Why the Mission cannot depend on the many?

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 10

The mission to save souls is the mission of God. Lord Bo Tien is the messenger and the means to effect this is through religions and sects of the world. The mission is for all beings, men included. The mission is the mission of Heaven.

 

The mission cannot depend on men alone because many men are more interested in furthering their own agenda and are often preoccupied with the irritations of interpersonal nature. These will take precedence somehow over practise and sharing of the inner  and basic doctrine common and behind all religions - that there is God and saints and the way to save souls and be with God through balance of life contingencies - the yin (passive) and the yang  (active) forces.

 

Men tend to put other men down in order to make themselves feel good. Not only do they want to put others down, at times they want to put them out of their way. In the process, they create issues.

 

Thus the lord saint did comment that the issues of men are many and plentiful. He also did say the Mission is the mission of Heaven and cannot depend on men except for a handful.

 

Though the Mission need a handful of good men, to facilitate, it will always be the duty or responsibility of Heaven --- the mission by Heaven. Many men go for trifle matters and make mountains out of mole hills. They are lost and constipated by trivialities  and mundanes of life. 

 

The mission cannot be by men and cannot wait for the many near to Him in temples and churches to wake up and be ready. Tuft guarding is a territorial animal instinct and man is not spared from this instinct. When will more men rise above this and be like the saints?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion on the missing / misplaced 1979 message

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 9

The novel of the Journey to the West of China namely India is legendary depiction of the spiritual fault lines of every man's search for divine doctrine. It is an account of the pilgrimage to India by the monk Xuanzang (Sam Chong) from the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. The monk travelled during the Tang Dynasty to obtain sacred texts.  There is actually a historical personality of Xuanzang during the Tang era. Part of the scriptures were lost and many were not well translated or even if translated, many salient pointers were left out.

 

In 1984, Lord Bo Tien referred to the problem of missing scriptures and pointers even in the doctrine messages he had passed to men at His temple. One message that went missing was the 1979 message but word of mouth versions differ.

 

Fortunately the 1979 message was touched in in summary in the 1980 message by Lord Bo Tien before He proceeded to the 1980 message proper. This reflects on the foresight of the lord saint.

 

In the year 2000 publication LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE, the 1980 message was edited from the original historical scripts translated from Hokkien dialect to English. Even then it was edited in such a way that there was change of the message though semblance of the message still remains and the paraphrased message by inner truth netizen 1 and 2 were like it or not based on the message in the book.

 

Luckily the late Senior Brother appended the historical versions of the messages by the lord saint in his first draft book My Interpretation of LORD BO TIEN'S MESSAGES which he dedicated it to be named as LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE which saw the light of day only years after his death. The paragraph below is from the 1980 message in the appendix at back of Chong Sim's draft book

In 1980, Lord Bo Tien "referred to His previous year's message about a lone tree planted in a plot of land. Because of its survival due to the water that is beneath this tree had enabled it to survive and blossom in full bloom. The beautiful garden it had now created had given a feeling of pleasantness, harmony and serenity, once people stepped into this garden. The many grating towards this big tree had enabled other people to nourish its knowledge of survival." Historical version of the 1980 anniversary message of Lord Bo Tien    
 
Let us now compare with the version found in the book LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE. The paragraph quoted below is part of the 1980 message on page 27 of the book.

"He then recapitulated His last year's message about a lone tree planted in a plot of land. As there was water beneath the tree, it survived and blossomed. The beautiful garden that it was part of, has created an atmosphere of pleasantness, harmony and serenity. The transition to this big tree had enabled other people to cherish its knowledge of survival."

The version by inner truth netizen based on this was even more way of the mark though it does convey the same meaning that men must be deep rooted so as to be able to be nourished by the water of truth in both good and bad times. That way men will blossomed in peace and joy at all times and are not affected or at least less affected by contingencies of life which sages refer to as the yin and yang.  (Do avail yourself with the version by inner truth netizen Lord Bo Tien's 1980 Anniversary Message  and you will realise how it is way off the mark though the meaning conveyed is similar but still off the mark.)

The original and earlier version found in Chong Sim's book better conveyed the meaning that the tree is more deep rooted than the plants and flowering shrubs around it but come drought, only the tree with deep roots to reach underground water is able to do well whilst the shrubs and plants around it wither. This deeper meaning was pointed out to inner truth netizen by Elder Ling in phone conversation on 11th December 2012.

The lesson from the 1979 message is that any temple or man be deeply rooted in doctrine like the big tree with deep roots. But with the missing 1979 message, we can only get a summary of it in the 1980 message and of the three versions of the 1980 message, the earliest version in Chong Sim's draft book was best in portraying this lesson as it is like the upper source of a stream. Historical version of the 1980 anniversary message of Lord Bo Tien    

We must go for the upper source of a stream if we want unpolluted water. Let men go to the early and basic teachings of a religion if they want to understand more. This was stressed in the 1984 message of the lord saint. Historical version of 1984 birthday eve message of Lord Bo Tien Chor Choo at Philip's residence...

"He ... says that water from the upper source of a stream is pure and clear. When it reaches mid-way of its course , the water will be polluted by many users. If we want pure and clear water, then we have to go to the upper, then we have to go to the upper source of the stream to get it."

 

Historical version of the 1980 anniversary message of Lord Bo Tien

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 8

Unabridged reproduction of the message translated from Hokkien dialect on the day of the message.  This version was obtained by late Senior Brother Tay Chong Sim and published as appendix in his first draft book My Interpretation of LORD BO TIEN'S MESSAGES. Only 108 copies of the book distributed. Elder Ling had one copy which was made available to inner truth netizen. Blogger has refrained from changing the sometimes broken English and wrong grammar. Please compare with the paraphrased version based on the highly edited version in year 2000 publication  LORD BO TIEN GUIDANCE and it will be obvious that there is material loss in the latter versions - the edited version and inner truth netizen 2 paraphrased version for Living Life Series. 

The paraphrased version can be assessed at  Lord Bo Tien's 1980 Anniversary Message. No wonder the lord saint at the end of 1983 anniversary message said that " Sam Chong had lost part of the Buddha's Dharma  in the river and the lost parts can be recovered If Heaven wanted these to be recovered." 

A number of the pointers given by the lord saint in his messages were somehow edited out as they were deemed inappropriate either deemed not correct or not understandable because the grasp and  understanding years ago were lacking. Thank Heaven that the historical versions were saved by Senior Brother Chong Sim in his draft book. He obtained nine years of the messages from Brother Peter Kong. Brother Peter had done a great meritorious job in handling to Chong Sim the photocopies of the original translated scripts of the messages.

MESSAGE OF LORD BO TIEN CHOR CHOO GIVEN ON THE EVE OF HIS BIRTHDAY (20TH OCTOBER, 1980)

He came down and blessed all four corners. He then stressed that our 12 years representing the full cycle of the clock. We had opened the door to the outside world and the phrase double dragon supporting pearl will come to pass.

He then stressed on His last year's message about a lone tree planted in a plot of land. Because of its survival due to the water that is beneath this tree had enabled it to survive and blossom in full bloom. The beautiful garden it had now created had given a feeling of pleasantness, harmony and serenity, once people stepped into this garden. The many grating towards this big tree had enabled other people to nourish its knowledge of survival.

Next Lord Bo Tien went on to interpret His posture as carved. The sceptre He is holding represent firmness and durability. The left hand in prayer represents smooth sailing in all matters, also signifies determined heart, and sincerity in prayers, we will be able to get what we want. As His Image is dressed in a general (uni)form, do not mistaken Him to be a fierce General. Because in His Image, there are also His Doctrines. The chair on which the Image sits on signifies comfort ability, in happy mood and steadiness. The armours He is wearing represent vitality, health and strength. The many colours of His Image represent the many races in this world. The two devils He stepped on represent the good and the bad in this world or the Yin and Yang forces of this world in which the mind is the main controller. In life we have to face these two forces once we are born, but once we are able to balance ourselves and walk the middle path, we will be able to control ourselves.

Boss (Lord Bo Tien) stressed that though this Image is important to us, it is important to Him, because it signifies such great importance in the facts of life and mission we are to carry out. Although the Image is made of wood, in 20 years time it will crack. This is not important, the important factor is that men will be able to grasp its significance and put it into practice. Thus there is no permanency in life. To live is suffering, but do not forget that after a storm there is a calm. There is sorrow, there is happiness. There is pain, there is joy. That is not important for the soul is the purest of them all. For our purpose in life is to care for our soul not the wealth and status we will attain during this lifetime.

He then ask us to carry out His Mission, to co-operate and help all those in need. Love others as you love yourself, then you will see the suffering of others. Put yourself in others shoes. Feel others' sorrow and pain as your own. If you had enough to eat and spare, give to the unfortunate, at least their days will be filled with joy. All religions are the same. Colours, races etc., do not bear any barriers in our Mission. The door is open and the march is on. Be prepared, for there will be many to come and follow our footsteps.

The following posts are related to the 1980 message

Did the lord saint decree that his image be burnt if there is no doctrine mission?

Do let God sense prevail. 

The lord saint predicted that His image would crack in 20 years from 1980...

Yin yang doctrine in 1980 message of Lord Bo Tien

The Inaugural Message

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 7

Below is the exact reproduction of  THE GOD'S KNOWLEDGE on page 3 of the book by Bo Tien Temple (Singapore) - LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE published on 6th September 2000. No attempt made to change the English or grammar. It is the inaugural message by Lord Bo Tien in Hokkien Chinese and was delivered  before 1974. Do compare with the corrected version that had been paraphrased for better world wide  outreach - Messages before 1974.

In His inaugural speech, Lord Bo Tien said,

"The prophets lay down certain rules and regulations to help the masses lead better lives and to incline them towards GOD. Gradually, these rules become the tenets of an organised religion, but the idealistic spirit and motive, which prevail during the founder's lifetime, disappear gradually after his death. That is why an organisation cannot bring spiritual truth nearer and why religion is a personal concern. Religious organisations become archaeological departments trying to discover the past. Therefore I shall not attempt to establish any new religion, cult or organisation But, I shall rejuvenate the religious thought of all peoples and instill a higher understanding of life into them. Dogmas laid centuries after the founder's death, frequently differ startlingly, but the fundamentals of all religions are really the same, because all originate from the same source - GOD.

Therefore when I appear publicly, I shall run down no existing religion, but I shall not uphold any special one. I want to turn man's mind away from sectarian differences, so that they will agree on essential truths.

Remember though that every prophet considers the times, the circumstances and the prevailing mentality of the people before his public sermons. he therefore preaches doctrines that are best suited to such conditions."





Related to the inaugural message is the following,

The inner truth that men have to grasp

Men and not God and saints create religions

When will men wake up and learn?

Let there be no 'prophets' of doom and gloom

Be what you are and yet make it 

Nothing is further from the truth and is that so?

On the Mission (duplicated from series1)

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 6

Duplicated from series1 On The Mission

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".

 

Historical version of 1984 birthday eve message of Lord Bo Tien Chor Choo at Philip's residence

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 5

The abridged and paraphrased version meant for global outreach can be found at Lord Bo Tien's 1984 Anniversary Message  or at Revisit of 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien 

Below however is the uncorrected and unabridged version from the first draft of the late Senior Brother Tay Chong Sim's book My Interpretation of LORD BO TIEN'S MESSAGES.

He secured the photocopies of the original rough English translation of the message made in Chinese Hokkien. Because of human issues, Philip was supposed to be at the temple but due to human issues he declined to be there and was in his residence at Hong Leong Gardens. Elder Ling was at the temple because  as Chairman that was where he had to be on the eve of the anniversary. He had invited Philip to temple and the latter too invited Elder Ling to be at his residence. It was indeed fortunate and appropriate that the late Senior Brother Tay Chong Sim was present at Hong Leong Garden residence of the late P. Philip. He too had phoned Elder Ling that night on the impending descent of the saint that night. The 1984 message is the last message of the lord and it is significant that the lord wanted Elder Ling to receive the Order** for the Doctrine Mission

(Being perhaps the only elderly present that night, and that subsequently he wrote the draft book My Interpretations of Lord Bo Tien's Teavhings in the last few weeks of his terminal illness before his passing away, it was he who did what was needed to further the doctrine mission of Lord Bo Tien, for it was Chong Sim who mooted the name of the final version of his book - Lord Bo Tien's Guidance. Others headed By Brother Pete Kong however took over to finalise the book after his death and without the book, there would have been no doctrine mission  as we know it thereafter. Living Life Series would not have been what it is without the book.)

On His descent, He asked for the Head (Ling) to receive the **Order (Leng). As Ling is not around He then says that He is happy that the new and old members are united and carrying out His Mission. However they are still not clear and steadfast in their thoughts but He will not blame them because they are human beings.

He then gives an example of a very Long Dragon with a Pearl in a deep forest. With the Pearl in his mouth, he is to pass the Pearl to the world. Actually the Dragon's head together with the Pearl has reached the destination but the people around still step on the Dragon's body without realising it(the body) belong to the same Dragon, as it is very very long. The Dragon and the Pearl will feel the pain whenever people step on any part of it's body. This is a very good Dragon which has many legs and one of the legs belongs to Lord Bo Tien, as the leg is the support of the Dragon. Up to date, the leg has arrived but not the tail.

He then tells us to take note and realise the significance of a lotus flower which blooms in purity and beauty and yet uncontaminated by the muddy water from which it arises. When it withers, its pod will produce seeds which are useful to us.

He then says that water from the upper source of a stream is pure and clear. When it reaches mid-way of its course , the water will be polluted by many users. If we want pure and clear water, then we have to go to the upper source of the stream to get it.

He comments He is happy to know new and old members are celebrating His Birthday and He asks if they understand His Doctrine. He then comments that some of them understand His Doctrine and some still don't understand His Doctrine but because of His Mission in "save mankind and beings in all realms", He has to descend tonight to give the message for us to ponder over.

Human beings will be human beings and even if he (human being) is very strong with his legs planted firmly on the ground, he will have to cling on to a big tree to prevent from being blown away. When there is a very strong wind, even a group of very strong persons will have to disperse. But this very strong wind will have to stop one day and the people will return.

He then instructs that a Lotus Flower and a whip which will be used to invite the Original Saint to descend, will be required at 7.00pm  sharp on the Saint's Birthday tomorrow.

He says that His descent tonight is like representing that of a flower because of its purity and as it is created by nature. A beautiful flower is created by nature and ants will break on the flower for its nicer nectar for food and not because of the wrong doing of the flower. This is nature's way of survival and existence.

He then points at the Octagon (Ba gua) which shows two fish-like symbols - The Yin and the Yang - and says it (octagon) signifies harmony and is not harmful to people. Both the Yin and the Yang should exist but if there is only one , then there is no harmony.

He then repeats that His descent tonight is for His mission in "save mankind and beings in all realms" and therefore He require the Head or our elderly person to receive the Order** (Leng) for His Mission. He ends His message by saying that the Lotus Flower to be acquired tomorrow will be distributed for the prosperity and well being of the devotees.






Related posts:

The problems before 2004 and impact on mission after 2004...

Do let God sense prevail.

Senior Bro Chong Sim, we salute you

When is a temple of man going to be temple of God?...

Yin and yang doctrine again in 1984 message of Lord Bo Tien...

The summary of the doctrine has to do with yin and yang...

The Divine Nectar is the Panacea of Life 

The divine nectar is not just for the goody two shoes...

When will men wake up and learn?

Buddha in Hell for a purpose

Ba gua is not harmful to people 

The 1984 prediction of Lord Bo Tien 

God and the boomerang effect

The mission goes on even if men are not ready
  

Historical version of the 1983 message of Lord Bo Tien

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 4

Message of Lord Bo Tien transcribed verbatim from Chinese Hokkien and reproduced  from the late Senior Brother Tay Chong Sim's first draft book "My interpretation of Lord Bo Tien's Messages". He obtained the original scripts of messages from Bro Pete Kong. Message authenticity cross checked with the one published in book LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE published year 2000 by Bo Tien Temple Singapore. Do compare with the paraphrased version Lord Bo Tien's 1983 Anniversary Message where the message had been edited for it to be more appropriate for general world consumption and for better English structure. Portions of message that have no bearing to the world at large were omitted. The historical version however gives better insight and grasp for those who want to know more but the English may be simplistic and sometimes badly structured as they were translated from Chinese Hokkien dialect.

 

 

 

The saint said that human beings did not create Heaven. Take a flower, it can  be beautiful on the exterior. However, the internal parts of the flower may not be beautiful. Hence Nature's creations such as this flower are not perfect. What is created by nature is also not static and changes could take place.

When a strong wind in the ocean blows in one direction, only a large wave developed in the centre of the ocean can break the energy of the wind and calmness could then be achieved.

The Doctrine of our Temple is to guide people to live a fruitful life. The Saint emphasized that the sky is the roof of His Temple and that Tien (天) in Bo Tien means He represents 'Tien' (天) which is Heaven. Hence only Heaven can be the judge of human beings. Therefore man cannot compare and judge another man. The Mission is to serve Heaven and not human beings. If the Doctrines of the Temple for the last 13 years cannot be understood by the followers, then  they must go to 49 numbers of  successful Buddhist and Kuan Yin temples in 49 days and with three lighted joss sticks. The 13 Doctrines should then be burnt so as to return them to Heaven

His Doctrines are the teachings and serve as guidance to the followers and if not understood, is like throwing them into the drain. If the followers still cannot understand the Doctrines, then whenever it rains , it means that Heaven is crying in pity for those followers who do not understand His teachings.

He emphasized that the followers must keep their hearts pure at all times. He then illustrated that Sam Chong (with pure heart and sincerity) went all the way to the West to obtain Buddha's Dharma for enlightenment of people (and succeeded in his mission). Whether the medium or person relaying the doctrine is liked by all or not, he has nothing to do with the Doctrine. The crux of the issue is the Doctrine and not the person relaying it. (Those who come for doctrine and temple / mission must have pure heart.)

He said that He was happy to meet all of you, regardless of the place. He said that His teaching was not made to complicate His followers. He repeated that a human being should not judge  or criticise another human being but to lead or advise him or her to understand the Temple's Doctrine. He said that we must show a good example to other people. His descent tonight (that night) was to talk to us as He wanted  us to follow the example of Sam Chong's journey to the West.

The temple medium is not the Saint or represents the Saint. It is the Temple  that represents the Saint's Doctrine and the temple medium is used as a channel to communicate to the followers. His descent tonight (that night) is to present Buddha's practice and doctrine. He then said that He will be descending later in the form of the original Saint to meet the followers.

The Saint descended the second time at 2 a.m. on 18.10.1983. The Saint asked for His Image and inform His followers that the Image represents His Doctrine. He said that as Heaven is His home, the place to pray to Him is immaterial and it is the heart of each follower that is important.

He said that His descent tonight (that night) is because of His Mission for 14 years so as to clear the 'dirt'. He can choose anybody to be His medium. Even a thief can be chosen as a medium if the Saint wants to train and teach him.

His instructions to burn the 13 years of His Doctrine in front of 49 successful Buddhist and Kwan Yin temples is to 'prove' that He is the Saint and not the medium. Whether people like or dislike the medium is immaterial. He only wants His Doctrine to be heard by all. The temple is you and you are the Temple. Do not use the Temple's Doctrine to mix up with people.

Though a flower is created by Heaven, yet it is not perfect. However his Doctrine is pure. He cited that Lord Buddha had passed down His Doctrine to all the people, whether they are thieves or not and regardless of their background. Whoever goes against His Doctrine goes against Heaven's law. He repeated that the sky is the roof of His Temple and the Doctrine is His heart.

He then chose the 1st and 15th day of the month to perform the burning of His Doctrine in front of 49 temples. He then directed all followers, whether they are right or wrong, to take three joss sticks and pray to Heaven to ask for forgiveness.

He then said that if we are together and stable, no one can shake us. A medium is only a human being. Whoever chosen by Him to communicate is to be decided by Heaven.

The past years messages were to teach and guide us so that we will not go against Heaven. His coming down to spread the Doctrine is for Heaven and Earth and not human beings. He said that Lord Buddha had to pass through 5 generations to attain Buddhahood. Human beings have weaknesses and should not use appearance to face society. He again advised us not to take (misconstrue) Temple (mission issues) as (those of)  human beings and human beings (issues) as (that of) Temple. He also advised us not to confuse spiritual craft and His Doctrine.

He then said that after 49 days, if we still cannot understand His Doctrine, then when it rains, Heaven will weep in pity for us for not being able to understand His Doctrine.

He said that the original Saint cannot descend tonight (that night) as the medium had not taken three days of vegetarian meals. What is happening now is just like we are stripping our hair, hands and legs and this should not be allowed to happen.

There is no need to have His flags or large crowds to welcome Him, so long as the hearts of the followers are pure. He descended tonight (that night) because of the Temple (mission) and not because of people. He repeated that the sky is His roof and when the sun shines, people will work and when the moon comes, the people will rest. When it rains, trees will grow and will provide shelter.

He then likened us to be the pillars of His Temple (mission) and if the Doctrine is not used and understood, then it would be returned to Heaven. He hoped that we have good principles.  He then directed that the medium be informed that if the mind and heart is straight and pure, even if the wind is strong, he will not be shaken. He then said that next year we can invite Him again even in the open space as long as our hearts are sincere.

Before ascending, He parted the following:

The Doctrine should be in our hearts.

Buddha had to pass through 5 generations to attain Buddhahood.

Sam Chong had lost part of Buddha's Dharma in the river and the lost parts  can be recovered if Heaven wanted these to be recovered. Then they can be recovered.

 

Posts and articles related to the historical version of 1983 message:

Senior Bro Chong Sim, we salute you  

The better of the lot too have erred and must wake up...

The problems before 2004 and impact on mission after 2004...

Do let God sense prevail.

Twilight glow or gloom is up to us.

Be what you are and yet make it

More to be added with time...

Historical version of Bo Tien Chor Choo's 1978 Anniversary Message

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 3 

An unabridged reproduction from the book LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE year 2000 publication by Bo Tien mission related temple Bo Tien Temple at Singapore. This was translated from Hokkien Chinese and readers would therefore find the English unpolished and simplistic but serves to provide readers the historical version. Do compare with the abridged and paraphrased version  for the benefit of readers the world over who were not present then at the temple at Woodlands on the 13th day of ninth lunar month 1978. The paraphrased version can be read at Lord Bo Tien's 1978 Anniversary Message

 

 

 Old cottage temple at 11 and 3/4 ms
407A Woodlands Road Singapore
where the 1978 message was delivered

 

 

Lord Bo Tien said that He was happy that  it was the cooperation of the members which had made his His 10th anniversary a success. He was also happy that it was the same cooperation that enabled them to help the needy. He noted that members kneeling before Him were wearing the same coloured clothing, with the same wavelength when inviting Him into the shrine.

 

He requested for His Image to be brought down to the table before Him. Pointing His finger at the oil lamp and His Image, He said, "The oil lamp represents you and the Image represents Me." While repeating His earlier observation that members kneeling before Him were wearing the same uniform and were in unison inviting Him into the shrine, He asked, "Why must it be only on this occasion? " He remarked that His Image was at the Temple 365 days and yet His presence was not being felt at all. "His Doctrine," He said, "is My Image and My Image is My Doctrine. Should this generation fail to fulfill His Mission, His Image would be lifted up to heaven. The next generation of people or perhaps many generations to come would fulfill it. The cycle of this task would go on until a day when it would succeed.

 

He illustrated His task as a contractor who was entrusted with a building project. No matter rain or shine, the contractor had to employ workers to complete the building. If the workers failed to cooperate with him or boycotted him, he had to keep on employing new workers to do the job until the whole building project was completed. In another illustration, He likened His task as a plant where its stems were attacked or infested by pests. Constant nurturing and watering of the diseased plant would bring forth new shoots and new life to the plant. In the same way, if the stems of the plant were completely destroyed by the pests, but the roots still remained intact, a new plant would emerge, if there was constantly sufficient rainwater to nurture the roots.

 

Touching on another aspect of His responsibilities, LORD BO TIEN said that His Image, His Doctrine of Four Pillars and His shrine would spread far and wide. He emphasized, "I am a CHOR CHOO (which in ordinary sense, means a Deity entrusted by God Almighty to carry out His present Mission) and I represent Heaven." We should not be unduly worried what others perceive of the Temple. He urged them to do their part to spread His Doctrine without fear of any obstacles for it was His responsibility to undo them.

 

The Aged Home was a good charitable deed, which they had accomplished and it was in line with His wish to have it built. Now that the Aged Home had been established, it was time to put forward His Doctrine. He said, "Good deeds are in many forms." At the present place (Woodlands Singapore), it was known that every effort put in had brought forth fruits for all to see and yet many are ignorant of His Doctrine. The setting up of the Aged Home had seen people with many ulterior motives; some for self-interest; others to gain higher status in the society while there were some not expecting any returns. He added that the good deeds done in this life would be repaid perhaps instantly in the present or in future.

In Chong Sim's book the First Draft, the following more paras are attributed to the 1978 message but some of them were in the 1980 message in year 2000 book LORD BO TIEN'S GUIDANCE . (Paras from Chong Sim's book added in this post on 11th Jan 2013)

Lord Bo Tien said, "The arguments and reasoning of human beings are plentiful."He knew the problems each and everyone of us faced and advises us to pray hard for there will be a way open to us. He urged us to think carefully and look deeper into His Doctrine as God Almighty had given Him the mandate to carry out His present Mission. Whether day or night when we opened our eyes, we would see Him and in the same way we would see heaven and His Doctrine.

Soon after LORD BO TIEN said this, there was a gush of wind and this was immediately followed by thunder storm and heavy downpour. He remarked, "This wind represents you and the rain water is for all of you to quench your thirst." He commented that a sea could not be a sea if there was no wind to set the boat sailing. It  needed wind, boat and water to get the motion going. Following the comment, He disclosed that a time would come when there would be another BO TIEN TEMPLE set up in city area for the convenience of those living in the city. Be it any ordinary day or years to come, He would like to see the same uniform and harmonious voices around.

Before LORD BO TIEN ascended, He identified himself as second representative of our Deity. He said that the principal deity (the first LORD BO TIEN) should have descended on this occasion. But because of the distortion of mind and the inharmonious sound wave amongst us during the time when we were chanting our invitation prayers, had prevented the principal deity from entering into the shrine. He further urged, "Go and spread my doctrine, do good deeds and understand your fellow men." In this way, He said, "You have my doctrine put into practice."  His doctrine, He said,  is alive. Be it at home, in society, in a community and in the temple, we could put His doctrine into practice. He then invited the congregation to look at the awning of the Temple (with its pillars) and said, "This is my doctrine." He encouraged us to be patient on all matters for patience could overcome all problems of mankind.




For review articles or posts on and related to the 1978 message, go to

The 1978 message of Lord Bo Tien set the direction for the mission...

The human shortcoming in a church or temple

Did the lord saint decree that his image be burnt if there is no doctrine mission?

The divine resolve
 
The Spirit of 42nd anniversary at Bo Tien Temple Singapore

Will newer people be better at the mission job?

The oil lamp and the image

Social agenda overriding doctrine focus will cause mission to falter..

Paradoxical behaviour of many in a temple or church...

The eventful post 2004 era 

Senior Bro Chong Sim, we salute you

Temple in the city

 

 

 

Reminder on a temple of Lord Bo Tien

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 2
Duplicated from series 2 A temple of Lord Bo Tien

In Lord Bo Tien's 1983 Anniversary Message, the emissary of Lord Bo Tien said,

"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 all 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 of the lord saint, 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 that temple, then they might as well be burnt to return them to Heaven."

 

Bo Tien Mission-related Temples

Bo Tien Temple Outreach No 1

Four Bo Tien mission-related temples have been set up over time since 1970 with two in Singapore and two at Sitiawan. They are independent, autonomous but yet under the umbrella of the same mission. There is one Bo Tien Temple at Jurong Singapore and another Bo Tien Temple at Sitiawan. Another temple by name of Bo Ser Keng set up by a Mr. Tan N. P. at Boh Ling Sua Singapore lasted for some time and a fourth set up by the late Chee S. H. at Sitiawan Malaysia was named initially as Bo Tien Keng and later changed to Bo Tien Soo.... (not sure of the name). More temples are likely to be set up in the future so long as there are passionate followers of Lord Bo Tien. But it appears that only those temples which are seeded from Bo Tien Temple Singapore will continue to grow.

http://www.livinglifeseries3.blogspot.com/

INDEX OF POSTS FOR SERIES 5

(1) Bo Tien Mission-related Temples

(2) Reminder on a temple of Lord Bo Tien

(3)   Historical version of Bo Tien Chor Choo's 1978 Anniversary Message...  

(4) Historical version of the 1983 message of Lord Bo Tien ...

(5) Historical version of 1984 birthday eve message of Lord Bo Tien Chor Choo at Philip's residence...

(6)  On the Mission (duplicated from series1)

(7)   The Inaugural Message
 
(8)   Historical version of the 1980 anniversary message of Lord Bo Tien...

(9)   Discussion on the missing / misplaced 1979 message...
   
(10)  Why the Mission cannot depend on the many?

(11) The irony and the reality of men in a temple, church or mission...

(12) Temple in the city
 
(13) Churches are good at bringing men to God

(14)  Why a temple in name of the lord saint may not make it in the mission...

(15) The most profound message was in 1975