Back To Main Page	JOURNEY OF LIFE (Chapter 5 to 8)
		CHAPTER 5
		KUAN YIN
		Kind of teaching presently seen
		a number uncountable it remains
		Unless one sees it with a pure mind
		searching on and on yet not found
		A dot pointing to the TAO
		looking on and achieving too
		Nothing is impossible if the heart will
		You walk on for many eras
		why wander on again
		Include yourself in this precious Path
		and continue your search to gain
		Never allow circumstances to be your hurdle.
		In this present world of illusion, one finds a lot of teachings. Which
		is right and which is wrong, man alone must decide. Teachings which
		consist of too much superstition cloud the mind. Teachings which give
		promises of the right Path give rise to illusion to the mind. Although all
		teachings are basically alike, yet when look carefully, some differences
		are seen. The teachings that I am aiming at is the Truth. Truth cannot be
		seen or felt, yet it exists. Therefore, if man wishes to know the Truth,
		the mind must be trained to see it. Teachings must be seen from various
		angles. Read it, learn it and understand it. Each line may be simple but
		there is a deep meaning in it. Have the wisdom to judge and see if Truth
		exists. Anything that is off the course is not the Truth. For all things
		have a course to pass through and Truth is not exempted from it. The
		inner self may see the Truth. Allow it to be opened up. Cultivate in the
		right manner and go through all stages step by step. Remember that with
		one step alone, nothing can be achieved. The word seems to go round
		and round, but I hope you see the real meaning.
		You see a man strong and healthy and you see life in him. Has anyone
		ever thought of what keeps him going and lively too? The body of
		man is given by the parents and this is impermanent. The spirit granted
		by the ABOVE lives on and on. When the spirit leaves the body, the
		body is nothing but a mess of flesh. Where does this spirit come from
		and upon death where does it go? Death to the human being is merely
		another beginning in another place. Again, where is this place? The spirit
		must enter the body through a certain place and must also leave through
		the right place. Which is this place and how can you find it? All these,
		though cannot be told, yet there is one thing for sure. Man can find this
		out on his own and the only way to reveal it is to teach you how. Before
		going further into it, man must always bear the following in mind:
		The sky has its course and
		the earth is concurrent to it.
		Human beings have a course too.
		Do not run wild for it.
		A thousand 'Li' begins from one step and
		step by step one takes to reach.
		Running too fast bums up all energy,
		over-attachment leads to illusion and
		this is the most dangerous stage.
		Be aware at all times.
		Know your own ability.
		Do not force yourself to achieve.
		Let all come in its natural way.
		Then, the real course is fulfilled.
		A point in the middle, a light is shown. A place though secret but
		it is the 'door'. Opening to it, one may feel, but a door not easily un-
		locked. Allow the heat and light to assist, pounding and pulling it may
		seem. Till your wisdom is great and your cultivation is strong, this
		entrance may be opened up again. Do not force nor let your thought run
		wild, or else all things may end up wrong. No one can open this 'door'
		for you. You must do it yourself. When this 'door' is opened up, it is as
		if you possess another eye, but this eye only sees the Truth. Thus, only
		the well-cultivated person may achieve, but do not feel inferior for
		cultivation belongs to all. This 'door' lies within your own body. Step by
		step, one may open it up again, in order that the spirit knows its exit.
		The tune of the harp is beautiful and clear, each note gives a teaching
		too. However, if you are only listening to its tune for pleasure and
		attaching yourself to it, nothing will be achieved. This tune must be taken
		seriously and you may understand what it teaches. However, if the
		frequency is not tuned in, then only the normal sound you hear. Again,
		this frequency belongs to those who cultivate well. Although only two
		of the many things are being told, yet this is enough to get you out of
		the Samsara.
		Every movement of man tells a tale. Living in this world is like
		living on stage, once the curtain drops, all but darkness remains. So, why
		be too serious over minor human problem? Give yourself a chance to learn
		about the Truth and cultivate it. Learn the importance of cultivation
		and the right manner to do it. Do not allow this human plane of glamour to
		hold you back, rather, think of the beauty of the other side
		that awaits you.
		The Land of Light is beautiful to see and pleasant to enter. The
		brilliance is so great that even your eyes must close to it. The Lotus
		Pond has its stories too. There is teaching of purity from the lotus that
		grows out of mud yet unstained. The flowers, the stalks and all the
		parts are so pure that they are used as medicine for man. Just a tiny
		flower it can overcome all difficulties and grows out of mud and yet it
		stands proudly. This is the spirit that man must learn. Though in a world
		of illusion, our thought must remain pure. In spite of facing the worst
		calamities, man must still stand strong. Laughing or crying, happiness or
		grief whichever you may be in, you still have to live. Whether you lament
		or celebrate, the day must still go on. Thus wouldn't it be better if man
		can make the best out of it?
		CULTIVATION
		Carrying on when the time is blue
		Until you reach, cloudy is the thought
		Living like the mirror bright
		Taking all dust away
		Into the purity of the cleansed pool
		Victory will then truly belong
		A work out of compassion so great
		Take part in it and walk along
		Improve little by little as one moves
		Onto a new beginning and a new life too
		Net in all sentient beings as one walks along
		A wise man is not worried about the weather. Whether it is blue or
		grey sky, the cultivation still goes on. He remains unmoved by the worldly
		sight. Like a clear mirror he reflects on. Not only dusting the mirror,
		but to him, this mirror is nothing at all. The heart tells all. Like a mirror,
		each action reflects your thought. If the heart is pure then the thought
		remains pure. Each action with pureness will benefit man too. Do not
		think of yourself as a savior, but rather regard yourself as a tool.
		Something that reflects the Truth to man, thereby giving opportunity for all
		man alike. Thus, you are like netting the fishes and bringing them along.
		Listen to this stanza and open yourself to it:
		Like a pail of water, it refreshes the mind
		The waterfall seen by all,
		a feeling of freshness then belongs.
		Like the cleansing pool going strong,
		cool and lasting it belongs.
		The teachings that truly belong,
		like a gust of wind blowing here and there,
		yet benefiting all man.
		Human may change,
		the waterfall may stop its flow,
		but nothing can stop the wind from blowing strong.
		KUAN YIN (Goddess of Mercy)
		Keenly one looks on for the Light
		Unaccustomed to its sight
		Another chapter, another Light
		Note of each truth told
		You walk this Journey many a time
		In which your memory not told
		Not to worry about the past
		THINK only of the future fruits
		OF which harvest must take place
		BEINGS will then again be told of this Truth.
		CHAPTER6
		THE MERCIFUL ONE
		Temptations from various sides
		Having confronted you again and again
		Endless is to the misty mind
		Making fresh approach in cultivation
		Enlarge the circle of knowledge
		Remain with stillness no matter what comes
		Calmly one will go through a storm
		Introduce the Truth to mankind
		Fulfill the expectation of the ABOVE
		Understand the teachings deeply
		Looking upon it as a guide
		Onto the New Shore you set foot
		Never to return to Samsara again
		Expectation to realization comes with work alone.
		The journey West is hard, yet it was conquered by the Venerable
		Tsun. From the West to the East, the teachings came without a word,
		but those with pureness will see the Truth. From there, the work began.
		Mountains after mountains, he crossed the path, only to be confronted
		at the River. To many who crossed this path they did not know to
		move ahead or retreat. With great determination, they overcame all
		difficulties and continued with the task. Be pure in mind and still in thought,
		as tranquility one sees, problems are solved again. Cultivate, cultivate,
		this seems to be the thought. One method after another, yet result is not
		seen. Where lies the fault? Think back about the time you first decided
		to take up the road. How did it begin and who gave the push? Think of
		the present and see if you have achieved. If you think so, what is the
		achievement you see?
		The eyes see only the form.
		Formless things they see not.
		Surrounding your very being,
		exists the supporter of life.
		One neither sees nor feels,
		but without it,
		one will surely die.
		Note the little verses and the Truth it contains and one may under-
		stand where does TAO exist. Have a fresh start and begin the step. Fulfill
		the expectations of your very existence. Be sure that your appearance is
		worthwhile. Thus, a recycle you may not see.
		Time of fall and time of rise, the cosmic surely has a way. The sail
		is a natural thing and the Journey must be fulfilled. Thinking of all
		beings' sufferings makes one feel the pain. Looking old with tears, why
		not lead the way? Struggling for the best, but what do you get? Being
		caught in between, you do not know what is the best. King of Kings,
		riches are seen. One day he must come to rest too. He rests on stone
		pillar, with grasses as blanket. Fighting so hard all the way, the eventual
		thing is the same. The wise does not bend to riches. His eyes do not
		glitter to gold. For he knows of the impermanence and he knows of the
		Truth. Thinking deeply, hopes to realize the Way for all beings. Time
		after time he is condemned, but like the carved block, he remains unharmed.
		With no thoughts of revenge, he only knows how to teach in order that the
		world may be saved. A savior, he is not, but merely the one with the lighted lamp.
		Looking from afar, the light shines brightly. Seeing it from near,
		many illusions arise. Although by right, only one light exists.
		Looking on for long, the eyes are deceived.
		The lights seem to come out from all sides.
		But which is the real lamp with its light? T
		he wise controls all senses to the best in order that he is not deceived.
		The freshness of the morning air helps to steady the mind. Its stillness
		is tranquil, peace one may find. Walking among the fresh greenery,
		pleasant is the thought within. Roaming on this new Shore, it is like a
		dream. But this Shore awaits you and those who sail across the suffering
		sea.
		As a fresh start of cultivation was stated, this Book may take on a
		change. Use your wisdom to see. The Journey is stated in between.
		Though not spoon-fed, yet the food and essence remain. How much one
		grasp depends on what one sees.
		CHAPTER 7
		TAO TER CHING
		TAO is endless and without sight
		All TAO cannot be really told
		Only to be felt by all
		TAO with virtues combined into one
		Every movement in accordance with course
		Remaining within the lighted Path
		Coming and walking the Way
		Holding onto the very Truth of life
		In which one may really find
		Noble is the work of TAO
		Gaining its truth definite is the way.
		The mystic of life is such that all have their opposite effect. If one
		sees good, one will surely see bad. The opposing force surrounds, but the
		Truth remains. A path that can be told is not the Path. A Tao that can be
		seen is not the real TAO. How can man differentiate the real and the unreal?
		Let this Old Master tell you how.
		The way though unseen, its existence is real. The point pointing to
		heart, is the point that feels. Knowing its existence, seek within to find.
		For the real point, no Master will tell. Know the Will of Heaven, fulfilling
		its desire for beings. Searching a million ‘Li’ for Master, it is better to
		seek within. The point of Light is shown. The brilliance awaits its release.
		The shine of peace and serenity may again light up all land. The Journey
		has been pointed out, but movement belongs to man. Reading helps to
		enlighten, but enlightenment through realization will stay. Deeply search
		for the angle, but waste not life away. Time flies with the minutes,
		nothing can turn it back. The TAO is just in front, reach out with sincerity.
		TAO is given with conditions too. For when one sees TAO, one must see virtues too.
		The road and the vehicle are given, only a driver is lacking. With the right combination,
		this vehicle will move along the way.
		Tamper not with work of nature
		All nature must have a course
		Only through fulfillment things may end
		Tying the Heavenly knots again
		Sailing in the right Path
		Use all means to reach the Land.
		The hill is green and the sky is blue. The place, though serene, yet
		unreal it seems. The real comes with illusions rushing into the mind.
		Treat all as unreal, a cool calmness remains in mind. What is unreal does
		not harm, yet through the unreal, reality is seen. TAO is such and no
		thing can change. One day you see, but the next day you lose sight of it.
		Through such trial period, the self must take charge, holding the fort
		until you see again.
		In a dream-like state, one moves along the Path. Seeing this and
		that, a mind is filled with fear, not knowing which door to open and
		where to enter. Let the 'point' be opened, next, realization will lead.
		Knowing the TAO, knowing the Way, practise with great diligence. The
		virtues will help one gain. Under all circumstances, the virtues must be
		kept, linking them with the TAO. From afar an illuminating pagoda is
		seen. This may be the destination, yet it is only half the way.
		LIU TUNG PIN (One of the Eight Immortals)
		Looking at the Master's words
		In which a lot are told
		Using all means to teach
		Taking on all students' heart
		Unperturbed the mind must remain
		Nothing must be nailing the heart
		Getting the Path right from the start
		Placing all truth that may teach
		Into the ditch and out again
		Never allow the inner point be lost.
		Looking from all angles no matter where I stand, the world is still
		the same. All beings suffer too. Though some receive heavier sentence,
		yet the heart is not lost. Some are not that poor but the heart is lost
		Poverty should not be the problem. It should not make oneself lost. 0ne
		may face poverty but the thought must be rich. Allow your senses to be
		free from all dust that settles in. Let it have a starting point, so that
		Truth may remain. The whole part of a human body is but a lump of
		dead flesh. Only the spirit keeps the life going and without it, where
		would you stand? Therefore, no matter what one faces, the spirit must
		always remain. Let this 'self teach you more. Teach the physical body
		what it really is. Mingle with the right group in order that the 'self’ is
		not stained. The purity means a lot and with it a lot are told. Allow your
		heart to be cleansed and in a few lines I explain more.
		Seeking the pool of cleansing
		Of which purity one seeks
		Opening the Path for all alike
		Never go back to the old path again.
		Yesterday's dirt all cleaned off
		Amend and begin the Way
		Noting the Path as a fresh start
		Getting nearer as the Old Master guides
		Telling a story about TAO
		Unless you understand
		Not seeing anything at all
		Getting only a blur image
		Probably it is an illusion
		In seeing the right way
		Note of the inner glow.
		CHE FATT (JiGong)
		Coming to close this chapter
		Hoping students know all
		Every teacher has his essence
		Future delivery may be more
		A point, a dot pointing deep
		Taking the point and you know all
		Telling the Path as it is told
		Deliver all beings out of suffering sea.
		CHAPTER 8
		LAO TZE
		Looking at the life of the mortals
		A lot of dust has settled on
		Only cultivation will cleanse the heart
		Taking up the task of training
		Zen leads to realization of nothingness
		Every step leads to a new stage.
		Search for the Way to cultivate,
		taking all worldly dust away.
		Remove all the desire of senses and
		use only wisdom to lead the way.
		Take up the Zen-way of learning,
		holding perfection in insight.
		Tamper not with the senses,
		however, work to appease them.
		A look at the many methods,
		temptation will surely be seen.
		Cease all the unwanted movements and
		awaken to the Great Truth again.
		Nothingness exists right from the beginning,
		bringing in harmony to it.
		Everything begins from one, two, three and
		multiple are born from this.
		Only through a real stage of nothingness
		will lead one back to its real place.
		Dreaming and working, one must differentiate.
		In them, many illusions are seen.
		Setting the Truth as the Way,
		nothing may separate it.
		Owing to its first existence,
		Truth will always remain.
		THE TRUTH A NAME GIVEN TO A THING IS NOT AN
		EVERLASTING NAME
		Trial and error come with time
		Hoping that all will understand the Way
		Everlasting is the Truth told today
		Time of cultivation must now take place
		Results depend on how one works
		Unless purity and nothingness achieved
		Taking all these as symbol
		Hold fast onto this Truth again
		A cultivation life works in harmony
		Nothing should even disrupt it
		A step nearer to the Way
		Making all alighted dust be wiped away
		Every movement is Zen on its own
		Getting nearer tranquil is the mind
		Icy wind does not chill your heart
		Victory over the hot Sun too
		Ever steady is the cultivated heart
		Nothing will move it yet Truth realized
		Towards the way of an empty mind
		Only the Truth may open its heart
		Along the line, follow the Way
		Taking all lightly as the wind
		Holding nothing for own personal gain
		Into the way of real emptiness
		Note its beginning of all things
		Gaining the knowledge with an enlightened heart
		In a sleep one seems to be
		Seeing again it is another thing
		Noting the brilliance that guides the Way
		Onto the guided door of life again
		Towards the end of the whole Journey
		At the tranquil sight one feels free
		Nothing could take this peace away
		Every downfall depends only on way
		Victory over oneself is most important
		En-route though temptation to fall in
		Role played by human alone
		Leading to success or destruction of all
		A single merit gained to help
		Seeing that the light is again seen
		Timely cultivation helps the sufferings
		In which a storm is calmed
		Nothingness one always remains
		Get to the bottom in order to gain
		No one may cultivate this Path for you
		Attached to nothing and learn the mystic way
		Making all possibilities to understand the Truth
		Everlasting is one who achieves this Great Way.
		Sitting on my clouds, one knows not of the name. Looking downward
		at the mortal's life, what has one really gained? Jewels and gold,
		fame and name are these not only passing things? Achieve the Way and
		realize the Truth. Be aware of all things. Seek the life of an Immortal.
		Nothing is impossible. If the heart wants to do it, allow the Zen-way to
		help, or through methods of purity. Sitting like an empty 'block' yet one
		is aware of all things. Realize its Truth and understand all factual things.
		Where you come from and how you go back? All these knowledge one
		may gain. Virtuous deed performed without being asked is indeed a great
		virtuous act. Virtue performed through asking is at least reasonable.
		Virtuous action done through pestering, only a fool will do it.
		LIU TUNG PIN (One of the 18 Immortals)
		Letting treasures escape from the basket
		In which a dream it will remain
		Use your wisdom of understanding to judge
		Tune in so that one may see
		Until one reaches, never stop
		Netting in the knowledge
		Gaining through the Truth taught
		Placing cultivation in daily life
		Improve on all ways too
		Never cease even though calamities befall
		Setting your own goal for once
		Offer the Truth to all beings
		Onto the Journey of cultivation again
		Nothingness is really nothing to laugh about
		You see it and some merely don't
		Arise and may all follow suit
		Neglect no one and leave no one behind
		Gentle pushing and encourage all to move along.
		River seeks a downward flow,
		swift and fast it moves.
		Holes and rocks are no hurdles,
		but singing softly it moves on.
		The pasture is green with beauty,
		serene and nice to look at.
		Yet one day all must go,
		only yellowish stalks remain.
		Nothing exists with permanence.
		Attachment leads to disappointment.
		Through hope, one sees disappointment.
		Through comparison, one blames fate.
		Instead of mourning its losses,
		why not detach from all these?
		Wipe off worldly dust and
		let purity set in to guide.
		Things are ever changing and so is your body.
		Changing it as changing clothes,
		why not cultivate and learn the Truth?
		In this way of attainment,
		to reach its ultimate,
		one changes not like the clothes.
		LI TI QUAY (One of the 18 Immortals)
		Looking at beauty, ugliness is seen
		In actuality, what is the difference?
		Taking all things alike
		In which there is neither you nor I
		Quick succession of pure thinking
		Understanding that all are passing things
		A way to improve on the cultivated Path
		You should see nothing really exists.
		Old and young alike to the ABOVE, all need the same things to
		survive. Coming from the same root, only in a different direction it
		moves, but the main root remains. If survival were to be met, no part of it