No 410 of Living Life Series 1
It would be wonderful if men of religions do not go by labels. Why call yourself for instance a Buddhist when you are prepared to go to any place of worship? Why let man created barriers prevent you from knowing God and saints better by going to temples and places of worship of another sect or religion.
Certainly, founders of religions were never narrow minded and bigoted. Even Jesus introduced principles very different from Old Testament. That is one reason why there is the New Testament. For instance, the notion of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was replaced by offering the other cheek when slapped on one cheek. There is no contradiction but merely a more refreshing way or approach.
In a multiracial and multi-religious society, people are already cross attending one another's places of worship and celebrating one another's festivals. Thus the natural progression would be that though labelled Buddhist, one could attend a Hindu temple, partake in discussion and festivals of a Hindu temple and yet remain a Buddhist.
In time to come, there will be no need for labels. Labels are man made. Buddha for example never said that his followers are Buddhists. This applies to the followers of other religious leaders or saints. Labels and group egoes are characteristic of men and not of God and saints
Lord Bo Tien makes use of the Chinese culture to set up a temple and tell the world that though there may be many religions and sects, all refer to one God or Divinity.
He says that we must respect all heavenly saints and what they teach. Their teachings are sanctioned by God. (The Precepts)
But of course, men being men and imperfect will introduce dogmas and their own interpretation and understanding into religions and sects. This, like it or not, in turn will somehow divide men and cause conflicts. This is the making of men, not of God and saints.
But of course, men being men and imperfect will introduce dogmas and their own interpretation and understanding into religions and sects. This, like it or not, in turn will somehow divide men and cause conflicts. This is the making of men, not of God and saints.
Let us belong to all religions and not to one. But it is also not wrong to belong to just one so long as we keep an open mind that God can still speak to us in all other religions. This may be put succinctly as one for all and all for one.
Saints were ascribed by men as belonging to this or that religion. But they are saints of God or Divinity. They belong not to religion but to God and Heaven. They are for all men and not just those that are in religions bearing their names.
Buddha is not just for Buddhists but for non- Buddhists as well. Jesus too is no different. His heart goes out to all men.
Lord Bo Tien may appear to be of a Chinese temple and be referred to as a Taoist or Buddhist saint. But in reality, he is not related to either and not known to their respective history. There is and always be no mention of his name in history of men. He has never been known to be a historical figure, not even in Chinese history. There is definitely no mention of him in age old Chinese culture or mythology. That is perhaps why a temple of the lord saint does not look like a Buddhist or Taoist temple.
The same appears to be the case for Ji Gong or Lord Ji. But he was a historical figure who lived in China Hangchow more than one thousand years ago (from 2013). He belongs not even to the Chan Buddhist monastery as he was expelled from there for eating meat and drinking wine. He was not following the vinaya rules of monks.
But he had and has a good heart and believes till today that what matters is what goes through the heart and not what goes through the gut. He is an accomplished saint, a messiah and savior of the many for all, regardless of their religious affiliation or even if none
He became a saint and helps all men regardless of their religious or cultural background. He too is one saint for all men and religions, and all men and religions can depend on him. He belongs to all and yet to none.
A man can learn from all religions and be for all religions. All religions can benefit him in complementary and synergistic ways. One can reach God through all religions. All religions can reach out to a single man.
One saint can be for all men and religions. All religions can accept that one saint.
One for all and all for one. A man must respect God and all saints. God and all saints of all religions will be for that man. No religion or sect should prevent a man from knowing more of God by knowing and learning from other religions and sects. This is the will of God
Saints were ascribed by men as belonging to this or that religion. But they are saints of God or Divinity. They belong not to religion but to God and Heaven. They are for all men and not just those that are in religions bearing their names.
Buddha is not just for Buddhists but for non- Buddhists as well. Jesus too is no different. His heart goes out to all men.
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| Lord Bo Tien |
Lord Bo Tien may appear to be of a Chinese temple and be referred to as a Taoist or Buddhist saint. But in reality, he is not related to either and not known to their respective history. There is and always be no mention of his name in history of men. He has never been known to be a historical figure, not even in Chinese history. There is definitely no mention of him in age old Chinese culture or mythology. That is perhaps why a temple of the lord saint does not look like a Buddhist or Taoist temple.
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| Bo Tien Temple Singapore |
The same appears to be the case for Ji Gong or Lord Ji. But he was a historical figure who lived in China Hangchow more than one thousand years ago (from 2013). He belongs not even to the Chan Buddhist monastery as he was expelled from there for eating meat and drinking wine. He was not following the vinaya rules of monks.
 |
| Ji Gong |
But he had and has a good heart and believes till today that what matters is what goes through the heart and not what goes through the gut. He is an accomplished saint, a messiah and savior of the many for all, regardless of their religious affiliation or even if none
He became a saint and helps all men regardless of their religious or cultural background. He too is one saint for all men and religions, and all men and religions can depend on him. He belongs to all and yet to none.
A man can learn from all religions and be for all religions. All religions can benefit him in complementary and synergistic ways. One can reach God through all religions. All religions can reach out to a single man.
One saint can be for all men and religions. All religions can accept that one saint.
 |
| Saints of God are for all, not just followers of religions bearing the names of the saints |
One for all and all for one. A man must respect God and all saints. God and all saints of all religions will be for that man. No religion or sect should prevent a man from knowing more of God by knowing and learning from other religions and sects. This is the will of God
