釋四願 TY First Vow
Master Fu Sheng says:
To have the affinity seeking to be a cultivator in Tao Yuan (aka The World Red Swastika Society), you are already a virtuous disciple of the Tao. Each disciple should aim to fulfill the four vows. You should also learn, understand and seek to preserve & uphold Heaven’s universal principles, rid our self of the limiting human desires, and cultivate to nurture & restore your innate conscience. Should you be unable to abide by the rules and protocols defined by Tao, it is because of your excess satiation in human desires as well as your deeply ingrained egoistic nature that limit and cloud judgement. The ability to do our utmost best to fulfil the roles of Tao Yuan and conduct the affairs of The World Red Swastika Society resides in our innate conscience. Only then, your innate conscience would be crystal clear and there would be no qualms nor regrets when you introspect and examined your heart.
On the fifteenth day of the third month in the year of Xinwei
The Most Holy One says:
I will specifically discuss the vows that cultivators make when they seek cultivation. Among the four vows, the first vow to cultivate merit and virtue is most essential one. This is because the first vow is the foundation of all spiritual practice. The reason is that the most important thing for a person is to have both merits and moral ethics. If a cultivator cannot fulfil or is not committed to cultivating merit and moral ethics, then they are not likely to be able to fulfil or commit to the other three vows and spiritual practice.
The characters 功 (gōng) and 行 (xíng) encompasses different meanings. When combined together, it covers yet another different concept. I am discussing these different meanings and concepts because many cultivators have vague or incorrect understanding but yet do not seek the true meaning of merit and moral ethics. Instead, they are only concern in the pursuit of personal gains, while neglecting moral cultivation and social responsibility. They have entirely lost the true meaning of cultivating of merits and moral ethics.
Therefore, all the things that cultivators do, such as sitting meditation, chanting, and studying the canons/sutras, are considered meritorious deeds. Every action, thought and speech that cultivators make are part of their cultivation of meritorious deeds. Moral ethics/virtue are visible manifestations of your behaviours. For example, when you do good deeds, donate money, goods, labour, or time. Your moral virtue also includes your inner thoughts and intentions.
I would like to remind all cultivators that everyone has a karmic cause and effect cycle based on mathematical principles that has existed since the beginning of time. It is impossible to escape from karmic cycle as it is just a matter of time for fruition. It is also difficult to take advantage of the good that karma can bring. However, if we start now to change our ways, review, reflect and repent to start anew, it is possible and not late to change your direction and change our karma for the better. If you miss this opportunity, then you will not have another chance. If you say that you have done enough good deeds, or that you have done enough to be satisfied, then you are wrong. You should always strive to improve, renew yourself both inwardly and outwardly. You should constantly reflect on your words and deeds; and never be complacent to be satisfied with the status quo. You should never forget your commitment to the Tao, or to your own life and career. These are mutually reinforcing. You should always maintain a clear, clean mind and heart. This will lead to success in your career, longevity, and continued blessings on the path of Tao. I am sharing this today in celebration of Tao Yuan’s anniversary. All cultivators must know that it is essential that you cultivate yourself and self-reflect on your own actions as a principle to live a good life. Whether you listen to me or not, it is up to each individual’s understanding.