IV. Grand Master Huen-Yuan leads Weixinism to integrate different nations and ethnic groups. 1. Actively moving toward the source; Promoting Chinese culture; Encouraging ethnic solidarity. (4). Spread Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu's (鬼谷子) Peace Culture to the world and expand world peace. Chinese culture is the culture of peace. Yi Ching, combined with Feng Shui, is the study of peace. The sources of Chinese culture are the Kun Lun and Fu Xi civilizations, which also serve as the cradle of these two studies. Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu Culture inherited Kun Lun and Fu Xi civilizations, propagated them on Yunmeng Mountain in China about 2,500 years ago. Founded by Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu, the accomplishments of this civilization cover mathematics (Yi-Ching and Feng Shui), diplomacy (School of Diplomacy), military-science, and the study of renunciation. His philosophy adopted the idea of “emulating heavenly laws and the ways of ancient sages” reflected in Yi-Ching and Taoism as well as the Confucius beliefs of “perfecting oneself, putting one’s family in order, ruling the state, and stabilizing of the world.” “World peace” was the ultimate wish of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu. Grand Master Huen-Yuan praised him with a Buddhist hymn, as follows: Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu Culture is the culture of peace. The acclaimed “School of Diplomacy” is the practice of his ideal. Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu is the founder of the School, which complements Confucianism. Its practice led different Chinese clans to cease five hundred years of war and disorder, enabling the Chinese people to live in union and harmony. The sage is honored as the initiator of the School of Diplomacy. Research has shown that most ancient diplomats were extraordinary people in their time. They were geniuses - clever, strategic, and skilled in expression, acting as ambassadors for different countries. They were sharp and clear in their speech; bold, liberal, and outspoken in their behaviors. Their influence on numerous Chinese historical personages was palpable. Their capacities in strategy and debates were also indispensable to international military affairs, diplomacy and business. Hence, if one can master the art of diplomatic debate; apply such in politics, diplomacy, and military strategies; end reliance on violence and invasion; and diplomacy only for the peaceful purposes of self-salvation, saving others and the world, such shall truly become the study of peace. Textual research has confirmed that Gue Gu Zi (《鬼谷子》) was written by Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu himself. It is a valuable book for learning how to govern a country and deal with human affairs as well as to learn how to perfect ourselves, rule the country, create peace with neighboring states, and stabilize the world. The book involves studies of military science, politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, communication, education, and psychology. It is a practical multi-disciplinary study. It can contribute to the world on a greater scale as well as be applied in personal work on a small scale. Modern scholars studying the art of persuasive communication note Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu’s wisdom fits well into contemporary thought on this area of study, and thus honor him as a founding father of this field. His persuasive theory forms the foundation of relevant modern theories and is applicable to negotiation work today. Contemporary scholars highly appreciate his wise and profound thought. Despite the passage of 2,000 years, his theories ring fresh and true. They embrace modern values, which make them even more practical. Hence, his thought, study, and culture go beyond Peace Study and persuasive communication to embrace the fields of practical psychology and communications. Communication study is a practical science that has worked to find solutions to interpersonal and international conflicts since the 20th century. Communication abilities are a crucial tool as well in modern education systems. Expression and rhetoric, in particular, are strong tools for persuasion that leaders can deploy to promote peace. Communication can motivate citizens within the state as well as promulgate ideas and seeks international support. We may as well say that Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu Culture and his thought are the pioneers of contemporary communication studies. It is a practical study for humanity in the 21st century to achieve world peace. Grand Master Huen-Yuan is now one with Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu. He has inherited his essence and promotes the saint's culture and philosophy throughout Taiwan and the world. He also practices the sage's wish to “create universal peace,” considering such the ultimate goal of Weixinism. He once taught us, “Our religion is originated from the Kun Lun civilization. We propagate the essence of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu Culture. We work on Dharma for the nation. We pray for humanity. Universal harmony is our genuine wish. Our school is the approach to knowing our roots and creating world peace.” In 2001, Grand Master Huen-Yuan, commenting on the book The Essence of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu in Taiwan (《鬼谷子心法在台灣》) , said, “There is neither consistency in Dharma, nor certainty in human affairs. Dharma is changeable. It is the law, yet it is not the law. The Dharma Wheel of time and space revolves vigorously. Therefore, Dharma represents itself in various forms according to different human needs in different kinds of time and space. At this point in time, the core is represented in yet another form in Taiwan.” To transmit and propagate Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu's essence in Taiwan, the Grand Master secured permission to establish the Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu Academy. He explained, “Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu was a man. He is also Dharma. He is the luminosity of life deep inside my soul…. Now his core essence is represented in Taiwan, becoming one with Taiwanese life. ‘One’ is Yi.” This is why Master Huen-Yuan makes such tremendous efforts to propagate the Yi-Ching and Feng Shui of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu Culture in Taiwan. He founded Yi-Ching University and the College of Advanced Yi-Ching and Feng Shui Studies to promote peace culture through education. He initiated Wei Xin TV, using it as a media for worldwide promotion of Weixinism. He formed the “Interest Circle” at Yi-Ching University as a learning–through-practice course. They work in local communities and towns to put theories into practice, and strive to offer help to people who are in need. In Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu’s Wisdom (《鬼谷子的智慧》) (2003), Grand Master Huen-Yuan praised the intelligence of the ancient sage. He commented, “The wisdom of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu is immense and profound. It includes self-cultivation, the integration of family, the governance of country, and the stabilization of the world.” In Taiwan, his wise philosophy continues in the person of Grand Master Huen-Yuan. It is not only a study of war, diplomacy, and politics, but also a guiding star to great compassion and mercy. As the hymn says, “Although Yin and Yang, the sun and the moon are eternal, truth is obscured. If the true saint Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu were alive today, the world would live in peace.” “World peace” lies at the core of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu culture. He ruled the country and stabilized the world using “Yi” during the Warring States Period . As Master Huen-Yuan has become one with the sage, he also applies “Yi” to comfort the heart of all beings, found schools, make industries prosperous, and enlighten the guiding star of world peace. Therefore, he is a promoter of world peace in the 21st century. Master Huen-Yun remarked in his Book of Huen Yun's Realization and Observation (《混元修真寶照覺經》), “Since beginning my personal practice in 1983, I have always held a sincere wish to promote world peace … I have never stopped … In the last twenty years, I have never allowed myself to give up.” He also said, “Twenty years have passed, and today, I still devote myself to my destiny. I make efforts to stabilize all livings and create universal harmony. This is my essential wish and ultimate goal.” In 2003, Master Huen-Yuan wrote an article entitled, “Promoting and Communicating Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu’s Wisdom and Yellow Emperor Culture to Reach World Peace” In which he mapped out the future direction of Weixinistic research and development. Such, he wrote, shall reinforce Chinese cultural communications between China and Taiwan and assist all to rotate the Dharma Wheel of world peace together. He said, “Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu’s wisdom represents a quantum leap in the Chinese cultural journey. It covers everything from the Yellow Emperor Culture to the sciences, humanities, education and other aspects in our own age. Although his supreme wisdom came from the Warring States Period, its brightness still shines in the Dharmic realm, benefiting people and heaven. Taiwanese comrades and people all over the world continue to receive the grace of his wisdom and divine power. His merits are equal to those of heaven and earth, beyond the realm of the ordinary imagination. Both Cross-Strait and universal peace will be fulfilled if people rely on his wisdom. His core essence has been expounded in Taiwan for more than twenty years. How boundless and immense his wisdom is…. The propagation of the Yellow Emperor Culture and Chinese culture relies invariably upon it. Today, the essence of Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu is being taught in Taiwan. Success here will certainly help promote these two cultures to the world. World peace will be achieved soon!” Grand Master Huen-Yuan has traveled without a break for years to propagate Bodhisattva Wang Chan La Zu’s peace culture and substantiate his wish for world peace. His compassionate intention is witnessed by heaven and earth. His contribution is as radiant as the sun and moon! |