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The Journey of Life

This page Chapter 1 to Chapter 4

Click here f= or Chapter 9 to Chapter 12

Click here f= or Chapter 13 to Chapter 16

A dot is an indication of Pure Land or Heaven. Five lines denotes the= Five Main Religions. From the outer circle, one tries to reach Heaven. On = reaching the Ultimate, one may see the Truth. Though the initial Journey is= full of difficulties where darkness blur the way, as one gets nearer to th= e point of Truth, the Journey will be brightened up. A central dot expands = and covers the whole Universe. The further away from the dot, the less bril= liant it will be. Thus, walk back to the Universe, even though the Journey = is long and difficult. Intervals of the various lines show the difficulties= of the Journey. It could be hurdles on one’s way. It could also be a= missing link that one needs to find in order to proceed to Heaven.

The Founders of the Five Main Religions= give the introduction to Journey of Life in 16 Chapters below:=

LAO TZE

Looking back without regret

A work sent down again

Only through performance may all gain

Tiring may be the job

Zigzag not the way

Earnestly perform as expected.

CONFUCIOUS<= /span>

Coming to teach about cultivation<= /p>

Only a journey must be told

Not only now but many a time

Future WE hope all may see

Until one finds the Path

Candle-light alone is seen

In which a light not so strong

Only the brilliance of Truth may light all

Unceasing is the struggle to move forward=

Seeing, doing and really performing the best.

MOHAMAD

Making way for the Journey

Of which another book told

Hoping that a point be made

Another time, another year, who knows

Merry must be the heart to serve

Alone, one must walk the Way

Dealing with religious method, no doubt sensitive it= may be.

AMITABHA (Buddha of Om= Mi Tuo Fo, aeon ago)

Alone will one fight the way

Making pursuit is no easy thing

In the world of such sufferings

Take up the Journey and begin

Among the wolves all travel

Being yet above all things

Hoping that a journey be told

Another book yet again surfaces.

JESUS CHRIST

Just another book, it may seem

Every move from compassion

Setting a way of life again

Until you reach the other land

Set back not by worldly illusions<= /p>

Coming with great temptation

However, a test alone

Remain with a calm mind

Into the Journey for joy

Seeking only to improve

Taking all dust away

CHAPTER 1

KUAN YIN (Goddess of M= ercy)

Kindling the Journey for all

Unseen is its beginning

A journey that comes and goes

Nothing may stop it

Your journey begins from cause and effect=

Important is to really find the roots

Now that the opportunities are seen.

Let all know and may all gain.

When did the Journey begin? Does anyone know or sea= rch? The

first Journey began many years ago. No one remember= s and no one

knows. It is about time that human be awakened and = a little light be

shown. The very first life in the womb, the Journey= of life has already

started. The first cry brings on another stage and = the new Journey again

takes its course. What is in store for one in this = life, no one really knows.

The surface looks so simple, just another stage to = go by.

To be young and ignorant

To grow old yet not know

Sickness creeping up with age

A pile of dry bones again.

Is this the journey that one wishes to go through a= nd through? What

then is this journey that we are talking about? Cla= iming a new life? Isn't

a journey already seen? Many will ask again. The Jo= urney of life to the

other side of the Shore is a life that begins with = cultivation. What is

cultivation in one's mind? Though to some extent on= e may know, yet the

cultivation first begins from the heart. Knowing it= s function and how

it works, cleanse it well and let it reach the tota= l development of the

Truth. The truth of sufferings should trigger a hea= rt to move.

A pure heart is very much easily said, yet how pure= can one achieve?

The heart that is unmoved by all objects, is the he= art that may cultivate

I t9 its best. Sitting alone with thoughts that str= uggle with the inner self,

what will it help in the cultivation? Allow the hea= rt and the mind to be

alike. Thus, only pureness is seen. With a pure hea= rt, many things may be

achieved. Through daily learning, the Truth one may= grasp. Grasping the

teachings, it is yet another stage. The Journey to = the opposite Shore may

then be taken, but it is merely half a step forward= . For sitting on the

fence, one either gets across or falls back.

Now, persistency and endurance must be improved in = order that

one may face and get over all temptations. At this = stage, the five senses

will come in great force in the hope of blocking yo= ur cultivating way.

Know of each sense and its way of temptation, then = one may firmly

stand. Love and grief may come at any moment. Take = it as just another

test. As the wind moves the cloud, your mind may be= moved too. Isn't

the suffering sea has its name? If no one suffers, = then it is not a suffering

sea. Your task now is to get away from this sea of = sufferings and into the

other side where joy awaits. Throughout this Journe= y, the ship may

wreck and monsters may try to get at you. Through p= ersistence and

endurance, things may work out. Seek not to drown a= s the wreck. With

the mind and the heart as one, the Truth will guide= the Way. Given the

light of life, surely the better way one may see.

Time and again the Journey and its Path were told. = Yet each time,

a different thing is revealed. Coming up with yet a= nother way, this Path is

again told. The Path is long and narrow, winding an= d steep too. If one is

not careful, then over the cliff one may go. The wo= rk of man depends on

man. No one can walk this Journey for you. Time and= again, man falls

prey and why is it so? That is why a stable and cal= m mind is necessary as

the first move. The wind blows and has its course b= ut no one sees it at all.

Likewise, the heart moves and to what extent, even = you yourself may

not know. On the verge of setting back, you see you= r own heart and

soul. But who knows, it may be too late for one leg= is already down the

cliff. Thus, man must always remember that the hear= t and the mind must

be fit at all times and not as and when one likes.<= o:p>

When it is time to move forward, one moves like a h= are, swift and

fast. If one has to take a standstill to calm the m= ind, then by all means

do so. However, know and understand each and everyo= ne of your own

move. Do not fall astray nor standstill for good. W= hen it is time to work,

one truly works, but do not overburden one's though= t. Each day, give

yourself a little time to think about all that you = have done. If the need

of improvement is seen, improve on it and do not wa= it. For time does

not wait for man. Once gone, it is gone for good. A= lso allot another few

minutes to sit still, calm the mind and fill the go= odness of a standstill in

thought. Then think of all the worldly sufferings. = Think of its truth and

way to perform. May each act benefit beings! Turn t= hem on the right

track too. Do not look at your own sufferings as su= ffering, for there are

others who suffer more. Rather find a way to find p= eace in the midst of

suffering. Join hands together and find the other s= ide of the Shore.

In this worldly place, who has no wrong? But knowin= g it is a wrong,

one must learn to rectify. Through faith and endura= nce, even a mountain

may be moved. Have the same faith and endurance as = you take on the

Journey on your own. The basic goodness of all bein= gs must surface, in

order that one may go through all. Do not allow you= r soul to sink to a

level where there is no help at all. Be fully aware= of your own self and

learn the various stages of Truth.

KUAN YIN (Goddess of Mercy)

Keeping in mind the introduction

Unite your thoughts to think

Another chapter, another thing is told

Naming cultivation as a whole

You look at the Journey alone

In which cultivation is above all<= /p>

Now seeing yourself better

HOPE is in store again

THE Journey may not be easy

LIGHTS WILL SHINE ON F= OR ALL

CHAPTER 2

KUAN YIN (Goddess of Mercy)

Keep in mind the work of Karma

Unseen but existing is its strength

A look back before the cultivation=

Note of changes before and after

You see the Path but perhaps not the whole

In which blur it seems

Never too late to begin the first step

Yesterday's seed brings about the fruit of today. T= oday's seed

brings forth the fruit of tomorrow. Look back at yo= ur whole life, perhaps

half of it is already gone; yet not many are happy = nor do they truly have

a peace of mind.

Do you want the future to be the same as before? If= one may under-

stand what brings forth fruit, it is then better to= be strong and burden free

to strive on. Instead of being struck badly by grie= f and sorrow, no

doubt, a person has feelings but all feelings of ei= ther happiness or grief

are only passing things with passing effects. Once = these are left alone, a

happy life one may gain.

Before a person seeks to cultivate, his life maybe = filled with glamour

and worldly joys. But are these joys and feelings p= ermanent? One does

not know when grief may strike. To find true happin= ess is to look with-

in and not without. First learn to feel free from a= ll senses, whether it be

of happiness or pain and learn to take things as th= ey come with an easy

mind. Do not be too easily struck by pain. Note tha= t all things have their

causes and no one can escape from the fruits that t= ake place. Learn to

have a compassionate heart and feel the misery of a= ll instead of oneself.

For how can a person's suffering be compared to tho= se of the millions?

A difference is surely seen. A rich man may turn po= or. A poor

man may turn beggar. But how one lives depends on h= ow much good

seeds planted. Turn sorrow into strength. Turn hatr= ed into love and learn

to understand man.

If one cannot learn the objective of being a man th= en how can one

understand the work of the ABOVE? Knowledge does no= t come free but

through hard work and with knowledge acquired, one = can understand

things better. With a better understanding, one may= gain an insight of

things and with it comes the realization of Truth. = Thus, one has found a

path on his own.

Though the Path may not be really lighted up, yet t= hrough performance

and work for mankind, the Light may come on. Bright= er and

brighter as one walks this road, eventually one und= erstands what life is

really granted for. Serenity and peace may then fil= l the mind, even

through rain or shine one is unmoved. One may look = without feelings,

but the inner heartfelt compassion is stronger than= all. Next to note are

the places where a person seeks and searches for Tr= uth. Many places

of worship may be found, but only the Truth should = be expounded.

Though stanza may not be easily understood, think d= eeply of it and a

light may be shone. Do not be misguided or misunder= stand the Truth,

rather use the wisdom granted and realize the Truth= .

CULTIVATION=

Cultivating the way in the right manner

Undying must be the thoughts

Looking at the future fruits that bloom

Take on the task to ensure it is good

Into the various stages as one moves on

Victory to those who see the road<= /p>

Amidst the hurdles one may move

Take on with strength and faith too

Important is one's own realization at all times=

Only then may one really improve

Note that good endings do not come easily=

There are many ways of cultivation, depending on ho= w one looks

at it. To cultivate within home ground or to seek m= aster to teach whichever

way it may be, there is one thing that cannot be fo= rgotten; determination and hard work go together. One minute 'hot' and the = next 'cool',

how can one achieve? Therefore, be persistent and d= etermined through-

out the journey of cultivation. Stand firm and know= of your work. From

one stage of understanding to another until one rea= ches the ultimate in

realization. Victory is a word that all enjoy but h= ow many victories may

one win in one's life? Until one reaches the other = side of the Shore, it is

not a victory though you may win them all.

Throughout the world of searching, hurdles after hu= rdles appear. Be

strong and firm and take on all. Do not allow the r= oots to wither. Be sure

they are strong. A look at the way one cultivates; = some will think it

is right, while others may think it is wrong. Then,= how to determine

whether the way is good. The most important thing i= s a good conscience

and with this, no wrong will be sighted. If one los= es this precious part,

then all are lost. Anything good must have a price.= If one really wishes

to follow the Path, then be sure that he really wor= ks for it. Everything

has a price tagged on, but the Truth is priceless a= nd no matter how, it

cannot be bought. Understand its true value and app= reciate it well. Do

not abandon it for jade or gold.<= /p>

KUAN YIN (Goddess of Mercy)

Keeping at heart the misery seen

Until the sorrow has all ceased

A heart filled with deep compassion=

Nothing may compare to parental love

Yet how many truly appreciate this=

Interest differs and thinking may go wrong

Neglect not the old for the part they perform.<= /o:p>

Look at the suffering land, war and fighting everyw= here. Natural

calamities are sighted with fear, but how many real= ly understand? Like

parental love for children, people simply do not se= e. Anxiety as pain

befalls the young, they wish that it could be repla= ced. Likewise, the link

between the ABOVE and man is like the parental love= for a child, perhaps

it is even greater than that. But man does not unde= rstand. Within the

suffering sea they remain. Their wails could be hea= rd everywhere. Why

not try to understand the bodily pain of a man? You= r body feels the

pain but as the ABOVE looks on, HIS pain is worse t= han that. Train

yourself to understand the way to repay your parent= s. Then, one would

understand how to repay the compassion of the ABOVE= .

A book describing about the Journey which must be t= aken step by

step. What is the use of telling the world about th= is Journey if none

understand? Thus, little by little, chapter by chap= ter, the Journey is

being told. It may not sound interesting but these = are things that one

should know. Carelessness and misjudgment lead to o= wn sorrow. Be

sure that your mind works to the best when it comes= to listening to the

Truth. A Truth told once, twice and many a time it = is still the same Truth.

Simply due to the lack of understanding, man sees m= any truths. A dot

is a dot and nothing can change it. No matter how p= eople describe it,

it is still a dot. Thus, Truth lies at the same pla= ce awaiting your discovery

as you realize it.

CHAPTER 3

THE LIGHT PATH

Taking a stand to see

Having found, one must move on

Everything has a start

Leaving all the worldly dust

Implanted with the Truth

Gaming the lighted Path

Holding without fear

Trial is really a must

Precious is the real cultivation

Among the jewel land you walk

Timing yourself right from the beginning<= /span>

Having reached the other side of the Shore

Be a savior to the millions that call. Be in the ri= ght attitude of

mind. Aware of own-self as one cultivates the Path.= Be sure that the

realization is deep. Think and think again till the= ultimate you reach and

the other side of the Shore you see. Taking on with= the right steps, expound

the stanza below:—

The faraway land seems lighted,

glittering with lights for all.

Seeing with the naked eyes,<= /span>

it is merely a human light.<= /span>

From deep within lies a way,=

narrow at first but wider as it goes.

With only a dot of light seen,

but brilliant it is,<= /p>

for it is the light of Truth.

Sitting cross-legged deeply in thought,=

try to expound and explain it.

As silent and still as the air,

the mind wanders not far off.

Just as realization is seen,=

lights from all directions keep pouring= in.

A feeling that the heart finds great,

as if coming out of its place.

A sudden image appears in front.

Some may jump out of their wit.

For a true searcher who is tranquil,

all these are but a passing game.<= /o:p>

Overcoming these stages of uncertainty,=

yet another stage is seen.

A heart that is attached to all these

will only seek lights and images.<= /o:p>

Forever one will remain as such.

The lighted land awaits all,=

but first one must face.

A test has its causes and for this,

one must understand.<= /p>

The stanza, though short and simple, is something n= ot to be for-

gotten. A little song filled with Truth, line for l= ine, reality is within.

Working for further improvement, yet another stanza= I give:—

Tranquil and steady as the Eastern Lake= ,

the mind filled with certain things.

An objective set to understand,

striving towards it and one may underst= and.

The mind seems to go in circle,

round and round as pictures are seen.

A fully enlightened one sees nothing,

but only the objective again.

Expounding it one by one,

understand things as they come.

Waking up in the midst of things,<= /o:p>

A truth is seen again.

Sufferings and miseries of the past,

one by one surfaces again.

Tears may roll down and the body may be= shaken too,

but the wise takes nothing of it.<= /o:p>

Calm and cool they remain,

the wise finds the real peace.

The Way may be hard,<= /p>

worthwhile it is to walk again.

It is easier said than done. Perhaps, this book may= bring some news.

Difficulties may be faced by all, but take it and w= ork well towards a

goal. Setting things right and seeing things done, = indeed joy is at sight.

A happy smiling face,=

staring as if into space,

yet with a feeling of belonging.

A sense that one understands,

satisfied with what is seen,=

but nothing really exists.

This is indeed a happy man,<= /span>

who leaves the burden behind,

seeking only the Truth

and truly a peace of mind he finds=

Another look at another place,

a pain-stricken face is seen,

frowning as if the world is coming to a= n end.

To this, worries are seen without any e= nding and

the burden is tacking along too.

Sitting calmly at a comer,

he tries to find his peace.<= /span>

As the burden is not left behind,<= /o:p>

the worries are forever seen.

This little stanza about the two faces, some parts = of it truly enlightens

the Way. As morning dew falls on leaves, these feel= ing are merely

passing things. If the Truth is not grasped like th= e dew, it will evaporate

away. The different faces have different tales, dep= ending on how one

sees it. Things will take on with new understanding= . Therefore, as one

cultivates, do not remain stagnant, but move on and= on till one comes to

an end.

Sitting by the windy shore,<= /span>

Staring at the open sea,

Thinking again of Home,

Where is this old Home? &nbs= p; &= nbsp; &nbs= p;

CHAPTER 4

KUAN YIN (Goddess of Mercy)

Keeping record of own cultivation<= /p>

Unite the work as one

A way is not easily told

Nevertheless one will still find its course

Yet sometimes at cross-road one pauses

Immediately one must know the Way<= /p>

Never be left standing alone.

Daily search and daily practice, many a time one te= nds to forget.

Although there are many words and verses with teach= ings to guide the

Way, however, the word 'blankness' still surrounds = these teaching, for

the Truth is actually without any shape nor with an= y words. Rather, it is

the mind that has to work. Seeing the words, withou= t right understanding

will not lead one anywhere. The mind is the master = of all, for it

works out all things. Thus, the teachings one must = not forget. Right under-

standing of things will reveal the Truth and with r= ight actions the cultivation

moves on. The actions must be in line with the unde= rstanding, likewise are the thoughts. This is important to a cultivated man= . But one must have a right livelihood for this life. If the livelihood is = right, things will move on smoothly, as smoothly as it sails across the suf= fering sea. When the living is right, there is no need for any worry to ari= se. Thus, a man who has a right living will be sure that there is no evil i= n the mind. With the right thought, a cleaner picture of all things will ta= ke place, thereby giving rise to a right understanding.

For one who walks this Journey, many hurdles one wi= ll meet. At

each junction, the thoughts differ. If one realizes= that it is merely one of

the many tests, then it will be easier for one to d= ecide fast. Although at

the cross-road one may stand, before any decision i= s made, know your

own stand and be sure that the determination is gre= at. Let nothing move

your heart and let no temptation win you over. A bo= dy is granted to you

and a spirit to lead your Way. Do not let the Way b= e blocked but walk

on the way Home again. Your body may rot, your bloo= d may dry, but

your spirit must live on. With this determination, = Gautama achieved His

Way.

Flowery words are good to hear and easy to come by = too. But

flowers do not last long, so are the words too. Unp= leasant words harshly

spoken, man takes to heart. But because they are sp= oken harshly, man

can never forget. The teachings from the ABOVE with= great compassion

are being taught. Yet man misunderstands them as fl= owery talk. How

could man be so blind as to allow the worldly dust = to set on him? Let it

be cleared and wipe it for sure and permanently too= . Then man gives

himself a chance, a real chance to move on. Let sle= epy head be awakened

to this Great Truth. For although not spoken harshl= y, this is indeed not

a flowery talk.

Let us talk about the mind. Though small, it contro= ls all. A wise

man will control his mind rather than let it contro= l him at all. For if this

little mind goes wild, everything will go haywire t= oo. With the right control, one will utilize it for cultivation. Thereby, o= ne will gain from it and

strive on and on to reach the other side of the Sho= re.

From this side of Lotus Land, I look across at the = blazing land,

already surrounded by fire but man feels not of its= heat. The human

world indeed is filled with hallucination and pain.= Owing to the illusion,

man thinks that the worldly plane is a heaven for m= an. Think again, all

these years what have you gained? From childhood to= teenager, from

teenager to middle age and finally old age, all the= se years have passed but

what has one really learned? Isn't it a real pity t= o waste your time in this

misguided land? Bring yourself together and listen = well to what is going to be

said and from stage to stage, I hope this revelatio= n will make you see some sense.

Being innocent and pure, a child receives only what is taught. Like

a piece of white paper, if it is stained with red, then it is red. If= it is

stained with black then it is black. The learning and cultivation may=

begin right at this stage. The guardian should really know what to te= ach,

Examples are very important at this stage. Cultivating good habits, r= ight

thinking and right action will mould the child for further cultivatio= n

when he is of age. The basic begins from young but never push your

child too hard. Do not force him to believe just because you believe.=

Never force him to cultivate just because you cultivate, rather, guid= e him

to the right track. As one grows older, the understanding increases a= nd as

it increases, knowledge too increased. With this, the wisdom will als= o be

widened. This should be the way to help the young, in order that they=

have a chance to understand.

Teenagers are full of energy, jumping here and there, not knowing

of what lies ahead. Indeed, it is a real suffering sight. Influence t= hem in

the right way. Teach them not about religion but how to be a real man= .

To be a real man, it sounds simple but the meaning is deep. Who in th= is

world can really say that he understands? What brings about a real ma= n a

great man? Simply he is one who can stand firmly and strongly, facing=

Heaven without fear. His conscience is as pure as the morning dew. Th= is

indeed is a real man.

A real and wise man first learns to cultivate the self. He learns and=

understands all parts of it. He learns how to keep calm and handle th= ings.

With this cultivation, virtues are seen. He learns of the greatness o= f

parental love and with this, filial piety exists. Knowing how to resp= ect

the elders without any false pretence, this indeed = is Filial Piety.

There is nothing closer than coming from the same womb. The feeling

of closeness is seen. Love each other as the same blood and understan= d

that this is indeed great. This is Brotherly Love. Although not from<= o:p>

the same womb yet from the same place, this too should be linked. As<= o:p>

the ABOVE gives life to all, have a feeling of closeness and understa= nd

each other well. Be sure, one feels that the same blood drips too. Lo= ve

each other as brotherhood calls for. This is indeed another virtue.

Learn loyalty from nature and one will see how it works. The Sun=

rises daily at the same time, giving warmth to all alike, no matter h= ow

much curse it received. There is no record that the Sun has not risen= . This

is indeed true Loyalty. Learn from the greatness of the Sun and from = this

build up the right spirit.

A word spoken is worth more than gold. Know deeply of its meaning too= .

Each word one gives, one must fulfill, for every cause and effect

must take place. Trustworthiness is indeed a great virtue of man. Pra= ctise

well and understand it truly.

Treat others with Courtesy and no one will retaliate. Learn that this=

place is meant for all. The land is so vast that there is a place for= everyone. A smile brings wonders and everything good. This is not easily d= one

but surely through practice, things will be possible. Smile along wit= h the

world and the world smiles with you. Frown at it and it will frown ba= ck

at you. A little courtesy will not leave anyone poorer at all. Indeed= this

must be cultivated in the right way.

Do Justice to others and be a good judge of yourself. Do not leave

the injustice covered at all, rather take a good stand and with princ= iple

practise in the right manner. Do justice to each and every action and= do

not mislead others.

Pride brings about downfall. Be sure that one learns to live modestly= too.

Be happy with what one has and live with it. Cursing Heaven and<= /o:p>

Hell will not help. Realize with right attitude the Sense of Shame. B= e

certain that each action will not shame you. Learn of the right contr= ol

at the right moment, thereby giving rise to no shame at all.

Learn of Humanity and be compassionate to all beings. As one does

not like to be mistreated, do not mistreat any being at all. Have a m= ind

of the Great Sages, by humanity they live.

A wise man knows when, to talk and when to act. He knows when

to move and when to keep still. As a wise man, with wisdom he seeks

only the Truth. Learn from what is good but keep silence to the world=

of fools. In this way, the wise hurts no one at all. Indeed, with gre= at

Wisdom one may see all.

The virtues mould the young well. The above if practised, makes a

lot of difference. Though the word 'virtue' is simple and the explana= tion

is short, how many see the need to really practise it at all? One who= lives

with virtues, lives by virtues indeed. The Path seems brighter too.