Most people misconceive that supernatural power is associated with the divine beings. It is true that evil also have it. The former would have divine power while the latter evil power. What we must emulate is not these abilities, but selfless act and unconditional love for mankind. The Christians learn from Jesus Christ is his sacrifice of his life for the sin of others and not his ability to walk on water. Similarly, what the Buddhists learn from Buddha is his great compassion to save the lost souls and be enlightened and not his supernatural aptitude.

We should strive towards manifesting our compassion and love as they are the essential substances of our original nature. It is really not that difficult to gain supernatural power as can be seen by performances of magicians to be able to fly and walk through wall. Even heretic cult teachings also have access to all these abilities. It is more difficult to manifest great compassion or unconditional love such as those shown by Buddha and Christ.

My Grand Master Han of Tao did not possess any magical power or paranormal ability when he was living. He was just an ordinary human being who used his pure and sacred heart to enlighten others, understand the truth of life and how to save them from continuous cycle of birth and death. Only after he departed from this world that he was able to manifest everywhere to help us to carry out the task of propagating Tao. He is venerated because of his wisdom, compassion and courage and not because of supernatural power. It was his magnanimity and love towards others that touched people's hearts. His untiring effort and constant care provided live on in the hearts of all Tao cultivators even though he has departed from this worldly realm in 1995. His great virtues made him an Immortal and he was able to elevate his mother's soul from a mortal being to the level of a Bodhisattva (Saint).

We can deduce that enlightenment cannot be achieved with any paranormal ability. Neither can the chaotic condition of the world be reversed by the use of supernatural power. Otherwise the world would have been saved by the immortal beings from the divine realm or prayers from high priests and monks. The only way to reverse the negative course of the world is for us to change ourselves and practise truth to realize its essence. Buddha once said, "We should view all conditional methodologies as dreams, illusions, bubbles and shadows. They are as ephemeral as the morning dew and lightning."

Conditional methodologies refer to the paranormal ability or supernatural power. Conditional simply means that they are subject to certain conditions, such as time and space. None of these methodologies are long lasting. After a specific time where we no longer have this bodily existence, all these will also perish. That is why Buddha described all these methodologies as akin to dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, dews and lightning. It is important to realize such a point in life so that we would not be deluded by the illusion of conditional means or misled by people with such power. Instead we should focus and regard compassion and unconditional love as our guiding principle of life.

The transmission of Tao is the transmission of the essence of the heart. We are taught to use our heart rather than some mysterious and supernatural methodologies. The heart bears the essence of Truth. A righteous and noble heart is actually the original so

urce of the universe and the essence of Tao can give rise to the myriad ways and means. The methodology that is based on true heart is known as the righteous way and that based on conditional means is the unrighteous way. The righteous way can save the mortal beings while the conditional methodologies are unable to do so.

By cultivating our heart rigorously we can change our way of life, eradicate our bad habits and gradually develop our wisdom. Such is the path that was walked upon by previous Saints and Sages, a sacred path which enable us to transcend from the cycle of birth and death and end the suffering of life. This path is natural and ordinary but the achievement is of eternal and extraordinary. This is also the path that can lead people to the truth and the creation of great harmony of the world.

This is the saying of my Heavenly Teacher JiGong:

"Both Sakyamuni Buddha and 'Guan Yin Pusa' (Goddess of Mercy) were wealthier, nobler and had a higher status than us. Yet both of them could disillusion with the reality behind fame and gain, and left home to seek the true Tao. And now, everybody offers them respect. Nowadays, people are all fascinated by fame and gain. If you only exert your utmost strength for yourself, and for your sons and grandsons, and you have not sown and spread the blessings when you are alive, after your last breath, only your sons and grandsons will bow to you.

After realizing that Tao is good, don't just promote it with your tongue. Every dot and drop of Tao must rely on oneself to partake, to experience and to realize thoroughly. The Bright Master (JiGong himself) has already inspired you by opening your Mystical Door (Door of the Soul). Now it relies on you to practise and to correct yourself. After understanding the Truth-Principle, you would realize that the road is difficult to walk on, but still you need to continue walking on it."

The advice to practise is to disillusion with the reality behind fame and gain and nothing of supernatural. Sakyamuni Buddha and Goddess of mercy were prince and princess when they were alive thousands of years ago but yet they gave up their good lives to practise for eternity. It is further advised by JiGong:

"Don't first ask how your future can be developed, but first ask whether your mind is sound and healthy. Don't first ask whether that the Bright Master is real or unreal, but first ask if your heart is proceeding forward. Don't first ask whether the channeling (sand writing conveying Heavenly messages) of the Light Beings (Heavenly Beings) is a showcase or a marvelous thing, but first ask whether your mind is bright or gloomy. First put various doubts at the back of your head, and display your ability in dealing with affairs."

Author: T.A Chew

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