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The emissary of Lord Bo Tien descended through the late Senior Brother Philip on the 13th day of the 9th lunar month of 1977 (the 9th message since his first descent in 1969)
"Lord Bo Tien is heartened to note the presence of some founder members who had undergone and withstood a period of trials and tribulations with perseverance, tolerance and steadfastness. The occasion marks the end of an era and heralds a new beginning.
(Inner truth netizen understands that every spiritual organisation or being in life, existence and evolution goes through various phases. The first phase is the phase of traversing treacherous mountainous terrain, uncharted seas and harsh sun of life - SUA HAI JIT KOR in Hokkien. This is the phase of learning and development and involves coping with and overcoming growth or developmental issues that can be described as one or more of the following: (i) as big as the mountains, (ii) as wide and deep as the sea and (iii) as scorching as the hot sun Other phases include (a)' phase of traversing deep into the mountain forest terrain to enter the gateway to the city of splendour' and (b) ' phase of twin divine dragons supporting wisdom pearl of fulfilment'. The former (a) refers to the phase where at long last the wayfarer or organisation has reached civilisation or centre for cultivation and splendour after passing the growth or developmental phase. The latter (b) refers to having arrived and it is the phase of refinement for the higher calling.This nurtures the pure and divine attributes of life beyond what are mundane, that is, enriching the spirit beyond the flesh and material world. Then life or existence will be pure and untainted by worldly issues such as gain loss, happiness sorrow, birth death, honour dishonour etc. There will be the unmistakable inner peace amidst the ups and downs of life. This inner peace merges with and is augmented by the peace of the holy spirit. Existence or life will be like the precious pearl supported by the holy spirit of divinity personified as the double dragons. Inner truth netizen understands that the phases may be successive, overlapping or concurrent but with one phase upfront and more predominant if concurrent or overlapping. This is the truth of life which we need to be aware, mindful and to take cognisance. Otherwise, life events will propel us into endless emotional roller coaster ride. We will be restless and not be at peace with the world and with our self)
The emissary had this to say "In His previous anniversary message, the lord compared a religious body (like the temple here or any other temple for the matter) to mother earth. Adherents have been working on it, sweating out, digging it with hoe and spade in search of water of truth. This truth will quench thirst and quell the fires or passions of wants and torment in life. For any spiritual group anywhere, this would take time span of many long and arduous years of effort, perseverance and effort before results can be obvious. In the instance of the temple here, a good long nine years have passed bye before visible water springs forth. Members' understanding, confidence and conviction see them through to the day when water is reached. They can finally quench their thirst. They have traversed myriad difficulties and obstacles. Sages refer to this period of difficulties and obstacles in four-worded phrase of Sua Hai Jit Kor -- that is ' hills, seas and harsh sun of life'. Members are rewarded for their efforts with the advent of water of truth (the inner truth). They will be able to quench their thirst from then on. This will enable them to go all the way to quell the fire of yin and yang storms so as to have more of inner peace and calm in life"
The emissary declared. "The temple members here have gone through Sua Hai Jit Kor successfully. The temple is the people and organisation - not the building. It is henceforth a full fledged temple even if its physical building is a simple awning shed with four pillars. Members should show respect to God and Divinity by dedicating temple shrine (place where members gather in worship) wholly for praying and worship and nothing else. For other activities such as social activities and cleansing rituals and rites for individuals involving nature forces, spirits and elements, these should be carried out elsewhere in designated altar rooms away from common space. They should not be conducted at a holy shrine dedicated to God and the saints." (Inner truth netizen adds. Certainly this is more discreet and prudent for any place for common or general use, don't you agree? )
"A temple shrine anywhere should have its sanctity preserved. The members of the organisation should observe this zealously. The temple proper should be commissioned and dedicated solely for prayer and worship." The emissary reiterated.
He then expressed thus. "The lordship has elucidated the doctrine of the inner truth behind religions and life. But somehow, many will fall short of understanding and grasp even for the more astute and conversant. This is not the fault of individuals. The reality is that individuals are not perfect. They do have concerns but this could be addressed by praying to heavenly saints like the lordship for guidance. The lordship like any saint will open one or more ways for them through their individual life. Life is the gospel of truth. Similarly, for difficulties in life, do not lament in helplessness but pray to the saints like His grace to intervene. Do pray earnestly and wholeheartedly to the saints and the saints will know. Seek their blessings in earnest and they will come to your side. Big issue will be small issues even if they cannot be no issue and small issues will be no issue."
"The images of the saints like His grace are only to show the way. Devotees should not lose heart when they are daunted by hardships in their endeavours be it spiritual or otherwise. Members of the temple had tried to carry out the directions set in the last nine years. The outcome may not meet expectations. This is not surprising as everyone is not perfect even if the doctrine is. All need to know what they want and the issues they face. Only then can they crystallise their thoughts. Their prayers will then be more concrete and focused. "
"Everyone is like a tree. Compare thus two trees. A tree with abundant leaves but has shallow roots looks good but can easily be uprooted when beset by storms. A tree with poor crown of leaves and foliage but are deeply and well rooted could withstand storms and drought. Which would you prefer? The grasp and practice of the doctrine will enable you to be rooted to face big problems and issues." The emissary said.
"In life, you are like a ship sailing in the sea. When you are caught in a storm, the ship of your life will be tossed about mercilessly. It would be difficult to steer ship to reach destination. There appears to be no certainty. But the one who is more equipped, who is more steady, who has more back-up and who has a bigger and steadier ship can fare better. You too must be a big ship of doctrine with backup by heaven. You will be sturdier and can better withstand the storms of life and be able to resume life's journey after any storm."
"At times, in the case of a spiritual organisation like the temple, the temple is like a ship and can be beset by forces of storms. Be strong in practice and doctrine and have confidence. Do not lose heart if no immediate or obvious results. Good efforts will bear good outcome somehow but the outcome may not be obvious now but later (e.g. next life). Do be steady, confident and be at peace. Be strong in doctrine of truth and have faith."
Message rephrased
and re-scoped
in English
by inner truth netizen
PS This blog posting like all other blog postings dwells on the inner truth behind life as re-elucidated 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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