At the end of this Lower Cycle, most of humanity has focused its intellect on material civilization. Food is abundant with delicacies from the mountains and seas; residences are magnificent palaces; clothing is made of fine silk and embroidery; every step outside is supported by horses and carriages. The current pleasures in this temporary world have captivated people, leading them to compete for fortune and blessings, bustling and jostling in the arena of life, where the strong prevail and the weak fail, the wise survive and the foolish perish. Many intelligent individuals use their intellect as a weapon to harm others; those in high positions use their power to oppress the common people. Throughout the year, they only care about physical enjoyment, ensuring a comfortable life for their wives and children, enjoying each day as it comes; they consider death as the end, and regard Heaven and Hell as mere fables. Friendships disregard loyalty and trust, husbands and wives forget their marital duties; they chase after material wealth, leading to shifting morals and changing customs. Alas! Wherever the waves of civilization crash, the foundation of morality tilts and sways.
If the Heavenly Path were not opened soon for the third time, the foundation of customs and traditions would be damaged and eventually destroyed.
The Jade Emperor, the Supreme Being, out of His compassion, could not bear to watch humanity fall into sin. Therefore, He used His divine power to descend and teach the Way through spirit-writing for over a year, painting countless pearls of wisdom. Fearing that sophisticated language would be incomprehensible to ordinary people, rendering the teachings ineffective, the Supreme Being chose to use the vernacular language for easier understanding.
Those who entered the Path after the period of spirit-writing did not have the fortune to hear the golden words and jade-like sounds of the Great Merciful One. Now, the Sacerdotal Council has extracted and compiled these Divine Teachings from the spirit-writing sessions, printing them into two volumes to disseminate and enlighten everyone.
It is believed that among the faithful, whether old or new, anyone with a devout heart who receives these Divine Teachings would wholeheartedly welcome them.
Therefore, we implore all followers, good men and women, to cherish these words, for they are the pearls of wisdom from the Buddha and Heaven. In moments of leisure, one should attentively read them to understand the profound mysteries of the Path and cultivate one’s virtues.
Any home with the Divine Teachings is like a home illuminated by a sacred lamp, shining brightly.
Holy See, Tay Ninh
Twenty-first of October, Year of the Rabbit.
The Sacerdotal Council respectfully presents.
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