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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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On The Mission

No 317 of Living Life Series 1

Bo Tien Posat

Abridged version of article written by the late Senior Brother Chong Sim in book Lord Bo Tien's Guidance edited by Brother Peter Kong  --- 6th Sept 2000.  


Synopsis: the three objectives, three thrusts and three cultivations for the Mission :

(A) What are the objectives of His Mission that is sanctioned by God Almighty?


There are three objectives.

(1) To let us know that there is God Almighty who created the Universe. As we and all form and formless lives are part of the universe he created, we are all interrelated to one another in one way or another. We must have that sense of universality to have love and respect for one another. Hence there is need for loving kindness that was a central theme of His messages especially the 1975 message which was most profound of all messages. - Revisit of 1975 message of Lord Bo Tien

(2) The next objective is with respect to physical realm. Men all over the world irrespective of race and creed are God's creation like all those in non-physical realms. This is the universality of mankind and is the basis of Lord Bo Tien's Four Pillars or Inner Truth Doctrine. The truth is that all religions in the four directions (four pillars) are different in ways but all have the same goal to bring beings to God. Clergies of various religions have been studying their religions to seek out more of the similarities and commonalities instead of the differences of religions. This meant that the doctrine of Lord Bo Tien is not new to them. But for the common folks in society, many think that his or her religion is the true one and they not others are treading the only true path. This is unfortunate and we must respect all religions especially the four main ones. There is need for wisdom to better handle points of differences between religions in more sensitive ways. Lord Bo Tien's purpose in mission is not to be distinctive from all religions by starting a new religion. There is no new religion but his objective is to show universality of all religions. There is need to bring together members of all religions to work as one in loving kindness and all are brethren under that one same God

(3) Last but not least is the principle of Divine Hope and Salvation for all beings mankind included. This is best phrased as "Jiu Ming Jiu Sze" - "Saving men and saving beings of all sentient realms". This is the most important objective of the Mission of Lord Bo Tien that is sanctioned by God Almighty.

The word "save" could be interpreted in many ways and include all:

          (a) "save" the poor and desolate by providing food and relief from suffering from hunger

          (b) "save" the sick  by providing medical treatment and aids

          (c) "save" those in sorrow and depression by counselling and support

          (d) "save" those who are near the end of life and those already departed by offering spiritual refuge and prayers to facilitate better afterlife (e.g. rebirths)

          (e) "save" all beings from eternal suffering due to their misled or misconceived ways and beliefs, by encouraging better insight and grasps of the truth of life that will bring salvation.

(B) The thrusts of the Mission are three fold:-

(1) To spread His doctrine far and wide like the ocean to many a land so that all who come to hear of it may understand and "turn good and the reward is theirs" (1976 message of Lord Bo Tien)

(2) To encourage cultivation of loving kindness and to carry out good deeds which can take many forms e.g. benevolence for others wrongs or differing views

(3) To learn the spiritual principles "tou-li,"  cultivate and practise the spiritual path or Tao so that they will be saved from suffering, life and death, rebirths and attain ultimate Divine Salvation.

(C) There is need for members of His Mission to equip themselves in three ways

(1) by striving to have good work attributes such as diligence, perseverance, faith, confidence, patience, benevolence and tolerance (Like a worker digging a well in solid ground would be tired and thirsty, and with patience water would be found and he would be able to quench his thirst)

(2) by self development and practice, by understanding thoroughly the doctrine so that they can be in the best position to spread the doctrine sensitively and with patience.

(3) by living the doctrine that is being embodiment of doctrine in life, temple or mission activities so that they can blend, complement and act harmoniously in unison like a concrete pillar for it is "united we stand, divided we fall."  Remember that the Doctrine is the cohesive force of "cement".

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Mission History and Elder Ling

No 316 of Living Life Series 1

Taiji of the Bagua with complementary yin and yang
in holistic balance (at times opposing though)
aptly reflects the need for wholesome
completeness of mission in an organisation
or even divine purpose of life in wider society

In 1981, the first year after the first 12 year cycle, the lord saint instructed the then elder EL (Ling Diung Kwong) to effect the history in writing for the group mission effort and stressed. "All must work with one heart and there will always be the way forward."


Read article 313 dated 27th Oct 2011 - Revisit of 1981 message of lord saint.

Below is the personal perspective as perceived by inner truth netizen 2.

The need for mission history is critical since Elder Ling is ageing - age 76 in 2012. The trials and tribulations in the pioneer years must be recorded. Otherwise the experiences of pioneers would not be known to the many who come after them. Waves upon waves of events happened so quickly in the early years and they were intertwined with the numerous descents of the lord saint Lord Bo Tien and his representatives like Mou Chi Sun. Without a book on the diary of events and the archaeological documents, history would run risk of being lost and rewritten.

This history should be a documentation of spiritual milestones of the mission of that group in the first 12 years. This has to do with the mission and not with any institution or organisation or with their individual members' histories.

Elder Ling Diung Kwong ay age 76
Photo taken in 2012

Elder Ling in his youth.
Photo taken in 1980

Granduncle Ling (age 76 in 2012) had distinguished himself as elder founder of the  group. He was a senior police officer in the pioneer years of the nation and provided that much needed impetus, credibility and reputation to kick start the mission and give it an earthly foothold to put it on course. The concrete foothold of the group is testimony to his labour of love though he is of course, one of the team of notable pioneers.

Alfred Toh Teck Kok was other notable person who pioneered and headed the charity wing to wide outreach from initiation at around 1989 to 2006 when others rode on the limelight and extended the good work.

Charity is however one practical aspect of the mission to help those in difficulties and ultimately to save souls through any religion or sect.

Inner Truth netizen 2 was a mere student when elder Ling was instrumental in setting up the administration for the mission group of the lord saint.

For many years, he was the executive leader of the one singular group that he grew old with, while late Snr Bro Philip was the spiritual leader at the other pole. He was entrusted with his role by the lord saint.

He was benevolent and helpful to the many young during the early years of the mission. He had guts for which some might be uncomfortable with. He was known to hold very firm and independent views, at times rigid though. That is unmistakably his signature personality trait which had augured well for lord saint's push for the mission.

His ideas were far far ahead of the times of any organisation though apparently seemingly incongruous with the prevailing sentiments of a run-of-the-mill organisation.

He often went for stark simplicity in what any spiritual group should be and would prefer to advocate that any group does away as far as possible with as many of the age old paraphernalia of culture and traditions.

He is an advocate of change and a fervent believer that a spiritual group must lead by example by instituting changes towards stark simplicity to promote more simple religiosity and not toe or be beholden to bewildering ancient cultural practices.

As early as a few decades ago, he believed a spiritual group should be one above the many others to be exemplary and not be one of the many.

Many who disliked his style in the past did indeed silently respect his forcefulness and forthrightness. But they would prefer he go slow, not go against the stream and flow along with prevailing sentiments.

His forthrightness has endeared him to the lord saint though this same forthrightness may be perceived as bluntness that may not go down well with some in any group

But this is to be expected as there need to be different segments in society in the yin yang universe. There is usually no consensus of opinion amongst men, only wholeness of diversity of opinions. This should be regarded as wholesome state for any society.

The mission must reflect the yin yang nature of the world and not be dominated by myopic tunnel vision of anyone or segment. That is why there is one God but many religions and sects under God and many groups in one sect or school.

There is one world but many countries in the one world we are in. The countries are as different as yin and yang but yet make the one world we know and by knowing the differences, we know the world even better and love this world even that more.

There is only one group, but there must be many people of different viewpoints and approaches. The capability of any managing board to be inclusive and not exclusive, to be accommodating and not intolerant makes the world of difference to more broad based success and mission of any group.

Elder Ling was incidentally one who was explicit and vocal with his views but will work with all and accommodate but there was perhaps room for more magnanimity and benevolence towards so-called detractors.

To surmise, it must be said that in 1981 message, Lord Bo Tien told Elder Ling "not to falter to fulfill the Mission. Heaven will guide him in his meditation to achieve peace and happiness"  (direct verbatim reproduction from page 30 of the year 2000 publication edited by Peter Kong Meng Sin on the lord saint's guidance. Also go to post 313 dated 27th Oct 2011 - Revisit of 1981 message of the lord saint and read the details.

Who is referred to as the unpolished diamond by the lord saint?

Do note that Elder Ling welcomes those in the service of a specific mission of life who want to know more of his perspective to reach out to him. There is no need to agree with him on all scores but you will have a better grasp of what you may already know. 


Didn't Lord Bo Tien remind us to learn from one another and from the strengths and weaknesses in our own lives and the lives of others? Life is an open book and a living gospel. He would like us to know.

Elder Ling is all for this as the guiding principle in our lives for we need to be mission orientated and purposeful or face the prospect of being lost and aimless in life. Don't miss out on life and don't let life give you the miss. Don't harbour the conviction or even the mere hunch that there is mischief amiss.

Don't see the devil or dust in others' eyes when we cannot see the dust or devil in our own. Don't see the devil in your fellow men though they may not be saints. There is more to it than meet the eye.

The far may be near and the near may be far. This the lord saint Lord Bo Tien did say. Cheers indeed. Everyone has his role and place in the mission, even the insects that come to the flower for nectar and cause it to fade. For the flower cannot deny the insects. Lord Bo Tien had said this as well.

But why not tell the insects to go easy and protect it for as long as can be.  This is the unenviable role of the appointed gardener. But alas there must be new flowers. This is the way of providence.  Can the gardener succeed? Yes in a way and yet not in the long term. There is always the long and short of a story. It depends on how you see things.......But the lord saint will provide for all who come to the flower even if they come with differing agenda. The way of saint is not that of man. This again the saint did say and is a learning point to improve wisdom beyond that of man. Let this be food for thought.

The way of Elder Ling has its place in any mission but to be effective, there must be dialogue, give and take and some consensus to be different and yet the same as based on the need for yin and yang harmony and complementation amidst obvious differences.

This is the higher level perspective and insight based on the messages of Lord Bo Tien on the inner truth of life common to all religions, institutions and groups --- not at all specific to a particular entity.

This is consistent and congruent with the need for respect of elders for the benefits they contributed and the potential value adds they can provide for the future of the organisations. They will continue to contribute even if they are far from perfect and not infallible. The likes of Elder Ling will be pivotal and necessary for the long term good of any society or institution. Some say they too can learn from the young but it is more likely the young can learn more from them.

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Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien

No 315 of Living Life Series 1



1984 message re-scoped in English based on that in Hokkien through late Snr Bro Philip. Inner Truth Netizen has emphasized on the big picture i.e. relevance of the message for the wider world at large, for any temple, for any organisation and for anyone individual in any corner of the world and regardless of religious and sectarian affiliation or even if none.




On the 13th day of the ninth lunar month of 1984, the emissary of the lord saint descended for the last time through the late Senior Bro Philip to deliver the rounding off message.


He asked for the elder of the following to receive the divine edict to carry on the mission. He was heartened that the following has grown to include both old and new into its fold. But progress in the mainstream was not as could be. That is to be expected in the human realm.



He then compared the mission to save souls and impart the inner truth behind life and religions to a very long dragon in the deep forest. "The dragon carries a pearl in its mouth and it has descended to the deep forest to bring the pearl to the world. The dragon head and the pearl have reached the world. But people in their ignorance and frenzy were stepping on the body of the dragon without realising that it belongs to the same dragon as it is a very long dragon. The dragon felt the pain whenever people step on its body. This is a very good dragon which has many legs, and the lord saint Lord Bo Tien is one of the legs to support the dragon. Up to date , the legs have arrived but not the tail."


(For cross reference, do left click and read God's Mission through any spiritual organisation is like The Dragon Dance . Take note of the second coming of a buddha or messiah and how this may have to do with the tail of the dragon)



He then illustrated the mission as a lotus flower which blooms in purity and beauty and yet uncontaminated and untainted by the muddy water from which it arises. Even if it withers as it would do so in time, all will not be lost as it will produce seeds which are useful to all. New lotus flowers would bloom in time to come.



As with regards to divine truth and understanding, He had this to say, "Water from the upper source of a stream is pure and clear. When water reaches the mid stream of its course, the water would have been polluted by many users. If men want pure and clear water, then they have to go to upper source of the stream to get it."


The emissary said, "Though some have understood the doctrine, many still have not." Though he had descended over the cycle of 13 odd years anniversaries, this has been the case. He had still to descend that night to deliver and to remind all to ponder over the doctrine.


Human beings being humans have their limitations. They need to cling on to the big tree of divinity represented by the host of heavenly saints to prevent them from being blown away by the worldly contingencies of life -- the yin and the yang. Thus many in any temple will be swept away from the spiritual life but any such strong wind (of yin and yang) would stop one day and people will return.


The descent of the lord saint that night is similar to the flower. The pure and beautiful flower is the creation of nature. Ants and insects are attracted to the flower and all should not blame the flower for attracting ants and insects. 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.


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. This adds further significance to the advice given in the preceding paragraph on the flower and the ants. Without ants in men there would be no need for a temple and its mission. A temple or spiritual organisation needs to attract both yin and yang and this is as the case with all nature.


In summing up, the emissary said that the primary purpose for His descent that evening was for the Mission to save mankind and all beings in all realms. He asked for the Head or an elder (old timer) to receive the Order for the Mission



Message re-phrased and re-scoped in English for relevancy for all by inner truth netizen from Singapore.




PS This blog posting like all other blog postings dwells on the inner truth behind life as re-expounded by the lord saint Lord Bo Tien. They do not represent and reflect the official views of any organisation or sub-group but the perspectives of inner truth netizen, Singapore based on the inner truth concept. The perspectives though may overlap significantly with that of one or more of many organisations or sub-groups. In addition, they are also not primarily meant to focus on or be portrayal of doctrines and teachings of any one or more of the various specific religions or sects




NB This blog posting like all other blogs of Inner Truth Netizen is dedicated to God the Jade Emperor in Chinese culture. The writer understands that He is the same divinity mentioned in many world religions but readers may hold differing views on this.



Many years after 1984, a representative of Lord Bo Tien reflected in the closing years in the life of P.PHILIP. "The excuses and issues of humans are common and plentiful even amongst those in spiritual fold. This is to be expected of human imperfection. The lord saint is like the vast ocean. No amount of human yin yang mud can make an impact on the ocean. This is true too of the Mission He rolls out for Heaven."

Revisit of 1983 message of Lord Bo Tien

No 314 of Living Life Series 1

1983 message is re-scoped in English based on that in Hokkien through late Snr Bro Philip. Inner Truth Netizen has emphasized on the big picture i.e. relevance of the message for the wider world at large, for any temple, for any organisation and for anyone individual in any corner of the world and regardless of religious and sectarian affiliation or even if none.

Lord Bo Tien

The emissary of the lord saint descended through the late Senior Bro Philip on the 13th day of the 9th lunar month of 1983 to address the gathering in Chinese Hokkien dialect. Below is the abridged version for www.


NATURE AND HEAVEN
The emissary said that what human beings can have cannot be the same as what are in Heaven. Take for example the flower. As a whole and when in full bloom, the flower is a beauty to behold. But the various parts of the flower are not. From external appearance, it is beautiful but the internal parts never will be beautiful. This runs true for all Nature's creation. The creation of Nature is never static and changes with time. (Inner truth netizen elaborates. There is lack of permanence, satisfactoriness and substantiality. What is whole and deemed wholesome is not that whole and wholesome after all.)


INNER PEACE CAN BREAK THE ILLWIND IN LIFE
When a strong wind in the ocean blows in one direction, only a gigantic wave in the centre of the ocean can break the energy of the wind. Calmness would then be achieved. (Inner truth netizen elaborates. When a strong wind of ill-fate blows in one's life, only a giant wave of pure energy in one's spirit could break the momentum of ill fate for calmness of life to be achieved. This pure energy comes from inner peace. Inner peace arises from realisation that one should be atop the ups and downs of life as portrayed by the image of the lord saint with feet balancing two elements. This is rather than being swept around by the ups and downs -the yin and yang as depicted also by the pakua. Inner peace steadies the person so that he is not restless and in turmoil from the yin yang swirls - the ups and downs. This inner peace breaks the yin yang ill-wind that sweeps at person's sentient life. Inner peace will enable the person to tap into the holy spirit of love and peace of the heavenly saints. Then such augmented inner peace can dissipate the energy of any ill wind of fate that may blow in the ocean of a person's life. The ill-wind tends to create restlessness and havoc in the life of the person. But with inner peace fortified by holy spirit, the ill wind will be fizzled out in its track by the formidable wave of inner peace in the person. Such a person is able to be at peace despite the yin yang twists. And with divine blessing by harnessing the holy spirit of saints, big issues will be small issues and small issues be no issue. Additionally when ill fate is unavoidable, such a person is able to accept element of fate and be at peace with fate. The effects of fate will not be as bad when inner peace abides in the person.)


LORD'S NAME, TEMPLE, PEOPLE AND MISSION
The temple of the lord saint like most temples and places of worship must be viewed in the proper helicopter perspective. The teachings deal with universal truth and if followed will make life fruitful. But be mindful that a temple is not just a concrete building or a shelter. A temple is the people. It is people who make up a temple. As this temple like many others is a temple of Heaven, the sky is the roof of the temple. Thus the lord saint honorific is Bo Tien with the word Tien. Tien is the sky or heaven. (PS Inner truth netizen adds. 'Bo' in Chinese is best translated as executor of 'Tien' Heaven. It is He who executes the Mission of Heaven. Do note that He is but one of the many executor saints, many of whom are the saints of religions and sects. His role is to explain the inner truth underlying all religions and sects and not to start a new sect or religion.) Heaven is the roof for all beings. All men and beings are sheltered, overseen and judged by Heaven. God and saints, not men, shall be the final judge of men. A temple serves Heaven in its mission to save souls under Heaven. Mission is not for man to serve men but for men to serve Heaven in mission to save souls. This must be understood as the core basis of Mission. The Mission is the mission of Heaven and not the mission of man. (Inner truth netizen adds. Worship Heaven and not man. Heaven not man is worthy of worship but saints do come down to be amongst men.) 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. (Inner truth netizen contemplates. If other temples can benefit, it is likely that those in any temple here too can benefit if they wise up by not having fallacy such as worshipping man and not God and saints -- the error of toeing primarily the agenda of men and not that of Heaven above. Know who is God and saints and who is man. Worship Heaven and not man. Let not a temple be hijacked by man in the name of Heaven for the agenda of man. This will unfortunately come to pass when man worship more of man and less of God and saints. All the problems of religions result from this fallacy of man. Man tends to bring human weakness even to the fold of religious institution. This is not the failing of saints. Blame not the flower when ants and insects come to it for nectar. This was related by the lord saint in another anniversary message,)


PURITY PROMOTES RELIGIOUS HARMONY 
The lord saint reiterated the importance of knowing the doctrines of truth. If not understood, it would be a pity but Heaven will not give up. Be pure at heart to understand truth as truth too is pure. Doctrines of religions and the religions are not meant to cause dissent and complexities amongst people. Only those who fail to realise truth of life and are not pure at heart will misunderstand one another and not be in religious harmony. People must be pure at heart, understand and practice the truth. Sam Chong in the historic journey to the West to bring back the doctrines back to China set out with pure heart. With pure heart people must seek the doctrines and only by having purity can people understand and practice the doctrines.


DO NOT END UP WORSHIPPING MAN 
"Where there is no proper understanding of the doctrines of truth, complications will arise amongst people within and across religions, sects and schools. Doctrines of truth are pure and not meant to cause complications amongst men. Complications and conflicts arise from no adequate understanding of truth and from lack of purity and sincerity of heart in men. A temple's focus is on correct understanding and practice of doctrines and the image of the temple e.g. that of the lord saint portrays the doctrines. People in a temple or institution are only channels for Heaven to reach out to more people. Man should not be viewed as heavenly saint and heavenly saint should not be viewed as man. Do not end up unwittingly worshipping man more than Heaven. Heaven and saints are worthy of worship but not man. "


PURITY NOT ENTRY YARDSTICK
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. 


DIVINITY PREVAILS EVEN IF MAN CANNOT
If despite efforts by any heavenly saint, a spiritual organisation like a temple could still not make it even with all the doctrine, then the doctrine would go to 49 other successful organisations. This is to show that a heavenly saint is divine and not man. Divinity will persist and prevail even if Man cannot. Man may be shortsighted but not saint


DOCTRINE IS PURE BUT HUMANS ARE DIFFERENT Human beings however beautiful or good as a people is like any creation of nature such as the flower. The flower is good and beautiful but as it is part of nature, it is not perfect and wholesome. It will wither. Also it is made of parts which on their own are not beautiful and far from wholesome or desirable. The doctrine is divine, pure and wholesome. This do not imply that the members must be pure and wholesome to be entitled to learn the doctrine.


DOCTRINE NOT EXCLUSIVE TO THE GOOD
Even Lord Buddha's teachings are not exclusive to the more good but are for all whether good or not and regardless of their personalities, status, job, or background. This is the heavenly perspective that doctrine is for all and not reserved for or the enclave of any group . Whoever finds fault with a temple for having colorful people within its rank will effectively be finding fault with the helicopter wisdom and prerogative of Heaven.


HEAVEN (THE ROOF OF ANY TEMPLE), DOCTRINE (HEAVEN'S HEART OR COMPASSION) AND TEMPLE ARE FOR ALL UNDER HEAVEN
The sky is the roof of any temple and the doctrine is the heart of the founding or presiding saint. The entry to be member is for all under the sky or heaven. This if clearly understood would be good for all. If members still do not understand this and the overall doctrine, then this would be a pity. But Heaven will empathise and not give up hope.


DIVINE GUIDANCE REGARDLESS OF SPIRITUAL STANDING
As many humans have limited wisdom and often lacking insight, the lord saint advised thus. Whether right or wrong, the members of a temple where there is disharmony and discord arising from not grasping the pureness of doctrine (truth) should pray to Heaven for latitude and blessings for better insight- what some refer to as forgiveness. They can do so in case of a Chinese temple by tradition of offering three lighted joss sticks.


CLARITY ON DOCTRINE MATTERS 
The doctrine of truth and life must be seen as of prime concern and should be viewed as distinct from rituals, traditions, psychic, cult, human and nature complexities. All past anniversary messages of the lord saint are to guide men so that men will live and work in harmony with the purpose of Heaven. This will ensure that they will be focused on the doctrine and not be complicated by the weaknesses and issues of fellow men.


DOCTRINE COMMUNICATION AND PURITY PRACTICES Whoever is chosen by Heaven to communicate the doctrine is best decided by Heaven. (This holds true for any temple or religious organisation, often to the bewilderment of some.) The person chosen must endeavour to be pure in words, thoughts and deeds. He may have at times to observe practices of discipline to fortify and enhance purity. This can take form of purity observance such as three days vegetarian and meditation on life. Enhanced purity will enable him to communicate doctrine on life effectively to others on behalf of Heaven.


PURITY OF HEART NOT FANFARE THE IDEAL WELCOME
Even if the following of a saint of a temple is small, this is of no concern. There is no need for fanfare such as flags and large crowds to welcome him so long as the hearts of followers are pure. This will be the ideal. A temple enshrines the doctrine and it is for the temple and doctrine that a saint makes his presence. 


FOR THE TEMPLE AND WHAT IS THE TEMPLE?
The emissary said that His descent that night is for the temple. "The sky is the roof of the temple. When the sun shines, people will work and when the moon appears, the people will rest. When it rains, vegetation and trees will grow to provide needs like shelter and food." (Ultimately, a heavenly saint tends to all under Heaven and not a select group and their physical temple premise. This is surmised by Inner truth netizen but not all may agree.)


STRENGTH FROM PURITY NOT FROM NUMBERS
The following of a temple may be small but so long as they are strong they will be pillars of strength. They are like the pillars of the temple. The leader of a temple should be reminded to be straight and pure in mind and in heart. Only then will he be steady and will not be shaken even "if the wind is strong." 


BE WHOLEHEARTED TO GAIN MORE OF DOCTRINE "All should let the doctrine dwell in their hearts and persevere in pursuing understanding and practice of doctrine wholeheartedly. Do hold the doctrine securely next to your heart all the time and for many lives to come. Even the Buddha had to under go five generations to attain buddhahood. Sam Chong had lost part of the Buddha's Teachings in the river. If Heaven wants these to be recovered, it could be done. Do not lose heart but have heart to pursue the doctrine and its practice. Heaven willing, followers would even have access to more of the doctrine that men had failed to take cognisance and understand in the past."














Message re-phrased and re-scoped in English for relevancy for all by inner truth netizen from Singapore


PS This blog posting like all other blog postings dwells on the inner truth behind life as re-expounded by the lord saint Lord Bo Tien. They do not represent and reflect the official views of any organisation or sub-group but the perspectives of inner truth netizen, Singapore based on the inner truth concept. The perspectives though may overlap significantly with that of one or more of many organisations or sub-groups. In addition, they are also not primarily meant to focus on or be portrayal of doctrines and teachings of any one or more of the various specific religions or sects.


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