Observing the cosmos and all the living beings consciously, among all the earthly activities and phenomena, we will find the existence of the laws of nature. There is a supernatural origin which guides all the operations happening across the galaxy, the earth, and the human beings. It is the origin of the world and it thereafter nurtures all the creatures and beings. Since it is unchangeable and d
oes not evolve with time, it is the ultimate truth. It is what all saints and sages throughout human history have been searching for. The essence of Dao is the foundation of nature. The law or the power that existed before the universe was formed is beyond description because there were no civilizations nor creatures, let alone languages. Since it cannot be applied any name, we simply call it “Dao”. After the world was merged, along with the mutations of the universe, we see the harmonious actions as exhibited in seasonal changes, rhythms of time and tide, and the balance of the ecosystem. We also find some conformity of human nature across various cultures. These prove the laws of nature. This is the extension of that original “Dao” when it is substantiated and materialized. It merged into everything that is with and within us. Now that we know Dao is present universally and yet difficult to be recognized, there have been prophets and preachers trying to make us know and understand the origin and the truth of life through various teachings and literature since the beginning of civilization. They were scattered around the world throughout history. As a result, great commandments were taught to disciples and goodness and badness were differentiated. These teachings varied, based on differences in culture, background, timing and the level of each individual’s comprehension. However, they all tried to express and transmit to their descendants, this creator and chief of the universe. It is “God”, or what we call “Dao”. As we get to know it more and more, we will realize that the essence of Dao and its effect covers every existence without any exceptions. Dao id actually the headwaters of all religions. It embraces the essence of all the preaching and teachings. And yet, it is superior to the system of belief. It is the nature, the universe itself. “Dao” or “God” represents the highest authority and power of nature. It is also the head-stream and superior to all. It is the unchangeable principle. Understanding “Dao” allow us not only to discover the center of all religious belief, but also to communicate with the origin and the highest power of nature. We will then be able to relate ourselves to the truth of the universe. To probe further:
Dao existed before the formation of all, yet it was not anterior, which means that the creation was embedded in it. Dao merges into the creation, yet is not posterior, which means that it is not thereafter limited. Among those created, however large, they can be measured; however small, they can be detected. It is only Dao that cannot be measured of its immensity nor detected of its existence. Therefore, it is larger than the largest and leaves nothing excluded, and yet it can be smaller than the smallest and leaves nothing not penetrated. It merges into and governs all. It is in charge of the space, the earth, human beings, all the creatures, and all existences. It penetrates and regulates the entire universe. It is the source of all the scriptures, sutras, as well as dharmas. It encompasses all the religions, and it is what makes one a Buddha or a saint. It is the single chief of all. And, above all, it is in charge of each individual too. It is the divine self. This is the true meaning of Dao. We should get to know it this way and rediscover our own invaluable treasure. So, to practice Dao is to revive one’s own conscience as well as everyone else’s and to act upon it accordingly. Then, all people can be of one spirit, all nations can be in peace like a family, and the Great Harmony will come true. How precious Dao is! The True Meaning of Dao (1)道的真理
I. Introduction
Dao is being brought to Earth to reveal to humankind that Dao is the Absolute Truth. Dao existed before Heaven and Earth. It will still exist after the destruction of Heaven and Earth. It is everlasting. Dao is the origin of Heaven, Earth, humankind, substance, and matter. Dao gave rise to all of the above, so Dao is embedded in all of them. Yet, each manifests Dao in its own way. Thus, the Truth pervades all of them.
天道的应运于世, 旨在向众生揭示道是宇宙绝对的真理, 先天地生, 后天地存, 永远存在, 为天、地、人、物、事万有之根源, 万有由祂而生,各含其道, 各蕴其理, 万理一 。
Dao, being the essence, is the core of all virtues – Dao’s manifestation. Dao encompasses both the essence and manifestation. The True Self is the essence of morality/virtue. Heaven, Earth, humankind, substance, and matter are observed as independent and unrelated entities, yet when traced back to the origin, they all come from Dao. Thus, all have to return to Dao. Based on this, the following conclusions can be drawn:
道也是万德之核心, 故道兼具有道德之含义, 人之本性, 即是人道德的主体,所以就事象看, 天、地、人、物、事, 虽然个别独立, 然涉及本体时, 则又都抱道而生, 统归于道, 因此就道的定义, 可得下结论:
1.In terms of all phenomena in the cosmos, the essence is called Dao. God is the spiritual energy of Dao. 从宇宙万象而说, 此本体曰道, 上帝是道之灵。
2. In terms of the Lord of all phenomena in the cosmos, the essence is called God. God created and cultivated all beings and substance according to Dao. Therefore, God is Dao.从宇宙万象的主宰来说, 此本体曰上帝,依道化育天地万物, 故上帝就是道。
3.In terms of all substance in the cosmos, the essence is called the Truth. The Truth is the essence of all reasoning, and the Truth is the manifestation of Dao. 从天地万物来说, 此本体曰理, 天理即是众理之真, 天理即是道之用。
4. For humankind, the essence is called the True Self; God bestowed humankind with the True Self, and conscience is the manifestation of the True Self. 从人来说, 此本体曰性, 性由天生, 良心是本体之用。
Originally, Dao was nameless. Since It is a Void, It is everywhere and It is nowhere. Dao cultivates all beings and substances, so we reverently name It God. The cosmos is like a giant wheel; months follow days, winter follows summer, birth is followed by growth, aging, and death. Without Dao, this giant wheel will cease to function and the result will bring an end to all lives.道原无名, 虚理一团,无在无不在, 生化万物, 故尊为上帝, 宇宙犹如一巨轮, 日月往来, 寒暑迭运, 生住异灭, 如果无道, 巨轮停息, 万物皆死。
Humans cannot live without Dao. Dao is the True Self of a human. The True Self is the Truth. Once the True Self is covered by emotions and desires, one becomes lost and is attracted by illusory images, hence forever trapped in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
人不能离道而生, 道内在于人身曰性, 性是理, 人之理蔽于情欲, 则迷真逐妄, 自坠轮回。
Nowadays, science and technology dominate society. Humankind has become corrupted and morality has deteriorated. Catastrophes strike everywhere. In order to bring salvation to humankind, the merciful God has ordained the Enlightening Teachers with Heavenly Decree to descend and transmit the essence of Dao. Once everyone follows Dao, everyone’s soul will be restored to his or her True Self and all will be saved from the Final Catastrophe. The ultimate goal of Dao is to turn the world into a Pure Land.
时至今日, 物质文明, 人心乖舛, 世道崩溃, 灾劫齐现, 上帝不忍生灵涂炭, 特派天命明师下世, 传授心法, 使人人依此而行, 明善复初, 以救此劫机, 达世界大同, 是以天道最终目的。
