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'Today (13th day of the 9th lunar month 1974) marks once again the Saint's Anniversary descent. Over the last year you the members would have noticed many events and incidents.
A temple being new has to face many challenges as it grows and evolves.
The precepts and doctrines may not be new and different from that of others. However, a new temple like this temple can have approaches which can appear to be very different and contrasting. This can give rise to concerns and opinions simply because they may not be readily understood and accepted.
There will be disquiet. It is alright to object or to differ. Some just cannot understand at the current point in time. This is beneficial for all and members must convey this clearly to them. Moreover, concerns and objections arise because of inability to understand and grasp. They do not indicate lack of faith in the saint. Once elucidated and clarified, they will have no more doubts and be within the folds of the fraternity even more steadfastly and with confidence and commitment.
Amongst the members of any fraternity will be persons with varied interests, skills and persuasions. There will be many in various levels of training, trials, cultivation and learning. Do understand that not all endeavours will meet expectations and result in some form of good outcome. There will be shortfalls, disappointments and surprises. Do learn to accept, to tolerate, to be not troubled but to be calm and steady.
Followers and well wishers of a temple or organisation must learn to accept that not all the wishes and aspirations, be it personal or otherwise, be granted or supported when they pray to their saint. There are some who come with troubled and heavy hearts while others may not have this heaviness of heart. However, like those who come to this Temple, they come to seek for something from the saint.
Do understand that there is the element of fate, which, in some instances, any heavenly saint might not be able to alter significantly. This fact, if accepted earlier would be better for all. In addition, do not forget that it is the characteristic of (transient) life to have feelings of happiness and sadness. This is the very nature of life. Every being or man will experience the ups and downs in life. Heaven can often and otherwise do something. Saints can be of assistance and blessings but men must accept fate and the hallmarks of life with its ups and downs.
There is, however, a simpler method in which prayers can be realised and met. As there will be large gathering in a temple or fraternity, there is bound to be someone amongst the group who could be able to contribute his services to fellow brethren. To this end, members of the gathering or group should network, have fellowship and be supportive to one another. They should help one another and be blessing to one another.
A temple too will attract people of various characteristics, some good and some not so good. These will be contrasted for all in the group and be noticeable. Learn and absorb as much of the good points of others. Do also learn from the weaknesses and mistakes, so that these will not be repeated in their own life.
The anniversary message of the principal saint Lord Bo Tien should be heeded for the good of the present and for the future. The pointers apply to all organisations and temples . The message is universal and timeless.
Message re-phrased and
re-scoped in English
for relevancy for all
by inner truth netizen
from Singapore
PS This blog posting like all other blog postings dwells on the inner truth behind life as re-expounded 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.
NB This blog posting like all other blogs of Inner Truth Netizen is dedicated to God the Jade Emperor in Chinese culture. The writer understands that He is the same divinity mentioned in many world religions but readers may hold differing views on this.
