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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Revisit of 1981 message of Lord Bo Tien

No 313 of Living Life Series 1



The emissary of the lord saint descended through the late Senior Bro Philip on the 13th day of the 9th lunar month of 1981 to address the gathering in Chinese Hokkien dialect. Below is the abridged version for www.


MILESTONE EVENT
"This anniversary is auspicious milestone to address the gathering." He rejoiced in the progress of the temple and the welfare activities like the aged home. He was heartened by the efforts put in for the temple to arrive at the stage of progress. (PS Inner truth netizen adds. This is but one good example of the many religious organisations worldwide with milestone success in spiritual focus on loving kindness and divine peace. The temple of the lord saint is not and never meant to be the only organisation or temple with such spiritual focus. There are many and there will be many more to come. Many more will adopt the exemplary focus and even do better than the prevailing best. This is one desirable parameter for the mission of the lord, the mission of the inner truth behind all religions and sects. Incidentally, the inner truth doctrine is sometimes referred to as the four pillar doctrine with religions being the pillars and Heaven as the roof of the House of God for all beings.)


PROCESS OF CULTIVATION IMPORTANT
"The process of spiritual pioneering for any religious organisation such as this or any other temple will ever always be rich in learning, cultivation and will be meritorious. This will add on to the spirit of life and strengthen the soul. This will be more important than the final outcome. The effort, sincerity, purity and spiritedness of endeavour count more than anything else. They augment confidence, conviction and spirituality. " (PS Inner truth netizen adds. When more organisations pursue such noble directions, they will resonate and amplify one another's good works. Thus they multiply and glorify the magnificence and greatness of the heavens)


PURITY MATTERS 
"Purity of heart that prevails in the unique few in any pioneering spiritual organisation fortifies the finite few from the problems that may arise from the many others who may have come for self-centred vision, that is, the agenda of men instead of that of Heaven."


HEAVEN WILL REACH OUT TO ALL 
"Heaven however will not forsake the well being of the significant numerical many others. Divinity will always reach out somehow to their hearts and souls and endeavour to change their ways." (Inner truth netizen elaborates. Thus there are many religions, and many sects per religion, many schools per sect and many styles of leadership and premises per school. This is the will of God or Divinity that all souls must be saved by more than one way but the underlying inner truth is the same inner peace leading to harmony of souls with the holy spirit of God, Pure Ones, Buddhas and Saints.)


CROWD IS SECOND TO PURITY AND COMMITMENT
"Numbers hold little significance in any spiritual organisation. Even if there is no crowd in an event, like all heavenly saints, the lord saint will take heart in the purity and faith (commitment) of the few devout present. The temple and the mission, just like any other organisation and their operational thrust can proceed even with a handful."


MISSION DRIVERS AND BENEFITS
"The Mission is driven by Heaven and not by man. Even with a small crowd this evening, it is the most well attended and joyous for the lord saint. Bad will be averted and goodness will prevail. All must move with one heart for the mission to save souls in need. Merits 'kong teck' will pile up and this would be good for all. The lord saint will be with all that endeavour to be good. "


PERSEVERANCE IS KEY
The emissary conveyed the saint's advice for all to have perseverance, that is, to be patient and determined in their mission and endeavours. "Where there is the will, there will be the way. Heaven will bless and Earth too will do likewise."


TO BE LOVED BY SAINTS AND MEN
"The good and pure will be loved by gods and men. The problems and efforts of a previous era of effort such as the past cycle of 12 years will reap good harvest for those who continue to be faithful, to be loving for life and to be pure at heart. They will be cherished by all in heaven and on earth."


MORE BLESSED WITH DIVINE PERSPECTIVE. 
"Lord Bo Tien's hope, like that of any heavenly saint, is that all will be blessed with peace, happiness and good tidings in their life and undertakings. But there is need to have the higher helicopter divine and noble perspective in life to be able to go far."


THE OCCASION AND THE SPIRITUAL FEW THAT MATTERS
"Unfortunately not many can be so insightful. Amongst the many who come to a religious gathering, many come to see but few are spiritually inclined and sincere in their devotion and worship. This too is true at the anniversary of this temple. This temple is no exception. But the occasion is grander tonight though the numbers present are limited because it marked the completion of the pioneering phase of the mission and the opening up of the mission proper."


DIVINE ASSURANCE
The lord saint's presence that evening was to give confidence that He "will always be around for all and understands the life situations of all. He will assist to make life more meaningful and fulfilling so that it would be less onerous and easier for all to walk down the road of life."

(Inner truth netizens would like at this juncture to recall past teachings of the lord saint. Those with heart to pray to the saints, the saints do know. Those who seek the helping hand of the saints, the saints will respond and be with them. Big issues will be small issues and small issues be no issue. There is nevertheless the element of fate which if realised and accepted earlier is best for all. Confidence in self will be better off with confidence in heaven. Self effort is worthwhile, wholesome and will be even more fruitful with divine blessing. While fate may be harsh and direct, it can still be harnessed for learning for the betterment of the individual. Fate is due to the past, can be painful and has to take its course but it can be moderated, ameliorated and harnessed to one's long term advantage. Heaven can make the path easier by taking care of many other matters that may cloud the person's life at that point. Then the individual can focus and better handle his fate and how to make the best out of it and be better off and wiser in the process. Heaven do intervene directly in event of fate when this is most apt, meaningful and sustainable. Heaven help those who help themselves. Heaven cannot take over person's life and live his life. Heaven can at times hold man's hand for him to walk down life with the many twists and turns of fate. Believe in self, believe in Heaven and believe in triumph of good over bad.)



LIFE WILL BE BETTER.
Then the lord saint turned His attention to the temple lay leaders requests and gave assurances that all would be well if they followed His advice and bidding. (Inner truth netizen adds. The lay leaders of any spiritual organisation must follow the advice and bidding of Heaven and their founder saints. They must adopt the pioneering spirit of forefathers for goodness to flow on. Goodness cannot arise when man worship man but only when man worship God and saints.)


PURITY LEADS TO INNER PEACE.
The lord saint then said that when he first descended He was given a wooden chair but after 12 years, He was sitting on a magnificent carved dragon chair. This marked the coming of age of the first phase of the mission which would bear fruits in the second and third phases. The toil and obstacles of the first phase of 12 years constituted the turbulent waves that would subside and calm would return in the second and third phases. The merits or 'kong teck' from the first phase would stand the temple of people in good stead for happiness and success. Ancestry and fore runners would bless and protect the members so that they could better do good. For the temple, like all spiritual institutions, sincerity and purity of efforts in past good deeds would have cultivated that inner peace and joy "that is divine and in unison with the holy spirit of God and the host of heavenly saints. Many would not have the opportunity to be part of this process and all in the mission or spiritual thrust should treasure the blessing of being in the mission or spiritual thrust."


THE BEST IS YET TO BE.
The best will ever yet be, but after pioneering phase, success will be forthcoming for endeavours and this is true in any spiritual organisation. The successful completion of the foundation phase of the Mission of this temple is historic. The lord saint instructed temple elder Ling D.K to effect the history in writing. "All must work with one heart and there will always be the way forward. Be sincere and pray to Heaven for blessings and patronage. The important axiom for all is this. Worship Heaven and not man. Then with divine patronage and compassion of Heaven, all will be able to spread cheer, hope and love to all sentient beings " (This divine calling comes true to life and fruition for all religious sects and schools, not just the temple of the lord saint. This is the truth vis-a-vis the inner truth behind all religions and sects.)



SPECIAL MENTION

The lord saint was asked by Elder Ling on his sleepiness. To this the lord said told him "not to falter to fulfil 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 by Bo Tien Temple LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE and edited by Peter Kong)

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.

Salutation to Amitabha, Kuansiyin Posat and Bo Tien Posat

No 312 of Living Life Series 1

 

Sah ki chin hio lai chia xin
Three jos sticks to invite saints
Sah ki chin hio lai pai xin
Three jos sticks to pray to saints
Uh sim pai xin xin oi chai
Have heart to worship saints do know
Uh sim q xin xin oi lai
Have heart to seek, saints will come



Tai keh tua tua soi soi lai pai xin
All old and young come to pray to saints
Uh sim pai xin xin oi chai
Have heart to pray, saints do know
Uh sim q xin xin oi lai
Have heart to seek, saints will come



Na mo oh mi toh oh fo
Honour to Amitabha
Na mo oh mi toh oh fo
Honour to Amitabha
Na mo oh mi toh oh fo
Honour to Amitabha




Na mo kuan si yin po oh sart
Honour to Kuansiyin Posat
Na mo kuan si yin po oh sart
Honour to Kuansiyin Posat
Na mo kuan si yin po oh sart
Honour to Kuansiyin Posat




Na mo bu tien po oh sart
Honour be to Bo Tien Posat
Na mo bu tien po oh sart
Honour be to Bo Tien Posat
Na mo bu tien po oh sart
Honour be to Bo Tien Posat


Sing or recite the above 3X and end with



Tai keh tua tua soi soi lai pai xin
All old and young come to pray to saints
Uh sim pai xin xin oi chai
Have heart to worship saints do know
Uh sim q xin xin oi lai
Have heart to seek, saints will come



This merits of this devotional salutation in Chinese Teochew dialect are dedicated to all sentient beings in particular to the late Senior Brother P. Philip, Snr Bro Chee Sin Hee, Snr Bro Tay Chong Sim, Henry Lee, Chua Hock Chuan, Yap Ah Wah and Romeo


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"Double dragons supporting pearl" is symbolic of Tao

No 311 0f Living Life Series 1

Lord Bo Tien with feet atop
and balancing the yin and yang
Doctrine is in image
and image is the doctrine

The emissary of  Lord Bo Tien in 1980 refer to the completion of 12 year cycle of the temple. This is the foundation and pioneer phase and that from thence on there would be the mission phase to save souls both in deeds and in doctrinal grasp.

As the temple is of Taoist origin with Buddhist centric orientation, one may wonder why the phrase "double dragon support pearl".  This auspicious phrase signifies success and upliftment with the divine pearl of fulfilment.

Like with all sayings of sages of ancient China, the phrase has to do with the TAO or way to fulfilment and peace in life, be it for the organisation or individual. The upliftment by dragons to the sky gives feeling of being heavenly or being close to divinity, and having joy or peace that is heavenly.

Central to the Chinese temple cultural roots is the yin and yang, often depicted as the polarities in life and in nature and so typical or characteristic of the universe.

Bagua with yin and yang

Yin is not negative and yang is not positive but yin is soft or passive and yang is active as referred to by late Senior Bro Philip  on page 15 of  Lord Bo Tien's Guidance edited by Pete of Bo Tien Temple.

Balance of both yin and yang brings harmony and peace and the individual or the organisation is at peace and life becomes smooth sailing. We refer to this as inner peace, and this is the goal of all, irrespective of sectarian or religious inclinations or even if none.

History reveals that before there was the pakua or bagua, the phoenix symbolises the soft or passive yin and the dragon the yang.

Below is from http://ecumenicalbuddhism.blogspot.com/2010/10/dragon-and-phoenix.html

Phoenix and dragon with pearl

Later instead of this dragon and phoenix, we have the double dragon support pearl which adorns most Chinese temples. One dragon is yin and the other is yang. When we can harness and balance both, we have the pearl of divine peace . As we become more adept at this balance, our pearl is more refined and we are brought closer to divine heavens above.

Twin dragons with pearl
on roof of a temple in Thailand

The Tao Way is depicted in the bagua, the phoenix and dragon with pearl and the twin dragons with pearl as well as in the pose of Lord Bo Tien.

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Revisit of the 1980 message of Lord Bo Tien

No 310 of Living Life Series 1
 

Descent at old temple premises 407A Woodlands Road

On the 13th day of the 9th lunar month of 1980. the emissary of Lord Bo Tien descended through late Senior Bro Philip. He came and blessed the four directions. He was heartened that 12 years had passed since his first descent. This represented the full cycle of the clock and the era of "two dragons supporting pearl" would come into being.

He then recapitulated the previous year's anniversary message (1979) about a lone tree planted in a fringe plot of land. As there was water beneath the tree, it survived and blossomed despite the dry season. The beautiful fringe garden of which it is a part has created an atmosphere of pleasantness, harmony and serenity. The transition to this big tree while other trees in plantations beside the fringe wither in dry season has enabled people to be wiser and learn from its knowledge of survival.

Lord Bo Tien

He then went on to interpret His carved image to drive home the point that the image is the doctrine and the doctrine is the image. The one who knows the doctrine knows Him and the mission. The one who knows Him knows the doctrine and the mission. He who does not know the doctrine will not know and see Him even if the lord saint or His image is in front of him. (Inner truth netizen adds: The less spiritually inclined will end up doing the mission of man and not the mission of Heaven. This is inevitable for most men when they pursue the spiritual path. This though can be corrected and be just a passing phase. Heaven understands and does go along with the ways of men. But Heaven will endeavour to uplift men to be closer to saints and be more like saints)

The sceptre He is holding represents the Mission of Heaven. The mission is here to stay and will last. There is need to have firm foot hold, that is, to be committed, unwavering, steadfast and firm. The mission is definable, doable and durable. It is for one and all, irrespective of their religious affiliation or even if none. His lordship is to enlighten all on the inner truth and not to start a new sect or religion. The inner truth perspective enables all to be better adherents of their respective religions or sects and promotes oneness in diversity of approach.

The left hand in salutation pose signifies that Heaven will clear the way for the mission even if there be obstacles and obstructions. The left hand pose bides all to be faithful, wholehearted and fully committed. Heaven will answer prayers of the faithful.

Followers should not mistake the majestic military attire to conceive that He is a general. He is a heavenly saint and not a general. There is no need to know who He is but to know what He represents and the values He wants to share with all.

The dragon chair He sits on reminds us that His seat is the Holy Spirit of Divinity ('leng" in Hokkien). The Holy Spirit brings divine love, peaceful joy, comfort and hope. Because of its omnipresence, it is the nest or seat of life for certainty and predictability for all in the life of yin yang uncertainty and woes. The twin dragon (the arm rests) supports the pearl of doctrine personified as the carved image of His lordship (hence the four worded phrase in Hokkien -'two dragons support pearl' )

The armour projects the values of vitality, vigour and victory in endeavours and challenges in life' s front line or battle field.

The many colors of the image represent the many races, sects and religions which are different in approach but complement one another to bring inner truth and ultimate peace for all to be with God and saints here now and in this life. There is no need to wait till afterlife.

The two figurines at His feet represent the yin and yang. All need to be atop, ride and balance the yin and yang in life (the axes of gain loss, wealth poverty, health sickness, honour dishonour, birth death etc). All must take full cognisance of and not deny yin and yang. The mind is the chief. It is the main deciding factor and it must be cultivated to rise above and be atop the yin and yang. All that we are and can have start with, arise in, develop within and end with the mind. All can have inner peace and be seated on the Holy Spirit like the heavenly saints. Everyone should strive to be the embodiment of the doctrine and be the pearl supported by the two dragons of the Holy Spirit ('two dragons support pearl')

The image of the lord saint is as important to Him as it is to all. It is a pictorial lucid portrayal of the true nature of life, the inner truth doctrine and the purpose of the Mission of Heaven. (Inner truth netizen elaborates. It portrays the true nature of life and the issues due to the yin yang interplay. It leads us to understand (a) the problems as result of yin yang, (b) the consequent need to accept the reality and (c) the cause of why we have problems. The solution is not to evade yin yang but to ride and balance the yin and yang and have victory in life with inner peace. This inner peace we can have here and now is heavenly and we do not need to yearn and get it only in after life. There is need to work towards this out of love for oneself and also for the world. There is the need for the mission to share this as underlying truth behind the facades of all religions and sects. Heavenly saints will pave the way and no obstacles can stop the mission of Heaven unless, due to free will and human frailty, man side-steps from time to time and make it the mission of man. Even then Heaven is divine. Heaven is not like man. Heaven will not give up hope in the weakest or worst amongst men.)

The image is made of wood and would crack over time but this should not be of concern. What is of concern to all is that all should be able to grasp its significance and the divine message it conveys and projects. Impermanence is the hallmark of sentient life. Where there is arising, there is decay. Unsatisfactoriness is to be expected and should not cause dis-ease to whip up storms in life. Calm seas do follow after storms. Where there is sorrow, there will soon be happiness. There will be ups and downs in sentient life. Whilst all should want to have the good in life, what is more important is to have goodness of spirit or soul. The form, blessings and fortunes of mortal yin yang life do not last but the blessings and fortunes of spirit will go on and will last. Purify and fortify the spirit (with purity, love and merits). This should be the main driver in life, not the sentient form, wealth, status and all that are sentient and transitory. (Inner truth netizen reminds that the modus operandi that works for the spirit to bring divine peace will work well to ensure ample blessings in sentient life but not vice versa. The spiritual way will ensure that we neither deny sentient life nor be slave to trappings of sentient life. There is need to have correct approach to nurture inner peace of spirit. All else will follow suit. The wayfarer should not be detracted from the path by worldly or sentient trappings which are 'good to have' but not 'must have'. What is 'must have' is divine inner peace amidst the yin and yang. This inner peace generates the purity of the spirit or soul. Even the wealthiest may be troubled and not be at peace in life if they do not have the correct spiritual approach)

The emissary conveyed that the need to continue with the mission. For this, cooperation and meeting needs are key areas to focus on. Love for life is to be emphasized, more when suffering, unsatisfactoriness and incompleteness abound. Feel for life of others as much as one would feel for oneself. Feel for others unhappiness, suffering, pain, loss and sorrow. If there be enough for oneself, spare some for the unfortunate. This will brighten the day for them and lighten their load. All religions are of the same objective. All are for the same goal regardless of their colors, race, and attributes. The differences and varieties do not pose barriers to the mission. All that is needed is for all to continue in their own distinctive ways but yet driven by the same underlying values in life - to save all or as many as can be .

Lord Bo Tien commented that " The arguments and reasoning of man are plentiful" Men tend to rationalise, to give excuses, to lament and complain but men should be reassured that heavenly saints like lord saint are aware of problems faced by men. Do pray in earnest and heaven will open the ways out for men to resolve their problems. Big issues will be small issues and small issues be no issues. What is needed is to be insightful with life and to perceive the true nature of life and its inner truth. This is in keeping with the will of God and Heaven. This is the mission of Heaven. The lordship is a heavenly messenger for the mission. When men look up towards the heavenly saints, they must see this doctrine of life. When they grasp the doctrine of life, they will see Heaven and the saints like the lord saint.

At this point, there was a gush of wind followed by heavy downpour of rain. The emissary commented thus. Followers and adherents are like the wind and the rain is like the doctrine to quench the thirst of society for the inner truth of life. The wind carries rain to wider area. (It would be better that rain comes with wind for the rain to be carried to wider area. It is best to have doctrine propelled by men working in unison, harmony and with gusto like the gust of wind. This way the doctrine will spread to wider society.)

The mission can also be compared to the sailing boat at sea. The boat will not sail if there is no wind. Men in the mission provide the wind to set sail the mission. When there is wind, the boat will sail. When there are men for the mission, the mission will move on. All must be in harmony for the wind to be more effective to move the boat of the mission. With harmony and all working in unison, the mission will spread globally with new urban initiatives .

When there is lack of unison and harmony (due to lack of wisdom both insight and foresight), there is less impetus or wind for mission. All must press on and not loose heart. All beings must understand the spirit and essence of the doctrine. All need to be versatile and be able to adapt it to their life. There is need to do so in context so as to be relevant and optimal. Perseverance and patience are needed in all undertakings. No obstacles there be can hinder mission to save souls.

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