The cement for concrete pillar for any mission is love

No 325 of Living Life Series 1

Reference Revisit of Messages by lord saint before 1974

Lord Bo Tien way before 1974 passed down seven basic precepts which would be found in one form or other in various religions. The second precept advises us to believe in the teachings of saints (post No 153 - Nov 6th 2010 The Precepts). Lord Jesus is no exception. He has many wise teachings that even non Christians can value

Many fail to realise the significance of Lord Jesus saying that we must love our enemies and offer the left cheek if they slapped our right cheek. We should not go for an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth as in the old testament of the Bible.

What is meant by the Messiah Lord Jesus is that after his coming, the more divine way is to love without reservations and if you love someone say your son and if he slapped you, would it help the situation if you slapped him back?

Of course, you would be disappointed by your son that he had slapped you even if you as the father had wronged him. You should explain and regret what you did wrong if indeed you were wrong in a way, but if he was still angry and you  needed to show your unreserved love. how could you do so? If you chose to run away but after that, the next day he was still sizzling with anger, what next? Surely, you did not want to break up with him and make matters worse. As what Lord Jesus said, you might offer him the other cheek to show your love and this might save the situation.

This is the same as what Buddhists and Taoists as well as Hindus refer to as loving kindness in their own respective ways.

This is the extent that God and saints would love us. Even if we are wrong, and blame God, God will harbour no bad feelings and will not run away from us. He will stay with us and don't mind our bad mouthing Him, figuratively slapping him on the other cheek and on both cheeks over and over again. This way we know He loves us and harbour no bad feeling of us and we could depend on him.

If ever we fail in life, it is not because He fails us but  that we fail ourselves. But please don't blame God for goodness sake. What we need is to imbibe that divine love God has for us and be a little bit of God ourselves by not blaming others or be angry with others even if they did us wrong or don't toe our line. 

Brethren, for example, if members of a temple or church are sadly enough unhappy with one another, they should still show love for one another and not forsake and excommunicate one another.

The mission of a temple or church is big enough for everyone and each must do their part. They don't have to do the same part for there are more parts than there are members. The work for God is that much more and requires the commitment by all members and even non-members.

Why go for the limit and go for an eye for eye and a tooth for tooth? Worse still is to deny a place in the sun for fellow brethren they don't like.

Love lights up the tree of life and is the cement for the concrete pillar for any mission. Lord Jesus led the way by showing how to love and what is the extent of love - especially how to live and love those who do not see eye to eye with us.

Lord Bo Tien said in 1984 that the members of an organisation must live and let live. The yin and yang must make one whole and yet are different.

Some are more yin and others less yang. If we expect only one approach and one narrow interpretation or one clique culture, all others would effectively be denied places in a mission where the brotherhood of diversity of yin and yang is of critical importance. This lack of wholeness of yin and yang will spell the downside of the mission for that organisation. (Read article 315 dated 28th Oct 2011 - Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien)

Luckily in the Mission of Heaven, undertaken and led by Lord Bo Tien, this song of human weakness is not replayed time and again. Otherwise, how can mission members expect all religions and sects to be different in their respective ways and still work as one for the same inner truth of God and for the universal ecumenical need to help beings in difficulties and ultimately to save souls of beings.

The mission to save souls calls for more than one way and more than one view to bring more to God. In fact, there is need for as many ways and views as possible.

This requires those who want to take part in the inner truth mission to likewise come from diverse factions, persuasions and capabilities. Otherwise, there will be no mission as the mission followers would not be setting good example of having diversity and not abiding by the inner truth mission to show the oneness of religions - oneness in diversity.

Diversity does not need to be divisive but can be complementary. The composite of diverse approaches and interpretations can harmonise like the yin and yang making up the wholeness of the divine pearl of the pakua, namely the Taiji, the Great Ultimate. (Do cross reference by reading The Great Ultimate)

Bagua or pakua

Taiji - The Great Ultimate

If there be no love for the diverse persuasions and approaches in society or a mission, there will be no mission. We must even love our foes. Members of a mission or society certainly are no foes even if they hold opposing views. Lord Jesus is right and He is better able to project the need for love amongst men, more so if they belong to the same cause or mission.

Love is the cement to bring all to be a concrete pillar for God's work - the Mission of Heaven. The cement for concrete pillar for mission is love and that makes the mission divine, otherwise how can it be Mission of God. 

Without  diversity of yin and yang in members of a mission,  and without unfettered love amongst men of that mission, the mission will end up not as mission of God but selfish mission of myopic men with one clique or faction taking over and casting out other factions. 

Lord Bo Tien reminds us that members of a mission are like the sand particles and if not cemented into a concrete pillar will be blown away by the wind. Praise God once again for heavenly saints and we must believe in the teachings of saints --- as per the second precept of seven basic precepts told to us by Lord Bo Tien, the messenger of God. (Read The Precepts and Revisit of Messages by lord saint before 1974)

Lord Bo Tien

.

Understanding and maximising yin and yang

No 324 of Living Life Series 1

There is the active and passive aspects in life as in nature. These are not necessarily bad or good but we need both to be whole. The yin and yang refer to the passive and active aspects.

Yin is not negative but refers to the softer aspects and yang is not positive but refers to the more out going and dynamic aspects.

Some refer to yang as military or 'boo' which is action orientated. Often but not always correct, yang or 'boon' personality is conceived as the successful type.

Yang can be both good and bad. The same applies to yin. Yin too does not necessarily lead to bad results or failure. It is often good as well. There are good and bad yin as there are good and bad yang. Those with insight of yin and yang prefer not to talk of good and bad.

Yin refers to the passive and 'boon' aspect'  which is more mind orientated, more passive but is no less important. We too can succeed in a way just by adopting passive and docile yin or boon way.

But in reality there is no such thing as being only yin or yang, for there is yang within yin and yin within yang. Thus we see the little dot within the tadpole like symbols of yin and yang in the pakua.

Progress and success are possible by either way, be it by more yin or by more yang but for more and to reach lofty levels, we must go for the dynamic balance of yin and yang.

This does not mean equal portions of both but depending on the situation or individual as well as the context of age and times, the balance may be anywhere between the yin and yang. 

Too much of yin or yang may be unhealthy or at best not optimal but in reality, what is optimal is relative to the person and situation. What is optimal balance for one person may not be for another and for the same person may not be on another occasion

Some people can find that balance with more yin than yang and they are the 'boon' type (academic, civil orientated, tactical) and some find that balance in life by being more outgoing, action orientated by being more yang. They are the 'boo' type (action, executive, field, operational, military or martial).

In a way, it may be true but not always that introverts are yin and extroverts are yang. Not all yang persons are extroverts as one can be action orientated without being extroverts. 

The yang person may well live a life away from others and not a social mixer and has little or no charisma. In short, some yang persons are introverts though many may be extroverts.

The yin personality may need not be introverts but can be part and parcel of active society but plays and leads passive life in that society. They are more tactical and often not be in the limelight or forefront of matters.

In a society, institution or temple, for maximising the interests of one and all and for advancing the common good and not sectional interests, the organisation must comprise of all sectors and interests groups and must be run by committee made up of good mix of leaders from the various sectors and interests groups. In short there must be balance of yin and yang not only in the organisation membership but also in the committee running the organisation. This is emphasized  by Lord Bo Tien in 1984 message and this message applies to the world.

"He then pointed out to the Taoist Octagon or Pakua, which showed two fish-like symbols the yin and the yang. Both must exist and if there was only one, then there will be no balance and peace. Man must seek the inner peace through balance of yin and yang. A temple or organisation must find balance in the yin and yang elements of people that constitute the temple. Only then will there be peace and harmony. "

Extract from article 315 dated 28th Oct 2011 -
Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien

The need for yin and yang elements of people in a temple is depicted by the yin and yang dragons. Originally sages had depicted the pearl as carried by the phoenix and the dragon but later as both yin and yang are of equal importance, yin and yang are depicted as dragons

They support the pearl. The pearl is the doctrine, the inner truth common to and underlying all religions. It is lighted up like a torch or flame as the doctrine lights up the life of beings.

We can maximise both spiritual and mundane life in an individual or society by maximising yin and yang through good grasp and balancing of yin and yang so as to achieve success and peace.

The lord saint's seated pose image depicts the saint stepping on and balancing the yin and yang. You would therefore understand why He said to us that the doctrine is in His image and the image personifies his doctrine.

Lord Bo Tien

He is also supported in his divine mission to help beings by a host of warriors  who are either "boon" or "boo" or both. These are terminologies which have reference to yin and yang.

In the main altar of a temple with His image, traditionally there must be three images at the altar--- one centre image of a Buddha, the lord saint's image on right of the Buddha image, and Goddess Kuanyin on the left of the Buddha image (or on your right if you are facing the three images). This is meaningful and reminds us to balance the "boon" and "boo" to be enlightened like the Buddhas.

.

The lord saint, his temple and his messages meant for all under Heaven

No 323 of Living Life Series 1

There are many churches and only one Jesus Christ. No one can stop others from praying and saying praises to Lord Jesus on the ground that they do not belong to a church or a particular church.

Likewise a Chinese temple like any Bo Tien Temple or Kuanyin Temple, cannot stop others from praying to either Lord Bo Tien or Goddess Kuanyin.

The teachings of Goddess Kuanyin are not privy to a special identified Kuanyin temple

Thus the teachings and the messages by Lord Bo Tien are not just for members in a temple under his name but also for many outside in the world as the sky is the roof of His universal temple and all under are in His temple. 

Any saint and his messages do not belong to the temple or church named after him but is meant for the world.

Thus Lord Bo Tien said that his true temple is universal and for all.  It is people (and not a building) that make up his temple.

The sky is the roof of his temple and the whole wide world is his temple. Religions are the pillars of this universal temple and all under Heaven are in the temple.

There must be people of different persuasions and approaches in this universal temple. His temple caters for all and not exclusive to a group. A building, alas, is only a building for men and not the universal temple. These Lord Bo Tien often reminds us

The doctrine in his messages is the lord saint himself and he who knows the doctrine knows the lord saint. The image is the doctrine and the doctrine is the image. This holds true for any heavenly saint as well.

A lord saint, his temples and his messages are meant for all under Heaven. Even in any building or temple with a saint's name, there must be people with varying yin and yang attributes to make up the following and management in that organisation.

Monopoly and uniformity of views however desirable are not what the lord saint expects. Where there is such monopoly or uniformity, then, there will be discrimination. Such discrimination is not the way of a saint but the way of men lacking in grasps of doctrine and practice. 

Likewise GOD do not expect one religion or sect to represent him and He sanctions many religions and sects to reach out to all via as many ways as can be so as to help as many who are in difficulties and ultimately to save souls.

Lord Bo Tien is carrying out the Mission of GOD  and says that the doctrine of the inner truth common to all religions will spread far and wide even if in the eventuality of its not being valued by some.

In 1983, the lord saint Lord Bo Tien said that in time, if after years of messages, somehow members still could not understand the need to be doctrine based in what they did and could do, they should perhaps light three jos sticks for forgiveness and return the doctrine to heaven so that the messages might go to 49 successful spiritual organisations. This is perhaps said to drive the importance of knowing and valuing the doctrine. This applies to any organisation of any saint.

Revisit of 1983 message of Lord Bo Tien   EXTRACT: If in a temple such as this temple, the followers cannot understand all these clearly and effectively (putting them into effect and practice), then these doctrines and values should be returned to Heaven and be sent to many other temples where others may be able to benefit. If the past era of 13 years teachings make no difference to the wisdom of the followers of a temple, then they might as well be burnt to return them to Heaven. The way to do so figuratively is to let many other temples, perhaps 49 others, over time span of perhaps 49 days have the blessings of universal truth by symbolic ritual of lighting three joss sticks to Heaven under the open sky.

Like any prophet or heavenly saint, a saint, his temple or church and that saint's messages are not exclusive to a select few or group but meant for all under Heaven. This we need to know and must know even if a little doctrine do we know. A little is not enough and we must know more. In whatever religion or sect  we may be in or even if none, we must live by the doctrine, in the doctrine and be alive with the doctrine. You may say that we need to live by divine principles of life

.
.

The two precepts for respect

No 322 of Living Life Series 1

Reference  post No 153 - Nov 6th 2010 The Precepts 

(2) I must believe in what all the Saints preach in words, thoughts, deeds and all that are written.

(6) I must respect my parents and all those elder than me.

If we are to read the messages of Lord Bo Tien many times, we would realise that the messages do not just apply to His temple but more so to the societies in the world.

For instance in 1974, He said that people of differing capabilities and endowment must work and live together even if they have differences. They  complement one another. They can learn from the lessons of life --- of their own lives and of the lives of others. They can learn from strengths and weaknesses in one another's lives and be richer from the experiences not just from their own lives but also from the lives of others.  

( Revisit of Lord Bo Tien's 1974 message A temple too will attract people of various characteristics, some good and some not so good. These will be contrasted for all in the group and be noticeable. Learn and absorb as much of the good points of others. Do also learn from the weaknesses and mistakes, so that these will not be repeated in their own life.)

Also in 1975, He gave the eternal advice that irrespective of differing views and abilities, all in society must bundle up together like a collection of candles (big and small and of various shades and colors) to better light up lives. Together, despite differences, they can better complement one another so as to reap wholesomeness for the whole society as mentioned in 1974 message

Revisit of 1975 message of Lord Bo Tien Candle flames may be different - some smaller while others are bigger and brighter. Nonetheless, bear in mind that the total collection and amassing of candle flames emits brightness to effectively light the way for the those in shades of darkness, more so for the less endowed and not so fortunate."

Never mind if there are marked disagreements and lack of consensus. They need to learn to love one another and this meant accepting that they may not agree and ever  need to live and let live.

In 1978 and later 1984, He elaborated that there must be yin and yang in nature and in the universe. The presence of diversity and differences as well as similarities is only natural and a characteristic of the universe. Together they make one whole as in the pakua

(A revisit of the 1978 message of Lord Bo Tien  Extract from 1978: The oneness of purpose and actions contrast with the diverse background of members. This stands out as noteworthy reminder of oneness in diversity)

Pa kua or Ba gua

(Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien  Extract from 1984: He then pointed out to the Taoist Octagon or Pakua, which showed two fish-like symbols the yin and the yang. Both must exist and if there was only one, then there will be no balance and peace. Man must seek the inner peace through balance of yin and yang. A temple or organisation must find balance in the yin and yang elements of people that constitute the temple. Only then will there be peace and harmony.)

What is needed is to have peace and harmony amidst the diversity. Then society will be that much more whole. Society will be that more gracious with people accepting one another for what they are and for what they could not yet be.

God and saints can do so. A flower can accept insects for coming to the flower for nectar. A saint will never turn us away because of our weaknesses.

(Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien  Extract from 1984: A heavenly saint is like the flower and the least expected amongst men will be attracted to the saint like ants and insects to the flower. This is not the wrong doing of the flower but nature's way of survival and existence. That the least expected should be at the helm or in the following of a temple is not the folly of a heavenly saint and Heaven but Heaven's way to reach out to all more so the more lost in society. But the folly of men should not be regarded as Heaven's folly.)

God will accept us to His church or temple even if they are crooks. Lord Bo Tien in 1983 did say the same that if he wants to even a crook can be a leader in his temple if He chooses to change that person. This is the prerorative of the saint. Man in society cannot decide that those with different views from them or have disabilities or weaknesses cannot be in that society, temple or church.

(Revisit of 1983 message of Lord Bo Tien The lord saint said that people should not judge and frown at the profile and personalities of members of a temple or spiritual organisation. The purity and excellence of the members and leaders may not be at par with and measure up to the purity and excellence of the doctrine of Heaven. The choice or judgement call on who can be leaders and members lies with the heavenly saint of the temple or spiritual organisation. Even a thief can be chosen as a facilitator of the organisation if the founding saint wants to train and teach him.)

If God and saints are so accommodating and tolerant as well as benevolent to the perceived wrongs, men of faith and spiritual cultivation should be a bit like that if they cannot be more like that.

If God is like man and so petty and judgmental, then no one will be worthy of the kingdom of Heaven and no one is worthy of going to a church or temple.

It is said that even those in Hell will if they can be a little more good, be reborn or leave Hell.

In the basic precepts, the lord saint said that all must respect their parents and those elder than them. We must realise that they too are not perfect and may have done wrong, and we should not be victim of their wrong though we must still respect them as parents or elders.

In another precept, the lord saint reminds us to respect and believe what saints preach in words thoughts and deeds. Sometimes our human mind will like to ignore and feel that they are irrelevant to the incident or situation at hand.

God and saints of all religions

But it is wiser to respect the saints for what they preach in the context of the society and situation. We need to believe in them especially when they like lord saint said things that were yet to come and that would surely come if we do not heed their messages.

It is right that we think for ourselves as to what is right but we need to be wise. If we respect parents and those older than us, how much more need we to respect the saints and what they have to tell us in their divine messages.

That is precisely why there are two separate precepts for respect specified by Lord Bo Tien -- one is the 2nd precept, believing in and respecting what saints preaches and another the 6th precept is to respect parents and elders. However, we need not expect elders and parents to be perfect but respect is still due.  (For the second and sixth precepts, go to The Precepts)

Even with the helping hands of heavenly saints, sometimes due to element of fate, we cannot avoid bad events altogether. But at least we must have faith in saints. Big issues will be small issues even if they cannot be no issues and small issues will be no issues with a little bit shelter by the saints.

(Reference A revisit of the 1977 message of Lord Bo Tien  "Do pray earnestly and wholeheartedly to the saints and the saints will know. Seek their blessings in earnest and they will come to your side. Big issue will be small issues even if they cannot be no issue and small issues will be no issue.")

At the same time, we must learn to understand life and the truth of life. Then, we will learn how to balance and be atop of the ups and downs, the yin and yang and be at inner peace. (For more of this, do read The way to inner peace.)  This is not only depicted by the pakua but also by the feet of the seated image of Lord Bo Tien on top of and balancing the elements. Cheers 

.

The way forward in the mission of life

No 321 of Living Life Series 1

The way forward for the seeker of truth is to believe that truth alone is the master and not to take anyone as the master. This is the teaching of all heavenly saints.

Lord Bo Tien is no exception. He makes himself known to us through a human medium but He stressed to us many times before not to mistake man as a saint and not to mistake saint as man. Man is man and saint is saint.

Man has free will to be good and bad but the bad man is good at times and the good man can be bad at times. There is the active and the passive what is known as yang and yin of the pakua (ba gua)

There is the black and the white side in men. Whoever is chosen by a heavenly saint to communicate spiritual message and principles is the decision of the saint. Men should not worry on the credibility and standing of that man but should instead be concerned if they could understand and grasps the spiritual principles.

There is one Divinity but many saints. There is one God Almighty but many prophets and their religions. Each religion has many sects and each sect has many schools and each school many leaders.

What is important is the truth behind the saint,  religion, sect, school or a teacher. We need not know more of who is the saint or who is the man but we need to know more of the truth he conveys and whether it is good and meaningful and whether it makes life more meaningful and purposeful.

While man may be attracted to a saint or to a sect or school or even to the man who leads, what is important is the nectar of truth and not the flower in the form of a saint, a man or a sect or religion.

The flower may be a beauty to behold and not only look nice but smell nice. But its individual parts may not be so. The man in a temple may portray the spiritual approach effusively and well but do remember that though that man may appear good and nice, what made up his character may not be that nice if you know him long enough.

Moreover like the flower, the niceness in him will not last and like the flower, he will wither and become unattractive. What is important is the nectar that the flower has.

What is important in a man or a saint is the truth and the way to realise truth in life that is important. For a man of religion, don't go for him as a person or you will be disappointed in no time but go for the substance of truth he presents.

For a saint, don't be awed by His sainthood or image but go for the refuge and spiritual values He stands for. Lord Bo Tien says that the truth is in His image and His image tells us the truth.

He bids us to stay the course and be steady with his left hand in salutation.

We need to be atop the ups and downs of life, the yin (passive) and  the yang (active) so as to be  at peace with life and not be tossed around by life. This is depicted by the lord saint in His image with both feet atop and balancing the elements of yin and yang.

We must hold on with right hand to the promise of God and saints the sceptre of hope and salvation as depicted by the right hand of the lord saint holding on to the sceptre of the mission to overcome difficulties and to save souls.

We must be the embodiment of spiritual values (the precepts, the pure thoughts, loving kindness etc) as much as we can. That way we be the pearl of truth supported by two dragons.

The dragon chair Lord Bo Tien is seated on is made of two dragons supporting the lord saint. The lord saint is the pearl  supported by twin dragons. He is the embodiment of the truth in life and the way to overcome difficulties and the way to be at peace in world of yin and yang.

We need only know all these about the seated image of the lord saint and we need not know more of the saint. Need we know more beyond the doctrine in any religion?

We do not need to do so but in reality we go for the details and the presentation and the material trappings that that religion can give us and worst still, we go for the men who lead.

We forget that man should not worship man but God and saints and more importantly the way or Tao they represent. The way forward is in truth and nothing but the truth. This is the way forward in the mission of life.

Mission Flags

Thus far, we have dealt with life from the more spiritual perspectives. Can the principle of how to handle the black and white in man and in life by balancing the yin and yang in that man or life apply to the mundane worldly life?

Yes the lord saint would like us to know. We must learn from the strength and issues in not only our own life but the life of others. Know the man and you will know the universe of yin and yang better.

Go for life of peace by balancing yin and yang. Associate with the wise or good side but do not deny that he has the black or not so good side. Bring out the good in him and do not fan up the bad in him. Go for the good in a man but not expect the world out of that man or you will be disappointed once too often.

This is the way forward in mundane life by using the same principle of balancing the yin and yang, not denying the yin and the yang and not being the victim of yin and yang but being master of yin and yang, be it spiritual or mundane life. Life is rich with learning and a truly living gospel.

Thank GOD and saints like Lord Bo Tien for their guidance. There will be times when our efforts alone will not be enough to handle issues. No man is an island and even an island is subject to the whims and mercy of the elements.

We need to seek the shelter of saints so that when we are are yet to have better balance of yin and yang and have issues, the saints will help us. Big issues will be small issues even if they cannot be no issue and small issues be no issue. Our candle of life needs to be sheltered by the saints so that it will not flicker in the wind. Lord Bo Tien reminds us on this ever so often.

.

The way forward is to be the pearl of the dragons by living the doctrine in our life and make life of yin and yang work for us be it for spiritual life or for mundane life. Such a person is at peace with life and with all in life both yin and yang. He is the treasure to the world and is liked by both gods and men. He is the pearl of the dragons.

..

The Alternative Mission

No 320 of Living Life Series 1

Whilst the Mission of Heaven is to save souls and towards this end alleviate difficulties in lives of beings not just men, the lofty mission is too far fetched for many a man.

More down to earth and pragmatic approach has watered down the lofty ideals to more worldly level and a far cry from the divine truth.

Men wants to identify with the here and now and with current day society. They will see and do what they know best and that is to  be with the crowd. They go for the needs of society of the here and now, never mind if this will ruffle the feathers of the sages and wise men.

If you tell them for example that in a temple jos sticks are not necessary, they would see this as too revolutionary and not in keeping with expectations of the average traditional Chinese society.

But the truth is that jos-sticks are only means to an end and the end is to invoke feeling of religiosity. They are outward manifestations of outpouring of religiosity as practised by the ancestors.

The same goes towards having images of saints and other age-old paraphernalia. Do we go for the piece of wood or stone or do we go for the closeness of God and saints that are so that omnipresent everywhere?

Well beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. The beauty of a religion is in the way followers could practise and identify with divinity. If this means making a temple that more traditional and that more close to expectations of prevailing leaders of society, why not and how not?

The followers will somehow see community leaders as proxies to God and saints and work towards getting their attention and patronage. This is not altogether bad and may be added bonus to show that their organisation is making the mark and thus more will join their ranks.

This is the way of contemporary society and a convenient way to forge progress in society based on societal standards though not exactly divine or to be exact inner truth orientated.

There will of course be deviation from the pioneering spirit and zest of the founders but every religion, sect or spiritual movement undergoes the same process of deviation and evolution from the pioneering ways and thus the religious practice of modern and future days will be far cry from the days of old otherwise how could they continue to blend with and have niche in the ever changing society they are in.

Let us go back to the before 1974 message of Lord Bo Tien  -Revisit of Messages by lord saint before 1974  (left click computer mouse to access)

" 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 archaeological 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 startlingly, unexpectedly, inadvertently and at times even uncannily in emphasis from the preliminary teachings for each faith and between faiths and sects."

Praise Lord Bo Tien for His message

Whatever forms and activities a temple or institution take on is immaterial but there is need to sit back and take cognisance of how to connect with the teachings of the founders, so as not to derail from the Mission of Heaven.

It is perfectly alright to go for the ways of society and secure patronage of community leaders but such ways may mean the temple or institution is set on the alternative mission of contemporary society with focus on community leaders and needs.

What is needed is to take stock and make repetitive corrective actions to align back every now and then with the Mission of Heaven.

Otherwise the mission will be off course and instead of being a temple or organisation to lead and be above others, it will be only one of the many and no different from the many.

But to be exactly orientated to Mission of Heaven and not blend with society via so called Alternative Mission ways may mean that that temple or institution may not take foot and move on in society.

In many religions and sects, the alternative mission takes social precedence though may be spiritually not correct but still has a place. Perhaps it must co-exist but be subsidiary to the primary Mission of Heaven.

Fundamentalists decry the contemporary and so-called deviant ways of modern religious sects and institutions be it a temple or church but the truth is that without non-fundamentalist ways, many in society will not gravitate towards God and saints.

So isn't it true that alternative mission of men has a place in the Mission of Heaven that is Mission of God and saints?

God and Saints

. 

What's next and more for the Mission?

No 319 of Living Life Series 1

The Mission by Lord Bo Tien is now in the 43rd year as of 2011 October.

What do we know of the Mission to save souls and those in difficulties?

Plenty but yet not enough have been done. The Mission has great momentum in terms of relieving the life of those less fortunate in Singapore.

But as for spread and emphasis on doctrine especially beyond the shores, there was the foray into Sitiawan Malaysia in the early years of the 1970s, a few newsletters and  a few salient publications by the organisation, and since 2 years ago this doctrinal blogsite was initiated and sustained by inner truth netizen.

43 years on as of Oct 2011, there is need to take stock and reflect on what next and what more. Half the lifetimes of the older pioneers have lapsed.....The new and the young must take on the baton of mission..... perhaps

Lord Bo Tien is like the great ocean
that reaches out to many a land

The Mission is not about having more grand buildings or having more charity penetration but about having more doctrine to impact lives and to change lives so that they may find divine peace  and be beacons for others as well in the world of flux and change of ups and downs - in a world where as Lord Bo Tien put it " The issues of men are many and plentiful"  Men should seek guidance and know GOD and saints by knowing the Tou-li , the Way  to be in harmony with yin and yang. 

Below are pictures of mission building now in year 2011 and then in the 1970s but what will the mission be like in future?

Grand and awe inspiring concrete building
of  Bo Tien Temple now as in year 2011

Simple temple in the old days of the 1970s,
simply serene, peaceful and laid back

The future of the Mission is ever more of double dragons supporting pearl with the lighted pearl being the doctrine.  The yin and yang  constitute the universe and the doctrine brings them together as a whole like in the pakua (bagua) with fish-like symbols of yin and yang forming a sphere.

The spherical pearl in the centre
of the pakua is the doctrine
which enables us to bring together
as one whole the yin and yang 
depicted by the fish-like symbols

The divine pakua takes centre stage at shrine hall floor of Bo Tien Temple to symbolise and emphasize that the doctrine of inner truth must take centre stage and be the very reason for the Mission for it is by living in the doctrine by balancing yin and yang that  we can be at peace with issues and difficulties in life. Big issues will be small issues even if they cannot be no issue. Small issues will be no issue. This has always been repeated to us by Lord Bo Tien as would all other saints.

There is a further pointer Lord Bo Tien told us with regards to the options for a mission. Lord Bo Tien stressed that the image of  a saint or the doctrine it represents may be present in a temple 365 days a year but if the image and the doctrine it portrays made no impact on the followers and there be no push on doctrine, then it would be lifted up to Heaven and the doctrine will go to 49 successful temples.

The only way a wooden image can be lifted is when it is burnt and it is like giving up the doctrine and let it go up in flames to return to Heaven.



As to the deep meaning behind this advisory, only the members of a specific temple or spiritual body know where they stand. This advice is applicable to any spiritual organisation which is not rooted in doctrine but carried away by worldly human agenda --- with men worshipping man instead of GOD and heavenly saints.



All temples and religious organisations must stay focussed on doctrine in its activities vis a vis the Inner Truth otherwise the truth is that the doctrine will be returned to Heaven.



When people err, they will end up dwelling with the ways and doctrine of men rather than the doctrine of GOD and saints. When such human fallacy occurs, there will be terrorism and conflicts amongst men in the name of religion, GOD and saints.



Lord Bo Tien's emphasis in His Mission is to avert more of such outcome. He says that what is important is the doctrine and not the image or building. 

Lord Bo Tien stressed that a wooden image of a saint is made of wood and in time will crack but this is not an issue and followers should not be concerned. They should instead go for the doctrine in holistic and wholesome ways. Inner truth netizen wishes to add that there should be no crack in the push for the doctrine to the world.

Related post Lotus flower may wither but its seeds can give rise to more lotus flowers far and wide . This post gives insight of how a mission of a temple or spiritual organisation will not wither away like a lotus flower after insects of men come to it for nectar.

The flower or temple may wither due to human agenda and indiscretion but any good as a temple (flower) they have done may still provide seeds for more (flowers) temples and spiritual organisations far and wide.

The good that men do will never go to waste even if (a) such men failed in practice of doctrine and back slided, or (b) if their temple or institution withers away from doctrinal path. This insight and foresight are shared with us by Lord Bo Tien.



Lord Bo Tien even said through His emissary that a saint is like the great ocean and no mud will sully it and it will reach out to many a land

.

We need yin and yang even for a spiritual organisation

No 318 of Living Life Series 1

In any organisation, there should not be any need to get rid of one or more persons because of the alleged devils in them when they are likely good in other ways.

There is no need to replace them with others who later too prove to be devils in their own ways though they too have good as well.

All must co exist, be allowed to do their bits and they must balance one another like yin and yang.

There is need for mutual respect and to know everyone can contribute in their respectve ways. Differences need not get into the way.

Differences need not be impediments to healthy relationships so long as respect is there for each person's worth and everyone is worthy somewhat to the organisation.

There is no need for a man to lord over other men for that would be somewhat uncouth and lowly like wild animals in a pack with alpha leader and pecking orders.

All have their individual places in the eyes of God and saints but they may be different and everyone is unique person in his own way with yin and yang aspects - range of attributes ranging from strong to weak.

To have that mutual respect there must be precepts to govern behaviour and for followers of Lord Bo Tien, there are precepts as well.  Do go to The Precepts (left click your computer mouse)

Precepts if broken affect not God and saints but the ones who cannot keep them.

One notable precept is the precept to respect elders and parents even if they may not be so right in certain aspects. If there be respect especially for elders, there will be bonding and fraternal fellowship. All are family after all.

Then even amongst same or similar age groups, there will be respect for one another's feelings and views.

The differences will always be there but by being tolerant, patient, accommodating and benevolent for differences and perceived wrongs, there will not be ill-will but good-will and cheers amongst men. Won't that be nice?

We do need yin and yang even for a spiritual organisation or a temple. There must be balance and equilibrium amongst various interests groups and amongst people with contrasting human or personal agenda. This is as depicted by the feet of Lord Bo Tien balancing and atop the yin and yang of life.

There is much to learn from the different approaches and levels of understanding. We learn from the strengths and shortcomings of different people in say a temple and can end up wiser from the learning. The ability to cope with opposing stands is in itself a learning opportunity. We learn how to accept, accommodate and to understand differences. Life and contrasting nature of men are part of the gospel of life. All these the lord saint said in his messages from before 1974 to 1984 through late Bro Philip

Lord Bo Tien - Doctrine in His image and image is the doctrine

Ba Gua (Pakua)

In 1984 message, Lord Bo Tien pointed out to the Taoist Octagon or Pakua, which showed two fish-like symbols the yin and the yang. Both must exist and if there was only one, then there will be no balance and peace. Man must seek the inner peace through balance of yin and yang. A temple or organisation must find balance in the yin and yang elements of people that constitute the temple. Only then will there be peace and harmony.

Read (by clicking mouse) article 315 dated 28th Oct 2011 -Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien

Also read Damnation is not the way of God and saints

The Pakua (Ba Gua) takes centre stage
at shrine hall of Bo Tien Temple

  

The need for yin and yang elements of people in a temple is depicted by the yin and yang dragons below. They support the pearl. The pearl is the doctrine, the inner truth common to and underlying all religions. It is lighted up like a torch or flame as the doctrine lights up the life of beings, more so those in a temple or spiritual organisation.

"He who know the doctrine knows the saint and he who does not will not know the saint even if the image of the lord saint is there at the temple 365 days in a year." This was said by the emissary of Lord Bo Tien in a few of the lord saint's messages. Thus He said that the "far may be near and the near may be far". What matters is the doctrine and how to live in the doctrine and be the embodiment of the doctrine

.