白陽修士的警惕

This text is among the most extraordinary in the Yiguandao spirit-writing tradition: it gives voice to the adversary himself. The Asura King — the cosmic examiner charged by the Eternal Mother with testing every cultivator — descends to the altar and speaks in the first person, describing in vivid detail how he examines, tempts, and breaks those who walk the path. His tone is taunting, honest, and strangely compassionate: he tests because he must, and those who pass become Buddhas and Immortals.

The text continues with Tiande Laoren (天德老人), the ancient Keeper of the Heavenly Prison, who describes the nine caves and various punishments where cultivators who have fallen short are sent to purify their transgressions — not as eternal damnation, but as purgatorial refinement before they can return to the Eternal Mother. His account reads like a Yiguandao Inferno: each cave corresponds to a specific spiritual failing, and each punishment mirrors the nature of the transgression. Beyond the caves of Wind Cloud Ridge, the punishments become stranger and more varied — the Bamboo Basket Prison where leaking practice is made visible, the Sand-Carrying Prison where irresponsibility becomes a mountain, the Damp Firewood Prison where the fire of cultivation will not catch, the Frog-Croaking Prison where critics croak until their mouths bleed, the Immortal-Binding Cavern where even Buddhas and bodhisattvas are confined when they have transgressed or failed as guarantors for mortals, and the Stone Grotto where those who cannot release desire sit on rocks that burn hot with every impure thought and cool the moment the mind clears.

The full text comprises sixty-six sections across four parts: the Asura King's spirit-writings, the Heavenly Prison broadcasts of Tiande Laoren, twenty-one case studies of fallen cultivators, and additional spirit-writing revelations. This translation presents the first fifty sections — the Asura King's two addresses, Tiande Laoren's three descents with their caves and prisons (Wind Cloud Ridge, the standalone punishments, the second layer, the domestic prisons, and Gold Wind Ridge), and the first eleven testimonies from Part Four. Section 39 closes the guided tour: the grandfather bids farewell, hoping his audience will come find him for tea rather than report for duty. Section 40 marks the structural turning point: the warden's tour ends and the prisoner's confession begins, with Xu Mingding — a senior lecturer who died at sixty-one believing his merits were complete — speaking from inside the Heavenly Prison after failing the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints. Section 41 presents the contrasting testimony: a celestial clerk of the Heavenly Buddha Court who died at forty-three, navigated the eighty-one checkpoints of the Nine-Nine Ziyang Gate with remedial education at multiple stations, and became a clerk in the outer court — the first voice in the text that speaks from the other side of the examination, not from inside the prison. Section 42 dissolves the architecture the clerk mapped: Ding Xiaoqiao, a spirit cultivating in the Heavenly Buddha Court, reveals that the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints are generated by the heart itself — if the heart is pure, the barriers vanish without a trace; if the heart is troubled, the barriers multiply. The mortal world itself is heaven, resting on a single thought. Section 43 returns to the prison: Chu Zhenkang, a Transmitter of the Lamp from Yueyang in the late Qing, confesses how he followed the wrong leader when the Heavenly Mandate shifted to Zhang Tianran — decades of genuine cultivation undone by a single failure of wisdom, his feet pierced by needles in the Thorn-Foot Prison. Section 44 brings a different voice entirely: Lin Qinghua, a young woman from Shanghai — a lecturer and altar-keeper who was spoiled, arrogant, hot-tempered, and died at thirty-six of a common cold. Her testimony is not analysis but a cry: she begs the Teacher to let her out. Section 45 is Jian Suhua, a lecturer who died of cancer at fifty-eight — she cultivated by appearances, watched who her guarantor followed instead of following the Dao itself, and looked at human relationships instead of principle. Where Lin Qinghua was raw, Jian Suhua is quiet; where Lin Qinghua screamed, Jian Suhua calculates. The source text comes from the 善書圖書館 (Sacred Books Digital Library) at taolibrary.com.

Part One — The Asura King Speaks

1. The Asura King's Great Commission

The Asura King received his mandate and ascended to the hall to address the assembly. He spoke two verses:

I have received my orders and ascended to this hall of the virtuous.
I say to you: let go of your ties to the dusty world.
The moment your heart wavers, I will know it.
I topple cultivators of the White Sun — mortal, ghost, and immortal alike.

Riches and glory — these are what the world craves.
A beautiful wife — that is a debt carried from a former life.
If your resolve is not iron, if your mind so much as trembles,
then I, the Asura King, cannot be held responsible for what follows.

Now I reveal the truth about the testing of the Dao.

Tonight, at this auspicious gathering, I, the Asura King, have been invited to speak. I am deeply honored.

I received the Imperial Edict to command the Asura armies — millions of demon soldiers — and our sole purpose is the testing of cultivators. The moment a cultivator's heart wavers, the Asura demons enter. We show no mercy. As the saying goes: if there were no demons and no tests on the path, then good and evil alike would all become Buddhas.

Those who understand this truth hold firm in their resolve and wait for my examination. One test, and I know whether you are Buddha or ghost.

Now, in the Final Gathering, people's hearts have grown thin. The world's morals have collapsed. Society spirals into wickedness and chaos. I see cultivators whose sincerity is hollow, who have abandoned the five relationships and eight virtues, who received the Dao and then slandered it. I lead the Asura armies to sow confusion with falsehood, to test whether the cultivators of the White Sun era have the heart to become Buddhas. Those who pass my examination become immortals and Buddhas. Those who fail become ghosts of the Heavenly Prison, or are locked in the celestial cells.

If a cultivator who received the Dao and committed to self-cultivation violates their sacred vows, slanders the true path for the crooked one, defies the Dao and betrays its principles — and then doubles down — that one will be cast into my demon ranks, swallowed by the demon spirits, their soul extinguished forever, never to be reborn as a human being.

And those who cannot endure my testing, whose resolve crumbles at the first trial — they have squandered the blessing of three lifetimes' worth of fortune in receiving the Dao. All their merit is erased, and their name is struck from the Heavenly Register. According to the severity of their offense, they are sent to the hells or the celestial prison.

There are three grades of cultivators: upper, middle, and lower. Laozi said: the superior person hears the Dao and practices it diligently; the middling person hears the Dao and half-believes, half-doubts; the inferior person hears the Dao and laughs out loud. Those who cannot be toppled by any test — they are the sages and saints. Those who hear the Dao but waver, advancing one step and retreating two, half-believing and half-forgetting — they are ordinary beings. Those who hear the Dao and refuse to believe, who destroy the Dao and ruin virtue — they are ghosts of the hells.

Upper tests for the upper grade. Middle tests for the middle grade. Lower tests for the lower grade. If you fail any of the three, the Heavenly Prison and the hells have a place for you. I show no favoritism. I received my mandate from Heaven — I have no choice but to test. If I do not test ruthlessly, the fault is mine. Even the great Golden Immortals cannot bear this responsibility, because Buddhas are compassionate and cannot perform the work of examination. Only we, the demon armies, have the heart to test without mercy.

I hope you will remember this at every moment: the Dao and the demons stand side by side. Strengthen your faith. Set your heart like iron and steel against my great examination. Those who pass will have their names inscribed in the Heavenly Register. Those who fail will have their names erased and a place in the hells waiting for them.

The Diamond Sutra's thirty-two sections teach this truth. Look through its lens and you will understand.

2. The Asura King's Direct Challenge

The river flows, the fish swim, and there is only one day of completion — the appointed hour. If you recognize Heaven's will, hurry along the path. Don't be the last one standing! You bear the great responsibility of the Three Realms. Don't let your hearts be heavy! Ask yourself: have I made mistakes? Ask yourself: is my heart like clear water, rippling gently as it flows steadily eastward? Ask yourself: has my temperament reached the quality of a floating cloud — clean and white?

Like floating clouds you drift, and the tests come grinding. I test you until every step is agony. I test you until you cannot plant your banner. I test you until you cannot steer the boat of compassion. I test you until you are skin and bone. You practice merit on one side and it leaks out on the other. The nine ranks of the three vehicles — don't even dream of sitting there.

You want to become a Buddha? Then every last one of you must get past me, this demon king. I received the edict to test the Dao, and I earn my merit by toppling you. If I can't topple you, I'm not satisfied. I'm not willing. I will grab you by the ankles. I will drag you into the sea. I will make every step you take a torment. I will leave you drowning in the ocean of suffering.

I test everything. Everything. If you dare to resent me for it, then you really will have something to endure.

I will find your weakness. I will seize it. I will make you lose faith in the Dao. I will make you see through the thinness of human kindness. Kindness is paper-thin, and I will test you until you are dizzy and disoriented, until you can no longer stand in the temple. I will test you until your wife leaves you and your children scatter. I will test you until you cannot find your footing on the path.

And those of you who love the spotlight, who puff yourselves up with pride — I will make you bow ninety degrees and beg me, the Asura King, to let you pass.

When the demons in your own heart call out to me, I am happy to become your closest friend. I will walk beside you, always at your side. Your teacher Ji Gong can beg me all he wants — it won't help. He received the edict to spread the Dao; I received the Imperial Edict to test it. I watch you cultivators, inching forward and stumbling back, and I tell you: getting past me is not easy. I will test everything, and you will endure everything. Don't blame me for being merciless. Don't call me uncompassionate. If I can't topple a single cultivator, how will I earn my place in Heaven?

Are you stronger, or am I? Are you more capable, or am I? Are you more imposing, or am I? And those of you who love to criticize other schools and other groups — you will have plenty to endure.

You think you're special because you're a disciple of a great teacher? You think you stand a head above the rest, imposing and grand? Ha! You think getting past me will be easy? I am watching you every moment. I am waiting for the right opportunity. I will grab your ankles and pull you down. I will make the temple impossible for you to walk in. I will push you into the ocean.

I test you until you have no convictions. I test you until you can't quiet the king of your own temperament. I test you until you stop using your wisdom and go looking for trouble instead. I test you until you can't tell right from wrong. I test everything!

Point-transmitters — you are the first ones I test. Are you grateful? I will test you until you can't stand straight, until you can't hold steady, until you're caught between tears and laughter. I will test you until you lose faith in the Dao. I will test you until everyone finds you unbearable. I will test you until you can't afford a meal. I will test you until nothing goes your way. I test everything. Every cultivator of the White Sun. If I don't test you, how can I report back to Heaven?

Ha! Ha! Ha!

I will test you. That's what I'm here to do. Especially those of you with terrible tempers — I will test you most of all. I will test the fires of your nameless anger, layer upon layer, rising of their own accord.

I will take up residence inside your Palace of Purity. I will scatter your six spirits until you have no master. I will lead you by the hand toward wine, women, wealth, and rage, and make you love them all. I will guide you into breaking your sacred vows. I will make you see a beautiful face and want it. And then my merit will be complete.

Don't say I, the Asura King, am without compassion. You want to earn merit — so do I. If I don't test you, I can't return to Heaven. My demon sons and demon grandsons can't share in my glory. I am going to test you. I will test you until nothing in your life goes right, until neither the sacred nor the worldly satisfies you. I will make eight or nine things out of ten go wrong. I will use the most ferocious cultivators to test you. I will use the most beautiful women to tempt you. I borrow from everything, everywhere, until you can't take it anymore — and only then can the sages and the Buddhas be revealed.

You think becoming a Buddha is easy? You think walking into Heaven is like walking through a door?

Hmph.

You think you can get past me?

Ha! Ha! Ha!

If you think so, you're dreaming.

I will test you. I test everything, at every moment, in every place. I test you until you're dizzy and upside down, until you can't concentrate at work, until you've had enough of everything.

Ji Gong! Don't blame me — I too am under orders.

Point-transmitters! Are you afraid? You think carrying the Heavenly Mandate is easy? You have to get past me first. You'll swallow bitterness often enough, but fine wine you will never taste.

And lecturers — those of you whose hearts are puffed up, who think your talents are something remarkable — I will test you. I will test you into the grip of your inner demons, and your inner demons will call forth my outer ones. Remember: I will take up residence inside your Palace of Purity. Do you understand? Do you welcome me? If you welcome me, I will be at your side every moment, waiting for my chance, waiting for the right time to slip inside.

Though the immortals and Buddhas stand on either side of you, I too have descended under orders and have already bowed before the Mother's throne. I am going to test you. The positions in Heaven may be built by deeds on Earth — but hmph! Can you earn them? You want to go to Heaven? I think you'd better go to the hells first! Go to the hells and have your human hearts stripped away, and then come live with me, the Asura King!

I will test you! Test you! I will test the highest ones first! Topple the ones at the top, and my merit is greatest. I test the altar masters. I test the lecturers. I test every officer and every follower. I test everyone. You advance an inch and retreat a foot. Let's see who's stronger! Let's see whose cultivation is deeper! Let's see who has real stillness! Show me what you've got! We will measure ourselves against each other!

And if you'd like to be friends with me, the Asura King — you are most welcome. I will send my demon sons and demon grandsons to follow behind you. Remember that. I too will be standing beside you, keeping watch under orders.

Part Two — The Heavenly Prison of Tiande Laoren

3. The Keeper of the Heavenly Prison Descends

Tiande Laoren (天德老人), the Venerable One of Heavenly Virtue, descends to the altar for the first time. He introduces himself as the ancient keeper of the Heavenly Prison and begins to reveal what awaits cultivators who fall short. Descended on the thirteenth day of the tenth month, Year of the Water Monkey (November 7, 1992).

I have watched this earth cycle through chaos more times than I can count.
I have watched all living beings suffer disaster after disaster without end.
I hold the Heavenly Prison — its rules have never once been broken.
I reveal these heavenly secrets now to help accomplish the Great Gathering.

At ease! Please, sit down. Is the weather cold? Are you too lazy to leave the house? Will you be too lazy to come here and listen to these teachings? If you have the karmic connection, you are able to sit together in this Buddha Hall and listen to the sacred principles. I am deeply honored to come to your fine place today. We are all brothers and sisters, so I have come to form a bond with you. You must find it strange — an old grandfather hobbling along with a cane, walking all hunched over. I am several thousand years old. Several thousand years old!

You do not know who I am, so let me announce my title. You have never met me before.

I am Tiande Laoren. I have received my orders and descended to this Buddha Hall. I bow before the Throne of the Imperial Mother and ask — are all of you doing well?

Please, sit. Has your mind wandered outside? Are you already thinking about going home? No? Good. Then I will take my time. But when I tell you what I am in charge of, your hands and feet will go cold. Do not be fooled by my kind appearance — I too am handling great matters.

Look at the poem on the board: I have watched this earth cycle through chaos more times than I can count. I have watched all living beings suffer disaster after disaster. I hold the Heavenly Prison. I reveal these heavenly secrets. What do I oversee? There is a hell below, and there is a prison above. There is an earthly hell, and there is a Heavenly Prison. The earthly hell holds the wicked. The Heavenly Prison holds those who cultivated the Dao but committed transgressions along the way. Many cultivators, as soon as they start cultivating, end up at my door. What does that mean? It means they did not cultivate well enough and are sent to the Heavenly Prison.

Will any of you sitting here come looking for me when you go back? Come to chat? Come for tea? Let me reveal a few heavenly secrets so you will know what is at stake. You have heard people mention the Heavenly Prison before, yes? And when spirits have come to give testimony, they said they were suffering — cold and hot at the same time — but did they say anything more? Not really. That is why I have come today: to tell you, and I hope you will go back and tell other cultivators. Do not forget the heavenly law and commit these errors. Even though these are not violations of the Heavenly Ordinances themselves, those who have been toppled by the tests, those who have spoken carelessly, those who have not truly cultivated, those with uncorrected tempers, those who have embezzled public funds — none of them escape my eyes. Do you understand?

Right now the Dao community is in chaos. The eighteen branch groups are in chaos. How? "You cannot come to my Buddha Hall, and I cannot go to yours to hear the teachings." Is that right? Everyone looks after their own group — and that would be bad enough, but they also slander each other. As for me — you must be wondering how old I really am. Look at the first line of the poem: I have watched this earth cycle through chaos more times than I can count. Am I not very, very old? And you are still so young! When I was born, where were you? When I achieved the Dao, where were you? You see how small you are? Listen quietly. Where is the Heavenly Prison? Right beside the Heavenly Buddha Court. Those who cultivated well pass through to the Buddha Court. Those who did not come to me. One road, two destinations.

Who is held in the Heavenly Prison? Disciples of the five religions. Senior leaders. Point-transmitters. Lecturers. And ordinary Dao-kin who cultivated poorly — those who ran dishonest money schemes, those of bad character, those with wicked hearts. If you truly cultivate with sincerity, you will never come to report to me, never be escorted before me. You have nothing to fear.

As for my mission: the Eternal Mother herself appointed me to oversee the Heavenly Prison, from the Green Sun era through the Red Sun era to the present White Sun era. Is that not a very long time? When I cultivated, I had a string of one hundred and eight prayer beads. After the Eternal Mother issued her decree, those beads came into use — each bead transformed into a cave, and each cave became a chamber of the Heavenly Prison. One bead, one cave. In the Green Sun era, nine beads were used. Nine earthly hells, nine Heavenly Prisons. In the Red Sun era, eighteen earthly hells and eighteen Heavenly Prisons. Why? Because the human heart had grown more treacherous, and cultivators' minds had grown darker.

Now, in the White Sun era — nine times nine is eighty-one. Eighty-one caves remain. People in ancient times were simpler. Not like people today — cunning and suspicious. In the old days, a person could eat pickled radish and cultivate the Dao in peace. Today, people are different. They love appearances. They love comfort. If there is no comfort, they find cultivation tasteless. So Heaven has been merciful — making things more convenient for modern cultivators. But convenience breeds carelessness. When things are convenient long enough, people become casual. And making friends is easy now, so people are not as careful as they once were. They cannot tell the good from the bad. Spend enough time together and they become bad themselves. Many cultivators have received the Dao and entered cultivation but have not truly cultivated. Many have cultivated themselves into confusion. How? Some people do not study the teachings deeply enough. They have shallow understanding but think they have reached the depths. They recklessly teach others, and by the time they have gone astray — their reasoning completely twisted — they still do not realize it. They insist you must follow them, that only their way leads to the Dao. Otherwise, they say, your golden thread will be cut. The golden thread is cut, reconnected, spliced, cut again, reconnected again — what chaos!

How many Eternal Mothers are there? One. Just one. From the time I was born, through my attainment, until now — there has only ever been one. I may be ancient, but I understand the world well. In cultivation, you must listen and follow reason. Have you been listening? If not, be ashamed. But do not be embarrassed — now let me introduce the Heavenly Prison.

Speaking of temper and character flaws — everyone here has them. But I am not talking about you specifically. I am talking about those who have been escorted into the Heavenly Prison. Let me give you an example. Take a senior leader who competes to steal other people's followers, who does not care for those followers properly, who craves comfort and cheats others out of their money. Is that not a serious offense? Using the name of the Dao — hiding behind the banner of the Dao — to deceive people. Is that not a crime? Do not doubt me. If I dare to say these things, I am not deceiving you. You have nothing to fear. This is not a fraudulent temple, and I am not a bad person. Let me explain quickly, before your hearts start getting restless. Some of you are thinking about other things, some are not — over a hundred people means over a hundred minds and over a hundred trains of thought.

Now let me describe the first ridge and its nine caves. Wind Cloud Ridge is the first level. It has nine caves. The first is called Wind Cloud Cave. Behind it are Fire Cloud Cave and Purple Cloud Cave. Below is Flying Cloud Cave. Then Emerald Cloud Cave, Yellow Cloud Cave, Crimson Cloud Cave, Black Cloud Cave, and White Cloud Cave. What punishment does Wind Cloud Cave hold? Since it is a prison, it must have punishments — but it is not like the earthly hells. No one takes a knife to you and slashes you until you bleed, or cuts open your belly, or runs you over with a cart. This is a place for cultivating the heart and refining one's nature. It is not the same as hell.

4. Wind Cloud Cave

The first of nine caves on Wind Cloud Ridge. The punishment for gossip, slander, and careless speech.

Wind Cloud Cave is for cultivators who harbor stray thoughts — but I will explain those in a moment. If a cultivator did not cultivate properly and could not pass through the Three Passes and Nine Openings, they are sent here. The Department Gods deliver the records: every day, they record the merits and transgressions of each cultivator — this life, past lives, future lives. These records are sent, and the judgment begins.

Wind Cloud Cave holds those who loved to gossip, talk behind people's backs, criticize others. If they saw a senior leader, a sponsor, a point-transmitter, or a lecturer doing something poorly, they went around whispering, boasting, speaking dishonestly, deceiving others — they come here. The name sounds pleasant enough, doesn't it? A Wind Cloud Cave — wind and clouds. But the truth is: the Heavenly Prison is bitter suffering.

Each person sits alone in a cave. No matter how many are sent there, the cave always fits exactly. Like the ancient Buddha-caves — one hollow, one Buddha, one person sitting in cultivation. When a stray thought arises, the wind strikes you like a slap across the face. If the stray thoughts multiply, if the person's transgressions keep their mind from clearing, if they think wild confused thoughts — the wind tears across their cheeks even faster. It does not strike one side only. It strikes both sides at once. The fierce wind claps from left and right simultaneously. Where it hits, the face swells immediately. Not just red and swollen cheeks — teeth fall out. There is blood. One by one, they are struck until their heads spin. This is Wind Cloud Cave.

The title sounds dignified — a high realm — but in fact they are being struck! This is because they did not guard their speech. They refused to cultivate. They clung to face. So the striking continues until it is enough.

Consider this: some cultivators worked very hard their whole lives — converting people, managing temples, pioneering new halls, nurturing talent. But merit is recorded as merit, and transgression is recorded as transgression. If you have three thousand merits but seven hundred transgressions, what happens to those seven hundred? They are calculated. How are your offenses cleared? Repentance! Can you do it? If you did something wrong, repent! Change! If you repent and reform, the Eternal Mother will be merciful. Heaven will be merciful. If you have no wicked heart, Heaven will grant pardon. Do you understand?

The wind in Wind Cloud Cave is not like ordinary wind. Every time it strikes the spirit-body, the sensation is like a knife cutting into the physical flesh. Extremely painful. The wind comes at irregular intervals. If you have a repentant heart, the wind gradually lessens, gradually slows, comes less and less frequently. But if you repent and your heart grows more resentful instead — the wind speeds up violently, strikes the spirit-body like blades against skin. The suffering is beyond description.

But the spirit-body, no matter how much it is punished, does not die. The physical body, when injured past its limit, shuts down — the nervous system rests, the spirit departs, and we call it death. The spirit-body endures punishment without end. Only suffering. So while we have this physical body, it is better to eat a few more bitter things here than to send the spirit there to suffer.

Heaven's accounting of merits and transgressions is perfectly fair. If we have merit — if we made great vows before coming — it is recorded in our merit ledger. But if we have transgressions, Heaven records them just as carefully. This is called the heavenly law, and it is not vague. Even someone with great merit and great virtue, if they have transgressions, must go there — because they have impurities. They must be refined there until they are perfectly pure before they can return to the Eternal Mother in the Court of Principle. Immortals and Buddhas are beings of perfection — that is the standard of sainthood.

Heaven has been extraordinarily merciful. From the time Pangu opened the heavens until now, this secret was never revealed. I, Tiande Laoren, am the one who oversees the Heavenly Prison. The Heavenly Jail is only one part of the Heavenly Prison. Today is a rare blessing — the Eternal Mother has decreed that this secret be revealed. Hold gratitude in your hearts and listen carefully. Every sentence is a heavenly secret.

Even cursing at home — scolding this one and that one — must be corrected. You may not be slapped in Heaven for it, but your speech must still be cultivated.

5. Fire Cloud Cave

The second of nine caves on Wind Cloud Ridge. The punishment for wrath, impatience, and the abuse of authority.

What about Fire Cloud Cave? Fire Cloud Cave is exactly what it sounds like — being burned. If you had a bad temper, if you were impatient and restless, if your heart could not settle, if you were a senior leader, a point-transmitter, a lecturer, or an altar master who bullied people into losing their faith, who scolded others for no reason, whose anger burned hot — you are sent to Fire Cloud Cave.

When ignorant rage arises, it is like being set on fire — like being placed inside a furnace. The searing heat and pain are so great you dare not even cry out. During the punishment, the Eternal Mother herself has placed a spell upon every spirit-body, holding it in place. On the outside, every person sits perfectly upright. But the temperature each one feels is their own. Do you understand? It is like all of you sitting here listening to this teaching. Some of you take in eight parts. Some take in ten. Some take in six or seven. Some take in only two. It varies. It depends on the depth of your spiritual roots and on the weight of your merit. Those who have wisdom-roots sit here and the teaching enters naturally. Those who are pursued urgently by karmic creditors, who cannot let go of the ten thousand ties, whose wisdom has been covered and blinded by unseen forces — they cannot understand a word the immortals say. Do you understand?

6. Purple Cloud Cave

The third of nine caves on Wind Cloud Ridge. The punishment for broken vows and unfulfilled promises to Heaven.

Next is Purple Cloud Cave. Purple Cloud Cave sounds as though it should be a high realm, does it not? But this is where the great Buddhas are held — the ones who made magnificent vows before descending to the mortal world and then lost their way. They cultivated their way back, but their vows were great and their deeds were small. Great vows, small fruit — they cannot return to their original place. Will any of you end up like this? Great vows, small fruit. You cultivated your way back, but the merit was not enough, so you are confined to the Heavenly Prison to cultivate further and repent.

The punishment in this cave is lighter than the others. But the heart is heavy. Sitting inside the cave, you are constantly overwhelmed with shame — ashamed of failing Heaven's grace. The urge to weep, the grief and indignation, surge up from the chest. Because you know you did not fulfill enough of what you promised.

Imagine: a great Arhat descended to the mortal world and cultivated so poorly that he returned as nothing more than an ordinary Dao-kin — a vegetarian with no accomplishments, nothing to show for the life. That is a disaster. He is confined and punished. He stood before the Eternal Mother and made great vows and spoke great words, but the result was a tiger's head and a snake's tail — a grand beginning and a pitiful end. That will not do! You cannot deceive Heaven.

7. Flying Cloud Cave

The fourth of nine caves on Wind Cloud Ridge. The punishment for scheming, slander, and malicious intent. Tiande Laoren then discusses the Five Constant Virtues and the lessons of the earlier eras.

Next is Flying Cloud Cave. What is Flying Cloud Cave? This cave is more fearsome than the others. Why? Because inside Flying Cloud Cave there are knives that fly. They shoot toward you from out of nowhere, and when they strike, they pierce straight through the heart. Extremely painful. What kind of transgression earns this punishment? The kind where a person spent their whole life cultivating the Dao while using schemes and plots to harm others. Even if they did not kill anyone outright, they destroyed other people's reputations, slandered them, set traps, harbored no kindness in their hearts. You might find it strange — how can such people exist inside the Dao community? They do. Many people receive the Dao, but whether they cultivate properly is another matter entirely. So you must not harbor intent to harm others. Keep a good heart and do good deeds. What others do is not for you to speculate about. If others do wrong, counsel them. Do not let your mind run wild with stray thoughts. Is that not so?

Have you made progress? Have you practiced great generosity? Do not say the Dao community only wants your money. You there — have you improved? "I'd have to ask someone else to know." Ah! You should know for yourself! What good does it do if others know? Only what you know for yourself is truly yours. Is that not right? If you ask others, of course they will say you have improved — then what use is that? Do you understand? Whether you have made progress — ask yourself. Who asks other people? If your heart is sincere, you always know whether you have progressed.

Now then: Flying Cloud Cave. You sit there in meditation, turning the light inward, cultivating. If the three poisons — greed, anger, and delusion — have not been extinguished in your heart, then the moment a stray thought arises, a knife flies across and buries itself in the center of your chest. Extremely painful. Though we are speaking of spirit-bodies, the knives are also formless — but when they pierce you, the sensation is exactly like a physical blade cutting flesh. Pain. Numbness. Suffering. When does the knife disappear? When your heart is calm and the thought dissolves, the knife vanishes. But if you sit and another thought arises — another knife comes flying. Is that not terrifying? The more thoughts, the more knives. The fewer thoughts, the fewer knives. Do you understand? Is that not terrifying?

Now, what follows is related to the innate wisdom of Heaven — specifically, the Five Constant Virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness.

First, benevolence. The deficiency I speak of is not a small shortfall — it is a great one. Say you convert ten people and then abandon them. You never go back to nurture them. You convert a hundred and only one or two become vegetarians. You did it for the name alone. You were greedy for the merit — greedy for that credit — but you never properly cared for the people you brought in. No compassion. When someone was in trouble, you did not help. When someone fell, you did not lift them up. That is a deficiency of benevolence. Will any of you be like that? Do not cultivate the Dao and end up in a daze, not knowing what you are doing! Cultivation is the practice of compassion. Do you understand?

Second, righteousness. Brothers and sisters in the Dao must hold to righteousness. What does that mean? It means loyalty! Think on behalf of others. Do not fight over who gets the merit. You are all lecturers — do not speak ill of one another. When others succeed, that is your success too. Do you understand? If you are always criticizing others, refusing to care for your brothers and sisters, slandering them, refusing to work with them, refusing to share a Buddha Hall — that is unrighteous. Cultivation requires constancy from beginning to end, connecting what comes before with what follows. Is that not so? Respect the Three Teachers. Remember the gratitude you owe your introducer and guarantor. This too is part of righteousness.

Third, propriety. Propriety means the rituals and regulations of the Buddha Hall. When you arrive and see a senior leader or a point-transmitter, you greet them — receiving, attending, and bidding farewell according to the rites. Even if you do not perform the formal farewell, at least carry the propriety in your heart. There are many small details in the Buddha Hall that must be observed. For example: when you bow, bow slowly. Do not rush through it carelessly, tapping like a wooden fish — knock, knock, knock — and be done in an instant. That is unacceptable. This subject is broad. But think about it on your own — even keeping your clothing neat and clean is part of propriety.

Fourth, wisdom. You must bring out your wisdom in cultivation. One moment you follow this teacher, the next you follow that one. One moment you admire this person, the next you look down on someone else. One moment you follow the wrong person, then you switch sides. You spend your whole life running all across the island and accomplish nothing. That will not do. Do you understand? Do not imagine that someone else's Buddha is bigger than yours. That is not how it works. Where is the Buddha? In your own true nature. Is that not so? Everyone has a Buddha of their own true nature. So you must understand: cultivating the Dao requires wisdom. Do not look at what others do. Someone tells you: "Follow me and you will definitely attain the Dao." Will you really? Attaining the Dao depends on yourself. Do not listen to people who say the mandate has shifted, that you must be re-initiated, that someone will touch your navel and that will lead to attainment. It will not. No matter how much you give, no matter how long you practice, without observing the heavenly law and without wisdom, there is no liberation and no ultimate attainment. Do you understand?

Last, trustworthiness. What kind of trustworthiness? Is it not about keeping your word? Is it not about doing what you said you would do? If you make vows casually — you set eighteen vows and only fulfilled five or six — does that mean you never cultivated at all? No, you did cultivate. You just could not follow through. You should hurry and do what you promised. I am not saying that because you vowed "I will not become a Buddha until all sentient beings are saved" and sentient beings are truly not all saved, the Eternal Mother will punish you harshly for it. What I am saying is: you made that vow — did you work at it earnestly? Did you cultivate earnestly? Were you sincere? Did you give your whole heart? Did you throw yourself into it with everything you had? That is the point! It is not that cultivation is impossibly difficult, that you suffer your whole life and then get locked up when you return to Heaven. That is not how it works. Those cases are for the ones whose transgressions were grave and whose bad habits were deeply rooted. If you cultivate properly, if you humble yourself and examine your own behavior, if you sincerely correct your own temper and character flaws, if you genuinely respect your seniors, your point-transmitters, and your fellow cultivators — that in itself is merit.

Earlier I mentioned the Green Sun era and the Red Sun era. In those eras too, many people ended up in the Heavenly Prison. Why? In the Green Sun era, many cultivators relied on their magical powers. They went around oppressing people, beating people, challenging others to spiritual duels, slandering each other. They committed the same transgressions. They thought their powers were stronger, their spiritual weapons more formidable. Immortal against immortal — dueling back and forth — and one side always loses. If the loser cannot accept it, the duels grow fiercer, and before long greed, anger, and delusion have taken over. When a person loses their clarity, it is always the same breath of stubbornness at work. And those who love to save face above all else — those are the worst of all. So even in the ancient eras, many cultivators ended up in the Heavenly Prison, making up their practice and repenting.

The Red Sun era was the same. People cultivated supernatural powers until they went mad with it. Are supernatural powers good? Do you envy them? Is it good to see through someone's karmic causes across three lifetimes, to know another person's inner thoughts, to fly? Would you like those abilities? Many people chase after such things. But after a lifetime of practice, the days pass — do they actually obtain them? Not necessarily. Spiritual roots matter. Cultivation matters. But even if you do have supernatural powers, that does not mean you can reach the Court of Principle. Supernatural powers can also vanish. Have you heard of this? If your original nature becomes polluted, those powers are immediately concealed — they disappear. So cultivators in the earlier eras who violated the Buddha's regulations or the Heavenly Ordinances were punished all the same. Everyone has wisdom, but you must bring it out.

There are things I have not mentioned — things I choose not to say. I speak only what I am moved to speak. The Eternal Mother instructed me: say just enough, no more. Say enough to make them afraid, and that is sufficient. But I still have more to tell you, and looking at you now — you do not seem afraid! In truth, you are not afraid because most of you are not senior leaders. The ones confined in the Heavenly Prison are mostly senior leaders and Dao elders, because those in high positions are more likely to make grave mistakes. A single sentence can become a great error. Very well — let me tell you some other things to open your eyes.

8. Bamboo Basket Prison

A standalone punishment outside the cave system. For cultivators whose practice has holes — who accumulated merit on one side while leaking it on the other.

"Carrying water in a bamboo basket — all for nothing." The punishments of the Heavenly Prison are many and varied. Some are for those who broke their vows. Some are for those who violated their precepts. How are the precept-breakers handled? It depends on the sincerity of their repentance and the weight of their transgressions. Heaven is not so unkind as to deny reward to those who have done much merit — of course there are rewards, of course there are spiritual fruits. But the transgressions must be cleared away first!

What does it mean, "carrying water in a bamboo basket, all for nothing"? It means that some cultivators spent their whole lives practicing in a fog — blind cultivation, aimless effort — building merit on one side while it leaked away on the other. They ate vegetarian but killed chickens on the side. They converted others to the Dao while selling pork for a living. This kind of person ends up here. You might say they cultivated well — and yes, they did, up to a point. But their practice had holes. This is only one example among many.

The punishment works like this: there is a pool of water. Each person is given a basket — made of bamboo, full of gaps. Do you see? They are told to carry water from this pool to an empty pool on the other side. How would you manage it? A bamboo basket to carry water — can it hold? As you lift it, the water leaks. By the time you have taken two steps, the basket is empty. This is what it is like when you cultivate the Dao without correcting your temper and character flaws, when you gossip, when you pile small transgressions instead of great ones — the result is the same: you end up here, working. How does the work proceed? You carry the basket to the pool, again and again, until your transgressions are purged. And then — something miraculous happens. When the sins are gone, the basket holds water. Strange, is it not? Do you understand? When your transgressions are cleared, the bamboo basket can carry water of its own accord. The basket holds. That is when your merit emerges. So the basket that holds water — that is the sign. This punishment is among the lighter ones, and it takes place outside the caves, not inside them.

9. Sand-Carrying Prison

A standalone punishment for the irresponsible — those who made promises and never followed through.

There is also the punishment of carrying sand. What does that mean? Your sins are piled up like a mountain — a mountain of sand. Your transgressions are the accumulated weight of all the times you failed to take responsibility. Your point-transmitter told you: "Be there at such-and-such a time — we are going to perform the Dao ceremony." You answered: "Yes, I will be there." And then you never came. Whatever others asked of you, you always said yes and then did nothing. That is irresponsibility. Heaven has piled it all up. When you return, you carry it — basket by basket, load by load — until the mountain is gone. When the mountain has vanished, you can put on new clothes, clean and beautiful, and take your place among the immortals and Buddhas. Do you understand?

Heaven records every misdeed with precision. When others tell you that you are wrong, you must change. When others say you have made a mistake, you must repent. Is that not right? If today you hold the position of lecturer, you should be teaching the principles to others — do not hide away. If you hide, then the mandate Heaven gave you has no meaning. Is that not so? A point-transmitter who never goes out to perform the Dao, who stays home raising children or sweeping floors or chasing money and careers — that is also wrong. Do you understand? Heaven gave you a responsibility and you did not fulfill it. That transgression is heavy. Do you understand? Are you carrying your responsibility? What responsibility are you carrying? Without responsibility, how will you return to Heaven? All the immortals and Buddhas made great vows. If you have made no great vow and taken no responsibility, how will you go back? Will you remain an ordinary person forever?

This punishment is labor, pure and simple. Do not be fooled by the appearance of a small load — it is heavy. How heavy depends entirely on the state of your own heart.

10. Damp Firewood Prison

A lighter punishment outside the cave system. For cultivators whose past misdeeds have left them cold and unable to kindle the fire of practice.

Next I will tell you about the Damp Firewood Prison. What kind of firewood? Wet firewood. You are locked away, and the weather is very cold — bitterly cold. When the weather is cold, what do you need? You need to burn firewood to get warm. You need to light a fire to have any heat at all. But because of the bad things you did in the past, all the firewood is wet. You cannot light it. It will not catch. So you sit there — cold and shivering, cold and shivering. Do you understand? This too is a punishment, but it is one of the lighter ones. Just cold. When your transgressions are purged, you become an immortal all the same. Do you understand? Which punishment would you like? Would you like to choose one? Try a taste?

11. Frog-Croaking Prison

A punishment for those who criticized and slandered other groups, other teachings, and other cultivators.

Now let me tell you another one. This is for certain lecturers, point-transmitters, and senior leaders — regardless of how many followers they have or how widely they have spread the Dao — who loved to criticize other groups and criticize other people. Disciples of the five religions who loved to criticize other teachings and other schools — if I catch them, it will go badly for them. I gather them all together and place them in a great pond. In their own minds, each one still feels like a person. But in truth, they have become frogs. They croak and croak without stopping. Have you ever heard frogs calling? They croak endlessly. Their mouths are in pain. Their throats are in pain. But they cannot control it — they keep croaking. Their mouths crack open. Their throats bleed. And still they must croak with all their strength. This is the punishment for those who loved to criticize others.

This transgression is heavier than it sounds. Why? Because these people did have merit — that much is true. They did nurture others — that much is true. But they only nurtured their own followers, only cared for the people they themselves had converted. Other people's converts they slandered freely. Other point-transmitters' initiations they declared invalid — "no Heavenly Mandate," they said. Other elders' work they forbade their followers from studying. That will not do. It is just as it was in the earlier eras when the five religions existed side by side — Buddhist disciples and Daoist disciples dueling with each other, immortal against immortal — that too was wrong. All of them must enter this prison and repent. Right now, while you still have your physical bodies, none of you know how your merits and transgressions will be weighed. But when you leave this world, some of you will discover that you descended under great vows, vowing to settle your karmic debts and return. Everyone must act according to their own conscience. If you love to criticize others for having no Heavenly Mandate, if you say that everything others have done does not count, if you declare yourself the best and everyone else wrong — then it will be miserable for you. By the time you arrive at the Heavenly Prison, the punishments will be more than you can swallow. Room after room, punishment after punishment, one after another. Do you understand?

Now, the recording of what I have said today must be circulated! I am not speaking to you alone — I am speaking to all Dao-kin, all senior leaders, all point-transmitters, all lecturers. Let them hear this. Let them tell others. That is the Eternal Mother's intention. Do you understand? Those of you who know, go back and counsel others. There are many veteran cultivators who broke their vegetarian vows, who broke their purity vows, who retreated from the Dao, who once gave their lives to the mission and now have withdrawn. You must seek them out. Do you understand? If you do not act now, you will know suffering when you return to Heaven.

There are cultivators whose original spirits have already been sent to the Heavenly Prison while their physical bodies are still alive in this world. They do not know it. But there are symptoms — a loss of clarity, a loss of wisdom. And another symptom: insomnia, like a weakening of the nerves, like being scattered and rudderless. Some people have these symptoms and do not know why. They think they are simply overworked. But that is not the reason. Now, I am not saying that every person with frayed nerves has had their original spirit locked in the Heavenly Prison — do not go around saying that! Be careful. This is one sign for you to observe, and you must learn to discern. When a cultivator has lost their wisdom and become scattered, their karmic creditors will also come knocking. That person becomes truly pitiable. Do you understand? Can you tell the difference?

There is one more thing: those who must take on fur and horns and become animals. What is to be done with them? When their original spirits return to the Court of Principle, they are no longer in human form. They must revert to their original shape — the shape of their star-constellation — and be confined in that form.

In these final days of the Third Catastrophe, there are Buddhas who have incarnated and there are demons who have incarnated. I am not saying that any of you are demons. I am saying that within the Dao community, some are demons — I mean those whose tempers and flaws are so severe that their behavior is no different from that of beasts wearing fur and horns. Do you understand? Do not let others influence you. The senior leaders are gradually passing away. Behind them, certain followers are beginning to fight for the Heavenly Mandate. Have you heard of the Sixth Patriarch? Were there not many who tried to seize his mandate? Could they take it? Right now the Dao community is in turmoil, and there are people saying: "The Dao should no longer be spread. The human realm's work ends here. The Heavenly Dao's transmission ends here. There is no more Enlightened Teacher." Should you believe that? The Teacher and the Teacher Mother said: in the final era of the Third Catastrophe, the Three Realms are all to be saved. Saved how? Above, the stars and constellations of the Milky Way. Below, the virtuous souls of the underworld. In between, the good men and faithful women of the human world. Since you know how to say this, you should also counsel others. Do you understand?

Right now, there are many original Buddha-children confined in the Heavenly Prison who made great vows to incarnate. What happened? They must cultivate their Buddha-fruit again. Some of you have a karmic bond with me. Some of you came from the Heavenly Prison. I know you, but you do not know me. I have come today to awaken you. Do not make this trip in vain. Otherwise you will be locked away even deeper when you return, and that will be real trouble. To pass through my gate on the road home is extremely difficult. I am very skilled with the abacus — I calculate everything in detail.

You and I are different. You must earn money and look after three meals a day. The Buddha comes second. That is understandable. You have wives, children, family property, and jobs. All of that is necessary. As for your merit — the money you set aside for merit should go toward supporting Nanping Mountain, toward the merit of opening Buddha Halls. Is that not good? Cultivate yourselves well in your daily lives. I must not say too much — reveal too many heavenly secrets and I myself will be confined! You think that is funny? It is not funny. There are great Buddhas who made vows and descended to help spread the Dao and form karmic bonds. If the Eternal Mother sent them to accomplish a task and the task was done poorly — they too are locked away.

12. Immortal-Binding Cavern

A prison for beings without physical bodies — immortals, Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and arhats who have transgressed or stood as guarantors for mortals who failed.

The Immortal-Binding Cavern. Where true immortals are bound. The Heavenly Prison also has a place for confining immortals and Buddhas. This is where those without physical bodies are held: the Eight Immortals, the Great Golden Immortals, bodhisattvas, arhats. Some are held because they were implicated by association. Some because they committed their own transgressions through carelessness. And some Buddhas are held because they pleaded on behalf of a mortal — they went before the Eternal Mother and said: "This person has failed three times already. I beg the Mother to give them one more chance. I will stand as their guarantor." But when the guarantee cannot be fulfilled — what then? The guarantor is locked away to bear the mortal's punishment in their stead. Do you understand?

When you descended to this world, many Buddhas stood as your guarantors too. Do you understand? It is just like being a guarantor in the mortal world — a very common practice. If you are someone's disciple, your teacher has guaranteed you. If you do not return to Heaven, what happens? At the very least, there are immortals who have been interceding on your behalf, clearing obstacles for you. Do you understand? So it is not only those with physical bodies in the mortal world who face consequences for poor conduct. If immortals and Buddhas make mistakes, they are confined just the same. Does that make me very powerful? It is not that I am powerful — it is that the Eternal Mother is powerful. If an immortal transgresses, the Mother first issues a decree, and then the offending immortal is brought before me. They all come willingly. It is not through my power. Everyone is treated equally. Immortals and Buddhas respect one another, trust one another, learn from one another. Everything is mutual. I may be an old grandfather, but I would never look down on a celestial child — if that child continues cultivating, they too will become a Buddha. All spirit-bodies are the same. All were emanated by the Eternal Mother. We are all brothers and sisters. There is no comparing whose powers are greater. And just because you have cultivated longer does not mean your mistakes should multiply — if a senior cultivator grows two extra horns from all their errors, that would be quite a sight! The longer you cultivate, the fewer your transgressions should be. The longer you cultivate, the brighter your heart. The more you cultivate, the more compassionate you become. The more you cultivate, the more your face shines with light.

13. The Stone Grotto

Let me say one more thing. Those whose hearts are not clean — not the hot-tempered ones, but those whose seven emotions and six desires have not been purified — those who cannot let go of the love between men and women, who cannot release their attachment to husband or wife — these are the ones who must be roasted when they return. How are they roasted? With a slow, warm fire. The guilty spirit sits inside the Stone Grotto and must make their heart clean and still. If they cannot quiet themselves, the stones begin to burn. The whole cave heats up — stifling, unbearable. They sweat. They want to escape, but there is nowhere to go. Every stone is hot. But the moment their thoughts vanish, the stones naturally cool down. And if the thoughts rise again, if they have not achieved purity — then it is terrible! Heaven has placed phantom images inside the Heavenly Prison — illusory forms of beautiful women and celestial maidens that appear to torment the guilty spirits. These are phantoms, illusions, and they test the spirits until every trace of that desire is gone. Men and women receive the same test. Should you not hurry and cultivate? You should! Otherwise, when you return, the remedial cultivation will be just as painful. If you cannot pass through the Three Barriers and Nine Openings, being transferred to the Heavenly Prison is even worse. Do you understand?

All right — I really must go now. If I do not leave, it will only get later. You should all slip away too — slip to where? Slip away to the Court of Principle! Do not be caught in the calamity. I will wait for you in the Court of Principle. Now then — I must vanish. I bow in farewell before the Mother's throne. All of you, see me off, will you? Have you been happy tonight? You have! Everyone, quicken your steps — go and fulfill your merits and vows. Good — goodbye!

Part Three — Tiande Laoren's Second Descent

14. The Second Descent

The punishments of the Heavenly Prison are complete in every form — ten thousand trials arise from the heart, and that is no surprise.

Break through your attachments and you will be given your spiritual rank — one hundred and eight thousand years of freedom, dwelling in the Realm of the Infinite.

This old man, Tiande Laoren, has received the Mother's decree and entered the Buddha hall. I have already bowed invisibly before the Imperial Mother's throne. Now let me ask you all — are you well?

Last time I spoke about the first layer. Now let us speak about the second. I may be lovable, and I am certainly very old, but there is a reason I am so fond of you. What reason? Because I came from the same original spirit as your revered teacher. When I look at you, it is like looking at my own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Imperial Mother in her compassion put me in charge of the Heavenly Prison precisely so that my wayward disciples — after passing through my instruction — might finally amount to something. Do you understand?

Colophon

This is the opening of Cautions for White Sun Cultivators (白陽修士的警惕), a sixty-six-section spirit-writing text from the Yiguandao tradition. The first two sections present the Asura King's own words — his cosmic mandate from the Eternal Mother to test every cultivator, and his direct, taunting challenge to those who walk the path. The text continues with the Heavenly Prison tour of Tiande Laoren — first the four caves of Wind Cloud Ridge (Sections 3–7), then the standalone punishments outside the cave system (Sections 8–13): the Bamboo Basket Prison, the Sand-Carrying Prison, the Damp Firewood Prison, the Frog-Croaking Prison, the Immortal-Binding Cavern, and the Stone Grotto. Section 13 concludes Tiande Laoren's first broadcast. Section 14 opens his second descent — a new night, a new broadcast, a new layer of the prison — and reveals that he shares the same original spirit as the audience's own teacher. Sections 15–18 present the first four caves of the second layer: Wind-Rain Cave (hoarding followers), Thunder-Rain Cave (uncontrolled temper), Dharma-Rain Cave (rigid attachment to one method of practice), and Virtue-Rain Cave (public virtue masking private cruelty). After Virtue-Rain Cave, five more caves — Gold-Rain, Wood-Rain, Water-Rain, Fire-Rain, and Earth-Rain — are named but sealed by the Eternal Mother's direct command. Beyond the sealed caves, the domestic prisons begin: Bean-Picking Prison (careless recruitment without cultivation), Ladder-Climbing Prison (intermittent practice), Water-Boiling Prison (scattered imitation without perseverance), Heavenly Kitchen Prison (serving in the temple kitchen while complaining, gossiping, and envying those at the lectern — the knife that cuts the hand when the heart is impure), Tree-Planting Prison (favoritism in cultivating followers — saplings that grow thorns when the heart is impure), House-Building Prison (altar-keepers who grew bored and packed their Buddha hall away — walls that collapse when the heart is not still), Iron Shovel Prison (those who coasted in the Dao while others did the hard work — one person, one iron shovel, digging a road that never ends), Body-Binding Prison (those who had the ability to let go of worldly attachments but could not bring themselves to do it — ropes that tighten with resentment and loosen with calm), Ball-Refining Prison (those who envied others' talent, did not cultivate seriously, spoke ill of others, and left their messes for others to clean up — an iron chain on the foot dragging a heavy iron ball, and a burlap sack on the back filled with every sin committed in the mortal world), Blind Prison (those who doubted the scriptures of the Five Teachings, were arrogant, looked down on everything, and promoted their own novel theories while scorning the sages — a maze of one hundred and eight thousand li navigated blind, filled with obstacles generated by the prisoner's own unresolved sins, until their eyes clear and the bright path becomes visible), and Seed-Sowing Prison (those who hopped between traditions, worshipping Jesus, Mazu, Guanyin, and whoever else seemed powerful — farming labor that may or may not bear fruit). Section 29 closes with the grandfather's farewell and departure from the second broadcast. Section 30 opens the third descent — Gold Wind Ridge (金風嶺) — with a doctrinal verse on mind, dharma, and attachment. Section 31 presents the first cave of the third layer: Evil Dragon Cave (孽龍洞), where cultivators who debated fiercely and insisted their own doctrines were correct sit in meditation while their attachments generate phantom dragons that fight their own shadows — the first entirely internal punishment in the text, where every bite the prisoner lands on the enemy is a bite on themselves. The grandfather also teaches on the eighteen lineage groups of Yiguandao and why they should not compete. Section 32 presents Birdcage Prison (樊籠獄) — the first vicarious punishment in the text, where ancestral spirits who were elevated to Heaven by their descendants' merit are demoted because those descendants stopped cultivating. The ancestors did not sin; their children did. Some are confined in the Heavenly Prison on behalf of their descendants; some are cast down from Heaven to the underworld. Section 33 presents Torrent Prison (洪流獄) — where cultivators who pushed bad things onto others and could not endure testing are swept along by a flood whose violence follows the heart. Section 33 also contains the key revelation: every spirit undergoing punishment sits motionless; every punishment is illusion generated by the heart. Section 34 presents Falling Leaf Prison (落葉獄) — where cultivators whose minds never rest stand in a forest of endlessly falling leaves; the leaves are thoughts, the insects that devour them are the consequences of neglect, and the only cure is cessation, not sweeping. The grandfather opens with a direct accusation to the audience. Section 35 presents Reverse Nail Prison (反釘獄) — where cultivators who loved to criticize hold a hammer and nail, with a secondary punishment of climbing a rope out of a deep well; the idiom "sitting in a well watching the sky" becomes the literal prison. Section 36 presents Punishing Light Prison (殛光獄) — where cultivators whose eyes were impure are struck by searing light; the section returns to a single-punishment model after the two-punishment anomaly of Section 35. Section 37 presents Gilding-the-Lily Prison (錦上添花獄) — where cultivators who loved empty appearances, clung to the powerful, and spent their lives speaking pleasant but hollow words (flowery speech, 綺語) are showered with flowers from heaven whose fragrance has turned to poison; the worst cases hear the laughter of demons beside their ears. Section 38 presents Wash-the-Heart-and-Change-the-Face Prison (洗心革面獄) — where cultivators who appeared reformed on the surface but never truly changed within are bathed in water that stings and burns; the more they loved saving face, the thinner the skin, and the more the washing hurts; the water's color (clear or murky), depth, and temperature (hot for the hot-tempered, cold for the cold-hearted) all correspond to the prisoner's inner state. Section 39 presents Heavenly Gong Prison (天鑼獄) — where cultivators whose ears were impure are sealed in a space of heavenly thunder; the soul vibrates with every strike, causing dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases bleeding from seven orifices and rupturing of the organs. The prison also holds those who harbored malice, who were two-faced, and who stirred discord. Section 39 is the final section of the third descent: the grandfather bids farewell, hoping the audience will come find him for tea rather than come to report for duty. Section 40 marks the structural turning point: the guided tour ends and the personal testimonies begin. Xu Mingding (徐茗鼎), a senior lecturer who died at sixty-one believing his merits were sufficient, speaks from inside the Heavenly Prison. He failed the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints (三關九口) and was cast in. His testimony is the first voice in the text that speaks not as a guide but as a prisoner — a full autobiography of a life in the Dao, from his parents' paper factory in Chaozhou to his death and judgment. His sins were not dramatic: pride, faction-drawing, obsession with rank, refusal to guide the poor and uneducated, resentment toward those promoted above him. The great lecturer who could speak the Dao beautifully could not cultivate the Dao quietly. Section 41 presents the testimony of a celestial clerk (仙吏) from the outer court of the Heavenly Buddha Court — a man from Jiangsu Province, sickly from childhood, who received the Dao at fourteen. Weak-willed — "grass on a wall" (牆上之草) — he swayed between good and bad influences, slowly reformed under his seniors' guidance, rose to lecturer, but harbored sectarian bias and could not release his attachment to his own lineage group. He died at forty-three. Unlike Xu Mingding, he passed the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints — but only after remedial education at multiple stations. His testimony maps the afterlife examination system in detail: the Nine-Nine Ziyang Gate (九九紫陽關, eighty-one checkpoints), Biyang Hall (碧陽殿, where weak willpower is tested and strengthened), the Refining-Qi Gate (煉氣關, where residual worldly qi is burned away), Danyang Hall (丹陽殿, where sectarian bias is examined), the Heart-Grinding Self-Renewal Room (磨心自新室, for those who failed heart-cultivation), the Going-with-the-Heart Room (隨心室, where the heart's true leanings are revealed), and the Eight-Trigrams Merit-Fruit Court (八卦功果院, where the final accounting determines placement). He was assigned as a celestial clerk in the outer court — a modest station, below the inner court reserved for the truly accomplished. His voice is not shame like Xu Mingding's but pedagogy: the report of a man who barely passed, cataloguing what each gate tested so that others might prepare. Section 42 presents Ding Xiaoqiao's testimony — a spirit cultivating in the Heavenly Buddha Court who dissolves the entire architecture: "Where in heaven is there a Heavenly Buddha Court? They are all barriers set by our own hearts." Section 43 presents Chu Zhenkang's testimony — a Transmitter of the Lamp from the pre-Zhang Tianran era who followed the wrong leader when the Heavenly Mandate shifted. Section 44 presents Lin Qinghua's testimony — a young lecturer from Shanghai who died at thirty-six, hot-tempered and arrogant, the first woman to testify in Part Four; her testimony contains a present-tense cry of anguish. Section 45 presents Jian Suhua's testimony — a lecturer who cultivated by appearances, sent to the Training Hall rather than the Heavenly Prison because her sin was misdirection, not wickedness. Section 46 presents Wang Ji's testimony — the first Transmitter of the Lamp to testify about his own failure; jealous, territorial, controlling, his body soft as cotton at death — the sign misread as sainthood while he was still being tested at the Qi Gate. Section 47 presents Transmitter Xu's testimony — a female Transmitter trapped in the Appearance Gate for vanity and competitive pursuit of merit; the sincerity and the vanity inseparable. Section 48 presents Liao Yixin's testimony — a celibate female lecturer who died at forty of drug poisoning, tested at the Nine-Yang Gate on the Eight Virtues; she ran for the Dao for fifteen years but abandoned her parents, never sent them money, never tried to guide them; the first person tested specifically on filial piety.

The Asura King in Yiguandao theology is not a figure of evil but a necessary cosmic examiner — the whetstone against which cultivators are sharpened. His mandate exists because the Buddhas, being compassionate, cannot perform the work of ruthless testing. The demons test because someone must. Tiande Laoren, the ancient Keeper of the Heavenly Prison, serves a complementary role: not the examiner but the warden, who shows the punishments with the hope that knowing what awaits will keep cultivators on the path. Those who pass become immortals; those who fail are refined in the Heavenly Prison until they can return to the Mother.

Section 49 presents Lin Qinghe's testimony — a male lecturer who died at seventy-five of heart failure, detained in the Stillness Gate (清靜關) for one hundred days; his unmastered temper polluted his son, who demanded back the 1,100,000 donated to the Dao, spent it recklessly, and caused Dao-kin to lose faith — the first testimony involving post-mortem consequences from family members. Section 50 presents Wang Guobiao's testimony — a male lecturer who died at forty-eight of stomach hemorrhage, detained in the Stillness-Spirit Gate (靜靈關), the second checkpoint; his wife left him after six years because of poverty, he abandoned his commission to raise two sons alone, and disappeared from the Dao-grounds — the first testimony about a cultivator broken by domestic tragedy rather than personal vice. Section 51 presents Wang Qiuqin's testimony — a female altar-keeper who died at fifty-four of liver disease, detained in the Transforming-Qi Gate (化氣關); she sold her gold jewelry for the Dao, helped establish twenty-three Buddha halls, but when her son left home and the Transmitter refused to lend from the merit funds, she misread the institutional refusal as personal rejection and let resentment consume twenty years of devotion — the first testimony where the poison is misunderstanding rather than vice. Section 52 presents Cao Minghuang's testimony — a male altar-keeper who died at sixty-five of a stroke, confined in the Heart-Refining Pool (煉心池); he did rough labor, ate meat outside the home while claiming to be vegetarian, treated the seniors with contempt, slept through meetings — three offenses (impure fasting, contempt for the virtuous, and failure to observe the Buddha-rules) that were enough to condemn him, but his wife's posthumous merit-offering of two hundred thousand to print morality books saved him from the Heavenly Prison and placed him in the Training Hall instead. The first testimony where a family member's merit-offering directly alters the afterlife sentence. Section 53 presents Hong Caili's testimony — a female altar-keeper who died at sixty-two, detained at the Purple Yang Gate (紫陽關); she received the Dao at twelve, established a Buddha hall at thirty-two, rose to senior lecturer by forty, but at forty-seven a catastrophic motorcycle accident left her face scarred and her limbs damaged; the Ancient Buddha of the Southern Sea revealed the accident was Heaven's compassion — settlement of three lifetimes of karmic debt from two previous American incarnations where she bullied and killed; unable to reconcile the Dao's promise with her ruined body, she withdrew from public life; her husband demanded the Buddha hall be taken away; the sin of closing the Buddha hall could not be forgiven despite her maintaining vegetarianism; the first testimony where the failure is physical catastrophe breaking faith rather than character flaw or domestic tragedy.

Section 54 presents He Chunsheng's testimony — a male altar-keeper who served for twenty-seven years and died at sixty-five of kidney failure, confined in the Heart-Grinding Self-Renewal Room; his sin was not spectacle but entropy — the slow accumulation of small dishonesties, the habit of lending merit-money to relatives without repaying it, the quiet selfishness of a man who believed his own outward service exempted him from inner cultivation. Section 55 presents Wu Huiqing's testimony — a female altar-keeper who died at fifty-nine of liver cancer, detained in the Dharma-Rain Cave; she led the chanting, organized the rituals, and maintained the Buddha hall for decades, but she was rigid and jealous — anyone who chanted differently or followed a different method was wrong, and she said so publicly; her sin was doctrinal pride disguised as devotion. Section 56 presents Ma Shuying's testimony — a female cultivator who died at forty-seven, detained at the Refining-Qi Gate; she entered the Dao at twenty, married a non-cultivator at twenty-five, and spent the rest of her life torn between her husband's world and the Dao's world; the Asura tested her through her husband's illness, and she blamed the Dao for not protecting her family — the first testimony where the test comes through the spouse. Section 57 presents Jiang Xiuxia's testimony — a female cultivator who died at fifty-two, confined in the Cold Ice Hell; she was a vegetarian lecturer who served for thirty years, but in secret she took bribes from junior cultivators seeking advancement, skimmed from the merit-funds, and reported false numbers to the seniors; the first testimony from the Cold Ice Hell and the first testimony about systematic financial corruption within the Dao field. Section 58 presents Zhen Biqiu's testimony — a kitchen worker in a Dao field, mocked and overlooked for years, whose bitterness corroded into active sabotage; she left the Dao, broke her vegetarian vow, slandered the Heavenly Dao, and blocked others from seeking it — the first testimony where the Dao field's cruelty is the proximate cause of the fall, though the text insists the sin remains the individual's. Section 59 presents Li Mingyan's testimony — a Three Powers medium from Tianjin who channeled the divine for fourteen years under Zhang Tianran and then, after the Teacher's death, called it all fake; the first apostasy testimony, the first Three Powers medium to testify; he wails from the Seventh Court of Hell and begs to be reborn as an ox or a horse rather than face being shattered into a broken spirit. Section 60 presents Liu Nanchang's testimony — the son of an altar master, a lecturer from Tianjin who died at twenty-four of tuberculosis; he insulted the Transmitter, called the Heavenly Mandate fake, and extorted the Buddha-household's money because his elderly parents had been neglected by the community; the first lecturer testimony, the first testimony where righteous anger is the root of the sin; he arrived at the altar so hungry from the Cold Ice Hell that he tricked the Transmitter into giving him two bowls of rice before he could speak. Section 61 presents He Benning's manifestation — the first individual Asura to speak. A cultivator from the Southern Song dynasty who deceived everyone, was expelled from the monastery, founded his own sect to corrupt other cultivators, and descended into the Asura realm at death with his malice undiminished; he grew demon horns and spines and a body wreathed in fire. He does not repent. He taunts. He boasts of his power to destroy cultivators through their own cracks — hatred, impurity, arrogance, gossip — and dares the audience to match themselves against him. The first voice in the Cautions that speaks not from regret but from hostile power; Heaven gave him the altar because the warning only works if the cultivators hear what hunts them.

Translated from Classical and vernacular Chinese by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Gospel register. First English translation. Sections 1–61 of 66.

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Source Text: 白陽修士的警惕

Chinese source text from taolibrary.com (善書圖書館). Presented here for reference, study, and verification alongside the English translation above.

1. 白陽魔大任　阿修羅神慈語

（其一）受命登堂會善賢　勸君莫念凡塵緣

你心一動吾知曉　考倒白陽人鬼仙

（其二）榮華富貴世人戀　美妾嬌妻前世冤

你若不堅心意動　阿修羅掌難周全

洩露考道事，今宵適逢著造佳期，余阿修羅魔神受聘到堂參贊一章，甚感榮幸，余奉恩旨掌理阿修羅魔兵千萬，專以修道士為對象，修道士心志一動，修羅魔即入，絕對不留人情。故云：修道若無魔無考，善惡盡成佛。知之者抱定心志，待吾一考，便知是佛是鬼？今逢末會，人心澆漓，世風日下，走向險惡之中，社會紛亂難治之期。觀今修道者誠心不專，喪失五倫八德，又得道謗道，又吾領導阿修羅兵，借假亂真，以考白陽修士成果證佛之心。若受吾考得過，成仙成佛！考不過，成天獄鬼，或關天牢。若得道修身之士，若違誓願，謗正道入邪道，背道悖理；又變本加厲者，終被吾打入魔陣，被魔鬼吞腹滅靈，永不轉人生。又經不起吾阿修羅之考驗，心志不堅，一考則退，枉費三生之幸而得道，即前功盡廢，天簿除名。按所犯之輕重，送進地獄或天牢辦理。

修道分三等：上、中、下也。老子云：上士聞道，勤而行之；中士聞道，若存若亡；下士聞道，則大笑之。任考不倒，上士也，是聖是賢；聞道疑惑，或進或退，若存若亡，是凡夫眾生。聞道不信，毀道敗德，地獄之鬼也。故上乘考，考上士；中乘考，考中士；下乘考，考下士。考得過，為上士，中士，下士。三考不過，天牢地獄有份，絲毫不通人情。因吾受命於天，不得不考。若無狠心考之，則吾有罪。此任大羅金仙不能擔此責任，因為佛慈悲，不能擔此考道之職，是吾魔兵才能狠心考之。希望大家時時刻刻銘悟：道魔並立！故須加強信心，鐵心抵當余之大考。考過者，錄名天節。考不過者，天簿除名，地獄有份者。金剛經既通三十二份，不如實性，應作如是觀，一可由此觀之，就可以知道。

2. 阿修羅王結緣慈語

洪河流，魚兒游，唯有一天成，定好時候。若識天意趕快走，勿要走最後！承辦三曹大責任，勿要心憂憂！問自己是否有過錯？問自己是否像清水，漾漾流下？一直一直流著到東付流？問自己心性，是否達到浮雲般，清清白白？

像著浮雲遊，考驗就來磨，考得你步步皆難走，考得你無法立戰果，考得你無法駕慈舟，考得你變得排骨瘦。一邊行功一邊流，三乘九品別想坐。想成佛祖，你等皆得繞過我這一關鬼魔頭。我奉旨出來考道，考倒方有功果坐。考不倒你，我心不情願，我心不甘願。我要扯你的後腿，我要拉你下海，讓你步步皆難走，讓你在苦海流。事事樣樣皆考你，你想怨恨我，你就有得受。

我要考你的弱點，抓你的弱點，讓你對道沒信心，要讓你對人情看淡。人情張張薄，考得你顛顛倒倒，讓你在道場無法立足，我要考你妻離子散，考你無法在道場立足。稱威風，尤其最愛出風頭的，我要你九十度鞠躬向我求，求我阿修羅王讓你此關過。

你心中心魔來引我，我願跟你做好朋友，跟你常相廝、伴左右。你們恩師濟公求我也沒用。祂領旨辦道，我奉懿旨考道。看你們修道客，寸進尺退，想要通過我這關非容易，樣樣皆要考，你們樣樣皆要受。勿怪我無情，勿怪我不慈悲，我若考不倒一位修道客，我那有果位好享受？

看你厲害，還是我厲害？看你逞能，還是我逞能？看你威風，還是我威風？而最會批評那一教類者，你皆有得受。你想說你是一代明師弟子，高人一等，威風凜凜。哈哈哈…….你想通過我這一關可沒那麼容易，我要隨時緊盯著你，要隨時等候好機會，拉你後腿，把你扯下來，讓你在道場沒辦法走，我要把你推下汪洋.....考你沒主張，考你靜不下你的性王，考你沒有把你的智慧來發揮而找是非，考你顛倒是非，什麼都要考！

點傳！我第一個先要考你，你感謝我嗎？我要考你站不穩、立不定，要考你哭笑不得，要考你對道沒信心，要考你人人都討厭你，要考你沒得飯吃，要考你事事不如意，我什麼都要考。白陽修道客，我都要考。我若不考你，我怎麼交旨。哈哈哈.....我要考你，就是要考你。尤其最愛發脾氣的，我更要考你。考你無名火，一層一層油然而生。

我要常居住你清靜宮裡面，我要讓你六神無主，要牽引你酒色財氣都喜歡，我要引導你背願，要你看到美色就喜歡，到時候我就有功德了。你勿說我阿修羅王這麼不慈悲，你想立功德，我也想立功德。我若不考你，就回不了天，我的魔子魔孫也難以沾上我的光。我就是要考你們，考你們事事不如意，聖凡都不稱心，讓你們事事八九不如意，我要藉著最兇猛的修道客來考你們，要藉著最美麗的小姐來引誘你們，我處處都要借，借得你們受不了，才能顯出聖賢與仙佛。你以為成仙佛這麼容易？你想上天堂這麼容易就上去了？哼！你想經過我這一關？哈哈哈.....有這麼想的，可沒這麼容易。

我要考你們，我什麼都要考，隨時隨地都要考，考得你顛顛倒倒，考得你沒心情工作，考得你萬般足夠。濟公啊！不要怪我，我也是奉旨。點傳！你怕不怕？你想這天命這麼好擔嗎？你也一樣要先經過我這一關。苦頭你會常受，美酒你是喝不到！講師們心若槓高，以為自己才華有多棒，我就要考你們，考你們入心魔，以你們心魔來引我外魔。要記住！我就要借住你們的清靜宮。知道嗎？你們歡迎我來嗎？（歡迎）。真的歡迎？歡迎的話，我會隨時在你們身邊，等候機會，等候好時機，我就靠近你們的清靜宮裡面。

雖然仙佛立兩旁，我也是奉命下來，早就參叩母駕。我要考你們，天上的果位雖然人間建。哼！你們可以嗎？想上天堂？我看還是下地獄吧！下地獄去先把你們的人心除掉，再跟我阿修羅王住在一起吧！

我要考你們！考你們！我要考最上面的！上面的先考倒，我功德才大。考壇主，考講師，考辦事人員，考道親，通通都要考，你只有寸進尺退。看誰厲害！看誰的工夫比較強！看誰比較有定力！你就展露出來吧！我們來較量！較量！你若想與我阿修羅王做好朋友，非常歡迎，我會托我的魔子魔孫跟在你後面，你們記住吧！我也會在旁邊，奉命在監班。

3. 天德老人慈訓（一）

中華民國八十一年十一月七日歲次壬申十月十三日降

數地球 渾沌多少遍　　看眾生 災難苦連連

掌天獄 律例未曾破　　剖天機 協助辦收圓

免禮！請坐！（謝謝仙佛慈悲！）天氣會冷嗎？會懶得出門嗎？（不會）。會懶得來這裡聽道理嗎？（不會）。有緣份才能夠在一起，才能到佛堂共同聆聽聖理。今天很榮幸來到貴寶地，因為大家都是兄弟姐妹，所以我來這裡和你們結緣，你們一定覺得奇怪，一個老公公拿著一隻枴杖，走路又彎腰駝背。我好幾千歲了，好幾千歲了！（操持：各位前賢，大家知道是那位仙佛來與我們結緣嗎？）（班員：南極老仙翁）。眼睛睜亮點，不對哦！南極老仙翁我認識，他與我同年紀，報個佛號好了，你們不認識我！

吾乃　天德老人　奉了

旨　來至佛堂　隱身參叩

皇

駕　再問各位賢士好不好？

請坐，心有沒有飛出去？有沒有想要早一點回去？（沒有）。沒有我就慢慢講：若講出來我是負責什麼的，你們聽了手腳會冷掉！不要看我很慈詳，其實我也是辦大事情的。你們看黑板的詩句：數地球渾沌多少遍，看眾生災難苦連連，掌天獄律例未曾破，剖天機協助辦收圓。我是掌管什麼的？（天牢）。有地府就有天牢！有地獄就有天獄！地獄是關壞人，那天獄呢？（天獄是關一些有修行但有犯一些過失的人）對！關一些有過失的人，有很多修道人，一修就到我那裡去了，什麼意思？（修不夠才會關天牢）。你們坐在這裡的人，回去不會來找我吧？會來找我聊天嗎？還是來找我泡茶？來洩漏一下天機讓你們知曉。（謝謝仙佛慈悲）。常聽說天牢！天牢！可知道來顯化結緣的罪靈有沒有說什麼？只說他們受苦、又冷又熱，還有嗎？就沒說到其它的了，今天我來這裡就是要告訴你們，希望你們回去要跟其它的修道人講，不要忘記了天律而犯一些過錯，雖這些過錯不是犯天條，但那些考倒人的、造口過的、沒真修的、有脾氣毛病的、拐用公款的......樣樣都逃不過我的眼目，這樣聽懂嗎？（懂）。

現在道場很亂，十八組很亂。怎樣亂？你不能來我佛堂，我不能去你那裡聽道理，這樣對嗎？以這樣（田無溝，水不流），自己顧自己，自己顧自己還不打緊，還譭謗別人。說到我，你們就很懷疑，我到底幾歲了？看黑板第一行：數地球渾沌多少遍！是不是我很老了，而你們還很年輕？我出世的時候你們在哪裡？我成道的時候，你們在哪裡？你們是不是很渺小？要靜靜聽哦！天獄在那裡？就在天佛院的旁邊。修得好的要過天佛院，修不好的就到我那裡去，一條路通二個地方。

天獄關那些人呢？有五教的弟子、前人、點傳師、講師和一些修不好的一些道親，如倒會錢的、品性很差的、還有心地壞的。若有真修實煉，就不會到我那裡去報到，也不會被押來見我，你們都不用害怕。

談到我的使命，乃是　老

派我去掌天獄，從青陽期、紅陽期到現在白陽期，是否很久？（是）。我以前修煉有一百零八顆的佛珠，自從　老

降旨以後，那佛珠就用得上了，佛珠就化成一個一個洞，那個洞就是天獄，一顆珠子一個洞，剛開始青陽用去幾顆？九顆對不對？青陽期有九個地府，也有九個天獄；紅陽期有十八個地獄、十八個天獄，為什麼？人心險惡，修子心地較壞，不像以前那麼好。

到現在白陽九九八十一？還剩八十一個對不對？（對）。以前的人較單純，不像現在的人險詐又多疑，以前的人吃菜脯，可以很安定的修道。現在的人心不同，很喜歡看形象、愛享受，沒享受叫他來修道，就覺得沒滋味。所以，上天很慈悲，讓現在的修行人方便，是不是這樣？（是）。但是方便也會出問題，方便久了也就隨便了，現在人要結識朋友很容易，所以交朋友不像以前那麼謹慎，好人、壞人又不會分，一起久了就變壞人了。所以很多修道人已求道、修道，但是沒有好好修，有很多人修道修得迷糊了，怎麼說呢？一些人道理沒有研究，比較淺見，以為自己研究得很精深了，胡亂跟別人講，講到已走火入魔，理路都歪了還不知道，直說定要跟他修，跟他修才會成道，不然要剪金線、切金線。金線斷、金線連，斷又連又接、又切又連又接，很亂啦！

到底　老

有幾個？（一個）。一個而已對不對？（對）。從我出生到成道、到現在，也知道只有一個而已，雖然我很老邁，不過世事懂得多。修道還是要聽話、認理，對不對？（對）。你們有沒有聽話？沒有的要慚愧。不要不好意思，現在我先介紹一下：

說到脾氣毛病，在座的都有。不過，我不是說你們，我是說一些被押關在天獄的。我先舉一個例子：如果為一個前人，修道跟人家搶後學，沒有好好照顧後學，卻貪圖享受，又騙人家的錢財，這種罪是否很重？（是）。藉道的名義、藉著道的幌子來騙世人，這樣有罪嗎？（有）。你們不用懷疑我，既然敢這樣講就沒有騙你們。你們不用害怕，這個道場不是騙人的，我也不是壞人，我趕快先介紹一下，不然你們心裡會蠢蠢欲動！（各位前賢，我們會不會？）有的人會想事情，有的不會，一百多人就有一百多顆心、一百多個思想！

現在先說一嶺九洞。風雲嶺這是第一層，風雲嶺有九個洞。第一個叫做風雲洞，後面還有火雲洞、紫雲洞，下面一個是飛雲洞。再下面就是青雲洞、黃雲洞、赤雲洞、黑雲洞及白雲洞。風雲洞是什麼刑罰？既然是獄，卻跟地獄不大一樣，沒有拿刀把你們割得全身流血，或開肚膛、或被車子撞輾，不過卻是修心養性的地方，還是不同於地獄。

4. 風雲洞

風雲洞就是每一個修行人心裡有一些雜念，這些雜念等一下再說。若沒有修好，在三關九口時沒有通過，就打進來這裡。之後就拿司部神送來的數據，司部神每天記每個修道人的功過，上一世、上上世、後世也一樣會記起來，這就是修道人的功德與過錯，送來後就開始評判。風雲洞就是關那些喜歡嘮叨、講是非、批評別人。若看到前輩做不好，看引保師、前賢、點傳師、講師做不好，就在後面講是非、吹牛、講話不實在、騙別人的就會到這邊來。顧名思義好像蠻不錯的，一個風雲洞，有風又有雲，其實不然！天獄很苦的，一個人一個洞，坐在裡邊，一個風雲洞，不管多少人，那個洞永遠剛剛好。跟以前的佛洞一樣，一個凹洞一位佛祖，一個人坐在那裡修煉。若雜念來了，那風就像有人在打你耳光一樣。如果雜念多，他的罪使自己頭腦不能清醒，胡思亂想，那風就很快從你的面頰上打過去，打不是打一邊，而是兩邊都打。迅風從左右頰一起夾過來，拍到臉則馬上腫起來，不只雙頰紅腫而已，連牙齒都會掉下來，還會流血，一個個被打得頭昏腦漲，這是風雲洞。聽起來好像有些頭銜還不錯，境界很高，不過竟然會被打！這是因口德沒守好，不肯修、愛面子，就打個夠。你看，一些修道人很辛苦，一生都在渡人、辦道、開佛堂、開荒，成全人才，但有功記功，有過記過。你今天有三千功，不過你有七百個過錯，那七百個過錯怎麼辦？照算！怎麼消你們的罪？懺悔！會不會？做不對的要懺悔！要改啊！若改過自新，　老母會慈悲，　上天會慈悲，你們沒有噁心，　上天就會開赦，這樣懂嗎？風雲洞的風跟凡間的風不太一樣，每打到我們的靈體上，那滋味就好比刀子割在我們的肉身，很不好受。這個風是不定時，假如你有懺悔的心，風就會漸漸的減少，風速也會漸漸緩慢下來，一陣一陣會漸漸疏遠。假如說：愈懺悔而心愈不平的話，風會急速的加快，打在靈體上好比刀片割在身上的滋味，所以非常的痛苦。但是靈性折磨它不會滅亡，我們的肉身，如果被傷害到一個極限，無法承受，神經系統就會休息，靈性就離開了，叫做死亡。但我們的靈體，再怎樣刑罰也不會死亡，只有痛苦，所以我們有肉體，寧可多吃一些苦，也不要靈體去那裡受苦。上天的功過非常公平，如果我們有功德、或者是立大願來的，一樣記在我們的功德簿上。但是我們如果有過失，　上天一樣記得很仔細，這叫做天律，是不含糊的。任他有大功大德，但他有過失一樣去到那裡，就是因為他有雜質。去到那裡，一樣要修得清清淨淨，才有辦法回到理天　老母那裡，對不對？（對）。仙佛是完美的人格，才有達到聖賢、仙佛的境界。　上天非常慈悲，自從盤古開天到現在的天機不洩漏，天德老人乃是主宰天獄，天牢只不過是天獄的一部份而已，今天非常的有福氣，上天　老母降旨洩漏這個天機，我們要抱著感恩的心，仔細的聆聯，句句都是天機。平常在家罵大罵小也要改，雖然不會到天上被打耳光，但也是一樣口德要修。

5. 火雲洞

那火雲洞呢？火雲洞說起來就像被火燒，如果是脾氣不好、做事煩燥的、心又不定的，做前輩、點傳師、講師、壇主把人考倒，無緣無故亂罵人家，火氣很旺的，就要關到火雲洞。如果無明一起，就像火在燒一樣，像入烘爐一般，因燠熱痛苦得讓你叫不敢，因受刑時靈體都被　老母施法定住，刑罰時很自然，在外表，每個人都坐的很端正，但感受溫度高低就在個人了，這樣你們懂嗎？就像你們坐在這裡聽課，有的聽八分，有的聽十分，有的聽六分，有的聽七分，有的才聽二分而已，不一定，這和個人的根基都有關係，和你們的功德也有關。若有慧根的人坐在這裡，自然聽得下去，那些被冤欠找得急的，萬緣放不下的，智慧已讓無形原人蓋住、被蒙蔽，可能仙佛說什麼都聽不懂，這樣懂嗎？（懂）。

6. 紫雲洞

下一個是紫雲洞，紫雲洞聽起來似乎境界很高，那就是大佛祖立大願下凡迷掉了，雖修回去，但是願立得很大，做卻做的很少，願大果小難把本位還，你們會不會如此？願大果小，修回去但功德不夠，所以要關入天牢，再修煉，再懺悔，這一洞刑罰較輕鬆，但心頭會鬱悶，坐在洞內，常覺愧對天恩，想哭及悲憤的情份，湧上心胸，因自愧了願不夠多。若一個大羅漢下凡，修得變成一個普通道親，那就慘了，只有清口而已，並無作為，回去時只好把他關起來受罰，在老母面前立大願、說大話，結果還是一樣，虎頭蛇尾，這樣不行喔！不能對　上天欺騙。

7. 飛雲洞

再下一個是飛雲洞，飛雲洞是什麼？這個洞比較厲害，厲害在那裡？厲害在飛雲洞裡，有會飛的刀子會射過來，一刺就刺到心臟，很痛苦，受此刑有什麼原因呢？此種就是一輩子修道用計謀害別人，就算沒害死他人，卻是毀壞別人的名聲、譭謗別人、設計、沒善心。你們是否奇怪，這種人怎麼會在道場中？也是有，求道的人很多，但有否好好修的，就要看情形了，所以不可以存心害人，要存好心、做好事，別人做什麼？我們不要臆測。別人做壞事，我們要勸人家。心不要胡思亂想，是不是這樣？（是）。你有沒有進步？你有大佈施嗎？不要說道場都要你的錢，這位賢士，你現在有比較進步嗎？（班員：要別人說才知道）唉！要自己知道才好啦！別人知道怎麼有用，自己知道才是自己的，對不對？別人一定說你進步，這樣不就沒用了，知道嗎？自己是否有進步？要問自己。那有問別人的呢？對不對？你有心，自己有沒有進步總是知道的。好！飛雲洞就是你坐在那裡迴光返照、修煉，心有貪、嗔、癡三毒未消的，來到這裡念頭一起，一隻刀子就飛過來，插在中央，很痛苦的。雖然是靈體來說，刀子也是無形的，插到就猶如刀子割到一樣的道理，會痛、會麻、還會痛苦，那只刀子哪時候才會消失？就是你心平了、念頭消了，那只刀子就會不見。如果再坐又起念頭，刀子又射過來，這樣有沒有可怕？（有）。念頭愈多，刀子愈多只；念頭愈少，刀子就愈少只，這樣聽懂嗎？這樣有沒有可怕？（有）。其餘後面的就跟先天智慧有關了，是仁、義、禮、智、信。

欠仁不是欠一點點，是欠大點的。譬如說：今天渡十個人，管他的！都不去成全，你渡一百個才一兩個清口而已，只有圖一個名而已，貪功啦！貪這個功德，沒有好好的成全，沒有慈悲心，人家有困難沒有幫助他，看人家跌倒又不去扶，這就是欠仁。你們會不會？不要修道修得憨憨的，不知道自己在做什麼！修道就是要修習慈悲心，這樣懂嗎？（懂）。

第二個義：就是你們兄弟姐妹要守這個義，怎麼說呢？要有義氣啊！好好的替別人設想，不要爭奪別人的功德。一樣都是講師，不要說別人的壞話。別人好就是你好，這樣瞭解嗎？如果你都講別人的壞話，兄弟姐妹都不照顧，不愛護他人，都在譭謗別人，不要和別人一起工作，不要和別人住同一間佛堂，這樣也不對，不義。修道本來就是要有始有終，承上啟下，是不是？對於三師要尊敬，對於引保師要記得感恩，這也包括在義內。

禮就是佛規禮節。到佛堂看見前人、點傳師要接駕、參駕、辭駕。若沒有辭駕，也是心裡要有這個禮數。還有在佛堂內有很多的小細節都要做到，例如：叩拜就要慢慢拜，不要隨隨便便，像在敲木魚，叩！叩！叩！一下子就叩完了，這樣子不可以。這是包含較廣、較大篇。不過你們自己去想，平常穿衣服要整潔......。

再來智，修道智慧要拿出來。一下子跟這個修，一下子又跟那個修；一下子看得起這個，一下子又看不起那個；一下子跟錯人，一下子又換位置；一輩子全台灣都跑遍了，但是沒成功，這樣也不行，聽懂嗎？不要懷疑別人的佛祖較大尊，自己的佛祖較小尊，沒有這回事，佛祖在那裡？在自性裡，是不是？每個人都有個自性佛，所以你們要瞭解，修道要拿出智慧，不要看別人，人家說：你跟我修一定會成道。真的會成道嗎？修道欲成道要靠自己。不要聽別人說現在換盤，換盤要再重點過，肚臍被點一下，這樣會成道嗎？一樣不會成道，不管你施捨多少，修多久，沒守天律，沒智慧，沒辦法超脫，也不是究竟？聽懂嗎？

最後一個信，那個信？是不是要守信？是不是說出的話要去做？如果願立隨便立，立了十八條，只做五、六條而已，難道他都沒有修？也是有修，只是做不到而已，應該要趕快去做，不是說現在眾生未渡盡誓不成佛，眾生真的沒渡盡，回去　老母那裡會受到苛責，而是說你立了這條願，你有沒有認真去做？有沒有認真去修？你有認真嗎？你有盡心嗎？你有十分來打拼嗎？這就是重點了！不是修道很困難，修一輩子歷經困苦，回天又被關起來，其實不是這樣子。這都是罪過較重及習性較深的。你如果好好修持，平常低心反省自己，認真修改自己的脾氣毛病，發自肺腑的尊敬前人、點傳師、及別的修道人，也尊重所有的修行者，這就是功德了。

剛剛說到青陽期、紅陽期，那時期也有很多人跑到天獄去，為什麼？青陽期也有很多仗恃自己的法術較厲害，到處不是壓迫人就是毆打人家，不然就是愛與人鬥法，喜譭謗別人，一樣會造罪，自以為他的法力較強，武器法寶較厲害，仙拼仙，拼來拼去總有一方輸掉，若輸者不甘願，就愈拼愈厲害，最後貪、嗔、癡就跑出來了，所以人迷昧掉都是一口氣在作怪。有些人尤其最愛顧全面子，這種人最糟糕。所以，以前也有很多人在天獄修行，補修、懺悔。紅陽期也是一樣，修神通修得走火入魔，有神通好不好？羨不羨慕？有神通好嗎？能看穿人家的三世因果，可以說別人的心事，可以飛，好嗎？給你們好嗎？很多人在追求這個，但是一輩子修持，日子過去了，真的有嗎？不一定有，根基很重要，修行也很重要。但是有神通，並未表示你就可以到達理天，有神通也是會消失掉，賢士聽過嗎？你修一修本性污染了，一樣神通馬上會遮掉起來，會不見。故以前的人犯佛規、犯天條，都是一樣要受刑。每個人都有智慧，但是智慧要拿出來。有些沒說到，就是我不願意講的，我想要說才會講出來，　老母有吩咐，要我講剛好就可以，不可以說太多，說到你們怕這樣就可以了。我還要繼續講，我看你都不會害怕！其實你們不會害怕，因為你們不是前輩者。大多關在天牢的是關前輩者及道中前賢，因為前輩者較容易做錯一些事情，一句話就可以犯大錯誤。好了，說一些別的讓你們開開眼界。

8. 竹籃獄

竹籃打水一場空，天獄的刑罰很多項，有的是背願的、有的是破戒的，破戒的該怎麼辦呢？看懺悔的心、看罪業有多重，　上天不是看你做很多的功德，　上天又不給你賞賜，不是哦！一樣是有賞賜，一樣有給你功果。不過，過錯要先清一清！什麼是竹籃打水一場空？就是說有的人一輩子修行茫茫渺渺，盲修瞎煉，一邊做又一邊漏。既吃素又一邊殺雞；一邊渡人又一邊賣豬肉，這樣的人就要捉進來這裡。你說他修得很好，很好沒錯，但也一樣有洞，這只是一個例子而已。這種刑罰就是一池水，每個人分一個籃子給他們，是竹子做的，有洞對不對？叫他把這池水提起來，提到另一空池去，要怎麼做？這樣你們會不會？竹籃要提水，是不是提不起來？一邊提一邊漏，提起來就漏光了，豈止走兩步。所以說修道就是這樣子，一些脾氣毛病不改，愛說是非，沒大過積小過也是一樣，要去那裡磨一下，怎麼磨？就是叫你去拿籃子打水一樣，去提水，直到罪消了，那籃子就能提水了。很奇怪的，聽懂嗎？等到你的罪過消了，那竹籃就可以裝水了。自然有辦法裝水，那就表示你的功德出來了。所以竹籃能裝水，這是其中一樣，這是罪較輕的，這不是在洞內的，這是在外面的。

9. 擔沙獄

也有擔沙的，擔沙的怎麼講？你的罪像一座山，像是沙子，你的過錯就是平常沒有負責任。點傳師吩咐說：幾點了我們去辦道。你回答：好，結果沒去。人家叫你做什麼，你都回答好，結果都沒做，這就是沒責任心。　上天都把你堆起來，回去後你慢慢挑，這樣挑，挑到這座山都沒有了，這樣你就可以穿新衣，漂漂亮亮去等著做仙佛了，這樣聽懂嗎？有一些不對的事情，　上天也都記得清楚。人家說你怎樣，怎樣不聽話，你就要改。人家說你不對，你就要懺悔，對嗎？今天你當講師，應該要講道理給人家聽，你不要躲起來，若躲起來，　上天放這個命給你就沒意思了，是不是這樣？一個點傳師不出來辦道，常常躲在家裡養子女、掃地，或者在外面賺錢、做事業，這樣子也不對，這樣子你們聽懂嗎？　上天給你們一個責任，你們沒有去了，這樣的罪過也是很重，聽懂嗎？你們有擔責任嗎？擔什麼責任？沒責任怎麼回去？仙佛都是立大願的，你們沒立大願，又沒有責任要怎麼回去？當凡夫嗎？這種刑罰就是很勞累的，你們不要看那麼一點東西，很重耶！輕與重就看你自己的心了。

10. 烘柴獄

再來說烘柴獄，烘什麼柴？烘濕柴，把你關起來，然而天氣很冷、很冷，天氣很冷要怎麼辦？就是要燒柴才有溫暖，對不對？生火才會取暖啊！但是以前有做一些壞事情，所以柴都是濕的，點不起來，燃不起來，就一邊冷一邊抖，這樣你們瞭解嗎？這也是一種刑罰，這都是比較輕的，冷而已，罪消了一樣去當仙佛，這樣你們聽懂嗎？你們喜歡那一樣？要選一項嗎？試一下味道。

11. 蛙鳴獄

再說一項，就是一些講師、點傳師、前輩者，不管道務有沒有辦開，後學有多少，都一樣，就是喜歡批評別組、批評別人。五教弟子喜歡批評別人、別教，這樣子的不要讓我捉到，被捉到就難過了，集中把他們放在一個大池塘裡面，雖然在他感覺自己是一個人，但事實上他就變一隻青蛙，一直叫一直叫，有沒有聽過蛙鳴啊？青蛙一直叫，這樣子，嘴巴很痛、喉嚨很痛，但他不能控制的一直叫。嘴巴也破了、喉嚨流血了，還是要很用力的一直叫，這是一種刑罰，這樣子的就是喜歡批評別人的，這種罪比較重，怎麼說呢？他有功德沒錯，他有成全別人沒錯，但是他成全的都是自己的後學，成全的都是自己渡的人，別人渡的道親亂給人家譭謗；別的點傳師點的道，就說人家不算，沒有天命；別的前賢辦的道，就不准他的後學靠近來研究道理，這樣也不行。就像在以前有五教的時代，佛教弟子與道家弟子互相仙拼仙，一樣也不行，都要入此獄懺悔，現今大家都有肉體，都不知功過如何評判？但看歸空時，有的是立願下凡，了願頂劫回去的，所以每一個人都要看自己的良心做事情。如果喜歡批評別人沒天命，別人辦的事情都不算，說自己最好，說別人不對，這就淒慘了，等來到天獄，罪都吃不完，一間一間走，一樣一樣吃，一樣一樣去罰，這樣你們聽懂嗎？（懂）。

現在我說的這個錄音帶要傳出去喔！我不是說你們，我是說全部的道親、前輩、點傳師、講師，讓他們去流通、去講述，這才是　皇母的意思，這樣你們聽懂嗎？這樣你們知道的回去也要勸別人，有許多老道親吃素破戒的、清修破戒的、退道的、以前捨身的現在沒有捨身的，以前有成全人辦事情的，現在已躲起來的，你們都要把他們找出來，這樣聽懂嗎？現在不做，回去就知道痛苦了。有一些修道人的原靈，已經打入天牢了，但是他的肉體還活在世間，他不知道，但是有一個症狀～失神，就是比較沒智慧了。還有一項～失眠，就像腦神經衰弱，六神無主，有的有這些症狀他不知道，以為做得太累，其實不是。但並不是每一個腦神經衰弱的人，原靈都被打入天牢，你們不要亂講喔！要謹慎，這是一個症狀讓你們看，你們要會判斷。每一個修道人都一樣，現在沒智慧、六神無主了，這樣冤欠也找上門了，這樣的人就較可憐了，這樣你們聽懂嗎？（懂）。會分辨嗎？還有一樣，就是披毛戴角為畜牲的，這種要怎麼辦？這種的原靈已經不是變人的形狀，在理天就要變回他的原形，也就是星宿的原形關起來。

現在三期末劫年，有佛祖來投胎，也有魔來投胎。現在不是說你們是魔，我是說道中有的是魔，我是指一些脾氣毛病重的，做事情有如披毛戴角的禽獸，這樣懂嗎？（懂）。不要受別人影響，現在前輩們已經慢慢歸空了，後面有一些後學，開始來搶天命，有聽過六祖嗎？是不是有很多人，搶他的天命？他們搶得走嗎？現在道場正在亂，又有人在講：說道不要辦了，人曹辦到這裡而已，天道傳到這裡而已，沒明師了。這樣你們要相信嗎？（不相信）。以前你們師尊、師母說：三期末劫年，三曹普渡。渡一些什麼人？（渡一些氣天神、地府善魂、人間的善男信女）是不是上渡河漢星斗，下渡地府幽冥，你們既然會講就要勸別人，這樣會不會？（會）。現在也有很多天獄的原胎佛子，立願來的，怎麼樣？再修佛果，你們曾與我結緣過嗎？有的是從天獄來的，我認識你們，但是你們不認識我，現在來給你們點醒，不要再白走一趟，不然回去關得更深，這就麻煩了，回天之路要通過我這一關是非常困難的，我很會打算盤，算的很詳細。你們與我不同，你們要賺錢，又要顧三餐，第二才是顧佛祖，也難怪！又要顧妻兒、顧祖產、還要上班賺錢，這都是很需要的，你們自己做功德，這筆錢要做什麼？要助南屏山，做開佛堂的功德，這樣好嗎？你們平常好好修煉自己，我不可以說太多，說太多洩露天機要被關起來，我本身就要關起來！好笑嗎？不好笑！有一些大佛祖立願下凡助道臨凡來結緣，若是　老母派下來辦事情，事情辦的不好一樣要關起來。

12. 捆仙窟

捆仙窟，鎖真仙，天獄也有關仙佛的場所，這種是關沒有肉體的，這樣的像是八仙、大羅金仙、菩薩、羅漢。有的是受牽連的；有的是自己不小心犯過的；有的佛祖替在凡間的肉體保奏，怎樣保奏呢？他說：他現在犯過三次了，他向　老母求情，請　老母再給他一次機會，他要擔保，但擔不了保時就怎樣？只好關起來，代那個肉體受過。這樣各位瞭解嗎？你們下來一樣有很多佛祖替你們擔保喔！聽懂嗎？就跟作保證人一樣，在凡間也很流行，例如：你若當人家徒弟的，你們師父就為你們擔保了。若沒回去該怎麼辦呢？多多少少都會有仙佛為你們作保，是不是？有心修道，就有仙佛為你們解救，給你們排除困難，這樣瞭解嗎？所以不是在凡間有肉體做不好的，回去才會被關。仙佛若有錯，照常要關，這樣你說我是否很厲害？其實不是我厲害，是　老母厲害。若仙佛犯錯，　老母先批示一道旨，然後把錯之仙真帶到我這裡來，他們皆心甘情願被關起來，這不是我的法力，每一個都平等，仙佛都互相尊敬、互相信服、互相學習，一切都是互相的，例如：我是一位老公公，我也不會看不起仙童，他如果再修也是一位佛祖。所以靈體都是相同的，都是　老母分化的，大家都是兄弟姐妹，沒有說互比你我誰法力較強。或修較久，你是老前賢，成道後你多長兩隻角，這樣就不妙了。所以修道修越久，不應該過錯犯越多，要越修越光明、越修心腸越好、越修越慈悲、越修臉越光亮。

13. 石頭窟

再多說一項，那些心較不淨的，不是脾氣旺而是七情六慾不清的，就是男女之情放不開的，夫妻感情拋不開的，這種的回去要烘，怎麼烘？用溫火慢慢，罪靈坐在石頭窟裡心要清淨。若靜不下來，那石頭就會燙人了，整個穴就會燒熱起來，很悶，熱得流汗，想要逃走又走不開。石頭都很熱，如果念頭不見了，石頭就自然很涼了。若念頭又起，沒有清淨，就糟了！　上天在天獄裡頭有幻化無形的影像，例如：美女、仙女來捉弄罪靈，這是幻化的，是幻像，試煉到他沒有這個心為止，乾坤都一樣，你要不要趕快修？（要）。不然回去也是一樣，再補修很難受。這是過三關九口過不去，調到天獄更難受，這樣瞭解嗎？好了，一定要走了，再不走時間愈來愈晚，你們腳底抹油也要溜了，溜到那裡？溜到理天。不要遭劫，我在理天等你們。好了，我要隱身，辭叩　母駕。各位賢士相送一下，今晚有沒有很高興？（有）。各位加緊腳步，好行功了願。好，再見！

14. 天德老人慈訓（二）

天獄刑罰樣樣齊　萬法由心不稀奇

執著打破能封果　萬八逍遙居無極

俺老翁　天德老人是也　奉了

母旨進入佛堂　隱身已參

皇母駕　再問賢士們好不好？

上回說第一層，現在來說第二層。我很可愛，也已經很老了，我為什麼很疼你們，這是有原因的，什麼原因呢？因為我就是和你們恩師同一條原靈下來的，所以我看你們也好像是我的子孫一般。上天　皇母慈悲讓我掌天獄，就是希望我那些不成材的弟子，經過我的教化，能夠有出息，聽懂嗎？（懂）。

15. Wind-Rain Cave

風雨洞 — Piercing wind and needling rain for those who hoarded followers and competed for credit.

Wind-Rain Cave is a punishment of the second layer. Each cave holds one cell per soul — not too wide, not too narrow, but the suffering inside is severe. Those confined here are senior elders, point-transmitters, and long-practicing veterans of the Dao — people who were afraid their junior followers might be taken by others. Fellow point-transmitters would open Buddha halls, and these elders would refuse to let anyone near, afraid their own disciples would be influenced or drawn away. In truth, this is selfishness and prejudice. Some act out of fear that the Dao field will be thrown into confusion — that false patriarchs and false masters will appear to disrupt the community. But others are simply clinging. Those who act from compassion, Heaven knows. Those whose hearts lack compassion, Heaven also knows.

This kind of person fears that their followers will be stolen away. They compete for merit and seize the fruits of others' labor. They think: every person I bring to the Dao is my achievement, my disciple. I bring ten more, they are all mine — add them together and my merit grows larger, like a pyramid scheme. In truth, Heaven does not keep accounts that way. What Heaven reckons is the merit of the heart — the inner compassion that liberates you from the Five Elements. That is true merit. A heart still bound within the Five Elements will never succeed.

If you encounter someone like this, advise them: do not commit so many wrongs, because when you return to Heaven and the ledger is opened, merit and fault are weighed together — and you will be taken away and confined. For those whose attachments are deep and whose offenses are heavy, Wind-Rain Cave sends a bone-piercing cold wind carrying a cutting rain — the wind and rain drive in like needles through every pore, pain that reaches the heart and lungs. This is to shock them awake from their attachments. Because they harmed others and sent them down the dark mountains, severing their spiritual roots — that sin is grave.

16. Thunder-Rain Cave

雷雨洞 — Thunder and rain for those whose temper never softened, even after decades of practice.

In Thunder-Rain Cave, each condemned soul sits in a cave where the sound of thunder is deafening. This cave is for those who lived with fierce tempers — cultivators who practiced for twenty years and still had the same bad temper, who practiced for thirty years and the temper was unchanged. They showed no compassion toward their juniors and no reverence toward Heaven. When others tried to counsel them, it went in one ear and out the other — loyal advice grated on them like a horse ignoring the wind in its ears. People like this — unreasonable, lacking wisdom — are confined in Thunder-Rain Cave to be punished by heavenly thunder.

When that thunder strikes, it explodes with a single roar, and their eardrums shatter. Blood flows from all seven orifices. But they have no physical body — how can they feel pain? It is the spirit-body that suffers. In the formless world, the intangible can take form — but it is only an apparition, like the light from a lamp: you cannot grasp it, but when it strikes you, you feel it.

Have any of you here committed these faults? (Yes.) Both of the ones I just described? (Yes.) Well then — shall I tie you all up and take you back to be locked away? Is that all right? (No!) Fine! I will give you more time, because you still have your bodies. You are still alive, not dead. If you were dead, it would be over. Good! I will continue.

17. Dharma-Rain Cave

法雨洞 — Celestial flowers and piercing lectures for those who clung rigidly to one method and refused all others.

Dharma-Rain Cave — the name tells you what it is. Those confined here are cultivators who, during their lives, were attached to one particular scripture, one particular method, and clung to it exclusively. They insisted that other methods were worthless. Take, for example, the practice of bitter austerities — not eating, not wearing proper clothes, refusing sleep, even burning the flesh. This kind of asceticism torments only the body. The inner nature is never cultivated. The Three Poisons remain unconsumed. Such a person memorizes one phrase and clutches it to their heart for an entire lifetime, practicing nothing else. When someone offers them a reasonable teaching, they refuse to listen. This kind of person is in grave trouble.

The punishment is this: they are made to sit together and listen to a Buddha deliver a lecture. But the sound — it is piercing. The ears itch unbearably. The whole body feels wrong. And then the heavenly flowers begin to fall — celestial blossoms raining down from above — and wherever they land on the body, they stick, and they itch. Yet the prisoner must keep listening. If they stop, the suffering only grows worse. There is no way to avoid it, because with every sentence they hear, the ears itch more and more.

These are the same kind of people who, in life, sat at dharma assemblies and did not listen carefully — who lounged with their legs crossed, lost in their own thoughts. There is also the type who does not like anything you say, no matter what it is — who calls you a show-off, or says you are talking nonsense. Their minds wander and breed fantasies. When the immortals speak the truth, they do not want to hear it, will not hear it, and think to themselves: "What the immortals are saying is all too plain, too shallow." Proud people, arrogant people, people who do not listen carefully when their elders speak, people who doze off during lectures — over time their demerits grow larger and larger, and this kind of practitioner must be taken away for remedial punishment.

Are you frightened now? (Yes.) Tonight, several of you were dozing. But don't worry — that is only a mark on the record, not an immediate arrest. It is the same as your traffic violations: the demerits accumulate, and when they reach a certain point, then you get taken in.

18. Virtue-Rain Cave

德雨洞 — Ice-spring water whose temperature follows the heart-mind, for those of high rank who were privately cruel while publicly virtuous.

The cultivators confined in Virtue-Rain Cave held high rank and great authority, but they did not cultivate properly. They were harsh toward their juniors, showed no compassion, and did whatever they pleased. Their hearts were not good. They had been practicing for a very long time and maintained a fine outward appearance — but most of it was false compassion. Behind others' backs they spoke nothing but ill. In truth they had no virtue, yet they played the part of the great elder.

Some people were initially deceived by this outward display. But as time passed, they saw the true face beneath — and their faith was shaken. They stumbled because of that false virtue. They were tested and fell because someone who was supposed to lead them turned out to be hollow.

This kind of person — eccentric, lacking moral character, with a bad temper, harsh and selfish toward others — is confined in Virtue-Rain Cave.

The punishment is this: from above, an ice-cold spring pours down over the body. When the heart-mind is calm, the spring runs warm. When the heart-mind is resentful, the spring turns bone-piercingly cold. The temperature follows the heart's condition. Only when the transgression has been purged and the heart is finally at peace does the refinement cease.

Beyond Virtue-Rain Cave there are five more caves: Gold-Rain Cave, Wood-Rain Cave, Water-Rain Cave, Fire-Rain Cave, and Earth-Rain Cave — corresponding to the Five Elements. But these are not to be disclosed. The Eternal Mother has given her instruction: the heavenly secrets of each layer must have some concealment. Why? Because if everything were revealed, if I told you all of it over and over, you would know it and yet not treasure it.

19. Bean-Picking Prison

拾豆獄 — Picking beans from sand on your hands and knees, for those who brought people to the Dao carelessly, counting heads without cultivating souls.

Bean-Picking Prison — it is like the punishment of Cinderella, sorting beans from ashes. But this is not a fairy tale.

Ordinary followers, point-transmitters, lecturers — those seated here have all committed this fault. When you bring people to the Dao, you count only heads. You crave quantity and ignore quality. You do not know whether a person's character is good or bad — you pick someone up off the street and bring them in. You think: I have brought one hundred, two hundred people to the Dao — my merit must be enormous. But after bringing them, you never go back to guide them. You bring them carelessly. You form a bond carelessly and never return to cultivate it. This kind of person must go back to the Heavenly Prison to pick beans.

The beans of the Heavenly Prison are not easy to pick. Because cultivators in this world have also kept the vegetarian precepts and know they must do good works, Heaven gives them a lighter punishment. There is no tongue-cutting, no belly-splitting, no disemboweling — the Heavenly Prison is not like the courts of the underworld. But every punishment conceals a teaching.

For those whose offenses are heavy, the beans are mixed into a great heap of sand — the heavier the sin, the larger the heap. And if the mind stirs with resentment, the sand keeps rising, pile upon pile, and there is no telling when you will finish. If your heart is not at peace — if ignorance flares, and you think to yourself, "I did so much merit, I brought so many people to the Dao, and after returning to Heaven I am still locked up here, crawling on my hands and knees picking beans" — then the beans immediately take on the color of the sand. How will you pick them out?

So listen carefully: bringing people to the Dao is not something you can do carelessly. If you bring them and then abandon them — if they slander the Dao and lose their understanding because no one guided them — that is your fault. The reason the Dao field has so many trials today is precisely this: too many people covet merit, counting heads when they bring seekers to the Dao, trying to please their point-transmitter. This is wrong. Many people do not understand and so they do wrong. Do you hear me?

If your thoughts are upright, the beans grow larger. If your thoughts are not upright, the beans grow smaller and smaller, and they change color — becoming the same as the sand, impossible to tell apart. The cultivator crawls on the ground, dizzy and disoriented, covered in filth, and must pick every last bean before the offense is cleared. Only when the heart is finally at peace and the sin is fully purged do the sand and the beans vanish of their own accord. All things arise from the heart-mind. From the heart-mind, all things arise.

20. Ladder-Climbing Prison

爬梯獄 — Climbing a ladder that never reaches the top, for those who practiced intermittently — three days fishing and two days drying nets.

Ladder-Climbing Prison: one person, one ladder. You start at the bottom and climb. You must climb with all your might. But you keep climbing and keep falling — no matter how hard you climb, it feels as though you are standing still, or even sinking. Fear grips the heart.

This prison is for those who practiced three days and rested two — three days fishing and two days drying nets. Three years, five years would pass before they practiced again. Their feelings toward the Dao ran hot and cold: one moment they swore great vows, the next they lost their resolve, the next they stopped believing altogether. This kind of person rarely succeeds at anything. And yet they did practice — they thought the purpose of practice was to guarantee their safety, so they did some merit to cover their faults. In truth they understood the Dao, but they did not want to cultivate it. And so they are confined here.

Good people — will you be dragged here and locked away?

21. Water-Boiling Prison

煮水獄 — One person, one stove, boiling water that will not boil, for those who imitated others without mastering anything — five minutes' enthusiasm for everything, no perseverance.

Water-Boiling Prison: one person, one stove. You take the firewood and try to light it. But here is the strange thing — if your heart-nature has not been cultivated, if you have not yet reached that place, you cannot light the fire no matter what you do. You strike and strike and the kindling will not catch. It will not burn.

This prison is for those who followed the crowd with a heart set on excitement, nothing more. They saw others lining up for duty, so they lined up too. They saw others folding towels, so they folded towels too. They did everything casually, without care — whatever they saw, they imitated; whatever others learned, they tried to learn. But they never mastered a single thing. They never completed a single thing. They had five minutes' enthusiasm for everything and perseverance for nothing.

One moment they were at this temple. The next they were browsing that Buddha hall. Then off to study with that senior elder. Then off again to sit with some other lecturer. Their hearts were scattered in every direction. They never truly practiced anything they did. And so they are dragged here — to boil water. When the water has boiled and boiled dry, only then is the offense cleared.

Do you understand? (We understand.)

22. Heavenly Kitchen Prison

天廚獄 — The kitchen workers who served while complaining, gossiping, and envying those who stood at the lectern. The knife that cuts the hand.

Heavenly Kitchen Prison — now this one concerns you directly!

The ones locked in Heavenly Kitchen Prison are those who served in temples and Buddha halls as cooks — chopping vegetables, cooking rice. But while they cooked, their mouths were moving too. Their thoughts were stirred up. They had crooked thoughts, they had attachments, they talked behind people's backs, their hearts were full of grievance. They complained: other people get to dress up neatly and stand on stage, so why am I stuck here in the kitchen, covered in grease and oil stains, filthy like this? And some thought: well, it is not as if I care — I just do not know how to speak or explain the teachings, otherwise I would be the one standing at the lectern. Some people were doing the work, but their hearts were not at peace. Some could not fulfill their vows in any other way, but when you asked them to help in the kitchen, they refused. They cooked and grumbled at the same time — gossiping, watching others with suspicion, envying others. This kind of person gets dragged here and locked up.

The truth is, if you serve earnestly and know your place, then helping in the kitchen is itself the fulfillment of your vow and the earning of merit.

So how are they punished in this prison? Those who cut vegetables go on cutting vegetables. Those who cooked rice go on cooking rice. But if the one cutting vegetables lets impure thoughts arise — if their heart stirs and their mind wanders — then the knife cuts their hand along with the vegetable. Halfway through, they come to their senses and realize they have cut into their own flesh.

Heaven designs every punishment for a reason. Do you know what that reason is? Whatever your transgression arose from, Heaven sends you back to that same place to purge your sin.

So I am telling you: never stand in the back kitchen cooking while gossiping, criticizing others, stirring up trouble. If you do, your merit will never be complete, and what little you earn will not amount to much. Do you understand?

23. Tree-Planting Prison

植木獄 — The senior elders who showed favoritism in cultivating followers and appointed successors by personal connections rather than merit. The saplings that grow thorns.

Tree-Planting Prison — in this prison, a sapling appears naturally in the hand of every person being punished. Those whose hearts are not good will find the sapling covered in thorns that pierce their hands.

When they are being refined, every person must take a shovel and dig into very hard soil, and then plant the sapling — plant it with great difficulty. Sometimes the sapling will not even survive. And if their sins have not been fully purged, saplings keep appearing in their hands — they finish planting one and another appears, on and on.

What if they are lazy? Heavenly soldiers and generals stand right there supervising the work. If you slack off, you get beaten. Do you understand? (We understand.)

What sin did these people commit? In life they were senior elders who were selfish and partial. They did not cultivate their juniors with fairness. They carelessly appointed others to receive the Heavenly Mandate, using personal connections to practice the Dao. Do you understand? Some of them delayed people of real talent and real virtue in this way, causing those people to stumble and fall. They made others think: the Heavenly Dao is nothing but a system of favors — whoever is richer gets to receive the Mandate. In the mortal world you cannot see whether this is a sin or not, but once you return to Heaven, everything is known.

24. House-Building Prison

築屋獄 — The altar-keepers who set up a Buddha hall in their home and then grew bored, made excuses, and packed it away. The walls that collapse when the heart is restless.

House-Building Prison — some altar-keepers set up a Buddha hall in their home, but then feared having visitors come to disturb them. They treated their Dao-kin casually, coldly, unwelcomingly. After worshipping for a short time they found nothing fresh in it anymore, so they made excuses — claiming they were moving house or renovating — and packed the Buddha hall away. All of these people have sinned. What sin? They made a vow and then deceived Heaven.

Have any of you committed these faults? Do any of you have a Buddha hall at home but dread your Dao-kin coming? Have you worshipped until you grew so tired of it that you did not want to worship anymore? Pay attention!

In this prison, the punishment is building houses — endlessly. Every kind of building material, every kind of house — building and building until the sin is purged. If the heart is not still, the walls keep collapsing.

25. Iron Shovel Prison

鐵鍬獄 — Those who coasted in the Dao, letting others do the hard work while they stood by, only talking and claiming credit. One person, one iron shovel, digging a road that never ends.

Iron Shovel Prison — in this prison, each person is issued one iron shovel, and they dig without stopping, like digging up a road — just laboring, on and on.

These are the people who coasted through the Dao, fishing in muddy waters. When others served as lecturers, they served as lecturers too. When others received the Heavenly Mandate and became initiating masters, they received the Mandate and became initiating masters too. But when others were working hard, they stood off to the side enjoying the shade. They relied on nothing but their mouths — always talking, convinced their merit was great, convinced they had given more heart and effort than anyone else.

These people are all guilty, because they thought they could earn merit with their mouths alone. That is an easy way to accumulate faults. Cultivating the Dao means doing it so that others can see — not talking your way to enlightenment. Because these people never put in physical labor in the mortal world, when they return to the Court of Principle they must put in physical labor there. They coasted on the light of the group. Do you understand? You cannot cultivate the Dao this way.

26. Body-Binding Prison

縛身獄 — Those who had the ability to let go of worldly attachments but could not bring themselves to do it. Ropes that tighten with resentment and loosen with calm.

Body-Binding Prison — the people being punished in this prison are those who already had the ability to let go of worldly attachments, but could not bring themselves to do it. They still clung to their wives, their husbands, their children, their careers. Even though they had already become point-transmitters, they were still greedy for wealth, unwilling to pursue pure cultivation, unwilling to relinquish everything. They had already risen to high positions as senior cultivators, and yet they could not let go because of worldly feelings. These are the people who are sent to this prison.

There is another kind as well — those who have already taken the vow of clean speech and pure cultivation, but whose thoughts are not upright. Stray thoughts constantly stir in them. They too must be bound in this prison.

If the stirring has stopped and the heart has grown calm, the ropes will slowly loosen and the pain will lessen. But the more you complain, the more you resent, the more your thoughts stir — the tighter the ropes become. Do you understand?

In the mortal world, your body and mind were already bound by attachments. When you return to Heaven, you must bind yourself with your own hands. So you must see through it all. Do not value the worldly and neglect the sacred. If you are able to go out and teach the principles and guide others to the Dao, then you must not stay at home being lazy and wasting time. Do you understand?

27. Ball-Refining Prison

煉球獄 — Those who envied others' talent, did not cultivate seriously, spoke ill of others, and left their messes for others to clean up. An iron chain on the foot, a heavy iron ball, and a burlap sack on the back filled with every sin committed in the mortal world.

Ball-Refining Prison — the people in this prison are those who envied others for having greater talent, who did not take their cultivation of the Dao seriously, who liked to speak ill of others behind their backs, and who secretly undermined others' morale. They started things grandly but never finished them — all fire at the beginning, nothing at the end, sloppy and careless, always leaving their messes for others to clean up. They were not sincere in their work or in their dealings with others, and so they delayed the entire Dao community and held back everyone around them. They also liked to trip others up, sabotaging others' good deeds and virtue, and destroying others' reputations. All such people are seized and brought to this prison.

The punishment: an iron chain is locked to the foot, dragging a heavy iron ball. Then each person must carry their own burlap sack on their back — their own transgressions. However many sins you committed in the mortal world, however many words you spoke and whatever wrongs you did — all of it is stuffed into that burlap sack, and you carry it yourself until it is gone.

28. Blind Prison

盲目獄 — Those who doubted the scriptures of the Five Teachings, were arrogant, looked down on everything, and promoted their own novel theories while scorning the sages. A maze of one hundred and eight thousand li, navigated blind.

Blind Prison — the people in this prison doubted the scriptures of the Five Teachings. They looked down on everything. They doubted the spirit-writing revelations. They doubted the immortals and Buddhas. They criticized the scriptures. They criticized the virtue and conduct of their elders. They criticized the words and deeds of those who came before them.

These are people of arrogance and self-importance — puffed up and full of themselves — who in truth possessed no real learning, yet who loved to set themselves apart with novel theories. They did all manner of strange and eccentric things to confuse the world. They promoted their own doctrines and believed themselves to be extraordinary, while looking down on the scriptures of the Five Teachings, disregarding the sages, saints, immortals, and Buddhas, doubting whether such beings even exist, and even questioning the inner attainment of the sages. All such people are sent to the Blind Prison to be refined.

This prison stretches one hundred and eight thousand li in every direction. Every person who enters it is struck blind — they cannot see a thing, like the sightless. The path they walk is full of pits and holes. There are wild beasts, raging fires, sheer cliffs and precipices, torrential rapids, dense forests, thorns and brambles covering the ground, venomous insects, poisonous serpents — every kind of terrible thing exists everywhere in this place.

Why? Because your Ten Evils and Eight Deviations have not been purged. Because your greed, anger, and delusion have not been removed. That is why all these terrible things are there.

After the prisoners enter the maze, they grope their way forward, feeling through the darkness, until at last their sins, their faults, and their evils are exhausted. Only then do their eyes clear, and they can see. Then they follow the bright path and walk out of the maze of one hundred and eight thousand li.

29. Seed-Sowing Prison

播種獄 — Those who hopped between traditions, worshipping Jesus, Mazu, Guanyin, and whoever else seemed powerful, riding many boats and fearing no capsizing. Farming labor that may or may not bear fruit.

Seed-Sowing Prison — the people in this prison have received the Dao, but they worship Jesus as well, worship Mazu as well, worship Guanyin Bodhisattva as well, worship Guan the Dharma Lord as well — a thousand gates, ten thousand teachings, they worship them all, they follow them all. They ride many boats at once, and they are not afraid of capsizing.

They try this practice and walk that path. They hear someone say a certain master has great power, and off they go to follow that master. After a short while they lose interest and move on to someone else. They see who is better at reading karma, and off they go to follow that one. They see who is conducting the salvation of the Three Realms, and off they go to follow that one too. Two years pass, the interest fades, and they lose heart.

These are people whose commitment to the Dao is unsteady, who do not truly recognize the principle, who do not sincerely cultivate, who are not devoted to the Dao, who have no true reverence for Heaven or the Eternal Mother. Deep down, they fear that practicing the Heavenly Dao alone will not be enough to carry them home.

These people are sent to this prison and given seeds to plant. They must turn the soil themselves, water the ground themselves, and wait for the seeds to sprout and grow, to flower and bear fruit. This is exhausting work — because the seeds they plant do not always grow. They sow and sow, over and over again, until their sins are purged.

The grandfather departs.

Now the sun sets in the west. The hour is late. Ji Gong has arrived at the altar, so I will not take up any more of your time. Be good, all of you. Come visit Heaven when you have time. With this, I take my leave of the Mother's throne and bid farewell to the assembly of worthies.

Part Three — Gold Wind Ridge

30. Tiande Laoren's Third Descent

天德老人慈訓（三）— The grandfather returns, opens the third layer of the Heavenly Prison.

One mind gives birth to one dharma.
One dharma gives birth to one attachment.
When the mind is extinguished, the dharma is also extinguished.
When the dharma is extinguished, only then does attachment depart.

It is I — beyond the thirty-three heavens, beyond the heaven beyond heaven, an immortal old man who will not die — Tiande Laoren. By order of the Mother I have descended to this Buddha hall. I have already paid my hidden respects to the Mother's throne.

I ask the assembly of worthies: are you all well?

Today I have received the Mother's command to come to the Buddha hall and speak of the Heavenly Prison. Why am I revealing these heavenly secrets? Because there are many cultivators now who have been practicing the Dao for a very long time, yet they do not understand the principles. Their thinking is unclear. Their understanding is incomplete. Their ideas are not correct — and with such ideas, how will they return to Heaven? Some cultivators know nothing except to eat their vegetarian meals dutifully, lecture on the principles, and bring people to the Dao. But — bring them where? Lead them to what destination? Do you even understand? (We do not understand.) Then I will explain it slowly.

The third layer is called Gold Wind Ridge. Listen carefully.

31. Evil Dragon Cave

孽龍洞 — Where cultivators who debated fiercely and insisted their own doctrines were correct sit in meditation while their attachments take the form of dragons that fight their own shadow.

Evil Dragon Cave — the name tells you what it is: a place where evil dragons are confined. But what are evil dragons? In truth, they are not dragons at all. The Heavenly Prison provides one cave for each person — not too large, not too small — and each person sits inside their own cave to be refined. Why must they sit here to be refined? Because they have merit, but they also have transgressions. Have you heard of such a thing? (We have.) When you do things, do you not earn both merit and fault? (We do.) Can any good person go their whole life without ever making a mistake? (Impossible.) Everyone has at least a little fault — is that not so? (It is.) This is what happens to cultivators who practiced with all their heart, yet only discovered the truth of things when they returned to Heaven.

The people confined in Evil Dragon Cave are those who, during their lives — whether they were senior elders, or point-transmitters, or lecturers — set up their own doctrinal positions, insisted on their own ideas, clung to their own interpretations, and went around engaging in fierce debate and argument with others, convinced that only their views were correct, convinced that only their teachings were the truth. In doing so they built arenas for combat. Do you know what "building arenas" means? It means attacking others with words and writings — verbal execution and written warfare. Today some Dao communities publish many books, do they not? Every kind of argument, every kind of theory. But is the reasoning in every book correct? Are the words and meaning truly sound? You may not be able to tell the difference. If someone builds such an arena and leads their juniors astray with false teachings — that kind of person, upon returning to Heaven, will be confined in Evil Dragon Cave to be refined.

Here is how the punishment works. When each prisoner sits in meditation to be refined, their transgressions and their guilt will generate hallucinations. Because these are their attachments, they will hallucinate that poisonous dragons and evil dragons are attacking them. Then, because of the stirring of their own thoughts, their own soul transforms into a dragon as well — and the two dragons clash, biting and attacking each other. But in truth, every bite the prisoner lands on their opponent is a bite on themselves — because the opposing dragon is their own shadow. Do you understand? (We understand.) These are phantoms generated by the mind. The fiercer the biting, the worse the prisoner's own wounds. In truth, the one who seeks to destroy another often destroys themselves first. Do you understand? (We understand.)

How then is the transgression cleared? Because sins accumulate in varying degrees of depth — some faults are great and some are small — each person, if their spirit is still not at peace after death, if their transgressions are many, will hallucinate evil dragons and poisonous dragons more and more frequently during their meditation and refinement. The number of times follows the stirring of their thoughts.

And how does one leave this cave? One must wait until all attachment is cast away, until all disordered thinking has been washed clean, until there is no aggression left, until no further wicked thoughts arise — only then can they leave the cave, depart the Heavenly Prison, and receive the sealing of their merit and the settling of their spiritual rank. Do you understand? (We understand.)

Now, about "building arenas" — in truth, you do not understand. In the old days, martial artists would set up arena stages and fight in competition. Why does the Heavenly Dao have eighteen lineage groups? Because in the beginning, the Ancient Buddha Tianran knew that the mainland would fall. Teacher and Teacher Mother knew this was the fate decreed by Heaven. It was arranged by the hidden movements of celestial destiny that eighteen branch lines would carry the work forward, in honor of the Ancient Buddha Tianran as the Eighteenth Patriarch. That is what it signifies. In truth, the eighteen are one continuum, and the eighteen lineage groups carry the same meaning. But many people — even senior elders, even long-practicing veterans — because they are still within the Five Elements, do not comprehend Heaven's intention. Those within the Five Elements are still bound by them, are they not? (They are.) And because of this, their wisdom has not yet reached the level of the immortals and Buddhas, has it? (It has not.) If the Five Elements clash and imbalances arise, will attachments and disordered thoughts not follow? And so they cling to the conviction that their own path is the best, and they build arenas against each other, and they insist that only their heavenly mandate is true.

In truth, whether a heavenly mandate is true or false — that is for Heaven to determine, not for mouths to argue over. Is that not so? (It is.) If a true mandate falls into the hands of a faithless person, the Dao will certainly be destroyed. Why? Because that person will do wicked things and go against the Dao. Even though the true mandate covers them and crowns them, their actions betray the principle of Heaven, betray the mandate, betray their sacred office, betray Heaven's intention, and violate their vows. For such people, even a true mandate becomes false. Is that not so? (It is.) Since ancient times, both Buddhas and Demons have had their own heavenly mandates — the Buddha has the mandate of salvation, the Demon has the mandate of testing. Today, the body you use to cultivate through the false toward the true is a human body. The True Person within you is the Buddha. The False Self is the Demon. If you learn to make the right choice — if you let the True Person appear — then you can cast off the demonic hindrances and see through the false self.

The eighteen lineage groups are like eighteen children born to the Heavenly Dao. Can you tell me — should brothers and sisters fight among themselves? If your own flesh-and-blood siblings quarrel, are the parents not heartbroken? (They are.) Since they are all children born of the same parents, the same flesh and blood — is there any distinction? (There is not.) Are they not all one family? (They are.) Now look: from the small scale of Taiwan to the great scale of the mainland, to the whole world — are the yellow-skinned people not Chinese? And beyond Taiwan — are the Chinese in America Americans or Chinese? (Chinese.) Correct! Because the blood that flows through their veins is the blood of the descendants of the Yellow Emperor. Do you understand? (We understand.) That is to say: every branch line of the eighteen lineage groups has the same blood flowing through them, do they not? (They do.) Is it not all the blood of Teacher and Teacher Mother? (It is.) Do they not all inherit the bright mandate of Heaven? (They do.) Therefore, do not measure your wrists against each other. Do not compete. Do not compare.

32. Birdcage Prison

樊籠獄 — Where the ancestral spirits of cultivators who were elevated to Heaven by their descendants' merit are punished because those descendants stopped practicing.

Birdcage Prison — the name makes it sound like a cage, and in a sense it is. But what the prison truly confines is a particular kind of spirit: the ancestral forebears of White Sun cultivators. What kind of forebears? Those who were elevated back to Heaven through their descendants' merit — that is, those whose children and grandchildren performed the rite of ancestral elevation, sending their ancestors and remote forebears back to Heaven, and then stopped cultivating. This is a form of deceiving Heaven. Think about it — how much merit do you actually possess? How have your accumulated lifetimes measured up? In this life, are you blessed? (We are.) You have been allowed to receive the Great Dao and partake of the grace of Teacher and Teacher Mother. You have elevated your own ancestors and forebears back to Heaven. But those who are confined here were never cultivators themselves — they returned to Heaven solely on the strength of their descendants' light. Once in Heaven, they were undergoing refinement, and they could have been seated in the Heavenly Buddha Academy preparing for the Dragon-Flower Assembly to receive the sealing of their merit and the settling of their spiritual rank. But what happens if their cultivator descendants lose heart, if they cannot persevere to the end? Then the ancestors are demoted by three grades — demoted by three grades! — which means wherever the descendant had elevated them to, they fall back down to where they started.

If the descendants in the mortal world continue to cultivate, continue to accumulate merit, continue to walk the Dao — do the ancestors in Heaven not also receive merit? (They do.) With merit, they can sit peacefully upon the lotus throne. But what if the descendants do not continue — if they merely spent a few tens of thousands of dollars and guided a handful of people to receive the Dao and then elevated their ancestors and called it done? Can sixty thousand years of karmic debt truly be settled so easily? (It cannot.) The tragedy is that the ancestors are demoted by three grades. Some are first confined in the Heavenly Prison to suffer on behalf of their descendants. Others fare even worse — if their own heart-nature was not bright, if they possessed no genuine merit or true goodness, they may be judged and cast down from Heaven into the underworld. From Heaven to the underworld. Cultivating the Dao is not like doing business — burning hot at the start and cooling off at the end. You cannot profit from Heaven, pocket your earnings, and then retire. The ledger does not work that way. Cultivation must have a beginning and an end: from the first minute to the last minute. How long must you cultivate? Until your final three inches of breath are gone. However — if you are serving the Three Realms, spreading virtue among all beings, and you receive Heaven's special pardon, then you are not subject to this punishment. Do you understand? (We understand.) Heaven's special pardon — the Imperial Mother's decree proclaimed throughout the realm — is like the document called "Dedication for the Three Heavens of Yin and Yang": once it is issued by the Bodhisattva of Earth Treasury, there is a great announcement board where it is posted for all to see. So you must dedicate merit often, accumulate merit and virtue. Do you understand? (We understand.) In this way, those in the underworld can also partake of the light, and those in Heaven can also partake of the light. And can you dedicate merit upward to those already in Heaven? You can! Merit is never too much — only ever too little.

33. Torrent Prison

洪流獄 — Where cultivators who pushed all bad things onto others, feared being tainted by misfortune, and could not endure being tested are swept along by a great flood whose violence follows the heart.

Torrent Prison — the name says it all: the spirit is placed in the midst of a great flood. In truth, every guilty spirit undergoing punishment and refinement in the Heavenly Prison is motionless in body. Every punishment they experience is produced by illusion. In reality, every guilty spirit sits upright in their chamber, seated in their place, and their bodies do not move. What moves is their heart, and from the heart's movement come the phantom images.

What punishment is endured in this prison? The spirit feels as though they are caught in a great flood. What is a flood? Have you ever seen a mountainside when the waters burst their banks? Do not the grasses and trees, the mud and sand, all come crashing down together? The water is filthy — full of stones and dead branches. The spirit feels swept along in this torrent, battered by debris and tumbling rocks, and the suffering is great. If resentment and indignation remain in the heart, the spirit stays in that state without end.

But if the heart grows still, if it settles and learns to repent, then things change. When the spirit's heart-mind quiets, the water becomes clear. The obstacles in the water grow fewer. Then the spirit returns to its original nature, shedding the torrent as though nothing had happened — restored to what it always was, as if no punishment had ever occurred.

In this Heavenly Prison punishment — Torrent Prison — those who are confined are, first: the kind of person who says, "Other people's children can die — as long as it is my fellow cultivator who dies and not this poor monk." Whenever anything bad happens, they push it onto others, terrified of being tainted by misfortune, letting their brothers and sisters in the Dao die in their place while they slip away. They cannot bear responsibility. They are consumed by selfishness. They insist that only their own relatives and children have good spiritual roots, that only their own family cultivates well. They blame everyone else for obstructing them, for testing them. There is also another kind: those who do not practice the Dao seriously themselves, yet all day long harbor unwholesome thoughts — believing that everyone is hindering them, thinking "I have performed meritorious service and fulfilled my vows, while others just show off. I yield to them, I step aside" — and then they drift from one temple to another, doing a little here, a little there, and again they feel obstructed. They cannot endure being provoked. They cannot endure being tested. They cannot endure Heaven reaching down to examine them. The fate of such people is precisely this — and in the end, they must bear even greater collisions and blows.

Must a cultivator be strong? (Yes.) Will you say, "So-and-so spoke harshly and tested me past my breaking point"? You visit the temple, listen a while, hear someone say something — and then declare, "I am not coming back." Do not imagine that Heaven has no ears to hear. Heaven hears everything. This is your transgression. You must not complain that others obstruct you. You must not complain that others treat you badly. You must examine yourselves: Is your resolve firm? Is your will strong? Have you been honest with Heaven? From now on, set your resolve on truth and carry a public-spirited heart. Do not retreat from the Dao over some trifling problem, some small friction. Is that simple enough? (It is.) Can you do it? (We can.) Will you be narrow-hearted? (We will not.) I hope not. In cultivation, learn from Maitreya — the great belly that can hold all things. Do not be fools. Be truly wise. In cultivation, you must seize the opportunity — seize the chance to perform merit and fulfill your vows. Is guiding others to the Dao not something you take upon yourselves? (It is.) Is anyone stopping you, telling you not to walk this path? And if you see that someone else has already taken up one task, you can take up another. For example: if no one has collected the rubbish, go and collect it. For you, this is too simple. Consider this: only one person stands at the lectern speaking at a time. Could two microphones possibly be used at once? Therefore in our cultivation, we must respect one another. Opportunities come in turn. Today it is their turn to teach, so they go up and speak. Tomorrow it will be your turn, and you will speak. Everyone's words are different, because everyone's understanding and state of mind are different. So wherever your heart-mind reaches, do the work that is there. Aspire to become sages and worthies and immortals. Do not think that after attending three Dharma assemblies you are ready to ascend to the Western Heaven — it is not so simple! We will not even let you hang off the last bus. No trailing at the tail end. You must have true merit and genuine goodness. You must truly sacrifice for the Dao and spread virtue. Agreed? (Agreed.)

34. Falling Leaf Prison

落葉獄 — Where cultivators whose minds never rest stand in a forest of endlessly falling leaves that become biting insects when left unswept — the thoughts made visible, the mind made landscape.

Now pay close attention to this prison, because this is the transgression you are most guilty of. Have your thoughts ever stopped? Even when you sleep, whatever occupies your mind by day becomes your dreams by night. The truth is, because your heart-mind has never rested, you are this busy. Your thoughts are too many, too tangled, too quick to worry. Most of it is needless — you spend your time imagining things you will never do, dwelling on things that will never happen. Thoughts are the hardest thing to catch. The heart-mind is like a wild horse or a restless monkey — easy to let loose, almost impossible to rein in. Trivial matters that deserve no attention at all are turned over and over until they seem impossibly complicated. This is why a cultivator must sever the seven emotions and six desires, sweep away the three minds and four appearances, cast off the ten evils and eight deviances, and walk the Eightfold Noble Path.

This prison confines those whose transgressions are severe — such as those who commit crimes in thought. For example: today you quarrel with someone, and then you sit and fantasize — how you would strike them, how you would kill them. This is thought-crime. It is the same in cultivation: keeping a vegetarian mouth while the heart is not vegetarian is also breaking the precepts. Vegetarian lips with an unclean heart — that is still a violation. Therefore in cultivation, we must cultivate not only the mouth but also the heart-mind, the very thoughts themselves. Examine your thoughts: Are they upright? Are they pure? Are they good? Those guilty of thought-crime or mental violation of the precepts are punished here. And there are worse cases still: those consumed by selfishness, those with hearts too narrow. In truth, those weighed down by selfishness and human desire may be sent to several prisons in the Heavenly Prison — they go from one to the next, refining slowly. The more impurities, the harder the refining.

The punishment works like this: the heart-mind generates a phantom landscape, and the spirit finds itself standing in the middle of a great forest. If the transgressions are heavy, the leaves fall constantly — falling and falling without end. The falling itself is not the worst of it. But if you do not sweep them up, the leaves transform into biting insects. And who do the insects bite? You, of course — because you are the only one in that entire forest. The cycle repeats without ceasing, and so the sweeping must be swift. These leaves are the rubbish of your heart-mind. The more rubbish a person carries, the busier they are, because the leaves fall thicker and faster.

Those whose hearts are clear and pure, those who are undefiled and free of wickedness — they can return to their original nature quickly, and the dead leaves stop falling. The bare trees turn green again. A cool wind blows through. When the cool wind comes, the spirit-body feels at ease — no more biting, no more stinging.

Do you fulfill your vows while complaining about it? That will not do. You will be punished, because your thoughts are not pure enough. There must be no defilement. Do you understand? (We understand.) Therefore, if you have committed any of the above transgressions, repent at once and begin to cultivate yourself anew. Let go of the thoughts of the past — do not cling to them. You must not carry ego-attachment and selfishness in your mind. You need only cultivate your thoughts until the heart-mind is purely upright and the ten thousand thoughts cease to arise. This is true emptiness — not dead emptiness.

35. Reverse Nail Prison

反釘獄 — Where cultivators who loved to criticize and tear others down hold a great hammer and drive nails into the ground with every thought-impulse — the fault-finder nailing themselves.

Have you ever nailed someone down so tight they could not move? This is the prison for those who, in their lifetime, loved to criticize others — eyes set high, hands set low — who excelled at destroying other people's reputations, who could not stand to see another's strengths, who saw others doing well and could not bring themselves to help them succeed. Instead they threw stones at the fallen. Instead they delighted in catching others' faults and flaws. And they did it to smooth their own way forward. All of this is grave transgression. In Heaven's eyes, every instance is recorded.

The punishment in this prison works like this: each spirit holds a great hammer in their hands, and each spirit holds a nail. The moment a thought-impulse arises, that nail must be driven into the ground. One nail driven in, and there is already a second. But the weight of the hammer varies with each person's transgressions — some are heavy, some are light — and the hardness of the floor, its softness, its texture, all correspond to the individual's offenses. The heavier the karmic debt, the harder the floor and the heavier the hammer. All of this happens invisibly, driven by the sins and errors the spirit itself has generated. But if the heart-mind grows clear and still, if two thoughts cease to arise, and the spirit repents before Heaven and resolves to change — then the spirit can sit in stillness upon a clear and luminous altar, no longer generating the phantoms that cause endless suffering. Do you understand? (We understand.)

Those being refined in this prison are the narrow-sighted and the small-minded — those who sat at the bottom of a well and thought they saw the whole sky. Some drew lines in the dirt and refused to cross them. Some clung to the old ways and would not move. If they understood Heaven's timing, they would see others advancing and advance with them. But those in this prison are different. They saw others advance and chose to stay behind. They clung to convention. They refused to move forward with everyone else. Even though they knew that Heaven's timing was changing, they would not follow it. They would not follow Heaven's instructions.

Today there are many senior elders, Transmitting Masters, lecturers, and longtime cultivators who slander the Universal Salvation of the Three Realms. Because they have not participated in it themselves, they hear others talk and simply repeat what they hear — rumor following rumor, hearsay following hearsay. Is that not frightening? Hearsay cannot necessarily be trusted. Hearsay is not necessarily true. Today there are many leading figures in the Dao who do not understand Heaven's timing and who slander the Three Manifestations. Think about it: was not the Universal Salvation of the Three Realms one of the great works that the Revered Teacher and Teacher Mother carried out while they were alive? Do the spirit-writings not all mention the Universal Salvation of the Three Realms? Do they not all mention the Final Gathering of the Third Period? Do they not all mention the last move to gather everything back? (Yes.)

When the Revered Teacher and Teacher Mother were alive, they could carry out the salvation of the Three Realms. So why is it that after the Revered Teacher and Teacher Mother returned to Heaven, these disciples cannot carry on their dying wish and bravely continue the work? It is like a master physician who passes down a secret formula of ten medicines to his disciple — and then, the moment the master dies, the disciple lets the secret treasure be lost, speaking only shallow words and simple medical theory. Does that strike at the heart of the matter? (It does not.) The Universal Salvation of the Three Realms was the Revered Teacher's and Teacher Mother's great aspiration. All of you are disciples of Zhang and Sun, all of you are Heaven's good children. You should be brave enough to bear the responsibility. Know Heaven's timing. Do not carelessly slander what you do not understand. Do not sit at the bottom of a well and think you see the sky. Do not draw lines in the dirt and refuse to cross them. Do not refuse to advance. Do not fall behind the footsteps of the elders who came before you.

Those being refined in this prison also experience phantom visions. They find themselves at the bottom of a deep well. Below them are copper dogs, fire beasts, and yakshas of terrible form, tormenting and tearing at them. Above, they see a rope hanging down and must struggle to climb it. But the rope varies with each person's state of mind: some ropes are covered in thorns, venomous insects, and barbs. Some are as thin as a thread strung through gravel. Some are as thick as a barrel. Because each person's thoughts differ, each person's sins differ, each person's transgressions differ — so the punishments take different forms. But every one of them must climb upward to escape. And they are haunted by the delusion that no matter how high they climb, those savage beasts, those iron dogs, those terrible yakshas are always just as close, always threatening. Can a cultivator afford to let fear take root in the heart? Fear opens the door to the realm of the Asura — it is to fall into the demon realm and generate phantom shadows. When you are afraid, your whole body breaks into cold sweat, your heart hollows out, you tremble with a terror you cannot name. Is that not so? This is the nature of this punishment. Because you were given the rare fortune to understand Heaven's timing and Heaven's will, but you did not pursue it with urgency. You thought you could cling to the old ways, convert a few people in your corner, and that would be enough to return to Heaven. This is a grave mistake. As the saying goes: those who do not know are not guilty. But those who know and transgress anyway — their guilt is doubled. Those who do not know are not truly without fault. But those who know and still defy — they receive double punishment.

36. Punishing Light Prison

殛光獄 — Where cultivators whose eyes were impure are struck by a searing, blinding light — the gaze that reached for the wrong things now receives a light it cannot bear.

As the name suggests, the cave emits an intense, punishing light. The light it fires has the force to wound.

This punishment is for those who in life loved to look at unwholesome material. Their gaze was impure. They craved improper publications. Their eyes chased after beautiful things — they loved what was pleasing and despised what was ugly. There is also the type who looked down on everyone — dog-eyed people who see others as beneath them — because they considered themselves clever, thought themselves good-looking, and therefore despised all other living beings. For example: nowadays the telephone poles are plastered with colorful posters — pictures of people wearing very little. You walk past and you give them an extra look. This is what the sages meant by "do not look at what is improper." This is impure gaze. Women are less likely to fall into this. Men, take heed. Cultivate yourselves well. Train your eyes to look straight. Your eyes should look straight, not sideways. Do not look at what is improper.

There is another kind who has also been confined here: those who loved to sit in meditation and practice zen, because they wanted to see supernatural manifestations. They sat in stillness hoping to see the scenery of Heaven. This kind of crooked intention — where the heart-demon enters through the gate of the mind — such people may have accumulated merit through their deeds, but they still harbored one thought of selfish partiality. And for this they too must be punished. Refinement here is especially difficult. The intense light strikes the eyes. The eyes fear the light and weep. The eyes grow sore and weak. This too is a kind of suffering. And in the mind, past transgressions keep surfacing — over and over, endlessly. Punishment is without sentiment. So do not be too sentimental.

37. Gilding-the-Lily Prison

錦上添花獄 — Where cultivators who loved empty appearances, who clung to the powerful, and who spoke only pleasant words that were never true are showered with flowers from heaven — flowers whose fragrance has turned to poison.

As the name suggests, this prison is for those who loved to be all show and no substance — who prized ostentation, who decorated their outward appearance, and who loved to attach themselves to whoever held power. There is a saying: "When the watermelon is sweet, grab the biggest slice." But we who cultivate the Dao must keep our hearts level and impartial. When you see someone struggling, help them. Do not see someone riding high and rush to cling to their coattails.

There is another kind: those who tried to cultivate the Dao through personal connections alone — climbing the dragon and attaching to the phoenix, gilding an already gilded lily. And there is yet another kind: those who spent their whole lives speaking pleasant words, but none of it was real. This is what becomes flowery speech. If someone is like this, every piece of flowery speech they have ever spoken is recorded in the Storehouse of Flowery Speech.

Because such a person has spoken so much flowery speech, a great many flowers will fall from heaven. But the scent of those flowers stings the nose. Where the petals touch the skin, the skin itches. The pollen drifts down and makes your eyes water, makes you sneeze, makes your ears prickle and itch, your whole body breaking out in an allergic reaction. Is that not terrifying? It is a truly terrifying thing. But during refinement, the heart must remain level and calm. The spirit must be gathered inward, and one must repent.

And for the worst cases, they will also hear the laughter of demons beside their ears — because a cultivator must be grounded in reality. If there is no Buddha-heart, then what remains is the demon-heart. So if you want to straighten your own thoughts, you must practice turning the light inward, every hour of every day.

38. Wash-the-Heart-and-Change-the-Face Prison

洗心革面獄 — Where cultivators who appeared reformed on the surface but never truly changed within are bathed in water that causes pain — the more they loved their own face, the thinner the skin, and the more the washing hurts.

The meaning of this prison is exactly what its name says: wash the heart, change the face. These are cultivators who, during their lives, had the intention to cultivate the Dao, but could not bear to hear others speak frankly to them. They did not know how to humble themselves. They did not know what it means to cultivate genuinely. They believed everything they thought was correct. They did not go out of their way to harm others, and they did have external merit — but their inner virtue was lacking. They never truly washed their hearts. They never truly changed their old ways. In front of others, they only ever showed the false side of themselves, presenting a fabricated image. They only wanted people to praise them. They would not allow anyone to criticize them. As the saying goes: "Leak air with each other to seek progress" — meaning, correct each other's faults honestly. So cultivating the Dao requires lowering your heart and humbling your breath. You must study earnestly, correct your wrongs and move toward goodness, not redirect your anger onto others, and not repeat the same mistake twice. If you have only committed small errors, you can refine those away in the Heavenly Buddha Academy.

But if even the Heavenly Buddha Academy cannot refine them out of you, then you will truly be invited as a guest of the Heavenly Prison. What I mean is: small mistakes, small oversights — nip them in the bud, prevent the disaster before it arrives. When the punishment is carried out, it is a bathing of the body to cultivate virtue. A person who loves saving face more than anything — their skin is the thinnest. People say that those with thick skin are not afraid of embarrassment. Cultivating the Dao requires thick skin. But if you come to this prison to bathe, the more you wash, the more it hurts. The moment the water touches you, your whole body feels a stinging itch, a stinging pain. This is to make you truly wash your heart and change your face — to start over as a new person. If a person's heart is not good, they will feel their whole body soaking in a pool of black water. The color of the water varies with each person's transgressions — some clear, some murky. The depth varies with the severity of the offense — some deep, some shallow. And the water divides into hot and cold: hot means the person had too much fire in their temper; cold means the person's heart was cold and cruel, too unfeeling. Too hot-tempered — losing your temper at everyone — and too cold-hearted are both no good.

39. Heavenly Gong Prison

天鑼獄 — Where cultivators whose ears were impure are sealed in a space of heavenly thunder — the soul vibrates with every strike, and in severe cases the seven orifices bleed and the organs rupture.

As the name suggests, one hears the sound of a gong beside the ears. But it is not the sound of a gong — it is the sound of heavenly thunder. When a spirit undergoes refinement here, they feel as though they have been placed inside a sealed vessel, a closed space, where the sound of heavenly thunder and gong-strikes reverberates. The vibration frequency is extremely high and the echoes are immense. With each strike, the spirit's soul vibrates together with the sound wave. They become dizzy and nauseated. In severe cases, blood flows from the seven orifices, and the five organs and gall bladder rupture.

These are spirits whose ear-root was impure. They loved to hear gossip — things that may or may not be true. They loved to hear the long and short of other people's business, the idle chatter of busybodies. They listened, and then they passed what they heard along to others. A cultivator must keep the three karmas of body, speech, and mind pure. If you cultivate the Dao but love to listen to gossip, spread rumors, speak improper words and tell untrue things, you will mislead others and lead them astray. Today you tell your left neighbor something bad about your right neighbor. Tomorrow those two neighbors refuse to speak to each other. Our words carry great power. You must be careful. You must pay attention.

The Heavenly Gong Prison also holds those who harbored malice in their hearts, who were two-faced and double-tongued, who agreed to your face and denied you behind your back, who stirred up discord between others. They saw people getting along well and went to sow division between them. They saw others thriving and went to undermine them. All of this comes from the ear-root — that thief — which draws in the demons of the heart and the demons from without, obstructing the self. There are eyes, and there is the eye-root. There are ears, and there is the ear-root. This is why the Buddhists say: a cultivator must keep the six roots pure. Truly — the sins of body, speech, and mind, the ten evils and eight heresies, must not be committed.

I have said so much — has any of it entered your ears? [Yes.] As the saying goes: bitter medicine is good for the body, and honest words grate on the ear. The more they grate, the more carefully you should listen, the more you should accept them. If you cannot accept them today, what will happen tomorrow? [We'll find a cave to sit in.] That is rather lacking in spirit! Cultivation must be proactive. Do not think that because you received the Dao first and cultivate afterward, receiving it means you never need to cultivate. It is not that simple. You cannot receive the Dao and then still smoke, drink, chase after women, and do bad things on the side — you will never attain the Dao that way. Everything I have told you is so that you understand. Do not say: "I am an old practitioner, and I am not young anymore" — but where are your merits? You say you have purified your mouth — but has your heart been purified? Do you understand? Heaven sent me here to describe the Heavenly Prison so that you would know: cultivation cannot be done half-heartedly. If your private heart is heavy and you are too fond of drawing lines between factions, Heaven will also draw a line with you. But if your heart is wholly selfless, Heaven will not divide from you either.

Good! I hope you will cultivate the Dao well and not waste Heaven's painstaking care for you. And if you do waste it? Then reserve yourself a cave for the future! Today I have come here and described ten prisons — that is enough. One must leave a few secrets for people to wonder about, or the value drops. I hope that in the future you will come find me for tea — not come to report for duty. I now take my leave of the Mother's presence. If there is opportunity, if there is affinity, we shall meet again next time.

Part Four — Testimonies from the Heavenly Prison

40. Xu Mingding — Clinging to One's Own Views

天獄 講師：徐茗鼎 結緣語 — A senior lecturer speaks from inside the Heavenly Prison. The guided tour is over. What follows is the prisoner's own confession.

Republic of China Year 84 (1995), fifth month, seventh day.

I am deeply ashamed. I bow before Heaven. I bow before all the Buddhas and Immortals. I bow from afar before my seniors and Point-Transmission Masters, and before the Immortals present at this altar.

I am a soul from the Heavenly Prison. I am deeply ashamed. When I was alive, I was a White Sun cultivator — the same as all of you here. But I forgot to cultivate away my bad temper and my faults. And my complaints far outnumbered my gratitude. When I died, I believed my merits were complete and that I could go straight to the Eternal Mother's side. I did not expect that when I passed through the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints and was examined, I would not pass. I was sent straight into the Heavenly Prison. When all my merits and transgressions were weighed against each other, nothing escaped the eyes of the celestial judges. Every fault appeared before me. According to those faults I received my punishment — not a single second of rest, not a moment of slack. The instant you relax, the instant a thought is careless, you may be struck by a sudden Buddha-palm that makes your eyes see stars. Do you remember, friends? The compassionate words Tiande Laoren spoke when he descended to this altar? He described the punishments of the Heavenly Prison exactly as they are. Let me tell you the lessons of my life, as a warning.

I am a person of the modern Republic era. I died not long ago. My name is Xu Mingding. You do not know me, but in other lineage groups there may be some who do. I was sixty-one years old. A man. My ancestral home was in Chaozhou, where my parents ran a paper factory. Because their understanding of the Dao was deep and their devotion to cultivating and spreading the Dao was sincere, they closed that factory in Chaozhou, gathered the whole family, and followed their seniors to Taiwan to spread the Dao. My parents were devoted elder practitioners. I grew up in the Dao community. My parents were loyal to Heaven. Everyone they knew was a fellow practitioner. My every gesture, my every movement — I looked like a cultivator. Later, with the encouragement of my parents and the senior practitioners, I took the Pure Mouth Vow at the age of twenty-three. My understanding of the Dao only grew from there. I was sincere for the Dao, sincere in my devotion and my service.

Later the seniors promoted me as a great talent in the Dao — from trainee lecturer, to lecturer, to head lecturer of a region. Along the way I studied very seriously. I was a responsible lecturer in my area. Whenever it was my turn to teach, I never refused, and I prepared with care. The practitioners came in crowds and applauded me. Because I grew accustomed to their praise, a seed of pride and arrogance took root in me. Every day I knew to groom my outward appearance, but I forgot to correct the flaws within. Again and again I failed to turn the light inward, and I made mistakes. I did not know how to be humble, how to lower myself. I was only meek before the seniors and elders. Before ordinary practitioners, I stood too high. Eyes above my hands, I forgot myself. But my sincerity toward the Dao never changed. My devotion to practicing and spreading the Dao was always recognized by everyone. Because I had watched the seniors sacrifice and devote themselves to the Dao since I was a child, I was deeply moved and full of admiration. Under my parents' hopes, I was seized by a burst of passion — I would devote my whole life to the Dao community, sacrifice and serve for the rest of my days.

At the very height of my devotion, Heaven set down a test. At the Buddha hall where I managed the Dao affairs, I met a virtuous woman — also a lecturer. With the encouragement of fellow practitioners, and because my own heart stirred, I married her and we formed a cultivator's household. I thought it would be perfect and beautiful. But with a wife, and then a son and daughter arriving in quick succession, the financial pressures overwhelmed me. I had no choice but to leave the sacred work and go home to earn money for my family. I deeply regretted everything. With the burden of a wife and children on my back, I finally understood how precious it had been to cultivate in peace and quiet.

The torment of choosing between the sacred and the worldly lasted a long time. Then my wife fell ill and died. The guilt I felt was beyond measure. Leaving behind my two children, I threw myself back into the Dao community — heart and soul, holding nothing back, devoting myself entirely to the work.

At the age of thirty-five I took the Pure Cultivation Vow — pledging to follow the seniors in cultivating, spreading, and guiding people to the Dao. When my parents saw that I had taken this vow, they were overjoyed and relieved. They had cultivated and served the Dao their entire lives, and they hoped I would step forward and do my part for the community. Not long after, both my parents died of illness, one after the other. I felt deeply the helplessness of being separated from loved ones by the boundary between the living and the dead. These blows of grief made me more determined than ever. I told myself I would become a perfect model and standard-bearer, following the seniors with even greater diligence in practicing, spreading, and guiding the Dao.

Later, because of my sincerity, my parents manifested through the Three Talents at that time — they verified the Dao, formed bonds, and were granted celestial rank. Because I was a senior lecturer beside the seniors and the Point-Transmission Masters, and because my parents had been elevated to Heaven, I developed a sense of pride and arrogance — a feeling of being above others. On one hand I basked in the reflected glory of the seniors and my parents. On the other hand, I was a talented lecturer who could speak the Dao beautifully. Then the seniors put me in charge of training lecturers. You could say my path in the Dao was smooth and glorious the whole way through.

The higher I climbed, the more I forgot to look down. I grew accustomed to the flattery of the junior practitioners. The lecturers I trained all had to follow my commands and work according to my moods. If a Point-Transmission Master requested one of my lecturers to come teach, I would first assess that master's cultivation. If they did not meet my standards, I refused. When Point-Transmission Masters from other lineage groups came to our community and praised the quality of our lecturer training, wanting me to send a few over to teach, I drew the lines between groups very clearly. Again and again I refused to let our lecturers go to them, and I even told their Point-Transmission Masters and practitioners not to come to our side to hear the teachings. I divided everything very cleanly. Because of this I offended many people and led many original children of Buddha astray. I know now that I was wrong. I am deeply ashamed. At the time, my wisdom was not that great — I thought mixing up the Golden Thread was not allowed, and so I led many original children of Buddha astray. Because of things like this, I offended many Point-Transmission Masters, and the mutual criticism and slander were endless.

Then I shut myself away. I locked myself in a small room and read many books. I read about the Teacher and the Teacher Mother's work in administering the Three Realms — the information, the records, the texts. Later, in my lectures, I began teaching the Three Realms doctrine to the practitioners. When my Point-Transmission Master found out, he shut me down. I had such a sincere desire to spread the teachings — and I was blocked. Whose fault was that?

After that, my heart grew resentful. I felt unbalanced. When the Point-Transmission Master was conducting Dao ceremonies, I would sabotage him from the side. I opposed him. I insulted him in front of the practitioners. We were at odds.

I liked being alone, and I had a strange temper. So the people around me all left, one by one. I could speak the Dao beautifully, but my cultivation was poor. I had no virtue to earn people's trust. Everything I did, I would calculate: does this have merit? If the merit was small, I could not be bothered. I was obsessed with following the right master — who would lead me to become a Buddha or an Immortal? The longer I cultivated, the more obsessed I became with the quantity of my merits. I would agree to guide someone to the Dao and then not follow through. When I learned that a fellow practitioner wanted me to guide an uneducated, impoverished old person, I would refuse. Because I thought: I am a great lecturer. My knowledge is above others. I would not lower myself to guide the old, the young, the women, the children. I looked down on them. I thought I should be dealing with officials and nobles — only that would match my status. I was a great lecturer.

On another front, I also thought: I have spent my entire life in the Dao community. My merits and my contributions must be considerable. I have given and given to Heaven and to the seniors — why do Heaven and the seniors not know what I am thinking? My junior practitioners have already climbed above me, risen higher than me. How could I not be anxious? My desire for rank and recognition, I still could not let go of it. But I never dared tell the seniors. I was consumed with this thought: why, after cultivating my whole life, have Heaven and the seniors still not promoted me to Point-Transmission Master? The more I fixated on it, the worse my mood, the stranger my temper, and the more practitioners I drove away.

After that, my son became an altar master. I taught only at my son's Buddha hall. When other communities and other halls invited me to lecture, I refused them all. I sealed myself off. I would not even visit the seniors or the Point-Transmission Masters. Only occasionally would I sit for a while at a practitioner's home. But my heart for the Dao was still firm. At the age of sixty-one, I fell gravely ill and died. After I died, I believed my merits were complete and that the Living Buddha Ji Gong would take me back to the Court of Principle to see the Mother. But when I reached the Three Officials, I did not pass the examination. I was cast into the Heavenly Prison. On the day of my funeral, during the public memorial, I watched my seniors and my Point-Transmission Master lead a great crowd of practitioners to offer incense before me. I was deeply ashamed, and deeply moved. Because in life my temper had never been corrected — it was strange and difficult — and I had blamed the seniors again and again, blamed the Point-Transmission Master, resented the environment, and resented the way things were arranged. I am deeply ashamed. I know that I did not cultivate well, did not act well. In this world I cultivated poorly, cultivated incompletely. The Heavenly Prison stands ready for us at any time. I have tasted every bitterness the prison has to offer. In prison it is even harder to cultivate than now, when you still have a body — so think carefully. I had thought that because I received the Dao and cultivated the Dao, after death I could go to the Court of Principle and enjoy peace. I did not expect that cultivating poorly and having an insufficient heart would still land me in the Heavenly Prison for refinement. Fortunately, I kept my two great vows — the Pure Mouth Vow and the Pure Cultivation Vow. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Cultivation must not be taken lightly.

Friends! You are the most fortunate group of all. At any time Buddhas and Immortals may come to instruct and guide you. In my day, just to respectfully invite the Immortals to write in the sand or manifest was already very difficult — let alone having an Immortal borrow a medium and appear in person to speak the Dharma. You should be grateful. Because of my shame, I am too embarrassed to say too much. I do not know how to express myself properly. I am now extremely careful with my words. It was precisely because in life I was not careful with my words, because I often said the wrong thing, that now when I speak I feel awkward. I do not dare say too much. With every word I speak, I wonder: was that right or wrong? So if anything I have said is unclear, I ask you to forgive me.

Alas — the door that gave me life is the door of my death. How many truly awaken? How many truly understand? You must know this: cultivation means recognizing the truth and practicing it genuinely. Paving a road back to Heaven with real merit is no simple matter! Everyone talks about universal salvation. But universal salvation is not just beating drums and chanting sutras, or performing rituals to pray for blessings and deliver the souls of the dead. It is the true rescue of all beings in the Three Realms, delivering the original souls of the Three Realms from the sea of suffering so they may transcend life and death — directing real merit to the beings of the Three Realms so they may receive genuine deliverance from suffering.

I hope you will be careful and watchful over your own cultivation. Correct your bad temper and your faults. Correct the bad thoughts in your heart. Is what I have said correct? I am afraid I have said something wrong and will be punished by Heaven. A cultivator must cultivate the virtue of speech. Even the smallest details must be watched with care. I dare not take up any more of the Immortals' time. I am grateful for Heaven's compassion, for the seniors' compassion, for allowing me to come here and manifest. I am grateful to the Immortals. I am deeply ashamed. I have spoken of many things I did poorly while I was alive. I hope you will take heed, act well, and cultivate yourselves. I thank the Point-Transmission Masters and the friends present here. This original soul will now withdraw from the medium, so that the Immortals may speak their compassion.

41. The Celestial Clerk — Heaven's Eye Discerns to the Finest Detail

天佛院 仙吏慈訓 — A celestial clerk of the Heavenly Buddha Court describes his journey through the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints. The first testimony of one who passed.

Republic of China Year 79 (1990), second month, sixteenth day.

I was a White Sun cultivator when I was alive. My family was from Jiangsu Province. My father was a devout altar-keeper who kept a Xiantiandao Buddha hall in our home. From childhood, because of karmic debts accumulated over past lives, I often suffered from restlessness of body and mind, headaches, tightness in the chest, and a scattered spirit that made it impossible to concentrate on my studies. My parents saw this and would often pray for me before the altar, secretly doing merit and dedicating it to me. In daily life they would explain to me the principle of cause and effect, urging me to practice the Dao diligently so that my illness might improve and I might be freed from this suffering. But at the time I was simply too foolish. I could not appreciate my parents' devoted hearts.

Although I received the Dao at the age of fourteen, my health was poor from childhood and my temperament was solitary and cold. My father often urged me to take the vegetarian vow and engage closely with the Dao community to study the truth, but I would only agree with my mouth and go through the motions. I never truly participated in practice or study. Because I never attended Dao study classes, and because I was entangled by karmic debts and worldly attachments, I could not focus on cultivation. I did not understand how precious the Dao was, and I squandered my opportunity to cultivate. But Heaven had mercy on me and turned things around — I was given the chance to attend a dharma assembly, and there I found the true direction and purpose of my life. I understood that sincerely cultivating the Heavenly Dao could deliver me from the cycle of life and death.

The universal transmission of the Heavenly Dao is a once-in-an-eternity opportunity. If I did not cultivate in this life, would I not have wasted this human body and squandered the true transmission? And I did not want to drift through this world in a haze, living and dying without meaning. So I set my heart firmly on the Great Dao.

At first I cultivated with great zeal, studying and advancing with full confidence. But during my practice I made a critical error — I did not understand the truth clearly. I thought that cultivating the Great Dao meant simply performing external merit, and that this would earn me a place in Heaven where I could enjoy bliss and never return to the human world to suffer. Because of this, I neglected the cultivation and nurturing of my inner nature. Furthermore, I held another mistaken belief: that having received the Three Treasures and the True Scripture, whenever I encountered difficulty I only needed to chant the Scripture and the Immortals would compassionately resolve my troubles and keep me safe. I never deeply contemplated the true meaning of the Three Treasures and the Scripture's inner teaching. I also observed that the practitioners in the community were all polite and kind in their words and conduct, and I thought: if I make mistakes in the Dao community, the seniors and fellow practitioners will always be tolerant and forgiving. I even thought I could use this to test their tempers on Heaven's behalf — to see if their cultivation was genuine. These wrong ideas led me deeper and deeper into confusion. I am filled with regret.

Fortunately, there was someone in the community brave enough to admonish me directly. He counseled me and taught me the principles of how to conduct myself. At first my heart was resentful. But gradually I was moved by his sincerity, and I repented and corrected myself at the Buddha hall. While I was alive I did take the vegetarian vow. But I had one great flaw: my willpower was weak, my nature indecisive, and I could never persevere. When good seniors guided me toward virtue, I followed. When bad influences led me astray, I did not know to turn back. My will was like grass on a wall, swaying with whatever wind blew. I only knew how to follow along. I had no mind of my own. But — and this saved me — I had good seniors who carefully cultivated and guided me, patiently leading me step by step, keeping me from losing my way entirely.

Time passed without mercy. Day by day my years in the Dao community grew. Gradually I rose from an ordinary practitioner to become a lecturer. To fulfill the sacred duty of this position, I threw myself into the study of Dao teachings, sparing no effort in proclaiming the Dao on Heaven's behalf. Sometimes difficulties and hardships made me want to retreat. But when it came to spreading the Dao and guiding people, I always cooperated and participated fully. I spent my life following the seniors everywhere — cultivating, spreading, guiding, pioneering new ground, opening Buddha halls, promoting the Dao, nurturing the younger generation. I gave everything I had.

And yet, though I bore the title of lecturer, I never truly grasped the principle that all religions share one source and all are equal. I did not understand that this was Heaven's compassionate expedient for saving all beings. Deep in my subconscious I harbored sectarian bias, drawing distinctions between the Heavenly Dao and the worldly schools. I stubbornly believed that only cultivating the Xiantiandao could lead one back to the Court of Principle. As for what people call the Red Sun temples — I assumed their practice could only reach the atmospheric realm. This wrong view lived in my heart. I never expressed it in my words or actions, yet when I lectured on the Dao, I would unconsciously instill these half-truths in my fellow practitioners — leading the blind to lead the blind, misdirecting their understanding. I myself was lost and did not know to repent, and yet I was leading others down the wrong path. This was inexcusable.

At the age of forty-three I died. When I arrived at the Three Gates, I first passed through the Dao-Reception Waiting Room at the junction of the three paths, cleared that checkpoint, and proceeded to the Three Officials Palace. There, at the Three Officials' tribunal, my Three Treasures, my initiating teacher and guarantor teacher, and the full record of my cultivation were examined. By Heaven's grace, I passed each examination.

In these times of universal salvation, Heaven's compassion opens the gates wide. The Three Treasures encompass all three levels of spiritual capacity — the meaning is deep and far-reaching. In ancient times, seekers had to travel a thousand miles to find a bright teacher. Today, you can receive the highest teaching without leaving home. But you still need a bright teacher, commissioned by Heaven, to point to the Mysterious Gate so that you may see the True Buddha of your own original nature — unstained, undefiled, luminous and clear. Because we have accumulated too many stains in this mortal world, Heaven uses all manner of methods to gradually polish us, stripping away the dirty robes until we see the original True Buddha of our own nature. This is a place of supreme goodness! To make it shine, we must cultivate constantly, turning the light inward moment by moment, purifying the six sense-roots, responding to circumstances without being changed by them, acting in accord with our true nature. We must not cling to outward forms alone, seeking the Buddha only outside ourselves without grasping the inner meaning. That leads to deviation.

As for the True Scripture that was orally transmitted and heart-received — if you can chant it with constancy and sincerity, it will purify the spiritual body of your true nature, dispelling delusion and revealing truth. The benefits are beyond measure. But when chanting the True Scripture, use your heart. Do not think that having received this Scripture is merely for avoiding disaster, or that you should only chant it when your body is ill and you are suffering. Friends, this is a scripture of the heart. It must constantly turn in the field of your heart. The reason we have wandering thoughts and restless desires is that our consciousness is pulled by the karma of past lives. For the sake of this suffering that has lasted since the beginning, for the sake of birth and death, we must constantly turn the True Scripture in our own hearts to purify our spiritual nature. Cultivators can never be far from the Buddha hall and the Dao community, so the rules and ritual propriety must be genuinely observed — do not merely go through the motions. You should hold the ritual hand-sign daily, holding the heart of an innocent child, burning incense and bowing in morning and evening prayer with a calm heart and peaceful qi. Over time, desire will cease to arise and wayward thoughts will cease to stir, and you will naturally see the True Buddha of your own nature.

After I passed the Three Officials, I came to the Nine-Nine Ziyang Gate. There are eighty-one checkpoints within it, and each one examines the merits and faults of the original soul down to the finest detail. Some require repentance and remedial cultivation. Some require punishment. Each case is different. The soul's true nature must reach a state of absolute purity and freedom from all deviation before it is allowed to pass. So cultivators in this world must practice genuinely, accumulate merit diligently, perform the three kinds of giving equally, recognize the truth and practice it, correct themselves and help others. If you do this, when you reach the Nine-Nine Ziyang Gate, Heaven will receive you as an honored guest.

Since this opportunity has arisen for me to come here and reveal these heavenly secrets, let me begin with my own case. While I was alive, I obeyed Heaven's mandate and kept the Buddha-hall rules. Whenever the seniors needed me to go somewhere to pioneer, spread, or lecture on the Dao, I cooperated fully and never harbored resentment. When seniors corrected my faults, I accepted each correction and changed. So I was able to pass through the Ziyang Gate without major difficulty. But because my cultivation in life had been weighted toward external merit and had slightly neglected the correction of my habitual nature, I was detained by Heaven in the Biyang Hall's Refining-Qi Gate for remedial education. The duration was three cycles. This education was designed to temper my weak willpower and indecisive nature — specifically to address my tendency to retreat and shrink back when I encountered tests. I accepted this training willingly, and so I passed through the Refining-Qi Gate quickly.

From there I came to the Heart-Grinding Self-Renewal Room in the Danyang Hall, within the Heyang Gate. While I was alive, though I had taken the vegetarian vow, I bore the title of lecturer yet did not understand the truth clearly. I harbored sectarian bias in my heart, drawing distinctions between schools. My own thoughts were crooked, and I led the confused to lead the confused. So Heaven compassionately arranged for me to cultivate and receive education in this place. Another three cycles passed. Youth slips away and old age comes quickly — how pitiable!

Fortunately, because I had performed much external merit while alive, when I came to the Jingyang Hall I was able to pass through smoothly. At the time my heart was full of joy, thinking there would be nothing more to worry about ahead.

On I went, and I came to the Nature-Study Room in the Wangyang Hall, where I received education in the inner nature, the Three Treasures, and the heart-teaching.

Then, traveling on through dust and hardship, I arrived at the Zhenyang Hall within the Nine-Yang Gate. There I saw many cultivators whose natures had not yet reached perfection — habitual flaws still lurking beneath the surface. Heaven had therefore established the Going-with-the-Heart Room, where cultivators are given a test of compliance: wine, lust, wealth, and anger are set before them as temptations. Friends, if your willpower is insufficient and your wisdom inadequate, you will be caught spinning round and round in that place! And if you pass this compliance test and feel pleased with yourself, thinking that the reward for cultivation in the mortal world was to come here and enjoy this comfort — then your heart has already gone astray.

When cultivating and spreading the Dao, if you encounter a test, you must think without deviation. Your heart must never harbor crooked or delusional thoughts. At every moment hold right thought and right view. Focus your mind single-pointedly and see all phantom images as false. Distinguish the false from the true. Do not be deceived by illusions. If you are deceived and a single thought stirs, that is another turn of the wheel — and Heaven records it all. When the time comes, there will be more punishment and more refinement to endure. By Heaven's mercy, and because the seniors who led me in life were wise, my willpower proved just sufficient, and I passed through this gate as well.

And so I came to the Ziyang Gate, where the Eight Virtues are examined: filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, trustworthiness, propriety, righteousness, integrity, and sense of shame. Of these, filial piety comes first. If cultivators in this world wish to elevate their ancestors, Heaven opens this grace — but only if your cultivation in life is marked by sincere practice, unwavering faith, and perseverance through every test without flinching. Only then can Heaven reduce the ancestral guilt by seven-tenths. If the records in the underworld show no discrepancies, then after passing the Nine-Nine Ziyang Gate and receiving any necessary remedial education, the soul may be elevated and promoted to the Left Eight-Trigrams Merit-Fruit Court in the outer hall of the Heavenly Buddha Court.

Within the Heavenly Buddha Court there is an inner court and an outer court. The outer court contains the Eight-Trigrams Merit-Fruit Court, which is divided into a Left Hall and a Right Hall. The Right Hall contains the records of every cultivator still alive in the mortal world — their entire cultivation history, preserved in viewable images. So if your nature has not reached perfection, if your bad temper and habitual faults remain, Heaven has recorded everything with perfect accuracy, without the slightest error. Friends, though you may have a filial heart and elevate your ancestors to the Heavenly Buddha Court, they do not go straight to the Court of Principle the moment they are elevated! Having dwelt so long in the red dust, they carry habitual natures that must be cultivated away. They return to the Heavenly Buddha Court to undergo training — in the Eight-Trigrams Merit-Fruit Court. There you will find various halls and rooms: Cultivation Pavilions, Quiet-Study Pavilions, Sutra-Chanting Halls, Ritual-Propriety Halls, and more. So, friends — while you still have this body, learn well and act well! Once you have no body and return to the Heavenly Buddha Court, Heaven will examine and verify everything. When the time comes and you cannot pass — friends, there will be bitterness to taste! Especially regarding ritual propriety.

Furthermore, if you want your ancestors to dwell freely and at peace in the Heavenly Buddha Court, then your own resolve to cultivate must be absolutely firm. If you cultivate halfway and then, upon encountering a test, your willpower buckles and you retreat from the Dao, unable to proclaim and practice on Heaven's behalf — then not only will you yourself fall, but your ancestors will be demoted along with you. So I sincerely urge all descendants who cultivate in this world: you must strive even harder in your practice! Each time you pass one of Heaven's examinations, not only do you yourself advance in rank, but your ancestors too can share in your light, gradually entering the inner court of the Heavenly Buddha Court to receive the teachings of compassionate bodhisattvas. So if you truly wish to fulfill the great filial duty, the only way is through constant, unwavering cultivation. Only then can your ancestors — and even all the beings connected to you across past lives — share in your light and gradually enter the Heavenly Buddha Court to undergo training and enjoy the blessings of purity.

Here I must add one more point. Some ancestors, because of karmic debts accumulated over many lives, arrive as souls "carrying karma." They especially need their descendants to do merit and dedicate it to them. And the very first thing in dedicating merit is this: take the vegetarian vow immediately. Only by severing the karmic ties with other beings can you begin to clear your own debts — otherwise you cannot even clear your own karma, let alone have surplus merit to dedicate to your ancestors.

Therefore at the Ziyang Gate, the Eight Virtues are examined thoroughly. And of the Eight Virtues, filial piety is the most important. Friends, please think carefully about this — should you not cultivate with all your heart?

Having passed through all eighty-one gates of the Nine-Nine Ziyang Gate, the final step was the Celestial Talent Reassignment. A small cultivator like me, through the grace of the Teacher's virtue, was recommended by the Three Officials to the Luminous Lord and received the position of Celestial Clerk, assisting in the great work of the Three-Realm Universal Salvation. Only then were the eighty-one gates truly complete. But I have only attained the position of clerk in the Eight-Trigrams Cultivation Court — I have not entered the inner court of the Heavenly Buddha Court. I still need more merit. Would any of you here be willing to dedicate merit to me?

At that moment, nearly two hundred participants raised their hands.

Friends! If you can maintain a compassionate heart at all times in your cultivation, then achieving the Dao is more than enough! When you return to Heaven, every one of you will stand above me! I am ashamed! I have no merit or virtue to deserve your dedication — but your kind hearts, I accept with gratitude!

The purpose of my coming to this Buddha hall to form a bond with you today is this: beyond the opportunity to help the Dao, I hope to open a window onto the heavenly secrets and thereby strengthen your resolve to cultivate. Think of all beings at all times. That is my greatest wish in coming here today.

Heaven's Eye discerns to the finest detail, like lightning that sees the tip of an autumn hair. Heaven's Laws are clear and bright, without the slightest deviation. Between Heaven and Earth, every day celestial officials observe the conduct and merit of all who cultivate. Even a single thought generates a corresponding qi. The true work of cultivation lies in learning how to quiet this restless, stirring heart, bringing it to the Great Dao's true peace and equilibrium. Since you have already received the True Dao, you must practice it genuinely! In daily life, follow the Eight Correct Paths, keep the Five Precepts, practice the Ten Good Deeds and the Six Perfections and Ten Thousand Practices, hold to the Four Great Vows, and above all guard firmly the Ten Great Vows you made when you received the Dao. Friends — do you have the confidence that you can pass through every gate?

Ha! Looking at you, I think you will not even make it through this room today, let alone the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints! In cultivation, in working for the Dao, you must have confidence in yourselves. Be steadfast. Keep your feet on the ground and advance step by step. Otherwise, how will you recognize what you truly are? What gate will you pass? How will you attain any rank upon the Nine-Tiered Lotus? Cultivation means rising step by step, the Dao-work flourishing and growing. Friends, have confidence in yourselves! Only then can you surpass yourselves and spread the Great Dao far and wide.

Look at all of you — every one of you has vowed to save the Three Realms, to rescue all original souls. In the era of universal salvation, not only is the human realm busy — the Immortals in Heaven are busy too, and the underworld is busier still. Everyone saves those they are connected to, everyone rescues their own region. So, friends, do not be too attached! This is all Heaven's work. How can there be "your Dao community" or "my Dao community"? How can there be "your students" or "my students"? Every one of you is a spirit-child of the Eternal Mother. Every one of you is a disciple of the revered Teacher and Teacher Mother. You have each received your own mandate from Heaven, each working your own region, all joining together to carry out the great work of the Three-Realm Salvation.

If I have spoken incorrectly today, I beg the Immortals for the Imperial Mother's forgiveness, and I ask you, friends, to bear with me. Time does not permit me to say more, and there are heavenly secrets that cannot be revealed. I also have duties to attend to in Heaven, and your time is precious too. When the opportunity comes again, we will form this bond once more. I hope my words today will serve as a warning to you! The expansion and promotion of the Dao depends on all of you. Whatever position you hold, whatever rank you stand at, treat everyone equally. Do not divide "us" from "them." Let each person do their best according to their place. Share the work. Cooperate together. Carry the great responsibility of the Three Realms together. I wish every one of you a smooth passage through every gate! I dare not take up any more time. I bow to the Imperial Mother and return to the Heavenly Realm.

42. Ding Xiaoqiao — The Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints Arise from the Heart

天佛院 丁曉喬結緣語 — A spirit cultivating in the Heavenly Buddha Court describes its true nature. The testimony that dissolves the map.

Republic of China Year 76 (1987), Year of the Fire Rabbit.

Heaven is merciful. Elder Brother Maotian, in his compassion, has brought several of us brothers and sisters who cultivate in the Heavenly Buddha Court down to the mortal world, into this Buddha hall, to form a bond with all of you — and to explain clearly and in detail what the Heavenly Buddha Court is truly like, what it means to pass through the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, and what it is like to be received into the Heavenly Buddha Court.

In ordinary times we assist the Dao. Only at the Dragon-Flower Assembly will our final positions be determined. For now, some of us have been given provisional positions, pending the merit and virtue accumulated by our juniors. Some are waiting for their descendants to accumulate merit and fulfill their vows, so that everyone may share in the benefit — and in the Heavenly Buddha Court, we no longer endure the suffering and refining.

The Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints — all these barriers — grind and refine the human heart, wearing away the mortal heart until the heavenly heart emerges. The Eternal Mother, in her mercy, sent down an imperial decree, and each of us received a command token to go out and assist the Dao. We no longer need to cultivate in the Heavenly Buddha Court. Only those who were elderly and had been careless or unclear about the rituals needed to relearn the proper forms of reverence one by one.

When the Dragon-Flower Assembly comes, all brothers and sisters will gather together to see the Mother's face, rejoice together from dusk to dawn, and congratulate one another.

Becoming an immortal or a Buddha — this can only happen in the White Sun era. Cultivate well in the mortal world. Build your merit. Inside and outside must be unified. Only then can you avoid the barriers of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints entirely and go directly to the Heavenly Buddha Court to await the good news — to be led by the gracious Teacher into the presence of the Imperial Mother.

Now the qi-realm gods are everywhere, assisting the Dao. The cultivating spirits of the Heavenly Buddha Court have also all gone out to assist. Together we help those with sincere hearts carry out the work of the Three Realms. Brothers and sisters who truly wish to cultivate — we lift them up. We increase their wisdom. We help them bring forth their heavenly heart. Their spirits merge with the spirits of us brothers and sisters in the Heavenly Buddha Court, and together we carry out this great assembly of the age.

So it all depends on you, brothers and sisters — especially the Transmitters of the Lamp. Guide your juniors well. Lead them onto the broad road, the bright path. Only then can some of their transgressions be forgiven. Only then can they leap out of the abyss of suffering. Only then can they receive Heaven's mercy — one golden thread leading us to see our own nature clearly, to turn the light inward, to cultivate well.

Heaven — the Mother can be seen right here in the mortal world. Do not cling to the idea that heaven is up above. The mortal world itself is heaven. It rests on a single thought.

In your last breath, let only good thoughts remain. Hold forever to your original vow. Learn the rituals well, so that when you return to Heaven you do not need to start the cultivation over again — without a physical body, cultivation is much harder. Let your sphere of spiritual light be without flaw. That light can illuminate the three thousand great worlds. It can generate the small circulation and the great circulation. Turn the Dharma wheel constantly — its applications are boundless. Do not be rigid in your cultivation. Be lively and nimble. Only by perfecting virtue and developing talent can you enter the realm of the sages. Only by bringing forth the heavenly heart — by following in the footsteps of the ancients, by emulating the way of the sages, by setting the standard yourself and breaking through every obstacle — then heaven is right before your eyes. At the moment we rest in peace, we can see our Imperial Mother's compassionate face directly. So it all depends on the Transmitters of the Lamp to guide well!

All the brothers and sisters of the Heavenly Buddha Court have descended to the mortal world together, invisibly assisting the Dao — helping the Three Realms, helping the final gathering, helping our gracious Teacher and Teacher Mother in their work, helping Patriarch Maitreya in the great task of universal salvation. Calamities descend again and again. Only through the worthy, through all brothers and sisters, can we stand against the calamities and save the world — wearing ourselves to the bone, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, casting off false methods and cultivating genuinely. Let our spiritual light shine. Let our virtue be visible. Let it hold back every calamity. Only through one heart and one virtue, only by manifesting the great Buddha-light and sweeping away every demon, can the Great Unity of the world be made manifest.

First, build virtue for your ancestors — that is urgent. First, set the standard yourself — that is essential. Once you have set the standard, your spiritual light will shoot straight up to the Court of Principle. We in the Heavenly Buddha Court bless all brothers and sisters in the mortal world: cultivate with perseverance! Only then can you establish your grade and rank. Only then can your merit be complete. Quickly remove every bad habit and character flaw from your mortal life — only then can you see the light clearly, only then can you reach the realm of perfect goodness.

If your cultivation has reached perfect goodness, the gracious Teacher, along with the Golden Youth and Jade Maiden, will lead you one by one directly to the Court of Principle. But if at the moment of death your spirit is unsettled — if mortal feelings still weigh on your heart — then these barriers will block you, one after another, each one harder than the last.

So, brothers and sisters, cultivate well. Maintain a pure heart and a compassionate heart at all times, and you will ascend directly to the Court of Principle. Every one of these barriers will vanish without a trace.

I bow to Elder Brother for his compassion. Where in heaven is there a Heavenly Buddha Court? Where are there Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints? They are all barriers set by our own hearts. If your inner state has not reached that level, the barriers that appear will only multiply. Brothers and sisters, you should understand this truth.

I bow in thanks to Elder Brother for his mercy. I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother for her mercy — for allowing the brothers and sisters of the Heavenly Buddha Court to come down to the mortal world and form this bond with you. I take my leave and bow to the Imperial Mother, bow to the Transmitters of the Lamp, bow to all brothers and sisters.

43. Chu Zhenkang — The Thorn-Foot Prison

刺腳獄 點傳師 褚真康結緣語 — A Transmitter of the Lamp from the late Qing who followed the wrong leader when the Heavenly Mandate shifted. The fourth voice of Part Four.

Republic of China Year 83 (1994), Twelfth Month, Twelfth Day.

I am ashamed to say it, but I come from the Heavenly Prison. I have waited a long time for this. I have already paid my respects to the Imperial Mother, to all the Immortals and Buddhas of Heaven, to the Living Buddha Ji Gong, to the elders, to all the Transmitters of the Lamp, and I send my greetings to every one of you here today.

I come from the Thorn-Foot Prison within the Heavenly Prison. My name is Chu Zhenkang. I am from Yueyang, born in the late Qing and early Republic. When I was alive, I too bore the heavenly office of Transmitter of the Lamp. But because of a single wrong thought, I have suffered in the Heavenly Prison for decades — the punishments never ceasing. In the Thorn-Foot Prison, every day both my feet feel as if pierced by needles, and I cannot stop for even a moment, cannot rest for even an instant. This is because in my lifetime I led my juniors in the wrong direction. To explain, I must start from the beginning.

I did not pass away until I was seventy-eight years old. A man of advanced years — and I never imagined I would come to such an end. I was born into a wealthy farming family. My parents were respected figures in the region. From childhood I was well-read in the classics and understood benevolence and righteousness. Before I encountered the Dao, I was like any worldly person — caught up in the seven emotions and six desires. At seventeen I established a family and a livelihood, enjoyed life, and raised seven children. When I was forty-six, my wife died of illness, and only then did I reflect on how swiftly impermanence comes. I began visiting temples in search of the truth. Eventually my guarantor-teacher led me into the Heavenly Dao. I gave generously. I cultivated with great dedication. At fifty-two I received the Heavenly Mandate, and though it was a time of war and calamity — when human life was in danger at every turn — I still managed to bring many souls to the Dao. I was active in the three cities of Wuhan, managing the Dao affairs of that region.

When I was seventy-two, that was the very time when the Heavenly Mandate was being transferred to Zhang Tianran and Sun Huiming. My senior leader had passed away, and the Dao affairs of our community fell temporarily to me. Several young Transmitters of the Lamp served under me and followed my lead. But at that time, many senior Dao leaders did not believe the Heavenly Mandate had passed to Zhang Tianran and Sun Huiming. My ears were soft — I did not know whom to trust. Even though the planchette writings everywhere carried the Imperial Mother's message that the Heavenly Mandate had descended upon the revered Teacher and Teacher Mother, I told myself: I am old, I have cultivated for decades, and there are many elders of great virtue and reputation — could Heaven really have made a mistake? Or is this the work of human scheming? Why would the Heavenly Mandate fall on a young junior? I wasted decades of genuine cultivation. I failed the test of wisdom. I led my juniors to attach themselves to the elder I believed in, to follow that leader in cultivation and in service. At seventy-six I fell ill. At seventy-eight I passed away.

I had spent my whole life running about for the Dao. I fully expected to return to Heaven with joy and see the Imperial Mother, to give a good account of myself before the gracious Teacher, Patriarch Lu. But instead I was taken directly to the Heavenly Prison. Heaven records every merit — but it also records every transgression. I know that I failed to use my wisdom. That is why I led my juniors down the wrong path. Because I was stubborn and self-assured, because I refused to trust Heaven's will, because I believed the planchette writings about the Heavenly Mandate were all human fabrication — I harmed myself and harmed others, and destroyed my own future. In the Heavenly Prison I repent. How many people truly understand the times of Heaven and know Heaven's will? Do not be like me — cultivating for a lifetime only to remain a confused old fool, thinking myself a wise elder, unable to humble my heart and admit my error, never truly understanding Heaven's intention. Although I never slandered the revered Teacher or Teacher Mother, leading my juniors astray was still my fault. Heaven did not erase my decades of hard work — but neither did it let me go free. Among the prisoners of the Heavenly Prison, many are elders. Among the souls in the Shadow Mountains, many are elders too. An elder who harms others brings harm upon himself as well.

Ordinarily the punishments of the Heavenly Prison are not revealed. But today the Imperial Mother has issued a decree, and Teacher Mother's Brocade Pouch also gave instructions: in the future, the leaders will be tested. A test of wisdom — and how many will recognize the secrets of Heaven? Do not assume that because you have cultivated and served for a long time, you will naturally be the one others follow. The Heavenly Mandate and Heaven's will must not be defied. Today there are elders who bear the heavenly office of serving the Three Realms, and yet there are senior figures in the Dao who cannot humble themselves — who believe that what they have seen and heard is the truth, who refuse to trust what their own ears have heard. Some elders understand the true meaning of the Three-Realm Salvation and the great work of universal gathering — but they cannot bear the weight of it. Because they cannot bear it themselves, they deny others and slander one another. Is this really the original purpose of receiving and bearing the Heavenly Mandate?

These old bones of mine — I cultivated until I looked the very picture of piety, and yet it was not great merit or great reward that awaited me, but a place in the Heavenly Prison! Today I beg Heaven for pardon. I do not want to be punished in the Heavenly Prison any longer. There are also many ignorant juniors who have fallen into the underworld. This great test of the Heavenly Mandate has left everyone terrified. Juniors saw their elders scrambling for merit and competing for fame and profit — and because of that, they lost their faith and fell away. Now is the same kind of critical time. Heavenly secrets are not easily revealed.

The Imperial Mother takes pity on so many of her spirit-children, her Buddha-children — blindly cultivating, practicing without direction, unable to return to Heaven. The Dao work on this blessed island has gone on for decades, and it will not stop just because some elders have passed away. The Heavenly Dao is meant to save all beings under heaven. If the beings have not been saved, what is there to talk about in terms of gathering and completion? How pitiful — so many cultivators in the Dao, stumbling in confusion down the wrong road, ending up as solitary practitioners who save no one, cultivating in vain because they do not understand Heaven's will! I beg the elders here to have mercy and petition Heaven on my behalf.

I have a few words of warning for all of you. Right now, many elders and Transmitters of the Lamp have the same affliction I had — caring only about how many juniors they have, how much merit they have accumulated. The result of such attachment is that they end up with nothing at all. The Three-Realm Salvation is real — otherwise how will the ninety-six hundred million original Buddha-children return to Heaven? Do not slander Heaven's will or the Heavenly Mandate. Back then, I refused to believe what the Imperial Mother had said — that the Heavenly Mandate had been assigned. I harmed myself. I did not believe the planchette writings about the Mandate. I believed in human cleverness. All of you here — humble your hearts. Truly see through to the original intention of the revered Teacher and Teacher Mother. Otherwise a lifetime of cultivation will lead many astray.

Time is limited today. I am grateful to the Living Buddha, our gracious Teacher, for bringing me into this altar. I hope all of you will listen carefully, straighten your own hearts and minds. All the Immortals and Buddhas of Heaven are watching. It is not easy to make such a great vow — do not abandon it lightly. Because the punishments of the Heavenly Prison are not easily revealed, the people of the world do not understand them. The allotted time of the human realm will come to an end. Do not cling to your own merit. The visible rituals and records are important, of course — but humanity stands among the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity as the one who proclaims Heaven's truth on its behalf. The Heavenly Mandate is formless and imageless by nature; it is only because it descended into the mortal world and needed to win people's trust that tokens and proofs were given. Before you can serve the Three Realms, you must first convince the spirits and gods. Keep this in your hearts. I am grateful to all of you for your generous help, which gives me the chance to leave the Heavenly Prison, to assist the Dao and return to my proper place. I will repent with all my heart! Repent! I now take my leave and bow to the Imperial Mother. Take care of yourselves, all of you. Do not end up like me.

44. Lin Qinghua — The Heavenly Prison

天牢 講師 林清花結緣語 — A lecturer and altar-keeper from Shanghai who died at thirty-six. The fifth voice of Part Four.

Republic of China Year 77 (1988), Sixth Month, Fifteenth Day.

I thank the gracious Teacher. I thank Elder Brother. I thank all the elders and Transmitters of the Lamp. I am one who is imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison for unfulfilled vows. I have not forgotten how vast Heaven's grace is. I bow in thanks to the gracious Teacher for his mercy. I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother for her great compassion — for allowing me, Lin Qinghua, on this day of the Eternal Mother's grand assembly, to come and manifest here and tell this story of mine, as a warning to all brothers and sisters: do not follow in my footsteps.

My family name is Lin. I am from Shanghai. I followed a Transmitter of the Lamp in cultivating and serving the Dao. I was a lecturer and also the keeper of an altar. At sixteen I began observing a vegetarian diet and learning the rites alongside my parents. I was deeply spoiled by my parents — they did everything for me — and I lived like a pampered young lady of a wealthy house. At home my elder brothers indulged me, yielded to me, made everything easy for me. I studied the scriptures in comfort and became a lecturer. I was blessed by Heaven's mercy and made the keeper of an altar. But I did not know how to treasure any of this. I did not know how to humble myself. I constantly put on the airs of a lecturer and altar-keeper as though I were above everyone else. I ordered the Dao-kin to do my work for me. If anyone crossed my wishes, I shouted and cursed at them. I shook the faith of many. Because I was quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and eloquent, the Transmitter of the Lamp took mercy on me and promoted me to lecturer. For four or five years I followed at his side, traveling everywhere to serve the Dao and proclaim Heaven's truth. Because I was eloquent and young, the Transmitter of the Lamp valued me highly. I was always at his side. I inserted myself into every matter, large and small. I thought myself magnificent and grew endlessly proud. Whenever anything displeased me I flew into a rage — domineering, arrogant, ignorant of how to serve those above and guide those below. I ruled by the spoiled temper I had brought from home. I shook the faith of many Dao-kin. Each time, afterward, I confessed to the elders and admitted my wrongs. But as the days passed, the old habits always returned. Once, when my sister-in-law was in her month of confinement after childbirth, I ordered the Dao-kin to come to my family's mansion and clean it inside and out — and I told them: "This is your chance to fulfill your vow of charitable service." It was under this kind of confusion between the sacred and the worldly, this kind of failure to keep the Three Purities and Four Proprieties, that Elder Brother in the Heavenly Court recorded my transgressions one by one. I had no idea that any of this counted as wrongdoing. When the Immortals and Buddhas descended to the altar and revealed it, I was so furious with shame that I told the Dao-kin it was all lies. "I serve devoutly at the Transmitter's side," I said. "I run east and west every day without rest — how could any of this be true!" And so I secretly cursed the Immortals and Buddhas in my heart. But inside, the guilt would not let me rest. And so I would sneak to the Eternal Mother's lotus altar in the dead of night, kneel there with tears blurring my eyes, and say to her: "Mother, from now on I will cultivate properly and never transgress again." But it was always empty words — again and again I deceived the Immortals and Buddhas with promises I could not keep.

When I was twenty-two, the Transmitter of the Lamp was overworked, and I took charge of the public funds. But each time I used the money, I never reported it to the Transmitter or the elders. Because my finances were unclean, Elder Brother recorded each transgression — and now that I have no body, every one of them is being settled! Only now do I understand. I had made a great and solemn vow to help Patriarch Maitreya save all beings of the Three Realms. Heaven was merciful — it let me be born into a wealthy family so I could cultivate well. But I did not treasure this. I was arrogant. Heaven gave me money for convenience, and I squandered it. I know I was wrong! My vows are unfulfilled. But by Heaven's grace and the Teacher's virtue, I was not cast into Hell — only into the Heavenly Prison. And even that mercy is because my parents constantly gave charitable donations and transferred the merit to me. Today the Imperial Mother has opened her grace and allowed me, Qinghua, to come on this day of her grand assembly to manifest and warn all brothers and sisters: do not be like me. Remember the vows you have made. In cultivating and serving the Dao, you must walk with your feet on solid ground. Do not be arrogant or domineering. Honor the Teacher, respect the Dao, serve those above and guide those below. Above all, you must root out your bad habits and your temper — otherwise, when you no longer have a body, you will beat your chest and stamp your feet, and by then it will all be too late! I beg the gracious Teacher to have mercy on me, Qinghua. The Heavenly Prison is so cold and so hot — it is so bitter! I beg the gracious Teacher to have mercy — let your disciple have a body again. Your disciple will cultivate properly this time. I will never again dare to be arrogant in heart or word or deed. I beg the gracious Teacher to have mercy and take me back to the Court of Principle. I do not want to be in the Heavenly Prison. I do not want to be in the Heavenly Prison. It is so bitter here. So bitter!

When I was twenty-four, I felt the path of cultivation was lonely and desolate. I told the Transmitter of the Lamp that I wanted to marry — otherwise, if I kept going like this, I would go mad. I could not endure the loneliness, and so I married a fellow lecturer. After three years of marriage, my old habits were unchanged. We fought constantly and divorced. From then on I put aside all thoughts of romance. When the gracious Teacher descended to the altar, I told him: "Qinghua will keep her vows from now on. I will not waver again. I will cultivate my character and repent of everything I have done." The Dao-kin saw that I seemed to have reformed and forgave me. But I did not know gratitude. I fell back into old ways, put on my lecturer's and altar-keeper's airs again, and told the Dao-kin: "I, Lin Qinghua, am the Transmitter's right and left hand — so all of you altar-keepers must take your orders from me." Meanwhile I was too lazy to wipe down the towels or sweep the Buddha Hall. I took the offerings that Dao-kin had brought to the hall to earn merit and used them for my own purposes, or gave them away to others. My days passed like this — sin piled upon sin — until I was thirty-six years old. I caught a common cold and died. When my spirit left the body, my tiny spark of consciousness drifted, not knowing where to go. Elder Brother took me to the Heavenly Prison. I had no strength in my hands or feet. I knelt before the gracious Teacher's lotus throne and begged for mercy. Because in life I had not fulfilled my vows, had not cultivated myself, had broken the rules of the Three Purities and Four Proprieties, and had not rooted out my temper and bad habits — that is why I was imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison.

Today I have been ordered to enter this altar and manifest, to warn all brothers and sisters: in cultivating the Dao, you must root out your temper and bad habits. Do not cling to your own views. When the Three Realms hold their reckoning, not a single transgression can slip through. Do not be like me. If you cultivate the Dao and do not change your temper and bad habits, there is a place in the Heavenly Prison waiting for you. If you make a vow and do not fulfill it, you will never be able to return to your homeland. Because of my willfulness, because I did not believe that Heaven's justice shines on all, because I thought: "I have taken the vow of pure speech, and I am eloquent, and I am a lecturer at the Transmitter's side — how could I possibly not return to Heaven?" — because I always held this thought in my heart, I shook the faith of the Dao-kin, I myself violated the separation of sacred and worldly, I myself broke the Three Purities and Four Proprieties, and I accumulated sin upon sin. Today I come here to manifest. I dare not ask for anything. Everything today is my own doing, my own burden. Born into a wealthy family, I did not know to cultivate my nature diligently, to be hardworking and frugal. Instead I was lazy, gluttonous, and wasteful with money. I bore the heavenly office of lecturer. I stood on the platform and told the Dao-kin: keep your finances clean, keep the Three Purities and Four Proprieties, cultivate humility — and then I went and broke every one of these rules myself.

I repent with all my heart. I beg the gracious Teacher to have mercy and let me have this chance to tell my story. I hope all brothers and sisters understand: it is not easy to have received the Heavenly Dao. While you still have a body, seize this time and cultivate your heart and nature well. Keep the Three Purities and Four Proprieties. Do not let the Immortals and Buddhas of Heaven, do not let the gracious Teacher, descend to the altar again and again with earnest warnings that still cannot awaken your conscience — making one mistake after another until you no longer have a body, and then beating your chest and stamping your feet when it is already too late!

My time is limited. Elder Brother Maotian is taking me back to the Heavenly Prison to report. I take my leave and bow to the Imperial Mother. I bow to the gracious Teacher. I thank the Dharma Lord for his mercy. I thank Elder Brother for bringing me into the altar. I thank all the elders and virtuous ones. I thank the Transmitters, the worthy, and the Three Powers. I hope all of you will take me as a warning. Seize this precious time. When the Three Realms hold their reckoning, not a hair's breadth of difference will be missed. Brothers and sisters — raise the standard of your own conduct. Do not go on making sins in a muddle!

45. Jian Suhua — The Training Hall

天佛院修煉所 講師 簡素華結緣語 — A lecturer who died of cancer at fifty-eight. The sixth voice of Part Four.

Republic of China Year 76 (1987), Fourth Lunar Month.

She spoke two verses:

First, with all my heart, I make my case plain:
in cultivating the Dao, recognize principle — do not cultivate by human feeling.

Verify yourself through principle, and your own course will be straight.
Take principle as your standard, and ferry all beings across.

I am Jian Suhua. On the gracious Teacher's command, I have come to this altar with Elder Brother. First I bow to the Imperial Mother. I bow once to the Transmitter of the Lamp here present. Suhua has come today for you, brothers and sisters. Although Heaven has opened its grace and given us this blessed occasion to visit and worship at many altars, so that people of the world and people of the Dao may understand: wherever human feeling lingers in the mortal world, wherever a cultivator watches human relationships instead of recognizing true principle — that is a great obstacle. I bore the commission of a lecturer, running east and west to preach the truth. At twenty-seven I married. My husband and I cultivated together. We lived comfortably enough. But when the world called and things did not go as I wished, when the elders gave their all and risked their lives, I too watched human feeling. I too did not recognize true principle. I did not follow the elders' instruction — I followed only those elders who knew me personally. I have come today to tell you the causes of my downfall in the mortal world.

After I married, I bore two children. I raised them. But I held the commission of a lecturer and could not go out to proclaim Heaven's truth as I should have. My heart was full of anxiety. My heart could not find peace. I resisted the elders. I watched appearances. I watched human relationships. I did not put my heart into it. Some elders came to my door and urged me to set up a Buddha Hall and bow morning and evening. My husband had been a man of the Dao — he traveled everywhere preaching the truth — and they suggested I establish the hall soon, so that I could bow before the Imperial Mother's face at all hours. But though my heart was willing to worship, I cultivated by watching human relationships. I borrowed money and avoided paying interest. Everywhere I looked for profit. Everywhere I looked to take advantage. Who would have thought that the life of a lecturer would be so hard? One day, when my time came, Suhua got cancer. Then I blamed Heaven. I blamed other people. In my life I had not understood principle. I had missed Heaven's timing. I had missed Heaven's design. I had misled the people. I had looked at rank instead of truth. I had been made a lecturer, but my ambition was never established — I wore the empty title and cultivated the appearance. I obeyed on the surface and defied in secret. In my heart I always thought: returning to the Court of Principle — that will happen someday.

At fifty-eight I died of cancer and went to the shade. At the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints I was tested gate by gate — my appetite, my lust, my greed, my temper. They looked at whether my heart was true or false, whether I had ever given my real sincerity. Heaven sees clearly. This was my own karma — I could not see through it. A good family became my greatest obstacle. I could not see past it. I did not cultivate. I wore the empty title of lecturer. I cultivated human relationships. When the elders yielded to me, I accepted it gladly. When the junior students criticized me, I shouted them down. My inner merit was insufficient. My outer merit was insufficient. I was to be detained in the Heavenly Prison. But by Heaven's mercy and compassion — remembering that Suhua did have some heart, that she had once sincerely served and cultivated the Dao — I was sent instead to the Training Hall, where I could make up for all my transgressions. The Training Hall is suffering. The Training Hall refines my nature until it is whole. The vices of appetite, lust, greed, and temper must be cast out one by one. The seven emotions and six desires, the false intentions of the heart — today I have come to this place, and my heart is at peace. I bow and beg Heaven and the Imperial Mother to let me have this chance to come to the altar and tell my story, one thing at a time.

I urge all cultivators: do not cultivate by watching human relationships. My guarantor was a wealthy man. I watched what he did. When he fell, my heart stopped. All of this was made by my own heart and suffered by my own heart. The Heavenly Mandate is truth. The Dao is true. Principle is true. The Heavenly Mandate is true. My original cultivation was wearing an empty name. Money can make ghosts turn the millstone — and I wanted to stand at the front. But because I watched my guarantor and cultivated by human feeling, today I am in the Training Hall, with no merit and no virtue, ashamed before the Imperial Mother. Today, by the gracious Teacher's compassion, Elder Brother has brought me here. What I have to tell the world is this: do not cultivate the Dao by watching human relationships. Do not be false in heart. At the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, your inner merit and outer merit are compared item by item. Wherever you fall short, you will be tested gate by gate on your wisdom. Only if you can break through and let go, only if you emit the light of your spirit, can you escape these examination gates. Be careful! Be careful! Worthy ones, do not be careless. First of all, hold fast to self-observation. Worthy ones, be humble and do not doubt — the Immortals and Buddhas of all heavens will not hesitate to help you on the path. I dare not say more. Worthy ones, remember: do not cultivate the Dao by watching human relationships. If you mislead yourself and mislead others, you will suffer for it. In this life you will not be able to transcend this universe. I urge you to this point. I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother's grace. I bow to the Transmitter of the Lamp. I now step aside.

46. Wang Ji — Dividing "Them" from "Us"

三關九口考氣關 點傳師 王吉結緣語 — A Transmitter of the Lamp who received the Heavenly Mandate at twenty-seven. The seventh voice of Part Four.

I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother's compassion. I bow in thanks to the gracious Teacher's mercy. I bow in thanks to Elder Brother's mercy in bringing me into this altar. I never imagined — I, Wang Ji, thought I was so fortunate, that I could return to the Court of Principle. As a Transmitter of the Lamp bearing the Heavenly Mandate, in the past when the Three Powers sat and spirits borrowed the medium to manifest, I always pitied them and comforted them. How wretched they seemed! Truly, I was moved. I had vowed with a compassionate heart to save all three realms.

Under the Elder's leadership there were many Transmitters. Because the Dao's work was expanding ever wider, we were divided into districts, each responsible for their own area. Because I had received the Heavenly Mandate early — at twenty-seven I received the Mandate, and I had followed the Elder in spreading the Dao from the beginning, opening new territory everywhere, with many talented followers under me — the Elder, in his compassion, divided the many Transmitters among different districts, the better to nurture and guide the junior students.

But my heart was deeply resentful. Why had the Elder given the junior students I had originally cultivated to other Transmitters? My right and left hands were all newer lecturers now. My heart gave birth to resentment — but this resentment was wrong. I resented the Elder for being unfair. I resented the other Transmitters for stealing my junior students. I ordered the students under my charge: you are not permitted to go to the Buddha Halls under other Transmitters. If they wanted to go to another hall, I told them I would no longer be responsible for them. I always used the Heavenly Mandate to pressure them. To the newer members I was constantly scolding — I cursed them for having no experience, for being careless in their work, for not making time to cooperate with me. My heart was constantly giving birth to resentment, constantly erupting in temper. Every kind of resentment arose, and my light grew dim. When others saw me, Transmitter Wang, their hearts held three parts fear.

I was young, but my face held no kindness. Like a demon-god — everyone who saw me was afraid and kept their distance. At first I did not know they feared me. I thought they respected me — Transmitter Wang, so great! — and that was why they dared not approach. In my heart I was secretly pleased. Then at last my deputies told me: the junior students often said that Transmitter Wang was too severe, and they dared not come near. I told my deputies: "It doesn't matter. Tell them to come find me when they need something." But my deputies did not dare tell me the truth: that my temper was bad, that my face held no kindness or warmth, and that was why the junior students dared not come near.

Every time we held a meeting, I was extremely harsh in pointing out the junior students' mistakes, making them fear me all the more. My greatest resentment was that my former talents — the ones I had cultivated — had followed other Transmitters. I even ordered my junior students: you are not permitted to go to other Transmitters' Buddha Halls to study the teachings. Stubbornness upon stubbornness. Missed opportunity upon missed opportunity. Until at seventy-three I died and returned to the void.

Heaven and the Ancestral Mother had long known that in my life I harbored a heart that divided "us" from "them," that I conducted the Dao without public-mindedness, that I constantly nursed resentment, that I blamed the Elder for being unfair. The Elder had cultivated me from the beginning — I did not know this. I still kept resentment in my heart. When at seventy-something I died, by Heaven's compassion my body was made soft as cotton — a sign shown to my junior students. The junior students were overjoyed. They said: "Transmitter Wang's body is soft as cotton! He has died and returned to Heaven — this proves the preciousness of the Dao." They wanted me to descend after one hundred days to form a bond with them, and they begged the Elder to bring me down.

One time the gracious Teacher came to the altar and said: "Wait a moment. Wait." The reason was that I, Wang Ji, was still at the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, being tested at the Qi Gate. My inner and outer merit were not yet complete. The Teacher did not dare let the junior students know. By the gracious Teacher's mercy, he saved me a little face.

Now I know: in cultivating the Dao and studying the Dao, you must not cultivate the dao of human feeling. You must conduct the affairs of the three realms with a compassionate heart and a just heart. Only then will Heaven help. Only then will the junior students follow us on the bright road of the Great Dao. You must not keep resentment in your heart. The Buddha Halls, the Dao-grounds — they belong to the Ancestral Mother. Do not divide "them" from "us." It was the Elder's compassion that divided us into districts for better management, so that more lost children could be guided and transformed. See with benevolence. See with wisdom. See the Dao and become the Dao. Do not divide "us" from "them." Whatever karmic connections may be achieved — let them recognize principle and sacrifice for the Dao, go and carry out the Dao's work for Heaven, build a bridge for Heaven, and lead all beings home. Nurture them all. Cultivate them all. Do not block anyone from cultivating or practicing the Dao. Guide them well.

Elder Brother, in your mercy — I have told the truth, one thing at a time. I bow and beg the gracious Teacher: have mercy, bring me soon into the Heavenly Buddha Court for further cultivation. I will wait well. I will take the Elder as my model. I bow to the Transmitters for their mercy. I bow to you, worthy brothers and sisters, for your mercy. I now step aside.

47. Transmitter Xu — Chasing Vanity, Losing the True Way

固容關 許點傳 結緣語 — A female Transmitter of the Lamp trapped in the Appearance Gate. The eighth voice of Part Four.

Republic of China Year 76 (1987), Fourth Lunar Month.

Heading verse: "Chasing vanity and appearances, the true way is lost; before the Appearance Gate, the original face appears."

I am Transmitter Xu, a woman of the Dao. I bow in thanks to the gracious Teacher's compassion. By the gracious Teacher's command, I have come into this altar with Elder Brother. First I bow to the Imperial Mother's grace. I have come to tell my story.

In the mortal world I set myself up as a standard for cultivation — but do not chase appearances and drown in the vast ocean. Everything about me was the love of vanity. I was a senior elder, and I am ashamed before Heaven and dare not speak of it. In the competition between elders, I had to be first in everything. If we spoke of junior students, I wanted mine to be stronger than everyone else's. If we spoke of merit, I wanted to rank number one. If we spoke of initiating people into the Dao, I would not lose to anyone. I was hollow in heart, chasing appearances, competing for credit, eager for advantage. My seniors told me: "In conducting the Dao's work, you must lower your heart. Select the worthy on Heaven's behalf. Do not hang an empty name on yourself." But I said: "You are wrong. I am out running every single day, selecting people for Heaven. Are you saying my initiations are false? Are you saying it is false when I push them to do merit?" I did not understand my junior students' hearts. Every day I pressured them. Every day I demanded they do the work, do the merit. I loved face. I needed to not lose to anyone among the elders. I was a heroine — I would not fall behind the male elders.

Because in life I loved vanity and loved fame and profit, pain filled my heart. Some of my junior students could not bear the weight and their hearts sank. Some turned their backs on the Dao and left. But I cursed them for having no spiritual roots. I never tested anyone with cruel words — but I did not understand my junior students' hearts. I did not know that what I said was wrong. I was hollow in heart. I chased appearances. When the merit accounts and the records of Dao-work were read aloud and I heard that I ranked first, I went home happy and rewarded my junior students. When I was not in the top three, I went home and gave them a scolding. All of it was using the Dao's name to show off. By the gracious Teacher's mercy, I was not thrown into the Heavenly Prison. My competing in the Dao-field to save people and accumulate merit — all of it was greed, all of it was hollow ambition that did not accord with Heaven's will. Heaven had mercy. The gracious Teacher said to me: "I never asked you to do such great merit. I only asked that your heart be true, that you not chase fame, that you not be hollow and false. How much merit you do, how many people you initiate — I do not care about that. I want you to select the worthy on Heaven's behalf." But I said to the gracious Teacher: "The time is urgent. We must push them harder. If they do not save people, they grow lazy day by day. If they do not do merit, all the money goes into their own stomachs."

I did not understand my junior students' hearts. I did not feel what my junior students felt. In virtue I had none. In authority I had only hollow words and hollow ambition stored in my heart. When I went out I wanted a sedan car. My face was powdered and painted, everything beautiful. People who saw me said: "How capable she is!" But I did not know how many merits and demerits were being recorded. When I returned to the Court of Principle and the merits and demerits were set side by side, only then did I know my shame. In life I had done Heaven's work, but I had been greedy for fame and profit, vain in my heart. Heaven recorded it clearly. At the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, my inner merit and outer merit were compared — and the General was going to throw me into the Heavenly Prison. But the gracious Teacher had mercy, remembering that I had cultivated the Dao for ten or twenty years, that I had run tirelessly for the Dao without complaint, that the times I had gone up on the lecture platform I had forgotten to eat and sleep. This spirit Heaven recorded clearly. And so I was not thrown into the Heavenly Prison. Instead I was confined in the Appearance Gate. The gracious Teacher scolded me: in life my cultivation had been too stubborn. I could not adapt to circumstances. I could not understand my junior students' hearts. I could not comprehend Heaven's will. I could not follow the way of human feeling. That was why I had committed this offense. I had no other sins. I only demanded too much from my junior students. I only loved to compete for vanity. When the elders did merit, I would not be last. I pushed my junior students relentlessly to do merit. I pushed them to save people. But without my knowing it, this had crushed their spirits. I was too severe. I made them afraid to stay at the Buddha Hall. I did not know that all of this was wrong. When I think of these offenses now, I am deeply ashamed.

Today I have come by command to this place. I beg the cultivators of the world: do not be greedy for credit. Do not chase vanity. Take me as a mirror. Take this elder as a mirror and turn the light back upon yourselves. Now at the judgment of the three realms, it is not a matter of whether your merit is high or low. Even if your merit is great, but you are hollow in heart and chasing appearances, you do not know the meaning of the true way. The Great Dao is spread abroad to save those with the right affinity. Let people experience the preciousness of the Heavenly Dao. Let them understand. Let them comprehend principle. And let them follow their own hearts and exhaust their own strength — it is not a matter of how much money you give. But I was trapped by my own vanity. Confined in the Appearance Gate, every day I must turn the light inward. Every day I torment myself. Sometimes I think: it is not fair! In life I did so much, I cultivated so much — why is there no reward? Why am I still confined here? It is unbearable. But the more I think this way, the more my heart suffers. The General said: "When you finally see through this one thing, you will pass through the Training Hall and enter the Heavenly Buddha Court, where you may await the right occasion to have your merit determined."

Today I have come to this place, and I am honored. I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother's grace. I urge all cultivators: do not cultivate with a false heart. Merits and demerits — Heaven records them clearly. I bow and step aside.

48. Liao Yixin — The Eight Virtues Unfulfilled, Tested at the Nine-Yang Gate

九陽關口八德考 講師：廖怡馨結緣語 — A female lecturer tested at the Nine-Yang Gate on the Eight Virtues. The ninth voice of Part Four.

Republic of China Year 76 (1987), Fourth Lunar Month.

Heading verse: "The Five Relationships and Eight Virtues must be followed; the Three Bonds and Five Constants guide your left and right. The Heavenly Dao requires the Human Dao to be fulfilled; only by cultivating both inner and outer can you attain Buddhahood."

I am Liao Yixin. I have come to bow before the Mother's throne. I bow in thanks to the Transmitter of the Lamp. I, Yixin, bore the commission of lecturer and ran for fifteen years. I received the Great Dao at twenty-five. I was a celibate woman. At forty I returned to the void. Fifteen years I ran through the Dao-grounds. My seniors nurtured me. They gave me opportunities. They guided me. But my heart was in disorder. My heart had changed. I did not fulfill loyalty. I did not fulfill filial piety. I could not pass the test of the Five Relationships and the Eight Virtues. At the Nine-Yang Gate, I was tested on the Eight Virtues. Every day I lectured on the Dao. Every day I ran in all directions, proclaiming Heaven's message. But how many of us truly understand? The Heavenly Dao requires the Human Dao to be fulfilled first. I was out running every day. I cast my parents aside. I did not ask whether they were alive or dead. I did not send them money. I ran east and west for fifteen years without ever shrinking back. I guided brothers and sisters and all who had the affinity onto the Dharma boat. I always carried a heart that proclaimed Heaven's message. But the Dao I lectured was empty principle. The Human Dao I had not fulfilled. With my parents — I gave them no word. With my friends — I constantly broke my promises because of the Dao's work. So the Human Dao I practiced was still lacking. At the Nine-Yang Gate I was tested on the Eight Virtues. Heaven judged that my Eight Virtues were not complete. Although I had fulfilled the Heavenly Dao, the Human Dao was not fulfilled.

Today I have come to the altar. Heaven had mercy. When I was forty, I died of drug poisoning. It was not intentional — not suicide. Heaven checked the records and found my name was not in the registers of the underworld. So they sent me to the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, where everything was compared one by one. It was true that I had cultivated. But the Human Dao was not fulfilled. The Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints tested me. Filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, trustworthiness — each was evaluated. I was only an empty title — "lecturer" — running east and west, but I had not even guided my own parents to the Dao. Before the gracious Teacher I had said: "In this life I will certainly be filial before the Imperial Mother's throne." The gracious Teacher had once told me: "Your Human Dao must be fulfilled. You must guide your parents, your brothers and sisters." I said: "My parents are too stubborn. My brothers and sisters do not understand. They have no roots. They have no affinity." These fifteen years, my seniors had nurtured me. I had my seniors, I had the Dao-grounds — so I threw my family away entirely. I even thought this way I could accumulate greater merit and attain a higher spiritual rank. Because my whole heart was in the Dao-grounds, I thought it did not matter that my parents had not received the Dao. My nine generations of ancestors and seven generations of forebears — as long as I achieved sainthood, they could all go home. Who could have known? At the Nine-Yang Gate, the Eight Virtues were tested. The meaning of each virtue was set beside my life. The General said to me: "Filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, trustworthiness — you fulfilled none of them. You must go to the Training Hall for remedial cultivation. Although you have merit to your credit, do you know the debt you owe your parents for raising you? You cursed your parents as too stubborn. You cursed your brothers and sisters as having no affinity and no roots. You did not have the faith to try. You delayed Heaven's work. You delayed Heaven's time."

For fifteen years in the mortal world I lectured on principle everywhere I went. I received Heaven's grace. I received my seniors' love. They cherished me. I was honored. As a celibate woman I stood high above others, and there was a little pride in my heart. But the Human Dao was unfulfilled. So at the Nine-Yang Gate I was tested on the Eight Virtues. I urge you now, brothers and sisters: cultivation is in daily life. The Human Dao must be fulfilled. Otherwise, after you return to the void, people will criticize you everywhere. They will say your cultivation was not grounded. Your parents were not cared for, not guided to the Dao. If you do not respect your parents, whom will you respect? Because in life my thinking was skewed, I brought upon myself the suffering of the Training Hall. Brothers and sisters, if you have heart, then use sincerity to move your parents. Do not curse your parents as too stubborn. If your parents do not understand principle, as their child you must not think this way. As their child you must not have this heart. Otherwise you will bring upon yourself the transgression of the mouth, delay Heaven's time, and end up like me.

I received Heaven's grace and the Teacher's virtue. Fortunately I was not obstructed by the karmic debts of my past lives. These fifteen years, Heaven had mercy and let me open my understanding a little. It was only the first few of the Eight Virtues that I could not pass. Today the Imperial Mother has had mercy, the gracious Teacher has had compassion, and I have been allowed to come to this altar to urge all of you who cultivate the Dao. You must fulfill the Human Dao for the Heavenly Dao to succeed. If the Human Dao is not fulfilled, how can the Heavenly Dao be accomplished? Do not leave behind a reputation for the world to criticize. Cultivate with all your heart and all your strength. Do not be arrogant. Do not be conceited. I, Yixin, have spoken only a few shallow words. Behind me there are still many seniors waiting. I dare not take up any more time. I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother's grace. I pray that brothers and sisters in their cultivation will fulfill the Eight Virtues completely. Even if you have given up your body for the Dao and could not keep the fullness of filial piety, you must still care for your parents. Do not let the world have cause to criticize. Otherwise the slander will reach the Heavenly Dao itself, and your transgression will be no small matter. I have spoken. I bow in thanks to the Imperial Mother's grace. I bow in thanks to the gracious Teacher's compassion. I bow in thanks to the Director for his compassion in bringing me into this altar. I bow and step aside.

49. Lin Qinghe — A Single Blaze of Ignorance Burns All Merit; A Bad Temper Traps You at the Three Gates

三關九口 清靜關 講師：林清河結緣語 — A male lecturer who died at seventy-five of heart failure. The tenth voice of Part Four.

Republic of China Year 76 (1987), Fourth Lunar Month.

Heading verse: "A single blaze of ignorance burns all merit; a bad temper traps you at the Three Gates."

The Stillness Gate (清靜關) — for those who could not achieve stillness of heart before returning to the Court of Principle.

I bow to all the Immortals and Buddhas of Heaven. I bow to the Transmitter of the Lamp who holds the Heavenly Mandate. I am Lin Qinghe, cultivating in the Stillness Gate of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints. I am grateful for the Ancestral Teacher's vast compassion and great vow. I am grateful for the Teacher and the Teacher Mother's boundless virtue. The Three Realms receive universal salvation. The Dao has descended into the world of fire. Those children of the Buddha who have the fortune can all receive the bright Teacher's one pointing, cultivate well, and return to the root and the origin. Through this borrowed body they can cultivate the true. They can proclaim Heaven's message. They can guide the original beings onto the Dharma boat. Together they can share in the grace of Heaven and the Teacher's virtue, and escape the suffering of the four forms of birth and the six paths of reincarnation, and leap free of the bonds of the Five Elements. With still hearts and clear minds, cultivating well, purifying the Pure Land, building a heaven on earth together, building a bridge to heaven — on the road home, working hard, truly cultivating and truly refining — after a hundred years, Heaven will send all the Immortals and Buddhas to welcome us back.

Qinghe speaks these words with the deepest shame. In life I was guided by my introducer and guarantor. After receiving the Dao, I slowly drew close to the Buddha Hall and studied the sacred principles. After completing my training, the Transmitter of the Lamp and my seniors were compassionate enough to promote me to the commission of lecturer. People said I was a man of middle age whose words carried weight, whose experience of the road of life was rich. And so many seniors supported me and raised me up, nurturing the younger students, giving me the courage and the opportunity to serve the Dao-grounds, to serve all beings, to serve brothers and sisters. Through this chance I could repay the grace of Heaven and the Teacher's virtue, and fulfill the great vow of my accumulated lifetimes. I was deeply earnest. Wherever my seniors sent me to lecture, I obeyed without question. I studied hard. I contemplated the Four Books and the Five Classics and used them to answer the questions of all beings, truly guiding them onto the Dharma boat, helping them find their true self, telling them not to roll in the red dust of this world, to leap over the four walls of wine, lust, wealth, and temper, not to lose their way at the crossroads, and not to end up in the underworld cycling through rebirth.

To repay the Teacher's grace for saving my life, I worked even harder. But the worst thing about me was my temper. Whenever the Dao called a meeting of lecturers and altar-keepers, the moment I heard something I could not abide, I would shout and rebuke them on the spot. Many lecturers and altar-keepers were too afraid to speak in my presence. They did not dare correct my faults. At that time I was considered a rare talent in the Dao, and no one dared offend me. My seniors lowered themselves and bore all my transgressions with patience. Sometimes, when they saw I was in a good mood, they would come and tell me — and I would accept it, and I was truly grateful for their compassion. But it was this bad temper that ruined the second half of my life.

When I was sixty-nine, I felt my heart was not right. My body had no strength. So I donated 600,000 to the Dao-grounds as a foundation fund. Everything had to be discussed with my son. But after I gave the 600,000, my body did not improve. Although I bore no resentment toward Heaven — I knew this was the karmic debt of my accumulated lifetimes clinging to me — I could only endure. I could no longer proclaim Heaven's message. Lying in bed, I was deeply ashamed. The senior leader, the Transmitters, the altar-keepers all came to my home with great love to visit me. They told me to rest quietly. They said Heaven knew everything. They asked me not to grieve. I kept every word in my heart. At home, my wife and children spoke to me harshly. I remembered my seniors' teaching and did not dare lose my temper. I asked my wife to give as much money to the Dao as she could. The second time I asked her to take out 500,000 to help the senior leader build a great temple. Altogether the two donations came to 1,100,000. When I was seventy-five, my heart failed and I returned to the void. Heaven guided me upward. But to my shock, I was sent to the Stillness Gate of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints — first to cultivate stillness, to cultivate for one hundred days. After one hundred days I was supposed to return to the Court of Principle as a carefree Immortal Buddha. But during those hundred days there was a great upheaval. My son went to the senior leader and demanded the 1,100,000 back. The senior leader, not wanting to cause the Dao-kin to lose faith, returned every cent. But my son then went everywhere saying the senior leader had swindled our family's money. My wife tried to stop him, but he would not listen. The senior leader, for the sake of the greater good, handed the money back. My son took it and spent it recklessly — drinking, carousing, then a car accident for which he had to pay damages. All the money was gone just like that. Many Dao-kin saw what had become of my family and gradually left the Dao. I could not find peace. It was all because in life I had not cultivated well. My temper was never changed. It polluted my son. That is why things became what they became.

When I had lain sick in bed for years, only then did I understand the labor and suffering of my seniors. Even after returning to Heaven my heart could not find peace. So I stayed in the Stillness Gate to cultivate. The bond between father and son is immense. They say each person's cultivation is their own — what the father cultivates, the father gains; what the mother cultivates, the mother gains. But because my son caused turmoil in the Dao-grounds for a time, this too was my burden to bear as his father. I could not achieve stillness and return to Heaven. I waited in the Stillness Gate, cultivating. Today the gracious Teacher has been compassionate enough to bring me out. I urge you, brothers and sisters: whatever money you give to the Dao, give it with a true heart and true intention. Do not let your giving cause trouble for the Dao. Heaven records everything clearly. What is offered must be accounted for plainly. The seniors must handle it properly. When my son took that money back, all my prior merit was destroyed. I could not answer to the Dao-grounds. The Dao's work was harmed. The shame was beyond words. I am grateful for the gracious Teacher's mercy in pardoning me, guiding me in secret, and for the seniors who patiently worked to save my own son and grandson — so that at last I could achieve stillness and return in peace to the Court of Principle.

The Three Realms receive universal salvation. The Mother has opened her grace. When devoted descendants elevate their ancestors back to Heaven, the ancestors are overjoyed. But most descendants give up halfway. The ancestors are demoted day by day. Their hearts cannot find peace. What are we to do? When the descendants are not at peace, the ancestors are not at peace either. The bond is immense. Day after day the ancestors hope for their descendants to dedicate merit, so they can stand with dignity alongside the Immortals and Buddhas. But the moment a descendant abandons the Dao, the ancestors must suffer and be punished. I too was punished at the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints according to my offenses. Do not think that once you have entered the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, everything is settled. If your descendants do not dedicate merit, and the ancestors who were elevated do not have enough merit of their own, those karmic debts must still be paid at the Three Gates — time traded for purification before further cultivation. It is deeply painful. I had thought entering the Three Gates was an honor — to be able to cultivate there. But Heaven judges according to merit and transgression. Many aggrieved spirits would not allow it. So I remained at the gates, refining further. Each person's character and transgressions are ground and polished at the gates until they shine. I had nearly finished my refinement when bad news came from my descendants. I could only kneel and wait. I ask all senior leaders and Transmitters of the Lamp: guide the lost and deluded beings well.

For the sake of beings in the sea of suffering, truly sweep away everything impure. This polluted world traps people so they cannot leap free. It is a grief beyond words. Without a physical body, trying to find someone with the affinity to save you is nearly impossible. How tragic that the people of the world cannot hear the invisible call, and so easily lose heart. Like thunder reaching up to heaven — Qinghe does not dare waste any more time. I bow to the Imperial Mother. I bow to all the Immortals and Buddhas of Heaven. I bow from afar to the great virtue of the senior leader and the Transmitters of the Lamp. The universal salvation of the Three Realms — do everything you can. Never criticize one another. The original beings rarely have such a chance. The Imperial Mother has opened her grace. It is one opportunity only. You must take up this great responsibility. I ask everyone to recognize principle and cultivate truly. Heaven's timing, Heaven's fortune, Heaven's design — seize them for yourselves.

50. Wang Guobiao — Once Human Form Is Lost, Cultivating the Spirit Is Difficult; When Self-Nature Is Unclear, You Are Bound at the Three Gates

三關九口 靜靈關 講師：王國標結緣語 — A male lecturer who died at forty-eight of stomach hemorrhage. The eleventh voice of Part Four.

Heading verse: "Once human form is lost, cultivating the spirit is difficult; when self-nature is unclear, you are bound at the Three Gates."

The Stillness-Spirit Gate (靜靈關) — the second checkpoint of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, for those who lost their commission and failed to clarify their self-nature.

I am grateful for the grace of Heaven and the virtue of the Teacher. I am grateful to the Teacher and the Teacher Mother for granting me the chance to repent, to step once more into the pure and solemn Buddha Hall, to speak of the causes and consequences of my life, and through this testimony to exhort the cultivators of the world: be worthy of the commission you carry as a lecturer bearing Heaven's mandate.

I received the Dao in the thirty-eighth year of the Republic. I am a disciple of the White Sun. That I was able to receive the Dao was entirely due to my ancestors' accumulated virtue and Heaven's grace — that is the only reason I had such an opportunity. I was even more fortunate to follow my seniors everywhere, forming good bonds, guiding brothers and sisters into the light. Because my family was poor, I had left my hometown as a boy to earn a living in a distant place. It was my introducer who brought me into the Buddha's affinity and onto the path of cultivation. At eighteen I followed the Transmitter of the Lamp, lecturing the Dao wherever we went. At that time there were very few people of talent — and since Guobiao was a man, my seniors cherished and nurtured me all the more. They enabled me to stand before the Eternal Mother's lotus throne, to burn the sacred petitions, to take on the commission of lecturer. I followed my seniors everywhere, opening new ground and planting seeds, without a word of complaint.

After several hard years, I made a single moment's foolish mistake. I was twenty-seven. Word came from home that both my parents were in failing health. They wrote to me, begging me to complete the great matter of marriage before their last breath — only then could they die in peace. They pleaded bitterly. Their tears fell like dew and would not stop. My seniors and the Transmitter came to my home to visit. My parents knelt on the ground and begged them: since you are taking our son to cultivate the Dao and serve the Dao, and since he is a disciple of the White Sun — well, the Dao has descended into the world of fire, and after marriage, husband and wife can still cultivate together. They begged my seniors to arrange the match. Two old people, on their knees, asking the seniors to grant their son a family. The seniors were deeply compassionate. They did not dare encourage me to remain celibate. But seeing my parents on the ground like that, they agreed. They found the daughter of an altar-keeper, and we were married.

But who could have known — less than three months after the wedding, both my parents died, one after the other. I was devastated. Heartbroken. As a son I had not fulfilled my duty of filial piety. I had not repaid the grace of being raised. Now that they were gone, my seniors and the Transmitter poured out their love and compassion, comforting my wife and me. Together we worked even harder. I obeyed the vow I had made and walked accordingly. Because I was the youngest of my brothers, I never fought with them over the family property. I was a cultivator. At that time I could see clearly: everything is destined. I would not force anything. I told my wife and children: be generous, do not quarrel. If the property goes to my eldest brother, so be it. We can start from nothing with our own hands. I believed that if we served Heaven and guided all beings, Heaven would surely not let us live in destitution.

Six years passed. We had two sons. Life grew harder day by day. My wife looked at other families who lived well — husbands and wives who could be together, who could eat their fill. Why had she married me? Why must she and the children suffer? Three meals a day and never enough to eat. Every day worse than the last. Other women wore fine clothes. She wore coarse cloth and ate pickled radish three meals a day. She could not bear it anymore. Resentment rose in her heart. She cursed me for being worthless. She cursed me for being a man who did not know how to get ahead. In a fit of rage she abandoned her two sons, left the house, and was gone.

My seniors were deeply compassionate. They came to my home again to comfort me. They told me to be brave, that all of this was Heaven's way of tempering me. But my heart was in chaos. In that moment of confusion, I looked at what my home had become. Two small boys who still needed raising and teaching. A wife who had vanished. Everything depended on me alone. I was terrified that the Dao-kin would see my wretched state and blame my seniors for it. When they asked me to go lecture the principles, I declined every time. I had no heart for it. My worldly feelings were too heavy. I could not clear my mind to grasp the truth, to guide brothers and sisters. Life grew more and more bitter. I took my two sons and left my seniors behind. I did not let the senior leader or the Transmitter know my new address. I raised my two sons in hardship. My seniors were deeply compassionate — they sent Dao-kin everywhere to ask after my whereabouts, but no one could find where I lived. It was I myself who left the Dao-grounds. I put all my heart and mind into starting over, into raising my sons. Every thought was for them. And so I lived out my life.

At forty-eight, because I had labored too hard, my body could not hold. My stomach hemorrhaged. One hemorrhage was too severe, and I died. Heaven, remembering that in my youth I had served the Dao-grounds, showed me mercy. But in my later years, though I committed no sins of speech, I had lost my Heavenly commission. I had stood before the Eternal Mother and made all my vows, and then I had broken faith with Heaven. So at the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints I was sent to the Stillness-Spirit Gate to repent. Now, in the time of the Three Realms' universal salvation, my seniors had reminded me long ago. But I had no fortune. I despised myself. My seniors exhausted every effort of their hearts, and I did not understand. When I think of my youth — how I labored in the Dao-grounds, how I wanted nothing but purity, how I wanted only to repay the grace — but then my seniors, pressed by my parents' plea, arranged my marriage. I know the seniors did it to comfort my parents. Everything, all of it, was my own doing.

When the time comes for the Three Realms to be judged, those who have truly cultivated and truly refined will return in purity to the Court of Principle. The gracious Teacher has brought me here today to bear witness. I truly congratulate the worthy disciples who have made the great vow of celibate cultivation and freed themselves from the bonds of worldly feeling. May you understand the purpose of the Dao's universal salvation. May you truly become cultivators who are pure and clean from beginning to end. And I am deeply grateful to the senior leaders and the Transmitters of the Lamp for their compassion in helping brothers and sisters make the vow of celibate cultivation, for leading the younger students forward. Though you face trials, you have endured every hardship, hoping only that all beings may become Buddhas. The hearts and ambitions of the seniors are vast indeed. It moves me beyond words.

I urge all lecturers to recognize principle. When causes and conditions bring difficulty, summon true wisdom to guide the other person. Do not let confusion lead both of you to fall. This chance is rare. Use your body well to proclaim Heaven's message. Form good bonds wherever you go. Become a true angel of the White Sun — carrying the good news on behalf of Heaven — from beginning to end, from first to last, always the same. Do not be like me. Because in life I lost my Heavenly commission, I am here at the second checkpoint — the Stillness-Spirit Gate — repenting. Today I have been given this chance to speak and exhort brothers and sisters.

The Court of Principle is a Pure Land. It guides cultivators who are pure and clean back to Heaven. No matter how great your merit, if your self-nature is not clear, you will be bound at the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints and cannot return to the Court of Principle. Once you have lost the physical body, cultivating the spirit-body is immensely difficult. I urge the worthy disciples: watch your steps carefully, watch your words and deeds. Your seniors have compassionately guided you onto the boat. Do not tear up your own ticket. The White Sun Boat of Mercy has already reached the shore. Time is truly limited. If you destroy your own future, you bear the consequences alone. To accomplish the work of the saints, everyone must work hard together. Do not lose the compassionate heart. Generosity of spirit comes first. Treat your brothers and sisters as you would treat yourself — equally, without distinction. The seniors must have clear goals and right thinking to guide the younger students. And the younger students must constantly appreciate the seniors' labor and suffering. Cooperate with all your strength so the Dao's work can flourish. Do not deceive yourselves or deceive others. Heaven does not deceive anyone — it is people who deceive Heaven. The trials and refinements of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints are immensely painful. I hope brothers and sisters will be careful and cultivate well.

With this I bow to the Imperial Mother's throne. I withdraw.

51. Wang Qiuqin — Endure Humiliation, Embrace Harmony, Transform Anger and Resentment; Be Pure and Still, Act without Acting, and Escape the Abyss of Suffering

三關九口化氣關 壇主：王秋琴結緣語 — A female altar-keeper who died at fifty-four of liver disease. The twelfth voice of Part Four.

Heading verse: "Endure humiliation, embrace harmony, transform anger and resentment; be pure and still, act without acting, and escape the abyss of suffering."

The Transforming-Qi Gate (化氣關) — a checkpoint of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, for those whose qi of resentment was never transformed.

I am grateful that Heaven has shown mercy and granted us the chance to repent. I am grateful to follow the gracious Teacher to this Buddha Hall and speak of everything that happened in my life. I received the Dao very early — in the forty-third year of the Republic. The senior practitioners had endured great hardship leaving the mainland to come to Taiwan, opening new ground and planting seeds to guide all beings. I was deeply fortunate to meet a compassionate senior leader who initiated me. I received the Heavenly Dao while still young, and I took the Dao's work very seriously. The seniors were delighted and loved me dearly. They cherished this talent, nurtured me painstakingly, poured out their hearts — all in the hope that I would truly become a person of ability in the Dao. My husband and I threw ourselves into the work even harder. We followed conditions wherever they led, guiding Dao-kin and helping them establish Buddha halls. I even sold my gold jewelry to pay for the Dao's expenses. I treated everyone with warmth, like a living Buddha in this world, seeing all beings as equal. By middle age, I had helped guide people to open twenty-three Buddha halls. The seniors were overjoyed. They even praised me in front of the Dao-kin, saying I was a rare and outstanding talent of the Dao-grounds. To support the Dao's mission, our daily life was extremely hard. My husband and I endured every difficulty. Our hearts toward the Dao were firm.

Then my son grew up and entered school. He wanted to go to university. But the family had no money. He was full of resentment toward me. He said: our family could have been comfortable and peaceful. Because you were so busy with the Dao's work, the whole family fell into poverty. He blamed us — he wanted to study but had no money for it. My husband and I could not console him. In a burst of anger, he left home and abandoned us both. I was heartbroken. I had no choice but to ask the Transmitter of the Lamp if I could borrow from the merit funds for half a month and return the money promptly. It was for my son's tuition. The Transmitter said: "The merit funds are a serious matter. I dare not take it upon myself. They cannot be used privately. If I lend them to you and you cannot repay on time, how would I handle it? I too am in a difficult position. The use of the Buddha-house treasury requires the utmost care. Forgive me — I cannot act on my own authority. Please understand."

In that moment, Qiuqin was confused. I misunderstood the Transmitter — I thought the Transmitter was wrong, that the Transmitter could not help us in our difficulty, that the Transmitter did not love the younger students, that when a younger student met hardship, the Transmitter simply looked the other way. My resentment flared. I turned on my heel and went straight home. I said to my husband: "The two of us have given our whole lives to the Dao, working like oxen and horses. Now we face a real problem, and the senior will not lift a finger to help us. From now on, we do not need to serve the Dao anymore. No need to work so hard." Those words were spoken in anger. They were words of anger. I was truly confused.

The seniors labored every day for the Dao's work, running east and west, guiding all beings to shore, enduring hardship without a word of complaint. My husband and I, in a moment of carelessness, could not comprehend Heaven's intent. The seniors believed that since we were old Dao-kin, we could recognize the Dao's direction and purpose on our own — that we did not need the seniors to shield us or remind us constantly. But Qiuqin's mind could not turn. The misunderstanding deepened. I said the Transmitter had no understanding of us. I even said: I have guided so many people to the Dao. I have opened so many Buddha halls. The Transmitter treats the wealthy altar-keepers better. My husband and I are poor altar-keepers — the seniors do not value us. Doubt crept into my heart. Inner resentment grew. Impure desires rose up. In private, I spoke of everything the Transmitter had done wrong. My husband was infected by my words. He stopped respecting the seniors. Our cultivation and our character grew worse by the day. Our tempers swelled larger and larger. All our previous merit was destroyed. Everything we had done, in the end, only harmed ourselves. I blamed the Transmitter for being unfair to the Dao-kin, for having a heart of discrimination — valuing the wealthy and disregarding us who had nothing. Demonic thoughts arose wave after wave. My heart was in deep pain. At fifty-four I contracted liver disease. Once I fell ill, I could not rise again. My body and mind were no longer whole. I departed the mortal world. By Heaven's grace, I was placed in the Transforming-Qi Gate of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints to cultivate.

Today I have the honor of following the gracious Teacher to the altar to manifest — for I have truly been set free. I speak sincerely of my entire path of cultivation, and I urge my brothers and sisters to understand: a cultivator must at all times appreciate the seniors' and the Transmitter's painstaking care. To be a true altar-keeper, you must truly understand the real meaning of establishing a Buddha hall. When you help Dao-kin open a sacred vessel, you must recognize the true direction. You must never misunderstand the seniors — for they are truly overburdened. One person attending to all — how can they possibly look after every single disciple's welfare? If you are truly an altar-keeper, you must offer your love and guide all beings. Those who study the Dao should seek instruction humbly and not look outward. Follow the Buddha's self-nature and original compassion. Cast away all selfish desires and bad habits. Return in purity to the Court of Principle. And I lament — on the very day I departed this world, my heart was unbalanced. That is why I could not ascend to the Palace of the Infinite. I was placed in the Transforming-Qi Gate to cultivate. Heaven has shown great mercy in revealing these heavenly secrets one by one, to warn the people of this world. I deeply hope that all will engrave this in their hearts, take it as a mirror, and cultivate sincerely until they enter the Pure Land. I bow in gratitude for the grace of Heaven, the Teacher, and the Teacher's virtue.

52. Cao Minghuang — When Fasting and Abstinence Are Impure, You Harm Yourself; At the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, Your Heart-Ground Is Refined

三關九口煉心池 壇主：曹明煌結緣語 — A male altar-keeper who died at sixty-five of a stroke. The thirteenth voice of Part Four.

Heading verse: "When fasting and abstinence are impure, you harm yourself; at the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, your heart-ground is refined."

The Heart-Refining Pool (煉心池) — a site within the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, where the impurities of the heart are smelted and refined.

Opening verse: "Do not forget the precepts of cultivating the Dao — slander the Great Dao and you destroy yourself. Only by Heaven's grace am I regarded worthy — only today can I manifest in this Buddha-land."

I, Cao Minghuang, first bow to the Imperial Mother, then bow in gratitude to the gracious Teacher's compassion, then bow to the Dean, and bow once more to the Heavenly Mandate. To cultivate the Dao, you must observe the precepts of good and evil. If you wish to repay Heaven and Earth, if you wish to transcend and return to the Court of Principle, you must establish your resolve. Do not be like me — wearing a title I did not deserve, going against Heaven's will.

I was thirty-five when I followed my wife to receive the Dao. At thirty-eight, we established a Buddha hall. The two of us were utterly sincere. But I did rough labor for a living. Eating vegetarian outside the home was not convenient. I would often kneel before the Eternal Mother's lotus seat and say: "Minghuang has done rough work today. At home I eat vegetarian. Outside I eat meat. Mother, please do not mind."

I kept forgiving myself like this. When the seniors asked whether I was keeping my vow of purity, I said: "Yes — at home I always eat vegetarian." But I did not say that outside the home I ate meat. I forgave myself. I did not follow the Buddha-rules. I did not keep the precepts. I deceived myself.

Because of my work, I was afraid my coworkers would laugh at me if I ate vegetarian. So I ate with them. I did not eat the meat itself, but I drank the pork broth. My wife grieved for me. She said: "Minghuang! You and I took the vow of purity on the same day. Doing this — can you really return to Heaven?" I said: "Of course! When I am old, I will make it up. Right now I do manual labor. The family's finances are bad. Hard work requires physical strength. Heaven will not mind this."

That is how I kept forgiving myself. But who could have known — Heaven records every merit and every fault. At sixty-five, I suffered a stroke and could no longer stand. In my heart I was devastated. I said: "I have not yet reached seventy. When I turn seventy, I will eat more purely." But I was only sixty-five when the stroke came. Once I fell ill, I could not rise again. My soul departed for the underworld.

Fortunately, Heaven showed compassion. The underworld had no record of my name. I was brought before the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints to face judgment. The Three Treasures — I remembered every one. My introducer and guarantor — I knew them all. The Three Gates tested me one gate at a time. Because my fasting and abstinence in life had been impure, I nearly ended up in the Heavenly Prison. But Heaven took pity on me as an honest man — I had not deliberately eaten meat. Yet I had constantly deceived myself. Although I did not eat meat in large mouthfuls, I ate "convenience dishes." For twenty years, working outside the home, I ate convenience dishes every day. At home I ate vegetarian. Two meals a day vegetarian, one meal meat. But Heaven had recorded all of it clearly.

I thought it did not matter. When I went to the Buddha hall for classes, the immortals and Buddhas who descended to the altar through the planchette never said anything to me about it. So I assumed it was acceptable. But Heaven had already been warning me — I simply did not know. I thought: the immortals and Buddhas never told me to my face, so it must be all right. My wife kept urging me, kept reminding me. But I told her: "If I do not have strength, how can I work? Who earns the money to feed you? Think about it — I already let you stay home and serve the Dao so comfortably. That should be enough."

I bore the title of altar-keeper. The seniors called me back for meetings. I could not answer a single question. I sat there and dozed off. People saw that I seemed honest, so they assumed I had no objections. When I came home, my wife asked what was discussed at the altar-keepers' meeting. I always said I did not know. I looked down on the seniors. I said: "They are just children. What can they accomplish? I would rather go back to my long sleep." I despised them. I made no progress. I did not advance. Eating meat, despising the seniors — these two offenses nearly landed me in the underground prison.

Fortunately, Heaven was merciful. In the year I departed this world, because we had some savings, my wife used two hundred thousand to perform merit on my behalf. Two hundred thousand went to print morality books, and the merit was transferred to me to offset my sins. For this reason, Heaven mercifully placed me in the Training Hall to cultivate — to refine my heart-nature, remove the impurities, and keep what was clean.

The other charge against me was disrespecting the seniors and failing to observe the Buddha-rules. When I came home from work and arrived at the Buddha hall just as it was time to burn incense, my wife called me to bow. I said: "Too much trouble. Work was exhausting. My stomach is hungry — let me eat first." I did not know that every merit and every fault is recorded in full. When I arrived at the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints and the accounts were examined one by one, only then did I understand — I was wrong about everything. I had wasted the opportunity. I had delayed Heaven's work.

But I had one good quality: whenever I was able, I was generous. When my wife performed acts of merit, I never begrudged it. It was only that my fasting and abstinence were impure, that I looked down on people of virtue and wisdom, and that I did not observe the Buddha-rules. These three offenses alone were enough to make me suffer.

I was confined in the Training Hall to cultivate. Today, by Heaven's compassion and by the grace of the Living Buddha Ji Gong, I was brought to this altar. I have told you everything in detail. I earnestly ask my brothers and sisters to spread this teaching far and wide. Let those who cultivate the Dao understand: do not let those who do manual labor think that eating vegetarian lacks nutrition, or think that forgiving yourself means Heaven does not care. Heaven does not deal in human feelings — it judges only by merit. Only those with true virtue receive Heaven's assistance. I have spoken in great detail today, and I hope all brothers and sisters will understand. I bow once more in gratitude to the Imperial Mother's grace, to the gracious Teacher's compassion, to the Dean and elder brother's compassion, and to the Transmitter. I withdraw.

53. Hong Caili — When the Buddha Hall Is Closed, the Sin Cannot Be Forgiven; At the Purple Yang Gate, One's Nature Is Refined to Completion

紫陽關 壇主：洪彩麗結緣語 — A female altar-keeper who died at sixty-two. The fourteenth voice of Part Four.

Heading verse: "When the Buddha hall is closed, the sin cannot be forgiven; at the Purple Yang Gate, one's nature is refined to completion."

The Purple Yang Gate (紫陽關) — a checkpoint within the Nine-Yang Gate of the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints, where cultivators whose spiritual fire dimmed are refined until their nature is restored.

Republic Year 76 (1987), Fourth Month of the Lunar Calendar.

I bow in gratitude to the Transmitter for opening the golden mouth and letting me speak. I am Hong Caili. I departed this world at sixty-two.

I had received the titles of lecturer and senior lecturer. I received the Dao at twelve. At thirty-two, I established a Buddha hall. At thirty-seven, I was appointed lecturer. At forty, I was appointed senior lecturer. At sixty-two, I departed. The Buddha hall had been set up in my home for nine years.

I remember — when I was forty-seven, I went out with the seniors to do the Dao's work. We were riding a motorcycle when a large truck struck us. The crash was terrible. The Transmitter suffered only minor injuries. But I, Hong Caili — my face was left with a great scar. My hands and feet were damaged. I spent over a year recovering in the hospital. But my face could never be what it was before. A great scar remained. Walking became difficult.

In my heart I thought: Why? I was so sincere. I served Heaven. I ran east and west for the Dao. And I ended up like this — a great scar on my face. Because of this, I disappeared. I did not dare to lecture. No matter how the seniors urged me, I avoided them. My hands and feet were not convenient. I did not dare face the public. The seniors were terrified. They feared they would lose a gifted person. They asked everywhere, searched everywhere.

One time, during a gathering, the Ancient Buddha of the Southern Sea descended to the altar in compassion. The Transmitter respectfully asked: What was the karmic cause behind what happened to Hong Caili? Why did she become this way?

The Ancient Buddha of the Southern Sea said: In two previous lives, she was American. She bullied people everywhere. She killed many. In the Third Period of the Final Age, she was fortunate enough to be reborn in a human body, born on the Precious Island, and to receive the Great Prior-Heaven Dao. First: this was the year of karmic settlement. Over sixty thousand years of accumulated debt — in this one life, this one body, all of it could be cleared. Heaven showed compassion by allowing the great car accident to happen at this time. In one stroke, three lifetimes of karmic debt were wiped clean. Her face was ruined. Her limbs were taken. She was disabled — one leg broken. She could no longer move freely. She could no longer go out and lecture.

From that moment on, she lost her own resolve. She broke her great vow. Every day she stayed at home, tending only to worldly matters and looking after her children. Her husband saw her like this and was deeply grieved. He said: Why do we have a Buddha hall? Why did she go everywhere lecturing? And this is what happened? Toward Heaven, toward the Dao, they lost the sincerity they once had. Disheartened. I, too, was infected by my husband's feelings. The Dao-kin — I did not dare face them. Over time, the Buddha hall went longer and longer without being cleaned. It was hardly ever cleaned at all. The Dao was conducted there less and less.

The Transmitter came to my home. My husband, in a burst of anger, said: "She does not want to worship anymore. She does not want the Buddha hall set up here. Take it back!" The Transmitter tried again and again, urged us again and again. My husband would not listen. His temperament was hard. His temper was fierce. Persuasion did not reach him. So the Buddha hall had to be taken away.

Think of it — the Eternal Mother had been seated there. The immortals and Buddhas of all the heavens, the Elder Brother and the Dean, had watched over that altar. And now it was disturbed. All those years of receiving the Dao early, of going everywhere to save people — destroyed in a single day.

When I departed at sixty-two, although I had still kept my vow of vegetarianism, the sin of closing the Buddha hall could not be forgiven. The gracious Teacher brought me to the Nine-Yang Gate, to the Purple Yang Gate checkpoint, to cultivate. My worldly heart had to be removed. Then I was brought into the Training Hall to cultivate sincerely for many years — to grind out my heart of compassion. And the great sin of closing the Buddha hall — that had to be truly repented.

I beg the Transmitter for mercy. I beg the gracious Teacher for compassion. I beg to be released soon to go and help the Dao. I know now — everything I did was wrong. But everything is too late.

I want to say this to all lecturers and altar-keepers: When Heaven helps us settle our karmic debts — when Heaven takes our limbs, or leaves great scars on our faces — do not blame Heaven or resent others. Be even more sincere in gratitude for Heaven's grace and the Teacher's virtue. Although we have lost a hand or a foot, although our faces are scarred, we must come back out and build merit. We must raise our faith and step once more onto the bright great road. Do not be like me, Hong Caili — after that car accident, I never came out again.

The Transmitter has been merciful in letting me speak. I have told the truth of what happened. I bow in gratitude to the Elder Brother's compassion. For now, I withdraw. I bow in gratitude to the Eternal Mother's compassion.

54. Huang Facheng — When the Heart-Mind Is Impure, External Demons Invade; Once You Lose Your Human Body, It Is Hard to Gain Again

April, Year 76 of the Republic (1987)

Southern Heaven Gate Training Hall (南天門修煉士): Huang Facheng's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "When the heart-mind is impure, external demons invade; once you lose your human body, it is hard to gain again."

The Southern Heaven Gate Training Hall (南天門修煉士) — a place of remedial cultivation for spirits who lost their physical bodies through improper practice. Not a prison but a training ground for the displaced.

My name is Huang Facheng. I am from Hebei, Tianjin. I departed this world only ten years ago. While alive, I had been propagating the Dao on behalf of Heaven for nine years. I loved sitting meditation. Every morning and every evening, I would sit for two hours without fail.

Although I loved sitting meditation, whenever the fire of unnamed anger arose in me, all my accumulated merit burned to ash. I could not resist the various temptations. Although I had studied the Dao for a long time, I had never truly cultivated my heart. Other people sit in meditation to nourish the body and settle the mind. But I — I wanted to see if my soul could leave my body.

And because my own heart-mind was impure, and because of Heaven's various tests, external demons were drawn in and invaded my body. I have regretted it ever since.

One day, during sitting meditation, my soul left my body. And the most pitiful, most lamentable thing happened: my physical body was occupied by a wandering ghost. My soul could never return to my flesh.

Heaven gave me a sign. Heaven told me to restrain myself, to awaken. But I could only blame myself — I had not cultivated my own body in ordinary times, and now my precious body had been seized by an external demon. I had become a wandering ghost. Heaven took pity on me and allowed me to come warn the world.

Once the external demon occupied my body, who could recognize me as Huang Facheng? The whole person became different. Even my speech changed. I tried to re-enter my flesh, but I could not get in. The external demon would not withdraw. If not for the compassion of the Junior Brother, who guided me into the Southern Heaven Gate Training Hall, I truly would not have known where my soul would end up.

My physical body has been seized, but my soul is neither born nor destroyed. I urge all worthy cultivators: do not covet the experience of your soul leaving your body. Once the soul leaves and the body is occupied by another, regret comes too late. If not for the grace of Heaven and the Teacher's virtue — if not for the gracious Teacher's great compassion in guiding me here to awaken the world — I would have nothing.

Especially those who love sitting meditation, whose heart-minds are impure and who desire to leave the body: I ask you — what use is leaving the body? Without merit, without virtue, you cannot return to the Court of Principle. Do not let your heart-mind go astray. Once the body is occupied, regret comes too late. You have let an external demon take your flesh and ruin it. Everything is under the demon's control — it may even throw your body into a river, or find some other way to end it. How pitiful, how lamentable!

Everything is my own fault. I blame my curiosity. I blame my impure heart-mind. Sitting meditation should be for nourishing the heart-nature — not for showing off or manifesting supernatural powers. I sat for a year, and by Heaven's compassion, my soul truly did leave. But I have suffered enough for it. Not only could I not return to my body — I became a wandering ghost, and I cannot return to Heaven either.

Worthy cultivators: do not let curiosity destroy you. Observe in stillness and gain understanding. Turn inward and cultivate your own heart. Think three times before you act. Consider your own sins and errors. What use is sitting in meditation seeking to leave the body?

I bow in gratitude to the gracious Teacher's boundless grace and virtue. I bow in gratitude to the Transmitter's compassion. I, Huang Facheng — my time is limited. In the Training Hall, I will cultivate diligently. I will endure Heaven's tests. I bow in gratitude to the Transmitter's compassion. For now, I withdraw.

55. Xiao Zhencheng — One Thought of Anger Burns All Merit; Abandoning Midway, All Prior Work Is Lost

October, Year 77 of the Republic (1988)

Repentance Room of the Underworld's Listening Hall (地府聽經所懺悔室): Xiao Zhencheng's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "One thought of anger burns all merit; abandoning midway, all prior work is lost."

The Repentance Room of the Underworld's Listening Hall (地府聽經所懺悔室) — a place of penitential confinement in the underworld for cultivators who damaged the reputation of the Heavenly Dao and failed to cultivate their heart-nature. Not the Heavenly Prison but the underworld itself — the first testimony from beneath the celestial system.

I bow to the Transmitters present. I greet all worthy cultivators. I thank the seniors for their compassion in helping fulfill the sacred duty of saving the Three Realms. I am Xiao Zhencheng, from the Repentance Room of the underworld. I am from Guiyang County, Hunan Province. I bow in gratitude to the gracious Teacher's compassion, and again to the General's kindness in bringing me into this altar to form a bond with you all. My heart is filled with dread.

I was a man of pure cultivation, studying the Dao. At the age of twenty-seven, I was guided by my seniors and joined in the work of Heaven — bringing the destined ones ashore. My seniors, in their compassion, raised me up and bestowed upon me the sacred office of Transmitter of the Lamp. From then on, I carried that holy charge across the four seas, seeking those with the affinity, helping the gracious Teacher in the great work of universal salvation and the final gathering.

In those days, many juniors followed at my side. At the beginning, I guided them with love and patience. But as the mission expanded and affairs grew complex, I could not make everything perfect. My seniors rebuked me: Why have you not set a proper example? Why can you not lead the juniors to join in the sacred work and fulfill their vows?

I could not let it go. My anger rose. My heart would not settle. I even blamed the very seniors who had shown me kindness. They called me arrogant — disrespectful of the Teacher and the Way, disobedient to the Buddhist rules. And then, in front of a great crowd — even in front of my own juniors — they enumerated my faults one by one. My face lost all its light.

I went home. I turned it over and over in my mind. Had I not worked so hard for the Dao? Had I not given my money, my parents, even this body of flesh to the mission? Could the seniors truly not understand my sacrifice?

Because my anger would not settle, external demons entangled me and my wisdom could not open. The fury sat in my heart. I did not want to stay in the Dao field any longer. And from that moment I fell a thousand zhang. I became no different from any ordinary person. I even broke my vow and married. I never returned to the Dao field to fulfill my vow.

The years passed emptily. In the thirty-seventh year of the Republic, the gracious Teacher appeared to me in a dream. He told me with compassion to start over, to reform and do good. Heaven does not destroy those who repent. And the Eternal Mother — she always loves her children of the Eastern Land.

But my arrogance would not change. I could not humble my heart to repent before Heaven. I did not want to go back to the Dao field to earn merit and redeem my sins. And so in the thirty-eighth year of the Republic — at the age of fifty-three — I was called back.

When my spirit left my body, I thought: surely the gracious Teacher will come to bring me to Heaven.

But before my eyes there was only darkness. I waited and waited, but the Teacher never came.

Instead, Black-and-White Impermanence — the two generals — seized me and dragged me to the underworld. I knelt before King Yama. Only then did I know my error. But everything was already too late. I had no physical body anymore. Even if I wanted to earn merit and fulfill my vow, there was no chance left.

I am ashamed before Heaven's grace and the Teacher's virtue. I have no face to see the Mother!

I wept and knelt before King Yama in repentance. I begged the Ancient Buddha to forgive my sins. But the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha said: You have damaged the reputation of the Heavenly Dao. Your own heart-nature was never cultivated. How could you achieve the Dao and return to Heaven? This sin is hard to forgive. Everything will be decided by Heaven.

And so I was locked in the Listening Hall's Repentance Room. When the day of the final gathering comes, I am to be broken into a remnant spirit.

I am deeply sorry for betraying Heaven's kindness. I have no face to see the Mother. But I beg the seniors' compassion — I still want to return to Heaven. I do not want to be broken into a remnant spirit. I do not want to be broken into a remnant spirit! I beg you to save me. I beg the gracious Teacher to forgive me.

Returning to Heaven is impossible now. All I ask is to enter the Listening Hall for cultivation, and to secretly help the Dao from the shadows. That alone would satisfy me.

The senior asked: What does our Teacher say?

The Teacher said: This vow was your own making. This sin was your own creation. Cause and effect are hard to sever. Everything follows Heavenly Principle. The Buddhist rules are complete. The Teacher cannot intervene. You must truly repent in the Repentance Room and wait. Everything will be arranged by Heaven's compassion.

In life my anger could not settle. My good nature could not open. Now I cannot lift my head. Tears soak my collar. I beg bitterly for a chance. As long as I can be saved from the underworld and not be broken into a remnant spirit — I am willing. As long as I can repay the grace of Heaven and the Teacher — I can endure any suffering.

The burden our gracious Teacher carries is the salvation of the original people across the Three Realms. Many who sought the Dao in life end up in the underworld after death — because during their time in the world, they could not reach the holy realm, and so they created boundless sins. A thousand words cannot express everything in my heart.

I beg the seniors' compassion. I beg the Teacher's compassion. Let the brothers and sisters in the underworld have a chance to come out and secretly help the Dao. Let them build even a small amount of merit in these final days, to repay the grace of Heaven and the Teacher. I beg Heaven's mercy — do not heartlessly break them into remnant spirits.

I urge the worthy cultivators: cultivate your speech. Cultivate your virtue. Do not think lightly of life. A cultivator's actions can never escape Heaven's eye! Heaven sees clearly. Do not say the Immortals and Buddhas cannot see. Do not think that because human eyes cannot see it, it does not exist. Follow your conscience before Heaven.

Do not be like me — blaming the seniors for not showing love, while the juniors could not understand the elders' hardship. Everyone must set their own example. Cultivate your own dignity. Seniors must be brave pioneers. Do not complain when difficulties arise.

Today the worthy cultivators are working for the Three Realms. The ancestors and good souls in the underworld — all they hope for is to see the light again. I urge all of you: follow the seniors and walk the Dao.

Perhaps the brothers and sisters here wonder: if I bore Heaven's mandate, and if I knew my sins, why was I not cast into the Shadow Mountain of the underworld? This is because the gracious Teacher, in his compassion, considered that from the age of twenty-seven to the age of fifty-three, I had diligently propagated the Dao and brought the destined ones to salvation. Heaven was forbearing. That is why I am in the Repentance Room instead — and why I have this chance to testify before you today.

I urge you: do not take your vows lightly. Watch yourselves constantly. Only through sincere cultivation can you invoke Heaven's hidden help and expand the work of the Dao. Please, all of you — take care of your health.

The senior said: When the time comes, you must remember to enter the altar with the Teacher to seek the Dao.

I thank the senior for this compassion. If I seek the Dao again in this way, then all my previous merits and demerits will be cancelled. I must start over as a new person and learn everything from the beginning.

I thank the seniors. I thank the Transmitters. I thank all the worthy cultivators. I bow farewell to the Mother. I withdraw.

56. Xie Binhe — True Dao, True Cultivation, True Testing; Disobeying the Teacher, Betraying the Mandate, Changing One's Original Purpose

October 22, Year 83 of the Republic (1994)

Ice River Prison (冰河獄): Xie Binhe's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "True Dao, true cultivation, true testing; disobeying the Teacher, betraying the mandate, changing one's original purpose."

The Ice River Prison (冰河獄) — a place of extreme cold in the Heavenly Prison for cultivators whose accumulated sins have reached a certain weight. The prisoner is pressed beneath an ice mountain and soaked in a frozen river, the cold piercing to the bone. If repentance can dissolve the sins, the prisoner may return to their original state and leave the Heavenly Prison. The first testimony from the Ice River Prison.

I bow to the Eternal Mother. I bow to the Living Buddha Ji Gong. I bow to the seniors. I bow to all the Transmitters of the Lamp who carry Heaven's mandate. In life, I too was a Transmitter of the Lamp who carried Heaven's mandate. Now I am in the Heavenly Prison, and I am deeply ashamed — so ashamed I cannot bear it. I beg the worthy cultivators' time. I was a senior myself, but because I misled the younger generation, I was confined in the Heavenly Prison upon my return to Heaven. My life's story is long. Please, worthy cultivators, sit and listen.

My name is Xie Binhe. I come from the Ice River Prison in the Heavenly Prison. The Ice River Prison is a place of extreme cold. When your accumulated sins reach a certain weight, you are sent there for refinement. Because in life I failed to keep my vows and did not fulfill them — and because the many younger cultivators I misled, along with their ancestral spirits and fellow Dao-kin, fell because of my failure — I was confined in this prison for refinement. During the punishment, the weight of my sins presses me beneath an ice mountain and soaks me in a frozen river. The cold pierces to the bone. If through repentance I can dissolve my sins, I may return to my original state and leave the Heavenly Prison. Merit is merit, and sin is sin — but my sins are heavy, because I neglected my duty for decades.

I was a man of the late Qing and early Republic. I lived in Fujian Province. My family was already well off. My parents valued education, and from childhood I absorbed their example and carried ambition in my heart. Although I did not join the revolution, the dynasty changed smoothly all the same. My studies combined Chinese and Western learning. At eighteen I went to Tianjin to study, and later I smoothly received the Dao. I was a good person. After receiving the Dao, I studied its principles with great seriousness. At twenty-two I became a vegetarian, and I also guided many classmates, relatives, and friends to the Dao. By twenty-six I was already a lecturer. I attended the furnace assemblies and earnestly made and fulfilled my vows. During those assemblies I endured much hardship — the conditions you enjoy today are far better than what we had. I was filled with pure sincerity. My family pressured me to marry, but I refused and would not face the matter. I fled it for many years, following my seniors to spread the Dao. I lived through the Second World War — the war between China and Japan. We guided people to salvation under a hail of bullets. Although it was bitter, the harvest was great. Victory had barely come when civil war began, and the people were tossed about in chaos. When we told them, "The calamity is coming!" they believed us, and so spreading the Dao went smoothly. Later, when the Teacher passed into seclusion and the Teacher Mother inherited Heaven's mandate, I remained just as fervent. I never once retreated from the Dao.

But then my testing came.

Some seniors had been dispatched by the Teacher Mother to open new territory in distant lands. By that time I was already a Transmitter of the Lamp. But I had not received the mandate to open new territory. When the mainland first fell, many seniors, elders, and Transmitters were killed by the Communists because they had vowed to bear the calamity and save the world. But I — through a friend's connections — obtained a boat ticket and fled to San Francisco.

I fled. I abandoned my Dao-kin. I thought: As long as the mountain stands, there is no fear of running out of firewood.

But I had not received the Teacher Mother's mandate to open new territory. And so my own heart was half-bright and half-dark. Some seniors went to America with the mandate and endured great hardship. But I could not endure that much hardship.

I tried to open new territory in cities across America, but none of it succeeded. Instead, the very Dao-kin who had helped me escape left me one by one. Some of the people I had originally guided converted to Buddhism or Christianity — they were going to churches and temples now. No one listened to me anymore. I did not understand what I had done wrong. Wherever I had gone before, every household would set up a Buddha hall. But this was my personal testing. Heaven was testing my sincerity. I did not know that.

After eight years of struggle, my Dao-heart was finally worn away. I said to myself: I cannot ignore my own meals. And so, for the sake of doing business, I packed up my Buddha hall. When people asked why I was vegetarian, I told them I worshipped the Buddha, I believed in the Buddha, and so I ate no meat. I held the sacred title of Transmitter of the Lamp, but I never properly fulfilled my vow. Because of my own foolishness and isolation, every single person I had guided went down the wrong path. They all went astray. When they were with me, all we talked about was worldly affairs and business. My business grew very large.

I never married. Instead I went to an orphanage and adopted three children — two daughters and one son — to bring joy to my home. At seventy-two I died of cancer. It was a wretched end.

After death, everything was dark and formless. I was confined in the Heavenly Prison for refinement. I am ashamed before the Eternal Mother. I am ashamed before the Teacher and the Teacher Mother. I am ashamed before the ancestral spirits of my younger Dao-kin — they will all blame me. And I blame myself for not staying on the mainland, for not living and dying together with my Dao-kin, sharing both bitterness and sweetness. I should not have run away. I should not have acted without the Teacher's mandate. I should not have changed my heart when I met with setbacks and let my Dao-heart retreat.

Now my regret has come too late.

In the Heavenly Prison, the Eternal Mother has shown mercy, remembering that I committed no active evil. But I made vows and did not fulfill them. I had vowed to bear the calamity and save the world. As a senior, I must not cling to life and fear death. As a Transmitter of the Lamp who carried Heaven's mandate, I must not abandon the Way.

Today, among the Transmitters in every branch and every line, there are many whose situations resemble mine. Many have received the Mother's mandate but have not fulfilled their vows. For the sake of three meals, for the sake of family livelihood, for the sake of branch politics, they would rather sit at home and neither spread the Dao nor fulfill their vows. In the future, they will end up just like me.

My inner virtue was present, but my outer merit was insufficient, and my understanding was not true. I never slandered others. I never created karma of the mouth. I kept my lips sealed. But I hid the Dao and did not let it shine. For decades my conscience has condemned me deeply. Before I died, I was already afraid to face the Eternal Mother. After death, I had no face to see God.

Today, Ji Gong — our gracious Teacher — has spoken with compassion, wanting everyone to know that Heaven's mandate is no child's game. Now that the salvation of the Three Realms is underway, everyone must serve as runners for the Heavenly mandate, as servants of the Three Realms. It is not so simple. You must match your words with your heart. In life, perhaps you feel proud of being a Transmitter. But when the three inches of breath stop and you die — where will your spirit go?

Worthy cultivators, make your vows and fulfill them. Today there are too many Transmitters who have gone down the wrong path, just as I did. I hope that through this testimony I can awaken everyone. Do not fight and compete with each other. Do not be like me. You must listen to the Teacher's orders. I did not receive the mandate to open new territory, yet I forced my way through on my own. I could not make a name for myself. Instead I brought about my own destruction.

One sentence from the golden mouth of the Heavenly mandate is worth more than anything. You must remember: just because you have received the title of Transmitter does not mean you can do whatever you wish. The Buddhist rules of the Dao field require you to serve both those above and those below.

When we spread the Dao on the mainland, we followed one principle: listen to the Teacher's orders. Without the Teacher's mandate, you cannot take a single step. To disobey the Teacher's mandate is to defy Heaven itself. Worthy cultivators, engrave this in your hearts. You must be the vanguard of the Three Realms. These things you cannot fail to know. There are still many Transmitters who, because of their worldly careers, have followed the way of the Red Sun period. When they die, they will not know where to report. The Heavenly Dao is sacred and noble. Do not let the imperfections of people tarnish its name.

Although I have the chance to manifest today, my time is short. Here I call upon all disciples of the Heavenly Dao: unite as one heart. Do not divide into high and low. Do not divide into you and me. The moment you make such distinctions, you have lost your impartiality. I have said much. I ask the Transmitter to please elaborate on my behalf. I hope the worthy cultivators will express my heart's words — perhaps it may redeem a portion of my sin. I am deeply ashamed and have no face to see you.

You still have many days ahead. Hold your course firmly. With this, I bow farewell to the Eternal Mother. I bow farewell to all the Immortals and Buddhas. I bow farewell to the seniors. I bow farewell to the Transmitters and all the worthy cultivators. You must remember everything I have said, lest you repeat my mistakes. I go now.

57. Jiang Xiuxia — The Immortals' Warnings Were Wind Past the Ear; Make a Vow and Break It, and the Sin Is Yours to Bear

April 1, Year 77 of the Republic (1988)

Cold Ice Hell (冷冰地獄): Jiang Xiuxia's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "The Immortals' warnings were wind past the ear; make a vow and break it, and the sin is yours to bear."

The Cold Ice Hell (冷冰地獄) — a place of extreme cold in the underworld, distinct from the Ice River Prison (冰河獄) in the Heavenly Prison. Where the Ice River Prison confines those who failed their duties under Heaven's corrective architecture, the Cold Ice Hell lies under the jurisdiction of the underworld courts — Black-and-White Impermanence drag the condemned there directly. The prisoner endures ceaseless cold wind and ice underfoot. The first testimony from the Cold Ice Hell. The first testimony involving a broken vow of celibacy. The first testimony where the prisoner begs to be transferred from the underworld to the Heavenly Prison.

I know I was wrong! I know I was wrong! Eternal Mother, forgive my sins! Eternal Mother, save my life! Eternal Mother, grant me mercy! I am Jiang Xiuxia. First I bow to the Eternal Mother. Then I thank the gracious Teacher for his compassion, and the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha for granting me this chance. I thank my seniors for their kindness in speaking on my behalf. I thank all the Transmitters. I bow to all the worthy cultivators. I have no face to see any of you. Because of a moment's greed — because I craved comfort and pleasure — I betrayed my great vow of celibacy. I have no face! I have no face to see you!

I lived in Tainan. My family name is Jiang, my given name Xiuxia. My senior was surnamed Chen. When I was twenty-seven years old, I made my great vow of celibacy and followed my senior everywhere, serving the sacred work. By twenty-nine I had already begun to betray that vow.

This is what happened. The other cultivators who served alongside me under the Transmitter were all promoted to Transmitter themselves, one by one. But Xiuxia believed her talent was no less than theirs. I was capable — I could write, I could organize, I could work in the kitchen. Why was I not promoted? People mocked me. People looked down on me. I lost my confidence when I gave lectures. A question rose in my heart: Is my sincerity not enough? Others with less ability than mine have been promoted. Why have I been passed over? With my years of cultivation and my record of service, I still could not catch the eye of the seniors or the Transmitters. My heart could not find its balance.

I had been running to the Dao field every day. But when I began to waver, I went only three times a month. Old friends and former colleagues kept inviting me out. At first I still held to my vow of celibacy and did not dare let my thoughts stray. But slowly, over time, the dust of the world clouded my eyes.

Then I heard the rumor: that when the Teacher Mother returned to Heaven to report her mandate, the vow of celibacy no longer counted. I saw married couples cultivating together, supporting each other, never lonely — they had love and they had duty, they could practice the Dao and still enjoy the warmth of family. In my disappointment, seeing all this, I kept thinking: the Immortals themselves say that White Sun cultivators may practice as husband and wife, half-sacred and half-worldly.

Because of this moment of confusion, Xiuxia forgot that she had already vowed before Heaven to cultivate in celibacy. My thoughts turned to the world.

I met an engineer. He was a fine man in every way — handsome, well-spoken. We could talk heart to heart. We called each other kindred spirits. We began going everywhere together. At first I did not dare cross the line. I only gradually drifted away from the Dao field. Slowly he developed feelings for me, and I developed feelings for him. I could not leave him. And so, slowly and secretly, I betrayed my great vow of celibacy. I poured all my feelings and all my time into him. We rented a place together. I did not dare let anyone know. We crept in and out in secret, and I hid everything from my senior.

Three years passed. I became pregnant. We had been living together all that time but did not dare marry, because I was afraid of being mocked for breaking my vow. But I could not not marry him — because I loved him. He was an engineer, a good man, from a good family, and he treated me with every tenderness. I craved the comfort he gave me — the food, the shelter, the freedom to spend as I pleased. Three years later, when I was about to give birth — I was thirty-two years old — I died of hemorrhage.

After I broke my vow, I kept telling myself a childish, ignorant thing: even if I cannot see the Eternal Mother when I die, at least I will be confined in the Heavenly Prison, where I can cultivate and repent in peace — because I am still vegetarian. I thought that would be enough.

But that is not what happened.

Not only did I not return to Heaven — Black-and-White Impermanence came for me with iron chains and dragged me to the underworld by force.

Heaven! How wronged I felt! How wronged! I may have broken my vow of celibacy, but I was still vegetarian! Teacher, why did you not come to bring me home? How wronged I am! I have been vegetarian for ten, twenty years — how can I have fallen into King Yama's hands?

King Yama brought me before the Mirror of Karma. It showed me my sins: betraying my great vow of celibacy, deceiving my senior, scorning the Heavenly Mandate, failing to cherish myself. Only then did I understand: my sins could not be forgiven.

I begged the gracious Teacher, over and over, to give me one chance to start again. But the Teacher said: The Immortals warned you in secret, again and again, and you treated their warnings as wind past your ear. They reminded you many times, and you never listened. Whom can you blame?

Now I am confined in the Cold Ice Hell. I have no clothing to keep out the cold. All day long, the cold wind blows without ceasing. The ice on the ground freezes my whole body. I cannot bear it for a single moment. I roll on the ground in agony. I am in such pain! Such pain! And such shame! I know I was wrong! I know I was wrong! I will never do it again! Teacher, save me! Teacher, save me! I swear I will repent with all my heart. Please, Teacher, save me!

Two days ago, the gracious Teacher brought one of the Three Powers to the Cold Ice Hell. She told me I had a chance to fulfill my vow. She was willing to lend me her body so that I could manifest and tell my story — so that I could warn the worthy cultivators never to be as foolish as Xiuxia, cultivating without wisdom, believing other people's rumors, truly thinking that once the Teacher Mother returned to Heaven the mandate was withdrawn and the vow no longer counted.

I was wrong! I was wrong!

Worthy cultivators, the Dao is cultivated by your own self. The great Dao may be transmitted by the Teacher and the Teacher Mother, who carry Heaven's mandate. But cultivation is in the individual. The vows we make are vows to Heaven and to our own conscience — not vows made for the Teacher, the Teacher Mother, the seniors, or the Transmitters to see. If you hold that kind of attitude, Xiuxia warns you: you must see the path of principle clearly and understand it truly. Otherwise, one day you will be like Xiuxia — one false word from someone else, and you will break your great vow. And then the dark mountain will surely have a place for you.

After I broke my vow, I never felt anything wrong. I foolishly believed it was because I was still vegetarian, because I had not broken my dietary precepts. I even thought I was still cultivating. I simply did not dare go out to lecture and fulfill my vow anymore. Whenever the seniors asked me to come out and serve, I made excuses. I lied to my senior, saying my body was unwell. I hid the truth for three years. Then, just as I was about to give birth, Heaven finally let me feel something wrong — but by then it was too late. A hemorrhage, and Black-and-White Impermanence dragged me to the underworld for judgment and punishment.

Only then did I understand: though my mouth was still clean, I had broken my great vow, and Heaven would not forgive me. No matter how much I repented, no matter how much I begged the Teacher — it was no use. I no longer had a body with which to perform meritorious deeds and fulfill my vow. I had no more chances to make amends.

How foolish I was! How foolish! Why did I crave comfort? Why was I so lacking in wisdom?

I beg the seniors to have mercy! Have pity on me! I will never do it again! I kowtow to you! I kowtow to you! Please, give me the smallest thread of hope. Even the four forms of birth and six paths of rebirth — I am willing. Just let me leave the Cold Ice Hell. Seniors, have mercy! Save me! It is so bitter there! So bitter!

I look at all of you before me — you who have also made great vows. I beg you, in every hour of every day, guard your thoughts carefully. Do not let your thoughts run wild, or you will invite karmic entanglements. Worthy cultivators, you must know the power of the unseen world. The moment our thoughts turn impure, the moment they waver, the demons are already there to help us fall. How terrifying! I did not know this then. Now I know. But everything is too late.

I beg the seniors for mercy. I beg the Teacher for compassion. Give me one thread of hope — let me be reborn, even in the four forms of birth and six paths of rebirth. I am willing. I do not want to stay there! I do not want to stay in the Cold Ice Hell! I have been there for two years already. But I have lost my human body, and transcendence is hard to reach!

I know I was wrong! At the time I thought: Heaven surely does not know. And even if Heaven knows, I am still vegetarian — I have not broken my dietary precepts. Though the Immortals hinted at me again and again, they only hinted — they never said it directly. And so I went on being lost. I do not want to stay there! I do not want to stay in the Cold Ice Hell!

I am willing to go back to the Heavenly Prison to repent.

A thousand kowtows, ten thousand kowtows — senior, I will engrave your kindness in my heart. If I can return to the Heavenly Prison, I will repent and cultivate with all my being. I thank the seniors for pleading on my behalf. I thank the gracious Teacher for his compassion. I thank the Eternal Mother for her mercy — for letting Xiuxia have a chance to return to the Heavenly Prison and start again.

She withdraws from the medium.

58. Zhen Biqiu — Cultivate the Dao and Cultivate the Heart, Illuminate Your Original Nature; If the Heart's Purification Is Impure, Return to Heaven Is Hard

Year 77 of the Republic (1988)

The Underworld (地府): Zhen Biqiu's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "Cultivate the Dao and cultivate the heart, illuminate your original nature; if the heart's purification is impure, return to Heaven is hard."

The Underworld (地府) — Zhen Biqiu is the second testimony from the underworld rather than from Heaven's corrective architecture. Like Xiao Zhencheng (Section 55), she was dragged there by Black-and-White Impermanence rather than processed through the Three Gates and Nine Checkpoints. Unlike Xiao Zhencheng, whose fall was a single dramatic moment of pride, and unlike Jiang Xiuxia (Section 57), whose fall was driven by desire, Zhen Biqiu's fall was driven by bitterness — years of thankless kitchen labor, mockery from her seniors, and the slow erosion of a sincere heart by resentment. She is the first illiterate testimony in Part Four. The first kitchen worker. The first testimony where the sin is not a single break but a corrosion — bitterness eating faith from the inside over years.

I am in such pain! Such pain! Please, Transmitter, save me! I am Zhen Biqiu, from Shanghai. Today I have come to this altar only through the compassion of the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha, who permitted me to enter. I beg the Transmitter to have mercy — save me and send me back to Heaven! I do not want to be here. This place is so painful!

I received the Dao at twenty-nine. When I first entered the Dao field, I understood nothing. I had not learned the Buddhist rules and etiquette. I could not read a single character. But my seniors were kind and taught me one thing at a time, and gradually I began attending the research classes and learning. Once I came to understand the principles, I donated every penny of my savings to the Dao field, and through the compassion of the Immortals I was awakened and made my vow of purified eating. But I was not like the lecturers who could stand on stage and teach, proclaiming on behalf of Heaven. I could only work in the kitchen. Every day I was busy without rest. Especially during the Dharma assemblies — I ran in circles, sweat pouring down my face, and not a single senior came to help. All I ever received for my labor was a word or two: "Biqiu, you have worked hard!" Was that all? Was "you have worked hard" supposed to repay everything? It was too unfair! Kitchen work is already difficult. Everyone has different tastes, different appetites. How can you cook to make every single person happy? You cannot!

Whenever I cooked too much or not enough, the seniors scolded me. My heart grew resentful. I began to blame Heaven and blame others. I even lost my temper. In my heart I only blamed the seniors for being unfair, for lacking compassion. I never once reflected on my own faults. I never considered the labor the lecturers bore in giving their talks, or that each person carried different responsibilities. I forgot that cultivating the Dao is cultivating the heart. All I wanted was to build merit and form good connections. But when I tried, my seniors said: "You do not understand. You do not understand anything. What business do you have going there?" Think about it, all of you — to say such a thing to a junior who sincerely wanted to spread the Dao and build merit, is that not enough to break her heart? Not everyone in the Dao field has reached a high level of cultivation. I was still a new member. My understanding of the truth was not yet clear. To be told this to my face was reason enough to leave. And I was illiterate, with little seniority — I still needed my seniors to guide me and lift me up. How could they have such a discriminating heart? I am the same as everyone else — we are all the Eternal Mother's spiritual children! Why divide us?

The senior lecturers always said in their talks that cultivators should be different from ordinary worldly people — no discriminating heart, no calculating heart. Everyone should be detached from fame and profit, with a heart of public spirit. But why had the Dao field become just like society, treating people based on personal relationships? Why did the seniors fawn over those with fame and status, praising them to the sky, while treating me — a country woman — as though it was already my good fortune to be noticed at all? I endured it. I kept enduring. I endured until I was past forty. And then I could endure no more. I left the Dao field.

After I left, not a single senior came to look for me. And because of their coldness, I drew a line between myself and the Dao field. From then on I stopped studying the principles. I even broke my vow of purified eating. I felt the Dao field was more worldly than the world itself. But now I regret that I ever thought this way. I did not realize that Heaven was using people and circumstances to temper me, to refine me, to give me a good opportunity for my heart to rise. If I had gone out with this resentful heart to spread the Dao and guide others, even more people would have been harmed, and I would have delayed the work of Heaven. At the time I thought none of this. I only blamed Heaven and blamed others. Why did I labor so hard and receive no fitting return? Why did my brothers and sisters speak to me with such cold words? Though their words may have been careless and without malice, what they wounded was the heart of a junior who sincerely wanted to cultivate the Dao and build merit. Whose fault is this?

From then on I stopped guiding anyone to the Dao. I began to slander the Heavenly Dao. I blocked others from seeking the Dao, from going to hear the teachings. I told people not to fulfill their vows. I especially blocked those who wanted to donate money to help spread the Dao to new lands. While I was creating sins of the mouth and slandering the Dao, during my fourth pregnancy my body began to change. But I did not know this was Heaven's warning — telling me to guard my speech. Even though I had left the Dao field and left my seniors behind, I should still have cultivated my speech and watched my every word and deed. Otherwise, when blessings are spent and calamity arrives, even Heaven cannot save you. I did not realize any of this. I went on doing as I pleased. In the end my mind deteriorated. At forty-seven, Black-and-White Impermanence took me to hell. Only then did I wake up. But everything was too late.

Having received the great Dao that since ancient times has never been lightly transmitted, I should have repented my past sins and given thanks for the grace of Heaven and the Teacher, cultivating properly. But I did not. I forgot: "The Dao is transmitted by the Teacher; cultivation depends on yourself." I did not cultivate. I blamed others. I broke my vow and slandered the Heavenly Dao. Heaven! How great a sin Biqiu committed! I did not know that the moment my heart turned resentful, my accumulated karmic debts — and the Demon King, and his demon children, and his demon grandchildren — were already lined up on both sides, waiting to welcome me toward the edge of sin. I truly did not know they would "push the boat with the current." Transmitter, have mercy! Biqiu was wrong! Biqiu should not have received a treasure without knowing to cherish it. I wasted the body that Heaven gave me for cultivation. I not only failed to save my own original spirit — I blocked others from seeking the Dao and cultivating the Dao. I know I was wrong!

I thank the gracious Teacher for bringing me into this altar. I thank the Transmitter for giving me this chance to manifest here and tell my story. Biqiu has one request. I beg the Transmitter to hear it with compassion: In the Dao field, everyone has a sincere heart for cultivation. But because each person's karmic causes from past lives are different, each person's opportunities and responsibilities are different too. We are all the Eternal Mother's spiritual children. We are all disciples of one Teacher. We should guide each other and pull each other along. Upper and lower should be of one heart, looking after each other, lifting each other up. Especially with the elderly — do not think that because they are old they cannot accomplish anything. One day you will be old too. Everyone, compare your hearts and think carefully! And those of you who are seniors — show care to your juniors. If their hearts are troubled, guide them patiently, comfort them, do not treat them with cold indifference. If they turn their backs on the Dao and leave the Dao field because of your coldness, can you bear the responsibility?

Biqiu no longer has a body. My regret comes too late. In this era when the Heavenly Dao has descended to the world, secretly fishing for the wise and virtuous, I hope all of you worthy cultivators will cultivate properly and guard your vows well. At the very least, keep the Ten Great Vows. Do not be like Biqiu, who made a vow of purified eating and then broke it, who slandered the Heavenly Dao. I made such a great vow, yet neither did I keep my mouth pure nor did I guard the purification of my heart. And so Black-and-White Impermanence dragged my soul to hell. This place is so painful! So painful! I do not want to be here! I hope none of you will ever come here!

A vow is set by your own heart. All your actions depend on yourself. In cultivation, the best thing is to accumulate virtue. The best thing is to raise your spirit high. For loyal sons and dutiful daughters come from humble families. Heroes are not judged by lowly birth. As long as you have firm faith and an unwavering will, your righteous spirit will endure forever, your saintly virtue will know no bounds, and your good name will be passed down through the ages. My time is up. The gracious Teacher calls me back to report. I take my leave.

59. Li Mingyan — A Three Powers Medium Breaks His Vow and Suffers Alone; Once the Vow Is Broken, the Homeland Is Hard to Return To

Year 76 of the Republic (1987)

The Seventh Court of Hell (第七殿): Li Mingyan's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "A Three Powers medium breaks his vow and suffers alone; once the vow is broken, the homeland is hard to return to."

The Seventh Court of Hell (第七殿) — Li Mingyan is the first Three Powers medium (三才) to testify in Part Four. Unlike the previous testimonies of failure through corrosion (Zhen Biqiu), desire (Jiang Xiuxia), or inability to endure correction (Xiao Zhencheng), Li Mingyan's fall is apostasy — a total renunciation of the faith he once channeled. He served as a Three Powers medium for fourteen years under Zhang Tianran, the founding Teacher. After the Teacher's death, he called the Heavenly Mandate fake, called the Three Powers role fake, married a second wife, and lived without restraint. His original spirit was sealed while he was still alive. He became like a walking corpse. He is now imprisoned in the Seventh Court. He begs to be released and reborn, even as an ox or horse. This is not a testimony of slow erosion but of sudden reversal — a vessel that poured itself out.

I bow to the senior from afar. I pay my respects to the Transmitter. I should not come to disturb you, but to warn the people of this world — do not follow in my footsteps! I am from Tianjin. My name is Li Mingyan. I was one of the Three Powers. I broke my vow, slandered the Dao, and insulted the Heavenly Mandate. And I took a second wife. Even before I died, my original spirit was already sealed — in the year I turned forty-six.

I was originally a child from the Heaven of Principle. I had vowed to descend to the mortal world to help carry out the work of salvation. I bore the Heavenly Mandate of the Three Powers. I vowed to assist the Universal Salvation across the Three Realms. But after our Teacher ascended, I slandered the Dao. I said the Heavenly Mandate was fake. I said the Three Powers role was fake. I married a second wife. I did whatever I pleased. I believed everything was false — only pleasure was real. I thought: if I do not enjoy myself while I still have a body, when will I? And so I ignored the counsel of my seniors and went my own way.

I had been a Three Powers medium who received the mandate. In the Teacher's time, the Three Powers mediums were all men. When I broke my vow, my mind became clouded and confused. My whole body felt like a walking corpse. But I did not believe in such things. Instead I doubled down. I took yet another wife — two wives in all. At the time the Dao field was in chaos. Many people were fighting for power. I had been doing the work of the Dao, and then I broke my vow. That I am able to come to this altar today to manifest is only because Heaven had mercy and allowed it. I had been waiting a long time. I was supposed to manifest during a formal class, but I begged the gracious Teacher for mercy. The Teacher could not bear it — the time could no longer allow delay — and so he let me receive the order, and I came to the altar with Brother Maotian to tell the story of my causes and consequences, so that brothers and sisters might be warned.

In the mortal world, many who took the vow of celibate cultivation have broken their vow. All of their original spirits have been sealed. At the time, I began to fall ill. Sharp pains pierced through me. After death, the suffering was beyond measure. I am now imprisoned in the Seventh Court. Because the gracious Teacher took pity on me — saying I was too ignorant — he ordered Brother Maotian to bring me to the altar to manifest and deliver this warning to all brothers and sisters: In this age of the Latter Dharma, the heavenly numbers are already set. How many who broke their vows have had their original spirits sealed! How many who refused to believe in the Heavenly Mandate have drawn demons to test them, pulled in by the karmic threads of countless past lives!

I brought this on myself! I was originally a child from the Heaven of Principle. I vowed to descend to the mortal world to help carry out the salvation across the Three Realms. But after our Teacher ascended, the great trial came upon the Dao field. Because I could not get what my heart desired, because I could not get the praise of others, in a moment of inner emptiness I slandered the Dao and broke my vow. How many Transmitters with the Heavenly Mandate are now locked in the Heavenly Prison! And I have been repenting ceaselessly, begging the gracious Teacher for mercy. But the Teacher says it is hard for me to be reborn. I beg the Transmitter — save me! Release me to be reborn! I will do well. I will cultivate properly! Please... (The Transmitter has mercy...)

You Transmitters must be careful in everything you do. Every word you speak must accord with principle and with the law. If you bear the title of Transmitter but lack the conduct of a Transmitter — if you are disloyal to the Dao, if you hide the Dao and refuse to spread it, if you use the Dao's name for personal gain — then in the unseen realm every transgression is recorded, one by one. In the end, none of you will escape. You see me now, suffering this true agony. One day it will be you — and I will be watching you wail. So many brothers and sisters have had their spirits sealed! They cry injustice! If only I could get out, I would repay Heaven well. Even as an ox or a horse, I would be willing. I do not want to be shattered into a broken spirit. If I am shattered, I will never be reborn. I do not want this! I do not want this! My regret comes too late. I begged the gracious Teacher to let me return to the Heavenly Prison, but the Teacher said: It is hard! It is hard...! Because in a single moment of delusion, I caused countless beings to fail their tests. I do not want to be shattered into a broken spirit!

I broke my vow in the thirty-sixth year of the Republic. By the thirty-ninth year, the retribution had already come. I did not die until the forty-second year. I bore the office of Three Powers medium for fourteen years. The reason my sin was so terrible is this: many people cultivate the Dao by watching others — they follow appearances. Because I was a Three Powers medium, they believed that whatever I said could not possibly be wrong. And so, without realizing it, I committed this enormous transgression. Remember this well: in cultivating the Dao, you must never cultivate by watching others. You must break through appearances. Do not cling! Especially those in high positions — if you are a senior, a Transmitter, a Three Powers medium, a lecturer, an altar master — you must always watch your own words and deeds. So many people take your conduct as their standard. You must be vigilant at all times. Do not speak too carelessly. In the unseen realm, Heaven is always keeping watch!

Let this be a warning to all brothers and sisters, to all people of this world, and to all cultivators: if you break the vow of celibate cultivation, if you break the vow of purified eating — the consequence is the same. The moment you break a vow, your original spirit is sealed. The light of your true nature can no longer shine forth, and you sink deeper and deeper into delusion. At the time, one of my three spiritual threads was sealed in the Heaven of Principle, and six-tenths of me was condemned to the Courts of the Underworld. This is not meant to be revealed, but the time is too urgent. And people are not cultivating with sincerity. So I beg my brothers and sisters — if you have already broken your vow, turn back quickly! Go before the Buddha and repent at once! Otherwise, once your spirit is sealed, six-tenths of you will descend to the Courts of the Underworld. When your body weakens and the yin energy gathers, you will be shattered into a broken spirit. Then no matter how you wail, no matter how you repent, it will be too late. Everything will be too late. So you must save your brothers and sisters! Bring them back! Tell them they must never break the vow of celibate cultivation or the vow of purified eating! Tell them not to lead others astray, or their sin will be compounded! They must make amends at once! They must stop at once! Otherwise the heavenly numbers are already set. The Five Demons wreak havoc in the world. In this age of the final calamity, if you fall again into the courts of the underworld, you will never be reborn. Then your regret will come too late. The underworld is terrifying — beyond anything you can imagine! So go quickly and speak! I beg the Transmitter to take my words and tell them to the brothers and sisters, so they may know. I am so sorrowful! If only I could get out, I would do well. But all of this is too late!

I have little time left. I must return to the underworld with Brother Maotian. I thank the Eternal Mother for Her mercy. I thank the gracious Teacher for his compassion. I thank the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha for his pity, allowing me to come out and manifest and tell my story. I bow and thank the gracious Teacher. I bow and thank the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha. I thank the senior and the Transmitter. I pray you carry out the great work of the Three Realms well. Bring our brothers and sisters back quickly! (He withdraws.)

Appendix:

On the afternoon before Li Mingyan manifested through the medium, the Three Powers sister who channeled him already felt the presence: her head felt as though it were being crushed and ground in a stone mill. The pain made her eyes stream with tears. She hid in her room weeping and writhing, as though the end of the world had come.

This pre-channeling sensation made her deeply understand how the brothers and sisters suffering punishment in the underworld endure such agony. Afterward she said, deeply moved: if this sensation came again even once, her life would surely end — because in all her years as a Three Powers medium, she had never experienced anything like it. No wonder Li Mingyan said that if he could be released and reborn, even as an ox or a horse, he would be willing.

An original spirit that was once whole — broken only because it vowed to descend from Heaven to help carry out the great salvation, then was led astray by the mortal world and broke the vow it had made — so that its original spirit in the Heaven of Principle was sealed, six-tenths condemned to suffer in the underworld. The sin one commits drags down the original spirit in Heaven and leads countless others astray. Therefore we who are originally the Eternal Mother's Buddha-children, on this journey of cultivating the Dao, must be exceedingly careful in our every word and deed.

60. Liu Nanchang — Relying on Talent and Pride, He Enters the Courts of Darkness; The Cold Ice Hell Refines the Dao-Seeking Heart

Year 78 of the Republic (1989), the seventh day of the tenth month by the lunar calendar.

The Cold Ice Hell (冷冰地獄): Liu Nanchang's bond-forming testimony.

Heading verse: "Relying on talent and pride, he enters the courts of darkness; the Cold Ice Hell refines the Dao-seeking heart."

The Cold Ice Hell (冷冰地獄) — Liu Nanchang is the twenty-first voice in Part Four and the second testimony from the Cold Ice Hell (after Jiang Xiuxia, Section 57). He is the son of an altar master from Tianjin, educated and eloquent — a lecturer whose words on stage made everyone believe. His family donated everything to the Dao field. When his elderly parents fell ill and were neglected by the community, his heart filled with righteous fury. He insulted the Transmitter to her face, called the Heavenly Mandate fake, extorted money from the Transmitter under threat of scandal, and spent the communal funds on himself. He died of tuberculosis at twenty-four. Unlike Li Mingyan (Section 59), whose apostasy grew from inner emptiness after the Teacher's death, Liu Nanchang's fall was driven by pride of intellect curdled by perceived injustice — a brilliant young man who was right about the neglect and wrong about everything he did with that knowledge. The first lecturer testimony in Part Four. The first testimony where righteous anger is the root of the sin.

All you worthy cultivators, all you brothers and sisters! I was a lecturer in the mortal world. I was a White Sun cultivator. Yet today I suffer punishment in the Cold Ice Hell! I could proclaim the great principles. I could manage the Dao's affairs. But I defied the Heavenly Mandate. I insulted my seniors. And I devoured the Buddha-household's money. Today I manifest here only through the compassion of Heaven, through the mercy of the gracious Teacher and the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha, who command me to tell my story in full — so that it may serve as a mirror for all who cultivate and study the Dao.

My name is Liu Nanchang. I am from Tianjin. I died and entered the realm of darkness at twenty-four. I was the son of an altar master and a lecturer who proclaimed on behalf of Heaven. When I was fourteen, my family already had a Buddha hall in our home. My parents were deeply devoted to the Dao, and I too was earnest in my study. My parents hoped I would rise higher in the Dao, and in accordance with the Buddhist rules they always taught me to respect my seniors and honor the elders. And so I did not dare to insult or dishonor those above me. My conduct conformed to the rules and to propriety.

But who could have known? As the years passed, my learning grew, and with my learning grew my pride. In the end I insulted the seniors. I insulted the Transmitter. The cause of it all was this: in my twenty-fourth year, the Liu family donated everything we had — every last possession — to the Dao field. But my parents were old, and the brothers and sisters in the Dao field showed them no care and no respect. The more we cultivated, the poorer we became. When I, Nanchang, saw this, indignation rose in my heart! The seniors demanded that my parents give up everything. And my parents, with utmost sincerity, gave until they had nothing left. Then why was it that when my parents grew old and fell ill, not a single person came to look after them? And so the resentful words filled my heart: You false seniors! You false Transmitters! Everything you did was only to take the Liu family's money. Now that you have stripped us clean, now that my parents are old and of no more use to you, you throw them away. You are all heartless and faithless people who wear the name of cultivation as an empty mask!

But I did not know that all of this was Heaven tempering my parents. What is true giving? Heaven recorded everything. Yet I kept the giving on my lips, always bringing it up, always complaining about the snobbery of the seniors. I even took a broom and chased the Heavenly Mandate Transmitter out of the house. I said: Your Heavenly Mandate is all fake, all a lie! If the Mandate were real, why did my parents fall ill? Why does my family grow poorer the more we cultivate? You cultivators are all frauds! And you especially — you old woman — in learning I am above you, in eloquence I can match you, in what way am I less than you? Now that you have eaten up all our family's wealth, of course you speak so coldly!

Worthy cultivators — all of this was my fault. I committed the sin of insulting the Heavenly Mandate. In front of all the Dao-kin, I insulted the Transmitter to her face. I insulted the seniors to their faces. I said: The Dao that the seniors carry out is fake. The Heavenly Mandate is fake. If it were real, why did my parents fall ill? Why has my family fallen to this state? If it were real, why can the Dao's work not prosper?

Only because my anger flared and I could not see the principle clearly, the senior was so grieved that she fell ill. This sin I cannot bear! And not only did I insult the Heavenly Mandate — without a thought of repentance, I extorted a sum of money from the Transmitter, saying it was for my parents' care in their old age. At that time I was the Lecturer Liu whom everyone in the Dao field respected. Whenever I took the stage to teach, no one did not believe me. No one did not praise me. And so the Transmitter, fearing that my anger would lead me to spread rumors and create discord that would shake the faith of many junior cultivators, had no choice but to hand over a large sum of money. She did this to keep the peace — not because she was guilty! And even then I did not repent. I took that money and spent it on myself, keeping it for my own use.

Worthy cultivators! The money in my hands was the Buddha-household's money, the offering of all beings — and I used it for my own affairs, to enjoy my own blessings. Tell me: is this sin great or small?

Only two years. Only two years! I was only twenty-four, and I died of tuberculosis! Those who knew the truth called it retribution. They said: How did he dare swallow that money? Together with his sins of insulting the Heavenly Mandate, the Transmitter, and the seniors — that is why he came to this end. In life I had always carried myself with the pride of a man's man, standing before others, seizing power, commanding authority. Whoever followed me, I would see to it that they had food without working, an easy life. I wanted to become a Transmitter myself, to manage a district's Dao affairs. But in daily life I had no respect for my elders. I scorned the seniors. I looked down upon the Heavenly Mandate. I was arrogant and negligent. With such conduct, how could Heaven dare to entrust the Mandate to me? And so at the young age of twenty-four I was seized and dragged to the underworld.

When the Lord of the Underworld saw me — a White Sun cultivator, a favored child of Heaven — now fallen into his hands, he opened the Book of Merits and Sins. He read it and flew into a rage. He cursed me: Disloyal! Unfilial! Wretched creature! There were so many exemplary cultivators in the world for you to emulate, so many scriptures of the sages and saints for you to read, and yet you let your own anger wound your Dao-kin, toppled your seniors and Transmitter with grief, and even extorted a sum of money to enjoy for yourself! Your sins are monstrous! I sentence you to the Cold Ice Hell! When I heard this, my heart felt as though pierced by needles. I was finished.

I, a man who carried himself tall and proud, who had received the Dao — today I entered the Buddha hall and lay face-down on the ground. And just before coming to this altar, I tricked the Transmitter into giving me two bowls of rice. Fortunately I was not found out. I was so hungry and so cold. If not for the Buddha-light shining in this place, if not for the Transmitter's compassion, I could not have spoken at all. I am so grateful!

All you worthy brothers and sisters — today you have all advanced to the lecturer's class. Each of you has risen a level higher. Each person's stage of cultivation is different. Each faces different trials. But do not follow in my footsteps — the trial of money. Giving must come from one's own willing heart. A vow is set by one's own heart. While I was alive I kept the vegetarian fast. I performed the rituals. But my sins still remained. I could not offset them. And so the Lord of the Underworld cursed me: to insult the Heavenly Mandate is to insult the Eternal Mother Herself! My sins are beyond counting.

I remember that while I was still alive, Immortals and Buddhas came to the altar through the medium to enlighten me. And I talked back to them! I said: Enough with your tricks! I can perform this act too. I can do it more convincingly than you. The essays I write are more brilliant than yours! How many Transmitters' and seniors' hearts did those words wound? My imprisonment in the Cold Ice Hell is entirely of my own making! I begged the gracious Teacher for mercy. The Teacher said: Nanchang! It is all too late. If you truly repent, then spend twenty years in sincere repentance. If you can awaken, I will come to guide you across. When I heard this I was so grateful! I said: Teacher, does the sinful soul Nanchang still have a chance to return to Heaven?

I have no face. I am ashamed before my seniors and the Transmitter. I only beg the Teacher for mercy — do not let me never be reborn! If I still have the chance to return as a White Sun disciple, I swear I will serve the Dao field with my life. I will tell every brother and sister: the Dao is real, the Principle is real, the Heavenly Mandate is real! I will describe every torment of hell in full. I am willing to bear the sins of all beings. I am willing to share the Teacher's burden. Please, Teacher, give me one last chance! But the Teacher said: It is all too late. I said: Was there no merit in all my years as a lecturer, proclaiming the Dao? Was there no merit in all my running about day and night? I am still an ordinary man — please, Teacher, have mercy! But the Teacher only shook his head and said: You are still an ordinary man! My heart was so pained! So pained! And in that instant, I found myself. My level of cultivation had truly never risen above that of an ordinary man. It was even less than ordinary.

To proclaim the Dao on behalf of Heaven is, in truth, to perfect yourself. If you proclaim the Dao but do not truly cultivate, where is the merit in that? If you cause countless Dao-kin to fail their tests, how can that sin be offset? When the Three Realms are called to account and everything is matched line by line, I cannot pardon my own sins. I begged the Teacher again and again, and at last the Teacher gave me twenty years to repent. I repented with my whole heart, and only then was I permitted to follow the Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha into this altar to manifest today. Just now I tricked the Transmitter into giving me two bowls of rice. I should not have done that. But if I had not eaten, I truly had no strength left from hunger. I beg the Transmitter's forgiveness.

Today I enter this altar to manifest for two reasons. First, to tell you everything from my past, so that it may serve as a mirror for all cultivators. Second, to encourage my brothers and sisters: do not think that because you keep the vegetarian fast in this life, you are free of sin when you cause others to fail their tests. Do not think that because you are a lecturer who can move people, you may mislead your juniors with careless words and crooked reasoning. Heaven forgives you once, twice — but you hide your faults from yourself and commit them again and again. All you are doing is heaping up karma in the unseen realm, and that karma you must bear yourself.

Brothers and sisters — the cold of the Cold Ice Hell is beyond anything you can imagine. If the Ancient Buddha had not mercifully given me an Immortal's Pill today, I would be shaking too hard to speak. A person must always keep a heart of vigilance and dread. You must never let yourself be satisfied, because the moment you think you are satisfied, you become your own enemy. Pride, self-satisfaction, resentment, and the three poisons of the heart — these are the very roots of hell. These words are absolutely true. Every word I have spoken today is true.

I only pray that all my brothers and sisters will let their words and deeds be one. Do not do shameful things in the dark room, for Heaven will not permit it. Watch your steps carefully — at all times the unseen spirits and gods are observing. If you are cultivating, then be a true model of cultivation. If you are going to proclaim the Dao on behalf of Heaven, then first cultivate your own character and nurture your own nature before you preach.

Today I have told you the ugly truth of my past. But I beg the Teacher for one more chance. Time is running short. The Earth Treasury Ancient Buddha urges me from the side. I beg the Heavenly Mandate Transmitter and all my brothers and sisters — save me! The fault was mine. If you do not save your own nature, who will save it for you? Your temper you must cut away yourself. Your bad habits you must uproot yourself. If you think that external merit alone is enough, then nothing you do is real — because you have not cultivated the inner virtue. Brothers and sisters, if you truly wish to save me, the only way is to take me as your mirror and never commit these sins again. Otherwise — to keep the fast and proclaim the Dao while alive, and after death to suffer in the Cold Ice Hell with no place in Heaven — how absurd that would be!

I urge you one final time, my brothers and sisters: the Heavenly Mandate must not be scorned. Even if you do not wish to study, even if you do not wish to cultivate — please do not drag others down, for that sin you cannot bear. The Heavenly Mandate is ordained by Heaven. If you scorn it, if you insult the seniors, if you insult the Transmitter — you insult the Eternal Mother's own dignity. My time is limited. I have no merit. I dare not linger in this sacred place. I take my leave before the Mother. I raise the clasped hands and my heart grows more bitter still. I bow to the Heavenly Mandate Transmitter and to all the worthy cultivators. In cultivating the Dao, let your words and deeds be one. I withdraw.

61. He Benning — One Thought Possessed by Demons, a Lifetime Lost in Delusion; The Asura's Qi, Foul and Unclear

Year 80 of the Republic (1991), the eighth day of the third month by the lunar calendar.

The Asura Path (阿修羅道): He Benning's bond-forming manifestation.

He Benning (賀本寧) is the first individual Asura to speak in the Cautions. The Asura King spoke in Sections 1–2 as the cosmic examiner — the one mandated by the Eternal Mother to test every cultivator. He Benning is something different: a man who became an Asura. A cultivator from the Southern Song dynasty who deceived Heaven, deceived men, deceived ghosts and spirits, and was expelled from the monastery. He founded his own sect, twisted his learning, and made it his purpose to corrupt and destroy other cultivators. When he died, his malice was undiminished; he descended naturally into the Asura realm and grew horns and spines and a body wreathed in fire. He does not come as a penitent. He comes as a tempter. The voice is mocking, taunting, delighted in its power. Heaven gave him the altar so the cultivators could hear what hunts them.

One thought possessed by demons, a lifetime lost in delusion. The qi I carry is foul and unclear. We are the kind that make ten thousand people lose their way. Who wants to test my power? Come! Come! What I want is the cultivators. Be careful!

If your heart stirs with even one thought — if you cling to grudges and feuds, if you indulge your habits and arrogance, if your mind is not pure — I will strip you of the reflection and humility that make you human. I will carve the mark of the Asura realm into your very life-force. Ha! Ha! Ha! We lesser demon-lords come to stir up the wicked and the worthless in the world, to deepen their criminal intent. We come to topple the cultivators. We come to fan the fire of hatred in your hearts and keep it burning, so that the demons inside you attack each other and breed every kind of illusion. Then we dangle beauty before you, and you are snared by that pitiful thing called love between men and women, and you cannot free yourself. We bind you to the worst karma of your past lives and your present life, and you suffer through ages of torment! We make sure you are endlessly entangled with others, endlessly quarreling, unable to escape. We make your life a storm from first breath to last. And if all else fails — we simply make you give up. We make you retreat halfway, abandon the Dao, and never return to the Buddha's gate! Why? Because I despise those cultivators who hang up an empty name, who strut around thinking they are above everyone else, arrogant and blind. Be careful! If I set my sights on you, we slip in through every crack, and we ruin everything you tried to build. We make sure you never escape birth and death, never become a Buddha or an Immortal.

Everyone in the world talks about how terrible the six paths of rebirth are — Heaven, the human realm, the hungry ghost realm, the animal realm, the Asura realm, the hells — but they always forget that the Asura realm exists. Do you think that because you have received the Dao, you are safe from the hells, safe from becoming a hungry ghost? Let me tell you: if your heart is biased, if your thoughts are crooked, if you do not follow your own proper path, I will stir up your mind, and you will never know to examine yourselves, and evil forces will descend on you, and before you know it you will have become demon-children and demon-grandchildren of the Asura realm.

You could never have imagined it: I was once a cultivator too. But the Buddha-heart you have today — can you guarantee it will still be there tomorrow? It is hard! I am a man of the Southern Song dynasty. He Benning is my true name. In those days I deceived men, deceived Heaven, deceived ghosts and spirits. I said one thing to people's faces and did another behind their backs. I wore a mask. For the sake of personal gain I quarreled with my fellow cultivators. I loved to mock and humiliate the old abbot. And when the consequences came, I did not dare own what I had done — I dragged others in to take the blame. Even then I did not know to repent! My constant habit of entangling others, of forcing myself to the front — this is what made me fall into the Asura realm. Do not talk to me about true merit and genuine virtue, about moral improvement and spiritual cultivation. I know only one thing: those who follow me prosper; those who oppose me perish! After I had destroyed the reputation of the cultivators, I was expelled from the gate of the Buddha. I founded my own sect, twisted my learning, flattered the world, and deceived the people. I led countless beings astray. And I made it my particular craft to use schemes and plots to corrupt monks and make them break their vows, so that all their years of effort were wasted — and the hatred in my heart was satisfied. The people of that era all said I was a great demon-lord reborn. Everyone who saw me was afraid. But I did not see it that way at all. On the contrary, I was delighted. I believed I possessed great merit and great virtue, and that the world should worship me.

When my death came, my heart was still unquenched, my demonic qi still undiminished, my malice still unremoved. After death I had no thought of repentance, and I descended naturally into the demon realm, under the rule of the Demon King. In that instant — pulled by the force of my thoughts and my karma — I sank into the bottomless abyss. At once I grew a pair of demon horns. My body sprouted thorns. Burning fire ringed my form. My hair stood on end. My face turned green, my teeth became fangs. If I did not conceal my true form, the sight of me alone would kill a mortal. Let me tell you: beware of us lesser demon-lords! We hunt specifically for those who cannot summon their spirit, who drift through life in a haze, who have no righteous qi in their hearts, whose intentions are crooked. We bring demons and disease upon you. We make illness cling to your body. We make you sick — and no medicine, no surgery, no amount of money can cure you. We make you unable to live and unable to die! Know this: we penetrate every crack, we reach every corner. When mortals are struck by sudden disaster or hounded by illness, it is never without cause — in the unseen world, ghosts, demons, and karmic creditors are always at their side, fueling the catastrophe. This is the power of the unseen. This is the danger of the unseen. It all begins in your own heart: do you have righteous qi or not? If you do not — then we have already subdued you! Ha! Ha! Ha!

The world today is full of strange and terrible things, of wars and disasters of every kind. You should know: the coming of calamity is entirely self-inflicted. Like moths rushing into the flame. Like silkworms spinning their own cocoons. As the saying goes: every wrong has its author, every debt its debtor. Because your hearts have been unclean across lifetimes, the evil fruit you created through body, speech, and mind has been drawn together by the force of karma into every kind of consequence. Know this: when the wronged souls and karmic creditors in the underworld come before you holding the death-warrant, taking your life is the easiest thing in the world! And when they come, we lesser demon-grandchildren will be right there beside them, joining forces, lending our strength, helping those unseen creditors fulfill their purpose. Watch your path! Watch your steps! Do not blame us for being heartless. We are making each other what we are. Is that not so?

And another thing: if a household has no aura of goodness, if the people in it have done much evil, we will gather outside the walls and wait. We wrap that dark energy around you, and when your fortune is low, we close in. We make you commit evil. We lead you in secret to do things that harm both the human path and the heavenly path, and your karma grows heavier and heavier. If you do not believe it, try me! And those cultivators with uneven tempers and arrogant attitudes — I will make you suffer injustice for no reason you can understand, make everything go against your wishes, strip you of all human warmth, so that we can slip in through the gaps. Those who rely on cleverness in their cultivation — I will give you an empty reputation, make you so satisfied with yourself that you forget to reflect, snuff out the lamp in your heart, and lead you into the dark. Go ahead, treat your vows like a game! Go ahead, let the boundaries between men and women blur! The more your hearts stay dark, the closer we come, and we lead you deeper into evil, and the seed of your wicked deeds never dies, and you suffer every kind of terrible retribution.

If you let your ears be impure! If your tongue does not know restraint! If you do not hold to your own duties on the path but spend all your time picking at other people's faults — then I will keep you trapped in the circle of gossip forever. Your six senses will never be clean. Your life will never be peaceful. I will make the people of this world, inflamed by grudges and resentments, destroy each other! The Dao is one foot tall; the demon is ten feet tall. A mirror that is never polished will never shine. Find an opportunity to match yourself against me! Perhaps you, sitting right there, are the very one we are looking for. Come! Let my body become your shadow. Let us be inseparable. Let us become intimate friends, so you can see our true face for yourself. I will make sure you cannot handle the consequences. I will test you until your reputation is ruined and your body is broken beyond recognition. Do not believe me? Let us wait and see! I withdraw.

62. He Benning Returns — One True Path, Ten Thousand Demon Paths; The Asura's Second Bond-Forming Manifestation

The Asura He Benning's second bond-forming manifestation.

He Benning (賀本寧) returns to the altar. This is his second night — Heaven has ordered him back to spar with the cultivators again. The first night (Section 61) was confrontation: the Asura's origin story, his methods, his dare. The second night shifts. He still taunts, still mocks, still laughs. But now he speaks more precisely about what undoes cultivators from the inside: the gap between what they profess and what they practice, the instability of their hearts, their hunger for recognition, and above all their vows — which he frames not as pious aspirations but as binding contracts stamped before the Eternal Mother. The hostility remains, but beneath it runs a thread of bitter instruction. The weapon is still describing itself.

I have come to this altar before to form bonds. I am taking advantage of today's good occasion. Heaven has ordered me to return and spar with you cultivators one more time. Ha! Ha! Ha! The true Dao is only one path, and it is infinite light. But the demon paths are ten thousand — tangled, chaotic, dark beyond measure. If you are deluded and clinging, if your conduct crosses the line, if your temperament is obstinate — and if you do not hurry to correct your behavior and do not correct your thoughts and intentions — then invisibly we lead you into the dark demon realm. You will not even know it is happening. We will make sure you cannot escape the Asura King's grasp. Ha! Ha! You all know the mission you carry on your shoulders is enormous. But how many of you can truly do your human duty and obey Heaven's mandate? How many truly put it into practice? Your hearts go up and down, rising and falling, never steady. Ask you to sacrifice, and you feel wronged. Ask you to give, and you cannot wait to get something in return. If things do not go as you wish — or if you pour your heart into the work and no one recognizes you for it — you lose spirit and fall into despair. You calculate fame and profit. You cling to the self. And all these handles fall right into my hands. The moment I find an opening, I drag you out one by one and humiliate you before everyone.

I am looking up to you more and more! Do not think your flesh is your camouflage — that you can harbor whatever evil thoughts you like and hide them from sight. Let me tell you: the invisible ghosts and gods see you as transparent. They see right through you. You still do not know this! Are you afraid? You need not be afraid! As the saying goes: a heart that has not stolen does not shiver in the cold. If your conduct is upright, then we demons — no matter how great our power — will have nowhere to use it. But if you do not walk the proper path, if your conduct is not honest, if your heart is crooked and your qi is weak — then when suspicion breeds dark ghosts in your mind and your inner demons arise of their own accord, do not blame us for coming uninvited. We wrap a coil of dark qi around you. We make you unable to sit or stand in peace. We make your spirit unable to rest. We darken the space between your brows until no one who sees you dares come near. We make your laughter and your tears uncontrollable, your words and actions erratic. We invert your spirit until you lose all human form. Are there not many diseases in the world today that no treatment can touch, that no doctor can cure? This is proof that the great reckoning of the Third Period End Kalpa has arrived. The wronged souls and invisible creditors are demanding payment with urgent speed. At this time, the creditors come for your life and the demons come to join the battle — let there be a great showdown between the living and the dead! We torment you until your spirit and your body can no longer endure, until every thought in your mind turns to ash. Ha! Ha! Ha! When the time comes, see what you can do about it!

In this final gathering, you must be especially careful! Let me see how you deal with us — or whether we knock you down first! We may be uninvited guests, but in the future you will have to thank us properly. On stage you can preach, but you cannot practice what you preach. Talking without cultivating is the worst of all. For those who have taken the vow of pure cultivation, the gate of lust is the hardest to pass. How much of the three purities and four proprieties have you actually accomplished? You do not know how to elevate worldly feelings into feelings for the Dao. Your eyes wander restlessly, and the demon of lust has already invaded. When the time comes, will you be worthy of the vows you made? You should know: in ancient times, to deceive the emperor was to lose your head and your life. Now you have made solemn vows before the Eternal Mother's lotus. That is like stamping your seal on a contract. Once the agreement is made, the proof exists — you cannot deny it. Your vows are your responsibility. If the responsibility is not fulfilled, even losing your life will not settle the debt. Today Imperial Heaven shows grace and the Eternal Mother shows compassion — it will not go so far as beheading those who break their vows. But if you do not fulfill the vows you yourself made, the condemnation of your own conscience will be worse than any bodily torment, worse even than the loss of your life. Do you understand? To sin knowingly doubles the sin. You deal with it! I am not here today just to talk big. What I say, I can do. Those who do not know to awaken — just you wait! Let me direct a scene upon your body that you never expected, something thrilling, something beyond what you can handle! And when it is over, do not blame us for not warning you in advance. You brought it on yourselves. You walked into the net with your own two feet. Ha! Ha! Take care of yourselves! Today I am grateful to Heaven for letting me speak. This demon takes his leave. I withdraw.

15. 風雨洞

風雨洞是一種刑罰，算是第二層。每獄一個洞一個洞的，每一個有罪的佛子都在裡面修煉，一人一個洞剛剛好，既不會太寬也不會太窄，可是在裡面受刑很痛苦。這洞裡關的就是一些道中老前輩、前輩、點傳師及修道較久的前賢，這些人就是怕後學被人佔了，同樣都是點傳師開的佛堂，但他卻不讓人家來，他怕自己的道親被人影響，被人拉去，其實這是私心偏見。有的怕道盤混亂，有假祖師、假老師出來亂道場；可是有的卻是心中存有執著。心懷慈悲的人　上天都知道，內心不慈悲的　上天也都知道，所以此種人就是怕後學被人搶去了。要爭功奪果，心想渡一個就是我的功德、我的後學，渡十個也是我的後學，加起來共十一個，對嗎？這樣越加越多，我的功德會越大，好像老鼠會一樣。其實，　上天並不是這樣記功的。　上天所算的乃是心德，內心的慈悲可讓你脫五行，這才是功德。一顆心還被束縛在五行之中，這種人都不會成功。犯到這種情形的人，你們遇到時要加以勸化，不要作太多壞事，到時回天功過相判，只好抓去關。如果執著多、罪惡重的話，風雨洞裡寒風吹來刺骨的寒雨，風雨來就好像針一樣鑽進每一個毛細孔，會痛徹心肺，要讓他們驚醒不能執著，因為他害人下陰山，斷了人慧根，這個是罪重的。

16. 雷雨洞

雷雨洞每一個受刑的罪靈，坐在一個洞裡面，而洞中打雷聲很大。此洞是指在凡間脾氣大，修了二十年還是壞脾氣，修了三十年還是壞脾氣，對後學沒有慈悲，對　上天又不尊敬。別人勸他，他像馬耳東風一般忠言逆耳，像這種人不明理、沒智慧，就關在雷雨洞裡面受天雷來懲罰。那天雷一響，轟的一聲，他的耳膜就會震破，七孔流血，但是他沒有肉身怎麼會痛呢？是靈體在痛，無形的世界可以化成有形，但那只是一個假相，就好像電燈有光出來，但是你們抓不到，對不對？但被光線照到就有感覺了。在座的各位，你們有犯到這些脾氣毛病嗎（有）。剛才所講的那兩樣你們都有犯到嗎？（有）。那這樣好，全部綁起來，抓回去關，這樣好不好？（不好）。好吧！再給你們一些機會，因為你們還有肉體，還是活著的，不是死的，若是死了就完了。好！繼續。

17. 法雨洞

法雨洞顧名思義即在生的時候，對於經典佛法，一些法門有執著，專門執修這一門，認為別人之法門不好，例如：苦修～不吃飯、不穿衣、不睡眠、用火焚燒...，修苦行只是肉體痛苦而已，而內心自性都沒有修。三毒未消，這種人就是把一句話牢記於心，一輩子就抱定這句話修道，別人說的有理也不聽，這種人就慘了。受煉時大家一起坐著聽佛祖講課，但是呢！聲音好刺耳喔！耳朵都癢癢的，全身上下都怪怪的，天還會雨落花，就是下了一些天花，黏到身上會癢，但又必須聽課才行，不然會越痛苦，也沒辦法不聽，因為聽一句話耳朵就很癢，很癢。這種人就是像現在聽法會不認真，隨興坐著翹腳想著自己的事情。也有一種人不管你說什麼我都不喜歡，不然就說你（臭屁）、（胡說），心中胡思亂想，看到仙佛講道理都不喜歡聽，不願意聽，自以為仙佛說的都很白話，都很淺。諸如此類驕傲、自大的人，不認真聽前人講話的，平常聽課時又打瞌睡的，久而久之污點越來越大，這種修行人就要抓去補修。這樣你們會不會害怕呢？（會）。今天有打瞌睡的人有好幾個，這只是記點而已，沒有馬上抓去關，和你們交通犯規一樣，看累計到一大點就要抓起來了。

18. 德雨洞

德雨洞此洞中的佛子權高位重，但沒有好好修，對後學很苛薄，沒有慈悲，自己想要做什麼就做什麼，心腸不是很好。但他修道已經很久了，表面上裝得很好，多半假慈悲，背後盡說一些壞話，其實無德，但假大牌。一些人先是被他外表騙了，久而久之知道他真面目後，就被考倒了，此種奇奇怪怪沒有德性的人，又脾氣不好、對人又苛薄、自私的就關在這裡。受煉時上有冰泉衝下，心平則泉溫，心不甘則泉冷刺骨，泉溫以心性論，直到罪消，方不受煉。

接下來有金雨洞、木雨洞、水雨洞、火雨洞、土雨洞、那是五行的，不洩露。　老母吩咐說：天機每一層都要隱藏一些，為什麼呢？不可以都洩露，常常說給你們聯，你們知道而不知珍惜。

19. 拾豆獄

拾豆獄：就好像灰姑娘拾豆子一樣的刑罰，但不同於灰姑娘。一般的道親、點傳師、講師在座的都有犯到。就是渡人時只算人頭，貪多沒有重質，不知他品性是好是壞，路邊撿到的也把他渡回來，自以為渡一百、二百人功德很大，渡了也不加以成全，而隨便渡。隨便結緣而不再去成全，這種的就須回天獄撿豆子了。這天獄的豆子可是不好撿，因為修道人在凡間修道也已吃素，知道要做功德，所以　上天給他的刑罰比較輕。不是割舌頭、開肚、割腸，天獄不會像地府，但一種刑罰隱藏一種道理。如果罪較重者，豆子滲入一大堆沙混成沙堆，罪越重越大堆，若又起心動念，則沙子就一堆一堆的一直冒起來，看你要撿到何時。若說你的心不平，起無明，自忖我做這麼多功德、渡這麼多人，回天後還得關在此，趴在這裡撿豆子，那些豆子馬上就和沙土的顏色一般，這要如何撿呢？所以說你們要注意了，渡人不是可以隨便渡，渡了以後又不成全他人，讓他人謗道、不明理。現今道場之所以有考驗，就是許多人貪功，渡人求道算人頭，讓點傳師高興，這是不對的。很多人不瞭解就會做錯事，這樣聽懂嗎？若是你們的心念正，豆子就比較大粒；心念若不正，豆子就越小粒，並且還變色，同沙子一般不容易辨認。讓你們修行人趴在地上暈頭轉向，而且還渾身髒兮兮的，一定要把豆子撿完，罪才會消。除非是心已平、罪已消，那些沙土和豆子就會消失，萬法由心生，由心生萬法。

20. 爬梯獄

爬梯獄：一人一支樓梯，從底部開始爬，必須很認真爬！一直爬一直掉，怎麼爬都好像在原地，又好像會下降，心中會有恐懼感。這種就是三天打魚兩天曬網，三年五年才修一次道，對道一會兒熱、一會兒冷，一會兒立下大願、一會兒又退志了、一會兒又不信道了。這種人，做事都不會成功較多！可是他有在修道，以為修道是為了要保平安，所以做一些功德彌補自己的過錯，其實他已瞭解，可是他不要修，所以就得關在此洞中。賢士啊！你們會被抓去這裡關嗎？

21. 煮水獄

煮水獄：一人一口灶，拿柴去燒，可是很奇怪喔！心性未修還沒到那裡，要燒柴取火，怎麼燒都燒不著，也燒不起來。此種人以湊熱鬧的心，看他人排班，也去排班；看他人打毛巾，也去打毛巾。隨隨便便亂來，有一樣學一樣，沒有一樣學得精、學得成。做事情只五分鐘熱度，沒有恆心。一下走這個道場，一下逛這個佛堂，一下又去那前輩那裡研究，一下子又去某某講師那裡，心都亂了。做事也未實修，此種人就得抓去那裡～煮水，煮得水滾了、干了，罪才會消，這樣知道嗎？（知道）。

22. 天廚獄

天廚獄：天廚獄和你們就有關係了！天廚獄裡的就是生前在廟寺、佛堂中服務，擔任煮菜、煮飯之職。一邊煮、嘴巴一邊講話，念頭就牽動，有邪念、有執著，胡說別人的壞話，心生不平，有怨言：他人可以穿得整整齊齊的站在台上，我為何一身油漬的站在廚房裡，沾油膩，如此之不潔淨。更有人想說：也不稀罕，我又不會說話講道理，不然我就可以站在講台上了。有些人在做，但是心未平。有的別的了願方式他又不會，請他去廚房幫忙，他又不要。一邊煮又一邊嘮叨，說人的是非，提防別人，嫉妒別人，這種人都要抓到這裡去關。其實安分守己的認真了願，雖在廚房當中幫忙亦是了願行功。此獄要如何受罰呢？就是切菜的切菜，煮飯的人煮飯，但若切菜的人起心動念的話，就連他的手也一起切下去了，切到一半清醒後，才知道切到自己的手，上天設每種刑罰都是有原因的，你們知道嗎？你的過錯從那裡來，上天就要你們從那個環境去消你們的罪。所以千萬不要在後面，一邊煮菜一邊說是非、一邊批評別人，這樣功德做不圓滿，且又賺不多，知曉嗎？

23. 植木獄

植木獄：此獄中之受刑人，每人之手中自然會出現一棵樹苗，心地較不好者，樹苗會長滿了荊棘傷手。受煉時，每一個人都要拿鏟子，翻挖很硬的土，然後把樹苗種下去，很辛苦的種下去，有時候還不會活。所以說罪業如果沒有消盡的話，樹苗一直在他手上產生，種完一棵又一棵。如果懶惰怎麼辦呢？就有天兵天將在旁邊督工，偷懶會被打，這樣懂嗎？（懂）。這種人犯什麼罪？生為前賢私心偏袒，不公心栽培後學，隨便指派他人頂戴天命，用人情來修道，這樣瞭解吧！有的就如此耽誤了一些有才能、才德的人，而考倒他們，讓他人認為天道都是修人情道，看人較富有就讓他領天命。在凡間有沒有罪，你們看不出來，可是一回天後都知曉。

24. 築屋獄

築屋獄：有一些壇主家裡的佛堂設了，但怕人家去打擾，對道親也很隨便、冷漠、不歡迎。拜了沒多久便覺沒什麼新鮮，就找借口，以搬家或蓋房子為由，而把佛堂收起來，這種都有罪，什麼罪呢？因立了願，又欺騙上天。你們有犯到這些脾氣毛病嗎？家裡有設佛堂而怕道親去嗎？有拜到很厭煩而不想拜的？要注意喔！此獄就是受刑時，一直築屋，有各式建材、建屋，直到罪消。若心不靜，則房牆一直倒塌。

25. 鐵鍬獄

鐵鍬獄：此獄就是一個人發一把鐵鍬，像挖馬路一樣不停的挖，一直勞動，因為這種人在道場上都是混水摸魚，別人當講師，他也一樣當講師；別人領天命當點傳師，他也一樣領天命做點傳師；別人做得辛苦，他都在一旁納涼，只靠出一張嘴而已，平常都在講話，自認功德大，比別人心血付出多。這種人都是有罪的，因為他想靠一張（嘴）賺功德，容易有過失。修道乃是要做給別人看，不是用說的就會成道，這種人因為在後天沒有付出勞力，所以回到理天只好付出勞力，因為他都沾團體的光，這樣你們懂嗎？修道不可以這樣了。

26. 縛身獄

縛身獄：此獄中受刑人，即是已經有能力把凡情拋卻，可是卻捨不得，仍眷戀妻子、兒女、事業。雖然已當點傳師了，還貪戀著錢財，捨不得清修、全捨，已經是很高位的前賢了，卻因凡情而放不下，這種人就是送入此洞。也有一種人雖然已經立了清口、清修了，但心念不正，一些念頭時時牽動，也是一樣要綁在這個洞中。若是已沒有起心動念，心也較平靜的話，那繩子就會慢慢鬆了，較不會痛。越是抱怨、越是嗔忿，起心動念，繩子就越緊這樣瞭解嗎？（瞭解）。在世間因身心受束縛，而回去就得自己綁自己，所以你們要看破，不可重凡輕聖。若說你可以出來講道理渡人，就不可以待在家中，偷懶度時間，這樣你們知道嗎？

27. 煉球獄

煉球獄：此獄中人即是嫉妒別人才能較高，而修道又不認真，也喜歡說人壞話，背後洩人氣，做起事來虎頭蛇尾，馬馬虎虎不徹底，都喜歡留給別人收爛攤子。做事待人不誠懇，所以耽誤了整個道場，耽誤了別人；又喜歡扯人家後腿，破壞他人的好事與德性，及破壞他人的名譽。此種人都得抓來此洞關。就是腳上綁個鐵鏈，拖個大鐵球，然後每人都要背自己的麻包袋（自己的過錯），在凡間造多少罪、說多少話及過失，都要裝在麻包袋中，自己去了。

28. 盲目獄

盲目獄：此獄中人懷疑五教經典，目空一切、懷疑聖訓、懷疑仙佛、批評經典、批評前輩的德性，也批評前輩的言行，這種人自驕自傲、自高自大，其實並無才學而喜歡標新立異，自己做一些奇奇怪怪的事情，迷惑世人，倡導自己的學說，認為自己很了不起，而輕視五教經典，不重視聖賢仙佛，懷疑聖賢仙佛的存在，甚至懷疑聖賢的心境，此種人都在盲目獄中受煉。此獄方圓有十萬八千里，每位受刑者進入後，眼睛皆看不見，如瞎子般。走在路上都坑坑洞洞，還有猛獸、烈火、懸崖峭壁，有大急水、茂密森林、荊棘遍地、毒蟲、毒龍.....種種不好的東西到處都存在。因為你們十惡八邪沒有去，貪、嗔、癡未除，所以就有這些不好的東西，那些人從迷宮進入以後，一直摸索，直到他的罪、過、惡盡了，眼睛才看的見，即順著明朗的路走出十萬八千里的迷宮。

29. 播種獄

播種獄：此獄中之人，他有求道，但他耶穌也拜、媽祖也拜、觀音菩薩也拜、關法律主也拜，千門萬教也拜、也修。腳踏好幾條船，不怕船翻覆、淹死。這項也修、那樣也走，聽人說某某法師法力高強，他就跟著他人修，修了沒多久，沒興趣了就換別人。又看誰比較會算因果，又隨他去修。看誰在辦三曹又跟著他修，走了兩年沒興趣了又退志，這種人都是修道心不定，認理不真，不認真修行，對道又不虔誠，對上天　老母沒誠敬，深怕只是修天道回不了天。此種人就派往此獄，拿種子去種，讓他們自己去翻土、灌溉，直到它們發芽成長，開花結果，這樣是很辛苦的，因為所種下的種子，不一定就會生長，一直播種、重複，直到罪消。

現在太陽西下，天時已晚，　濟公臨壇，我不多佔你們的時間，你們要乖一點，有空再來天上玩。就此辭　母駕　別賢士！

30. 天德老人慈訓（三）

一心生一法　一法生一執

心滅法也滅　法滅方去執

俺乃

三十三天天外天　一個老不死的神仙　天德老人是也　奉了

母旨降臨佛堂　隱身早參

皇母駕　再問各位賢士們　可安康？

今天吾乃領了　皇母令，來佛堂，說說關於天獄的事情。為何要洩漏天獄的天機呢？是因為現在很多修道人，雖然修道修了很久了，但是道理不明、理路不清，不瞭解。很多觀念不正確，要如何回天？有的修道人，只知傻傻吃素，講道理、渡人。但是，渡到那裡去？又帶往何處呢？是否不瞭解？（不瞭解）。吾來慢慢說：第三層叫做（金風嶺），你們要仔細聽！

31. 孽龍洞

孽龍洞：顧名思義就是關孽龍的地方。什麼叫做孽龍？其實，它不是龍。天獄刑罰就是一個人一個洞剛剛好，不大不小，一個人一個洞坐在裡面受煉。為什麼會坐在裡面受煉呢？因為他有功德，但是他也有過錯，有沒有聽過？（有）。你們做事情是不是有功也有過？（是）。一個好人一生有可能都沒有犯過失嗎？（不可能）。都是多少有一點點，對不對啊？（對）。這就是修道人有盡心修道，但是，回天的時候，才知道真章。孽龍洞裡面關的就是以下所敘述的修行人：他在生的時候，雖然身為前輩，或者是點傳師、講師，為了自己的道學立說，或為了自己的觀念，或為了自己的理路，去跟別人激辯、爭論，認為自己的才對，認為自己的才是真理，因此造下擂台。（造下擂台）是什麼意思知道嗎？叫做口誅筆伐，是不是？現在有些道場是不是也出很多書？各種論調都有，各種理念都有。但是，每一本書的立論是否正確？它的言意是否真實？你們還未必會分辨。如果因此造下擂台，錯誤引導後學，像這樣的人，回天都會被關在孽龍洞裡受煉。

就是每一個在靜坐修煉之時，會因為他的過失，他的罪過導引他會幻想。因為那是他的執著，所以他會幻想有毒龍、孽龍這種不好的東西攻擊他。然後因為它自己心念動的關係，使他自己的靈魂也會化成一條龍，與之交戰對咬，互相攻擊。其實他咬對方一口，就是等於咬自己一口，因為對方的龍就是自己的影子。這樣聽得懂嗎？（懂）。就是由心所生出來的幻影。因為咬得越厲害，他自己的傷就越重。其實，欲致他人於死地，結果往往都是自己先死，這樣聽得懂嗎？（懂）。那要如何消他的過呢？因為罪過錯是累積，有分深淺，過失有大有小，所以每一個人如果他在歸空之後，他的靈性還不能清靜，他的過失比較多，那他在靜坐、受煉的時候，幻化成孽龍、毒龍次數就會愈多，也就是隨著他的思緒來受影響，次數也是這樣定的。

那要如何出這個洞呢？當然是要等到他把這個執著，把這個雜思拋掉、洗去，完全沒有攻擊性，不生其它惡念為止，才能出洞，離開天獄，封功定果，聽得懂嗎？（懂）。

剛剛說到『造擂台』，其實你們不瞭解，以前之人學武功，有打擂台比賽。其實，天道為什麼有十八組線？就是當初天然古佛知曉大陸會淪陷，　師尊、　師母知曉這個氣數，天數冥冥當中排定，由十八支脈辦起來，紀念　天然古佛是『第十八代祖師』的意思。就是代表這個意思來紀念。其實，十八本是一貫的，這十八組線也是相同之意。但是有很多人，雖然身為道中前輩、前賢，卻是因為人在五行當中，不知曉　上天之意。在五行當中之人，是不是仍受五行的約束？（是）。是不是因此智慧還不能達到像仙佛一樣呢？（是）。如果五行相剋有所長短，是不是會產生執著雜念？也因此自己往往理路有偏，天考人驗未過，則會執著自己的最好，會互相打擂台，認為自己的天命才是真的。其實，天命真不真，那還要看　上天，不是用嘴吧來爭，是不是這樣？（是）。若有形的天命真，傳在一個無心邪人手上，這個道一定會被毀掉。為什麼？因為他會做壞事，背道而行。雖然有真天命覆在他身上，頂戴在他身上。但是，他所行之事背天理，背天命，背天職，背天意，違背誓願，這些人就算天命真，亦變成假天命。是不是這樣？（是）。自古以來，佛、魔各有天命，佛有『救世』之天命，魔有（考道）之天命。今天你們借假修真的是人身，（真人）就是佛，（假我）就是魔。如果你們懂得取捨，真人現，就可以去除魔障，看破這個假我。十八組線就好像天道生下了十八個孩子，你說這兄弟姐妹能互相格鬥打架嗎？你們自己親兄弟如果吵架，父母傷心不傷心？（傷心）。既然是父母親所生的同胞手足，那還有分別嗎？（沒有）。是不是都是一家人呢？（是）。今天你看看，小至台灣，大至對岸大陸，以至全世界，你說黃皮膚之黃種人是中國人。再擴大下去，難道只有台灣人才是中國人嗎？（不是）。那在美國的中國人，是美國人還是中國人呢？（中國人）。對！因為他身上流著的血，就是炎黃子孫的血，這樣了不瞭解？（瞭解）。也就是說：十八組線各個支脈身上都流著一樣的血，是不是？（是）。是不是都流著師尊、師母的血？（是）。是不是都承繼　上天的明命呢？（是）。所以，手腕不可以比大只，不可以相爭，不可以互相比較。

32. 樊籠獄

樊籠獄：顧名思義好像是一個籠子，其實它是一個名，最主要是關白陽修士之祖玄。那一種祖玄？乃是被超拔回天者，也就是子孫將其祖先、玄祖超拔回去後就沒修了，這算是欺騙　上天。想想你們有多少功德？累世做得如何？你們這世有幸幅嗎？（有）。讓你們求了大道，沾了　天恩師德，超拔自己的祖先、玄祖回天，那些被關的是沒有修，直接靠子孫的光回天，而在天上修煉，本來是可以在天佛院準備龍華大會封功定果，但是如果賢士們後繼無力，子孫們晚節不保會如何呢？那就會連降三級，連降三級～就是看他把祖玄超到那裡，就降到那裡去。

如果陽世子孫再繼續修持、行功、行道，他們在天是不是有功德？（是）。他們有功德，可以安坐蓮台。那如果沒有繼續修，只是花幾萬塊、渡幾個人就超拔回天，如此要了六萬年的業有可能嗎？（不可能）。淒慘的是會連降三級。有的先關在天獄裡，代子孫受過；有的更慘，自己心性不光明，也沒有真功實善，會因此被判入地府，由天降入地府。修道不是像做生意，頭熱尾涼。賺　上天的錢，賺了就收工，這就難算了，所以修道要有始有終，由第一分鐘到最後一分鐘，修到何時？修到三寸氣斷。如果你辦理三曹，先布德給眾生，蒙　上天特赦，就不在此案例，聽得懂嗎？　上天特赦不在此限。上天　皇母特赦召告天下，就好像『陰陽三天迥向文』，在　地藏占佛那一發佈，就有很大的公佈欄，公佈給大家看，所以要多迥向，行功立德，知不知道？（知道）。如此在地府的，也才能沾光；在天上的也能沾光。那可不可以迥向給天上的呢？可以！功德不嫌多，只嫌少。

33. 洪流獄

洪流獄：顧名思義就是身處洪流當中。其實，每一個罪靈在受刑、受煉的時候，他的靈體是不動的。各個所受到的刑罰，都是幻覺所產生的。其實每一個罪靈都是端坐在洞中，端坐在他的位子之上，他們本身沒有動，動的是他們的心而產生的幻影。在此獄中受煉會受到如何刑罰？會感覺到自己好像在一條洪流裡面，什麼叫做洪流？有沒有見過山上大水氾濫？是不是連草木、泥沙，一起衝下山？水很髒，裡面有石頭、枯枝。他會感覺到在洪流之中，受到這些衝擊及滾石衝擊會很苦。如果有怨恨與不平的話，就會一直處在那種狀態。

但是如果心靜下來、平下來，懂得懺悔，也就會改變。他的心靈靜下來時候，水就變得清了，水裡的障礙物就變得少了。然後就回復他的元神，會褪去剛剛那種情況，回復到原來的他，就像沒有情況發生。在這個天獄刑罰｜洪流獄當中，所處罰的就是：第一：「別人的孩子死不完，死道友不死貧道」那一型的人，凡事有什麼不好的事情，就推到別人頭上去，恐怕自己沾到不好的事情，讓道友死在前，自己逃之夭夭。這樣子不能承擔，凡事私心太重，只認為自己的親人、子女才是好根基，才是修得好，事事都怪別人妨礙他們、考到他們。還有一種就是他自己行道不認真，但是一天到晚都有一些不好的觀念，認為大家在阻礙他，覺得我行功了願，別人圖表現。我讓他、我不做，然後到這邊走走、做一做，又覺得別人阻礙他，經不起別人刺激一下、經不起別人考一下、經不起　上天摸一下，這種人的下場就是這樣子，結果反而要承擔更多的撞擊和刺激。

修道人要不要堅強呢？（要）。你們會不會說：某某人講話苛薄，把我考倒了？來道場走走、聽聽，說這個人怎樣......下次我不來了。你們不要以為　上天沒生耳朵聽不到。其實都有聽到！這就是你們的過失，不可以嫌別人阻礙你們、不可以嫌別人對你們不好。你們要自我反省，看看自己否有堅定？看看自己的意志否有堅強？對　上天否有瞞騙？以後要立志堅真、公心一片。不要受到一點點小問題、小磨擦就退道，這樣簡單嗎？（簡單）。做得到嗎？（做得到）。你們會不會心胸很狹窄？（不會）。希望你們不會。修道要學　彌勒祖師的大肚能容。你們不要做憨人，要真正聰明一點。修道要爭取，爭取行功了願的機會。成全道親是不是自己爭取？（是）。有人阻礙你，叫你不要走嗎？而你看別人已挑了這樣做，你可以挑另外一樣來做。例如：垃圾沒人收，去把它收一收。這樣對你們來講太簡單了。所以站講台的，只有一人在講話。有可能這兩支麥克風同時使用講話嗎？所以我們修道，要尊重別人，這個機會是會輪流的。今天換他講課，他就上來講；他日換你講，你就講；大家講的都不一樣，因為體悟不同、心境也不同。所以心境到那，就做到那，要學做聖賢仙真。你們不要以為聽了三次法會，就可以上西天了，可沒這麼簡單！連末班車也不准你們吊，不讓你們吊車尾。要真功實善！要真正的為道犧牲、布德，好不好？（好）。

34. 落葉獄

說到此獄你們就要注意了。因為你們就是這項所犯的最嚴重。你們的念頭可曾斷過嗎？連睡覺的時侯，都日有所思、夜有所夢。其實，你們就是因為心沒有休息，所以才會如此忙碌。心思非常多、非常容易罣礙。其實都是多想的，很多事情你們只會空想，很多事情你們都不會去做。念頭比較難抓。心如心猿意馬，易放難收。有些無關緊要的事，都被想得很複雜。所以修行人，要斷七情六慾、掃三心四相、去除十惡八邪、要行八正道。此獄是關比較重的罪過，如思想犯罪。例如：今天跟某某人吵架，你就幻想：怎麼打他，怎麼殺他，這即是思想犯罪。修道也是一樣，如清口，也是有思想破戒。口齋，心不齋也是破戒。所以修道，修我們的口，也要修我們的心，修我們的念頭。看我們的念頭是否正？是否單純？是否善良？如果思想犯罪或破戒的，就在這裡受刑。還有比較嚴重的：如私心太重的；心胸太狹窄的。其實，私心重、人心重，在天獄裡有好幾獄都得去，去那邊慢慢的煉。雜質越多，煉得越辛苦。此刑罰就是心生幻景，如置身在一片樹林當中。如果罪過重的，樹葉就一直掉、一直掉。一直掉還沒關係，但如果你不把它掃起來，它會化成飛蟲。化成飛蟲要咬誰？當然就咬你了。因為整片樹林就只有你一個人在那裡，週而復始的循環，所以掃樹葉的速度就要迅速了。這些樹葉就是你們心的垃圾。垃圾越多的人就越忙，因落葉掉得越多。

越清靜、越無染無邪者，他就有辦法快點回復本來面目，就不會掉枯葉。那些道樹還會變成綠葉，生涼風。涼風吹來，靈體會很舒服，就不會被蟲咬、被蟲虰。

你們會不會一邊了願，一邊抱怨？這樣不行！要處罰，因為你的心念不夠單純。不可以有污染，這樣懂嗎？（懂）。所以，有犯以上之過者，要趕緊懺悔、修煉。過去心不可有，不要有我執與私心的觀念。念頭只要能夠修煉到一心純正，萬念不生就可以了，是真空，不是頑空。

35. 反釘獄

你們有沒有把別人釘得死死的？這就是在世的時候，喜歡批評別人，眼高手低，很會破壞別人名譽，見不得別人長處，見別人好不能玉成。反而會落井下石，反而喜歡抓別人的過錯、毛病。然後讓自己順利一點，像這樣都是有很大的過失。在　上天來說，這樣會被記錄起來。此獄的刑罰，就是每一人手上拿著很大的錘子，然後，每一個人手上都會有一支釘子。他一有意念，那支釘子就要把他釘在地上，釘一支下去，還有第二支。但是，那個鐵錘會因個人的罪而定，有分輕、重，還有地板的硬度、軟度、質地，都跟各人的過失有關係。如果罪業重的，地板就越硬，鐵錘就越重。這是無形當中，因自己所生的罪、過、錯，驅使他自己這麼做的。如果心一清靜，二念不生，向　上天懺悔，改過自新，就可以使自己靈台清靜端坐，這樣不會生幻覺而一直在受苦，懂否？（懂）。在這獄中受刑、受煉的，都是屬於眼光短淺、坐井觀天的人。有人劃地自限、有人故步自封，如果他明白天時的話，他看到別人前進，他會跟著前進。但是在此獄受煉的，就是不一樣。他看到別人前進，他寧願墨守成規，不願意跟著大家一起前進，雖然知道天時的演變，但是也不願意跟著天時走、不願意跟著　上天的指示去。現在有很多前輩、點傳師、講師、道中前賢，都會譭謗三曹普渡，因為他沒有參與，聽到人說，就人云亦云，道聽塗說，可不可怕？道聽塗說未必能信、未必為真，現今有許多道中前驅者，不明天時、譭謗三曹，你們想想看，三曹普渡，是不是　師尊、師母在世的時候辦理的大事呢？是不是訓文都有提到（三曹普渡）、（三期末會）呢？是不是都有提到（末後一著辦收圓）呢？（是）。

師尊、師母在世的時候可以辦三曹，那這些子弟為什麼在　師尊、師母歸空後，不能繼承　師尊、師母的遺願，再勇敢的辦理下去呢？就好比今天有一個師父，傳他的弟子醫藥的秘方，傳他十味藥，一旦他師父歸空，他也讓這個秘寶失傳，只講些淺白的話、簡單的醫理，這樣切不切中要害？（不切中）。三曹普渡就是　師尊、師母的宏願，你們都身為弓長、子系的徒弟，都是　上天的好子弟，應當勇於承當，認識天時，不要隨便不明理而加以譭謗，坐井觀天、劃地自限，不願意進步，跟隨不上前賢的腳步。

在此獄中受煉之者，就是他會生幻相，有如置身在一口井當中，因為下面有銅狗、火獸、還有惡形惡狀的夜叉，會折磨、凌遲他們，所以他看到上面垂下一條繩子，必須努力攀著這繩子上去，但是繩子因個人的心念又有區別，有的繩子長滿了荊棘、有毒蟲、還有刺；有的細石懸絲；有的繩子粗如水桶；因為個人心念不同、罪症不同、罪過不同，所以演變成不同的刑罰，但是每一個、都要往上逃生，他們會生錯覺就是不論他爬多高，怎麼那些猛獸、鐵狗，及一些不好、惡形惡狀的夜叉就是離他這麼近，一直都會威脅他，修道人能不能心生恐懼？心生恐懼很容易落人阿修羅界，就是陷入魔界生出幻影，你們如果害怕恐懼的時候，整個人全身會冒冷汗、會心虛、會恐懼、及無明的顫慄，對不對？這就是這種刑罰。因為有機緣讓你們知曉天時、知曉天意，但是不積極進取，認為自己墨守成規、渡化一方眾生就可以回天，這就是大錯特錯，因為常言道；（不知者無罪。）明知故犯罪過更重，雖然不知者，不是真的無罪。但是明知而故犯，則要雙倍處罰。

36. 殛光獄

顧名思義就是洞中會發出強烈的殛光。所射出來的光有殺傷力，懲罰在世喜歡看不良刊物，因為目光不正，喜歡看不良的刊物，眼睛喜歡看美好的事物，喜美惡丑。還有一種屬於狗眼看人低，因為他自己覺的自己聰明、覺得自己長得好．．．，而輕視其它的眾生。比如說：現在電線桿上貼的花花綠綠，貼的很多穿得很少的那種，你們路過就多看一眼，這叫非禮勿視、目光不正，坤道比較不會，乾道要注意，所以要好好修煉，要培養自己的正視，眼睛要正視，不要邪視，非禮勿視。

還有一種也曾被關進去，就是他喜歡靜坐、參禪，因為他想要看顯化，靜坐時想看天堂景物。像這種居心不正、心魔入竅，這種人雖然有行功立德，但是還有一念的偏私，這樣也要懲罰。在這裡面修煉要辛苦一點，因為強光射來，眼睛會怕光流淚，眼睛會酸軟無力，這也是一種痛苦，所以腦中還會一直浮現昔日的罪惡，刑罰是無情的，所以你們不要太多情。

37. 錦上添花獄

顧名思義就是這個人喜歡虛有其表、喜歡重視浮華、裝飾外貌，而且喜歡趨炎附勢。有句話說：「西瓜好吃取大塊的」。所以我們修道要心平、公心，看人不足要幫助他，不要看人現在較順利，就趨炎附勢。還有一種，就是想靠著人情來修道，攀龍附鳳、錦上添花；還有一種就是他一生喜歡講好話，但都不實在，就變成綺語；如果像這樣的人，他說過的綺語，就會被記在綺語庫裡面。因為他說過很多綺語，天上就會掉很多花下來，那種花味，聞到刺鼻，沾到皮膚會癢。花粉飄下來會讓你流眼淚、打噴嚏、耳朵會刺癢、全身過敏，這樣可怕嗎？這是一種很可怕的事情，但受煉要心平氣和，要心神收束、懺悔。而且嚴重的，他還會在耳朵邊聽到天魔的笑聲，因為修道人要切實際。如果沒有佛心，就是有魔心，所以說如果要把自己的心念扳正來，那就要二六時中的迥光返照。

38. 洗心革面獄

就是要洗心革面。在生之時，雖有心修道，但經不起別人說，且又不懂得低心下氣、不懂得真修實煉，認為自己所想的都對，雖然沒有去傷害別人，也是有外功，但內德不足，沒有真正的革面洗心、沒有真正的改過前非，在別人面前，只是展現虛偽的一面、圖一個假相，只讓人誇獎，卻不許人批評，所謂『互相漏氣求進步』。所以修道要低心下氣，認真學習，改過遷善，不遷怒、不貳過。如果只是犯下小小的差錯，你們在天佛院就煉掉了。

如果在天佛院還煉不掉的，那真要請你們來天獄作客了。就是說小過錯、小過失，防微杜漸、防患未然。在受刑之時，就是要澡身浴德，一個人若越愛顧面子，他的臉皮就越薄；人說厚臉皮者不怕出醜，修道就是要厚臉皮。若說到此獄來沐浴，可說是越洗越痛，那水一洗到，就感覺全身皮膚刺癢、刺痛，這要讓他洗心革面、重新作人。如果心腸不好的人，他會感覺全身泡在黑水池當中，水的顏色因各個過失不同，而有清、濁之分；因罪過的不同，而深、淺度不一；也有分熱的、冷的；熱的就是這個人火氣比較大，冷的就是這個人心腸比較冷酷、比較無情，太熱情（亂發脾氣）、太冷酷都不好。

39. 天鑼獄

顧名思義即是耳朵邊都聽到鑼的聲音。可是它不是鑼的聲，它是一種天雷的聲音。他受煉的時候，會感覺置身於密閉的容器，好像是一個密閉的空間裡面，就會有天雷的聲音、鑼聲。因振動頻率很高、回音很大，每響一聲，他的魂魄就跟著音波一起振動，然後頭昏腦脹、想吐，情況嚴重的就會七孔流血，五臟、肝膽俱裂。也就是耳根出了問題，喜歡聽那有的、沒有的；喜歡聽東家長、西家短；三姑六婆的是是非非。自己聽一聽，又再講給別人聽。所以修道人，身、口、意要三業清靜。今天你如果修道，喜歡聽是是非非、傳是非、傳謠言，說不正經的話、說不正確的事情，則會誤導別人、影響別人。今天你和左邊鄰居說右邊鄰居的壞話，然後第二天左、右鄰居就互不相理。所以我們的言語很厲害，講話要謹慎、要注意。

天鑼獄裡面有包藏禍心的，還有兩面三刀的、面是背非的、挑撥離間的都有，這是看別人感情很好，去挑撥人家；看別人蒸蒸日上，去破壞人家.....都有，因為這都是由耳根這個賊引來的心魔、外魔，障住自己。有眼睛｜有眼根；有耳朵｜有耳根；所以佛家說：修行人要六根清靜。真正的身口意、十惡八邪莫要犯。

說了這麼多，有沒有聽入耳？（有）。所謂：苦口良藥、忠言逆耳，越是逆耳，越要仔細聽、要去接受它。如果你今天不能去接受它，來日會如何呢？（找個洞坐）。未免太沒有志氣了！修道要積極，不是說你們修道先得後修，得了就可以不用修，沒有這麼簡單。你不要得了道還抽煙、喝酒、出去外面泡泡馬子，然後再做點壞事，這是不可能成道的。所以我說的這些道理，就是要你們明白，不要說我是老道親，年歲也不小，但功德在那裡呢？你說你清口了，但心有清嗎？這樣明白嗎？　上天讓我來此講述天獄，就是要你們瞭解，修道不是馬馬虎虎就可以的，你若私心重、太會分派，　上天也會和你們分，你們若公心一片，　上天也不會和你們分了。

好！望你們好好修道，不要辜負　上天的一片苦心。若是辜負了會如何？就是來日預定一個洞來修煉啊！今天來此述說十個獄，這樣就足夠了，要留些秘密讓人探聽，行情才會高，望你們日後找我泡茶，而不是找我報到。我來辭　母駕，有機會、有緣分，下次再見面。

40. 徐茗鼎結緣語

1、執著己見起貢高　遮了性天難證蓮

中華民國八十四年　歲次乙亥五月初七日

天獄　講師：徐茗鼎　結緣語

吾非常慚愧啊！入壇參叩　上天、參叩　諸天仙佛、還有遙叩前人、點傳師、還有在壇之仙佛。

我是天獄的原人，我很慚愧，我在生時，是白陽修道士，跟在場的諸位是相同的。但是脾氣毛病卻忘了修，還有埋怨，遠比感恩還要多。在我歸空的時侯，我以為我功果圓滿，可以直接回到　皇母的身邊，沒想到經過三關九口，核對考查之下，沒有通過，直接打入了天獄這個地方。所有的功過對照之下，逃不過司部神的手掌，所有的過錯一一現在眼前。依過錯來受罪、受罰，一分一秒都得戰戰兢兢、鬆懈不得。一放鬆，稍微念頭的不謹慎，可能就被突如其來的佛掌，打得眼冒金星。不知賢士們，還記不記得？　天德老人臨壇慈悲之語？確確實實道盡了天獄的各種刑罰，我就把我一生的心得，告訴賢士作個警愓好嗎？

我是民國近代人，剛歸空不久，我的名字叫徐茗鼎，你們不認得我，但是在別組道場可能有人認得我。我六十一歲，乾道，我本來祖籍在潮州，父母親在那兒開了造紙工廠，因對道的認知頗深，而且誠心修道辦道，所把潮州這個造紙工廠結束營業，攜家帶眷跟隨著前輩，到台灣來辦道。父母是誠心的老道親，我從小生長在道場當中，父母對　上天很忠心，所認識的人都是道親，我舉手投足之間，也都像個修道人。後來我在父母和前輩們體極力成全之下，在我二十三歲時就立了清口大願。漸漸的對道的認知也是有增無減。很誠心為道，誠心配合投入。

後來前輩提拔我為道中的大人才，在練講、講師到負責地方的講師，這一路下來，我都非常認真的學習。在地方上很負責的講道理，每排到我講課時，我定不推辭，並且用心的準備，讓道親聽得道朋滿座，很為我喝采。因我習慣了別人的誇讚，我稍起了驕傲、愩高的心態。我每天知道要修飾自己的外表面貌，卻忘了修飾內心的缺失，一再的不曉得要返觀自照，造下了一些錯誤，不曉得要謙虛、謙卑，通常只有在前輩和親長的面前，才知道低心下氣，知道謙虛。而在道親面前，我站得太高了，眼高手低，忘了自己。但是我對道的誠心，還是沒有變，我對道之行道、辦道，一直是被大家所肯定的，但是由於我從小就看著前輩對道的犧牲、奉獻，我非常的佩服與感動，又在父母親的期盼下，我有一時的衝勁，要為道場盡一點心、為道場犧牲奉獻這一輩子。

當我最發心的時候，　上天布下一道考題，在我負責道務的佛堂，認識了一位賢淑女子，也是講師，在道親的成全與我之起心動念下，我與她組成了一個修道家庭，原以為會很圓滿、美滿，有了妻子，接連著兒子、女兒的到來，使得生活經濟有了恐慌，我不得不放棄聖業，回家去賺錢養妻兒。我非常的悔不當初，有了包袱，背負起養妻兒、子女的重任，我才體會到清閒、清靜修道可貴。

在聖凡取捨之間，一直折磨好一陣子。後來，我的妻子生病過世了，我深感罪惡萬分，留下一雙兒女，我不顧一切而重新回道場，開始全心全力投入，配合道務。

在我三十五歲的那年立了清修大願，願隨前輩修道辦道、渡人，我的父母看到我立了大願，也非常高興、欣慰，他們修道辦道一輩子，也希望我走出來，為這個道場盡一點心意。不久我的父母即相繼病逝，我深深體會到與親人陰陽兩隔那種無奈，所以這一兩次的刺激成長之下，讓我更加發奮圖強，告訴自己要當一個很好的模範標桿，在道場上跟隨著前輩，更加勤勞行道、辦道、渡人。

後來因我的誠心所感，我的父母藉著當時的三才來顯化、證道、結緣，也封了仙位，因為我是前輩身旁和點傳師身旁資深的大講師，我的父母親又受封回天，所以讓我有一種自傲、自負、高高在上的心理，另一方面我又沾到前輩及父母的光，一方面我又是很會講道理，是一個大講師。緊接著前輩又讓我負責起培訓講師的職位，可以說一路走過來，我的道途是順暢風光。

爬得越高，卻忘了往下看。習慣了後學們的奉承，並且所培育出來的講師，都需聽我的指揮調派，依我的喜怒哀樂來辦事。若有點傳師要求申請這些講師去講課，我還要看那點傳師的修為。若不合我意、我即回絕；甚至有別組的點傳師來我們的道場，覺得我們的講師培訓，訓練得很好，道理講得很棒，要我調幾個過去講道理，可是我對道親及組線方面分得很清楚，一再的不肯我們這邊的講師過去，甚至也叫他們的點傳師及道親，別到我們這邊來聽道理，分割得很清楚，因此得罪了許多人，也誤了許多的原胎佛子，我現在自己也知道自己不對，我很慚愧。當初，自己的智慧也沒那麼高，以為亂了金線不行，所以誤了許多的原胎佛子，因為此類的事情我得罪了許多點傳師，許多的批評不斷，也互相譭謗。

當時我就自己封閉自己，關在一間小房間裡，看許多的書籍，看到　師尊、　師母當時在辦理三曹的信息、數據、書籍，後來就在講課中，把三曹道理講給道親聽，被我的點傳師知道後，被他封阻起來。我這麼有心宣揚道理，卻被封阻，這要怪誰呢？

後來我心裡有點埋怨、心理也不平衡，趁著點傳師辦道時，我會從中破壞，跟點傳師做對，在道親面前辱罵點傳師，和點傳師不和。

我喜歡一個人，而且又有怪脾氣，所以在我身邊的人，都紛紛離開了我。我雖很會講道理，但修為不好，沒有德行讓人信服。我每做一件事情，就會執著這件事情有沒有功德？如果功德很少我就懶得碰，也很執著跟誰修道才會成道、才會成仙作佛。修得越久，越執著功德的多寡。並且答應道親要去渡人的事情，都沒有辦到。當我知道：道親要我去渡一個沒有讀書、而且貧窮不堪的老人家時，我就會推辭。因為我想我是一個大講師，我的知識水平勝過一些人，我不願去渡那些老幼婦孺，我看不起他們！而認為自己應該接洽一些達官貴族，才襯得出我的身份地位--我是個大講師。

我一方面也想：我一輩子在道場，我的功德和功勞一定也不少，對著　上天、前輩一直付出，為何　上天及前輩都不知道我在想什麼？我的後學都已爬到我的頭上來了，爬得比我高了，我怎麼能不急？所以我對名利的慾望，還是很看不開，但是我一直不敢跟前輩講，我很執著：為何我修了一輩子，　上天、前輩怎麼還沒提拔我當點傳師？而越執著，心情越壞、脾氣越怪，而得罪了很多道親。

之後兒子也當上了壇主，我就只在我兒子的佛堂中講課，別的道場、別的佛堂請我去講，我都拒絕不去講，就這樣封閉自己，連前輩和點傳師那裡，我都不會去。只有偶爾到道親家裡坐坐，但我的道心還是很堅定。在我六十一歲時，得了一場大病，不幸歸空。在我歸空以後，我以為我功果圓滿，可以被　濟公活佛恩師帶回去理天，見老娘。但我在　三官大帝那兒，考核沒有通過，就被打入天獄這個地方。當我歸空出殯公祭那天，我看見我的前輩、點傳師，帶領了眾多道親，來到我面前拈香，我非常的慚愧，也非常感動。因為我在生前脾氣沒有修好、脾氣也很怪，還一再的怪前輩、怪點傳師、一再的不滿環境，以及人事的安排。非常慚愧：知道我自己修得不好、做得不好，在世修得不好、修得不圓滿。天獄這個地方隨時等我們去報到，現在我也嘗盡了天獄裡的苦頭，在獄中比你們現在有肉身時還不好修，所以你們要想清楚。當時還以為我求了道、也修道了，歸空後就可以回理天去享福了。沒想到修不好、心境不夠，還是要被關在天獄裡面受一些考煉，好在我清口、清修這兩條大願有守住，不然後果不堪設想，所以修道不得不謹慎。

賢士們！你們是最幸運的一群，隨時都有仙佛會來教化指示，而在我們當時要恭請　仙佛來揮沙、顯化，就很不容易了，何況是仙佛來借竅現身說法，所以你們要感恩。我因為慚愧，也不好意思講太多，也不知如何形容才能圓滿，我現在非常的小心謹慎自己的言語，就是因為在世不小心謹慎自己的言語，常常說錯話，所以現在說話，也有點不好意思，不敢說太多，對講出來的話，我會想：說是對還是不對？所以講出來的話，有不清楚的地方，請賢士們見諒。

哎！生我之門死我戶，幾個惺惺幾個悟！你們應當要曉得：修道是要認理實修，要用功德鋪出一條回天之路不簡單！每一個人都會說普渡，但是普渡並不是只有敲打念唱唸唸經，還是做個法事祈福、超渡亡魂之事，而是要真正的解救三界的眾生、三曹原人超生了死、脫離苦海，渡其超生了死之道，迥向實質的功德給三曹原人、三界眾生，才能讓他們得到真實的功德而脫苦。

望諸位賢士要小心謹慎自己的修為，好好改脾氣毛病、好好的改去自己不好的心念，這樣我說對嗎？我怕我又說錯，被　上天懲罰。修道人要修口德，連小細節也要小心謹慎、好好做為。那我就不敢多佔仙佛之時間，感謝　上天慈悲、前人慈悲，允准我來到這邊顯化，感謝　仙佛。我很慚愧，講了許多我在世時不好的做為，希望你們好好警惕、好好做為、修為自己。感謝在場天命點傳師及賢士們，原人在此先退竅，讓　仙佛來慈悲。

41. 天眼明鑒察秋毫　天律昭彰毫不爽

白陽修士的警惕

2、天眼明鑒察秋毫　天律昭彰毫不爽

民國七十九年　歲次庚午農曆二月十六日

天佛院　仙吏慈訓

吾在世是乃一白陽修士，家居江蘇省人氏，吾之父親是一位虔誠向道的壇主，家中設有先天大道之佛堂。吾自幼因受到累世業障牽纏之緣故，常會有身心不安、頭痛、胸悶、以及心神分散之症狀發生，致使讀書無法專注。父母有見於此，亦常於佛堂中替吾來叩求，甚至暗中做功德來迴響予吾，又於平時常對吾開示因果循環之理，要吾好好來精進向道，病體方能早日好轉，免再受病痛之牽纏。但當時吾實在太愚昧了！無法體會父母之苦心。

雖於十四歲時即來求得大道，但因自幼身體不佳，且性情孤僻又冷漠；對於父親常要吾清口茹素，好好接近道場研究真理，吾常常只是口頭上的應允而應付應付罷了，從未真心參修學習。就因吾未曾參加道理研究班，且自身又受到業障、凡情事物之牽纏，而無法專心來持修，所以不明大道之寶貴，耽誤了自己修道的機緣，承蒙　上天慈悲，替吾撥轉了一次的機會，使吾參加了一個法會，而找到自己人生的真正目標與方向，知道真心修先天道可超生了死...

天道普傳實是千古不傳的奇緣，今世若再不修，豈不枉得此一人身，又枉費了天道之真傳？且吾亦不願輪迴在世間，如此渾渾噩噩的虛過此生，而發心堅志來修持大道。

起初吾十分堅心的修持，信心十足的精進參研；但因吾在修持過程中～認理不清！以為修持大道，只要好好的行外功，將來就可登入天堂享樂，不用到人間來受苦，卻因此而忽略了自性內德之修持與培養。再說吾尚有一錯誤之觀念，以為得了三寶，有了真經可念，以後若有遇到什麼困難問題時，只要口誦真經，仙佛就會慈悲的替吾化解災厄，保佑吾平安無事，而未能時刻深切的體悟三寶性理心法以及真經的實義。且吾又觀見道場上的修士，個個言行舉止彬彬有禮、態度和藹可親；認為在道場上吾可以做錯事，反正做錯了事或是發了脾氣，前賢道親總是會對吾來寬量包容。想想吾亦可借此，來替　上天考驗考驗，這些修行者的脾氣與火候，如此錯誤之觀念，使吾越陷越深，實在感歎萬分！

幸虧在道場上尚有勇於對吾直諫之人，他乃勸諫吾，教吾做人處事之理；起初吾心生不平，但漸漸的亦受其所感化，而在佛堂中來懺悔改過。在世之時吾亦有清口茹素，但吾有一缺點，即性情意志薄弱，處事憂柔寡斷，常常不能持之以恆；前賢導吾向善吾即向善，前賢若導吾向惡，吾亦不知好回頭，心志猶如牆上之草一般的隨風飄搖，只知附和而無自己的主見。唉！人生茫茫，幸虧吾有好前賢，小心翼翼來栽培與提攜、循循善誘來開導吾，方免使吾自困囹圄而越修越迷。歲月無情！時間就這樣一日一日的過去，吾在道場上的修煉亦有一段時日，漸漸地由一位普通道親而成為一名講師，吾為了擔任好講師之天職，便苦心孤詣的下功夫於道學之參研，代天宣化不遺餘力。雖然有時會受到困難與折磨而退縮不前，但對於辦道、勸化渡人之事，吾皆盡力來配合參與；一生跟隨前人四處辦道、修道、渡人、開荒下種、開設佛堂、推展道務、提攜後學，盡心盡力來奉獻。

然而吾雖身擔講師之職，卻無法體悟到萬教同源、萬教平等之理，不知此乃　上天慈憫，為引渡眾生上岸的一個方便法門，而在吾潛意識中常有門戶對待之偏見，時起妄心，妄別先天與後天；執著己見的認為只有修持先天大道方可回歸理天。而諸如一般所謂的紅陽廟之修持，只能到氣界；如此偏差的觀念竟存於吾心中，雖未表現在吾之言行上，但在吾講述道理時，卻會在不知不覺中，灌輸道親此似是而非之理，以迷引迷而誤導眾道親之理路；自己迷昧不知悔改，還引導別人走錯路，實屬不該！

四十三歲時吾來歸空，欲經過三關時，就在三叉路口前的（得道候息室），經那裡過了那一關，而轉至三官，就在三官寶殿上考證吾之三寶、點傳師與引保師，以及吾修道過程之功果，還好吾皆一一來通過。今日天時正值普渡年，上天慈赦大開方便法門，三寶心法普蘊三乘根器，意義實深遠！古之修行人還得千里訪求明師，今日賢士在家即能求得上上乘之三寶心法，但還得有明師應運來指玄，方見自本性的天真佛，此本性不垢不染、靈靈明明。但因吾們來到凡塵習染太深，因此上天就借用種種的方法來漸漸的磨煉吾們，使吾們盡褪垢衣，自見自性的本來天真佛，此乃一至善寶地啊！若要使之光明定是需要修飾、時時的自我迴光返照、時時清靜六根、應緣不變、率性而行，切莫只是執著於表面形相，一味的向外求佛而無法契合其中之其義，則多有偏矣，實屬不宜。

再者說到口傳心授之真經，若是賢士能夠恆誠的奉持默念，必能淨化自性之靈體，除妄顯真，實是受益匪淺。持誦真經需用心，莫要以為得了此真經，只是為了躲災避難，或因身體的不適，受到病痛之苦而才來持誦。賢士此真經乃是一部心經，須常轉於心田中；人之所以會有起心動念，乃是因受到業識的牽引，為了這歷劫的輪迴之苦，為了這生死，就必須在自己的心中常轉真經。以淨化自己的靈性。修行人修道辦道，常是離不了佛堂、道場，所以佛規禮節須確實遵守做到，莫要以表面敷衍而流於形式，應當每日常抱合同，懷抱赤子之心，每日心平氣和的誠敬燒香叩首禮拜，如此久而久之，必使慾念不生、妄念不起，自能照見自性天真佛。

吾過了三關口，來到九九紫陽關，其中有八十一個關口，一一來考證原人之功過，絲毫不差。有者需要懺悔補修，有者需受懲戒，個個不一，必要使原人之自性能夠達到純然無邪，方才讓你通過；所以在世修持之修士，必須真修實煉、積功累德、三施齊行、認理實修、正己成人，如此到了九九紫陽關，　上天必待你如上賓。今日既有此機緣，應機來此洩天機，述說三關九口，那麼就先由吾本身來說起吧！吾在世之時遵天命、守佛規，前賢若應道務需要，派吾到那裡去開荒、辦道、講道，吾皆盡力來配合，從不生怨氣；若有前賢糾正吾之過失，吾亦一一來接受並改過，故亦可順利通過紫陽關，可是因吾在世之時的修持偏重於外功的建立，而稍微忽略了後天習性之修煉，因而被上天留在『碧陽殿的化氣關』裡，受矯正教育，時間有三旬；此矯正教育乃在磨煉吾之意志薄弱，與憂柔寡斷之習性，主要在造就吾遇考會退縮不前之毛病，如此之歷煉造就，吾皆欣然來接受，所以很快地，吾亦過了化氣關，而來到（和陽關中間之丹陽殿裡的磨心自新室）。

在世之時吾雖有清口茹素，但吾身擔講師之職，卻認理不清、心存偏見，心起門戶對待分別之心；自己心念不正，以迷引迷，所以　上天慈悲安排吾在此處修煉、接受教育，如此時間又過了三旬。青春歲月催人老啊！可憐可憐！幸好吾在世之時多行外功，因此來到（景陽殿）後即能順利的通過；當時吾滿心的歡喜，想是後頭必是無什麼後顧之憂。行呀行來到（王陽殿的參性室）裡，接受性理心法之教育。再來就風塵僕僕的來到（九陽關中的震陽殿），吾觀見此處有眾多的修士，自性尚未達臻圓滿，後天的習性毛病尚潛伏，因此上天設了（順心室），對眾修士來個順考，設下酒、色、財、氣來誘惑，賢士若是定力不夠，智慧不足，可是會卡在那裡打轉打轉的！如此順考過不了關，還得意洋洋的認為在後天的修持，原來為了來此享福，賢士心中若有此想法，那你之心念就有所偏差矣。

修道辦道若遇考驗，必須思無邪，心中切切不可存有邪妄之念，時刻須存正念正見，專心一志的視一切幻影如虛假。分辨虛假，切莫被幻影所迷惑，若是被幻影所迷惑，一起心動念又是個輪迴，上天皆一一來明記，到時又得受懲戒受刑罰。承蒙上天慈悲，在世時前賢領導有方，總算吾之定力還可以，也過了此關。如此來到了『紫陽關』考證八德，即『孝、悌、忠、信、禮、義、廉、恥』，其中以『孝道』為首。陽世之修士若想超拔自己的祖先，上天開恩典，但還得你在世之修持能夠抱道奉行、赤誠不疑、始終如一的不畏懼任何考驗，上天方可以赦罪七分，減輕其罪孽；在地府中查無訛，無有差錯者，經有九九紫陽關，接受矯正教育，而晉陞提拔到天佛院外院的『左八閣八卦功果院。』

在天佛院裡，有所謂的『內院』與『外院』，在外院裡又有『八卦功果院』，此院又分為『左閣』『右閣』。『右閣』者記載著陽世間還活著的修士的修道過程之功果，在此皆有影像可查，所以賢士若是修得自性未達圓滿，脾氣毛病未除，上天皆記載得一清二楚，無有絲毫偏差。賢士們雖然是一片孝心，超拔自己的祖先回到天佛院中，但他們並非一受超拔，即可以回到理天！由於身處於紅塵已久，故有所謂的習性，因此必須回到天佛院中修煉，就是這『八卦功果院』中來修煉。在這裡設有各名堂與室，還有幾間的『修煉亭』、『靜修亭』、『誦經堂』、『禮儀堂』…所以，賢士在世若不趁有此肉身好好的學，好好的做，等到無肉身回到天佛院中，上天一一來考查對證，到時候過不了關、不及格時，賢士啊，你有苦頭可嘗啦！尤其是禮節。

再說賢士若想讓自己的祖先，安然自在的逍遙在天佛院中，那你修道的意志就要十分的堅心，否則修到一半，遇到考磨時，心志不堅退了道心，不能待天宣化、替天來行道，如此不但你自己沉淪，還要連累到你的祖先，亦跟著你心受貶降，故吾虔心忠告在世修持的子子孫孫，爾等更須要好好的努力精進來修持！一旦你們通過一次上天的考核，不但你自己升級，就連你自己的祖先，亦可沾到你們的光，漸漸進入『天佛院的內院』，聽聞有緣之菩薩的教誨，因此爾等若真想盡大孝，唯有恆誠不移的修持，才能讓你的祖先，甚至累世中與你有緣之眾生，皆可沾到你之光而漸進天佛院中來修煉、享清福。在此，吾必須再說明一點：有些祖先因累世的因果關係，成為『帶業往生』，那麼他更需要他的子孫做功德回向給他。而在回向功德當中，第一件事必須趕緊『清口茹素』，方能與眾生斷因果，否則你光了自己的業債都了不清了，那還有其餘的功德好回向給自己的祖先。因此在『紫陽關』中，必須審明『八德』，而在八德當中以孝最為重要，所以賢士請仔細的思量一番……，是否該好好修持？

那麼九九紫陽關吾已一一來通過，最後就是必須要『仙才改注』，像吾這個小小的修士，承蒙天恩師德的加被，讓吾經由三官大帝的呈奏、推薦於　明明上帝，得證於『天吏』之職，以輔助三曹普渡收圓之事，如此九九八十一關才算真正的走完，吾也只是在『八卦修煉院』中得個『仙吏』之位，並未進入『天佛院的內院』，所以吾還須功德，不知在座的賢士是否願意回向於吾？（當時近有二百班員皆舉手表示願意），哎呀！賢士修道若能時時堅持慈悲之心，那麼成道有餘啦！等回天之後皆在吾之上！吾慚愧，慚愧啊！吾無功無德豈敢接受你們的功德回向，賢士一片善意吾領受了！

今日有緣下來佛堂與眾賢士結緣之用意，除藉機打幫助道外，希望並開啟天機以引發諸位賢士之道心更堅志，時時以眾生為念，才是吾今日來此的最大心願。

『天眼明鑒如電能夠明察秋毫』，『天律昭明絲毫不變』，在天地間每日皆有靈官，鑒察修行人之修為與功過，何況人之一念一動，氣必相隨，所以修持的功夫，乃在如何平息這顆蠢蠢欲動之心念，使之大道真正的心平氣和。所以諸位賢士既已得真道，也必須要真修實煉！於平常間須遵循『八正道』、『守五戒』、『行十善法』與『六度萬行』、『四宏願』，還有必須緊守求道時所立之『十條大願』。賢士是否有信心將來皆能一一來過關？

唉！吾看賢士不用等回到三關九口，今日在此就已過不了關啦！修辦道、對自己要有信心，堅心腳踏實地的按部就班；否則無法認清自我，該過何關口？九品蓮台如何來證！所謂修道乃是步步高陞、道業蒸蒸日上，賢士對自己要有信心，方能超越自我，把大道推宏。

觀觀爾等皆是立下大願，要來普渡三曹，救渡眾原人，那麼在普渡年裡不僅人曹忙，天上眾仙佛亦是忙，地獄裡更忙，皆是各渡有緣各救一方，所以賢士修道勿要太執著，皆是辦天事，豈有你的道場我的道場？又那裡有你的後學我的後學之分？個個皆是　皇母靈，個個皆　師尊　師母之徒兒，只是各領天命，各辦一方，共同幫辦三曹收圓天事罷了。

今日吾來此，若有言語不對之處，叩請仙佛來慈悲　皇母開赦，亦請賢士來包容。限於時間不能再多告，亦因有些天機不能來洩漏，且吾天界亦有正事要辦，賢士時間亦寶貴，來日有機再結緣。今日吾之言，望賢士能引以為警惕！道場道務的推宏，還有賴眾賢士的相助；不管爾今擔何職？立何位？皆要一視同仁，勿分彼此，個個盡己之力素位而行，辦事大家共同分工合作，共同擔起三曹大任。吾在此預祝諸位賢士，個個皆能順利過關！於此不敢再耽誤時間，就此辭叩　皇母，返回天界。

42. 三關九口由心生　天佛院裡待品蓮

白陽修士的警惕

3、三關九口由心生　天佛院裡待品蓮

民國七十六年歲次丁卯

天佛院

丁曉喬結緣語

上天慈憫，茂田師兄慈悲，帶我們在天佛院修煉之數名兄弟姐妹下凡間，進入佛殿與眾兄弟姐妹結善緣，更能明確地把天佛院詳細說清楚，歷經了三關九口，引入天佛院等情形。平常時既要打幫助道，等到龍華大會那時刻，才會定下果位，有目前先暫定果位，是以待後學好好行功立德，有的等待子孫好好行功了願，共同能沾光，在天佛院裡不用再受苦煉；三關九口種種關卡磨練人心，磨煉凡心現出天心，　老母慈憫降下懿旨，各執令牌打幫助道，不用在天佛院修持，唯有年紀大者對禮節有所疏忽有所不明瞭，再一一學拜禮節；等到龍華大會，兄弟姐妹聚在一起會見母顏，共同歡樂，通宵達旦，互相道賀。成仙作佛唯在白陽天，人間好好修持建立功德，內外一定要合一，方才免入關過於三關九口，直接在天佛院等佳音，由恩師慈憫引進覲見　皇母。

現在的氣天神到處打幫助道，天佛院修煉士也全部打幫助道，共助有心人辦理三曹，有心修道士兄弟姐妹互相救起，增加他們智慧，予他們現出智慧現出天心，與我們天佛院諸兄弟姐妹合靈，共辦此盛世大會，所以唯有靠兄弟姐妹們，尤其點傳好好帶動後學，引導他們走向康莊大道、光明之路，才能免一些罪過，才能跳出苦淵；才能承蒙　上天慈憫，一條金線引我們明心見性，迴光返照，好好修持，天堂

老母在我們人間可相見，勿要執著在上天之天堂，人間即是天堂，在自己的一念之間。奄奄一息唯存善念，初衷永抱，禮節好好學好，以免回到天庭，要再重新修煉起，無色身不好修煉；一團靈光勿要有瑕疵，光明能照三千大千世界，能製造小周天，大周天，要常轉法輪，應用無窮，修道勿要固執，要活潑玲瓏，成德達才才能登入聖界，唯有現出天心，學習古人的腳步，學習聖賢的風範，己立標桿，衝破難關，天堂即在我們眼前，等我們安息的那一刻，可直見我們皇母的慈面，所以唯靠點傳好好帶動吧！

天佛院眾兄弟姐妹們齊下凡，暗中打幫助道，共助三曹，共助末盤，助我們恩師、師母好好打幫助道，助我們彌勒祖師收圓大事，因劫數頻頻而降，唯有靠眾賢良、眾兄弟姐妹頂劫救世，摩頂放踵，捨棄妄法好好修持，以現我們靈光以顯我德行，來阻擋各劫數，因此唯有同心同德，顯出大佛光，掃妖除怪，方能顯現世界大同，先為祖先立德為要緊，先立於標桿為主要，己立標桿方顯我們靈光直衝理天，我們在天佛院祝福凡間眾兄弟姐妹，修道要持之以恆，才能夠立品果，才能功果圓滿，把凡間一切習氣毛病趕快刪除，才能照見光明，才能達到至善完美的境界。

修持有達到至善圓滿，恩師與金童玉女可一一引我們直接會理天，若是在臨終時刻，心神不定，凡情有所掛念，這些關卡，會一關比一關更攔住我們，所以兄弟姐妹們，好好修持，常保清淨之心，慈悲之心，會直升理天，這些關卡全部消失無影無蹤，叩謝大師兄慈悲，天堂哪有天佛院，哪有三關九口，全由我們自己的心設下關卡，你若心境未到達，顯出種種關卡會更多，兄弟姐妹應該會瞭解此理吧，吾叩謝

大師兄慈憫，叩謝

皇母慈憫，讓天佛院之兄弟姐妹也能來到凡間，與兄弟姐妹共結善緣，吾辭叩　皇母，辭叩點傳、辭叩諸位兄弟姐妹。

43. 偏執邪念枉參修　修辦一生關天牢

白陽修士的警惕

4、偏執邪念枉參修　修辦一生關天牢

民國八十三年歲次農曆12月12日

刺腳獄　點傳師　褚真康結緣語

說來慚愧，我來自天獄，我已等候多時，已經參拜過皇母、參拜過諸天仙佛，參拜活佛濟公、參拜前人、參拜叩各位點傳師還有向各位在座的賢士問安。

我乃是來自天獄的刺腳獄，名叫褚真康，乃是清末民初岳陽人氏，我在之時也身擔點傳天職，只因我一念之差，所以數十年來在天獄受苦，刑法不斷，我在刺腳獄中受刑，每天雙腳猶如針刺，不能夠停一會、輕鬆一下，因為我生前領導後學方向有偏差。說到此處我必須從頭說來。

我七十八歲方歸空，年紀一大把，沒有想到落到如此下場，我本來出生在富有的農家，父母乃是地方望族，自幼飽讀詩書而知曉仁義，未逢道之時，我也跟世俗之人相同，在七情六慾中打滾，十七歲立業成家，享受人生，育有七個子女，四十六歲那年我的妻子因病去世，我才省思無常的迅速，所以我常常到寺廟尋找真諦，終於我的引保師引我入天道，我佈施很多，也很用心精進修持，在五十二歲那年領了天命，當時人心惟危，在兵連禍結的時代，人的生命隨時都有危險，但我仍度化了不少眾生。我在武漢三鎮一帶活動，操辦一方的道務。在我七十二歲那年，正是弓長、子系領天命之時，因為我的領導前輩以病故，道場的道務暫時由我來負責，我旗下也有好幾位年輕的點傳師，唯我馬首是瞻，當時因為許多道長都不相信弓長、子系領天命之事，我耳根軟，不知道聽誰的才好？雖然各處揮沙　皇母有交代，天命已降在師尊師母身上，但我認為自己年紀大、道齡久，更何況還有許多德高望重的前輩，難道天意出了差錯？還是人心來作為？為何天命會落在一個小後學身上？枉費我真修實煉數十年，智慧考場沒過關，我領著後學依附我眼中認為的前輩，跟著他來修，跟著他來辦，七十六歲即染病在身，七十八歲歸空。

一生為道奔波，本以為可以高高興興回天見皇母，對恩師路祖有所交代，但我卻直接被抓入天獄。上天一一記功，但也一一記過，我知道自己智慧沒有拿出來，所以才會帶領後學走錯方向，我因為剛腹自用，不信天意，認為沙盤所言天命，俱是人偽裝，所以自誤誤人，斷送前程，我在天獄中懺悔，幾個明白天時，知天意？莫要像我修久了，還是老糊塗，自以為是前賢，低不下心認錯，沒有真正的明瞭天意，雖然我沒有譭謗師尊師母，但是帶領後學墜落，亦是我的過失，上天沒有抹滅我數十年的辛苦，但是卻也沒有讓我逍遙自在。天獄當中有許多皆是前輩，陰山當中也有許多人皆是前輩，為人前輩害了別人，自己也同樣遭殃。

本來天獄刑法不輕洩，但今日　皇母有旨意，師母錦囊亦有交代，日後考倒領導人。一場智慧考，幾個人識得天機？不要以為修道、辦道時間久，順利成章為馬首，天命天意不可違。今日前人身擔辦三曹的天職，又有道中前輩底不下心來，認為自己所見所聞是真，不相信自己耳朵的聽聞，雖然有些前輩知曉辦三曹、普渡收圓大事的真義，但是他們卻承擔不起，由於自己承擔不起而否定別人，互相譭謗。難道這就是領天命、擔天命的本衷嗎？

我一把老骨頭，枉費修持得道貌岸然，沒想到不是大功、大果，而是天獄一份子！今日我請求上天開赦，我不要在天獄之中在受罰，也有許多無知的後學墜落地府，一場天命大考考得人心惶惶。後學看到前賢們爭功奪果、爭名利，因此被考退。現在亦是相同的非常時期，天意本不可輕易洩露，

皇母憐憫許多皇胎佛子，盲修瞎煉回不了天，蓬萊寶島數十年的道務，不會因為前輩歸空而停止。天道是要普渡天下眾生，眾生未救，談什麼收圓、收束！可憐許多道中修行人，因為迷迷糊糊走錯路，反而作個自了漢，不明天意枉修行！有請前人慈悲，代我叩求上天。

我有幾句化要提醒各位賢士，現今有許多前賢和點傳師跟我有同樣的毛病，在乎自己有多少後學、立多少功果，結果有所執著，反而一無所有。辦三曹是真的，否則九六原胎佛子如何回天？不要譭謗天意、天命，當初我就是不相信　皇母所言，天命已經交代，卻誤了自己，我不相信沙盤所言的天命，我相信人的小聰明，各位賢士要低下心，要好好識透

師尊、師母本意，否則修道一生誤人許多。今日時間有限，感謝活佛恩師將我帶入壇，希望賢士們仔細聆聽，好好端正自己的心態，諸天仙佛監班。立此大願不容易，不要輕易來背棄，因為天獄刑罰不輕易洩露，所以世人不瞭解。人曹氣數有時盡，不要執著自己的功德。有形的禮本固然重要，但是人在天地人三才當中，乃是代天宣化者，天命本是無形無相，落入後天，為了取信於人，才有信物。辦三曹先要服鬼神，賢士你們要謹記在心，感謝各位賢士們的慷慨相助，使我有機會離開天獄，打幫助道回歸本位，我會好好懺悔啊！懺悔！我即此隱身辭 母駕，賢士們自己多保重，不要像我一樣。

44. 天牢　講師：林清花結緣語

民國七十七年歲次戊辰六月十五日

天牢　講師：林清花結緣語

感謝恩師、感謝師兄、感謝前人與點傳！我是被關於天牢未了願之士，我沒有忘懷天恩的浩大，我叩謝恩師慈憐、叩謝皇母大慈大悲，讓吾林清花能於老母大典之日，前來顯化訴說此一段因緣，以警示兄弟姐妹勿再步上我後塵。

清花本姓林，乃是上海人，追隨點傳師修道辦道，是一名講師、亦是一壇之主，清花於十六歲時即隨父母持齋與學禮節，深受父母的寵愛，凡事皆有父母來代勞，自己宛似一名千金小姐。在家兄長容我，讓我，個個皆令我方便，安逸的研究聖理而當講師，待天宣化，更承蒙上天慈悲當個壇主，但清花不知珍惜，更不懂得低心下氣，時常擺出講師、壇主不可一世的架子，時常命令道親為我代勞，若遇有不合我意者則大聲怒罵，以致時常考倒道親。由於我頭腦靈活，反應極快且口齒清晰，能言善道，後經點傳慈悲，提拔為講師之職，跟隨在旁四處辦道、代天宣化亦有四、五年；由於吾能言善道又年輕，因此深得點傳師之賞識，時時跟隨於旁，大小事情我皆插手，自覺十分的威風而高傲不已，因此遇事若有不合我意這即來發脾氣，專橫驕狂，不知承上啟下之理，常以吾在家之大小姐脾氣來擅自作主，因為考倒不少道親，每當事後即向前輩懺悔，認錯，但日子一久習性又起，一次於家嫂坐月子之時，命令道親進我林公館來打掃內外不得有誤，且對諸道親言說：此乃讓你們了無謂施之願。吾就是在此種聖凡不清、三清四正不守之下，被院長師兄一條條的記，吾全然不知如此便是犯過，仙佛臨壇告示，吾因此而惱羞成怒，又告於諸道親此乃虛假之事，我虔誠的跟隨在點傳師身邊辦道，每日東奔西跑從無休歇過，怎會有此事之發生！於是我暗中氣罵仙佛，但內心又愧疚難安，於是偷偷於深夜中跪於老母蓮前，淚眼朦朧對母言，今後定會好好修道不再犯，總是三番兩次的空言而將仙佛騙。

我二十二歲時，因點傳師辛勞而代管公款，但每於利用公款之後，皆無呈報點傳及前人知悉，因此錢財不清而遭師兄條條記，如今無肉體時才條條算！至此吾才知曉，當時發下洪誓大願要助彌勒祖師普渡三曹，上天慈悲，讓我出生於富裕家庭好好修持，我不但不知珍惜而且還驕狂，給我錢財好方便，我卻來濫用，我知道我錯了！我願未了，承蒙天恩師德未把我打入地獄，僅將吾打入天牢，此乃父母常以財佈施，來替我做功德回向所成的，今日承蒙皇母開恩，而是慈憫讓清花借此大典之日前來顯化，告示於眾兄弟姐妹，千萬莫要像我清花一樣，對自己所立之願當記牢，修道辦道定要腳踏實地的去修持，勿要驕狂與專橫，尊師重道、承上啟下要做好，尤其毛病脾氣定要刪除，否則等到無肉身之時，再捶胸頓足，如此一切皆晚矣！求恩師慈憫我清花，天牢裡又冷又熱，好苦啊！求恩師慈憫，讓徒兒再有肉身，徒兒一定好好的修，再也不敢有驕狂之心與言行，求恩師慈憫帶我回理天，我不要在天牢，我不要在天牢，這裡好苦，好苦！

於吾二十四歲之時，心裡覺得修道路途寂寞好孤單，於是我向點傳師講要結婚去，否則我再如此走下去，定要發狂，我守不了寂寞之心而與一位講師來結婚，婚後三年我習氣未改，夫妻吵架而又離婚，從此我看淡兒女私情，於恩師臨壇之時，告訴恩師清花從此守願立，不敢再有二心，定會好好修身養性、懺悔前衍。從此道親看我清花有悔過之心而皆來諒解，但我卻不知感恩，又重施故技的將我講師、壇主之架勢擺出，告之於諸道親，我清花乃是點傳身邊的左右手，所以你們這些壇主皆要聽令於我，而我自己卻懶得打毛巾、懶得打掃佛堂，且常將道親拿來佛堂行功的東西，充為私用而轉送他人，日子就在這樣犯過纍纍下來度過，直到三十六歲時，不小心染上風寒而亡，歸陰之時，清花一點靈性飄飄，不知該往何處去？後被師兄帶入天牢去，我手腳皆無力跪於恩師蓮前，叩求恩師慈憫；因我在世願未了，又不知修自己，犯了三清四正之規律，脾氣毛病沒有除，因此才被拘在天牢裡。

我今日乃奉命進壇顯化，警告眾兄弟姐妹：修道脾氣毛病定要刪除，莫要執己見，否則三曹對案之時，一條條皆難以漏掉，千萬莫學我，修道若是脾氣毛病沒有改，天牢定有你一份，立願不去了願，絕對無法把鄉還，因我當初的任性，不信天理昭彰，一切上天皆知曉，一味的認為反正我立了清口願，又能言善道，且是跟在點傳師身邊的講師，那有回不了天的道理，只因我時存此心，而考倒道親，自己亦犯了聖凡不清與違了三清四正，造下纍纍的過錯。今日來此顯化，吾不敢要求什麼，今日的一切乃是我自己的罪，就該自擔，生於富裕之家庭中，不知勤修性地，勤勞節儉，反而好吃懶做、濫用錢財。自己身擔講師之天職，上台告訴道親錢財要清、三清四正要守，低心下氣要修，自己卻一一來犯起。

我真心真意在懺悔，我叩求恩師慈憫，讓我有機會前來訴說此一段因緣，盼望眾兄弟姐妹大家今日能得此天道實不易，更當把握此肉體尚存之時，好好的修心養性，守三清四正，莫讓諸天仙佛與恩師屢次臨壇，苦口婆心的勸告，還未能喚醒自己的良知，以致一錯再錯的犯下去，直到無肉體時再要捶胸頓足，如此一切皆太遲了！

因吾時間有限，茂田師兄帶吾回天牢交差去，就此辭叩皇母、辭叩恩師，感謝法律主慈悲、亦感謝師兄帶吾入壇來，再感謝前人大德、感謝點傳與賢士及三才，望大家能以吾為前車之鑒，好好的把握良辰，三曹對案絲毫不差、至於兄弟姐妹自己更當要提高自己的品行，莫要糊里糊塗的把過來造！（退）

45. 天佛院修煉所　講師：簡素華結緣語

民國七十六年農曆四月

天佛院修煉所

講師

簡素華

結緣語

首先盡心告自明　修道認理莫修情

以理自證己方正　以理為準渡眾生

我簡素華，奉了恩師之命，隨 師兄至壇來，我先來皇母拜，在座點傳一叩，素華今日至壇來，為諸位兄弟姐妹。雖能逢此上天開恩，有此佳緣到處參拜，讓世人，讓修道人能夠瞭解，凡間若是有情在，修道看人情，認理不真者，皆是一大障礙，素華身擔講師命，東奔西跑講道理，二十七歲成家立，夫婦同修，過得相當之可以。醒世奔，不如意，前賢恩，拋頭顱，我亦看人情，我亦不認此真理，不遵前人命，只遵識我之前賢，我之來以述我在凡之因素。

素華結婚後，生下二小孩，小孩出生撫養大，但是己立講師命，無法至前待天宣化，我心中甚惶恐，我心中難平定，我抵抗前賢，看表明，看人情，不用心。有前賢至我家門，勸我開設佛堂早晚叩首，乃於我先生曾是道場中人，四處奔波講道理，建議早把佛堂安立，時時叩拜皇母顏，但我心中雖是有心拜，但我看著人情修道，借錢免於利息。我處處想得利，我處處想佔便宜，誰知道講師難當，有朝一日，命該終時，素華得了癌症，那時我怨天，我尤人，我在世，理不明，誤了天時，誤天機，誤眾生，看高低，升講師志向未立，空掛虛名圖表明，陽奉陰違，心想回理天是有朝一日的事。

我五十八歲時，得癌症一命來歸陰，至三關九口關關考，考驗我之酒色財氣，看我心念虛心假意，未能把真心付出，上天明鑒，此是因緣自己看不透，好好家庭，卻是一個大障礙，我看不破，我沒修，空掛著講師之名，我修人情，前賢讓我，我即接受，若是後學批評，我即大口罵，我是內功不足，外功不足，押抵天牢院拘留，幸蒙天恩慈憫，念我素華有心，曾經認真在辦道、修道，即於往修煉所，能夠補我一切過。修煉所受苦難，修煉所煉至我性圓，酒色財氣一一要摒除，七情六慾假心意，今日至於此，我已了於心，叩求上天　皇母讓我有此機會至佛堂，能夠一一述說。

奉勸諸位修道士，修道莫要看人情，我之引保師他有錢，我看他修，他墜落我心停頓，是皆我心自造自受，天命是真理，道真、理真、天命真，我原本之修道乃是掛虛名，有錢能使鬼推磨，我是一心想站前，奈何我是看我引保修人情，至今至於修煉所，無功無德，愧對皇母，我今受恩師慈憫，命師兄帶我至前，主要告訴世人修道莫要看人情，虛心假意，三關九口裡內功外功一一對照，不足皆要一關一關的考驗你智慧，突得破放得下，發出靈光方能逃出此考關，小心、小心！賢士莫要太馬虎，首先堅守自觀，賢士虛心莫疑慮，諸天仙佛助道也不遲疑，我今至此不敢再多雲，賢士記得莫看人情把道修，誤己誤人遭苦受，此生無法超出這宇宙，我奉勸於至此，叩謝　皇母恩典，叩於點傳，我今退一旁。

46. 分彼論此失道旨　天命壓人誤自己

三關九口考氣關

點傳師：王吉　結緣語

叩謝　皇母慈憫，叩謝　恩師慈悲，叩謝大師兄慈悲引我入壇來。我竟想不到，以為我王吉是多麼榮幸，可以回到理天，身為天命點傳：以往也有三才，看於鬼魂借竅來顯化，總是可憐著他們，安慰他們，是這般可憐，唉！實在感歎，吾曾發慈悲心要普渡三曹；前人領導之下有眾點傳，因道務越辦越廣，就分為區縣負責，因吾較早領天命：二十七歲就領命，比較早追隨前人辦道，到處開荒，人才眾多，因前人慈憫，眾多點傳分各地區負責，比較好成全。

但吾心中甚不平，為何吾當初成全的後學，前人皆分給其它點傳？而吾身邊之左右手，皆是比較新的講員，吾心中生怨氣，但生此怨氣是不行的：吾怨前賢為何不公平，吾怨諸位點傳為何要搶我後學，我命吾負責的後學，不准到其它點傳負責的佛堂去，若要到其它佛堂去的話，我就不要負責他，總以天命來壓他們，對比較新的人便常責罵他們，罵他們辦事沒經驗，辦事馬虎，沒有抽出時間與吾配合。吾心常生怨氣，常發脾氣，種種怨氣而生，黯淡無光，人家見吾王點傳師，心都存著三分懼怕。

吾年紀輕輕，心無慈面，好像煞神一樣人見人怕，退避三分。吾當初不嘵得他們怕我，乃以為他們尊敬我王點傳師，很偉大，所以他們才不敢接近我，我心中暗暗歡喜，到最後聽我左右手說，眾多後學們會提起說：王點傳師太嚴肅了，他們不敢接近。吾對左右手說：沒關係，請他們有事來找我。我的左右手不敢老實說：我脾氣不好，臉上無慈面慈容。使後學不敢接近。吾在每一次辦事時，皆非常嚴厲指責後學錯誤，讓後學懼怕。吾最大的怨氣即是吾以往的人才，追隨其它眾點傳。吾還命我的後學，不准到其它點傳的佛堂去研究道理；種種固執，種種誤人機緣，等吾七十三歲歸空，上天　老母早已知吾在世時，存有分彼此之心，無公心辦道，常生怨氣，怨前人不公平，當初乃是前賢造就，吾不知，還常常心存怨氣，等七十幾歲歸空，承蒙　上天慈憫，讓吾身軟如綿，印證給我的後學看，後學看到非常高興，說我王點傳師，已經身軟如綿，歸空回去，可印證道的尊貴。他們想吾百日下來結緣，便叩求前人慈悲，請吾下來結緣。

有次恩師臨壇，說慢一點，慢一點，原來是因吾王吉還在三關九口考氣關，內外功未圓滿，不敢告訴給後學知曉；承蒙　恩師慈悲，給吾王吉留點面子。吾現在知道，修道學道不能修人情道，要以慈悲之心，公正之心辦理三曹，　上天才會助，後學才會跟著我們走向光明的大道。不能心存怨氣，佛堂、道場是　老母的，勿要分彼此，那是前賢慈悲，才分地區較好負責，且可挽化更多迷子；要見仁見智，見道成道，勿分彼此，有所因緣成就，讓他們認理為道犧牲，為　上天辦道去，為　上天搭一座橋樑，接引眾生回天，皆要成全他們，造就他們，勿要阻擋人家修道、行道，要好好成全他們。　大師兄慈悲，吾已把真相一一說出，叩求　恩師慈悲，早日引我入天佛院修煉，好好等待，好好以前人模範，叩求點傳師慈悲，叩求賢士兄弟姐妺慈悲，吾來退一旁。

47. 虛榮圖表失真宗　固容關前現本顏

固容關　許點傳

結緣語

吾許點傳，乃是一名坤道，叩謝

恩師慈憫，奉恩師之命隨大師兄入壇來，先叩　母恩，吾來訴說因由，凡間修持立標桿，勿圖表面墜汪洋，吾一切皆是愛好虛榮。我乃為人前賢，實愧　上天而不敢言，前賢與前賢之爭，吾樣樣居人之上，若論後學，吾要吾後學比他人後學強，若論行功，我要排第一，若論點道，我亦不輸人；虛其心，圖表面，爭功名，好圖利。前賢告吾辦道要低心，替　上天選精英，莫要掛虛名，我言前賢你誤差，我乃天天奔馳為　上天選拔，難道我點道是虛假嗎？難道我這樣要他們行功是虛假嗎？我不解後學意，天天逼他們，天天要他們辦事、行功；吾愛面子，吾要在前賢之前不輸人，吾是女英豪，我不輸於乾道之前賢。

吾因在世愛好虛榮，愛好名利，使痛苦填滿在我心，有的後學心沉不住，有的背道而去，可是我罵他們沒根基，我雖沒有以惡言考人，但是我不解後學意，我也不知我所言是差，我虛心，我圖表面，若是論起辦道功德費或行功之帳，念到吾排第一，我就高興回去獎勵後學，若是我未排於三名之內，回去就訓他們一頓，都是藉道之名出風頭，今蒙　恩師慈憫，沒有將吾打入天牢。吾因爭於道場渡人行功，但此皆是貪，乃是虛心不合意；　上天慈憫，　恩師對吾說：　恩師並非要你做多大功德，只要你真心不攀名，不虛心假意，多少功德，點道多少人，　恩師不在意，要你替　上天選精英。但吾對　恩師說：天時緊急，當要加緊催促他們，他們若是不渡人，天天就懈怠，他們若是沒行功，錢都往肚子裡面吞。

我不解後學意，我沒體後學心，論德我沒有，論威虛言虛心我存在心，出門要轎車，臉上擦粉抹的漂漂亮亮，人見我，稱我好能幹，可是我不知功過記多少，回至理天後，功過一對，方知羞人，在世雖然為上天辦事，但是我貪取名利，虛榮其心，　上天明記，三關九口內功外功對照來，將軍要把吾打入天牢，　恩師慈憫念我在世修道有一、二十年，為道奔馳，全無怨言，幾次上講台，卻廢寢忘食，此種精神上天明記，所以我沒打入天牢裡，固容關裡把我關，恩師罵我在世修持太固執，不能通權達變，不能瞭解後學的心，不能體會上天意，不能順人心，所以才造下此罪，我並無其它罪過，我只是要求後學，我只是愛爭虛榮，前賢行功我不居後，我逼緊後學要他們行功，我要他們渡人，可是這無形之中，卻是讓後學喪志，太過於嚴厲，讓他們不敢住在佛堂裡，我不知這一一皆是錯，我思想起這罪過，甚感慚愧。

今日奉命至於此，望世上修道賢士，你們莫要貪功，你們莫要虛榮，有我做借鏡，有了前賢當鏡子，返觀自照，如今三曹對案，並非是論你功果高低，你若是功再大，但你虛其心圖其表，亦無知真宗之意義，大道普傅，拯救有緣人，發揮天道之寶貴，讓人體會，讓人明理，而且隨其心盡其力，並非要你多大之錢財，但是我就是礙在虛榮心，關在固容關裡，每天迴光返照，每天折磨自己，有時心想太不甘心，在世做的修的如此，為何回來沒有獎賞？還要關在這裡，實在難受，越是這樣想，內心更加痛苦。將軍說：等汝何時悟透這一點，汝即能通過修煉所，而能登入佛院裡，方能等待機緣定功果。

今日至此很榮幸，叩謝　皇母恩典，奉勸修道士，你們修道莫假心，功過　上天記分明。吾辭叩　退

48. 五倫八德不守好　九陽關口苦修煉

九陽關口八德考　講師：廖怡馨結緣語

五倫八德當遵行　三綱五常隨右左

天道乃要人道修　內外真修證佛果

吾廖怡馨，來參叩　母駕，叩謝點傳師，怡馨身擔講師，奔波十五年，二十五歲求大道，吾乃是一位清修小姐，四十歲來歸空，十五年來道場跑，前賢栽培我，給我機會給我開導，可是我心亂，我心變，我未盡忠心、未盡孝道，五倫八德吾考不過，九陽關口八德考；吾終日苦講道，代天宣化四處跑，幾個能明晰，天道乃是人道要做到，吾天天在外面跑，父母親拋一邊，不問他們之死活，也沒寄錢給他們，東奔西跑十五年來可是沒退縮過，渡兄弟姐妹及有緣人上法船，時時一顆代天宣化的心。但是我講道，講的是空理，人道未盡全，在於父母親，吾沒有給他們消息，在於朋友上，吾時時為辦道而失信，所以人道做的尚缺欠，九陽關口八德煉，上天判我八德不齊全，雖然盡天道，但是人道未萬全。

今日至壇來，　上天慈憫，在吾四十歲時，吾是藥物中毒，不是故意要自殺，　上天查吾地府無名，把我送到三關九口去，一一來對照，的確也有修行，但人道未盡全，三關九口把我考，孝悌忠信一一評，只是空掛名為講師，東奔西跑，自己父母沒有渡，在於　恩師前，吾說今生一定孝於　皇母前。　恩師曾對吾說：你的人道當盡全，父母兄弟姐妹當要渡。吾說父母親太固執，兄弟姐妹他們不懂，他們沒根基，沒此緣份，吾這十五年來，都是前賢栽培我，我有了前賢，有了道場，我把家庭全拋棄，我還以為這樣可以做更大的功德，坐更大的果位，因吾全心在道場，父母沒求道沒關係，九玄七祖只要我成道，他們皆可回去，誰知道九陽關口八德考，八德意義來對照，將軍對吾說：（孝悌忠信你皆未盡到，你要在修煉所修煉，雖然你有功在先，但是你可知曉父母養育之恩，你罵父母太固執，罵兄弟姐妹沒緣份、沒根基，你沒信心不敢做，耽誤了天事，也耽誤了天時。）

吾在世十五年來，處處講道理，受了　天恩，受了前賢的寵愛，他們愛戴我，我甚榮幸，以一位清修小姐，高高在上，有一點驕傲心，而且人道未盡，所以九陽關口八德煉。吾今要奉勸諸位兄弟姐妹，修道在日常生活中，人道當盡全，否則歸空後，人人處處在批評，修道尚未腳踏實地，父母親沒奉養沒有渡，不敬父母敬何人，因吾在世觀念偏差，所以惹來修煉所遭苦受，弟妹你們若有心，以誠感召你父母，莫要罵父母太固執，父母不明理，身為兒女不可有此意，身為兒女不該有此心，否則招惹口過，耽誤天時，可會像吾如此。

吾受了　天恩師德，還好沒有障在累世之因緣債，這十五年來，　上天慈憫，能夠讓吾開竅一點，只是八德裡吾前幾個考不過。今日　皇母慈憫　恩師慈悲，讓吾今日臨壇在此奉勸諸位修道人，你們人道當盡天道達，人道不盡天道怎麼成，莫要留下讓世人批評，修道盡心盡力，莫要愩高莫要自大，我怡馨淺言幾句，後面尚有諸前賢，吾也不敢占時間，叩謝　皇母恩典，望兄弟姐妹們修道，八德要做齊全。雖然捨身，未能守全孝，但是也要關心你父母親，莫讓世人留批評，否則譭謗到天道，你之罪過也不小。吾至此，叩謝皇母恩典，叩謝　恩師慈悲，叩謝院長大人慈悲帶吾入壇來，吾辭叩退。

49. 一把無明燒功德　脾氣不好困三關

三關九口　清靜關

講師：林清河　結緣語

參拜　諸天仙佛，參拜天命點傳師，我是在三關九囗清靜關修煉的林清河，感謝　祖師鴻慈大願，感謝　師尊、　師母大德，三曹普渡，道降火宅，有福份的佛子，都能夠求得明師一指，好好修行返本歸根，能夠借假修真，代天宣化，能夠渡化原人上法船，共沾　天恩師德，免得四生六道輪迴之苦，能夠跳出這五行的拘束。平靜清心，好好參修，淨化淨土，共建人間天堂，造下一座天橋，能夠在回天之路上，努力用工夫，真修實煉，上天在百年之後，會請諸天仙佛來迎接我們回去。

清河說到此非常的慚愧，生前受了引保師的指引，求道以後，慢慢接近佛堂研究聖理，畢班後，經點傳師，前輩慈悲，提拔為講師之職，人家說我中年人說話比較有份量，人生路途經驗較豐富，所以很多前賢擁護，栽培提拔後學，使我有勇氣為道場、為眾生、為兄弟姐妹服務的機會，能夠借此機會來報答　天恩師德，以了累世的宏願，我非常的努力，只要前輩者派我到那裡去講課，我定惟命是從。我認真學習，參悟四書五經，而來解答眾生之疑問，真正引渡他們上法船，找到自我，不要在這紅塵之中打滾，能跳出酒色財氣四堵牆，不要迷失在十字街前，最後還是到地府去輪迴。

為了報答師尊的救命之恩，我更加的努力，最糟糕的是我的脾氣不好，若是遇到道中召集講師與壇主開會，只要我聽不過去，馬上大聲斥責，很多講師、壇主看到都不敢說話，更不敢指正後學的缺失，那時我也算是道中一位難得的才子，所以沒有人敢得罪，前輩更低心下氣來包容我的一切過失，有時見我心情好，才來告訴我，我也會接受，更非常感恩前輩的慈悲，不過就是這個壞脾氣，使我耽誤了後半輩子。

在我六十九歲那一年，感覺心臟不舒服，因身體無力，而捨了六十萬在道場，作為基金，一切還是要與我的兒子商量，可是，當我這六十萬捨於道場後，身體並無好轉，雖然我無怨恨　上天，知道這是自己累世的業障纏身，因此只好忍耐，沒辦法代天宣化，躺在床上，實感慚愧。前人、點傳、壇主非常有愛心，來到家中探望我，要我好好靜養：說上天都知道，請我勿要傷懷，我皆一一謹記在心。在家中，妻兒子女對我口氣都不好，我謹記前賢之教誨，不敢來發脾氣，並要妻子盡量施捨錢財，第二次我要妻拿出五十萬來幫助前人蓋大廟，兩次總共拿了一百一十萬，等我七十五歲，心臟不適歸空時，受到　上天引渡，怎知後學被調到三關九口之清靜關，先修煉清靜，修煉一百天，本可回理天做逍遙之仙佛，誰知這一百天內，有巨大之變卦，我的兒子找前人理論，要前人還他一百一十萬，前人為了不考倒道親，而把錢如數歸還，但兒子卻四處宣說前人騙人錢財，我妻子勸他也不聽，前人為了顧全大局，而將錢財交還，兒子拿回去後，隨便亂花，花天酒地，還發生車禍賠人家錢，所有的錢就這樣花完，許多道親看我家如此，而漸漸來退道，我不能安心，都是我自己在世時修不好，脾氣未改而影響兒子，才會如此。

當後學躺在床上生病多年，才體會前賢之苦勞，使我回天後心仍不安，便留於清靜關修煉，可說父子牽連很大，雖說公修公得，婆修婆得，因我的兒子在道場中擾亂一段時間，這也是我作父親要擔過，而無法清靜回天的，在清靜關修煉等待，師尊非常慈悲於今日把我引出，我奉勸兄弟姐妹，只要你捨了一切錢財在道中，要真心真意，莫要使道中惹來不如意之事，　上天記載分明，奉獻的要交待清楚，前輩也要處理妥當。這些錢被兒子取回後，使我前功盡棄，對道場無法交代，而影響道務，非常慚愧，感謝　師尊開赦之恩，暗中點化，前輩苦心成全家中之子孫，使我才能平靜清靜回到理天。

三曹普渡，　老母開恩典，有心的子孫超拔祖先回去，祖先很高興，不過子孫多是半途而廢，祖先一日一日的降級，心皆不能平靜，要叫我們如何是好，子孫不安，祖先亦不安，牽連非常的大。日日盼望子孫回向功德，才有面子與仙佛同並立，子孫一退道，就必須受苦受刑，我也在三關九口依罪而受刑，並不是回天在三關九口就沒事，子孫功德沒有回向，超拔回去的祖先功德又不夠，那些罪業一樣要在三關九口，以時間來換回後再修煉，非常難過，本來進到三關九口，已覺非常榮幸，能夠修煉，　上天又依功過來評斷，但很多冤魂不允許，所以留在關口再磨煉，又依各人的品性、罪過，都在關口磨得光灼灼，本已磨煉成了，只因子孫傳來不好的消息，而跪在那裡等待，一切一切請前人、點傳師，好好牽引迷昧眾生。

為了苦海眾生，真正掃清一切，污染的世界使得世人無法跳出，實在悲哀，若沒肉體，想要找緣人相救實在困難，可歎世人聽不見無形之呼喚，而輕易來退志，就如雷聲傳至天上，清河不敢耽誤時間，辭叩　皇母、諸天仙佛，再遙叩前人大德與點傳師，三曹普渡做得到的盡量做，絕對不要互相批評，原人難得借此機會，　皇母開赦，一個機運而已，定要把此重任擔起，請大家認理實修，天時、天運、天機，自己當要把握。

50. 一失人身修靈難　自性不明拘三關

三關九口　靜靈關

講師：王國標 結緣語

感謝　天恩師德，感謝　師尊、　師母，賜吾改過機會，重新踏入清淨、莊嚴的佛堂，訴出前因後果之過程，以勸化世間之修行人，好好做一位身擔天職之講師。吾於民國三十八年求道，為一白陽弟子，能求道乃是沾祖德及上天的開恩，才有此機會，更榮幸能跟隨前輩到處結善緣，點化兄弟姐妹。因家境貧困，自小即離鄉背井到外地謀生，因受引保師的引進結下佛緣來修道，十八歲隨點傳師到處講道，因當時人才非常少，尤其國標又是一位乾道，前賢更加的愛惜、栽培，使吾能在　老母蓮前，燒表文，擔了講師之責任，跟隨前輩到處開荒下種，絕無怨言。

辛苦了幾年，吾一時的糊塗，於二十七歲時，家中傳來雙親身體狀況不佳，寫信給吾，希望能於雙親最後一口氣之前，見到吾完成終身大事，父母才能安心離世，苦苦的要求，眼淚如同露水般滴不停，前人及點傳師至吾家中探望，雙親跪地要求前人及點傳師，既然要帶吾之兒子修道、辦道，又是身為白陽修士，道降火宅，成家後夫妻也可同修，希望前人及點傳師來成全，雙親兩位老人家跪在地要求前輩，前輩非常慈悲，不敢成全吾來清修，見到雙親如此的行動，前人及點傳師即來答應，找來一位壇主的女兒共結夫妻。誰知結婚後，尚未三個月，雙親竟然雙雙離世，吾非常痛心、感歎，為人子未盡孝道，未報答養育之恩，既然雙親已離世，前人及點傳師獻出愛心與慈懷，安慰我們夫婦，夫妻倆更加努力，吾也遵奉所立之願而行，因吾是家中兄弟裡排行最小的，吾未曾與兄弟爭財產，因吾是一位修道人，當時吾看得開，一切皆是命中注定，我不強求，勸妻兒要寬宏大量，莫要爭吵，財產給大哥也不要緊，我們可靠白手起家，相信為　上天辦道，渡化眾生，　上天定不會讓我們過貧苦的日子。

經過六年後，有了二個兒子，生活一日比一日清苦，吾之妻兒見別人能過好日子，夫妻能團圓，為何吾娶了她，讓妻兒受苦，跟我三餐吃不飽，日子過得一天不如一天，別人能穿漂亮的衣服，為何她粗衣粗布，三餐吃蘿蔔乾，一切已無法再忍受，而心生怨氣，怨歎吾沒出息，怨歎吾是一位不知上進的男子，一氣之下，拋下二個兒子，離家出走，留下兒子讓吾養育，前賢非常慈悲，再至吾家探望，叫吾要勇敢，一切皆是　上天在造就，吾心情很差，一時的糊塗，想到家裡變得如比，二個幼子尚須撫養教導，妻子已離家出走，一切要靠自己，深怕一些道親見到吾落魄成如此，而來誤會前輩。若要派吾講道理，吾皆一一來推辭，因無心情，凡情太重，使吾無法清心來領悟真理，來牽引兄弟姐妹，生活愈來愈失意，帶著二個兒子來離開前輩，地址也不讓前人及點傳師知道，苦心撫養二個兒子，前賢也非常慈憫，到處請道親來打聽吾的下落，但都無人尋到吾之住處，是吾自己離開道場，吾一心一意重新來做起，一切心思皆放在兒子身上，如此過了一生。

四十八歲時，因太過勞碌，身體不支，胃出血，一次出血太嚴重而來過世，　上天感念吾年輕時為道場，後半輩子，雖無造口過，但卻失天職，在　老母前立了一切的願力，欺騙　上天，所以在三關九口『靜靈關』裡來懺悔，如今三曹普渡，前輩很早即來提醒，是我自己沒福份，嫌棄自己，前賢苦心用盡，我沒來體會，想起年輕時努力於道場，為了報恩，一心一意想要清淨，前輩卻受雙親之要求，而來促成我們的婚姻，吾知道前輩是為了安撫雙親，一切一切皆是吾自己造成，待至三曹對案時，真功實煉的人能清淨回理天，　恩師帶吾來此地顯化，實在恭禧賢士能立清修大願，免受凡情的束縛，能體會大道普渡的目的，真正做個清清白白的修道士，自始至終來完成。更感恩於前人大德與點傳師之慈悲，能成全兄弟姐妹，立下清修大願，帶領後學前進，雖然受到考驗，但皆能忍下一切辛勞，只希望眾生能成佛祖，前輩之心志大懷，實令吾感動。

奉勸諸位講師要認理，一切因緣的造就，要拿出具智慧來牽導對方，莫要迷迷糊糊雙雙墜落，難得好機會，好好利用肉體來代天宣化，處處結善緣，成為一位真正的白陽天使，替　上天代傳福音，自頭至尾，始終如一，莫如我一般，因吾在世失天職，故在第二口（靜靈關）懺悔，今日藉機來勸勉兄弟姐妹，理天乃是淨土，引渡清清白白的修道士回天，不管你功德如何大，若自性不明，終究要拘於三關九口，而無法回理天。失了肉體，要修靈體很困難，望賢士謹慎自己的腳步、言行，前輩慈懷引渡你們上船，切莫自己退票。白陽慈航已靠岸，時機實有限，若自己來打斷前程，一切後果要自己承擔。要成就聖業，須要大家的努力，莫失慈悲之心懷，寬宏大量為首要，對兄弟姐妹如自己般，一視同仁，前輩更當有正確之目標與思想來牽導後學，而後學要時時體會前輩的苦心與辛勞，盡力配合，道務才能宏展，莫要自欺欺人，　上天不欺人，是人欺天，三關九口種種的磨煉是非常痛苦的，希望兄弟姐妺謹慎好好修行。謹此辭　母駕。退

51. 忍辱含和化嗔怨　清靜無為脫苦淵

三關九口化氣關

壇主：王秋琴 結緣語

感謝　上天慈憫開恩，賜吾們改過機會，追隨　恩師來到佛堂，訴說生前之一切過程。吾很早就於民國四十三年來求道，前輩辛苦離開大陸到台灣渡眾，開荒下種，我很榮幸遇上慈悲的老前人點化，年少得了天道，對道務很認真，前輩甚歡喜疼愛我，珍惜人才，苦心栽培成全，費盡心思，希望我真正成為一位道中之人才，夫妻倆更加對道務賣力，隨緣渡化，成全道親開設佛堂，吾也賣了金飾，換錢助道中之費用，待人熱忱，如一位在世佛祖，觀一切皆是平等，中年時，渡化眾生開設佛堂有二十三處，前賢很高興，甚至在道親面前誇讚我，說吾是道場難得的一位精進之好人才，為了配合道場，生活上極苦，夫妻倆忍受一切困難，道心很堅定。

兒子長大入學府求學，想考大學，只因家中沒錢，而對吾很埋怨，說一家本和樂、安裕，為了道務繁忙，一家落得生活貧困，兒子埋怨說他想求學都沒錢，夫妻倆無法體諒他，一怒之下離家出走，拋下吾夫妻二人，吾痛心，只好請求點傳師將功德費暫時借用半個月後，準時奉還，為了兒子之註冊費，點傳師說（功德費之事甚大，不敢來作主，不能私用，若是借於你卻無法按約定來還清，吾將如何處理，吾也是不得已，對於佛家之錢財的使用，更要謹慎，恕吾無法擅自作主，請包涵！）秋琴一時糊塗，誤會點傳師之不是，不能相助困難，不疼愛後學，後學遇上困難不理睬，嗔念一起掉頭轉回家中，對先生說：夫妻倆終生為道中作牛作馬奉獻一生，遇上難題，前輩者無法幫忙吾們，往後可以不辦道了，不用那麼辛苦。這一席話是氣話，是氣話，真是糊塗。

前輩者每日辛勞為道務東奔西忙，渡化眾生上岸，辛苦絕無怨言，夫妻倆一時疏忽怠慢，無法體會　上天之意，前輩認為吾夫妻是老道親，可以對道認清目標、方針，不用前賢來掩掩護護及提醒，秋琴念頭轉不過來，更加誤會點傳不諒解，還說吾渡人甚多，開佛堂多處，對於有錢之壇主比較好，吾夫妻倆是貧窮之壇主，不受前賢重視，心中生疑念，倒是內心不滿，雜欲升起，私底下說點傳師的種種不是，先生受到吾影響，不尊敬前賢，夫妻倆修為品行甚差，脾氣一日比一日還大，真是前功盡棄，一切所作所為終究誤了自己，誤會點傳對道親不公平，有分別心，對於有錢者比較重視，對吾倆沒錢不重視，魔念頻頻而升起，吾內心很難過，五十四歲得了肝病，一病不起，身心不健全，離開人世間，承蒙　上天開恩，留在三關九口（化氣關）裡面修煉。

今日榮幸隨　恩師到壇前顯化，乃是真正得放自由了，真誠訴說修道過程，奉勸兄弟姐妺知曉，修道人時刻更要體會前人，點傳師之苦心，作一位壇主要真正了解開設佛堂之真義，成全道親開設寶筏，要認清方針，絕不能誤會前輩者，因前賢實在很辛苦，一人應付眾人，怎能周全照顧每一位道親之安危，若是真正作一位壇主，更要愛心奉獻，牽引眾生。學道之人要虛心求教，不要往外看，學佛祖自性光明，仁慈本懷，應拋棄一切私慾惡習，清清淨淨回到理天，又感歎，就是歸空那一日，吾心中不平衡，所以無法升上無極殿，留在（化氣關）修煉，　上天慈悲，一一洩盡天機，警惕世人，甚盼世人銘記在心，引為借鏡，真心修為步入淨土，叩拜　天恩師德。

52. 齋戒不清誤自己　三關九口煉心地

民國七十六年歲次丁卯四月　三關九口煉心池

壇主：曹明煌　結緣語

修道戒律莫忘記，譭謗大道倒自己

承蒙天恩看得起，今日才能顯佛地

吾曹明煌，先叩皇母，再叩謝　恩師慈憫、再叩謝院長大人、再叩謝　天命一拜。修道善惡守戒律，你們若想報天地，你們若想超脫返理，你們當要把志立，莫要像我掛著虛名，違背天意，吾三十五歲跟著太太求道，三十八歲設立佛堂，夫婦兩人十分誠心，但是吾是做粗工，在外吃素不方便，吾常在　老母蓮前說：「明煌今日做粗工，在家吃素，在外吃葷，　老母您可別介意」。吾都常常這樣原諒自己，前賢問我有沒有吃清，我說：「有，在家都吃素」。但是我沒有說在外吃葷，自己原諒自己，不遵佛規、不守戒律、欺騙自己。

因吾做工，我若吃素怕他們會取笑我，所以我跟他們一起吃，只是不吃肉，但喝的是豬肉湯，太太她都為我難過，她說：明煌啊！你我是同一天立清口，你這樣子，能夠回天嗎？我說：可以啊！我到老的時候再補回來啊！現在吾做工，家裡經濟又不好，做工需要體力，這樣　上天是不會介意的。如此常常原諒自己，誰知道，一切功過　上天記，在吾六十五歲時，得到中風無法站立，那時候我心裡難過，我說：我尚未七十歲，等吾七十歲再吃清一點。誰知我才六十五歲就得了中風，一病不起而魂歸地府去。

還好　上天慈憫，地府沒有吾名字，再把吾提到三關九口對案，三寶吾一一記全，求道引保吾皆知曉，三關一關一關考，三關九口裡，因吾在世齋戒不清，差一點被關入天牢裡，　上天憐吾老實人，不是有意吃葷，但是常常欺騙自己，雖沒有大口吃肉，但吃方便菜，二十年來在外做工皆吃方便菜，在家即吃素，每天兩餐吃素，一餐吃葷，可是這　上天都明記，吾以為這樣沒關係，去到佛堂上課，仙佛借竅臨壇亦沒有說我，吾就以為這是可以的，　上天早已提醒我，但我不知，想仙佛他又沒親口告訴我，這樣可能沒關係吧！太太一再成全我、提醒我，我就告訴她說：沒有體力怎麼工作，誰賺錢養活你，你要想，我今天能讓你在家那麼方便辦道就不錯了。

吾掛著壇主之名譽，前賢調吾回去開會，一問三不知，坐著就打磕睡，人家說看吾老實，大概都沒意見。回到家裡，太太問吾今天壇主會開些什麼，吾皆說不知道，吾藐視前賢，吾說：『哎呀！都是些小孩子，他們能辦什麼，我還是睡我的大頭覺』。我藐視他們，自己不進步、不進展，吃葷、藐視前賢，由於這兩條罪，差點被關入地牢，幸好　上天慈憫，在吾歸空那年，因有些積蓄，太太以二十萬幫吾做功德，二十萬拿去印善書回向給我，補我的罪過，所以　上天慈憫把吾關在修煉所修煉，修吾心性去濁留清。另一關即是吾不敬前賢，不守佛規。下班回到佛堂，剛好要燒香，太太叫吾拜拜，吾說：太麻煩、工作累，肚子餓了先吃為快。吾不知功過皆記明全，回到三關九口一一查對，方知吾都錯了，誤了機緣，耽誤天事。

但吾有一點好處，只要吾做得到，吾能夠施捨。太太行功吾都不計較，就是吾齋戒不清，藐視有賢有德之人，不遵佛規，這三條罪足以讓吾受夠。

吾被關在修煉所修煉，今日蒙　上天慈憫，　濟公活佛恩師慈悲，引吾至壇來，吾已一一詳說，叩求兄弟姐妹要把此訓傳出去，要讓修道的兄弟姐妺瞭解，不要讓做粗工的人，以為吃素沒有營養，以為原諒自己　上天就不介意了，上天不講人情只論功德，唯有德才臨輔助，吾今講的甚詳細，望諸兄弟姐妺們瞭解。吾再叩謝　皇母恩典、叩謝恩師慈憫、叩謝院長師兄慈悲、叩謝點傳，吾退一旁。

53. 紫陽關

白陽修士的警惕

14、收了佛堂罪難容　紫陽關口煉性圓

民國七十六年　農曆四月

紫陽關

壇主：洪彩麗　結緣語

叩謝點傳開金口，我洪彩麗，六十二歲歸空。吾有領了講員、講師命，十二歲求道，三十二歲開設佛堂，三十七歲領講員命，四十歲領講師，六十二歲歸空。家裡開設佛堂已九年，記得四十七歲時，跟著前賢出去辦道，騎機車被大卡車撞到，撞的好淒慘，點傳師只受輕傷。我洪彩麗臉上留下大疤痕，手腳有所缺欠，在醫院整整養一年多，可是臉無法像以往一樣，而留下大疤痕，走起路來又不方便，心想為什麼我那麼誠心，為老天爺辦道，東奔西跑而變成這樣，臉上留下大疤痕，因此我失蹤不敢講道理，前賢再怎麼勸，我都迴避，因為手腳不方便，我不敢面對大眾，前賢非常著急，怕會考倒一位人才，到處問、到處打聽。

有一次開班，　南海古佛慈悲臨壇，點傳師即求　南海古佛慈悲，問我洪彩麗之因果，問我為何會變成此樣。　南海古佛慈悲說：此乃是兩世為美國人，到處欺負人，殺了不少人，在三期末會還能有幸轉為人身，生逢在寶島，又求得此先天大道，一來清算年，六萬多年來，此生今世而修，能消累世冤。　上天慈憫在這時發生大車禍，把我三世冤債一筆勾銷，毀了我的臉，取了我的手腳，我殘廢撞斷一腳，也不敢到處走動，再也不敢去講道理，從此以後喪失己見，背了我的宏誓大願，每天守在家裡，只顧凡情照顧小孩子，先生看我這樣，也非常難過，為何家裡有佛堂，又到處講道理去，為何變成此樣，對　上天、對天道，失掉以往之虔誠，而變成灰心，我也受到先生感染，道親們我也不敢面對他，久而久之，佛堂變成很久才打掃一次，也很少在打掃，很久才辦道一次。

點傳師到我家來，我先生一氣之下，他說：她不要再拜了，她不要安設佛堂，你收回去吧！，點傳師一而再，再而三的勸勉，我先生總是不採納，因為我行動不方便，亦又這麼自卑，任由我先生作為，點傳怕考倒我先生，我先生個性剛烈，脾氣又暴躁，勸也勸不聽，只好把佛堂收了起來，勞動　老母在那邊安座，勞動諸天仙佛、勞動大師兄院長大人常常監班，枉費我老早就求道，到處辦道救渡於人，今日毀於一旦，當我六十二歲歸空，雖然清口茹素還守住，收了佛堂罪難容。　恩師慈悲引我到九陽關，紫陽關關口，好好修煉，把我凡心去除，再引入修煉所，誠心修煉好幾年，磨出我的慈悲心。再把佛堂收去大罪，好好懺悔。

叩求點傳師慈憫，叩求　恩師慈悲，早日讓我出來打幫助道，我知道一切都錯了。這一切都太晚了，我要奉勸講師壇主們！　上天幫我們撥轉後，消我們累世冤債，我們要感謝　天恩師德，雖然讓我們缺了手腳，或者在臉上留下大疤痕，不要怨天尤人，更要誠心報答　天恩，更要出來再行功立德，以提起信心，再邁向光明大道。勿要像我洪彩麗一樣，受到這場車禍，再也不敢出來，點傳師慈悲讓我開口，我已把事實真相講出來，叩謝大師兄慈憫，我得暫退一旁，叩謝　老母慈悲。

54. 心念不正外魔侵　一失人身再得難

民國七十六年歲次丁卯四月

南天門修煉士：黃發成結緣語

我叫黃發成，乃是河北天津人，歸空才十年，在世代天宣化已有九年，我喜歡靜坐，每天早晚一定靜坐兩小時，我雖然喜歡靜坐，可是無名火一起，功德林全部燒燬。我亦受不了種種誘惑，雖學道已久，但未真心修煉，人家靜坐是調養身心，我想借此看看是否能出竅，結果因自己心念不正，及上天種種考驗，擾來外魔侵佔我身，令我後悔不已。

在某一日靜坐時，我的靈魂出竅，最可悲可歎的是我的肉體被遊魂侵佔，靈魂再也回不了我的肉體，　上天有所啟示，叫我收斂己顏，一定要覺悟，只怪我平常不修煉己身，寶貴的身體讓外魔侵佔，使我變成遊魂，　上天看我可憐，讓我來警醒世人。

外魔侵佔，誰認得我黃發成，整個人都變成不一樣，講話也變了，要進入肉體，進也進不了，外魔也不肯退，若不是承蒙小師兄慈悲，引我進南天門修煉，真不知魂歸何處，我的肉體雖被侵佔，但靈魂卻不生不滅，奉勸諸位賢士，勿要貪靈魂出竅，出竅了肉體被人侵佔，後悔就來不及了，要不是沾到　天恩師德，　恩師大慈大悲，引我來啟化世人，尤其是喜歡靜坐，心念不正想出竅的人，試問你出竅又有何用，無功無德，理天亦是回不了，勿要心念不正，肉體被侵佔後悔就來不及了，徒讓外魔侵佔，把我們肉體搞壞了，一切由他作主，甚至投江自盡或自尋短路，太可憐又可悲、可歎啊！

一切都怪我，怪我太好奇，怪我心念不正，靜坐應是調養心性，而不是誇耀或示現神通，吾靜坐一年，承蒙　上天慈悲，真的出竅了，但也夠受了，不但無法回到肉體，變成了遊魂，亦回不了天。

諸位前賢，勿要好奇害了目己，靜觀自得，好向自心修持吧！一切當要三思而行，想想自己罪過錯，何用靜坐求出竅，叩謝　恩師大恩大德，叩謝點傳慈悲，我黃發成時間有限，我在修煉所，定會好好修煉，承受　上天的考驗，叩謝點傳慈悲，我先暫退一旁。

55. 一念嗔心燒功德　半途而廢前功棄

民國七十七年　歲次戊辰農曆十月十二日

地府聽經所懺悔室　點傳師：蕭振成結緣語

參叩在場諸點傳師，再於問候諸位賢士，感謝前人大德慈悲，共助三曹神聖天職。我乃是地府懺悔室：蕭振成，乃湖南省桂陽縣人氏，叩謝　恩師慈憫，再叩謝將軍大人慈憐來引進壇，與眾位賢士共結善緣，內心深感惶恐。

我本是清修學道人，二十七歲時承蒙前輩開導、共辦天事，渡原人上岸，而蒙前輩慈悲提拔，承領天命點傳之聖職。從此我帶著此聖聲遨遊四海，尋找有緣人，幫助　恩師，辦理普渡收圓之大事。當時後學眾多，常隨於吾之左右，剛開始吾皆能以愛心、耐心來開導後學，誰知道務一宏展起來，人事也漸趨繁雜，以致無法事事達臻圓滿，而受到前輩的責怪：為何自身不立好標桿？為何後學無法帶動起來共辦聖事，耽誤後學行功了願之機？我因一時想不開而氣不平、意不順，甚至責怪前人的恩德。前人說我是狂傲不尊師重道、不守佛規，而且還在大庭廣眾之前，甚至後學面前數落我之過錯，以致使我覺得臉上無光彩，回到家中，左右來思索：難道我這麼辛苦的奉獻在道場上，捨了錢財、捨了雙親，甚至把此色身獻給道場，難道我之犧牲，前輩全然無法瞭解嗎？就因當時氣不平，引來外魔之牽纏而智慧無法開悟，因此氣憤在心，不想再待在道場，從此一落千丈，與一般的世俗人毫無兩樣，甚至背願成家立業去，從此不再回到道場來了願。

日子虛渡至民國三十七年，　恩師曾現身於夢中慈悲來指示，要吾一切重新再來，好好的改過向善，　上天是不殺悔過之人的，何況上天　皇母總是愛東土的眾兒女的。但我傲氣依舊不知改，而難低心懺悔表上天，所以不想再回到道場來行功贖罪，因此就在民國三十八年，也就是我五十三歲時即被調回天。

當我靈性脫離肉體時，心想　恩師定會來帶我回天的，誰知我眼前一片的黑暗，左等右等等不到　恩師的到來，卻被黑白無常兩將軍帶到地府，雙膝跪在閻君面前，至此我才知錯，但一切皆已晚矣，我已無肉體了，就是想行功了願也沒有機會了，我愧對　天恩師德，我無顏見　皇母！我淚眼泣跪於閻君面前懺悔，求　古佛赦罪。　地藏古佛說我毀壞天道的名譽，個人的心性又不修好，如此豈能成道來回天，此罪難赦免，一切由　上天做主安排！因此將吾關進聽經所懺悔室，等收圓日期一到，要打為殘靈啊...！我內心深感對不起　上天之恩澤，我雖無顏再面　皇母，可是求前人慈悲，我還是想回天，我不願被打成殘靈，我不願被打成殘靈！求前人慈悲將吾命來救起，求　恩師慈悲赦免我。

回天已是不可能了，只求能進入聽經所修煉，再於暗中來打幫助道，我就心滿意足了。（前人慈悲：那我們　恩師如何說？）　恩師說此願乃是你自己立，此罪亦是你自己造，因因果果難了斷，一切皆走順天理、佛規皆俱全，　恩師難做主，要我在懺悔室內真心來懺悔、等待，一切就由　上天慈悲做安排。在世氣難平，難開啟良才，如今頭難抬，害我淚滿襟，苦苦哀求來批排。只要能救我離地府，不被打成殘靈者我皆願意；只要能報答　天恩師德，再苦我都能承受。

我們　恩師所擔負之任，乃是普渡三曹之原人，在世求道死後，歸於地府受刑的修道者亦多；那是因在世間修持時，卻難把聖境來邁，因而造下了無邊的罪愆。千言萬語亦難把內心語來訴全，只求前人慈悲、只求　恩師慈悲，能夠讓地府眾兄弟姐妺，皆能有機緣出來暗中打幫助道，能在此末後時期裡建立一點點的功德，以報答　天恩師德，叩求　上天慈憫來赦免，莫要無情而打成殘靈。望賢士能把口來修，能把德性來培，莫要有輕生之心；修道人之行徑絕難逃過天眼！天眼明鑒，勿要說仙佛看不到，勿要以為人眼看不到就不存在，一切但憑以良心對　上天，千萬莫要像當初的我，只怪罪前人未將愛心來關懷，後學未能體會前賢的苦心；大家要立好自己的標桿，修好自已的風範，身為前賢者亦當要勇敢為先鋒，莫要遇事起怨言。今日賢士有心辦三曹，地府裡的祖先與善魂，所盼求的只是希望能重見光明，所以希望在場諸位賢士，皆能好好的追隨前人辦道、修道。

在場的兄弟姐妹是否會覺得奇怪，為何我身擔天命，而且知過犯過，卻沒有被打入地府陰山去？此乃因　恩師慈悲，念吾在二十七歲時即身擔天命，直到五十三歲這段期間裡，能非常盡心的代天宣化、渡化原人，　上天寬容，方有今日到懺悔室，以致有此機緣前來訴說，關於此事望賢士能明瞭，勿要把己願立來看輕，而該時時刻刻觀自我，也唯有真心實煉方能感召　上天於暗中幫助，便道務宏展，還請各位前賢多保重身體。（前人慈悲：到時候你要記得和　恩師入壇來求道。）感謝前人慈悲，我若是這樣求道回天，那我以前的功過一律取消，須另作新民，一切重新來學習。感謝前人慈悲，感謝點傳師，及在場的諸位賢士，吾今就此辭叩　皇母（退）

56. 真道真修有真考　違師背命改初衷

中華民國八十三年　歲次甲戌十月廿二日

冰河獄　點傳師：謝彬和結緣語

參拜　皇母、參叩　活佛濟公、參拜前人、參叩各位天命點傳師，我生前也是一位天命點傳師，如今我卻身在天獄，十分慚愧，羞愧難當！打擾賢士的時間，無奈我身為前賢，卻因誤導後學，所以回天被拘入天獄受煉。吾之一生說來話長，請賢士大德端坐。

我姓謝名叫彬和，來自天獄中的冰河獄。冰河獄乃是一個極冷之境，當自己的罪過錯累積至一程度，便要到此獄受煉。我因生前未守好願力、沒有了願，使許多後學之玄祖及道親們，因我誤導而墜落，因此而入此獄受煉。在受煉時，因為罪過錯而壓在冰山之下、泡在冰河當中，冰冷刺骨，若懺悔得以消罪過錯，則可回復原來之境，出天獄。功歸功、過歸過，但因我的罪是比較重，乃因怠職數十年之故。

我本是清末民初人，家住福建省，本來環境就很富裕，父母頗重視教養，從小耳濡目染，我便胸懷志向。雖然沒有參加革命，但是卻也順利地改朝換代，所學之學識乃中西合併。十八歲便在天津求學，後來便順利地求道。我是個善良之人，求道以後十分認真研習道理。二十二歲便開始吃素，而且也渡了很多的同學及親朋好友。二十六歲我就已經是個講師了，我參加爐會，且也認真的立願、了願。在爐會當中，我也吃了不少的苦，賢士們現今的環境此我們好多了。我是一片赤忱，我的家人逼我成親，我反對，也不去面對這個問題，而在外逃避多年，跟隨前賢辦道。我經歷過第二次的世界大戰（也就是中日戰爭），我們在槍林彈雨中渡化眾生，雖然苦，但是收穫很大。剛剛勝利不久，又是內戰的開始，所以百姓處於顛沛流離當中，告訴大家（浩劫來了！）他們都很相信，所以那時辦道也順利。後來　師尊歸隱，　師母承繼天命，我也一樣很熱心，從來沒有退道。

怎奈何我的考驗就來了，原來有些前賢被　師母派到各地開荒，我當時已經是點傳師了，可是我沒有開荒這個天命，在大陸初淪陷時，有很多前賢、道長、點傳，為了頂劫救世，被共產黨殺害了；而我當時透過朋友的關係，弄到了船票，逃亡美西舊金山，我逃去，丟下道親不管，我想：留得青山在，不怕沒柴燒。當時我並沒有受　師母的天命去開荒，所以自己的心態也是半明半暗。有的前輩到美國開荒，他們也吃了很多苦，可是我吃不了太多的苦啊！

我在美國各大城市開荒，都沒有成功，反而當初幫我逃走的道親，一個個離我而去。原先所渡的道親，有的還改信了佛教及耶穌，已經到教堂、教會去活動了，根本沒有人聽我的。我不知曉自己錯在那裡？原先我走到那裡，家裡都有設佛堂。因為這是我個人的考驗，　上天要考我的真心，我不知曉啊！我經歷了八年的奮鬥，道心終於被消磨掉了，我說不能不顧自己的三餐，所以就為了做生意方便，我把佛堂收起來，人家問我為何吃素？我都說我拜佛、信佛，所以吃素。我空有天命點傳師的天職，卻沒有好好了願。因為自己的懵懂無知、孤立無依，讓我所渡的後學，全部都走錯路了，都誤入歧途。他們跟我在一起，都是談俗事、或者談生意經，我生意也做得很大。但是我沒有結婚，我便到孤兒院領養子女，一共有三個：二女一男，讓他們承歡膝下，我七十二歲得癌症而死，十分淒慘啊！死後茫茫渺渺，被拘入天獄受煉，我愧對　皇母、愧對　師尊、　師母老大人、愧對我的後學之九玄七祖，他們都會怨我！我也恨自己當初沒有留在大陸，跟後學們同生共死、同甘共苦。我不該自己跑掉，不應該沒有師命而行動，我也不該遇到挫折而改變心志，而讓自己退了道心。如今我後悔已太遲了！我在天獄中　老母慈悲，念我並無做惡，但是立願卻沒有了願，我有頂劫救世之願，身為一個前賢，實不可以貪生怕死；身為一個天命點傳師，是不可以不死守善道。現今有各組各線之點傳，處境似我者有許多，很多人領了　老母的天命，卻沒有了願。而為了三餐家計、為了組線問題，寧願窩在家裡不辦道、也不了願，將來就會像我一樣。我內德雖有，但是外功不足、理念不真。我沒有譭謗他人、也沒有造口業、我守口如瓶，但是卻匿道不現。如今幾十年來，我深深受良心的譴責，歸空以前，我就害怕面對　皇母。歸空以後，我更無顏見　上帝。

今日是　活佛濟公恩師慈悲，要大家知道天命不是兒戲。如今三曹普渡應運，大家要做天命的跑腿、三曹的奴隸，沒有如此簡單，一定要心口如一配合。在生之時，也許因自己是個點傳師而沾沾自喜，但是三寸氣不來，死後靈性又歸何處？賢士們立願要了願，現今有太多點傳跟我一樣走錯路，希望我能藉此，勸醒大家，莫要你爭我奪，莫要跟我一樣，一定要聽師調遣。當初我沒有受天命去開荒，我還自己硬闖，闖不出名堂來，反而自取滅亡。天命金口一句話，彌足珍貴！你們一定要記得，不是你領了點傳命，你就可以想做什麼就做什麼！道場的佛規是要承上啟下。

當初我們在大陸辦道，也是聽師調遣一句話。若無師命，寸步難行啊！若違師命，也是逆天而行。賢士大德謹記在心，你們要做三曹的先鋒，這些不可不知道，還有很多點傳師，因為做事業而跟著紅陽走，歸空以後，不知要去那裡報到？天道是尊貴的，莫要因人的不圓滿而譭謗了名聲。我雖有機會顯化，但是時間亦不多，在此呼籲天道弟子，應該要團結一心，不要分高低，不要分你我。有了對待，就不是公心。說了這麼多，還請點傳師幫我多講解，希望賢士替我闡述心聲，或可贖我之罪，我很慚愧無臉見你們！你們還有許多來日要走，方針確實掌握。於此我要辭叩　皇母駕，辭叩諸天仙佛、辭叩前人，還有各位點傳師及各位賢士們，你們一定要記得我所說的一切，以免重蹈覆轍，那我走了。

57. 仙佛警惕耳邊風　立願不了罪自承

民國七十七年　國歷四月一日

冷冰地獄　講師：江秀霞結緣語

吾知道吾錯了！吾知道吾錯了！　皇母赦罪，　皇母救命，　皇母賜恩典啊！我是江秀霞，我先來參叩　皇母，再感謝　恩師慈憫、　地藏古佛賜恩典，也感謝前人恩德開金言、感謝諸位點傳，再叩於眾位前賢們。我實在無臉見大家，我因一時動了（貪念），貪圖享受，而背棄了清修大願，我無臉、我無臉見大家！

我住台南，姓江名秀霞，我的前輩姓陳，陳前輩。在我二十七歲那年，我立了清修大願，追隨前輩跟前跟後聖事辦；二十九歲之時我即來背大願。因與我同時追隨點傳身邊的前賢，個個皆被提拔為點傳，但是秀霞自認才華不輸人，且辦事能力強，能文能武又能下廚，難提拔當點傳，受人來取笑、侮辱，故於講課之時失了信心。我心乃起了疑問：難道是我的真心不夠嗎？以他人之能力即可當點傳，為何我之能力比他強，卻來落榜，以我之道齡與修持，竟然無法讓前賢、點傳看上眼，因此心理無法平衡。

我本天天跑道場的，可是在我搖晃之時，一個月才接三次班，且又遇到以前的舊友同事時常來相邀，起初尚守清修之願立，不敢來動念頭，但久而久之，即被凡塵所迷了。又聞聽　師母大人回天交旨去，清修大願已不算；又眼見當時多少的夫妻同修同辦，互相左右追隨不孤單，既有情又有義，不但可以修道，又可享受天倫之樂。因此在我失意之時，眼見此情景，又常想：仙佛常說起，白陽修道士，可以夫婦來同修，亦能半聖又半凡。秀霞因一時的迷昧，忘了自己已是對天立了清修之大願，而來動了凡念，因此認識了一位工程師，他之人才體表乃屬上品，而且與我又能彼此談心、互相稱知己，因而我即與他同進又同出。起初吾尚不敢越軌，只是慢慢脫離了道場，漸漸他對我有了感情，我對他亦是有了愛情的存在，我越是離不開他，因此就慢慢的、偷偷的背棄了我的清修大願，而將自心的感情與時間全部投注於他，且兩人租屋而居，不敢公開讓人知悉，總是偷偷摸摸的一起進出，而把此事隱瞞了前輩。如此事隔三年之後，我懷了一小孩，彼此一直以同居之身份相處，不敢結婚，因我怕被別人取笑我背願。但是我不能不與他結婚，因為我愛他；何況他是一位工程師，人品好，家境好，對我又是百般的憐惜，當時我就是貪了他能讓我吃、住、自由的揮霍與享受，三年後，在我欲生產之時，亦即三十二歲時，因血崩而亡。

背願之後，我常存幼稚無知之想法，等我歸空之後，我即使不能見　皇母，亦還能關在天牢裡好好的修煉，因為我還吃素。誰知我不但沒有回去，而且還是黑白無常，用鐵鏈強把我拉至地府的。天啊！我好冤枉、好冤枉啊！我雖是背了清修大願，但是我還仍然在吃素，　老師您怎麼沒有來帶我？冤枉啊！我吃素吃了一、二十年了，怎還會落在閻君的手中？閻君將我押至孽鏡台前來對照，說我背了清修大願、欺騙前輩、藐視天命、不知自愛自身。至此我才明白，我所犯的罪難赦啊！我曾苦苦的哀求　恩師，讓我有一次自新的機會。可是恩師說：仙佛在以前就已曾於暗中來警惕你，你卻把它當做耳邊風，幾次的叮嚀你自不曉，怨得了何人啊？我今被關在冷冰地獄裡，無衣物可遮寒，整天裡所受的就是冷風不斷的吹襲，還有地上的冰，凍得我全身片刻難耐，地上直打滾。啊！我好痛苦！好痛苦！又羞澀。我知道我錯了，我知道我錯了！我不敢了，　老師救救我，　老師救救我，我一定會真心懺悔的，求　老師救救我。

後來　恩師在前二日，帶了一位三才來到冷冰地獄時，她對我說我有一個可以了願的機會，她願意將此肉體暫借我出來顯化，述說因由，使我有此機緣出來勸於諸位賢士，絕對不要像我秀霞一般的傻，修道沒智慧，聽信他人的謠言，真以為　師母大人一歸空，天命就已回收，而來背了大願。我錯了，我錯了！賢士們，修道乃是自任自身，大道雖由領天命之　師尊、師母兩位老人家來普傳，但是修持卻是在個人；何況我們所立的願乃是對　上天、對自己的良心，而非立給　師尊、師母、前人、點傳師看的，若是持有此種心態者，秀霞勸各位賢士，理路一定要認清、認明，否則到時與秀霞一樣，他人的一句妄語，就背了清修大願，如此陰山定有你一份啊！

自我背願之後，也未曾感到那裡不舒服，我還很無知的認為，那是因為我尚有清口，並無開齋破戒，而且還盡力的在修持自己，只是不敢出來講課了願。每當前賢要我出來了願時，我總是編理由來拒絕，甚至隱瞞前輩，說是自己的身體不舒服，就這樣隱瞞了三年。之後，就在我要生產時，　上天才讓我感到不舒服，可是為時已太晚了，一場的血崩，而被地府的黑白無常強拉至地府去受審、受刑。至此時，我才知道，我雖清口，但我背了大願，　上天仍是不容；儘管我再懺悔、再求　恩師都沒有用了，因為我已無肉身可以行功了願，可以彌補前愆的機會了，我好傻！我好傻！我為何要貪圖享受？我為何這麼沒智能！.....

我求前人慈憫，可憐、可憐我啊！我再也不敢了，我給您叩首、我給您叩首，求您給我一點點的生機，即使是四生六道我也願意，只要能讓我離開冷冰地府就好了，前人慈憫，救救我啊！那裡好苦、好苦！目視眼前的諸位前賢，與我同樣皆是立了大願，望你們自己二六時中，時時謹慎小心自己的心念，莫要亂動心念，而招來了因緣的牽纏；各位前賢，要知道無形的厲害，只要我們心念一不正、一浮動，諸魔即來助，好可怕！當時我也不知道會如此，如今我知道了，一切卻都太晚了。求前人慈憫、　恩師慈憐，讓我有一線生機可以出來投胎轉世，即使是在四生六道我也願意，我不要在那裡！我不要在冷冰地獄啦！...我在那裡已有兩年了，可是我失了人身超生難啊！

我知道我錯了！當時我心想　上天一定不會知道的，即使知道了，我也尚在吃素，並未開齋破戒：雖屢蒙仙佛的暗示，但亦只是點到為止，並無直接講我，所以我還是再迷下去。我不要在那裡，我不要在冷冰地獄！...。我願意回天牢去懺悔。千叩萬叩前人您的大德，秀霞會銘記在心，回天牢會好好的懺悔、修煉。叩謝前人慈憫替我求情，再叩謝　恩師慈悲，　皇母慈憫，讓秀霞有回天牢，再自新的機會。（退竅）

58. 修道修心明自性　心齋不淨難回天

白陽修士的警惕

19、修道修心明自性　心齋不淨難回天

民國七十七年

地府　道親　甄碧秋結緣語

我好苦！我好苦！請天命點傳救救我...，我是甄碧秋，上海人。今天是承蒙　地藏古佛慈悲，讓我入壇來的，叩求天命點傳慈悲，救我回天去，我不要在這裡，這裡好苦哦！

我是二十九歲時才求道進入道場，因剛入道場，什麼都不懂，佛規禮節又未學習，且又目不識丁，但蒙前賢慈悲一一教導，才漸漸參加種種的研究班來學習。後來等我明理之後，甚至將自己所有的積蓄全部奉獻給道場，又承蒙　仙佛慈悲點醒而立下清口願。可是我不像講師一樣能夠上台講課、代天宣化，因此，只好在廚房裡工作，每天在那裡忙個不停，尤其是遇到法會之時，更是忙得團團轉、汗水直流，然而卻無前賢肯來幫忙，而這些辛勞，往往只換來一兩句的：碧秋，辛苦了！難道碧秋做得這麼辛苦，就只有這兩句話（辛苦了！）就能代替嗎？啊！太不公平了！廚房的工作本就不好做，個人口味不同，食量亦不一定，如何能煮到皆大歡喜，吃得個個高興，很難！

因此每當我把飯煮太多或不夠吃時，皆要被前賢責備，致使我心生不平，開始怨天尤人，甚至發脾氣。心裡只是一味的責怪前賢的不公、不慈悲，完全沒有反省自已的過失，亦未能體會前賢講課的辛勞，與各人所擔職責之不同，也忘了修道乃在修心，只是很想行功立德，處處去結善緣，可是前賢卻送碧秋一句：你不懂，你什麼都不懂，去那裡做什麼？各位賢士你們想想看，對一個有心要開荒、行功立德的後學講這種話，豈不傷透她的心了。在道場上的修持，並非每個人的境界都是那麼高，尤其我還是新道親，真理尚未十分的明，被前賢當面這麼一講，足以讓我退出道場的，更何況我目不識丁，道齡又淺，處處還待前賢的提攜，大家怎可有此種分別心呢？我和大家同樣都是 皇母靈！為何要分彼此？

前賢講師在講課時，常說修道人要與一般的世俗人不同，不可有分別心、有計較心，大家要淡泊名利、公心一片！然而為何今日的道場，卻也變成與社會一樣，事事靠看人際關係來對待，這樣太不公平了！為何前賢對於較有名望的人，就事事百依百順的，甚至把他捧得高高的，而對我這一個鄉下的婦道人家，卻是丟在一旁，似乎以這種態度來對我，已經是我的福氣了！因此我忍無可忍，一忍再忍的忍到四十幾歲，我終於再也忍不住了，從此離開了道場。

離開道場之後，從未見過有前賢來找我。而自己也因前賢的冷漠，更是把自己與道場畫出一條界限來，從此不研究道理，而且還違背了（清口願）。因為我深覺道場比社會還現實。可是，現在我後悔當初會有這種想法，我沒想到這是　上天慈悲，借人借事來歷煉我、造就我，讓我心境提升的好機緣，否則我若是以此種不平的心，去開荒去成全人的話，受害者將更多，而且還會耽誤到天事！這些在當時我都沒想到，只是怨天尤人，為何我如此的辛苦付出，卻得不到適當的回報，而且還受到眾兄弟姐妹的冷言冷語，他們雖是口出無心之言，可是刺傷的卻是一位有心修道、行功立德的後學，此過誰擔？

從此我再也不渡人了，而且開始譭謗天道，阻擋人家去求道、去聽道理，更叫人家不要行功了願，尤其是要拿錢去幫助開荒的，我更是阻擋。我就這樣不但造口過，而且還謗道的情形下，在我生第四胎時，我的身體開始起了變化，但我不知那就是　上天給我的啟示：要我守口德，今日雖離開道場，離開前賢，可是口德還是要修，隨時還是要注意自己的言行舉止，否則福盡禍到時，唯恐連　上天也救不了你。這些我都沒有體悟到，依舊還是我行我素，到最後導致自己神智不清，一直到四十七歲時被無常帶至地獄，我才清醒過來，可是一切都太晚了！

既已得受自古不輕傳的大道，就該好好的懺悔前愆，感謝　天恩師德來好好的修持。然而我沒有，我忘了（道在師傳修在己），自己不知修，還要怪罪別人，甚至開齋破戒、譭謗天道，天啊！我碧秋犯了多大的罪！...我不知當我心起不平時，我累世的冤欠與魔王、魔子、魔孫，他們早已在兩旁排班迎接我，走向罪惡的邊緣了。我真的不知道他們會『順水推舟』。啊！天命點傳慈悲，碧秋錯了，碧秋不該得寶不知惜寶，而且還辜負　上天給我這個肉體好來修持，我不但沒有把原靈來救，甚至還阻擋人家去求道、修道，我知錯了！

感謝　恩師慈悲，帶吾進壇來。再感謝天命點傳慈悲，讓吾有此機緣，在此顯化，訴說因緣。碧秋有一事：叩求天命點傳慈悲成全：在道場上修持，雖每個人皆有心來修，但因各人累世所結之因緣不同，因此各人的機緣與所擔負之職責亦不同，我們大家都是　皇母靈，都是一師之徒，應該要互相牽引。上下一心，彼此關照提攜，尤其是對老人家，更要付與關懷，千萬勿以為老人家，年紀大，辦不了什麼事。要知道有一天，你也會老的。大家將心比心的細思量一番啊！還有身為前賢的，對後學要付出關懷，他們若是心有所不平時，就要多方開導體恤，切莫再以冷漠態度待之，他們若因此背了道，離開道場，請問此過你承擔得起嗎？

碧秋今已無肉身，感歎後悔已遲，如今天道垂世，暗釣賢良之時，望諸位賢士能好好的正修持，好好的守住自己的願立，最起碼也要守住十條大願，千萬莫學碧秋立了清口願，卻來開齋破戒，而且還譭謗天道，立下如此的大願，不但口未清，連心齋也沒守好，以致魂被黑白無常，帶至地獄受刑，這裡好苦好苦！我不要在這裡，希望你們也不要來此報到。

願！乃是己心所立，一切行止皆在己，修道最好把德積，最好把精神來提，因忠良孝子皆是出於寒門，英雄不論出身低，只要有堅定的信心與意志，定能浩然常存，聖德無疆，傳為美譽。我時間已到， 恩師催我回去交旨了，就此辭退。

59. 三才背願苦自受　立願不了鄉難還

白陽修士的警惕

20、三才背願苦自受　立願不了鄉難還

民國七十六年

農曆十一月初六日

七殿罪魂　三才

李明顏顯化語

我遙叩前人，參叩天命點傳。我不該來打擾，但為警惕世人，勿再步我後塵啊！我是天津修行人，名叫李明顏，是三才之一，我背願謗道，誣辱天命，且我又娶二妻。在我尚未歸陰之時，我的原靈即被禁住，亦即在我四十六歲那年。

因我本是理天一童子，立願下凡來辦事，三才天命擔，願助三曹大普渡，誰知　師尊歸空後，我謗道，說天命與三才都是假，然後娶了二妻，且無所不為，認為一切皆是假，唯有享受才是真，認為若不趁有肉體之時，好好享受一番，欲待何時？因此我不聽也不信前賢之勸告，依然我行我素。

我本乃是領願之三才（師尊在世時，三才乃為乾道），當我背願時，我感覺頭腦很混沌，也感到全身猶如殭屍一般。可是我不信邪，反而更變本加厲，又再娶了一妻，共有二妻。當時道盤很亂，很多人在爭權，我是辦道又背了願。我今日能到壇顯化，實是　上天慈悲所允許，我等候已多時，本應該在開班時才來顯化的，可是我叩求　恩師慈悲，　恩師不忍，看看時機已不允許拖了，於是讓我領命，隨茂田師兄至壇來顯化，訴起前因與後果，讓兄弟姐妹能有所警惕。

在凡間有很多的清修者背願，其原靈皆被蓋住。當時我開始生病又抽痛。死後非常非常的痛苦；我現在被關在第七殿。因　恩師慈憫，說我太無知了，乃命茂田師兄調吾至壇前來顯化，告誡於眾弟妹們知悉：在此末法時期，天數已定，有多少的背願者，其原靈皆被蓋住；多少不信天命者，引魔一直在考，此乃累世之因果所牽連。

我是自招自受！本是理天一童子，發願到凡間來助辦三曹，但自從　師尊歸空後，道場大考，自己因得不到心之所求，得不到他人之讚賞，一時心裡空虛，而來謗道與背願的。有多少的天命前人被關在天牢裡！而我一直懺悔，叩求　恩師慈憐，可是　恩師說我難超生，叩求天命點傳救救我，放我出去再投胎，我定會好好的做，我定會好好的修啊！嗚...（點傳慈悲...）。願以此告諸於眾兄弟姐妹、世間人以及修行人，清修背願，清口背願亦是相同，只要一背願，原靈皆會被蓋住，自性的光芒就發揮不出來，致使你越迷越深。當時三條靈，一條在理天被蓋住，降下六分陰曹定。本來不可洩，但因時機太緊迫。而人都不認真修行。故吾願兄弟姐妹，若已背願者，速速回頭，在佛前趕快懺悔，否則靈被蓋住，到時將全部打為殘靈。　上天若肯開恩，放我出去，我定要好好的做，即使是投胎做牛做馬，我亦甘願，只要我能出來就好啊！我一定會好好的報答　天恩師德的...，我好痛苦...。

天命點傳處事當要小心，開口閉口要合於理、合於法，若要空掛點傳之名，而實無點傳之行。身為點傳，若是對道不忠，匿道不現，借道之名假公濟私者，在無形中，皆一一被記過，到後來，一樣皆是逃不掉的，現在你看我受刑真苦，到時候，變成我也看你在哀嚎。有眾多的兄弟姐妹靈被蓋，他們在喊冤！只要放我出來，我一定會好好的報答　上天，即使做牛做馬我都願意，我不願被打成殘靈，我若被打成殘靈，將永無超生之日。我不願，我不願啊！我後悔得太遲了，我叩求　恩師慈悲讓我回天牢，可是　恩師說：難啊！難啊...！因我一時的迷昧，而考倒了無數的眾生，我不願被打為殘靈啊！

我是在民國三十六年背願的，民國三十九年就得到報應，一直到了四十二年才歸空；身擔三才之職亦有十四年之久。就是因有很多人：看人修道、重形象。認為我三才所講的話，絕對錯不了，以致於自己在無形中，造下了如此之大過。所以你們要好好的記住：修道絕對不可看人修，一定要破相，切勿執著啊！尤其職位高者更要小心，身為前人、點傳師、三才、講師、壇主，時時要注意自己的言行舉止，因為有眾多的人，都是以你們的言行舉止為標桿，所以你們更要時時警惕自己，莫要太輕易開口，　上天無形當中，時時都在監班啊！

有很多背了願的兄弟姐妹，要趕快把他們拉回來，趁現在靈尚在凡間，趕快懺悔，趕快補願、行功，　上天慈悲或許還有一線希望，否則到時候原靈被蓋住，六分將入陰曹去，等到他的身體虛了，陰氣漸漸的積聚，到時打為殘靈，任你如何哀嚎、懺悔，都已是於事無補，一切都太遲了。所以你們要救兄弟姐妹回來，告訴他們絕不可背清修願、清口願，亦不要去影響他人，免得自己罪加一等。而是自己要趕快補願，趕快制止，否則天數已定，五魔亂世，在此末劫年裡，若再墜入地府裡，將永無超生之日，到時後悔已來不及了。地府好可怕，絕非你們所能想像得到的，所以你們要趕快去講！叩求點傳師慈悲，能把我的話，趕快對兄弟姐妹講，讓他們知道。我好難過！我若能出來，我一定好好的做，可是這一切都太遲了！

我時間不多了，我要隨茂田師兄回地府，感謝　皇母慈憫，感謝恩師慈悲，也感謝地藏古佛慈悲，讓我出來顯化訴因由。我來叩謝　恩師慈悲，也叩謝　地藏古佛慈憐，感謝前人與天命點傳。願你們好好把三曹的大事辦好，趕快把兄弟姐妹拉回來！（退）

附記：

在李明顏借竅顯化之前的當天下午，此三才姐妹，即已感應到：她的頭就猶如是在石磨上被壓磨一般，痛得她眼淚直流，躲在房間哭滾，彷彿世界末日就在此時。

此次借竅之前的感應，讓她深深體會到，地府裡受刑的兄弟姐妹，他們是何等的痛苦！事後她很感歎的說：這種感應如果再來一次，那她這條小命，一定會就此結束；因為那種痛苦，在她當了那麼久的三才以來，從未有過的感應。難怪乎，李明顏說他（若能出來再投胎轉世，即使是轉世為牛為馬，他亦願意。）

一個原本完整的靈性，只因在天上立願下來，為要幫辦三曹大事，被凡塵所迷，而背了後天所立下之願，以致在理天的原靈被蓋住，留下六分在地府受刑，如此自己犯過，還牽累到理天的原靈，更讓許許多多的人受到影響，故本為理天原佛子的我們，在修道的旅程上，對於我們的言行舉止，不能不十分的謹慎小心啊！

60. 恃才而驕入陰司　冷冰地獄煉道心

白陽修士的警惕

21、恃才而驕入陰司　冷冰地獄煉道心

民國七十八年　歲次己巳農曆十月七日

冰冷地獄

講師：劉南昌結緣語

諸位賢士，諸位兄弟姐妹！我是人間一講師，亦是人間一白陽修行者，但我今日卻在冷冰地獄受苦刑！大道理我會宣說，道務我會操辦，可是我卻來違背天命、侮辱前輩，而且還吞噬佛家的錢財...，今日之顯化乃　上天慈悲，　恩師及　地藏古佛慈憫，要我一一訴說清楚，以做為大家修道學道的一個借鏡。

我叫劉南昌，天津人氏，廿四歲即歸陰，是一位壇主之子，亦是一位代天宣化之講師。在我十四歲時，家中即設有佛堂，雙親對道非常虔誠，而我亦是有心在學習。父母親為希望我將來能更上一層樓，於佛規中，常教導我要尊前賢、禮前輩，因此對前輩我不敢有侮辱不道之行為，我之舉止皆合於佛規、合於禮節。誰知隨著年歲之增長，我亦因有心學習而漸有學識，也因而漸生高傲之心，以致後來我侮辱前人、侮辱點傳。事出起因於我廿四歲那年，我劉家將所有之財產，全部捐出，捨給道場，但我之父母年紀大，卻得不到道場兄弟姐妹的關心與尊敬，而且越修越貧窮。我南昌看了心中起不平！前輩要我父母樣樣捨，雙親亦是十分真誠的捨得一無所有，為何今日雙親年邁生了病，卻不見有人來關懷與看顧？致使我心中起不平之怨言：你們這些假前人及點傳師，以前之所為，只為貪我劉家之錢財，如今劉家已被你們挖得一乾二淨，我父母親也老了又無利用價值，你們就不要他們，都是一群空掛修道名的不仁不義之人！

誰知這一切，皆是　上天在造就我父母啊。何謂真施捨？一切　上天明記，而我卻把施捨之事掛嘴邊，時常對人來提起，時常抱怨前賢之勢利，甚至拿掃把趕走天命點傳師，還說：你們這些天命都是假的、騙人的，天命若是真，為何我父母來病倒？為何我家越修越窮？你們修道空負其名，尤其是你這個歐巴桑（前輩），論學識我高於你，論口才我也會講，我那一樣比不上你！如今，你已吃盡了我家的錢財，才會如此的冷言冷語...。賢士啊賢士，一切皆我之過；我造下（侮辱天命）－－在於眾道親面前，我當面侮辱點傳、侮辱前人。我說：前人所辦之道乃假，天命乃假，若是真，為何我父母會病倒？為何我家窮困至此地步？若是真，何以道務辦不起？

只因我一時氣不平，對理認不清，而使得前人傷心，從此病倒。我難擔此罪過啊！我不但侮辱天命，而且未知悔改的又向點傳敲了一筆錢財，說是要給父母安老用的。當時我在道場是人人尊敬之劉講師，只要上台一講課，無人不信服，無人不讚口。為此，點傳師怕我因心中不平而再去造謠生出道場之是非而考倒諸多後學，在無可奈何之下才拿出一筆巨款來，此錢是他為息事寧人，並非心虛啊！事到如此，我尚不知悔改，反把這筆錢拿來私用，留在自己身邊好花費。

賢士們！我手中拿的是眾生的佛家錢，卻用來做自己的事，享用自己的福報，你們說如此之罪過大不大？

才兩年、才兩年，我才廿四歲，就得肺癆而死！瞭解內情的說是報應，他們評論我，為何敢吃下這一筆錢？又加上昔日的侮辱天命點傳與前人之滔天罪過，才會有今日之下場。平時我常憑著一股男子氣概，站在人前來攬權霸勢，誰若聽我的，我定讓他不用工作，他就有得吃，清閒得很。自己想來當點傳，以操辦一方之道務。可是平時裡，我卻目無尊長，不敬前輩，藐視天命，高傲怠慢，如此之修為，　上天豈敢放命於我？因而年紀輕輕才廿四歲就被押至地府。

閻君見我是一白陽修道士，得天獨厚之　上天姣兒，今日竟落入他手中，翻閱功過簿，不禁大怒罵道：不忠不孝之孽種！人間諸多修行標桿你不傚法，聖賢古經你不看，今日竟為了自己氣不平，而開言誤傷道親，甚至氣倒前人、點傳，還威脅了一筆錢財自己來享用，罪大惡極，將你打入冷冰地獄去受刑！聞聽之下，我心如針刺（我完了）。

我身為堂堂男子漢大丈夫，得了道，今日入佛堂，卻趴於地面上，而且剛剛還向點傳師，騙了兩碗飯吃（來臨壇前）。還好沒被識穿，因我實在好餓又好冷，若非此地佛光普照，天命點傳慈悲，我實難訴說因由，吾感謝啊！

眾賢兄弟妹們，今日爾等皆是上了講師之班（此班即道義與准講師班合班畢班），個個皆已是更上了一層，各人修持境界不一，所面臨之考驗亦不同。但切莫步上我之後塵－－錢財之考。（捨）乃捨於個人之心願意，立願立於己心。在世時我雖有持齋、雖有禮拜，但我之罪過卻還在，我無法抵消。因此　閻君大人怒罵我侮逆　上天之天命、藐視天命就猶如藐視上天　皇母，罪過萬千。

記得在世時，尚有　仙佛借竅臨壇來開導我，我竟還跟　仙佛頂嘴說：少假了，你們這一套把戲我也會演，我演得比你們還逼真，我批的文章比你們還妙...。此話我傷了多少點傳、前輩之心？今日之落於冷冰地獄實我自造啊！我叩求　恩師慈悲，　恩師說；南昌啊！一切都太晚了，你若真有悔意，這二十年你好好懺悔，若能開悟，為師再來引渡你。我聽了好感恩！我說：恩師，罪魂南昌，還有機會回天嗎？

我無顏、我愧對我之前人、點傳，只求　恩師慈憫，不要讓我永不能超生！只要我尚有機緣轉世為白陽弟子，我必誓死效忠道場，我必告訴於每一位兄弟姐妹：道真、理真、天命真，我必把地獄裡的苦全部闡述，我願意挑眾生的罪，我願意替　老師您分勞，求　老師給我最後的一次機會。但　恩師說；一切都太遲了。我說：難道昔日我當講師，講道理沒有功勞嗎？難道我日夜的奔波，也無功勞嗎？我還是個凡夫啊，求　恩師慈悲。　恩師卻對我搖頭說：你還是個凡夫！我心好難過！好難過！剎那間，我卻找到自己了，我修持的境界，確實還停留在凡夫上，甚至比凡夫還不如。

講道代天宣化於眾生，其實乃在成就自己。講道不實修，那來之功德？考倒眾多道親，此罪以何抵消？三曹對案時，一一來對照，我難赦我罪，我一再一再的求　恩師，後來　恩師給了我二十年的懺悔機會。我真心的懺悔，方有今日隨著　地藏古佛入壇來顯化，剛剛騙了點傳師兩碗飯吃，實在不該。但我若不吃，實已餓得沒力氣，還請點傳師慈悲赦罪。

我今日入壇來顯化，一來訴說過去的種種，以做為賢士之借鏡；二來與兄弟姐妹相互共勉：莫要因你在世有持齋，認為你考倒人就沒罪，莫因你是一位講師且你能帶動，而在言談中誤導後學，理路不正確。　上天包容你一次兩次，而自己卻替自己隱瞞，而一次兩次的又再犯。那只是在無形中，更使自己造下罪業，而這些罪業還得自己挑。兄弟姐妹們，冷冰地獄之冷，非是你們所能體悟得到的，今日若不是　古佛慈悲，賜我一粒仙丹，我一定抖得無法來發言。人要時時的謹存戰兢之心，絕不能隨意滿足自己，因當你自認為滿足時，你自己便成為自己的敵人了。自傲自滿、怨恨不平、三毒之心，皆是地獄之根，此話千真萬確，今日我之言句句乃真。

只祈於諸兄弟姐妹，能言行合一，莫在暗室裡，做出不節之事，否則　上天亦不容。小心你們的步伐，時時皆有無形之鬼神在鑒察，既是在修行，就要有修行的模範與標桿。既是要代天宣化，就要先修身養性來弘法。今日我已說出我昔日之醜事，但請　恩師再給我一次機會，時間亦有限，　地藏古佛一旁在催促，請天命點傳及眾兄弟姐妹救救我！昔日是我之錯，自性不自渡誰來渡，脾氣要自己刪除，習性是要自已來革除，若以為有外功在，一切乃不實在，只因內德未培栽。兄弟姐妹若真有心想救我，唯有以我為借鏡大家勿再犯，否則在世持齋又講道，死後竟在冷冰地獄受苦，連天堂也無我份，太可笑了。

在此再度奉勸我弟妹：天命不可來藐視。即使你不想學、不想修，但請不要影響他人，否則此罪你難擔起。天命乃　上天所主宰，你若藐視、侮辱前人、點傳，即是侮辱了　皇母之尊嚴。時間有限，我無功德，未敢久留聖地，就此來辭　母駕，抱起合同心更酸，辭叩天命點傳與眾賢士，修道言行當合一...退！

61. 阿修羅道賀本寧顯化結緣訓

民國八十年歲次辛未

農曆三月初八日

一念著魔，終身執迷，所秉之氣，濁惡不清。我等身份萬人迷，誰來試試我功力？來吧！來吧！我要的是修行人，小心啊！

若是你心中起心動念！執著那是非和恩仇，縱那習性和驕妄，及不單純之心念者，我就讓你喪失人類該有的反省與謙虛；讓你的生命體始終刻劃著阿修羅界的業。哈！哈！哈！我等小魔頭要來擾亂世間惡棍及不肖之徒，加深他們犯罪的意念；及考倒世間修道之人；更要煽動你們心中的嗔火，使它不停的燃燒，好讓你們心中的陰魔相攻，而生出種種的虛幻；再將美色迷惑於你，使你被這區區兒女之情所困，讓你不能自拔；讓你定隨於宿生、今世之最重惡業，長劫受苦！要你不斷受到別人的牽絆，不斷的與他人起爭紛，無法消受。更讓你一生驚濤駭浪的過日子。再不然，我就讓你們打退堂鼓，半途變節，退卻道心，永離佛門！為什麼？因為我看不起那些空掛虛名修道者的狂妄自大，自認清高，目中無人的模樣。小心哪！若讓我給盯上了，我等就趁虛而入，專壞你們的好事，讓你們永遠了不得生死，成不了佛仙。

世人都會說：六道輪迴的可怕，在天道、人道、餓鬼道、畜生道、阿修羅道、地獄道裡，卻往往忽略了這阿修羅道的存在。你們以為得了道就可以不墜地獄、不落惡鬼嗎？告訴你們：若你們心有所執偏，不正念頭，不按照自己的軌道前進，我就讓你們起心動念，時刻不知檢點而惹來惡煞上身，使你們在不知不覺中，成了這阿修羅界的魔子魔孫。

你們萬萬也想不到：我曾經也是一個修行人。但今日的佛心，你能保證明日它依舊存在不變嗎？難啊！我是南宋時人氏，賀本寧是我本名。當時我欺人、欺天、欺鬼神，陽奉陰違、用假面，因個人的私利而與同門修行人起紛爭，又喜歡捉弄嘲笑當時的老方丈，事過後我敢做不敢當，卻牽扯別人替我頂這個罪。如此，我不知好好懺悔！又常牽絆他人，使自己強出頭的行為，成為今日落入阿修羅界的主要原因。你們不要跟我談什麼真功實善、進德修業。我只知道：順我者昌，逆我者亡！我在敗壞修道人的名譽後，被趕出佛門，我自成一派，曲解學識，阿諛世間，來哄騙世人，因而也誤導不少眾生，並專門以陰謀詭計，陷害出家人破戒，讓他們前功盡棄，好消我心頭的仇恨。當時的世人，都說我是大魔頭來轉世，所以人見人怕，而我倒不這麼認為，反而心生歡喜，認為自己有著大功大德，世人應該崇拜我。

在那臨命終時，我心猶未死，邪氣難消，惡念不除，死後亦無悔改之意，自然趨向魔界，受魔王掌管。在這須臾瞬間，就因念頭和惡業力的牽動，而深陷無底深淵。頓時我長了一對魔角，身上也生滿了刺，烈火環身出現，頭髮豎立，青面獠牙的模樣。若不斂形，足以驚斃世人。告訴你們：小心我等小魔頭啊！專門找那些成天提不起精神，處世消極，心中毫無正氣，心術又不正之人。我要你們招魔、招病，讓你們病魔纏身，要你們生病，不管吃藥開刀，或者用盡家產都治不好，我要你們求生不得、求死不能！要知道我等是無孔不入，無所不達的。世間人遭橫禍或疾病來纏身，並不是平白無故沒有原因的，無形中都有鬼魔和冤欠在旁助陣而促成的災害，這就是無形的厲害，無形的危險，一切就在你們自己心中：是否有無浩然之氣？要不然就讓我等給制伏了！哈！哈！哈！......。

世間現今有許多稀奇古怪的事情，及各種戰爭災難。你們要知道：劫數的降臨，皆是世人咎由自取的。就像飛蛾撲火、春蠶作繭般的自作自受。有道是：冤有頭債有主，你們各人因累世心不清靜，從身口意造出的一些惡果來，再由各種業力感召成各種因果。你要知道：在那地府的冤魂債主們，若拿著索命牌到你面前來，要你們世人的命是輕而易舉的事啊！這時候，我等的小魔孫就會在旁一同連手或助勢，讓這些無形的冤魂債主們達成心願，你們小心自己的道途！自己的腳步！莫怪吾等無情無義，咱們互相造就。不是嗎？

還有，若是一家子屋宅內沒有善氣，造惡多端者，我等就會聚在你屋宅外徘徊等候，將這股邪惡煞氣周旋在你身旁，再等個人運低時，加以逼進，讓你造惡，暗中牽引你去行那些不利於人道、天道之事，使你的罪業轉加深重。若不相信，就等你來試試吧！還有那些心氣不平、態度傲慢的修道客，我要讓你們不明不白的受冤屈，事事感到不順心，讓你們無有人氣，好讓我趁虛而入。若靠著聰明來修道的，我就讓你們來得個虛名，使你在自滿中不知好反省，滅你心中那盞明燈，引你走向黑暗，你們盡把願立當兒戲！儘管男女界限不分清吧！最好你們內心常不光明，好讓我等更加親近你們，帶你們走入邪惡；讓你們永遠斷不了惡行的種子，而遭受到種種的慘報。

若你們讓耳根不清不淨！唇舌不知收斂！不知抱住自己的本份去盡道，而一味的在別人身上挑毛病！那我就要你長久處在是非圈子裡，讓你六根不得清靜，處世不能安寧，我要讓世人因是非恩怨起不平，而各自互相殘殺去吧！道高一尺魔高一丈，明鏡不磨是不會光亮的。找個機會讓你我較量、較量一番吧！說不定在座的你，就是我等要找尋的對象。來呀！讓我的身子成為你的影子吧！讓我們形影不離，結個情誼，讓你們更加瞭解我等的真面目，要你們吃不了兜著走，考得你們身敗名裂，折磨得不成人形。不相信！咱們走著瞧吧！退

62. 阿修羅　賀本寧結緣訓

我曾到壇結緣過，趁著今日好時光，　上天有令要我再到壇來，和你們大伙修行人切磋一番。哈！哈！哈！真道唯有一條乃是無限光明的！魔道卻有萬千，乃是錯綜混雜、昏暗不堪。你若癡迷執著，行為越軌，個性偏執；若不趕緊修正自己的行為，不修正自己的心思念慮，無形中我等就牽引著你們到黑暗魔界。讓你們不自知，要你們難逃阿修羅王之魔掌心。哈！哈！你們大家都知道：自己身上背負的使命有多麼的重大！但有多少人能夠盡人事聽天命，真正付諸於行。一顆心忽上忽下，起伏不定。叫你犧牲，你感到委屈。要你奉獻，你卻迫不及待的想要得到回報。若不成願；或是說：你們盡心去做了、而得不到他人的肯定就喪志灰心。計較名利，在乎自我的.....等等的把柄落到我手中，一有機會，我一個一個把你們揪出來，讓你們在眾人面前出醜！

我越來越看得起你們呀！不要以為：你們肉體是自己的保護色，起什麼惡念頭都隱藏得過。告訴你們：無形的鬼神看你們就像透明人一樣，把你們都看穿了。你們還不知道呀！你們怕了嗎？你們用不著怕啊！有道是：心不偷涼颼颼。你們如果自己行得正，我等群魔即使有再大的魔力，也無處使。不過，你們若不按照正常的軌道前進，行事不光明，心不正，氣也不盛，這時候你們疑心生暗鬼、心魔自起時，就別怪我等不請自來，讓一股邪氣盤繞在你們的身邊；讓你們坐立不能安穩、心神不能安寧；讓你們印堂發黑，任何人看了都不敢接近你；讓你們喜笑落淚都無法控制，言語行動失常；讓你們神魂顛倒、不成人形。現今不是有許多治也治不來，醫也醫不好的冤孽病嗎？這就是印證了三期末劫大清算年，冤欠、無形債主們，急速討報。這個時候，冤來討命，魔來助陣，來個人鬼大決鬥吧！折磨得你們精神上或肉體上皆無法忍受，使你們感到萬念俱灰。哈！哈！哈！到時候你們就看著辦吧！

末會時期，你們要特別小心！看你們怎麼應付我等，還是讓我等來擊倒你！雖然我等是不速之客。但是，將來你們還得好好的感謝我等一番。台上會講做不到，光說不煉最糟糕；清修色關最難逃，三清四正做多少？不知把凡情昇華成道情，平常眼珠子不停的亂轉，被色魔所侵。到時候，你們對得起你們自己的願力嗎？你們應該知道：古時候，欺君之罪，頭該斬、命該斷。如今你們在　皇母蓮前立下重願，就像是在契約上蓋了章；有了約定就有了憑證，賴也賴不掉！所以，你們的願力就是你們的責任。責任不了，即使你斷了命，也是於事無補、不能了事。今日　皇天開恩、　皇母慈悲，雖不致於叫違願者頭斷命喪，但是自己立下的願不去了，就這良心的譴責，更甚於你們肉體煎熬與性命的喪失。知道嗎？明知故犯，罪加一等，你們看著辦吧！今日來此不是光說大話，我說得到做得到。那些不知醒悟的人，你就等著吧！讓我在你身上導一出你們料想不到、精彩又刺激的戲呀！到頭來，你可別怪我等沒有把話說在前頭，是你們自找、自投羅網的。哈！哈！你們自愛自重吧！今日很感謝　上天，讓我訴說一番。魔子我就此來告辭。退

Source Colophon

Chinese source text from 善書圖書館 (Sacred Books Digital Library), taolibrary.com/category/category9/c9020.htm. Source for Sections 1–62 of 66. The full text comprises four parts: the Asura King's spirit-writings, the Heavenly Prison broadcasts of Tiande Laoren, case studies, and supplementary revelations. Presented here for reference, study, and verification.

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