Scrolls of Yeshu from Dunhuang ~ Translated from the Dunhuang Scrolls by Eva Wong, Zhao Xiao Min, & Martin Palmer
Essene scrolls found in Tibetan monastery
The Sutra of the Teachings of the World-Honored One, Third Part
The World-Honored One said: If someone gives alms, they should do it in the knowledge of the World-Honored One. Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing pay no attention to outsiders but worship the One Sacred Spirit. The One will Become visible to you, and then you should worship only the One.
Don't hesitate when you pray. Ask first for forgiveness for your sins and at the same time forgive those who have sinned against you. The Heavenly Ruler above will forgive you as you forgive others.
If you have a treasure, do not store it on earth where it can decay or be stolen. Instead present it to heaven where it will not rot or be stolen.
People think there are two important things under Heaven. The first is God and the second is money. If you have no money you won't have food or clothing. You'll be as anxious for your family as if they were a child attacked by robbers, anxious about there security.
I say to you: seek just one thing. There is only one sacred spirit who forgives all-if you need clothing you will be clothed. Don't worry about these things. The One knows what you need, If a disciple of the One makes a request to God, it will be granted. All ultimately belongs to the One Sacred Spirit. At birth everyone is given a heavenly soul and the Five Attributes, and at the appropriate time food, drink or clothing is provided. The Sacred Spirit has no need of these. Watch the birds; they don't plant or harvest, and they have no houses to worry about. They do no work yet are fed and watered and never worry about what to wear, because the One cares for them. You are more important than the birds, so why do you worry?
Be aware of your own qualities and how they relate to others, especially what you see as their failings. Look for the best in others and correct what is worst in yourself. Otherwise it is as if you were trying to take a speck of dust our of someone else's eye while all the time you had a great beam of wood in your own. We need to get rid of the beam in your eye.
Tell the truth in all circumstances, but do not cast truth before swine, because they cannot appreciate it. Doing so won't ring you any benefits and may rouse them to anger; don't you know this? Ask the One and you will receive. Knock on the door and it will be opened. Anybody who sincerely asks something of the One Sacred Spirit will receive it. Knock and the door will open: but if you don't receive what you requested, or the door is not opened, it is because what you asked for isn't right for you. No matter how hard you ask, you won't be given what is bad for you.
If ordinary people make decisions like this because they love you, how much more will your Father, the Compassionate One, do so also! He is the One who decides maybe yes maybe no. There are two issues here. Parents decide what is appropriate for their children; the One decides not on what is wise, or unwise but only on the basis of who is righteous and who is not. They cannot be reconciled. Those above help those below, but if you don't receive what you asked for it'll be for good reasons. You cannot be given things that are wrong for you.
Act toward others as you would have them act toward you, and do for others what you would have them do for you. Don't follow the evil way, but go the way of the King's Entrance and find Heaven. Few have achieved this. Others travel the broad path and have a great time, but it leads to the Earth Prisons.
Some will try to teach you bad ways, but good and evil can be told apart. It is for this reason that the Law has been revealed, The Messiah knew all this and acted accordingly. He shone brightly for three years and six months. He was a student at home until he was killed by being hung on high. There was a Jew who had been a follower but then set his hand against him. The Messiah predicted his death three days beforehand. Any who wish to live after death and go to Heaven can now do so. The Holy acted in a short time to show people what to believe. He taught over three years and sic months, after which it is a matter of believing yourself.
The Jews trapped him and he spoke of his understanding of who he really wad. He said "I am the Messiah." They said "How dare he say this! He is not the Messiah-not the true Messiah. He is mad and should be arrested. Can you do this?" He went to Bethlehem. This was in the time of Caesar. Even if Caesar had not arrested him he could not have avoided death. He was arrested and tried according to the strict law of the land, and hung up on high. Judged by the law he was condemned to be hung up on high. Caesar said "You people say he must die, according to the law, because of what he said concerning who he was in himself." They said "Who in truth can say 'I am the World-Honored One.' This must stop."
Such deceit and problems are not unique. This is how the story has always gone. The first man is the one from whom we all descend. Is it not from his faults that our faults arise? Who can say "I am the World-Honored One?" Wouldn't people see through that straightaway? The first man disobeyed the Honored One's Command and ate freely. The effect of this disobedient act. eating freely, was a change of heart. He began to see himself as able of being equal to the Lord, as enlightened as the World-Honored One. As a result he was no longer in accord.
Anybody who says "I am a god" should die. The Messiah is not the Honored One. Instead. through his body he showed the people the Honored One. He showed the holy transformation beyond all previous reckoning. What he brought was not from being human, but came directly from the Honored One. He showed love to all around him, but the tempter tempts, and this causes problems. This is why the teachings were brought.
As a lamb goes silently to be slaughtered so he was silent, not proclaiming what he had done, for he had to bear in his body the punishment of the Law. Out of love he suffered so that what Adam had caused should be changed by this, While his Five Attributes passed way, he did not die but was released again after his death. Thus is it possible for even those who fail to live after death. Through the holy wonders of the Messiah all can escape becoming ghosts. All of us are saved by his works. You don't need strength to receive him, but he will not leave you weak and vulnerable, without qi [Life Breath].
Through the motions of the Law he was hung on high at the appointed time. At that moment the earth shook and the mountains erupted. The stone rolled away and the beautiful cloth that hung there was ripped in two from top to bottom, as a result of this Holy Event. The virtuous and blessed dead rose from their tombs and the dead walked abroad, seen by many. He was with them for fourteen days in one month. Not a single day passed without them seeing him. Three days had passed since the Holy Event. People cannot see when they dwell in darkness. They can only see and hear when the Holy Event opens their eyes and ears. Because the Messiah was hung up on high he begged to be given firm existence again. It is all as written.
There was a man who was related to the Messiah. He served the World-Honored One and was called Yaoxi [Joseph of Arimathaea]. He was a judge of the law of the land and he asked for the corpse. He wrapped him in a new cloth and buried him in a fresh graveyard where a new tomb had been carved into the side of a mountain. A huge stone was rolled in front of the tomb and a seal stamped upon it. The Jewish men also placed a guard. They said "He said he would rise from the dead after three days. Beware his students will come for his body. They must not be allowed to steal it and then go telling everyone he is alive."
As a result the Jewish men guarded the tomb for three days, watching the sealed place carefully. There were female followers of the Messiah and there women all saw the following. Bt the tomb stood a flying Immortal sent by the World-Honored One and dressed in white, as white as snow. He appeared by the guards, coming down from Heaven to stand beside the great stone. The guards went into the tomb but could not find the body. The flying immortal told them to go and tell the Jews what they had seen. The Jews bribed the guards to keep silent about what they had seen, but the guards spoke of what the One had done, that the Messiah had risen from the dead.
Some women followers, obeying the law, came to where the tomb was. A number of Jews also came at dawn on the third day to the same place. It shone with bright light and the Messiah had gone. The women went to tell all hid other students what they had witnessed. As the first woman caused the lies of humanity, so it was women who first told the truth about what had happened, to show all that the Messiah forgave women and wished them to be treated properly in future, for he appeared and confirmed all they had said. He came to them all at their place of prayer, so that his students, and then the whole world, should know the truth. Everyone who saw it went away talking of this.
His disciples knew what to do. He told them "Go out and teach everyone, baptize them in water and sign them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Pure Wind to observe everything I have taught. Know this: I shall be with you until the End of Time."
It is revealed that the Messiah remained here for thirty days after he had risen form the earth. He taught "You have authority over all living things and will be understood by all." He promised that the Pure Wind would come from Heaven on those that asked. He was seen in a bright light and then he went into Heaven. A Mighty Compassionate Wind came with true kindness, to perform the great and holy transformation. Everyone saw this.
But evil spirits were roused to evil actions and maliciously attacked all that humanity had been given, throwing everything down to the ground, destroying all that had been gained. The World-Honored One was distressed, and the evil spirits raised their hands against the people, causing terrible suffering and driving them away from the World-Honored One.
Yet all who have faith will be saved. Those who have no faith, this is because the evil spirits make it impossible for them to see. Everyone can see the enlightenment. The True Las brings the religion to those who trust. So have no fear, not even of death; you will live as the Messiah lives. Those who believe will be raised after death from the Yellow Springs [Afterlife], every one of them. Ten days after the Messiah ascended to Heaven, he sent the Pure Wind upon his disciples. From Heaven he observed the enlightenment the Pure Wind brought to his disciples. It came as fire upon them. Through the Pure Wind they were inspired to go out and take the true faith to all. They took the teachings of the Messiah and helped people see the World-Honored One, who sent the One from the Father to come down from Heaven. This was the Holy One, the One who suffered for us and brought us freedom. He died, but after three days he escaped from the hold of death, through the action of the World- Honored One’s qi. Nothing like this has ever been heard of before.
Everything in the world has been created for the Messiah. Before him nobody had ever heard of the dead returning to life. Through this Law all can be raised back to life from the Yellow Springs, to live forever, after judgment. Every living thing will be judged.
Those who accept the words of the Messiah will live in his realm. Worship the World-Honored One and you dwell with the Messiah and the Father in the Heavenly Palace. This will be such joy and happiness, nothing will pass and nothing change. The One who was sent was sent by the Father, the World-Honored One. If you do not worship him, you will end up worshipping evil spirits. You will be impure and unclean, and you will be dragged into the darkness of the Earth Prisons. From there you canot return to the Good Place but must dwell with thee Great Evil Ghost. [Satan]
To show enlightenment he descended from heaven and taught the true religion so truth would prevail. His disciples were not just men but were created by the World-Honored One. In the name of the Messiah these disciples healed & tended to the sick.
The Great Evil Ghost called Pa To, who lives on the dead, turn the world against the disciples and stirred up trouble for them. He pursued the disciples across the face of the earth. They even seized the Jews. He instituted terrible persecutions of both young and old.
Bethlehem is in the land of the Jews, that, is in the West. And here even the king turned against the truth, saying that he was Lord. The Jews were defeated, many killed or scattered across the world, helping to make more disciples for the Messiah. Those who declared for the World-Honored One and served the World-Honored One were hated; yet most people just wanted to continue to believe.
Most of the Messiah’s disciples were martyred and their nation was destroyed. Consequently many followed with greater enlightenment and saw the True Way. This Holy Event was for all on earth, and came from the World-Honored One’s. People need to do right and avoid wrong. The World-Honored One seeks to save all; this is what all the kings and founders of holiness have sought. But in Bethlehem and in Persia the believers were killed and even laws passed against them. Those who protested were destroyed. Those who survived in Bethlehem did so only because of the World-Honored One. The Evil Ghost makes people create false deities, but the World-Honored One sent the Messiah. The World-Honored One caused the Holy Event to touch many throughout the world. Thus did all become clear and falsehood disappear. Seeing this, the Messiah came down from Heaven. This physical manifestation took place 641 years ago and now everyone across the world believes. All can see what has been achieved. You may have been taught that people cannot save themselves. This is why the Heavenly Honored One sends the spirit force to all places to save everyone. It goes to all that live and teaches the truth. This is different from what the various deities and spirits do.
The Messiah chose ordinary people to be his disciples. The true religion comes from Heaven and I teach it. Know this. This is not the way of the Holy Founders and Kings. They chose their disciples from the rich and powerful, and control things through petty people. The Messiah follows the true Law of prayer and liturgy. All will be done, and everyone will know that this is what the One Sacred Spirit wills. This holy law is of the house of the One Sacred Spirit. The One Sacred Spirit will save anybody who wants to be saved. The soul returns to Heaven if it obeys the path of the Law—this is, not to trick people fool or deceive, and not to say false things or do wicked acts. This is the Law. Those who wander from the True Way are sinful and follow not the path of the One Sacred Spirit, but rather a false Way. It is possible to return to the truth, though, for the World-Honored One can bring you back.
There is no other True Way that people can walk. Any other way is judged to be false. Its followers are as bad as those who worship the sun, moon, stars or even the fire gods. The follow the evil spirits, and will go to the fiery Earth Prisons forever. This is because they need greater faith. If they don’t follow the One Sacred Spirit, they will dwell with evil spirits and other hell-dwellers and ghosts. This is as written in the Sutras drawn from the true Law teachings of the One Sacred Spirit.
When the time comes for all life to end, evil spirits will seize people and judgment will come from Heaven for all to see. All that is wrong will increase. This is why the One Sacred Spirit took a body and came teaching, saying, "I am the Messiah. For three and a half years I came. For three and a half years I struggled with the wicked deeds of the evil ones, and everyone could see this clearly."
Now act virtuously and those who have no faith will be unable to withstand the judgment of the Heavenly Honored One. These are the evil ghost spirits. All this is the Messiah and the One Sacred Spirit watch closely from Heaven. When the world ends, the dead will be raised and judged. Those who believe the teachings, who act virtuously and whose hearts follow the True Way will go to Heaven. There you will be happy forever.
Those who know of the True Way of the One Sacred Spirit and have read the Good Book, but do not follow this or the One Sacred Spirit’s commands, will dwell with evil spirits and ghosts in the Earth Prisons, and serve the evil ghosts forever. In these Earth Prisons they will suffer in a great fire which burns without end. Listen to this, you who wish to be saved. Know that what you have heard is true. If there is anyone not willing to receive this grace, think on your soul and body and their fate. Anybody displeased, who does not listen, will be cast out and dwell forever with the evil spirits in the Earth Prisons.
The Second Sutra: The Sutra of Cause, Effect, and Salvation
The question is asked: What is the cause of human beings?
The answer is: Humanity is created both by that which can be seen and that which can not.
What causes the visible and the invisible?
Everything under heaven consists of four elements: earth, water, fire, and wind. All brought about by the Sacred Spirit.
The question is asked: Of what are the four elements made?
The answer is given: There is not one thing under heaven which has not been created, and there is not a single creation which was not made by the One Sacred Spirit: Without the Sacred Spirit, nothing would have been brought into existence. It is like building a house: the very first thing needed is a place to build. In this way the One Sacred Spirit caused existence to inhabit a space. It happened because the One Sacred Spirit looked with compassion on all life.
The One Sacred Spirit clearly distinguishes the visible and the invisible – Heaven and Earth: In causing existence, the Sacred Spirit is like the wind: being a spirit, nothing can be touched, nothing can be seen. But you can see the effects of the One Sacred Spirit; you can see everything it brings into existence. Nothing else can do this.
The One Sacred Spirit made a vast multitude of beings. Everything under heaven is filled with this Sacred Spirit. Creatures such as the worm or the deer cannot understand speech and do not know their origins. There are multitudes, but no two or three are alike.
Not everything under heaven is visible. People sincerely believe that the invisible is the gracious action of the spirits. But it is important to distinguish the multitude of living things because no spirit could create such diversity. So many millions of beings, visible and invisible, each containing two characteristics created by the One Sacred Spirit. All people have these two aspects. The first has no understanding of the teaching; the other does. If they were one, would there be any understanding? Without there being the two, how could the Sacred Spirit create human beings? No one knows. Everything under heaven has these two qualities created by the Sacred Spirit. The One Sacred Spirit made the Two. Everything under heaven has two natures, and everything is united under Heaven. The two natures are body and sacred spirit. These two reside in all existence under heaven. It is not only Heavenly Spirit, it is body as well. But the body only lives for a short time whilst the heavenly soul lives on in the power of the One Sacred Spirit and never decays. It is the power of the One Sacred Spirit which animates all people.
The soul has five Skandas. These are form, perception, consciousness, action, and knowledge. Everyone can see, hear and speak. Without eyes you cannot see, without hands you cannot act, without feet you cannot walk. Just as one and two are united, so is everything mutually dependent. The sun and fire are two united in one. Fire emerges from the sun. They share one nature, but without the sun there is no fire. They are of the same whole yet are different for the sun never dies whilst the fire needs wood to keep burning. It has no inherent light of its own. Fire is not self-generating. Yet the sun is; it is different from fire. The power of the One Sacred Spirit is like this. Different but the same. The same but different. Thus the Sacred Spirit is different from human existence.
The soul of a human being can only exist because of the Five Skandas. Without the Five Skandas, there is no soul, No other Sacred Spirit can do this. Only by being clothed in the physicality of the Five Skandas can the soul saver the beauties and wonders of existence. The soul needs to be physically clothed. The soul dwelling in the body is like the wheat seeds from which spring not just wheat but more wheat seeds. The earth is like the Five Skandas. The grain is put into the ground and is thus able to grow. It produces more seed. This is natural and requires neither manure not water, just a gentle breeze. This is like the soul and the body. It does not require food, drink, or clothes.
Heaven and Earth will pass away and the ghosts of the dead will come back to life. The souls of the dead will once again be clothed by the Five Skandas. But this time the Five Skandas will be perfected, needing no food to sustain them nor clothing to cover them. The souls will exist in complete happiness, untouched by physical needs. It will be similar to the existence and happiness of a flying immortal, or like having the knowledge to speak with powers. Everything under heaven feels happy if body and soul are happy. Such a union of body and soul creates happiness.
A Visitor came to this world uniting body and soul: He was happy in this world without troubling His spirit. The union of body and soul was made by the Sacred Spirit of God. Just as flavor creates food, so the qi [life breath] creates the body and soul. All this comes from God. Venerate God and all will be as it should be and will become clear to you. Whatever you do in life will have its karmic impact upon your soul and will affect the physical life of the soul. The Visitor brought the Five Skandas and the soul together and dwelt in our world.
No matter how poop or inadequate the Five Skandas, they will be enhanced if the soul is rich with Karma. There can be no doubt that the Five Skandas are dependent on the bounty or otherwise of the soul’s karma. The Five Skandas are like modeling clay while the soul is the sculptor. This is why soul and body together make one being.
To know the Sacred Spirit is true knowledge. But the world does not understand this. This is not surprising because both knowledge and soul were created before the world began-they are eternal, and the world is not. Knowledge and soul are as they were in the past, and ever will be.
So it was that He existed before existing in His mother’s womb. But to change your karma, you must exist in this physical world. A person can only change his karma residue by being born again into this world. Do good and you will live to be in the world beyond this world. The other world can be found by doing acts of karma in this life, by living properly in this world. This world is like a mother’s womb in which you are shaped for the world to come. All creatures should know that the karmic consequences of what is done in this life will shape the next life. All under Heaven must understand this clearly. It is clear in this world: all eyes can see and can see clearly, all manner of sounds can be heard by those alert enough to do so. All kinds of fragrant smells can be smelled by those determined to do so and all sorts of food can be enjoyed by those whose mouths can savor the tastes. Anything can be undertaken by those with hands. But in the next world, none of this is relevant. It is only relevant to the world you enter physically through your mother’s womb and the Five Skandas can only be formed in a mother’s womb. This world is the only place to decide your next birth. There is no other way forward- do good in this world to enter the next. It cannot be done elsewhere.
Do not worship ghosts. Virtue can only be practiced in this world. The One Sacred Spirit controls
everything and you should do as the Sprit demands: good deeds in this life. This is the only world
in which you can perform good karma. Don't think about any other world. All acts of merit and
benevolence must be performed in this world, not the next. Be charitable here because in the other
world you can't be. So being aware of this, become open-handed and not tight-fisted and narrow. You
can only be charitable and generous in this world, not the next.
So rid yourself of the evil and poison in your heart and abandon all your bad thoughts and
jealousy. You can only do it in this world, not the next. With peace of mind, worship God in this
world, for it won't be possible in the next. Worship God with all your heart and your sins will be
forgiven. You can do this now, but not in the next world.
You will reap the consequences of this life in the next world, but can do nothing once
you are there. This will bring happiness it is how the One Sacred Spirit designed things and
left it for us to choose. There was no other way to free us from sins but for Him to enter this
world. So He came and suffered a life of rejection and pain before returning. To know this is to
know who He was, to know that the One Sacred Spirit became incarnate in the Holy Sacred Spirit.
Knowing this, you should do as is commanded: follow these Teachings and worship the One Sacred
Spirit. A benevolent act done in the knowledge of this suffering is the only truly benevolent act,
acceptable only by these teachings and none other.
It is like building a house. The house needs firm foundations or it will be useless. If people wish to be virtuous, they should follow the commands of the One and Only Sacred Spirit. Understand that the One Sacred Spirit presides over all existence to be venerated; strive to do what is right and be grateful for the grace you have received.
To sing praises, to chant and worship and encourage others to do so is highly virtuous. Always do good and keep your heart pure. Remain true to God. Unless you realize this, all your virtuous acts will fail just as the house without firm foundations will fall. As soon as the wind blows, the house is gone. But built on firm foundations, not even the strongest wind can conquer. Thus a virtuous deed done without understanding of God fails. In order to see the One Sacred Spirit people must keep themselves pure in heart and, as an act of grace, all will become clear.
The Five Skandas area all different. Yet the Five Skandas with body and soul are all as one; they all become strong and worship the One Sacred Spirit for their creation and for the image they have been made in. Pray and worship for eternity.
All plants have a time of growth and harvest according to the seasons. Spring and autumn, winter and summer all follow one another and the four seasons shape the year. Day and night form the cycle of twelve days of the twelve characters cycle. [This refers to the traditional Chinese system of using the twelve animal signs as names for the days in twelve-day or -year cycles.] This happens through the benevolence of the One Sacred Spirit who is holy. The wisdom of God is without origin, it is changeless and immutable. This is naturally so.
The Law and teachings of the One Sacred Spirit are better than any from our earthly rulers who call themselves Sons of Heaven. Ordinary people and those of Jewish faith know about opponents. Evil ghostly spirits try to lead people away from the true course; they make them unable to hear or see the truth. People thought they know what to do from the teachings of other spirits and deities. They did what seemed right, but they were easily confused and drawn into evil by bad spirits. They did now know how to find the true center. It is like someone who copies the good actions of other people but has no understanding of what or why he is doing it. So it is with those who do not know the Sacred Spirit. They can never have good fortune. They are like animals on all fours and their hearts area no better than such a beast’s. thus they cannot comprehend and because there is no true discernment or understanding they can find no chance of the Compassion of release. Knowing this, one can see why animals cannot comprehend and do not worship the One Sacred Spirit. They do not make sacrifices.
Evil spirits cause evil deeds. These evil spirits are truly evil. There are none better at leading foolish people astray than the evil spirits, who entice them from the true path. Some foolish people carve wood or stone and call it a sacred spirit, and this is why the evil spirits are called the enemies of humanity. If people know good from evil they will be safe, bur if not, the evil spirits will trap them. Bad deeds come from the evil spirits, but if anyone could calm these spirits and bring them to understand the truth, them they could be enlightened and all would be as happy as flying immortals.
The evil ones turn to the path of evil. Then there are the foolish ones who, despite knowing what is right, do evil acts. Such people are no better than the enemies of humanity and are foes of the One Sacred Spirit and the people. By such actions they are cast out; they lose their true home and are sent to the region where evil dwells. Thrown out of the Three Places, they dwell with the spirits. The leader of these is the one known as the Cruel Evil Ghost [Satan] which is the name foreigners give to the most powerful of evil spirits. The effect of the Evil Ghost Spirit's force is to turn people from the true way. Those who follow the ways of the spirits are called scions of the ghosts- they are like malignant spirits who turn people to the evil way. Thus they are cast out from Heaven. Evil forces blow across the world threatening all. People fall under the influence of these spirits and these evil forces oppose their good nature and stay in their homes to trap them forever. The worst of these is called San nu [Satan]. Foreigners have described this being as a ghost-it constantly strives to trap humanity.
All these evil ghosts and spirits were cast from Heaven’s light and went down the evil path.
The evil spirits hate it when people do the right things so they never cease their attacks on those who worship the One. They work endlessly to do evil and through evil to make people follow the evil way. Many foolish people are thus seduced to stop worshiping and following the One Sacred Spirit with all their heart. Their words become wicked. Such a way leads to the central of the three evil paths, guided by the evil spirits. They are doomed to be reborn into the world with a worse position in life, trapped in the 10,000 kalpas [ages] from which there is no escape from rebirth. The evil spirits concentrate on evil and only see evil and think evil.
Over and against this, in the Four Quarters under Heaven, there is the One who encourages good. Yet in the Four Quarters under Heaven there are also evil doers. They try to trick people into following the evil way, the work of evil spirits. Therefore, turn to the One Sacred Spirit and find true holiness in your actions.
The First Treatise on the Oneness of Heaven.
THE THIRD SUTRA: THE SUTRA OF ORIGINS
Every living thing comes from the One Sacred Spirit. Everything originates in the One Sacred Spirit. All that can be seen is created by the One Sacred Spirit. So it is that we know all is created by One Sacred Spirit. Everything visible and invisible is caused b the One Sacred Spirit. From this we can see that all that exists has its origin quite clearly in the One Sacred Spirit. Because of this, Heaven and Earth are stable and nothing changes. Heaven has no need of support to stop it falling down. If it wasn’t for the One Sacred Spirit, how could it stand? If the One Sacred Spirit was not, what would keep Heaven and Earth firm? This shows how the One Sacred Spirit has truly mysterious powers. No tent pole holds up Heaven yet Heaven cannot remain where it is by itself. It does so because of the One Sacred Spirit’s power. Were we to see the tent pole supporting Heaven we would believe in the One Sacred Spirit’s powers. In fact, it is the One Sacred Spirit at work.
Humanity is seen as dwelling between Heaven and Earth. Yet humanity is restless-indeed the world is a restless place. Trying to find security in this world is like looking for calm waters, but where can such calm waters be found? When the wind is still and the earth doesn’t shake or fall, we can see nothing moving. Yet the One Sacred Spirit is at work.
It is like an archer. We see the arrow fly and fall but cannot see the archer himself. Even though we cannot see the archer, the flying arrow tells us there must be one. It is the same with the One Sacred Spirit. Because we see Heaven and Earth stand secure and firm we know that the One Sacred Spirit exists. We cannot see the One who holds up Heaven and Earth but we know that suck a One must exist. An arrow falls to the ground once it has used up the force it was given by the archer. Likewise by seeing that Heaven and Earth remain stable and do not fall we know the power of the One Sacred Spirit is still at wok in all life. Heaven and Earth exist because of the One Sacred Spirit. This is not the work of and other spirit.
No one can see the Sacred Spirit but there are two aspects. These can be compared to having hands and feet: one on the right, one on the left; two up, two down, with no difference between them. That is what it is like with the two aspects. From the One Sacred Spirit the other spirit came but with nothing to differentiate it from the One Sacred Spirit-like hands and feet. The One Sacred Spirit contains all. There is no second or third. Uncreated, unborn: it is impossible to see the One who holds up Heaven and Earth but we can see that the One Sacred Spirit feeds and sustains all life. As there is one master in the house, so there is one heavenly soul in each body. More than one master in a house is not good. Likewise each person only has one heavenly soul in their body. It is not possible to survive if one has two or three. One master per house, not two or three.
So it is that there is One Sacred Spirit to sustain Heaven and Earth, not two or three. One sacred Spirit to contain Heaven and Earth, invisible as the heavenly soul in the body. No one can see the heavenly soul in the body though everyone would like to see the heavenly soul. The Great Holy Intelligence is as the Void: emptiness and thus invisible. The One Sacred Spirit itself is as all-pervasive as the heavenly soul is all-pervasive through the body. All below Heaven have but One Sacred Spirit, whose palace is Heaven and who is intangible. The One Sacred Spirit is not confined to one place, is not to be found in two or three places. The One Sacred Spirit is everywhere, between one moment and another in two places at once as if here and Persia or between Persia and Bethlehem. The being and actions of the One Sacred Spirit are everywhere, no beginning and no end. Creation is like this also- no beginning and no end. This power is without boundaries-arising from wu wei-actionless action and from creationless creation- there being no stage one and stage two. So the One Sacred Spirit is the embodiment of wu wei, originless origin, and nonsubstantial substance.
Therefore do not ask whether all that is is also partaker of this wu wei, this beginningless beginning, this absence of sense, timeless in time. The One Sacred Spirit simply is, existing in wu wei, being in beinglessness and beyond touch. Existing in nonexistence never extinguished into nonbeing. All that exists does so as the manifestation of the beingness of the One Sacred Spirit. The One Sacred Spirit exists and moves in perpetuity. One Sacred Spirit is uncreated and is the essence of all existence and can never be emptied.
All under Heaven can see this though some claim not to just as some can discern the heavenly soul. Some have this understanding, others do not. Those who understand can see the two aspects, the two seeds of being: the heavenly soul and the sacred spirit. The human being and the Spirit come from one root. The Spirit and heavenly soul create the true human being. No body, no human being; mo heavenly soul, no human being; no Sacred Spirit, no human being. Nothing to be seen under heaven exists of itself. This is the meaning of two aspects, one root. The visible world is one aspect, the invisible One Sacred Spirit is the other aspect. There is no existence without the nonexisting, unending Spirit. All that lives does so by the One Sacred Spirit. Untold numbers. And all go back to the Four Elements….
THE FOURTH SUTRA: THE SUTRA OF JESUS CHRIST
At this time the Messiah taught the laws of God, of Yahweh. He said: There are many different views as to the real meaning of the Sutras, and on where God is, and what God is, and how God was revealed.
The Messiah was orbited by the Buddhas and arhats[disciples of the Buddha who have attained semidivine status]. Looking down he saw the suffering of all that is born, and so he began to teach.
Nobody has seen God. Nobody has the ability to see God. Truly, God is like the wind. Who can see the wind? God is not still but moves on the earth at all times. He is in everything and everywhere. Humanity lives only because it is filled with god’s life-giving breath. Peace comes only when you can rest secure in your own place, when your heart and mind rest in God. Day in, day out there you exist in contentment, open to where you may be led. God leads the believer to that place of contentment and great bliss.
All great teachers such as the Buddhas are moved by this Wind and there is nowhere in the world where this Wind does not reach and move. God’s Palace is in this place of peace and happiness yet he knows the suffering and actions of the whole world.
Everyone in the world knows how the Wind blows. We can hear it but not see its shadow. Nobody knows what it really looks like, whether it is pleasing to look upon or not, nor whether it is yellow, white, or even blue. Nobody knows where the Wind dwells.
God’s sacred spirit force allows him to be in one place, but where it is nobody knows, or how to get there. God is beyond the cycle of death and birth, beyond being called male or female. God made both Heaven and Earth. God’s sacred spirit force has never been fully manifested. This power can grant longevity and lead to immortality.
When people are afraid they call on Buddha’s name. Many folk are sadly ignorant. God is a sacred spirit force. God is always beside the believer. There are the Sutras. People say they know who god is but they do not. It is in Buddha’s nature to bestow grace, and with this grace comes also a deep, clear understanding that lifts us above folly. This way anybody can attain Heaven, even if he is not a scholar. The sacred spirit power of god works in everybody, bringing all to fullness. All existence is an act of grace, every physical form is created, God has brought everything into being. Everything is born, dies, and decays, returning into the earth and continued suffering.
All that has life, know in your hearts that this is so and by grace understand how to do that which is good. Everything that is born must die. Everything that lives exists only because the Winds give it life. When it is time for life to end, the Winds depart from the body. A person’s heart and mind are not their own, bur are created by the Winds. The Winds’ departure is a time of great distress, but nobody can see the Winds at that time. Nobody can see them because they have no form, no color, not red or green or any other. The Winds of Life are invisible. The path is unknown. Similarly, people want to know where God is. The path is unknown, and so it is impossible to see God.
Only the virtuous can enter into the presence of god, can see god, it is not possible for everyone to see god, those who are blessed and fortunate can feel God close by, but those who do evil will remain sunk in evil. People must first understand that God cannot be seen, and never has been seen. So the question arises: How can anyone practice the correct way to be blessed? If they avoid the Way of Earth, of Hell, they can attain the Way of Heaven. However, even if they do attain the Way of Heaven, it is still easy for them to sink into the Way of Evil again.
If what they do does not show wisdom, then they are not well. There is a great, a very great, distance between Heaven and Earth. Some lives are shaped by evil. Those who put their souls into serving the nation receive mush wealth as a reward, but those who live wicked lives, not doing what is ordered by the Power of Heaven, will never achieve success or a good post. Instead they will be exiled, to die in ignominy. Is this not the Power of Heaven? All such evil stems from the first beings, and the disobedience in the fruitful garden. All that lives is affected by the karma of previous lives. God suffered terrible woes so that all should be freed from karma, for nobody is beyond the reach of this Buddha principle. Those who do good will be blessed and fortunate, but those who do evil will suffer.
Foolish people make wooden statues of camels, cows, horses, and so non. They may make them seem very lifelike and worship them, but this does not really bring them to life. If you can understand all this, then understand the process of karma’s cause and effect. This is a gift unique to human beings. In today’s world there are so many who create images of people, of scholars and gurus. They think this makes them like God, but they cannot give life to their creations. They really are confused! They make gold, silver, or bronze statues of spirits, then venerate them. They even make wooden statues of the spirits, people, and animals. But no matter how much the human statue looks like a human, or the horse statue like a horse, or the cow statue like a cow, or the donkey statue like a donkey, they cannot walk, they cannot speak, they cannot eat or drink. They have no real flesh, or skin, or organs, or bones. Even though these statues cannot talk, everybody today wants to talk to them. If you eat something, you should know by its taste and smell whether it is good or bad.
Only somebody who truly worships God can teach the Sutras and expound the texts. Someone who fears punishment does what is right, and tells others to9 do likewise. God loves such a one, and they are known as one who follows God’s Law. However, somebody who knows in their heart the right way to follow, but does not do good and encourages others not to do good, is unacceptable to God. Such people are trapped by luxuries and illusions, too preoccupied with appearances, too attracted to life’s pleasures, and they are following the wrong path. Such people will end up in the hands of King Yama, God of Judgment and Rebirth. But even those who accept the teachings of God, who often say "I obey God," who teach others to obey God, should tear God. Be watchful every day of slipping. Remember all life depends on God. Everybody should seek the right relationship by resolving their bad actions. Life and death are controlled by the sacred spirit, and everyone should fear God.
This fear is like the fear of the Emperor. The Emperor is who he is because of his previous lives which have led to his being placed in this fortunate position. He is chosen by God, so cannot call himself God, because he has been appointed by God to do what is expected. This is why the people obey the Emperor, and this is right and proper. Everyone should obey the Commands. If anybody disobeys then they are punished. Wise people understand this and teach others to act likewise. Those are the people who live by the Precepts. If you do not fear God, even if you live by the Law of the Buddha, you will not be saved. Indeed, you will be counted among the traitors.
The third aspect is to fear your parents. You should honor your parents just as you honor God and the Emperor. If you honor the Emperor and not your parents then God will not bless you with good fortune.
Of these three aspects, the first and most important is to honor God. The second is to honor the Emperor. The third is to honor your parents. The whole of Heaven and Earth follows this way. Everything follows this way of respecting parents; throughout the world everything owes its existence to parents. The sacred spirits have ordained that the Emperor is born as the Emperor. We should fear God, the Sacred One, and the Emperor. Also, fear your parents and do good. If you understand the Law and Precepts, do not disobey, but instead teach all people true religion. Buddha creates Buddha’s own bitterness and suffering. Heaven and Earth have been made to show clearly the causes of creation. The Emperor should be the embodiment of enlightenment. He does what is naturally right to do. The first covenant of God is that anything that exists and does evil will be punished, especially if they do not respect the elderly.
The second covenant is to honor and care for elderly parents. Those who do this will be true followers of Heaven’s Way.
The third covenant is to acknowledge we have been brought into existence through our parents. Nothing exists without parents.
The fourth covenant is that anybody who understands the precepts should know to be kind and considerate to everything, and to do no evil to anything that lives.
The fifth covenant is that any living being should not only not take the life of another living being, but should also teach others to do likewise.
The sixth covenant is that nobody should commit adultery, or persuade anyone else to do so.
The seventh covenant is not to steal.
The eighth covenant is that nobody should covet a living man’s wife, or his lands, or his palace, or his servants.
The ninth covenant is not to let your envy of somebody’s good wife, or son, or house or gold, lead you to bear false witness against them. The tenth covenant is to offer to God only that which is yours to give.
But there is much more than this.
Do not bully those weaker than you. Do not despise those more powerful than you. If someone is hungry, even if he is your enemy, care for him, forgive and forger. If someone is hardworking, help and support him, clothe the naked. Do not abuse or try to deceive your workers, especially if you have no real work for them. To do so, and thus fail to pay them, brings suffering to their families. If you see someone abusing their workers like this, know that the sacred spirit will severely punish them.
If a poor person begs for money, give generously. If you have no money, have the courtesy to explain why you can give only a little help. If someone is seriously ill or handicapped do not mock, because this is the result of karma and not to be ridiculed. Do not laugh at poor people in rags and tatters. Do not obtain anything by deception or force. If someone is arrested tell only the truth. Never try to use false means to achieve anything. If someone who is alone, or a widow, or orphan, brings a complaint against anyone, their quest for justice should not be hindered. Do not boast or brag. Do not cause dissect and strife by picking quarrels, arguments, or fights, and do not side with one party against another.
Someone who has power and authority should not abuse it to make things go his way, so do not use your influence with authority to win a case. Keep quiet. Those who follow the precepts should be charitable and humble. Turn away from evil to good. Doing good will save you from tribulation, so do good to all. Those that do so, and follow the covenants, are those who know the precepts. If while studying the Sutras you come to believe, then you have received the precepts.
If you study, but do not believe, then you have not received the precepts. All rests ultimately with God. Our saintly ancestors, both great and small, will stand before us and judge us in the end. The first thing is to obey God. God protects all that lives; everything that lives does so as a result of this. It is forbidden to take a life even for a sacrifice, for these teachings forbid taking any life. All sacrifice and slaying of the lamb is to be offered for the sacred spirits’ blessing and forgiveness. If any living being does not follow this, does not do good or sets our to do evil in secrets, God will track them down. God will not look with compassion on those who turn away from rejecting God and doing evil. God responded by coming to promote good deeds and replace the former law.
So God caused the Cool Breeze to come upon a chosen young woman called Mo Yan, who had no husband, and she became pregnant. The whole world saw this, and understood what God had wrought. The power of God is such that it can create a bodily spirit and lead to the clear, pure path of compassion. Mo Yan gave birth to a boy and called him Ye Su, who is the Messiah and whose father is the Cool Breeze. Some people claimed they could not understand how this was possible, and said that if the Cool Breeze had made Mo Yan conceive, then such a child must have been created at the bottom of the world.
If the Emperor sends a command, all loyal citizens must obey it. God looks down in compassion from Heaven, and controls everything in Heaven and Earth. When Ye Su the Messiah was born, the whole world saw a bright mystery in the Heavens. Everybody saw from there homes a star as big as a wagon wheel. This mysterious light shone over the place where God was to be found, for at this time the One was born in the city of Wen-li-shih-ken[Jerusalem] in the orchard of But Lam[Bethlehem]. After five years had passed the Messiah began to talk. He did many miraculous and good things while teaching the Law. When he was twelve he assumed the Holy Word and began teaching.
He came to a place of running water called Shu-Nan[Jordan] so that he might be given a name. Thus he came to one called the Brother who dwelt in the wilderness and who, from his birth, had never eaten meat or drunk wine, but instead lived on vegetables and honey gathered from the wilderness.
At that time many people came to the Messiah, bringing gifts, and worshiped him. These people were deeply troubled. The Messiah went to them, bringing the precepts. When he emerged from the waters the Cool Breeze visited him from Heaven and a voice proclaimed "This is my son, obey him."
The Messiah showed everyone that the way of God is the way of Heaven. He spoke the words of the sacred spirit, telling people to renounce evil and talking about doing good. This began when he was twelve and he preached until he was thirty-two. He found people who were living evil lives and brought them back to the way of goodness, the True Way. He instructed his followers, especially his twelve disciples, and traveled the land teaching and healing. Those departed from this world were restored to life. The blind were able to see. The crippled and sick were restored and able to walk. Those troubled by ghosts had them cast out. Some of the sick were healed simply by asking, others by holding on to his gown-but all were healed.
Those who do evil, and do not recognize the True Way or the words teaching of God’s religion, as well as the unclean ones, can never be truly saved, not today or even in this generation. The scholars, fearing the Messiah, attacked and denounced him, but the people believed his holy teachings, so he could not be taken.
The evil ones schemed together, pretending to be speakers of truth and purity. They tried to slander him, but could not trap him, so they went to the great king Pilate, wanting him to kill the Messiah. The Messiah ignored all this and continued teaching the people about true religion and now to do good. He became famous.
When he was thirty-two the evil men came before the great king Pilate and were able to state their case, saying that the Messiah must die. The great king said that he would not kill him, as there seemed to be no clear case against him. The seekers of evil in this affair argued that he must die, because otherwise what would become of us?
The great king Pilate ordered water brought and washed his hands, showing the evil ones he washed his hands clean of the case. The evil ones continued to press their case until he had no option but to kill the Messiah.
The Messiah gave up his body to the wicked ones for the sake of all living beings. Through this the whole world knows that all life is as precarious as a candle flame. In his compassion he gave up his life.
The evil ones brought the Messiah to a place set apart, and after washing his hair led him to the place of execution called Chi-Chu [Golgotha]. They hung him high upon a wooden scaffold, with two criminals, one on either side of him. He hung there for five hours. That was on the sixth cleansing, vegetarian day. Early that morning there was bright sunlight, but as the sun went West, darkness came over the world, the earth quaked, the mountains trembled, the tombs opened and the dead walked. Those who saw this believed that he was who he said he was. How can anyone not believe? Those who take these words to heart are true disciples of the Messiah. As a result…
Sutra of Taking Refuge In the Trinity
"Da Qin/Syrian Christian Liturgy of Taking Refuge In The Three.
[All]: Reverence to the Great Holy Compassionate Father of All Things - Allaha!
[Priest]: "O Radiant jade Faced One exalted as the Sun and Moon. Your virtues are greater than those of all the Holy Ones and Dharma Lords -
[People]:The Laws of Compassion save us all! Echoing through the world like a tolling golden bell . . .
[Priest]: "Great Holy Law Giver
You bring us back to our original nature.
And the souls that are saved are countless:
Divine compassion lifts them up from the dust
Redeeming them from the saddened realm of ghosts.
[People]:The hundred ways bring us clarity and kind-hearted mercy.
[Priest]:Now I draw close to our Holy Compassionate Father
The One who creates salvation -
See the angelic spirits crossing the ocean of Dharma!
We know to practice peace in our hearts through you.
This whole gathering unites in singing to you, Honoured One:
[All]:The Great Law is now the Heavenly Wheel of Returning to You."
"Worship the Dharma Kings. Begin with the Sutra of Dharma King John. Then continue with the Sutra of the Psalms and the Path of Grace Sutra. On the 2nd Day in the 5th month of Hai Yun (720), Su Yun of the Da Qin Religion of Light in the Great Holy Oneness of the Dharma, a monk of the Da Qin Monastery at Shachou (Qansu), wrote this faithfully for the faithful." - Sutra of Taking Refuge
Sutra of Let Us Praise
"Invocations of the Dharma Kings and Sacred Sutras
"Let us praise Allaha - Great Father and Mysterious One
Let us praise the Messiah - the Supreme Son
Let us praise the Holy Spirit who witnesses divinity
These three Beings creating as One.
Let us praise the Dharma.
Dharma King John, Dharma King Luke
Dharma King Mark, Dharma King Matthew
Dharma King Moses, Dharma King David
Dharma King of Easter, Dharma King Paul
Dharma King of the Thousand Peacock Eyes
Dharma King Simeon, Dharma King Mar Sergius
Dharma King George, Dharma King Mar Barsauma
Dharma King Simon, and the Twenty Four
Dharma King Henana, Dharma King Hosea
Dharma King Michael, Dharma King Silas
Dharma King Gur, Dharma King announcing the teachings - John.
Let us praise:
The Constantly Bright Supreme Happiness Sutra
The Sutra of Origins
The Sutra of Subtle Peace and Happiness
The Sutra of Heavenly Treasures
The Sutra of Psalms
The Sutra of the Message of Grace
The Sutra of the Origin of Life
The Sutra of Understanding Truth
The Sutra of Precious Brilliance and of Revealing Teaching
The Sutra of Charity and the Origin of the Soul
The Sutra of Broad Teachings and of the Three Levels
The Sutra of Discipline, the Sutra of Grace
The Sutra of Proclamation
The Acts of the Apostles according to Luke
The Sutra of Paul's Dharma, and of Zaharias
The Sutra of George the Monk, and of Anichilia
The Sutra of Ceremonies, and in Praise of the Three Powers
The Sutra of the Laws of Moses, and of Elijah
The Sutra of Bethlehem, and of the Announcing Dharma King
The Sutra of the Messiah - Creator of Heaven and Earth
The Sutra of the Four Gates,a nd of Revelation
The Sutra of Mar Sergius, and of the Cross, and of Hymns
Let us praise them
[We have examined these sutras and we know that in all there are 530 belonging to the Da Qin rooted Religion. They are written in the priest's language.
In the 9th year of the Zhenguan era in the reign of the Emperor Taizong of the Tang, priest Aluoben, Bishop of the West, came to China and offered a petition to the imperial throne in his own language.
Fang Xuanling and Wei Zheng translating the liturgy and presented it. Then the Emperor ordered priest Aluoben (JingJing) to translate the 30 sutras above.
However most of the sutras remain untranslated still tied up."
- Sutra of Let Us Praise
Sutra of Returning To Your Original Nature
"The transcript of the teaching given when the eternal One [Jesus] taught in the great preaching place of purity and clarity, addressing all who had escaped from the realm of desire. To his left and right and all around him, people sat listening with deep reverence. They wanted to hear the words that would save them. . . .
Simon spoke up and said: "We didn't know the truth - and we need salvation."
The Messiah replied: "So, good. Everything that exists needs the true law, and every kind of person can find what is just below the surface - buried deeper than our eyes. The truth is like looking at the white of the moon in water. If the water is cloudy, you can't see it clearly. Its like burning straw in a fire - if the straw is wet, the fire can't burn brightly. Spiritual life can be hidden and dampened like this. So, Simon, if anyone wants to follow the Way of Triumph they must clear their minds, and set aside all wanting and doing.
To be pure and still means to be open to purity and stillness - as a result you can intuit the truth. This means that the light can shine revealing the workings of cause and effect and leading to the place of peace and happiness. Simon, know this. I carry myself in strangeness in words that can reach out north, south, east, and west.
And if I am everywhere in the world, then I don't know how I am - if I am truly in my words, then I don't know what I signify. If a person has a made-up name, no one really knows who he is.
Trying to know and to see are irrelevant. Why is this? People struggle trying to figure it all out. This struggle creates the desire to do something. Doing creates movement which results in anxiety: Then it is impossible to find rest and contentment. This is why I teach no wanting and doing without doing, it stops you thinking about things which disturb you. Then you can enter into the Source of Pure Empty Being.
Detach yourself from what disturbs and distracts you, and be as pure as one who breathes in purity and emptiness. This state is the Gateway to Enlightenment - it is the Way to peace and happiness."
"Simon, know this. I can be found throughout heaven and earth. I am the Way to the Spirit, I can be seen among the people.
I can embody forms beyond knowledge - I protect everyone regardless of who they may be. I have come to help those who have gone wrong. This has never been seen before - the pure effortless emptiness has never been known. Why is this? Those who act piously soon achieve a name but fame makes people behave differently. They become driven by worldly ambitions. This makes them inflated and defined bu what they do. People like this can never achieve peace and happiness.
The All Knowing essence speaks through me, and what it says is:
Those who don't act piously and don't seek a name trust in their own heart's guidance. They can go beyond wanting, and trust in direct spiritual communication. Understanding what is true, they know this is the Way to peace and happiness.
Simon, you should know this. I see the Law. I see the reality without the distraction of form. I hear the Law. I am not distracted by sounds. I smell the Law, and I know how to ignore smell. I taste the Law - and I am not distracted by flavors. I embody the Law, and I can sense it in my body. My heart is the Law, so I can feel it all. These six principle lead to the highest awakening: through the light of this teachings everyone can be saved.
This teaching has existed in heaven from the beginning, and it brings great blessing as well as good fortune. It brings fortune for everyone as great as the sheerest mountain, and there is nothing to compare it. So gather all you good people together, pray and sing! The light will come and enlighten you. You will discover the All-embracing knowing, the mystery which will lead you to peace and happiness. And it is this that will enable you to transcend rebirth: Simon, know this. It is a place of incredible blessing beyond all conceivable imagining. And it is for everyone.
I study this myself - and yet there is no way to prove it. Why is it like this? Because it cannot be proved. How can you define what is beyond definition? This is why I say: No Wanting, No Doing, No Piousness, No Truth. These are the four essential Laws. They cannot teach you in themselves. But follow them and you will be free from trying to sort out what to believe. Feel compassion, and be compassionate over and again without trying to show it off to anyone. Everyone will be freed this way - and this is called the Way to Peace and Happiness"
And then everyone got to their feet, bowed and then sang:
"All praise to the Limitless One Great is the Supreme Highest One - you teach us the triumphant Law as it is and its depth and mystery, beyond imagining." And though I don't pretend to understand I will go on studying until the end. . . .
"Master, you said that no wanting, no doing, no piousness, and no truth are the Four Laws which a re called the Way to Peace and Happiness. But if there is no existence, how can there be happiness?
And the Honored One replied: "That is a wonderful question.
Now listen carefully while I say this again: Peace and Happiness like this can only exist where nothing else exists. Think of your question, and imagine for a moment
A distant bare mountain ringed with forests and glades
Plenty of places of shelter and rest -
Animals of all kinds are naturally d rawn to it.
Or imagine a great ocean which is vast and fathomless:
You don't have to worry how its creatures survive.
They gravitate there, and find all they need.
And you, what do you do? You gravitate
Naturally to these teachings, and through them
You will come to live in Peace and Happiness.
Animals practice true faith and live by these laws
So they are already there, in that realm,
And so you will come to be in a place
Where nothing else exists or is needed."
And everyone said "Yes!" to this, and "Amen!"
Then he spoke to the assembled crowd and said:
"This Sutra is profound and unimaginable
All the gods and gurus agree on this, and acknowledge
This Way that is the essence of connection and return.
To move you need light to see by - this teaching provides it
Just as the sun slants out, so you can see what is in front of you
This Sutra offers understanding, and by its light
You can now the Way of Peace and Happiness in your heart.
All the holy ones know that this teaching
Is at the root of all that is true.
If anyone wants to share these teachings with friends or family
Of course they can. Honor them, sing and pray together-
And this will bless you and your family into the next generation.
Every generation is united in this communion-
From goodness in past lives, people come to this religion
And through the faith they have they find Happiness.
It's like the spring rain which refreshes Everything-
If you have roots, you will flourish in its coming
But if you have none, it is impossible to rise.
Simon, know this: You ask me about the Triumphant Law.
What your ancestors have done bears fruit in you,
Their karma finds its outcome in you."
Everyone stood in quiet respect. Then they praised the Eternal One again:
"What mercy, what amazing compassion
There is no one higher than You, Great One:
Be present in Your Love and protect us, guide us!
You have watched over us for generations
Saving our fathers and forefathers, and daily
Bringing people to share in peace and Happiness.
But some of us are lost and need to be led back..."
And the Messiah said: "What you say is true-
It is like a precious mountain. Its translucent jade forests
And fragrant pearl fruits are food for those who thirst for healing.
I will tell you a story. There was a sick man
Who heard people talk about this precious mountain.
Day and night he longed to reach it - the thought never left him.
But the mountain was high and miles away and he was very crippled.
He longed to realize his dream, but he couldn't.
But he had a close relative who was wise and resourceful.
And this man had scaling ladders brought and steps cut
And with some friends he levered and pushed the sick man up
Until he reached the summit. And there, he was healed.'
'Simon, know this: people coming to this mountain
Were confused and unhappy because of their worldly desires.
They had heard the truth. They knew it could lead them to the Way.
So they tried to scale this mountain, but in vain -
Love and faith had all but died in them.'
'Then the Compassionate Knowing One came like the close relative
And taught them with skill and sincerity so they knew
That He is the scaling ladder and the steps cut in stone
Where they can find the true Way, freed of their weight forever."
"There are ten laws for observing the world and they are all useful. What are they? The first way of observing the world is to notice how people grow old and sick. No one escapes this. Its like being a traveller he will stay wherever he can lie down for a night. He doesn't care too much whether the bed and food are the best. And so it is between us and our bodies. Once we go we leave all this behind no one here gets out alive.
The second way of observing the world is to see that the family we love we will also have to leave, just as the leaves of a tree fall in autumn. Nothing can stop this, and no leaf survives. The wind takes them all in its swirling breath.
The third way of observing the world is this: Some are great and powerful - for others, life is brief and glorious! And with both, nothing lasts forever. Its like the magical light of the moon shining everywhere. All it takes is a cloud to drift across it. All the light is dimmed or eclipsed altogether.
The fourth way of observing the world is this: Some are bullish, provoking everyone they meet, while others exploit others who are weaker than they are. Ands in the end both can be killed in an instant; they are like moths drawn to a flame they fly strait at it thinking this is it and then they suffer.
The fifth way of observing the world is this: There are misers who do nothing but accumulate wealth. They wear themselves out with no end of pain and they can't take any of it with them. They are like little clay bottles filled with sea water; how can you hope to catch the vastness of the sea in something so tiny?
The sixth way is this: The sex obsessed, fantasizing about having it all the time. Even though they're left frustrated and depressed. They are like a tree invaded by termites being eaten away until the wood is so rotten it collapses, threatening anyone in sight.
The seventh way is to drink and party, sleeping around in such a mix-up state that you don't know what is real, and what is dream. You are like a pool of water that has been churned up: Once it has become so unclear it is impossible to see anything else in it.
The eighth way is this: People see life as a drama as a game in which they are here to entertain themselves. This wastes the body and depletes the spirit. It is like an idiot climbing a stem to see a sunflower or fighting to bend down a branch exhausting himself for no purpose.
The ninth way is this: To wander from religion to religion seeking enlightenment, but ending up confused. It is like someone who makes plaster castes of cattle; no matter how life-like they seem take them out to the feilds, and they can't do anything!
And the tenth way is this: There are some who beleive they know it, and who appear to everyone as if they do. But in reality they don't share anything and the truth dies with them. They are like oysters with pearls growing in them - the pearl is no use to the oyster, and the oyster is no use until it is caught and prized upon.
Think about these ten ways and hold them in your mind, your feeligns and your body. This is one way of really understanding the triumphant law."
"Now, what are the Four Essential Laws of the Dharma?
The first is no wanting. If your heart is obsessed with something, it manifests in all kinds of distorted ways. Distorted thoughts are the root of negative behavior. It's like a plant: if the roots, however deep, are damaged then this will come out on its leaves and how it grows. And so it is with people - if there is wanting it will come out in your body and everything you do. And all the body's openings will become clouded, losing their energy and brightness. This is the Law of No Desire. - Yeshu (Jesus), Sutra of Returning to your Original Nature, Ch. 5
The second is no doing. Don't put on a mask and pretend to be what you're not. Be your most natural, and don't run after fantasies and illusions! It's as if you are in a boat on the broad ocean - the wind drives you this way and that, you have no control, and all the time you're scared of drowning so there's no rest. In fact there's no peace at all! This is just like people - that which appears on the outside is not the truth. The effort needed to hold a direction is abandoned - and there is simply action and reaction. So walk the Way of No Action. - Yeshu (Jesus), Sutra of Returning to your Original Nature, Ch. 5
The third is piousness. And what that means is not wanting to have your good deeds broadcast to the nation. Do what's right to bring people to the truth but not for your own reputation's sake. It is like the great Earth herself giving food to each according to their needs: the blessings that are given are countless. So anyone who teaches the Triumphant Law practicing the Way of Light to bring life to the truth will know Peace and Happiness in company. But don't talk it away - this is the Way of No Virtue. - Yeshu (Jesus), Sutra of Returning to your Original Nature, Ch. 5
The fourth is no truth. Don't try to control everything. Don't take sides in arguments about right and wrong. Treat everyone equally, and live from day to day. It's like a clear mirror which reflects everything anyway - green or yellow or in any combination - it shows everything as well as the smallest of details. What does the mirror do? It reflects without judgment. And you - you should do likewise. Then true Peace and Happiness will flow from your heart, and others will join you in the quest for the True Way while you will not claim credit for being virtuous. This is No Truth."
"The Messiah continued : "If someone joins an army
He needs armor to protect himself. And it must be strong enough
To help him defend himself and survive being attacked.
The Luminous Religion and its Laws are the best armor!
All of life can be protected by them.
if someone wants to sail across the great ocean
He needs a well-made boat to carry him through the storms.
And yet no matter how good the vessel is
There's no guarantee of getting to the other side.
But the Way of Light and its laws
Can carry all of us across the ocean of life and death
To reach the shores of the Land of Peace and Happiness.
If someone is dying in a horrible plague
And they smell the balm of mysterious power
They can be revived. Its scent restores their qi.
And well, the laws of this Light are the best balm there is
Because they guide us through the pain and hardships of life
And by facing them you come back to the true knowing.
All of you should chant this day and night
Because it brings back clear seeing, and each of you will return
To your own original nature, your ultimately true beingness
Free from all falsehood and illusion. And you will see These teachings are inexhaustible.
". . . . Anyone, even if he has only a little love can walk the Bright Path, and he will suffer no harm. This is the way that leads to Peace and Happiness - and he can come to this even from the darkest of darks. If you really follow the Sutras, imagine how easy this could be! Now go and make friends of this teaching from everyone - it's like a royal person defending against assault or like a beacon lit on a hillside - everyone can see it, and the princely One is like this. He's like a high mountain the Sutras shine out of, like a great burning fire: If you follow the teaching, you will be a light to the world." ."
Then the crowd sang praises, wanting more. But the Messiah said:
It is enough now-even though we cannot stop the Word.
It is like a good well that never runs dry.
When you've been saved from your sickness in body and soul
There's no need to go on drinking., So it is with my teaching
Which is only the beggining of you touching your own
True original nature. Too much would not be right."
The crowd all agreed thanked him warmly, and began to disperse.
This is the end of the Sutra of the Pure Land of Peace and Happiness, and of Returning to Our True Original Nature."
Sutra of The Supreme
The great Earth opens its palms in peace.
Our truest being is anchored in Your Purity.
You are Allaha: Compassionate Father of the Three
Everything praises you, sounding its true note.
All the Enlightened chant praises-
Every being takes its refuge in You
And the light of Your Holy Compassion frees us all.
Beyond knowing, beyond words
You are the truth, steadfast for all time
Compassionate Father, Radiant Son,
Pure Wind King- three in one.
In the midst ok kings and emperors, You are supreme
Among the World Famous, You are lord of
Everything.
You live perpetually in light
The light which enters every sphere.
Yet you have never been seen
No eye can see Your Form
Or Your Unclouded Nature.
Among all spirits You alone are unchanging
Making all that is good, beyond reckoning.
The root and essence-the thing itself!
Today I reflect on Your Compassion and Grace,
I delight in Your Delight which covers our land
Messiah, Great Holy Son of the Honored One
As countless of the Suffering are saved-
Supreme King, Will of Ages,
Compassionate Joyous Lamb
Loving all who suffer
Fearless as You strive for us
Free us of the karma of our lives,
Bring us back to our original nature
Delivered from all danger.
Divine Son invited
To stand on the right of the father
This alter exceeds all others-
Great Messiah: hear our prayers
Send Your raft of salvation
To save us from the burning streams!
Great Teacher, I stand in awe of the father.
Great Teacher, I am awed by the Holy Lord.
Great Teacher, I am speechless before the King of Dharma.
Great Teacher, I am dazzled by the Enlightened Mind-
Great Teacher, You who do everything to save us.
Everything looks to You, without thinking.
Shower us with Your Healing Rain!
Help us to overcome, give life to what has withered,
And water the roots of kindness in us.
Great Holly World-Honored One,
Messiah, as we love Our Father,
Boundless Sea of Compassion
And the Clean Pure Wind
Whose clarity cleanses through the Law
Reaching beyond all grace."
Da Qin Religion of Light Sutra of Praise to the Three Powers (Father, Messiah/Son, and Holy Spirit)." - Sutra of the Supreme
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