Transcending Mundane Bonds and Forming Celestial Ties

Deiform Buddha

March 24, 2006

The methods of self-practice and cultivation are as vast as the ocean. As a path toward becoming a celestial being, transcending mundane bonds and forming celestial ties is a crucial practice.

Everything is governed by karma. Bonds are formed when karma arises and dissolve when karma ends. “Those with destiny will meet across a thousand miles, while those without it will not meet even face to face.” Regardless of distance—whether spanning thousands of miles, traversing mountains and rivers, or extending across different realms like the Thousand-Year World, Ten-Thousand-Year World, Blissful World, the animal world, the netherworld, or the frozen layer—these bonds are difficult to sever and must ultimately be resolved.

Every interaction we have, whether with parents, children, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or even adversaries and enemies, is rooted in karmic causes and effects. Without cause, there is no ripple. Subconsciously, nothing unrelated to us can occur. A careful analysis of all our encounters reveals that they are tied to past karma.

There is no love without cause, no hatred without reason, no arrival without karma, and no departure without it. This understanding teaches us that self-practice and cultivation must focus on fully resolving worldly bonds and broadly forming celestial ties.

Resolving mundane bonds and forming celestial ties involves two key aspects:

·Resolving ties with worldly individuals.

·Letting go of attachments to the mundane world.

At the same time, one should actively form connections with celestial beings, Buddhas, and those with celestial affinities, while striving to shift one’s consciousness from the human world to the celestial world.

Resolving Ties with Worldly Individuals

Resolving ties with worldly individuals primarily involves repaying debts owed to them. As Jesus taught, “You will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” Debts must be repaid; if not in this life, they will carry over to the next, or even the life after that. As long as we owe debts to worldly individuals or society, we cannot leave the human world and will be bound to reincarnate here to repay them. The greater the debt, the lower the LIFE level, and the smaller the chance of entering the celestial world.

Letting Go of Attachments to the Mundane World Honoring parents, raising children, caring for siblings, and contributing to society are all forms of debt repayment. Their purpose is to resolve worldly bonds, avoid reincarnation, and free oneself from suffering and hardship.

A key principle of self-practice and cultivation is: “Better to let others owe me than to owe others.” Do not seek advantages. Give more and take less. This approach not only helps repay debts but also accumulates wealth in the heavenly kingdom.

Avoid deep involvement with worldly mortals whenever possible. Do not extend kindness or harbor malice toward them. Do not accept their favors, as worldly benefits often hinder the path to the heavenly kingdom. For example, if you are a doctor, never accept extra gratitude from patients; if you are a government official, never accept extra rewards or bribes. Do not let short-term benefits cloud your spiritual vision, planting seeds of future suffering.

It is evident that forming ties with wicked individuals will entangle you in their troubles. If they end up in jail, you may be implicated or, at the very least, disturbed for a period of time. If they descend into hell, you might have to follow to resolve your karmic ties.

Proximity to vermilion makes one red; proximity to ink makes one black. Worship Buddha, gain Buddhahood; worship demons, gain demonic traits. Frequent exposure to the river makes one wet, and frequent trips to the well will eventually break the pot. Being close to the mountains makes one familiar with the sound of birds; being close to the water makes one understand the nature of fish. Staying long in fragrant places makes one unaware of the scent, while staying long in foul places makes one oblivious to the stench. Understanding these principles early allows us to distance ourselves from harmful places and people before regret becomes too late.

The Best Way to Repay Debts The best way to repay debts and resolve mundane bonds is through formless giving—generous acts of merit without attachment. By accumulating wealth in the Tao’s "bank," the Tao will automatically help repay your debts. Thus, a debt owed to person A doesn't have to be repaid directly to them; it can be repaid through formless giving to persons B, C, and D. For example, if your parents have passed away and you haven't repaid the debt of their upbringing, you can repay it by accumulating merit through selfless actions for others.

Forming Celestial Ties Actively forming celestial ties involves interacting with those who have celestial and enlightened roots. These individuals not only avoid bringing trouble into your life but also bring happiness and joy. As the saying goes, “When one person attains the Tao, even their household rises to heaven.” While this may not be entirely literal, it highlights the profound influence celestial ties have. By forming deep connections with them, your chances of entering the heavenly kingdom increase.

Connections between Lifechanyuan Celestials are essentially celestial ties. If you form bonds with ten Celestials who become celestial beings, the karmic ties between you will inevitably guide you to the celestial world, as these bonds will naturally pull you along.

The benefits of transcending mundane bonds and forming celestial ties are profound. Reflect on and savor these truths, and once you understand the principles, you will know how to approach self-practice and cultivation.