The Practice of Tao (Internal and External Cultivations)

Introduction We’ve all been granted the grace of Heaven and been shown the Way (via the Three Treasures). It is said that the Three Treasures is the road-map back to Heaven; but how do we proceed with the journey? This session focus on the specific practices of Tao.

Introduction The practice of Tao is organized into two sections: the Internal and External cultivations. The word “cultivation” means that this is a constant endeavor and the outcome of the efforts may take time to realize (this depends on each practitioner’s karma and efforts). However, the fruit of the cultivation is one of ultimate joy and spiritual transcendence.

Internal Cultivation The ultimate goal of Internal Cultivation is spiritual enlightenment. However, before we can reach enlightenment, we must identify the obstacles that’s preventing our enlightenment. Once we have identified the obstacles then the efforts will be to overcome these obstacles.

Internal Cultivation The first obstacle to enlightenment is “Sin”. Sin, in this context, is defined as any negative spiritual element that drives a person to commit negative karma. The source of all sins is Ego. Buddha once said: “When ‘I’ appeared, then sins followed.” The Three Fundamental Sins are: Greed, Hatred and Obsession

Internal Cultivation Greed: –Unrighteous desire for wealth or other possessions that does not belong to oneself. –This is a direct extension of the Ego by which the Ego projects itself into the physical objects and considers them as apart of itself. –When Greed is not kept abate, the person will be consumed by material desires and will do anything to seize the object(s).

Internal Cultivation Hatred: –Intense dislike or resentment of objects, people or even abstract concepts. –This is the result of the duality of the spirit by which the ego derives pleasure toward one side of the duality and finds displeasure on the other side. –If Hatred is not kept abate, the person may be consumed by Hatred and will do anything to get rid of the object of resentment.

Internal Cultivation Obsession: –Excessive attachment toward a particular object, person or idea, which may or may not be attainable. –This is caused by the spirit gravitating toward the pleasurable side of the duality and going into a vortex (thus trapped the Ego). –If Obsession is not kept abate, the person may be consumed and be addicted; thus will do anything to attain the object of obsession.

Internal Cultivation The evolution of the Three Sins will manifest in unrighteous behaviors (termed transgressions) thus create negative karma. The transgressions involves our words and actions. There are Four Evil Words and Three Evil Actions associated with transgressions.

Internal Cultivation Four Evil Words: –1) Cursing –2) Slandering –3) Lying –4) Mocking These Evil Words will produce varieties negative effects on others thus generating all kinds of negative karma.

Internal Cultivation Three Evil Actions: –1) Killing –2) Stealing –3) Fornication Again, these evil actions will have various detrimental effects on others, thus creating all sorts of negative Karma.

Internal Cultivation We are all unique spirits so our sins and transgressions manifest in unique fashions. We have to be vigilant in identifying our sins and device ways to stop our transgressions Buddha once said: “It take ten life-time of constant cultivations to eradicate all of our sins.”

Internal Cultivations Besides getting rid of the negative, we can also focus on the positive. Another method of cultivation is to practice the Five Innate Virtues: –Benevolence (love) –Righteousness (justice) –Propriety (humility) –Intelligence (wisdom) –Integrity (trustworthy)

Internal Cultivation By applying the Five Innate Virtues, we will grow our Merits, distant ourselves from the Sins and yield no opportunities to Transgressions. With persistent practice we will fully resolve our negative karma of the past, liberate ourselves from all sins and attain true spiritual enlightenment.

External Cultivation By manifesting the Five Innate Virtues in our lives, we are practicing the External Cultivation of Tao. The goal of External cultivation is to paid off our Debt (past life negative karma) and attain celestial sainthood. The gist of External Cultivation is the accomplishment of Merits.

External Cultivation There are three types of Merits that can be attained when practicing External Cultivation: –1) Merit of Contribution –2) Merit of Dharma –3) Merit of Service The practice of Three Merits will also counter-balance the Three Sins.

External Cultivation Merit of Contribution: –This is the practice of Giving. –In particularly, the giving of wealth or material goods to entities that promotes goodness in society. –The greater the good that the entity promotes the greater the merit. –The Merit of Contribution will counter-balance the Sin of Greed.

External Cultivation Merit of Dharma: –This is the practice of Words. –In particular, any speech or discourse that promotes goodness and spiritual elevation to the audience. –The greater the spiritual response from the audience the greater the merit. –Merit of Dharma will counter-balance the Sin of Hatred (replace hatred with understanding).

External Cultivation Merit of Service: –This is the practice of Acts. –In particular, any action we do to serve the others that produces positive result, which promotes goodness. –The greater the positive outcome the greater the merit. –The Merit of Service will counter-balance the Sin of Obsession (replace addiction by helping others to attainment).

Conclusion Buddha was once referred to as “The One with Two Fulfillments”. The “Two Fulfillments” refers to the accomplishment of both Internal and External cultivations. I hope everyone here can achieve both fulfillments and attain true spiritual enlightenment and Celestial Sainthood.

Questions