101 Holy Teacher Tian Ran's Revelation (Verse 020 - 039)

The following selected 101 quotations were channeled by different people through the guiding voice of Holy Teacher Tian Ran.  Holy Teacher wanted to voice his True Heart to each of his beloved disciple.  He made it clear that this book of quotations is the guide for cultivating and propagating Tao during this period of the Last Chance, and should be spread to the entire world in the future.

Verse 020

We shall show the utmost concern and pray for all suffering sentient beings that are experiencing calamities.  It is our wish that they encounter uplifting conditions, and soon rise out of the abyss of misery.

Verse 024

Do not be trapped by astrological predictions or be discouraged by the challenges and adversities around you.  When you make big vows and goals that echo the heart of buddhas and bodhisattvas, your thoughts will encompass the entire universe, and you will transcend the cycle of birth and death.  Sentient beings around you will be infused with the Holy light.  How blessed this is!

Verse 026

Do not overly emphasize and focus on the number of temples and Tao relatives that you have.  That will cause the mind to aggressively pursue possessions.  These are not right thoughts and actions – they lead to a doomed path.  We need to understand that the outcome of the Last Judgment will be determined by our virtues, precepts, hearts and minds, vows and actions, and being even-tempered, not by extrinsic fortune or fame.

Verse 027

At this time, many people are unaware that they have fallen into the trap of pursuing fame, personal gain and power in the name of Tao.  How pitiful and sad it is!  What can I say if Tao cultivators are only attached to these outer trappings, and not to introspection?  Your Divine Matriarch and I did not take anything with us but left the responsibility of bringing salvation to the three realms* and the Tao community for you to continue.  This continuation is your only responsibility, so why is there any rivalry between you?

*EDITOR’S NOTE: Tao is now made available to bring salvation to all souls in all three realms.  The first is a Spiritual realm existing between Heaven and Earth where spirits go to continue their cultivation.  This is called the Chi (Energy) World.  The second realm is the physical realm of the Earth.  The third realm exists below the Earth, and is the place for unreformed spirits.

Verse 028

Those who cultivated Tao earlier than me and already ascended are sages.  Those who began their Tao cultivation earlier than me and are still alive are senior cultivators.  Those who cultivate Tao with me are peer cultivators.  All of them are our good knowing advisors.  They all deserve our respect due to the “thousand lifetime’s affinity*”.  We shall cultivate Tao with modesty all the time.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The term “thousand” is used in Chinese to represent “many”.  Thousand lifetime’s affinity means the accumulated merit we have had from many lifetimes.

Verse 029

The outcome of superficial Tao cultivation and propagation only shows a lack of inherent wisdom of the True Self*.  Our shallow good deeds and merits may still be rewarded in material wealth and fame, but not in eternal virtue.  Sentient beings in the Last Chance must try to recognize this. 

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The True Self is the original self-nature as created by God.

Verse 030

Tao cultivation requires both external action and internal awareness.  It embodies the qualities of working hard and being practical, without personal preference or convenience.  Also let go of the need for recognition, and be an unperceived support to others.

Pioneering Tao around the world through diligent hard work is a tangible, physical practice.  An intangible practice is to uplift our mind and true nature through eternal, spiritual virtue.  Adhering to both practices will yield the greatest success.

Verse 031

Dedicate your positive thoughts to those suffering beings that have not yet transformed.  Pray for them to have uplifting conditions soon so that they can have an opportunity to cultivate Tao and attain enlightenment.  Or, hope they do so in the next Cycle*, if they do not have the chance to transform themselves in this lifetime.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The period from the beginning to the end of Heaven and Earth is called a Cycle of Heaven and Earth.  There are twelve Phases in a Cycle. Each Phase lasts 10,800 years.  In a Cycle, the first six Phases belong to Yang energy (the light period) and represent creation and cultivation; the last six Phases belong to Yin energy (the dark period) and represent harvesting and suspension.  We are currently at the transition point from Yang energy to Yin energy which is why we are living in the Last Chance (also known as the White Stage).

Verse 032

Do not be content with our current good fortune, peace and happiness.  Be grateful for the Tao cultivating environment and conditions of today.  Even if we are encountering adversity and trials, it is much better than those living in the lower realms of hell, hunger and animals*.  Since we already have so many blessings, we should not complain, be depressed, arrogant or complacent. 

*EDITOR’S NOTE: There are six realms of suffering, which include the realm of animals, hunger and hell. 

Verse 033

While cultivating and propagating Tao, we should constantly uplift and discipline ourselves so that we can bring the light of wisdom to fruition, and reduce the effects of karma.

Verse 034

Study more written teachings, sayings and sutras of ancient saints and sages.  Through the review of their old teachings, we may gain new insight into our current situations.  We can understand the wondrous Truth of unlimited potential in “Oneness” and the goodwill and intention of the saints and sages.

Verse 035

When we use the Tao heart to cultivate and propagate Tao we have no personal preferences or attachments.  We give all the credit to God, buddhas and bodhisattvas.  Thus, we can avoid the obstacle of wanting any particular person or situation.

Verse 036

While succoring Tao relatives, pay attention to the uniqueness of each individual.  Guide everyone according to their individual awareness, to cultivate based on Truth, and to manifest their True Self.

Verse 037

Trials will inevitably come, especially the impending Big Wisdom Trial* of the White Stage.  Everyone needs to be alert and aware of these events.  Stay spiritually grounded in order to weather the storm.  You are certain to experience difficulties and challenges along the path of Tao cultivation before you become an upstanding person.

*EDITOR’S NOTE: The Big Wisdom Trial refers to the trials we will encounter that will grow and test our wisdom, to distinguish between Truth and illusion.  

Verse 038

Reinforce the foundation of Tao relatives' devotion, solidify the root of Tao cultivation and nurture the brightness of our innate light.  Even though we might not be enlightened in this lifetime, we can continuously maintain wholesome thoughts, and not be confused.  We can expect to transform in other lifetimes if we continue to press forward.

Verse 039

We shall cultivate with a broad heart, so that everywhere we go is heaven; everywhere we travel is pure land.  As a result, the awakened spirit of wisdom and the momentum of Tao are widely spread in the world. Then what do I need to worry about?  It is my wish that my disciples cherish each and every moment while we are in this life, to expand upon and create uplifting opportunities and conditions.