Sages (Part Two)

Xuefeng

Sages are the backbone of human civilization and society. They are the guardians of morality, the maintainers of harmony and order, the defenders of truth, and the disseminators of saintly wisdom. Sages are precious gifts bestowed upon humanity by nature—like lingzhi mushrooms, peonies, gemstones, and sparks of fire.

The origins of sages are twofold: "First, they descend from the Thousand-year World; second, they emerge through the practice and refinement of noble individuals." In other words, "Some sages are born with these qualities, while others are cultivated through the self-discipline and refinement of noble individuals following the teachings of saints."

Sages possess the following qualities:

1.Rationality They think critically and do not blindly follow others. They maintain moderation in all things, avoiding extremes. They reason through matters rather than engaging in irrational disputes. They are loyal and trustworthy, never fickle or inconsistent.

2.Humility Recognizing their own insignificance and limitations, they revere heaven and respect the divine. Acknowledging their own ignorance, they seek the guidance of saints. Understanding their weakness, they rely on the collective strength of the masses. Knowing their abilities are limited, they never mock ordinary people.

3.Simplicity Those who crave dominance and seek to make waves are not sages. Those who desire sudden wealth are not sages. Those who seek overnight fame are not sages. Those who oppose the government are not sages. Those who deliberately place themselves at the center of controversies are not sages. Those who denounce their ancestors or curse their heritage are not sages. Those who incite chaos are not sages. Those who are filled with hatred and seek revenge are not sages.

4.Harmony Being with sages makes life feel beautiful and hopeful. Being with sages brings a sense of security and inner peace. Being with sages fosters boundless joy, free from worries. Being with sages sharpens one’s thinking, making challenges easier to overcome.

5.Willingness to Help Sages take joy in assisting others. As long as their actions do not harm nature, LIFE, society, or the interests of others, sages gladly do good within their abilities. They impose no conditions, expect no favors in return, and seek no repayment.

6.Frugality Those who try to please everyone and be all things to all people are not sages. Those who seek novelty and luxury, and indulge in extravagance, are not sages. Those who frequently visit lavish mansions or entertainment districts are not sages. Those who flaunt their wealth and provoke envy are not sages. Those who decorate their homes like palaces or brothels are not sages. Those who complicate simple matters unnecessarily are not sages.

7.Diligence Sages are diligent because every grain of rice represents hard-earned labor. Sages are diligent because one must give before one can receive. Sages are diligent because, just as the sun and moon never cease their motion, LIFE must remain in constant activity. Sages are diligent because heaven helps those who help themselves, while laziness leads to greed, ignorance, selfishness, and poverty.

8.Resilience Sages are like grass that survives after being trampled, grazed upon, or swept by floods—they persist as long as there is the slightest chance of life. Sages are like Robinson Crusoe stranded on a deserted island—they hold onto hope and never despair. Sages are like camels trudging through a barren desert—they press on as long as they have even a shred of energy left. Sages are like wild animals, injured and abandoned without the care of their kind—so long as they have breath, they rise again.

I sing praises to sages, admire sages, yearn for sages, and seek out sages. Zhuge Liang once prophesied: "Sages will not remain in the wilderness; the world will unite as one family." Lifechanyuan must gather sages who are now scattered across the wilderness, remote villages, humble streets, and modest dwellings, bringing them together as one. Through the collective power of sages, humanity will be led to "depart from Egypt" and journey toward the land "flowing with milk and honey."

Moreover, I will treat sages as dazzling pearls, embedding them atop Lifechanyuan’s countless towering peaks, allowing them to shine eternally. I will regard sages as rare, fragrant celestial herbs, planting them amidst the picturesque mountains and rivers, in the fertile fields of the Thousand-year World, Ten-thousand-year World, and the Elysium World, enabling them to enjoy the eternal joy of life.

I wish for the members of Lifechanyuan to sprint forward, swiftly attaining the qualities of sages. Without pause or hesitation, they shall continue their journey toward the highest realm of life—sainthood—and ultimately reach the Celestial Islands Continent.

Amen!