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【玳瑚師父課室】《第35場回顧：鬼節也興旺餐會》
35th Learning Session: Prosperity During Ghosts' Festival (English version below)

玳瑚師父在2017年8月13日，舉辦了第35場餐會，教導大家在農歷七月鬼節，如何増長我們的福與慧，從而大力加持我們的親屬、眷屬及自己，化解當前的危機與難關，使我們的家庭、事業、健康、生意等等，不好的轉好，好的更好。

開始時，師父說我們都應該感恩我們國家，新加坡，國泰民安，讓我們能夠在舒適安全的環境，聽善知識的教導。

有兩種人能夠改命：一種是大善之人，另一種就是大惡之人。

身體健康，才能打拼事業。

外面所學的，祇是應付社會所需。人類把利字擺中間，教學中會把道德觀念都蓋住。現在的屋子越建越不好，所以現在的孩子一點點就會頂嘴。

身爲子女的，不要讓爸爸媽媽蒙羞，這樣做人就有功德。

餐會精彩回顧：

一、玳瑚師父問大家：世界上的富豪，從何而來？

二、 個人禮貌不好，不能把責任推給家人。

三、學東西，不要先「疑」，會障礙了自己，學不到第二部份。倒不如好好地去研究，展示學者的風範 - 恆心、耐力和公正。

四、師父介紹佛教的四大菩薩。

五、 爲什麼地藏王菩薩常常被世人誤解？

六、地藏王菩薩本願經記載，家中供奉地藏王菩薩的十大利益。

七、 爲什麼農曆七月有拜祭好兄弟？

八、如何拜好兄弟？應該有什麼供品？

九、在家中拜祖先，必須先知會門外供奉的天公和門神嗎？

十、家人過世了，如何從亡者的臉知道她他將會到什麼境界？

十一、師父問出席者們：迷信好，還是不信好？

十二、家裡鬼少，合樂安寧。家裡鬼多，心不能安靜下來。

十三、什麼佛牌最有法力？

十四、躲在家裡，錢不會掉下來。

十五、如何能增強家中的磁場，以免靈的干擾？

十六、每個人都有祖先靈跟隨著，如何能讓祖先的守護能力增強？

我們活著爲了什麼？不就是要好嗎？那妳你現在快樂嗎？如果不好，妳你有問妳你自己爲什麼不好嗎？

我們要問自己：「我要怎麼出離眼前的苦？」

罪從心起，將心懺。

在妳你有限的人生，要去提昇妳你的人品，就算這一世不能成佛，妳你下一世也會比較有資糧，過得比這一世還好。所以我們現世，就要爲未來世儲存資糧。

現在不努力，老來圖悲傷。

餐會結束後，有兩位女士拿出師父的《向善向上》，請師父爲她們簽名。師父看到一位女士貼心地用塑料把她的書包好，說：「把善書包好是功德也。」

簽完書後，師父把他收藏多年的「地藏王菩薩」的迷你法相卡，送給出席者們。他一直都在等待有緣人。這法相卡是依據她他們的八字所需，贈送給她他們，在一日六時內都得地藏王菩薩的護祐。

師父解釋：
• 站立和坐著的佛菩薩，區別之處。
• 坐飛機時，出席者們應該如何以這法相卡保護自己
• 修地藏王菩薩的法，爲何對祖先有利益？

在妳你有限的人生，要去提昇妳你的人品，就算這一世不能成佛，妳你下一世也會比較有資糧，過得比這一世還好。所以我們現世，就要爲未來世儲存資糧。

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Master Dai Hu held his 35th Meal Session on 13 August 2017, imparting knowledge on how the participants can, in this Seventh Lunar Month, increase their merits and wisdom to greatly empower themselves to eradicate any obstacles in their family, career, health, business, etc.

At the start of the session, Master said we must all be grateful to our peaceful and prosperous country, Singapore, that we can live in comfort and security, and receive teachings from learned masters.

There are 2 types of people who can alter their fate: One who is of great virtues, the other who is of great evil.

You can fight for your career only if you have a healthy body.

What you learn externally are needed for your survival in today's society.

Humans often put self-interest in front of everything else, and will discard all morals.

The houses nowadays are built poorly in terms of Feng Shui, thus children today tends to rebut their parents.

As children, we should not bring shame to our parents. Living righteously is virtuous.

Highlights of the session:

1. Master Dai Hu asked everyone where do they think the wealthy people in this world came from?

2. Do not blame your family for your own poor mannerism.

3. You should not let doubt be the obstacle in your learning journey. Why not delve deep into the subject matter, exhibit the flair of a real learned person - Patience and Just.

4. Master introduced the 4 Great Bodhisattvas of Buddhism.

5. Why is the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva often misunderstood by us?

6. Master expounded the 10 benefits of making offerings to the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at home, in the Sutra of The Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

7. Why is there this custom of praying to the spirits in the Seventh Lunar Month?

8. How do we make offering to the spirits? What kind of offerings should we prepare?

9. If you make offerings to your ancestor at your home altar, should you first 'notify' the Jade Emperor and the Door God outside?

10. How can we tell, by looking at the face of a deceased family member, his next realm of reincarnation?

11. Master asked all participants: "Is it better to be superstitious or a total disbeliever?".

12. There will be family harmony if there is less spiritual disturbance at home. Likewise, the opposite is true.

13. What type of a Buddha pendant is the most powerful?

14. Money do not fall from the sky if you hide in your home whole day.

15. How can we increase the protective energies in our home to prevent spiritual disturbance?

16. Our ancestral spirits are always behind us, so how can we strengthen their protective energies over us?

17. Which birth month leads to a Bazi of weak Yin energy, and hence weak elemental strength?

18. When the waiter served a carrot cake to the table, Master remarked that the cake decor resembled a satellite, that can receive the energies from the Universe. He added that the person who was eating it will soon gain more fame and wealth.

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What is our reason for living? Isn't it to have a good and happy life? But are you happy now? If not everything is going your way, did you ask yourself why?

We ought to ask ourselves, "How can I get out of my current sufferings?".

Sin arises from the heart, so should repentance.

After the meal session ended, 2 lady participants asked Master for his autograph on his book, titled "Towards Kindness Towards Betterment". Master saw that one lady wrapped the book in a protective plastic cover, and commended her that this act of protecting a virtuous book itself is a merit.

After the book signing, Master gifted each participant a small Thangka of the the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. He has kept these items for many years, and waiting to give them to people with whom he has affinity. These gifts complemented the Bazi of the participants, and shall offer protection to them every hour of the day.

Master explained:
- The difference between a Bodhisattva depicted in a standing form, and one depicted in a sitting form.
- How can one use the Thangka to protect oneself when on board a plane?
- Why does cultivating the sadhana of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva benefits our ancestors?

Upgrade your own moral conduct in the limited time you have in this life. Even if you do not attain Buddhahood this time, you will at least be better equipped with resources to do so in the next life. Therefore, we should start sowing the seeds for the harvest in our further lifetimes.

You will live to regret at old age if you do not strive hard now.

The Evolution of Chinese Religion: From Monotheism to Polytheism


There are few well known religions in China such as Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. The belief in Oneness of God was there before the existence of religion in Chinese society. Chinese community believe the existence of one God which is Shang Di before the arise of Confucianism and Taoism philosophy. The Chinese historian, Sima Qian wrote in his book entitled Shi Ji state:“Shang Di is another name for Tian. The spirits do not have two Lords”[1]

Shang Di (上帝) or Tian (天) is the name of a God in Chinese community believed since a long time ago. It does not have any image, picture or statue in a form of idols. Furthermore, it is an entity that is not the same as human beings.

Chinese community understand it through characters of letters such as hanzi 上帝 and 天. Tian (天) symbolised the concept monotheism, due to the Chinese word character of hanzi for Tian (天) is a combination of two Hanzi characters which are Da (大) dan Yi ( 一). Da means the All-Mighty while Yi means Oneness. Two letters is formed for Tian which means the Sky and Heaven. It indicates the God is at the sky.

That is the reason why the ancient Chinese community worship one God and around the year 2000 BC - 800 BC, the doctrine of Shamanism and fortune teller was developed in China. Then the believes was influenced by the Taoism religion which came later on such as the usage of talisman and mantra to fight against the supernatural and binding spells in order to cure the one affected. But the earliest Taoism belief do not teach these particularly rituals.[2]

Existence of Confucianism and Taoism Philosophy

There were a lot of war and coup between small states during the classic era around 700 BC – 220 BC hence created the need towards political and strategy advice. However, they also focused on social development and the era which new leaders appeared such as Lao Zhi ( 604 BC – 531 BC) and Kongfu Zi (551 BC – 479 BC).[3]

Both of them brought their own philosophy for the purpose of social development. Both philosophy brought the believe that was well influenced even the concept of God was influenced by the concept of god in ancient Chinese community.

God term used between Lao zi and Kongfu Zi have a few differences mainly inside the form of characters letter of Hanzi and the definition of the letter. According to Lao Zi in his book entitled Dao De Ching used the term Dao (道) which indicates God.[4] Besides, according to Kongfu zi, he used the term Tian (天) inside the book to indicate God too. Both of them used the term which was used by the ancient Chinese community to described God. Even both terms for God was not made into image or idols. They believed that God is one and only.


Outside influence towards the concept of God

Buddhism came from India then entered into China and expanded around the year in 240 BC which is the era under the ruling of King Asoka in India. Buddhism remain in China in first 10 AD.[5] There are various types of Buddhism over there such as Theravada, Yogacara, Vajrayana and Mahayana.

The teachings of Lao zi and Kongzi also developed and expanded in China. Even though there was innovation in the teachings. The teaching that was brought by Lao zi or known as Taoism gave a huge impact to the shamanism doctrine which was by the ancient Chinese community while the teaching of Kongfu zi did not impacted the Shamanism influence.

Syncretism or mixing of and believed occurred in the teaching of Taoism. The evolution of Taoism from philosophy to religion in the year between 20 BC – 600 AD.

A well known Taoist figure called Zhang Daoling. He became first person who embed and strengthened the system into Taoism whereas the founder, Lao Tze did not introduced the religion system according to Zhang Daoling. Taoism made history when it became a religion through the formation of religious leader, set of rituals, scriptures and a lot of followers.

Taoism firstly became well known in the era of dynasty Han (25 AD-219 AD) when shamanism influenced was less practiced in the castle. In year 150 AD, the kings built a temple of kings specifically to performed the official ceremony as an honour towards the purification of Lao zi. Aligning with the belief on purification thus followed by the need to increase the rank of Laozi to the highest level of God.

During the era of dynasty Tang (618 AD - 907 AD), the royal family indicted the ancestry of Laozi for having the same family name, Li 李. Therefore, Taoism have achieved an official status under his ruling. Moreover, Gaozong King make Dai De Jing scriptures as one of the compulsory subject for the people who set for the public services examination.

If it is measure in terms of historical Taoism practices, the figure that is worthy to be given credit as the founder of Taoism is Zhang Daoling.[7] Zhang Ling is his real name and He was born in South of China in a place which strong shamanism was at that time.[8]

According to the legend, he succeed in finishing the whole classic text of Dao de Jing.[9]. During his adulthood, he went on exploring the Sichuan territory to undergo the ascetic life and to seek knowledge on religion. In the year 142 AD, he professed of an event that occurred which changes his life. A god appeared from the sky then came face to face with him in an awake state (yaqazhah), then gifted him with the power to do miracles and elevate his title to Tianshi (Heaven Master). The god is said to be the resemblance of Laozi and is known as the elder of the highest greatness (太上老君).

Jumping-off point from the event, Zhang Daoling have established the movement of Tianshi Dao (School of Heaven Master) in Sichuan territory. It also known as Wudoumi Dao 五斗米道 (Way of The Five Pecks of Rice) because the criteria of acceptance of a member is by giving tax five dou (1 dou =10kg) rice or items which have the same quantity.

Besides, Tianshi Dao has an well organized organization structure such as hierarchy of religious leader, record system of supernatural, talisman, moral principal, studying the classic text of Dao de Jing and etc. Furthermore, in the earliest era, it consist of twenty four states ruled under the Sichuan territory.

Under the leadership of his grandchild, Zhang Lu the movement later became militancy thus launching a rebel in the year 189 AD but they surrendered peacefully to Cao Cao (曹操). Cao Cao (曹操) was a warlord in the year (155AD – 220AD). Therefore, the movement indirectly exist until now.

Taoism brought by Zhang Daoling was easily accepted due to the fact that the people at that time are strong followers of shamanism and animism. The movement lead by Zhang Daoling have influence the Taoism we know today. As an example, the religious rituals whereby Zhang Daoling popularized the usage of talisman which is still practice until today. Usually the necklace is in the form of a yellow paper and written using Chinese characters, the meaning are kept as secret.[10]

Even the belief of worshipping gods and goddess was embedded into Taoism to a point where they included many idols, gods and goddess in their worship. Whereas the reality of earliest leader did not introduce the such practices and beliefs.

Mixing of Beliefs Occurred

Lastly, the Chinese community incorporated all four beliefs into their practices. There are times where they practice Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and also Chinese traditional beliefs. Besides that, they also practice Feng Shui and etc.

This mixing of beliefs is called as syncretism among the religions. According to them, all the four religion is compensate with each other. If they want the understanding of philosophy and moral, they will refer to Confucianism and if they want spiritual and balance between two worlds, they will refer to Taoism. These are the way they practiced the religions until now.

Conclusion

It is recorded in history that the ancient Chinese community worship one God that does not have an image nor given birth to but later on the practiced of worshipping Gods and Goddesses were added on into Taoism. Even though, the founder himself did not introduce this way of worship. It was created by the people later on.

Lastly, Chinese community consider that all religion that exist till the classic era is important and is practiced synchronously.

Key Note

[1] Refer to Sima Qian (-). Shi Ji, volume 28, book 6, pg 624
[2] Refer to Eva Wong, (2011). Taoism An Essential Guide, Shambhala Publications, London, pg 11-19
[3] Ibid, pg 20-30/ refer to Cao Dawei & Sun Yanjing, (2010). China’s History, China Intercontinental Press, Beijing, pg 44-45
[4] Refer to the scriptures of Dao Te Ching chapter 4: Xiang Di Zhi Xian, chapter 25: Dao De Zhen Mian Mu, chapter 39: Dao De Gen Ben. And refer to scriptures of Kongfu zi dalam The Anaclets 3: 13, 9: 5, 16: 8, 14: 35
[5] Refer to Milon Nandy, (1996). The Profund Teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism & Shintoism, Eurasia-Pasific Books, Ampang, pg 34
[6] Refer to Eva Wong, (2011). Taoism An Essential Guide, Shambhala Publications, London, pg 34
[7] Refer to Herman, J. (2013). Taoism For Dummies. Mississauga, Canada: John Wiley & Sons Canada pg 75/ refer to Palmer, M. (2000). T’ung Shu. Kuala Lumpur: Vinpress, pg 82.
[8] Refer to Eva Wong, (2011). Taoism An Essential Guide, Shambhala Publications, London, pg 34
[9] Refer to Palmer, M. (2000). T’ung Shu. Kuala Lumpur: Vinpress, pg 82
[10] Refer to Milon Nandy, (1996). The Profund Teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism & Shintoism, Eurasia-Pasific Books, Ampang, pg 59

MRM's R&D Team