles work for mundane life eg family life as well as the overall mundane life are fertile grounds for spiritual cultivation. We embrace life not renounce life. What we renounce is not life or family but unrest, disquiet and mental agony. We cultivate inner peace and mindfulness so as to rid ourselves off delusions, ill will and clinging (greed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The three beliefs

Learning Point No 191

 

 

 

 

Lord Bo Tien would often remind us that those with heart to pray to the saints, the saints do know. Those who seek the helping hand of the saints, the saints will respond and be with them. Big issues will be small issues and small issues be no issue.

 

There is nevertheless the element of fate which if realised and accepted earlier is best for all. This was stressed by Lord Bo Tien

 

Confidence in self will be better off if there is confidence in heaven.

 

Self effort is worthwhile, wholesome and will be even more fruitful with divine blessing.

 

While fate may be harsh and direct, it can still be harnessed for learning for the betterment of the individual.

 

Fate is due to the past, can be painful and has to take its course but it can be moderated, ameliorated and harnessed to one's long term advantage.

 

Heaven can make the path easier by taking care of many other matters that may cloud the person's life at that point. Then the individual can focus and better handle his fate and how to make the best out of it and be better off and wiser in the process.

 

Heaven do intervene directly in event of fate when this is most apt, meaningful and sustainable. Heaven helps those who help themselves. Heaven cannot take over person's life and live his life. Heaven can at times hold man's hand for him to walk down life with the many twists and turns of fate.

 

Do believe in self. Do believe in Heaven and do believe in triumph of good over bad. These are the three beliefs in life.

 

 

 

The malady that may beset many a temple or church

Learning Point No 190

The common oversight of men of faith is in failing to see the one common truth in religions and sects. In their zeal and fervor they may go for what they think is right and say their way is and will be and others are not. This in fact often means they harp on and peddle sectarian social agenda and bias of men rather than go for the wholesome divine calling of God and saints. 

This malady is unfortunately also that of followers of Lord Bo Tien and can even defeat the purpose of His mission. The mission is to make men have insight of the common purpose of religions to serve God and his saints through whatever belief systems, religions or sects.

But the lord saint said that if one generation fails, many more successive generations of followers will be inducted till mission is done and achieved. 

Thus if any temple or church deviates towards social agenda instead of doing the will of God and thereby sideline the doctrine with narrow myopic human thinking, this is no fault of God but is due to the societal malaise that has been endemic in men.

Be like a saint

Learning Point No 189

 

 

做仙学法，救世，救万人。zuo xian xue fa, jiu shi, jiu wan ren. Be like a saint and cultivate the Way, save the world and save the myriads.

 

 

 

Go for the upper stream

Learning Point No 188

"Water from the upper source of a stream is pure and clear. When water reaches the mid stream of its course, the water would have been polluted by many users. If men want pure and clear water, then they have to go to upper source of the stream to get it."  Extract from Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message

Likewise if men want to know the doctrine, they must go for the fundamentals or the basics which is the inner truth behind and common to all religions. But if men mistake the midstream as upper stream and thus hold on to the wrong fundamentals, then they will be on wrong path. That is why fundamentalism as a movement can go wrong and can become ugly.



  

 

 

 

Be well rooted to weather the storms of life

Learning Point No 187

"Everyone is like a tree. Compare thus two trees. A tree with abundant leaves but has shallow roots looks good but can easily be uprooted when beset by storms. A tree with poor crown of leaves and foliage but are deeply and well rooted could withstand storms and drought. Which would you prefer? The grasp and practice of the doctrine will enable you to be rooted to face big problems and issues." The emissary of Lord Bo Tien said in 1977. We need to be well rooted in doctrine to weather the vicissitudes of life. For more reading, go to Lord Bo Tien's 1977 Anniversary Message






 

Are you dead to life?

Learning Point No 186

Do you feel that you have no life, not living the life you expect to have and always in a race of sorts --- always in tight corners and in double bind. Are you living life? Are you having no life though very much alive? Do you feel at times you are dead to life and not living your life? We must live life and not end up having no life. Live life and not just be alive but not having any life. Do not live with regrets but value life and be thankful with whatever blessings that come your way. For more, go to The Road to Inner Peace

Peace amidst differences

Learning Point No 185
 Reference The two precepts for respect

What is needed is to have peace and harmony amidst the diversity. Then society will be that much more whole. Society will be that more gracious with people accepting one another for what they are and for what they could not yet be.

God and saints can do so. A flower can accept insects for coming to the flower for nectar. A saint will never turn us away because of our weaknesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truth truly is simple but difficult to perceive

Learning Point No 184
Reference: inner truth views

What is truth? Truth is not just about life after death and at same time it is not just about life before death. Truth is about when we will arrive or do we need to or can ever arrive? Truth has to do with how to be at peace come what may, how to arrive when we are still moving on with life and in life. Truth is about how we make out our life.The past is history. The present is a present and the future is yet to be and in a way truly still a mystery. The past thought moment is gone. It gives birth to the present thought moment and the present will give birth to the next thought moment. Many seek the truth of ancient wisdom, yet the profound truth is so simple but difficult to perceive. Truth truly is. It is as what the late Senior Brother P. Philip said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mission and the building contractor

Learning Point No 183





Extract from Lord Bo Tien's 1978 Anniversary Message

God almighty the Jade Emperor has decreed the setting up of the temple and the mission. The mission is the mission by Heaven for man and not by man for man"

The mission is to instill grasp of doctrine of the Inner Truth behind religions. This will rejuvenate the religious thought and fervour of the pioneers. Should one generation fail to fulfil the mission, "the image of lord saint will be lifted up to Heaven." The next generations and perhaps many generations to come would fulfill it. This would go on until the day when it would succeed.

"The Lord Saint's mission is like that of a contractor of a building project. Come rain or shine, the contractor has to employ workers to complete the building in good time. If the workers fail to deliver, new workers would be recruited until the project is completed."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The little things in life

Learning Point No 182

In life, we tend to go for big things and forget the little things. But on the contrary, we should find pleasure and joy in the little things  in life.

 

Each on its own seems trifle but the attention to many of these little things may add up and make life worthwhile. Often by paying attention to the little things, the big things will sort out on their own or at least matter less.

 

Life's little blessings count and do add up. It is far easier to count on the little things in life. It is through simple ways and little things that the Living Buddha Ji Gong  could help us unravel from our life complexities.

 

Men tend to make big the issues that are originally small. The answer is to sit back and fall back on simplicity  and to attending to the little things in life. Ji Gong has led the way to show that solution to any life problem is often simple and it is men who make life complex and onerous by not attending to the little things. 

 

Namo Omitofo