The four truths and the threefold blessings for any issue

No 94 of Living Life Series 1

For any problem, we must first be aware that the problem is there, understand that there is the cause to it, have conviction that problem can be solved, and how to solve namely to eliminate the cause. These are the four truths to any problem we must perceive in problem orientated approach.

This approach or modus operandi of the four truths if applied to  either worldly life or spiritual life will clear problems and bring success -- worldly success and spiritual success. This was emphasized by heavenly saints, in particular Lord Bo Tien

Let us consider in detail the application of the four truths insight to life holistically and that would be spiritual life.

Life is never perfect and this very nature of life is the main issue or first truth. There are three aspects to this.

We have firstly our share of pains in life if there are downs.

Secondly, we have share of pain if there are joys, but the joys are short lived, transient and when they are no longer there as what results or follows is void or pain.

Even if the joys or blessings last longer, after sometime we want more and when we cannot have more we are unhappy. This is the third aspect. This in reality or deeper sense is due to our self and need to ever satisfy the self or ego. The ego or self-attachment is the third or ultimate pain or unsatisfactoriness in life

The cause of imperfection or unsatisfactoriness of life is the ego or attachment. This is the second truth.

We must accept the truths of the nature of life and the cause, and if we understand them, we must understand that the pain or imperfection in life can be ended. This is true, and we will call this the third truth. To be reborn again and again is the ultimate pain or imperfection.

The solution is to remove the cause, to remove our attachment or ego. The fourth truth is the way to  do this. We cannot run away from the very nature of life that the insatiable ego is the problem.

What is the solution, and how to effect the solution?

We must accept the ups and downs, live with these but not be affected. There are yin and yang in life but we can choose to be unruffled by being mindful and pure, by not having clinging. Anger, greed and false views are problems in themselves and they cause more problems. Ego or attachment brings on anger greed and wrong views.

When the pond is muddy and water dirty, we want to know why it is muddy or dirty to remove the cause of this to achieve a clear pond.

Our life or mind is like the dirty pond due to pollution by ego thoughts. We must be pure and ego-less. The solution is as simple as this but effort, perseverance and diligence is needed. We can help one another and accept the help and guidance of God and his representatives. This solution is the fourth truth.

We must adore all heavenly saints for their glory is in the thought of men and they will bless us and open up options out for us to resolve issues. God have multitude of saints or prophets  e.g. Lord Bo Tien  and the many sects and religions to come to our assistance.

We are like individual candles which if gathered together shines brighter and help one another to get out of the dark side of life. If we can rally under the light of the heavenly saints, we would be more able to succeed both in this life and in life hereafter through their blessings and light but we must help one another and ourselves.

Brethren, the unsheltered candle flame flickers and is extinguished by even a mere breeze. The sheltered candle flame remains steady and glows brighter. A heavenly saint like Lord Bo Tien shelters the light of life in us and allows it to glow brighter.

Do remember that a solitary candlelight is weak. A collection of candle flames is awe-inspiring. Likewise, a gathering or congregation of followers of a religion provides the necessary fellowship. We cannot just depend on help from heaven. We can help one another by getting together -- "help thy neighbour" as what many would say.

When we have dust in our eyes, often we cannot see the dusts in our own eyes but others, who possess know-how we don't have or who are wiser, may be able to do so. We may want to help ourselves but we need the help of our fellow men because often we cannot see perspectives and solutions to our own issues from more independent angles. Additionally, that is, on top of this, we need the help of Heaven for the divine and holistic perspectives. 

Truth or way out of issues is often simple but difficult to perceive and issues may appear profound or difficult to unravel.  We need the help of  others and the blessings of heaven. This truth with regards to issues in life has been the case since the beginning of time. This is the truth of ancient wisdom which many want to have and are floored by the apparent complexities and profoundness of the issues at hand. But often the solution or option out is often simple but difficult to perceive without help of significant others and the divine cover and guidance of the heavenly saints.

The solution or way out of any issue be it spiritual or mundane is to see the four truths (referred to earlier) and for this, we approach from three angles,  (a) own effort, (b) help from the wise and (c) guidance from heaven. We bless ourselves, the wise bless us and  heaven too bless us. This is the threefold blessings in life.

Thus we harness the four truths and the threefold blessings for any issue in life be it spiritual or mundane.

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