Is there any need to compete for Heaven? The answer is an obvious "No." But why are men saying to other men that if they do not believe in their God and saint, then it will be not good. God is a jealous God and his wrath knows no limits. This is the view of men but not that of God and saints.
These men think that the only way to compete for good standing in Heaven is to bring in more men to believe in what they believe. This may become sort of competition or race to the top. It is odd that men have to compete to win the favor of Heaven.
Heaven is about love and divine love is never limited, never for chosen people and never the purview of a given lot. Love of divine magnitude is open love, open to all and even for those who have done wrong and who are of differing beliefs.
There surely is no bad feelings or attributes such as hatred or ill-will. There is also no clinging on the part of God and saints, otherwise how can they be God and saints? There is no need for approval and endorsement by men when God and saints are above men and perfect.
They are not like some men. They are not hungry for attention and to be put on the pedestal or to be the center of attraction. They have only love - no hatred, jealousy and ill-will. God and saints' love is for all.
They rejoice in those who can do good for men, and display goodwill to all. So long as men through whatever belief systems can bring more good to others under Heaven, this is a joy to Heaven. Heaven will rejoice and there is no doubt on this.
Men may be hungry for attention. Men may want to compete with others to win others to be with their views. They may have the misguided notion that only by making others be on their side by all means be it by hook or by crook, can they be in good books of God and saints. They will then be better assured of good stature in the eyes of God and saints.
This may not at all be bad as they are driven by the love for God and men but this is based on love that smacks of jealousy, at times bordering on ill will and such men may think that only they are right or better. They end up competing for men to be with them so that they can monopolise Heaven to themselves and so that others will think that only they hold the key to Heaven.
They seem to leave no stones unturned but will even instill fear just to get other men on board their ego trip. Love that has the flip side of hatred or ill will and that can create fear is not of Heaven but of men. This is the weakness or flaw of men, not of God and saints.
God loves men regardless of race, creed and religion and regardless of whether they are men or other beings. But some men only love those who can inflate their egos and make them look good. Lest it be misunderstood, even these men are special and loved by God and saints because they are committed though not perfect.
In all reality, perfection is far from the reality of those below Heaven. Their only flaw if indeed it can be regarded as one is that they love God and they do love men to want them to share what they have from God and saints. Definitely this is no mistake but may be considered noble though not ideal.
At the higher helicopter level, we can thus understand what Lord Bo Tien says that each prophet or saint has his own way of holding on to people so that they will remain in the flock and not go astray. Religions do differ in dogmas and teachings though all are out to save souls and bring them to God and Heaven.
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| Lord Bo Tien |
This is the Four Pillar Doctrine where religions and sects are the pillars of the House of God. Heaven is the roof and people of all beliefs and religions are one in this house or temple.
Whilst each sect or religion has its own beliefs and ways to hold on to people, the means should not be mistaken as ends even within the sect, religion or temple.
A good example is that of life of Ji Gong as man. The Vinaya rules on conduct of a monk in a Chan Buddhist monastery should not be binding in a blind manner whereby what all monks need to do is to stick to them religiously but often ironically not matched by what were in their hearts?
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| Ji Gong |
Ji Gong was considered unfit to be monk then because he did not conform with the rules. He ate meat, dance, sang and drank wine. He frolicked with children and monkeys and was asked to leave.
It is as though the monks of the monastery held the rights to Heaven. If Ji Gong did not conform, he cannot be monk and cannot attain sainthood or be accepted by Heaven. No one should hold the rights to Heaven with their beliefs and dogmas.
Anyway, Ji Gong showed the way of Tao. He succeeded and was able to help and bless many. He became the Living Buddha. His axiom is that "what matters is not what one does or what goes through the gut but what is in the heart."
Yes, no one can hold the rights to Heaven through their respective religions, sects or institutions or even thorough their own belief systems. In short, no one should be presumptuous.
But it is still alright for religions, sects and institutions to differ in practices, for as Lord Bo Tien did say that each can have its own way to hold on to people and bring them to spiritual life so as to eventually save their souls. But no one should say that "this is the only way for you to be with Heaven." Different people have different ways. No one holds the rights to Heaven.
Omitofo
