No 220 of Living Life Series 1
In 1974 anniversary message, Lord Bo Tien commented on issue of doubt.
"There will be disquiet. It is alright to object or to differ. Some just cannot understand at the current point in time. This is beneficial for all and members must convey this clearly to them. Moreover, concerns and objections arise because of inability to understand and grasp. They do not indicate lack of faith in the saint. Once elucidated and clarified, they will have no more doubts and be within the folds of the fraternity even more steadfastly and with confidence and commitment.' Lord Bo Tien's 1974 Anniversary Message
Doubt is never an issue or a sin. It should not be feared as blasphemy to divinity or infringement of dogmatic pivot of religion. Doubt should never be the basis to give rise to guilt and foreboding to the detriment of believers. It is not indication of lack of faith in divinity or in any religion or sect. Believing based on mere blind adherence without proper understanding, grasp and personal experience is the issue, not doubt. Doubt if properly channeled can be healthy and can give rise to wholesome inquiry, analysis and exploration in depth that will lead to good grounding and foundation of the doctrine of truth behind all religions.
In 1977 anniversary message, Lord Bo Tien reminded thus.
"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." Lord Bo Tien's 1977 Anniversary Message
In 1974 anniversary message, Lord Bo Tien commented on issue of doubt.
"There will be disquiet. It is alright to object or to differ. Some just cannot understand at the current point in time. This is beneficial for all and members must convey this clearly to them. Moreover, concerns and objections arise because of inability to understand and grasp. They do not indicate lack of faith in the saint. Once elucidated and clarified, they will have no more doubts and be within the folds of the fraternity even more steadfastly and with confidence and commitment.' Lord Bo Tien's 1974 Anniversary Message
Doubt is never an issue or a sin. It should not be feared as blasphemy to divinity or infringement of dogmatic pivot of religion. Doubt should never be the basis to give rise to guilt and foreboding to the detriment of believers. It is not indication of lack of faith in divinity or in any religion or sect. Believing based on mere blind adherence without proper understanding, grasp and personal experience is the issue, not doubt. Doubt if properly channeled can be healthy and can give rise to wholesome inquiry, analysis and exploration in depth that will lead to good grounding and foundation of the doctrine of truth behind all religions.
In 1977 anniversary message, Lord Bo Tien reminded thus.
"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." Lord Bo Tien's 1977 Anniversary Message
Let us all be rooted well in doctrine of truth. Doubt can enable this by fostering wholesome grounding in the grasp of doctrine. Doubt should never be discouraged and nibbed in the bud but allowed to flower into the full perception of truth in man. Then faith in divinity will be correctly rooted in highest rationality, that is divine wisdom at its zenith.
Doubt need not be an issue, a liability but an asset if we know how to capitalise on the usefulness of doubt.
Doubt coupled with guilt is a scourge of man worse than doubt alone. Guilt with doubt is far from wholesome. In 1975, Lord Bo Tien said
"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." Lord Bo Tien's 1975 Anniversary Message
"Sin" implies we have hurt divinity. God and saints are perfect, all loving and beyond hurt. It is man himself who does wrong to himself and other men when a not-so-right is committed. The use of the term "sin" makes this not-so-right more frightful and instill guilt and fear. Is there the need?
The choice is yours but whatever the choice, the end result or impact on your life is what counts. A belief system does not need to be right or rational to everyone or even to you as individual but as long as it works somehow for you, that's what matters for now but you may want to reconsider in future.
Choice does not need to be and can never be the same for all. That is exactly why there must be many sects and religions though there is one divinity and one inner truth behind all. This is the essence of the message that heavenly saints like Lord Bo Tien want to share with us. Cheers.
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