SYNOPSIS ON SPIRITUAL PATHS
One view point of life after death is based on simple axis of one heaven, one hell and one earth where humans are the chosen beings created by God. Other beings are just there or created to serve primary purpose of humans to be one with God after death. The oriental view often involves rich visualisations of many levels or dimensions of existence, of various grades where often what is heaven to some is hell to others. The difference between one dimension and the next can be ‘sky-wide’ so to speak. Just because there is one Earth, we cannot view that there is only one (or two) dimensions other than our material dimension. We accept through reality that there are many countries on Earth, but some could not accept that there could be many dimensions beyond material dimension.
Let us now deal with how we can reach or be one with God, the ultimate in all religions where we trade uncertainty with certainty, and imperfection with perfection. Some refer to this as God, others as Universe, Cosmos, Perfection, Nature or Enlightenment. In eastern culture, in particular Chinese culture, we have the Buddha Worlds and the Deity Worlds.
For the deity worlds, there is the Jade Emperor or God, and there are the deity masters who teach the Way or Tao. God is not just possible of answering prayers but of helping the deserving through imparting his blessings of life energy force to give beings better births in form of beings, such as elevating beings to higher dimensions. The same can be said with regards to all the deity beings with Him. Depending on their spiritual station some have life-span of aeons and some term these as eternal. Indeed if they cultivate their positive godly energy through continuous compassion for all beings, they can live on in perpetuity or in eternity. For Buddha worlds, we have the Posats or Boddhisattvas, who vow to help all beings to attain enlightenment. The concept here is to develop spiritually so that beings have less of attachment to self or ego. Beings can do so by primary self-effort or by help of Posats or Buddhist Saints. The primary purpose is not to develop more spiritual energy or merits via good deeds or thoughts but to go direct to eradication of ego. Nevertheless, the paths of the Way / Tao and the paths of Buddha World do converge when the apex of perfection is reached. Perfection can best be simplified as purity.
In short, beings move on in life because of life energy force. Energy force can be combination of good and bad, and for good there are grades of goodness or purity. For example doing good because of ego for doing good is not as good as doing good not out of ego needs. Finally perfection by whatever religious means involves being so pure that ego boundaries do not exist, and one is one with the Cosmos / Nature. The emphasis of Deity Way is to do more good and the highest good can be done when ego is sublimated for the common good. Deities help beings by transferring their merits or life energy force to others. This itself is one form of doing good. The focus in Buddha Worlds is to go direct to renunciation of ego, and we have the two main schools of Buddhism, the Big Wheel and the Small wheel. For the former, Posats lie in wait to release beings from suffering by helping them with merits, and then to teach them the egolessness way to perfection. Whatever the ways or subways, the paths cross and meet at perfection or ultimate purity, when there is no more ego, when there is pureness that transcends cycle of rebirths, and when eternity in perfect purity is attained.
Basically, the problem of beings is that clinging or attachments shackle the majority of beings down to frequent rebirths in dimensions of relatively short life-spans, and this in itself is not satisfactory and wanting. The more we want the more we do want, and this perpetuates beings in endless cycles of rebirths. The solution is to stop wanting and at same time not to deny existence of being (i.e. to cultivate selflessness or no-ego but not deny existential self). Self should not be perceived or cultivated as ego, as collection of wanting or attachments. The purification of being by removal of impure thoughts or wanting leads beings closer to be at one with ultimate purity in God or purity of Enlightenment.
Purity and to be one with God is to cease wanting which leads to slowing down of frequent rebirths. This will eventually slow and stop process of incessant cycle of birth and death when beings attain high life force energy to be in heavenly dimensions. Then they live in aeons and capable of perpetuating finite aeons into near infinite aeons, the ultimate to be seen with highest attainment of buddhahood. This definitely is not going out of existence but going from wanting to calm and peace, from frequent tumultuous rebirths to cessation of rebirths by attaining dimensions of immense purity where cycle of rebirths comes to near halt or final halt in ultimate enlightenment or oneness with God. It is not annihilating our existence but liberating the self from ego state to no-ego state, from self-centredness to selflessness. Selflessness does not mean that there is no self, merely no ego and more purity. We move from rebirths to cessation of rebirths……..from wanting to living…… from being far to be one with God.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS
Many adherents of faiths are keen to share the passions of their beliefs with others. This is out of love and should be praiseworthy but at times can go overboard and unpleasant, more so when the practitioners of the beliefs are not rooted correctly in their practices and principles.
Simply doing good is good enough for some but may be considered not good enough by others. Obviously this adds dimension to the saying that one man's meat is another man's poison. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder is one other saying.
Some say believe and you will be on your way. Others may say test what they tell you as gold is put to test by fire and do not believe in mere heresay. Both ways have their merits and useful to different people and during different stations of their lives.
There are many ways to have spiritual reflection. Simple prayer and spending quiet time is one way. Group prayer and adorations via hymns and even incantations are other ways. There is also meditation either alone or in groups. Objects of meditation can differ. Techniques may involve concentration or one pointedness on one hand and mindfulness cultivation on the other hand. Some even employ both in varying combinations.
The path to climb spiritually may involve merits accumulation on one hand and purity and inner peace cultivation on the other. Purity takes many forms either material or mental. The results may differ. Some experience supernatural phenomena. Others do not. Satisfaction comes in stages and various forms. But ultimately, all ways and paths meet at zenith of enlightenment but along the way there may be episodes of bliss, rapture and visions either clarity of view of life or actual visions of angels or events to come. But they are just experiences along the way. Some cling and stagnate and do not climb further spiritually. Others just pass along and go further. Indeed, there are many ways to spiritual life and bliss. Some will experience miracles, develop psychic abilities but not all will have such and yet develop spiritually. Some back slide and others progress albeit at times in stop and go fashion. Be it worldly or spiritual life, there are many ways of going about them. This is the reality and will always be.
We have been told through Snr Bro Philip that the kingdom of Heaven is not built solely for man. Nature has for each and every kind a deity and a kingdom of their own. Likewise, the realisation of divine peace is not via only one path or way for all. Nature has for each and every being a guiding saint and an individualised path of his own (specifically tailor made for him). There are many ways to life and bliss. The path is somewhat different for various persons. It is individualised and unique for each being. You may say it is tailor made for him and will even vary for changing situations and focus in his life. Copy-cat path that works for John will not be as effective for Adam. The balance point for what brings inner peace to John cannot be identical for Adam. This way we can be at peace with life and tap into the bliss of nature.
THE FIRST SERMON OF ONE LORD MESSENGER
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 archaelogical 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 unexpectedly, inadvertedly 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 they see 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"
English version rephrased from page 3 of year 2000 holy book Lord Bo Tien's Guidance. This is based on the blogger's personal insight which may not be identical with and not necessarily concured by other brethren. (Translation from Hokkien and transcript rephrased in English by inner truth netizen. This version is better and more apt to portray and depict more closely the spirit and essence of message in Hokkien)
PS * Religious thought must be crystallised and separated from the institutional historal and cultural overlays accumulated over the centuries. It is possible that by crystallisation of religious thought, we can see the emergence of better, more substantial and effective delivery to suit the latter day adherents. The life of people during the days of the founding prophets were simpler and less complex than those centuries latter. The presentation and substantiality of religious thought must be re-tailored to meet real needs of latter day era and not calibrated and pegged at level for those in the days of old. But more often than not (though I stand to be corrected), layers of culture and institutional overlays (sometimes academic and beyond fathom for some) may dilute the true essence of truth which we term thus as inner truth. There need not be concensus on this. We can agree to disagree and that is good for the many. There are always many ways to approach.
THE NAME OF THE FIRST SERMON
The Inner Truth Sermon is His first sermon. This is also the Four Pillar Sermon that there is oneness of divinity and all heavenly saints behind the diverse religions and sects. The house of God or Divinty is simply compared to a house with four pillars or religions supporting the heaven or roof and all under heaven are in this house and its compound. Of course, there are more than four religions and the number will increase for sure. Hence the writer prefers to refer to his original sermon as The Inner Truth sermon.
GO FOR THE SKY IN STEPS
Saints can help. But do make the first steps. This is the truth in life
Go for life in steps. Go for one level at a time. The difference between one heaven and the next higher heaven is sky wide. Human world is one heaven above animal world. Go for the sky in your world. That will be heavenly for now. In time you can move on and be in heaven above heaven. There is no stop to how far you can go. But you must take the first few steps. What matters is that first steps. The rest will remain as fantasy if the initial steps are not made. Make the first steps and the rest will have chance to happen. You will be on your way. Do not dream and depend on luck and fantasy. Luck itself is luck's own star. What can mere stars achieve? Thus said one western philosopher. Take first steps to learn to walk. No amount of wishful thinking by parents will enable the infant to walk. Likewise the saints may wish us well but we must walk the first few steps ourselves before that can have chance to happen and be reality. The saints can help to pick us up if we stumble along the way. But the first steps must be made by us. No doubt we will not stumble if first steps not made and the saints will not even have the opportunity to help us. We will not be able to move on if we do not make the first steps. God and saints help those who help themselves. Truth often is as simple as that. But when we are swept by worldliness, we are not perceptive to see things as they are. We may think it is too profound and beyond us. Few are clear minded, settled, crystal clear and at peace mentally to realise the simplicity of truth. (Some regard this as the mind eye -the third eye. But this will only put many off as third eye concept appears too mystical and beyond reach of the many. Writer's opinion is not to depict truth as profound for this would not be correct and truthful. There is need to emphasize on its simplicity and that it is within the reach of the many. It is because of dusts in one's 'eyes' that one's vision is affected and one does not see things as they are and as they should be) Only the wise seek the fulfillment of ancient wisdom. Yet the profound truth is so simple but difficult to perceive. Thus have we been reminded by the lord saints through Snr Bro Philip. Go for the sky in steps - level by level. God and saints as well as world religions can help. But the first steps must be undertaken by ourselves. This truth is simple but somehow too profound to many and often not perceived. Lord Bo Tien in his compassion has reminded us time and again of the common presence of inner truth in all religions and sects, in all creed and kind and in all levels and dimensions of existence of the universe and beyond.
ACCESS TO GOD AND SAINTS
We must know ourselves and know who is God and who is man. Learn from our own life, for life unfolds many timeless and invaluable lessons. God speaks to us through life. Learn not just from our own life but from the lives of our fellow men. But judge not for often we can see the follies of others but fail to see our own. Do not even judge oneself and be critical of oneself for that will create poor self -esteem, lack of self love and confidence. Love oneself. Only then can we move on and improve and only then should we love others. Loving others and not loving ourselves will not be tenable. If we do not have love for ourselves, how can we be effective in loving others as much as we love ourselves?
Look not to others for spiritual leadership. No religion has succeeding prophet to follow through the work of the founding prophet. Correct me if this is not true. I need not be correct and that must be the case. There is no intermediary between us and God. We must be our own candle flame to lit up our life with peace and joy. Only God and his saints could shelter the candle flame of our life but we must still tend to our own flame. Only then will our flame grow and glow. We can have fellowship with others as a collection of candle flames is better than a solitary flame to shine up our life. But we cannot depend on another person's candle flame of life to have spiritual peace. We must nurture our own flame of divine peace with the shelter of God and his saints. But do derive strength in group fellowship with others of like mind and who are wise to want to have peace of life despite the trials and tribulations of life.
Lord Bo Tien, like all heavenly saints, has advised us that the truth of life shall be our teacher and those who see, know and put into practice the truth see, know and are close to God and to all heavenly saints. We cannot go to God and his saints by buying or procuring an entitlement ticket from any other man. Fellowship, brethren, is not just between men but also between religions and faiths of men. We can reach God via any religion but fellowship and harmony amongst religions will facilitate more to reach God and his saints. The truth is that we can reach God on our own and not through fellow men but group fellowship gives strength.
FIRE AND WATER LESSON
with respect to religions
Lord Bo Tien has reminded us that religions may be as apparently different as sunlight is to rain (fire is to water). Both sunshine and rain are useful in their own ways and both must exist to complement one another. Either alone in exclusion of the other is disastrous. Rain without sunshine is unthinkable. Sunshine without rain will be too harsh. According to the Lord Saint, God sets out to “save souls and assist those in difficulties” For this to be possible, beings must realise why they are impure or far from God and had to undergo repetitive cycles of rebirths in various dimensions. They must develop godly habits to be united with God and His representatives (buddhas and saints). Beings must do so on their own will but yet they require help. God sent out representatives to set different religions to help beings. Each religion has its own representatives or saints. Each religion will have their own disciples, doctrines and regulations. Each religion must have its own way of preaching to reach out to beings. Each religion will have its own way of reaching out and gripping on to the people. The methods may be different but the purpose is the same, namely “to save the soul and assist those in difficulties”. The different religions are like sunlight and rain (or fire and water) as different as they can be but they serve us in their own ways and complement one another though different. Sunlight would be not as useful if there is no rain. Without sunlight, rain too would not be useful. Fire is of no use without water, and vice versa. The roles of the elements are synergistic or complementary. One without the other will not do. This is the reality. Likewise, religions play complementary roles. In our world today, we notice that when one religion dominates exclusively, the result will not be as good as when there are many religions existing side by side to meet the various needs of the people. This is the basis of the pillar doctrine or what we may termed as the fire and water doctrine.
FIRE AND WATER LESSON
with respect to individuals in a group
Sunshine is essential to life so also is rainwater. Rain without sun is unthinkable, and all sunshine and no rain will be too harsh. Fire too is different from water but we need both in our life. Sunshine is very, very different from rain but can coexist. They benefit us in their own ways and in combination, when we have optimal amounts of each.Amongst members of a religious group are those with characteristics and talents as different as the sun and the rain (or fire and water), but does this mean that they are in conflict. They may be in conflict at times but their very difference makes them valuable human assets to the group as they bring along their different talents which increase the talent pool, and enrich the potential of the group. Lord Bo Tien even reminded that a big talent pool can mean that group members can help those in need, and do not need to depend primarily on a heavenly saint to answer prayers. Moreover, being different, group members will have their own set of virtues and weaknesses. The Lord reminds us to learn from one another’s mistakes. He also reminds us that we should be mindful of our own weaknesses, which are often mirrored in others. Learning from others does not mean that we blissfully forget that we too have our own share of weaknesses. Learning from others is not confined to weaknesses but to virtues. Just like the elements of nature fire and water, we being different from one another will have our own virtues and drawbacks. Does this mean that we should be in conflict all the time? Mr Water should not try to play the role of fire and Mr Fire should not feel he could take over the role of water. This would be catastrophic. The temple, like society at large, needs both Mr Fire and Mr Water. The sooner Mr Fire and Mr Water accept this, the better. They need not agree with one another. They need not meet eye to eye on issues, but they should pool their talents to benefit the temple or society at large. Each should stick to his role or expertise. Temple members or members of society can be likened too to the pieces of jigsaw puzzle. Each piece or member has his own place, and should not try to fit into the slot of another. The sooner this is realised the better. Returning to elements, please remember that the characteristics of fire, water, air, wood, earth and metal must be present together in nature. We can never visualise their existence in absence of all the rest. Likewise in life, be it at temple or in society, please do not feel that one is better than the other is and can dispense with the other. Rather, one should feel that he should complement the other and that both can benefit each other. We should appreciate our differences. Rather than making an issue of this difference, we should see the difference as asset or as opportunity to complement one another, and to pool talents. With the right outlook, we should look at both ourselves and at others correctly. We should not just look at others and fail to look at ourselves, for doing so is like failing to see the dust in one’s own eye and happily announcing to the world that there is dust in someone’s eyes. We should look inwards at our ourselves to better ourselves, but look at others only to learn and to ensure that we do not mirror the mistakes they make. In this way, we do not end up being negative with others by pointing fingers. Above all, we should recognise that we are indeed different, and this difference should not be taken negatively over which to quarrel or take issue. We should rise above ego boundaries to realise that this difference is an asset or opportunity to co-operate. Instead of taking offensive positions over our differences of styles or talents, we should have mutual respect for one another. We should appreciate that the other can do what we cannot do, and rejoice that he has this talent we do not have. This mutual respect will be the spark for good healthy co-operation. In 1978 anniversary message, Lord Bo Tien encouraged that followers should continue to have more mutual respect and co-operation which will enable the temple to have more success. He was happy and is happy that it is the same virtues that enable members to help the needy (old age home, day care and mutual help and care to distribute provisions). Continue therefore to cultivate mutual respect and co-operation, without which members of a group with different talents as diverse as fire and water will be at odds with one another. With mutual respect and co-operation, even a small group can work wonders. This applies to society at large and to any temple, chapel or church as well.
COMPLEMENTARY ROLES
Sunshine is essential to life. Water too is essential to life. Different as they are, they are essential elements of nature on which existence and life depend. Likewise, religions may seem different. Proliferation of sects within a religion need not be at odds to the religion in question. The differences need not be undesirable but as in the case of nature, differences can be beneficial for they serve humanity in their own respective ways and complement one another. No one sect, religion or saint can save and meet the needs of all. Each can value add, complement and synergise the works of the rest. There is much to be done and not enough to do the work of Heaven. We too should play complementary roles and add value to one another's efforts and life. Do not tread on one another's toes, rival, hurt and negate the life and good works of fellow beings be they friends or strangers, be they flesh or spirit, be they human or other kind. Live and let live. Cherish life and let there be more cheers and love for life - for our own life and for others.
FOCUS ON THE ANCHOR DOCTRINE
Brethren, do understand that the Lord Saint is not here to start a new religion. There is no need to. He reminds us to be good in whatever religion we may be in. He would rather that we remain good religionists in religions we are already in. Religions are but means to an end; the end being the compassion and salvation for all sentient beings. What is needed is to kindle the light of compassion in us for others, and to guide us to higher spiritual purity of the mind ----to cease the wanting and the becoming and to attain the peace of non-wanting and not-becoming and yet carrying-on meaningfully without denial of life itself. This, brethren, is what Heavenly Mission is all about. All beings must seek salvation, enlightenment or purity of the mind because of their wrong doings, because of their imperfections. All are wanting in this or that, and all fall short of the glory of Heaven. All are far from pure. Religions are pillars to give us the strength and anchorage to reach the purity that is enlightenment or salvation. Brethren, judge not a book by the cover. Likewise, judge not religions by the culture or traditions. Culture and traditions are man-made. They are dictated by men and not by Heaven. They change with the times to suit the mentality and way of life of the populace. The anchor doctrine of Lord Bo Tien is that all religions are good. All work towards the common good. All have their own traditions and culture. Whilst, like the book covers, culture and traditions serve to attract people, there is the potential danger that those, who only judge religions by culture and traditions, may fail to appreciate the oneness of religions – the Oneness of Truth. To them, religions appear different. The Lord Saint upholds the oneness of religions. Incidentally, do remember that, if culture and traditions fail to serve our needs, if they somehow do not project a good image of a temple, if somehow they no longer foster the multi-pillar doctrine of oneness of religions, if they make a temple look foreign to or out of step with other religious practices, let us face reality and be prepared to adopt or change to culture and practices that are acceptable, meaningful and in keeping with the times. What serves us well years ago may not serve any useful purpose now or in the future. Let us be far-sighted and be in harmony with the times. Change can be good. Traditions are not preordained by Heaven. They are man-made. Pragmatism requires that traditions evolve with the times. Truth is and shall always be. Truth is like the substance of a book. Traditions and culture are like the covers of a book. Covers can change and need to change but not the substance of a book. The anchor doctrine common to all should not change. Temple or church traditions and culture can however change and need to do so to keep up to the times.
RELIGIOUS THOUGHT
What is right or wrong?
There is but one truth, the inner truth of God, the truth that beings must be saved and be one with God. The dimensions and the universe are diverse and difficult to fathom for all beings, as there is great diversity though behind all the diversity is the same oneness of God. The beings in the dimensions are as diverse in variety as they are for the same community of a particular type of being. Let us call the creation of God as nature. Nature would therefore include all the dimensions and all the beings. There is oneness in diversity in that God is behind all.
On a more down to earth note, let us now focus just on human beings as we need to be convergent in approach, and could not have the divergent wisdom of God. For there is much to learn even when human life is concerned. There is enormous diversity even when we just handle the aspect of human beings. Human beings are different from land to land, and from family to family and from person to person.
The food for life must be tailor made for all, and even for the same one person, the food for life must change day by day, moment by moment. The food for life includes religious thought as well, for this will be the food for the soul. Hence one religion is not enough for human beings. God has been compassionate to ensure that there are many religions. Even for a particular religion, He has blessed men with many sects. Each sect has under them various groups with differences in approach. All are right as they serve to be food for soul to meet the needs of all. Religious thought originates from one God or Divinity, but it must be presented in diverse ways and levels to benefit men. For the same man, it must be tailored to meet his needs for the moment. The religious thought for one person must change and evolve with the time. What is right for him now was not really right in the past and may not be so for the future. What is right for you as a teenager would not be right for you as a child, and will soon not be right for you as an elderly man.
Do not point fingers therefore and expect others to be like us, to think like us, and to act like us. This then again is diversity, a very consistent feature of everything that we know. Religious thought is one from God and Divinity but it must be tailor made for the individual to meet the needs of all beings, and to fit the moment-to-moment changing needs even for a particular individual. The next time you feel you are right and feel some one is wrong in religious thought, hold your tongue, and be mindful that this may be the nature of things as willed by the wisdom and compassion of the One above.
Similarly, with respect to yourself, the next time you look back in life, and wondered why you did things in certain ways then, (and could have done in better ways), please fret not. Well, this again is the same diversity in oneness where religious thought is concerned even for the individual. Do not try to point fingers, but try to understand and accommodate. Try not to say you are right and he is wrong. For in one sense, we will always be right in religious thought and yet not exactly right, for if we are exactly right, there is no more to learn and achieve.
The above is an in-depth elaboration and expansion of the Inner Truth Sermon (sometimes referred to as the Four Pillar Doctrine) of Lord Bo Tien. This article explains the basis of the Mission to explain the oneness in diversity, and the diversity in oneness. It also further explains why He is not here to start a new religion but to save souls and bring them to God. He is just here as part of God’s wisdom.
GO FOR THE INNER TRUTH BEHIND ALL RELIGIONS AND SECTS
Go for the tree trunk and the roots of the doctrine common to all religious thoughts. Go for the basis and the basic. Do not be awed by the branches and the leaves for they may dominate and make us perceive not the trunk and the roots. The leaves do come and go and change with the season. The branches differ and can be pruned. Truth of God and His precepts are the trunk and the roots. The religions are the branches, which can be pruned and changed giving rise to denominations, schools and sects. The leaves changed with the season and the day in all aspects such as colour, size and density. Practices and outward norms represent the leaves.
Lord Bo Tien is here to see to God's mission to bring salvation to all. He is not here to start a new branch of the trunk of truth, but to let us see the same trunk for all the branches, and for all the twigs and leaves. He wants us to tend to the trunk and the roots. God has blessed us with branches of the trunk of Truth through the various religions. The manifestation of leaves is left to us. How religion is presented in our mundane world is left to the people and their preferences of the day, place and time.
He said thus: 'I shall not attempt to establish any new religion, cult or organisation. But I shall rejuvenate the religious thought of all and instil a higher understanding…. The fundamentals all religions are the same, because all originate from the same source- God'. Spiritual enrichment is between man and divinity, not between man and man or man with religion, cult or organisation.
SPIRITUAL FOCUS NOT RELIGIOUS FOCUS
Lord BoTien in His first sermon stated thus. Prophets attempt to “help the masses” from two viewpoints “to lead better lives” here and now in this life as well as “to incline them towards God” They do so by laying down and elaborating the written word, which is the starting basis for organised religions. The written word tries to perpetuate the initial idealistic spirit and fervour, but with time, written precepts and doctrines become more elaborate and complex to extent that the idealistic spirit is submerged. Religion as organisation or institution is bogged down and made complex by the written word, by rules and regulations. With the loss of initial founders spirit or fervour, religious practice replaces spiritual practice, and organisational concerns supersede personal relationship with God. In short, religion replaces spiritualism. Group or mass identification with religion as institution replaces individual oneness or identification with God. Salvation is to save the soul. Though this requires help from others (organised religion), it is basically unique and personal between the individual and God (spiritual experience or rapture). Lord Bo Tien divines to kindle the spiritual drive of the individual regardless of his religious persuasion. Lord BoTien stated that He “shall run down no existing religion” nor will He “uphold any special one”. He wants to turn individual’s attention to the essence of spiritualism i.e. the essential truths rather than attention to institution of organised religions. The purpose of organised religions is to provide vehicles or institutions to pass on the essential truths, but often the means of institutions become the apparent ends. The real ends of spiritual rapport and purity with God (through His representatives) become obscured and more than often the essence not adequately emphaiszied. Thus wesee many divergent sects and schools. The primary focus of the Mission is to ensure that this will not happen, that beings in all dimensions remain focus on spiritualism behind all religions rather than on religions. “ The motive is to save the soul and assist those who are in difficulties” quote from The Four Pillar Message or better known as The Inner Truth Message of Lord Bo Tien. His mission is spiritual focus not religious focus, that is, not to start another sect or religion but to save souls and assist those in difficulties whatever their religious affiliation.
LOVE AND THE MISSION OF HEAVEN
Brethren, the love of a mother for her child involves great sacrifice. However she is unlikely to shower the same degree of love for the child of another person. A young couple in love is like a pair of Mandarin ducks. But the greatest love can turn into the worst hatred if one party is forsaken. The love of one sibling for another is likened to blood. Blood is thicker than water. We all know that. But such love can be wanting in rationality. The love between friends is as long as it lasts. But we are told this. Your best friend can turn out to be your worst foe. The love of citizens for their nation evokes admiration and praise. But when one nation wages war on another, ill will and not love holds sway. Love makes the world go round. So do we know.
But, worldly love, as above, is always motivated by self or group ego. Love is but the means to an end – the end being the gratification of the self or ego. Spiritual love is different and should be different. It requires us to love everyone equally. “Love thy neighbour.” No one in his right mind will reject this. But how many can truly epitomise the ideal behind this. Taken to the ultimate, it means that all must live together as brothers.
Adherents of one religion must love those of another religion. Individual group ego or self-centredness is out. Oneness is in. This is the true basis for inter-religious harmony. Lord Bo Tien exhorts us to do so. Religions are pillars of Truth. He is not amongst us to promulgate a new religion or a new interpretation of a religion. There is no need to. He would certainly not encourage any entity that will generate individual group-ego or self-centredness. He is here to help us and to foster oneness in diversity. Divine kindness or spiritual love is not confined to the likes of oneself, but to one and all alike.
Truth and salvation, after all, are not meant for a select few but for all irresepctive of religious affiliation. Spiritual kindness such as exhorted by our Heavenly Saint is boundless, selfless, and makes no distinction or preference for any groups or individuals. Even the wayward is entitled to the love of Heaven. Practise divine love and not worldly love. Practise selflessness and not self-centredness. This is the message. This is the mission of Lord Bo Tien. This then is the focus of what He refers to as the Mission of Heaven. Lord Bo Tien has reminded us that the mission He refers to is not the mission of man but the Mission of Heaven. Divine love or kindness is beyond the human dimension. It cuts through all dimensions. True love is beyond self, group interests and it knows no borders or limits. His is the Mission of Heaven.........................................
THE FAR AND THE NEAR
Brethren, adherents of some religions at times claim they are the selected few and close to divinity. This has given rise to dis-ease and dis-harmony in the name of God and His saints. Those who are near to God and saints may be far and those far e.g. not adherents of any faiths or sects may in fact be near and dear to God and saints. All religions and sects must co-exist
and be complementary and synergestic. No one sect or religion is nearer to divinity than the rest. Adherents of any sect depending on how they cultivate themselves spiritually may be far or near to divinity from time to time depending on situations, circumstances and context. This is to be expected
THE PARTS CANNOT BE AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE WHOLE FLOWER
All religions and sects are like the various parts of a flower. They on their own as distinct sects or religions may be attractive to many but certainly not to all. But together they make one whole beautiful flower of divinity. Each cannot stand alone or dominate the other religions and sects. They do need to work together for the good of one and all. They do need to be like the complete whole flower to present the inner truth to all. That would be more beautiful and splendid than working alone as though all other sects and religions matter not and have no substantive roles in the overall design of Divinity. All sects, faiths and practices as well as even mere cultures have substantive roles in the overall design of Divinity.
A FLOWER AND ITS NECTAR
We do not blame the flower for ants and insects to come to the flower for nectar. This is not the intention of the flower. Likewise, we should not point finger at the religion or its social institution if wrong people with not right intentions are attracted, for this is never the intent of the religion, the founders or the institution. All kinds of people will be attracted to the nectar of the flower. The flower cannot be blamed ..... This did Lord Bo Tien mention in one of his anniversary messages. Thus we should be graceful and understand the problems faced by any religious institution when its adherents appear to be off line and not exemplary. To err is human and to "forgive" is divine (PS Forgiving does not absolve the doer from consequences but the one who chooses not to blame is blessed by good consequences. He is the beloved of gods and men)
What constitutes a temple? In a temple there must be the image of a saint like Lord Bo Tien. ‘A temple is the people’ said the lord saint in 1983 anniversary message. ‘The sky is the roof of the temple’ is mentioned in the 1983 message. Towards the last part of this message to temple followers, He stated that ‘You (the disciples / followers) are the pillars of the temple’
Also in the 1983 message, ‘Do not use the Temple’s Doctrine to mix up with people.’ ‘The crux of the issue is the doctrine and not the person relaying it’ We should not discount what is being said just because you do not find the person saying so credible in character or to your taste. This applies to any religious group of any sect or religion. ‘You the disciples and followers should not misconstrue human relationships as practices of the temple.’
A temple or church activities geared towards worldly networking and seeking recognition and rapport with community bodies at human level should not be equated as temple activities or practices. There should be continued and sustained emphasis on temple or church spiritual activities and practices, more so than for activities to satisfy or meet human relationships both at temple level and at level of community.
He also advised that adherents of a temple or church ‘not to confuse spiritual craft, rituals and traditions with the Doctrine’ . They should not equate mystic or psychic experiences or knowledge as spiritual doctrine. ‘I descend because of the temple and not because of people. The sky or heaven is my roof. There is no need for large crowds or flags to welcome me.’ This would be common advice to adherents by the saint of any temple or church. 'If the sky is the roof, there is no need to be concerned if there are people, for ‘when the sun shines people will come to work, and when moon appears, the people will rest’ What is important is aptly surmised thus ‘as long as the hearts of the followers are pure, there is no need for large crowds or flags’ in any temple or church.
In 1984, He compared His descent to be like a flower. ‘My descent tonight is comparable to a flower because the flower is pure and created by nature’ He further adds that ‘You cannot stop ants from coming to the flower for nectar. This is not the wrongdoing of the flower.’ A Saint must welcome all to come to him for his divine nectar. No one should even consider blaming the saint for those with wrong inclination coming for the nectar alone, and not the mission or the salvation of the soul.
RELIGION IS ABOUT LIFE.
Life is religion and religion is about life -- to be exact... how to have peace and ease that may ellude us now and then. Though I adore the lord saint*, there is no need to for anyone who seek the inner truth of life to do so. He is neither here to start something anew nor to champion the old ways, religions, sects and institutions. All are separate and distinct but yet playing complementary roles. Together, they are one whole. They are like distinct parts of a flower but together they constitute a beautiful whole. They are one in essence He is one of the saints to bring us insight on life and life is religion.
THE WORLD IS ONE BIG TEMPLE OR CHURCH.
Lord Bo Tien is one of the divine messengers of Divinity. The ultimate temple or church is the world we live in. The roof is the sky and the heavens with all the heavenly saints and messengers. The pillars supporting the roof are the religions of the world. All under the heavens are in the temple /church and its compound.
The alternative name of the First Sermon The Inner Truth is thus The Four Pillars as a simple house has four pillars. Incidentally, the temple of Lord Bo Tien was for many years a simple shed with four pillars but currently a respectable concrete premise with many pillars
SIMPLE BUT YET DIFFICULT TO PERCEIVE IS TRUTH
Truth is so simple and yet difficult to perceive and even more difficult to put in words. If you are somewhat perplexed after reading this posting and not in agreement, this can be expected. You can still be and are on the right path to truth in life irrespective of your religious affiliation or even if you have none.
The Inner Truth, brethren, is the common denominator of all spiritual paths and ways
Cheers and be blessed
Inner Truth Netizen
Views by late Bro P. Philip
Only the wise seek the fulfilment of ancient wisdom. Yet the profound truth is so simple but difficult to perceive.
Many a pride cover those who achieve the light of enlightenment. But the wise are those who never fear of being misunderstood. Endurance is one's innocent glory in the next world.
The kingdom of Heaven is not solely built for man but nature has for each and every kind the deity and a kingdom of their own.
