Sutra of Maitreya’s Deliverance 彌勒救苦真經
- Xing Shen
- Aug 6
- 63 min read
Updated: Aug 10
This sutra has been the hardest one to translate so far.
I have read and listened to many explanations and spent a great deal of time bringing them together into one clear voice. I wish I could include all the insights, but doing so would make it too difficult to follow—especially for those reading this sutra for the first time or who have just started this journey.
There are many layers of meaning, but trying to explain them all at once could obscure the heart of the message. So I focused instead on making the translation clear and coherent. After many careful revisions of the first 12 lines, a workable approach finally took shape.
Here are my sources for the translation:
A Note on the Translation
This sutra was first revealed in 1926, before Patriarch Zhang and Matriarch Sun were officially named the 18th Patriarch and Matriarch in 1930. At that time, many of the events described had not yet occurred, so most of the verbs in this translation are written in the future tense—except for those referring to events that had already taken place or were in progress.
The original Chinese text is written in a prophetic style, using symbolic language to describe things that haven’t happened yet. Some of those events—mostly in the first part of the sutra—have already come true, so that section can now be explained more clearly. It’s like a genie has been let out of the bottle—what was once a mystery has now come to light. But much of the sutra still speaks of the future, and no one can say for sure if today’s understanding is completely accurate. As time goes on and Heaven’s plan continues to unfold, this translation may need to be updated to reflect a clearer truth.
Some lines are translated more literally to preserve their deeper meaning, while others are left in pinyin because they require extensive explanation. This allows readers space to reflect, interpret, and discover more as they study the scripture.
For the timeline of events and interpretations, I mostly followed the information provided in Video Series 3.
I’m in the process of gathering feedback and will make one final update once I’ve received it.
An Insight I Never Expected
I came to know this sutra because I felt a quiet urging to translate it. As I worked through its verses, tears came to my eyes again and again. I was deeply moved by Eternal Mother’s compassion—Her longing for all Her children to return and grow—and by the great vows made by the Buddhas. Her love is greater than anything I have ever known, and never have I felt so close to Her.
I also felt a deep and humbling shame that I hadn’t understood it until now. That insight alone shows the power of this sutra. I never imagined this would be the blessing of my work when I first began. I am truly grateful for the chance to share Mother’s boundless love with others.
May this sutra stir your heart to answer Heaven’s calling.
What follows is my sincere effort to share the heart of the sutra. May any merit from this work be dedicated to those suffering in the realm of hungry ghosts.
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佛說彌勒救苦經 彌勒下世不非輕
The Buddha speaks the Scripture of Maitreya’s Deliverance
—for Maitreya's coming is no small matter.
The “Buddha” in the first line is the Ancient Buddha Maitreya. In 1926, he came down into the world and revealed The Sutra of Maitreya’s Deliverance. This is no ordinary scripture—it tells the full story of his mission to save souls in the last great time of deliverance, a time the sages call The Golden Rooster’s Three Crows (金雞三唱).
JiGong Living Buddha, in The Way of the True Self (性理題釋), speaks of it clearly: “During the Third Era, Maitreya Buddha will come into the world three times to spread the message that true deliverance comes from receiving Tao” (三次降世唱道傳法).
The sutra first describes The Golden Rooster’s First Crow (金雞初唱)—the first time Maitreya came to begin this work. Later, it tells of The Golden Rooster’s Second Crow (金雞二唱), and finally The Golden Rooster’s Third Crow (金雞三唱). Each marks a new stage in the unfolding of his great vow, leading all the way to the final gathering of souls.
Maitreya Buddha's First Incarnation
The Ancient Buddha Maitreya came into our world as Lu Zhongyi (路中一). In time, he would become the 17th Patriarch, the first Patriarch of the White Sun Era. He was born in the fourth lunar month of 1853.
When Lu was still a boy, both his parents passed away. He and his sister were left to care for each other in an old, abandoned shelter. Life was hard, but they stood by one another. Later, his sister married, and at twenty-two, Lu joined the army. He served for twenty years and managed to save 240 silver taels—enough for one person to live on for almost a decade.
In 1895, when Lu was forty-three, he had a dream that changed everything. Eternal Mother appeared to him and told him to go to Qingzhou (青州) to seek Tao from the 16th Patriarch, Liu Qingxu (劉清虛). She even described what Patriarch Liu looked like and reminded Lu of his sacred mission. When he awoke, Lu left the army and set out to find him.
When Lu arrived, he hesitated at the porch. Just then, Patriarch Liu came out for a walk. It might have seemed like chance, but the night before, Liu had also dreamed—he was told that someone would soon come to receive Tao.
Liu asked, “Why are you standing here? Who are you looking for?”
Lu answered, “I heard I could receive Tao here.”
“If that’s why you came,” Liu said, “come inside, and we’ll talk.”
In the courtyard, Liu asked, “You look like a soldier. Why seek Tao now?”
Lu replied, “Eternal Mother came to me in a dream. Since then, I’ve seen many signs. I believe I must follow this path.”
Liu tested him, saying, “If you truly want to receive Tao, you must donate one hundred silver taels.” It was a large sum, but Lu gave it without hesitation. Liu was moved by his sincerity and passed Tao to him.
After the transmission, Liu said, “You may go home now.”
But Lu answered, “It took me twenty years to save all my money. I’ll give the rest of it to you. I have no home—I only wish to stay here and learn.”
“What can you do?” Liu asked.
“I’m not educated,” Lu said, “but I’m strong. I can do hard work.”
“Then you may chop wood and carry water,” Liu replied. And for the next ten years, Lu worked faithfully in the kitchen.
Heaven's Mandate
One spring, in 1905, when Lu was fifty-three, Eternal Mother came to Patriarch Liu in a dream just before the Spring Anniversary. She told him to pass the Tao lineage to Lu Zhongyi. Liu was unsure at first. But that night, she came again and said, “You must pass Heaven’s Mandate to the one whose left palm bears the word he (合) and whose right palm bears the word tong (同).”
The next day, Liu told all the disciples to wash their hands before offering incense. Quietly, he checked each person’s palms—over a hundred hands, but no sign. Then Lu came hurrying in from the kitchen, still drying his hands. Liu almost waved him off, but as Lu passed, he saw it—he on the left palm, tong on the right.
That night, Eternal Mother appeared once more. “Do not doubt. Pass Heaven’s Mandate to Lu Zhongyi, and tell him to return to his hometown to spread Tao. Do not delay.”
Near midnight, Liu called Lu into the altar room. There, he entrusted the Tao lineage and Heaven’s Mandate to him, saying, “Return to your hometown.”
“I have no home,” Lu replied.
“Then stay at Guanyin Hall,” Liu said. He returned all the silver taels Lu had given years before. “Take this. Go spread Tao. Do not return unless I call you. Leave now—don’t wait for morning.”
Lu returned to Jining (濟寧) and found his sister. He told her everything. With her support, they turned her home into a sacred hall, naming it Guanyin Hall. From there, Patriarch Lu began his mission, spreading Tao with great heart and tireless effort.
In 1925, at the age of seventy-three, he passed away and returned to Heaven. Today, he is remembered and honored as Grandmaster JinGong.
領寶齊魯靈山地 拈花印證考三乘
In the ancient land of Qi and Lu,
he received Tao and Heaven’s Mandate on Mount Spirit.
As in the Buddha's flower transmission,
three levels of cultivators are even now being tested,
to show who is worthy of the lineage.
Long ago, the land that is now called Shandong Province was home to the ancient kingdoms of Qi and Lu. For thousands of years, people have called it the sacred land of Mount Spirit. Many great teachers were born here—Confucius, Mencius, Yanzi, and Zengzi—whose wisdom still shines across the ages, lighting the way for the world.
In this same land stand the cities of Jining and Qingzhou. In Jining, Maitreya Buddha was born, beginning a heaven-sent journey. His path led him to Qingzhou, where he received Tao and Heaven’s Mandate. With this sacred calling in his heart, he returned to Jining to begin his mission. And from the soil of Shandong, his work to guide souls took root, carrying forward the province’s long tradition of wisdom and virtue.
The White Era Has Begun
In 1905, the Red Era came to an end, and the White Era began. At Heaven’s command, Grandmaster JinGong was entrusted with a sacred mission—to guide all the primordial buddhas across the three realms back to their true home in Eternal Heaven.
The three realms are:
People in the mortal world
Spirits in the underworld
Celestial beings in the Temporary Heaven
Before time began, all beings came forth from Eternal Heaven. But after countless lifetimes, they lost their way in the endless cycle of birth and death. The only way home was to receive Tao.
Yet the task was far too great for one person to finish in a single lifetime. Grandmaster had to find someone with the heart, the strength, and the faith to carry Heaven’s trust and continue the work after he was gone.
To show who this would be, he tested his disciples—much like the time when the Buddha, sitting before the great assembly, lifted a single flower in silence. No one spoke, but Venerable Kasyapa smiled, for he alone understood the unspoken truth. In the same way, Grandmaster already knew Heaven’s choice, but he wanted everyone to see clearly who was worthy to carry the Tao lineage.
The First Test
In his later years, Grandmaster JinGong grew ill and could no longer eat. He used this time to test his disciples. One day, he called them together and said, “I have followed Tao for many years, but now I am suffering. Maybe Tao is not the true path. If you wish to leave and live your own life, you may.”
Then he told the cook to serve pork. Though he could not eat, he watched closely to see what they would do. Some disciples gave up their vows and ate. But Zhang and Sun, two of his younger leading disciples, saw through the test. They politely refused, saying they had stomachaches. Their quiet response showed their steady faith and clear hearts.
The Second Test
When Grandmaster returned to Heaven, he left no name for who should lead next. His top disciples turned to spirit writing for guidance. When they asked, “Who will lead the sacred work?” Grandmaster replied, “Wait three months.”
Before the hundred days passed, Eternal Mother descended. When they asked Her the same question, She wrote, “Each person has a path given by Heaven.” Some grew impatient and left. But on the hundredth day, Eternal Mother came again. This time She said that Lu Zhongjie, Grandmaster’s sister, would serve as Custodian of Tao for six years.
Some disciples would not accept her leadership—except for Zhang, Sun, and a faithful few.
The Third Test
In 1930, a historic gathering took place—the Eight Trigram Furnace Assembly, a meeting unlike any before. Before the great altar, in the sight of all who had gathered, Zhang and Sun were named the 18th Patriarch and Matriarch. It was a turning point in history, the first light of a new era of cultivation.
For the first time, people could walk the path of Tao right in their own homes, alongside their families. Until then, both Taoist and Buddhist ways had taught that true cultivation could only be found within the quiet walls of monasteries, far from the world. But now, the path was open for all.
Yet this sacred work came with a request that weighed heavily on their hearts. To carry Heaven’s mission, Zhang and Sun would need to register as husband and wife—only in name, without the bond of marriage. Zhang already had a wife and children. Sun wished to guard her honor. They knelt before the altar and respectfully asked to be excused.
Then Zhang’s mother spoke. She reminded them that this task was greater than their personal concerns over a marriage in name—it was for the good of countless souls. Her words sank deep into their hearts. Feeling the weight of the mission, they let their hesitation fall away and, with quiet resolve, stepped forward to answer the call.
And so, they accepted. Together, they stepped into a new chapter—a calling to help save all beings across the three realms: Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld.
落在中原三星地 大證四川王桃心
From the Central Plain, where three stars shine,
the great proof at Wangtaoxin in Sichuan
shall uphold Heaven's Mandate.
After being chosen as the 18th Patriarch and Matriarch, Zhang and Sun set out for the city of Jinan to begin their heaven-sent work. In just one year, they founded five sacred halls and placed each one in the care of trusted disciples, so that Tao could spread in many directions.
Not long after, they traveled to Tianjin (天津). There they met the owner of the Three Stars Inn. After a warm and heartfelt talk, he was deeply moved and gladly received Tao. Out of devotion, he even offered his inn to be used as a sacred hall. That hall became a strong foundation for the mission in Tianjin, and over time the city grew into a lively center, drawing a steady stream of wise, generous, and capable people to join the work.
By the start of 1936, Zhang and Sun returned to Tianjin. So many people were receiving Tao that the original hall could no longer hold them. A larger hall was built and named Tian Zhen Headquarters. From there, Tao flowed swiftly across China.
These were the early fruits of their labor, with Patriarch Zhang leading the way. In his seventeen years of guidance, Tao spread far and wide, and Tianjin became a key place for preparing devoted cultivators—men and women with great vows to carry Tao—and sending them to places where its light had not yet been seen.
The Life of Patriarch Zhang
Patriarch Zhang was born in 1889, in the city of Jining, Shandong Province. His family owned some land and lived a simple but good life. On the day he was born, unusual signs appeared—bright lights shone around his home, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing caught fire, and the Yellow River stayed unusually clear for an entire year.
Years passed, and in 1909, at the age of twenty-two, Zhang joined the army in Nanjing with his uncle. Life there was harsh. He saw many of his fellow soldiers—men who had trained and fought beside him—lose their lives. Their passing weighed heavily on his heart. Then in 1911, word came that his father was seriously ill. Zhang left the army to return home, but the next year, his father passed away.
By 1912, the Xinhai Revolution had ended and the Republic of China was born. Zhang, now twenty-four, married Madam Zhu, and they had a daughter. But joy turned to sorrow when Madam Zhu died soon after giving birth. In time, he married Madam Liu, who would later be known as Lady Liu (劉師母).
Finding Tao
Three years later, in 1915, Zhang’s life took a new turn. At twenty-seven, he met Mr. Chu (褚老師), a Delegated Teacher (點傳師) who opened his eyes to Heaven’s Tao. Mr. Chu explained that Tao would restore the true teachings of Confucius. Hearing this, Zhang’s heart leapt with joy. He hurried home to tell his mother. She chose to receive Tao first, to be sure it was the right path. When she confirmed it, Zhang followed, even giving away part of his land to show his sincerity. From that day, Mr. Chu became his mentor.
Zhang’s first reason for practicing and sharing Tao came from a deep, urgent wish—to help his father’s spirit escape the endless cycle of reincarnation. At that time, the rule was to guide one hundred people to receive Tao. He began with family and friends, turning his own home into a sacred hall with his mother’s support. When people doubted him, he would kneel and plead with all his heart, begging them to receive Tao so that his father might be saved.
In the end, he guided only sixty-four. Though he felt the sorrow of falling short, hope came in 1918. Through spirit writing, Eternal Mother sent a message: from that day on, guiding sixty-four people would be enough to free one’s parents from the cycle of rebirth.
In 1920, Mr. Chu passed away. Zhang mourned him like a father. Grandmaster JinGong, moved by Zhang’s devotion, sent for him. When they met, Grandmaster asked, “Your mentor is gone. Who will you follow now?” Zhang humbly replied, “Please guide me. I will follow whoever you choose.” Grandmaster said, “Then follow me.” From then on, Zhang worked under Grandmaster JinGong to spread Tao. His faith was strong, and soon he was made a Delegated Teacher—one of the youngest at that time.
A Sign of Departure
Through the years, Patriarch Zhang served with tireless devotion. In 1947, while staying in Wangjiatang (王家塘), Sichuan, he saw a strange fruit fall from a tree in Wangtaoxin (王桃心) Garden. He took it as a sign that his time on earth was nearly done. Gathering his disciples for a farewell meal, he spoke with tears in his eyes: “In the past, Zhuge Kongming gave everything to his life’s purpose and never rested until the very end.
Later that year, on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, Patriarch Zhang passed from this world and returned to Heaven. He was honored as TianRan Ancient Buddha.
天真收圓掛聖號 等待時至點神兵
Tian and Zhen shall gather all souls,
their names recorded in Heaven's Roll.
Until the appointed time, Heaven’s agents shall await
their awakening through the sacred point.
The word “Tian” is the first character in Patriarch Zhang’s name, Tian Ran (天然), and “Zhen” is the second character in Matriarch Sun’s name, Su Zhen (素真). Put together, “Tian Zhen” becomes more than just two names—it stands for the two Buddhas who carry Heaven’s Mandate to pass down Tao.
Their sacred work, the great calling to guide all souls back to Heaven, had two parts. The first was to pass on Tao, opening the way for people to return to their true nature. The second was to awaken Heaven’s agents—souls sent into this world long ago with a divine mission, quietly living among others, waiting for the moment to rise and help complete this great work.
Through their tireless effort, the word of Tao spread across China in just seventeen years. By the government’s own record at the time, nearly thirty million people had received Tao.
And here is how it works…
To begin the journey home, a seeker first registers with the Mandated Teachers—Patriarch Zhang and Matriarch Sun—the last bearers of the Tao lineage. Representing them are Delegated Teachers, who also carry Heaven’s Mandate. After registering, the seeker waits for the sacred ceremony that opens the way to Heaven.
In the meantime, things are already in motion in the unseen world. The Local Magistrates—divine guardians appointed by Heaven to watch over each town and city—begin searching for the seeker’s name. When the Magistrate of the seeker’s hometown finds it, he sends a spirit child to look into their life and background.
Two Requirements for Receiving Tao
Before a seeker may receive Tao, two conditions must be met:
Good character — a kind heart guided by moral virtue.
Right profession — work that does not take life, break the law, or involve gambling or sexual impurity.
If both are found in place, the spirit child returns to the Local Magistrate with the report: this one is ready and worthy. But if the seeker falls short, Heaven may place roadblocks in their path—an urgent call, an unexpected delay, something that keeps them from reaching the altar or completing the ceremony.
Preparation for the Ceremony
Meanwhile, the preparation begins. The Mother Lamp is lit, with two smaller side lamps beside it. Offerings of tea and fruit are placed on the altar. Then, with deep respect, Eternal Mother is invited to descend, along with buddhas, saints, bodhisattvas, and the celestial guardians of thunder, wind, tiger, dragon, and the twenty-eight constellations, to keep watch over the altar.
Next comes the checking of the seeker’s name on the Imperial Heavenly Form (龍天表). When the seeker confirms it, the form is burned in the incense urn. As the smoke rises, it carries their name to the Three Officials:
The Heaven Official — grants blessings.
The Earth Official — forgives wrongs.
The Water Official — removes and transforms hardships.
They write the seeker’s name in Heaven’s Roll and pardon all past wrongdoings. This pardon is more than a symbol—it is a washing away of old burdens, a quiet renewal of the soul. At that moment, the seeker is received by Heaven and given a gift as sacred as a second birth—a turning point that will guide their soul’s journey from this day on.
The Ceremony Begins
Then the ceremony begins. A Delegated Teacher, carrying the Mandate of Heaven and standing in place of Patriarch Zhang and Matriarch Sun, reveals the Three Treasures: the hidden portal, the unwritten mantra, and the hand seal.
The Teacher points to the hidden portal and opens it. To the eyes of the world, it may seem like nothing has happened. But in the unseen realm, it is as if a bolt of lightning flashes across the sky—sudden, bright, and full of Heaven’s power. After opening it, the Teacher closes the portal. Though closed, it can never again be locked. From that moment, it is the seeker’s task to open it for themselves through effort and sincerity. This moment is called the Teacher’s Point (明師一指), the first treasure—pointing the way back to Heaven, back to the true self.
The Teacher also reveals the second treasure—the unwritten mantra—and the third—the hand seal. With these two treasures, as the sutra later explains, the seeker learns to guard the spirit within. They begin to watch their thoughts, weigh their words, and choose their actions with care. Day by day, by living with mindful awareness, they draw closer to the pure nature that has always been within them.
From that moment, the seeker is said to have received Tao—a spiritual rebirth. These treasures will help them grow in virtue, remain safe from harm, and, when their time on earth is done, be free from the endless cycle of life and death—returning at last to their true home in Heaven.
Awakening the Agents of Heaven
After the transmission ceremony, the newly awakened listens to a careful explanation of the Three Treasures. As they take in the teachings, something may begin to stir within—a quiet warmth that soon becomes a burning wish to share the message of Tao. Those who feel this way are often the agents of Heaven—souls sent long ago with a sacred task, now awakened to the promise they once made.
Before receiving Tao, they may have lived like anyone else, unaware of their true purpose. But once awakened, everything changes—they give their time, their strength, and all they can to the sacred work.
One such agent was Elder Pan Hualing (潘華齡道長).
The Story of Elder Pan
Elder Pan was born in 1886 in Hebei, into a family of scholars whose home was filled with kindness and faith. As a boy, he studied the classics and practiced calligraphy. In time, he opened a silver shop and often used his earnings to help the poor.
In 1938, Elder Pan received Tao at Haoran Hall in Tianjin through Elder Liu Mengrong (劉夢榮道長). The next year, he gave himself fully to the mission and became a hall steward (壇主). Later, he received Heaven’s Mandate and was appointed a Delegated Teacher. With his own savings, he founded Bao Guang Hall (寶光壇) in Shanghai, working tirelessly day and night to spread Tao.
Within ten years, Bao Guang Hall had grown into a vast network—reaching ten provinces, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with more than 2,000 sacred halls. It became the most well-known of the five great halls in Shanghai. Elder Pan gave freely, even offering fifty taels of gold and two hundred acres of land to deliver the spirit of Bi Gan (比幹)—a loyal minister from ancient times—out of the Temporary Heaven.
In 1947, trouble swept through Taiwan. Eighty-five junior peers and three Delegated Teachers were arrested. Elder Pan rushed back to help. For eighteen long months, he prayed, worked, and did all he could until they were set free.
Two years later, in 1949, the situation in mainland China worsened. Elder Pan escaped to Hong Kong, but when he learned that others were still being jailed and killed, he made a bold choice—he would return. His junior peers pleaded with him to stay. But he said, “If I do not go back, I will have let down those who gave their lives. If I die, perhaps I can save others.”
At the train station, just before leaving Hong Kong, he smiled and said, “Why cry? We will meet again in Heaven.” Then he stepped onto the train, carrying nothing but his faith, his courage, and his vow to stand with those who suffered.
Not long after arriving in Dongguan, he was arrested. On the first day of the fifth lunar month in 1953, he was executed. That day, the skies grew dark, storms raged, and many wept for his passing.
There were many like Elder Pan—agents of Heaven awakened by Tao, who gave their lives to the mission. Their stories still inspire all who walk this path. And all of it shows the power of the Teacher’s Point—through which Tao spread across China in just seventeen years.
雲雷震開戊己土 天下神鬼不安寧
Thunder roars, and clouds surge;
the central ground of the true nature is split,
shaking all spirits and ghosts beneath Heaven.
Only a Mandated Teacher has the power to open a person’s hidden portal. Without Heaven’s Mandate, that portal will remain sealed forever.
The Moment of Awakening
Picture a moment charged with the power of a storm—a bolt of lightning splitting the sky, thunder answering with a deep, rolling voice. In Heaven, the Thunder Division and the Wind Division work together in just this way—when their forces unite, the heavens tremble and a mighty storm is born.
So it is when the Mandated Teacher points. Power flows from Eternal Mother like an unseen current, gathering into one bright focus before the Teacher directs it to the seeker’s hidden portal.
In that instant, the golden lock breaks. A burst of pure light streams forth, and the true self—long hidden—shines once again.
The Book of Changes (易經) speaks of the Thunder Trigram (雷卦). When doubled, it becomes the Quake Trigram (震卦), a sign of great force. The Teacher’s sacred point carries this same power—sudden, unstoppable—awakening the soul as if struck by lightning and stirred by thunder.
This moment is more than a flash of power—it is the turning point for a soul that has wandered far from its true home. From here, the gate of freedom stands open. That is why saints and sages call the Mandated Teacher’s point the priceless treasure (無價寶).
We may believe we have a Buddha nature, but we do not yet know where it lives within us. For centuries, the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have spoken of this place in quiet, symbolic words—a doorway to the pure heart, the true self, the hidden miracle within. But without the Teacher’s Point, we cannot find it. Our inner treasure stays sealed, just beyond reach. That is why the Teacher’s Point is so precious—it shows us exactly where this treasure lies, so we can draw from it and begin to awaken.
To truly understand the value of this sacred point, the newly awakened must return to the sacred hall and listen to the teachings. Each lecture is like a lantern glowing in the dark, lighting the way toward their own inner wisdom. In time, they will see for themselves that this point cannot be captured by words alone—it must be touched and felt deep within the heart.
The Power of the Teacher's Point
One scripture by JiGong Living Buddha speaks of the mystery and power of this sacred point—revealing what the mind alone could never fully grasp:
The Mandated Teacher points to
the door where the spirit enters and leaves the body.
The Mandated Teacher points to the true self in its original state.
The Mandated Teacher points to the place of perfect goodness within the soul.
天命明師一指點≫生死出入之户
天命明師一指點≫本來面目之初
天命明師一指點≫自性至善之地
The Mandated Teacher points to the resting place of mind and thought.
The Mandated Teacher points to where true wisdom abides—in what truly is.
The Mandated Teacher points to the secret of the true Way, hidden in plain sight.
天命明師一指點≫制心止息之處
天命明師一指點≫菩提如是之住
天命明師一指點≫正法眼藏之秘
The Mandated Teacher points to the source of wisdom in all teachings.
The Mandated Teacher points to the mind’s clarity, where the true self is revealed.
The Mandated Teacher points to the gate of insight into truth and enlightenment.
天命明師一指點≫智慧萬法之源
天命明師一指點≫明心見性之境
天命明師一指點≫開示悟入之門
The Mandated Teacher points to the convergence of all paths into one.
The Mandated Teacher points to the highest awakening that leads to Heaven.
The Mandated Teacher points to the One that unites all of life and the universe.
天命明師一指點≫萬法歸一之會
天命明師一指點≫通天大覺之道
天命明師一指點≫一以貫之之唯
The Mandated Teacher points to the foundation where learning becomes insight.
The Mandated Teacher points to
the ground where the heart is nurtured and the self refined.
The Mandated Teacher points to the bedrock of the five constant virtues.
天命明師一指點≫學而時習之基
天命明師一指點≫存心養性之底
天命明師一指點≫五常本德之固
The Mandated Teacher points to
the guiding standard of virtue through self-discipline and right conduct.
The Mandated Teacher points to
the key to clearing the mind for true understanding.
The Mandated Teacher points to
the wonder of loyalty and empathy in heart and action.
天命明師一指點≫克己復禮之則
天命明師一指點≫格物致知之要
天命明師一指點≫忠恕体用之妙
The Mandated Teacher points to
the essence of moral balance and right judgment.
The Mandated Teacher points to
the complete way of knowing truth and living with virtue.
The Mandated Teacher points to
the wellspring of all goodness and noblest qualities.
The Mandated Teacher points to
the root that calls the souls home to their true origin.
天命明師一指點≫中庸權衡之体
天命明師一指點≫窮理盡性之極
天命明師一指點≫萬善至德之本
天命明師一指點≫達本還原之根
This scripture points to many truths, yet they all lead to the same doorway—a single path opening into the deep well of true understanding. But the journey does not begin with reading the words; it begins when we live them. Each line is more than an idea—it is something to feel, to practice, and to grow into.
Even if we touch just one of these truths with our heart, even for a moment, it can be as if the Tao has come alive within us. In that instant, we may feel awe, depth, and a quiet wholeness—a knowing that something sacred has been touched. It stirs us to bow in reverence, and in that bow, we understand: the Tao we have received is truly priceless.
The Bigger Picture
Whenever someone receives Tao, it is never just about them. It is a moment that moves all three realms—Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. It stirs the heart of Eternal Mother and sends ripples through worlds both seen and unseen.
The Ancestors
At that very moment, blessings flow into the deep halls of the Underworld.
Lecturer Xu Chuanying (許傳營講師) once told what he witnessed there when a person receives Tao. From a young age, Xu had the rare gift of leaving his body to travel in spirit to other realms. On one such journey, he found himself in the Underworld.
One night, the Lord of the Underworld (閻羅王) sat upon his high throne, judging a case, when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the great hall. A messenger from the Three Officials entered, bowing low and holding in both hands the Imperial Heavenly Form. In our world, it might look like a folded sheet of xuan paper for calligraphy, but here, in those shadowed depths, it stretched as vast as several rooms.
The Lord unrolled it slowly, reading in silence. His eyes grew solemn. Then he said, “Bring me the Register of Life and Death.” A moment later, attendants came forward, carrying a massive bamboo scroll so large it seemed to tower above the hall. Taking the Imperial Heavenly Form in his hands, the Lord began to cross out names from the register, one by one.
When he finished, his voice rang through the hall: “Except for those guilty of the worst crimes, every ancestor whose descendant’s name is written here—because they have received Tao—is now freed from punishment in the Underworld.”
Then he called the freed ancestors to stand before him and said, “From this day on, you will no longer suffer in the Ten Courts. Your children have received Tao. This Tao comes from the Eternal Mother in Heaven—it saves those in Temporary Heaven, the human world, and even the deepest places of the Underworld. Each of you will be given a white lotus. Now go to the lecture hall of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.”
And so they went—walking toward the lecture hall, their hearts filled with quiet hope, longing for the day they too might receive Tao and return to Eternal Heaven. When a descendant on Earth is devoted and gathers enough merit to carry the karma of a departed parent, that ancestor may come back through the child’s body—borrowing it as a living vessel to receive Tao.
It is often said: “When one child receives Tao, sixteen generations of their family are blessed. When one child succeeds in cultivation, the whole family line can be reborn into higher realms.”
After witnessing all this, Xu searched for 18 years—visiting monastery after monastery—always asking to receive Tao so his name could be removed from the Underworld’s register and placed in Heaven’s Roll. At last, someone brought him to a sacred hall. The moment he saw the Imperial Heavenly Form, he knew he had found what he had been seeking.
The Celestial Beings
Meanwhile, in Temporary Heaven, a low rumble of thunder rolls across the sky. The sound stirs the hearts of celestial beings—a quiet reminder that even their time in this peaceful realm will one day end. These are noble souls—loyal ministers, filial children, wise cultivators, and people who once walked the Earth with virtue—now resting in Heaven’s blessings.
But even here, freedom is not complete. When their blessings are spent, they must return to the mortal world and face the long cycle of birth and death again. The only way to break free is to receive Tao from a Mandated Teacher in the White Era. In their past lives, Tao was hidden from the world, and the chance never came. Now, in this time of Heaven’s great deliverance, the door is open—but it will not remain open forever.
Their hope rests with someone on Earth who shares a karmic bond with them. When that person receives Tao, they too must rise with purpose. Through self-refinement and sincere effort, they gather the merit and strength needed to lift the celestial being from transmigration. Only then can that celestial being enter the ceremony, using the earthly body as a living vessel to finally receive Tao.
This is why those in Heaven do not rest. They send messages through spirit writing. They call out in dreams. They urge those on Earth to awaken, to seek Tao, and to serve with a steadfast heart. When at last they find the one on whom their freedom depends, the cultivator’s firm resolve becomes the opening of the gate—through which many souls, bound by the same karmic thread, may return together to their true home.
親在仁天中華母 九蓮聖教歸上乘
Living in the mortal world,
Mother of ZhongHua shall bear the mandate
and ascend the nine lotus ranks through faithful practice.
In 1947, when Patriarch Zhang returned to Heaven, Matriarch Sun stepped forward to lead the Tao mission. It was a turning point, a new chapter in Heaven’s work on Earth. That same year, Eternal Mother gave a command to all the Elders, Chief Seniors, Seniors, and Delegated Teachers: look into your hearts, see what is there, and repent.
Matriarch Sun took this call to heart. She began planning twelve great repentance retreats to be held across China. But the country was in turmoil, and only ten could be completed.
These retreats were not just ordinary gatherings. They were moments when each person received Heaven’s Mandate again—just as they had the first time. It was a sign from above, clear and sacred, showing that Matriarch Sun had been entrusted to carry this mission forward.
The Life of Matriarch Sun
Matriarch Sun was born in 1895 in Shandong Province. Her family went through many hardships, and these trials gave her a deep wish to help others and walk the path of a bodhisattva.
By the time Grandmaster JiGong met her, she had already inspired over a thousand people to follow her example. In 1918, she received Tao under his guidance and began her lifelong spiritual journey. She urged her followers to receive Tao as well.
In 1930, she was entrusted with Heaven’s Mandate, becoming the 18th Matriarch. For seventeen years, Patriarch Zhang led the Great Deliverance. After he passed away, Matriarch Sun carried the work forward for twenty-seven more years, with unshakable strength and deep compassion.
The change in leadership came on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month in 1947. That night was the Mid-Autumn Festival. The full moon shone bright and round, like a sign of wholeness and new beginnings. On that very night, Patriarch Zhang passed away in Sichuan, and Matriarch Sun stepped into her sacred role. Few knew then that she was the Yuehui Bodhisattva in human form—chosen to carry on the mission.
In 1949, after the mainland came under new rule, Matriarch Sun went to Hong Kong for safety. The next year, she decided to return to the mainland. She could not bear to leave her disciples behind. Even if it meant danger or death, she was willing to stay with them. But many close disciples begged her not to go, pleading with her to remain in safety so the Tao mission could survive. Torn between her love for her disciples and her duty to protect the work, she listened to their counsel.
In 1955, she eventually escaped to Taiwan.
A Quiet Life, A Heavy Vow
In Taiwan, Matriarch Sun lived in Taichung. She kept a low profile to protect the Tao community, avoiding any attention that might bring harm. She was willing to suffer in silence so others could remain safe. She made a solemn vow—to bear the weight of disasters in order to save the world.
The suffering of all beings is my suffering.
The hardships of all beings are my hardships.
The pain of all beings is my pain.
The delusion of all beings is my worry.
The ignorance of all beings is my concern.
The sorrow of all beings is my sorrow.
All of their burdens, I carry as mine.
眾生的苦就是我的苦
眾生的難就是我的難
眾生的痛就是我的痛
眾生的迷就是我的憂
眾生的痴就是我的慮
眾生的悲就是我的傷
眾生的一切 都是吾所擔負
No matter if it is a mistake or a fault, I will carry it on my shoulders.
No matter how many trials are on the road,
no matter how many storms on the sea,
no matter how many setbacks in the path of Tao,
no matter how disappointing life may be—
every trial, every hardship, every calamity,
I will bear them all.
不管是錯 是過 我都會一肩挑起
不管路程多少考驗 不管船行多少風浪
不管道程多少挫折 不管人生多不如意
一切種種 一切考驗 一切磨難 一切劫運
吾都會一肩扛起
All beings have a buddha nature.
All beings have times of confusion.
With compassion, I will guide them;
with joy and giving, I will help them.
Though the road is full of disasters,
I will still bear them all to save others—
only for people to awaken and walk the path of Tao,
only for them to step onto the rescue ark.
No matter how great the suffering,
no matter how great the hardship,
no matter how great the disaster—
I make this great vow: to bear the disasters and save the world.
因為眾生皆是如來佛性
眾生皆有迷顛之時
用以慈悲敦化 用以喜捨濟挽
雖路途之劫難 我也一切「頂劫救難」
只為眾生了悟修道 只為眾生登上法航
再大的苦 再大的難 再大的劫
我宏誓立愿 頂劫救世
Her Final Years
In her later years, Matriarch Sun’s health grew weak. A stroke left her unable to walk, yet her heart never left the path. Every day she kowtowed—sometimes ten thousand times—praying for Tao to spread across the world and for her disciples to remain safe.
In 1975, at eighty-one years old, she peacefully returned to Heaven. She was honored as the Saint Mother of ZhongHua and was laid to rest in Daxi Township, Taoyuan.
The Mandate she carried still continues. Her name is still written on the Imperial Heavenly Form and spoken in the Tao transmission ceremony. The mission to awaken souls has never stopped.
The Teaching of the Nine-Leaf Lotus
The Teaching of the Nine-Leaf Lotus comes from the Nine-Leaf Lotus Sutra (九蓮經), short for The Precious Scroll of the Nine-Leaf Lotus: Returning to the Origin in True Faith (皇極金丹九蓮正信歸真還鄉寶卷). It was written and passed down by the 9th Patriarch, Huang Dehui (黃德輝). In this sutra, he speaks of how to use the hidden portal—without ever pointing it out directly—to reach enlightenment.
This is not just theory. It is a living path, one that begins in the humble steps of daily life and leads all the way to the highest realms of Heaven. Among its most cherished truths is the unfolding of the Nine Lotus Ranks.
The Nine Lotus Ranks
In Heaven, there are nine ranks of lotus seats. The moment someone receives Tao, a lotus seed is planted for them above. It rests there quietly, waiting for our care. Without light, water, and steady tending, it cannot grow.
That care begins when we return again and again to the sacred hall—coming to learn, to practice, and to serve. With each act of kindness, each moment of patience, each step in self-correction, the lotus awakens. Its petals begin to open, its light grows brighter, and its fragrance reaches farther. The beauty and strength of that lotus will always match the virtues we have cultivated and the merits we have earned. As the saying goes, “Heaven’s ranks are earned through deeds in the human world” (上天果位人間定).
The sacred hall is like rich soil for the soul. The light we need flows from our Eternal Mother, and the Buddhas’ compassionate radiance never ceases to shine. The water comes from the lectures we hear—each one a stream of wisdom that nourishes the spirit.
This is why the Buddhas often remind us: stay close to the sacred hall, stay rooted in the scriptures and classics, and follow the guidance of Seniors and Delegated Teachers (三不離). In this steady way, the seed becomes a blossom, the blossom becomes a seat, and the seat rises through the Nine Lotus Ranks—carrying us ever closer to our true home.
天花老母垂玉線 收圓顯化在古東
The golden line of Tao, bestowed by Eternal Mother,
shall guide the sacred work in the Ancient East.
In 1941, Eternal Mother came down from Heaven and, through spirit writing, revealed a set of scriptures. They explained the meaning of Heaven’s Tao—Heaven’s Way—and the truths hidden within it. This collection became known as Mother’s Ten Admonishments (皇母訓子十誡).
She spoke of an age long ago, when the primordial buddhas were sent into the human world to be refined through the trials of mortal life. But in those days, none of them wished to remain here. Their hearts longed to return to the pure realms above.
To reassure them, Eternal Mother made a solemn promise: when the White Sun Era arrived, She would send down Tao to lead every soul back to their eternal home in Heaven.
And so, to fulfill that promise, the golden line of Tao (金線) now flows through the sacred halls, carried by those who bear Heaven’s Mandate, guiding all who are willing to walk the path home.
The Golden Line in the Ancient East
After Matriarch Sun quietly stepped away from the spotlight, the mission of spreading Tao continued through the Chief Seniors, Seniors, and Delegated Teachers. They served across Taiwan, yet all followed the same golden line bestowed by Eternal Mother and carried forward from Tianjin in Patriarch Zhang’s time.
The term “Ancient East” in this sutra carries two meanings—one historical, the other symbolic.
First Meaning — The East as Taiwan
The “Ancient East” means Taiwan. Two clues point to this. First, in the 17th century, Zheng Chenggong (鄭成功) defeated the Dutch and renamed Taiwan Eastern Capital (東都). Second, one scripture hides a message: 兔走東城—“The rabbit runs to the Eastern City.” Its meaning became clear only later, when Matriarch Sun went to Taiwan.
As the prophecy unfolded, Taiwan became a beacon for the Tao mission. It anchored the sacred work, then sent it forth to the world. Spirit-writing centers rose as bridges between Heaven and humanity. Saints, sages, and buddhas sent divine teachings to awaken and guide souls. These writings became books and scriptures, each one lighting the path for seekers and cultivators.
All of this came from one source—Eternal Mother’s ancient promise to bring every soul back to Heaven. From Taiwan, that promise went out again, carrying Tao to the farthest corners of the earth.
But the “Ancient East” is not only a place—it is also a way of the heart. This leads us to the second meaning.
Second Meaning — The East as Compassion
In the Five Elements, the East is linked to the element of wood and the virtue of compassion. This teaches us that compassion is not only a soft feeling—it is a guiding force. Without compassion, we cannot truly guide others or fulfill the work Heaven has entrusted to us.
When compassion is alive, it moves us to share the message of Tao with those who have not yet heard it. In doing so, we open the way for them to begin their journey and end the roots of their suffering. This is true compassion.
A live scripture by Nanhai Ancient Buddha shows the depth of compassion needed for this work. In 2008, she brought the spirit of a man who had died in the great Sichuan earthquake to share his sorrow.
He told of that day: He had been at home, cradling his baby, when the ground began to roar. The building shook and in a single terrible moment, it gave way. Broken concrete came crashing down, pinning him to the ground. His legs were crushed; he could not move.
Beside him, his baby cried—a small, fragile voice in the darkness. His heart ached to reach his wife and parents, but his body was trapped. Every breath was a battle. Still, he forced himself to stay awake, clinging to the hope that he could somehow shield his child.
Minutes felt like hours. The cries grew weaker. Pain surged through his body, yet he would not close his eyes—until at last, the strength left him. He slipped into silence and left this world.
Even in death, his spirit could not rest. He carried the weight of his loss, unable to understand why such tragedy had fallen upon his family so suddenly.
Then, Nanhai Ancient Buddha explains:
"Noble ones, can you truly feel the burning will to live when life is slipping away?"
"When you cry to Heaven and it remains silent, cry to Earth and it turns away, cry to people and no one answers—can you, noble ones, truly enter the depth of such despair? Even now, countless souls burdened with grievance and sorrow walk the dim road toward the Underworld."
"Hold this feeling in your heart. See your own reflection in the suffering of others, and put yourself in their place, and you will hear the deep and urgent call to save life. Noble ones, act without delay to rescue every soul you can."
諸位賢士可否體會，不願死的求生意志嗎？在那種叫天天不靈，叫地地不應，叫人聼不到。在這樣的情況下，諸位賢士能夠體會嗎？現今還有許多的冤魂正在往地府的路上。如此感受，以人為鏡，將心比心，使人知之搶救生命，而賢士當要趕快搶救眾生的性命呀？...
Life in this world carries much sorrow. To open the heart in true laughter is no small blessing. Once, you too were among the ordinary many—until benefactors guided you to cultivate with sincerity, to serve with devotion, to listen to truth, and to be bathed in the light of saints and buddhas. Because of this, your face now shines with joy, a joy countless souls long to know.
人生苦，人生樣樣都苦。能夠真正的開懷大笑也真不容易。諸位賢士，從平凡之人得貴人指引，能夠實真修實辦，能夠聆聽真理，沾諸天仙佛之道光…每日笑逐顏開，不知會羡煞多少人。
What others cannot see through, you have seen with clarity. What others cannot make peace with, you have opened your heart to. What others cannot fathom, you have understood. What others cannot set down, you have let go. What others cannot hold in their hearts, you have embraced.
This is because you have held fast to your true nature. You have listened to the voice of truth. You have guarded each thought and awakened from within. And those who awaken themselves are the ones who walk in the light of true wisdom.
別人看不破的，賢士看破了。別人想不開的，賢士想開了。別人識不透的，賢士識透了。別人放不下的，賢士放下了。別人容不下的，賢士容下了。皆是諸位賢士掌握了本心，聆聽了真理…把握了念頭，自覺覺悟，能夠真正自覺覺悟之人是真智慧之人。
To know that Heaven’s Tao can be practiced, to know that the way of goodness can be learned, to know that the Mandated Teacher can be sought, to know that virtue can be done, to know that wrongs can be atoned for, to know the way beyond the world—this is the wisdom of an awakened being.
Therefore, noble ones—let your deep wisdom speak forth the words of virtue, the truth of righteousness, and the voice of compassion. Be the living buddhas and bodhisattvas in this world, rescuing those who suffer. As their living embodiment, take up their great vows and carry them out in full.
知天道可修、知善教可學、知明師可求、知善可做、知罪可懺、知出世之法，乃是真智者，賢士當運用自己之妙智慧講道德，說仁義。做世間活佛、做活菩薩，救苦救難，做諸天仙佛之化身，行諸佛之大願。
Thus, the blessings of Heaven will reach every land and every soul, and each of you will see your efforts bear fruit. May you complete your cultivation in this very life, guiding and helping all who are bound to you by destiny. Let none be lost again in the turning wheel of birth and death.
如此各國之眾生皆有福氣，而諸位 賢士皆可成就。如今就祝福賢士能夠一世修一世成，能夠渡化身邊所有因緣…別讓他們再流落生死輪迴了。
Let these words touch our hearts. This same compassion has stirred all in Heaven for ages. It is the inner fire that moves saints and buddhas to carry out Eternal Mother’s promise—a promise that has crossed mountains and seas until it took deep root in the land this scripture calls the “Ancient East.”
南北兩極連宗緒 混元古策在中央
Though the Tao lineage shall flow from north to south,
the Ancient Scroll dwells in the core of true nature.
The White Era has unfolded in two great chapters. The first began in the North, where Patriarch Zhang led the Tao mission from Tianjin for seventeen years. The second bloomed in the South, where Matriarch Sun carried on the work from Taiwan for another twenty-one. The places were different, the times were different, but the light was the same. Both were part of the one true lineage—a golden thread that runs through every Tao branch, past and present, near and far.
This lineage is not bound by time or place. Like rivers that all return to the sea, every true path finds its way back to the same origin—Tao. Eternal Mother prepared this golden line for the return of all souls, and it has flowed through history for thousands of years.
The Green Era
Around 2600 BC, She sent the saintly leader Xuanyuan Huangdi (軒轅黃帝) into the world to begin the lineage. When Huangdi returned to Heaven, Tao was entrusted to the wise rulers—Emperor Yao (堯), Emperor Shun (舜), Emperor Yu (禹), King Tang (湯), King Wen (文王), King Wu (武王), and the Duke of Zhou (周公). This was the Green Era, a time when only enlightened rulers could carry Tao forward.
The Red Era
Later came the Red Era, when Tao’s light reached both East and West. In the East, it was entrusted to the great teachers Laozi (老子), Confucius (孔子), Zengzi (曾子), Zisi (子思), and Mencius (孟子). In the West, Sakyamuni Buddha (釋迦牟尼佛) renewed the lineage and passed it to his successors. Bodhidharma (達摩祖師) brought it back to China, where it was carried on by awakened teachers until the Sixteenth Patriarch Liu (十六祖劉祖) brought this era to its close.
But in both the Green and Red Eras, Tao was still hidden. The Mandated Teacher’s Point could not be openly spoken of. Its truth was wrapped in the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism—revealed only through hints, symbols, and parables.
Tao and Religion
In this scripture, JiGong Living Buddha explains the difference between Tao and religion:
Tao moves through the world to save both spirit and life.
Religion reaches all beings, turning them back to goodness and service.
「道」傳世界【救性命】
「教」化眾生【歸善奉】
Tao is the essence, realized through the path of the true mind.
Religion is its living form, purifying the heart.
「道」為本體【心法入】
「教」為作用【淨人心】
Tao sets the soul free from the wheel of life and death.
Religion stores blessings for the life yet to come.
「道」可【超生了解脫】
「教」可【來世福報存】
Tao is the true sovereign of all living souls.
Religion is the heart’s shelter and guiding light.
「道」乃萬靈【真主宰】
「教」乃精神【寄託引】
Tao works through awakened nature, stirring reflection and awakening.
Religion, grounded in spiritual practice, guides all beneath Heaven.
「道」以【覺性】省思悟
「教」依【法門】渡乾坤
Tao stands beyond all things shaped by change.
Religion leads step by step toward the ways of goodness.
「道」【離】一切有為法
「教」【導】人善漸法行
Tao’s truth flows through all, without leaning or bias.
Religion holds different teachings, ways of practice, and rules.
「道」【理貫徹】不偏倚
「教」【義戒規】皆不同
Tao responds with Heaven’s time, opening the gate of deliverance.
Religion shifts with the times, guiding each heart by its need.
「道」運【應時開普渡】
「教」門【應人隨時運】
Tao is revealed through religion and fulfilled through it.
Religion flows from Tao—the two are one and cannot part.
「道」由【教顯相】輔成
「教」由【道生】不可分
Tao comes before religion. Trace their roots, and the truth becomes clear.
Through careful reflection, we see both their differences and unity.
「道」教【先、後】根源溯
「道」、「教」分析自可明
The White Era
Now we have entered the final chapter—the White Era—when the plan is almost complete. In this age, only three Buddhas—Grandmaster JinGong, Patriarch Zhang, and Matriarch Sun—were chosen by Heaven as Mandated Teachers (天命祖師) to deliver all in the three realms.
When someone receives Tao and truly walks the path, Heaven marks it in two sacred records. First is Heaven’s Roll (天榜掛號), the living register kept by the Three Officials, which records the soul as awakened in this life and returning homeward. Second is the Ancient Scroll (混元古策), a record as old as creation. Among its pages lies the Ancient Scroll of the White Era (白陽古冊), which holds the names of those who have kept their vows across lifetimes and are ready to return to the Great Origin.
And so, the one true lineage—begun in the days of Huangdi, carried through the Green and Red Eras, and now alive in the White Era—still flows today.
老母降下通天竅 無影山前對合同
Eternal Mother has opened the way to Heaven;
Her long-kept covenant is fulfilled
at the foot of the shadowless mountain.
Eternal Mother has opened the way for all souls to return to Heaven. This sacred path is called Heaven’s Tao, or Heaven’s Way (天道).
The Altar and the Shadowless Mountain
This journey home is full of sacred signs. One of the most meaningful is the “shadowless mountain,” also called the Triple Peaks (三山坡) in Eternal Heaven, and the inner Mount Spirit that lives within every soul—three names for the same place. Long ago, at its base, all souls began their descent into the mortal world. There, the Eternal Mother made a promise: in the last age, She would gather all Her children home.
That promise comes to life every time we witness a transmission ceremony. In that moment, the altar becomes the mountain itself—the Mother Lamp as the great central peak, the two smaller lamps as the lesser peaks. As the seeker kneels before the altar, their spirit is standing at the foot of the shadowless mountain. With the hand seal held—the sign of Mother’s vow and the mark of a heart pure as a newborn—the Teacher points to the hidden portal. In that instant, the gate to Heaven quietly opens, and the Eternal Mother’s promise is fulfilled.
From that moment on, one of our most urgent tasks is to bring our hearts back to their original purity—a heart as fresh and unstained as that of a newborn. This is our part of the promise with Eternal Mother.
When I first reached this part of the sutra, it moved me to tears. Something inside me shifted. I thought about how Eternal Mother has been waiting since the very beginning, ready to give everything to bring us back.
For a long time, deep in my subconscious—though I never spoke it aloud—I had blamed Her. I couldn’t understand why She sent us into this world. I felt resentful that I had to work so hard to climb out of a deep hole I had dug for myself.
But when all my failings flashed before me, I saw how I had failed Her. In that moment, I finally understood why She lets us face the trials of this world. Without tests, we cannot remain enlightened. Without challenges, we cannot discover who we truly are.
Every parent wants their children to know their own worth, and Eternal Mother is no different. Grief welled up inside me, mixed with a healthy shame, and I called out to Her. It felt like a reunion deep in my heart—as if I had finally recognized and accepted my own Mother. Her love is deeper than words, yet it flows through this sacred image, filling the heart until it can hold no more.
Kneeling at the altar before the Mother Lamp, with two smaller lamps beside it, we stand where the slopes of three sacred mountains meet. Here, kowtowing is more than ritual—it is the heart speaking without words.
When we receive Tao, something awakens within. We see that the Buddha nature has always been there. From then on, each kowtow is not only to the Heaven above, but also to the Heaven within. We remember that our true self is already a Buddha. The kowtow is not from habit, but from a heart bending toward the living presence of Heaven, filled with gratitude and awe.
Thus kowtowing shapes the heart. It keeps us humble, sincere, and steady in the truth. Each kneeling feels like a step home, a renewing of vows, a gentle laying down of burdens—until the heart is light and pure.
When Movement Becomes Meditation
Over time, movement becomes meditation. The senior announcer’s voice guides each gesture—bowing, kneeling, lowering the forehead to the hands, rising, standing. Staying with each motion holds us in the present. Sometimes thoughts pull us away, and we move ahead or fall behind. This is not cause for judgment, but an invitation to return—gently, without haste—to the body’s movement. For as the teachers say, awareness of the body anchors the mind. Without it, stillness slips away.
Awareness deepens as the ritual continues. The Buddhas’ names are called, the kowtows counted. When my forehead rests on my hands, I think of the Buddhas’ compassion. Gratitude rises, and I honor their wisdom and virtue. It is like wǔ tǐ tóu dì (五體投地)—the head and all four limbs touching the ground—a sign of the deepest reverence. In that moment, the divine above and the divine within meet, and I kowtow with my whole being.
Kowtowing teaches us to see each moment and let it go. Counts pass, movements change, yet the still point remains. In that stillness, the mind grows clear, and wisdom shines. The quieter the thoughts, the brighter the inner light—until every thought follows the way of our true nature.
This is why kowtowing is dear to me. I follow each movement, watch each thought, and feel my soul nourished. When I finish, the mind is open and bright.
Let us make this practice steady. In the sacred hall, each kowtow can sink deep into the heart. Stillness will wrap around us like a gentle cloak, and the world will fall away. Yet the true hall is within, unseen but always present. At home, we may kowtow to repent, to pray, to give thanks. Each kowtow waters the roots of the soul, helping wisdom grow, day by day.
嬰兒要想歸家去 持念當來彌勒經
Mother's children who wish to return,
recite and practice the Sutra of Maitreya for this age.
用心持念佛來救 朵朵金蓮去超生
With sincere effort, Maitreya will save.
Golden lotuses will rise beyond birth and death.
Since we left our true home in Eternal Heaven and stepped into the mortal world, we have wandered through sixty thousand years and countless lifetimes. In that long journey, we have forgotten who we are and where we came from. Yet Eternal Mother has never forgotten. From above, She watches with a heart full of longing, waiting for Her children to return.
Now the final age has come. The road home is open, but no one can walk it for us. Our own hearts must awaken with the deep wish to return. Receiving Tao is the first step. The next is to live by the Sutra of Maitreya.
This sutra is more than words on a page. It is a shield against danger and a lamp that lights the way through darkness. It is a lifeline from Heaven, given so we can stay on the path home.
To receive its full blessing, we must recite it with care and a pure heart. When we chant with sincerity and share its merit with others, peace settles in and the heart finds refuge. But if the mind wanders or the words are rushed without understanding, the power fades and the sutra cannot protect us. When we stay present, the heart opens to the Buddha’s teachings—teachings that lift us from suffering and keep us safe. In that stillness, restless thoughts grow quiet, and a gentle calm begins to flow through us.
With a calm mind, dark thoughts lose their hold, and the burdens on the heart grow lighter. Our true nature shines again, like sunlight breaking through clouds. Steady practice deepens wisdom, and good deeds unfold like golden petals.
Those who walk this path with honesty, humility, and a true wish to grow are like golden lotuses blooming in Heaven’s pond. Their devotion draws down Heaven’s care and protection. When we recite with faith and a repentant heart, Maitreya’s compassion draws near. Whatever the trouble, heavenly protectors stand beside us—turning danger into safety and fear into peace.
And when our time in this world comes to an end, the soul will rise beyond the endless cycle of birth and death. It will enter eternal joy and return at last to the embrace of the Eternal Mother.
A True Story of Protection
The power of this sutra can be seen in a true account of Lecturer Xu Chuanying (許傳營講師). Once, he witnessed Lord Qin Guang, Judge of the First Court (第一殿秦廣王), order Reaper Seventh (七爺) and Reaper Eighth (八爺) to bring in a soul. Xu asked to go along, and the Lord agreed.
That night, they arrived in Taichung. The streets emptied at the sound of the reapers’ chains. They stopped before an old brick house. Inside, an elderly woman lay on her bed while her son sat beside her, softly reciting the Sutra of Maitreya.
Reaper Eighth asked why they didn’t go in. Reaper Seventh replied, “He is reciting the Sutra of Maitreya, and there is a glow above his head. The Underworld Lord once said: those who recite sutras are good people, and if a glow appears, it means they have received Tao. We must wait until he finishes before taking the soul.”
The reapers waited. Time slipped by. The son kept chanting, and the chance passed. The next night they returned, but again the chanting filled the room, and again they could not take her.
Xu later asked Lord Qin Guang why the glow stopped them. The Lord replied, “In the human world there are Mandated Teachers. Whoever receives Tao from them is registered in Heaven, and their names are erased from the underworld.”
On the third day, a Delegated Teacher came to introduce Tao. The light from the group’s spirits was so bright it kept the reapers outside the door.
The next day, the woman was brought to the sacred hall to receive Tao. Later, Lord Qin Guang told the reapers, “Her name is now in Heaven’s Roll and erased from the underworld. She is free.”
This shows us that the Sutra of Maitreya is more than just a prayer—it is a living bridge between Heaven and Earth. When joined with the blessing of Tao, it becomes a shield that protects the body, a light that guides the heart, and a power that lifts the soul beyond the endless cycle of birth and death.
識得西來白陽子 鄉兒點鐵化成金
To know those sent from the West in the White Era
is to heed Heaven’s final call—
turning iron into gold.
The “West” is more than a point on a map—it points to the eternal realm. In this final era, Heaven has appointed Maitreya Buddha to lead Heaven’s Grand Plan (天盤), while JiGong Living Buddha guides the Divine Plan of Tao (道盤). Together, they carry out Heaven’s will, helping every soul find the way home.
Those who receive Tao through this sacred line are disciples of the White Era. To understand this is to see the meaning of our time: Heaven is opening the door for its children to return. It is calling us to change, to remember who we truly are, and to journey back to our true home.
Transformation Through Tao
Before receiving Tao, many wander in spiritual darkness. What does this mean?
In Diagram 1, we see that the metal element, the direction West, and the virtue of righteousness all meet in the same place. Here, metal can be seen as iron—strong yet unshaped—like a person with great potential but without spiritual light. That is what it means to live in darkness.
After receiving Tao and walking the path with a sincere heart, something stirs within. The wish to share Tao and help others grows strong—this is the virtue of righteousness. In that moment, the “iron” of the spirit begins to change, much like hidden metals deep in the heart of a star.
Just as true gold is born when a star reaches its end—its core burning hotter and brighter until it explodes in a supernova—spiritual gold is formed when a soul holds fast to what is right, passes through the furnace of trials, and emerges pure, bright, and full of virtue. This is the change Heaven longs to see in each of us.
Gold is one image, but there is another. The metal element can also be seen as a diamond—formed deep underground, where ordinary carbon is pressed under great pressure until it becomes strong, clear, and radiant. In the same way, when we truly practice and share Tao, life’s struggles shape and polish our Buddha nature until it becomes bright, unbreakable, and enduring—like a diamond that never fades.
In this way, the call from the West fulfills its purpose: the soul is refined like gold and polished like diamond—restored to its true brilliance, ready to return home.
每日志心常持念 三災八難不來侵
Recite this sutra daily with a single heart,
and all disasters will pass without harm.
This part is already explained in: A Sutra for Guidance and Protection. Click on the link to go there and then click the same subheading to come back here.
要想成佛勤禮拜 常持聰明智慧心
To become a Buddha, kowtow with devotion;
keep wisdom bright within.
This part is already explained in: Bowing to the Light Within. Click on the link to go there and then click the same subheading to come back here.
休聽邪人胡說話 牢栓意馬念無生
Do not follow the words of the false;
restrain the restless mind,
guard against all delusion.
As we begin to change from iron into gold, the journey calls for both strength and clarity. Yet the path is not without dangers. One of the most hidden—and most dangerous—is the rise of wrong views. These are mistaken beliefs that quietly turn us away from the truth.
Wrong views twist how we see life, our own nature, and the way our actions shape what lies ahead. They may whisper that right and wrong do not matter, that our actions carry no weight, or that what is fleeting will last forever. Often, these ideas do not shout from the world outside; they slip in quietly from within, catching us unprepared.
Because they work in secret, wrong views can feel like firm ground—until the moment they give way. Sometimes it takes a loss, a shock, or a sudden change to see how false they were. I learned this in my own life. The moment one of these beliefs collapsed, it was as if the earth beneath me shifted. The regret was deep. I have shared that story in another blog, so others might see the danger before it is too late. That day I understood—our whole transformation depends on holding to the right view, the voice of truth that speaks from deep within.
Holding the Mind Steady
The word “restrain” may sound harsh at first, especially to someone new on the path. But for a wise cultivator, restraint is a shield—gentle yet strong. They see falling into wrong views as something serious, even dangerous. It is like standing at the edge of a high cliff, with no room to step back and no safe way forward. In such a moment, the mind must be held steady, because even one wrong step could send it tumbling. That is how serious it feels when the mind is close to slipping.
This is why we must hold fast to the right view and measure our thoughts with care. We can begin by asking simple, guiding questions:
Are my thoughts leading others toward freedom, or only serving my own desires?（聖凡）
Are they planting seeds of suffering, or seeds of peace and happiness?（苦樂）
Will they cause harm, or will they bring blessings?（禍福）
When the right view takes root, it becomes a compass—steady and sure—always pointing us toward the light. From the very start of the path, we must guard it well, for it will guide us safely home.
老母降下真天咒 用心持念有神通
Eternal Mother has bestowed the true mantra,
to be held in silence, joining with the divine.
Now we come to the second treasure: the unwritten mantra.
To “recite” it does not mean speaking aloud—unless our life is in danger. Most of the time, it is repeated silently, deep within the heart and mind.
Before I explain more, I invite you to try it for yourself. Even brief practice can open the way to deeper truths. You may begin to understand what the Buddhas and saints have spoken of for ages, perhaps even reaching the state called yǐ xīn yìn xīn (以心印心)—heart to heart, a joining of spirit through the heart—where we meet the divine in a wordless exchange.
The Power of Silent Recitation
Silent recitation of the unwritten mantra carries a gentle yet lasting power.
Everyone’s experience is different. I share mine not as the only way, but to give a glimpse of its potential. From here on, when I say “recite,” I mean repeating the mantra silently, in the heart and mind.
Normally, thoughts rise one after another, pulling us in many directions, never letting the mind rest. The mantra offers a way to settle the mind—but at first, it may not feel that way.
It is like a snow globe. Shake it, set it down, and the snow swirls before slowly settling. But some people shake it again before it rests, enjoying the motion—just like we keep feeding the stream of thoughts. And so, the snow never settles, and neither does the mind.
Crossing the First Threshold
Because our minds are stirred like that snow globe, reciting the mantra can feel difficult at first. Thoughts rush in, breaking focus. The mind may insist it’s not working or try to convince us to stop. This is only restlessness showing itself.
When this happens, don’t fight it. Don’t try to push it away. Simply keep reciting, and the restless energy will fade on its own. When the first stillness comes, we’ve crossed the threshold—standing on steady ground where the practice can take root.
As we quietly repeat the mantra, it keeps us in the present. We notice more clearly what we are doing, saying, and thinking. Mindless repetition holds no power; sincere recitation opens a quiet space within. This is our first true glimpse of its worth—though still far from knowing the depth of its power.
Deepening the Practice
The goal is not to stop thinking entirely—that is neither possible nor necessary. We still plan, solve problems, and live daily life. But the mantra changes how we do these things. We begin to respond with more wisdom, notice more deeply, and carry ourselves with a calmer, steadier presence.
In time, the practice becomes part of life. The mind slips back to the mantra during small pauses—while taking a sip of water or walking through a doorway. We notice a difference between days we recite and days we don’t. Because the mind naturally returns to what brings peace, even small changes help the habit grow.
Over time, the mantra sharpens our awareness. Without effort, the habit returns on its own, and we suddenly see we were lost in thought. This is a key moment—wise awareness (真) and delusion (妄) stand side by side, as clear as black and white. Like a light switched on in a dark room, everything is revealed. That clarity comes from our true nature.
Little by little, we learn the feeling of each state. Wise awareness feels steady, light, and open. Delusion slips in quietly, and when strong, leaves us feeling drained inside. Even before the habit is firmly rooted, that drained feeling can alert us and help us wake up. Even this simple awareness is the doorway to the heart of cultivation.
This is where we come to the essence of practice: reciting until not reciting is still reciting—bù niàn ér niàn (不念而念). It happens when wise awareness quietly takes over, even before we call on the unwritten mantra. This is the fruit of steady practice.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we stop reciting. The practice remains the foundation. But if we never observe what is happening inside, we remain at the starting point—reciting only for the sake of reciting.
The Fruit of Steady Practice
As wise awareness grows, we begin to sense where each thought will lead—toward peace or trouble, blessing or regret. Choosing wisely, we protect ourselves from suffering. With sincerity, we find Heaven’s protection, even from disaster.
When the mind is calm, harmful thoughts fade, and compassion begins to grow. We feel truly close to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—not just in words, but in spirit. Sacred teachings open more clearly before us, our actions grow gentle, and we meet life’s storms with wisdom.
All of this begins with a quiet heart and the faithful practice of the unwritten mantra.
What I have shared here is only the surface. Beneath it lies the great mass of karmic energy and the deep currents of the subconscious mind. I am slowly learning to see them. Knowing how deep my ignorance runs humbles me, yet the promise of this path keeps calling me forward.
滿天星斗都下世 五方列仙下天宮
Like the stars that fill the sky,
celestial beings shall descend
from the five halls of Heaven
to aid the work of deliverance.
When a Buddha is born into the world, Heaven begins to stir. From every corner of the Eternal Realm, Buddhas rise like a tide of light to support the sacred mission. Some remain unseen, moving like the wind—quiet yet full of power—guiding events from behind the scenes. Others descend openly, taking human form and walking among us to carry out the will of Heaven.
Our 17th and 18th Patriarchs, along with our Matriarch, are among them—Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who chose to live in this world, not for fame or praise, but to serve Eternal Mother’s command.
Eternal Mother once said, “Not one Buddha remains in Heaven; not one Bodhisattva stays in the Land of Eternal Bliss.” At Her call, they left their seats in the Lotus Halls and came down into the world, united in one sacred mission—to save all souls.
The Final Test
But those who descend do not come only to help—they also come to be tested. Many completed their journeys in the Green and Red Eras. Now, in the White Era, they return for one last trial. This test will decide the true rank of their lotus seat in Heaven.
Nanhai Ancient Buddha explains: Noble ones, the path of cultivation in the White Era is the deepest, the highest, and the most demanding of all. It calls you to live in the world, to walk among the people, and yet keep your heart unmoved—not swayed by temptation, not stirred by desire. To find stillness in the midst of life’s ceaseless flow is the most profound and enduring form of inner cultivation.
南海觀音古佛 開示慈語: 賢士現在所修的白陽修法是最高深、最高超、最難的修煉方法。賢士深入紅塵、深入人群中修煉，心不為所動、不為誘惑、不產生各種不該有的慾望，這才是動中取靜，是一種高深、深厚的內德修養。
A Heavenly Assembly
In the Heavenly Palace, the Five Great Halls — center, east, west, north, and south — stand in splendor, each ruling over vast realms of Heaven. From all these directions, divine ones have gathered at the Eternal Mother’s call.
Those who pass the final test will return to Heaven to shine their light upon the world. Those still in training will remain here, working quietly among us. Seen or unseen, they move as one, carrying out the Eternal Mother’s will as we walk together toward the dawn of a new age.
各方城隍來對號 報事靈童察的清
三官大帝慈悲註 赦罪三曹救眾生
Local Magistrates verify the seeker's name
and send a spirit child to check their worthiness.
The Three Officials, moved by compassion,
record the seeker’s name;
wrongdoings are forgiven, life is redeemed.
These four lines are already explained in The Tao Transmission Ceremony. Click on the link to go there and then click the same subheading to come back here.
救苦天尊來救世 親點文部揭諦神
八大金剛來護法 四位菩薩救眾生
緊領三十六員將 五百靈官緊隨跟
扶助彌勒成大道 保佑鄉兒得安寧
The Rescue Lord shall come,
appointing the Four Guardian Kings,
calling the Eight Diamond Guardians,
summoning the Four Great Bodhisattvas
to save the suffering.
He shall lead thirty-six divine generals,
with five hundred celestial officials close behind.
They shall aid Maitreya in guiding all souls to awakening,
and in keeping them safe for all time.
This section speaks of the second coming of Maitreya—the time known as the Golden Rooster’s Second Crow. In that time, Maitreya Buddha will return, reborn as the Rescue Lord. His heart will be filled with deep compassion, and he will send many White Era angels into the world to ease the suffering of all beings.
These angels do not come seeking gain or comfort. They come for one sacred purpose—to save others. They are willing to bear hardship themselves if it means rescuing even a single soul. The Rescue Lord’s kindness flows through them, and through their hands and hearts, his mission is carried out.
The Heavenly Host
To complete this work, Heaven has gathered a great host.
In the civil division stand the Four Guardian Kings (四大天王 Caturmahārājakayikas)— protectors of the Buddhist teachings, guardians of sutras and scriptures.
In the martial division stand the Eight Diamond Guardians (八大金剛 Aṣṭavajrapuruṣa), each with a unique vow:
Blue Diamond Guardian (青除災金剛)– clears disasters caused by past karma.
Healing Diamond Guardian (辟毒金剛)– lifts pain from illness or poison.
Yellow Diamond Guardian (黃隨求金剛)– helps fulfill sincere wishes.
White Diamond Guardian (白淨水金剛)– washes away mental suffering.
Red Diamond Guardian (赤聲金剛)– shines light to reveal the Buddha nature.
Peaceful Diamond Guardian (定除災金剛)– brings calm through trials.
Purple Diamond Guardian (紫賢金剛)– awakens the heart and mind.
Great Diamond Guardian (大神金剛)– grows wisdom and kindness to fullness.
Alongside them stand the Four Great Bodhisattvas (四大菩薩 Catvāri Mahābodhisattvāḥ):
Wenshu Bodhisattva (文殊菩薩 Mañjuśrī)– known for great wisdom.
Puxian Bodhisattva (普賢菩薩 Samantabhadra)– turns compassion into action.
Guanyin Bodhisattva (觀音菩薩 Avalokiteśvara)– known for boundless compassion.
Dizang Bodhisattva (地藏菩薩 Kṣitigarbha)– holds great vows to save beings.
Behind them march Thirty-Six Divine Generals ( 三十六員將) and Five Hundred Celestial Officers (五百靈官), forming a shield around Maitreya’s mission.
The Urgency of the White Era
Never before has the world seen such a gathering. This alone shows how great the coming danger will be.
In the Green Era, floods swept across the land. In the Red Era, fire raged without mercy. In the White Era, the disasters will come together—water, fire, and wind—with wind as the most destructive of all.
Now, with the shadow of nuclear war hanging over the world, the danger is greater than ever. This is why the Heavenly Assembly stands ready—not to guard only a chosen few, but to protect all who practice with sincerity, so they may find peace and safety when the storm arrives.
北方真武為將帥 青臉紅髮顯神通
扯起皂旗遮日月 頭頂森羅七寶星
威鎮北方為帥首 肅清諸惡掛甲兵
搭救原人鄉兒女 火光落地化為塵
四海龍王來助道 各駕祥雲去騰空
十方天兵護佛駕 保佑彌勒去成功
The Northern Martial Emperor,
green face, red hair, and divine in power,
shall serve as commander.
He shall raise the black banner to cover the sun and moon.
In that deep darkness,
only the opened hidden portals
shall shine with the seven jewel stars.
At his command, evil shall fall, and violence shall end;
Only the kind-hearted shall be saved,
when fire falls from Heaven, reducing all to ashes.
The Four Dragon Lords of the Seas shall come to aid,
riding auspicious clouds through the sky.
Celestial warriors shall guard the buddhas and Maitreya,
fulfilling their heavenly charge.
This section speaks of the third coming of Maitreya—the time known as the Golden Rooster’s Third Crow. It will be an age of great change, a time when the whole earth will be cleansed.
In that day, the Northern Martial Emperor will appear—a fierce and mighty figure with a green face and red hair. His sacred duty will be to punish the immoral and strike down the wicked.
When he raises his great black flag, the light of the sun and moon will be blocked. This will mark the beginning of a deep darkness over the earth—a darkness so heavy that even sunlight and moonlight will disappear.
The Darkness and the True Light
This darkness is the sign of the great catastrophe foretold in the White Era. It is said to be a disaster of wind. Some believe it may point to nuclear war, which would bring massive destruction and poison the air.
In that time, the only true light will come from those who have received Tao. This light will shine from their hidden portal, guiding them through the shadows to the sacred hall for refuge. Every true sacred hall will glow with a purple aura, forming a protective shield against the toxic air.
The Judgment and the Cleansing
As the world darkens, the Northern Martial Emperor will sweep across the land, removing evil and sparing only those with pure and kind hearts.
To restore balance, the Four Dragon Lords of the Seas will ride upon clouds of blessing. They will pour out mighty waves to cleanse the earth, washing away the scars of chaos and preparing the ground for peace.
When the cleansing is complete, those who remain will live in a world renewed and purified. This will be the time of the Third Longhua Assembly, led by Maitreya Buddha—a great gathering of the righteous and kind in an age of peace.
紅陽了道歸家去 轉到三陽彌勒尊
無皇勒令寄下生 收伏南閻歸正宗
來往造下真言咒 傳下當來大藏經
嬰兒奼女常持念 邪神不敢來近身
持念一遍神通大 持念兩遍得超生
持念三遍神鬼怕 魍魎邪魔化為塵
修持劫內尋路逕 念起真言歸佛令
南無天元太保 阿彌陀佛十叩首
In the Red Era, many returned home.
Now, in the White Era,
Maitreya is appointed by Heaven to lead the way.
By Mother’s command, he comes to guide all back to the true path.
Through many lives,
he has forged the unwritten mantra
into the Great Canon of this age.
Mother’s children shall recite and practice it.
Then no evil spirit will dare come near.
Recite once to draw upon great spiritual power.
Recite twice to be freed from the unrest of worldly life.
Recite thrice to bring dread to all spirits.
All demons will vanish into nothingness.
In this troubled age of cultivation, to find the safe road home,
recite the true words and follow the Buddha’s call:
ná mó tiān yuán tài bǎo āh mí tuó fó ten kowtows
(The pinyin means - respectfully taking refuge in Maitreya Buddha, Guardian of the Eternal Source, and pray to Amitabha Buddha)
This section holds the very heart of the scripture. It speaks of an age unlike any since the dawn of time. When Maitreya Buddha first came as the 17th Patriarch, the curtain rose on the sacred work of the White Era—the final act for which the two eras before had only prepared the way.
The White Era unfolds in three great moments. First came his descent to bring Tao into the world. Next will be his return as the Rescue Lord, gathering the faithful and shielding the good from harm. Last will be his coming again, to save the kind and steadfast from the final karmic reckoning and open the gates to a new world at the Third Longhua Assembly.
Every great movement begins with one turning point. For the White Era, that moment was the divine appointment—when Eternal Mother placed the weight of this last mission into Maitreya Buddha’s hands. In the closing verse of this sutra, he recalls that day. Later, in the JinGong Wondrous Canon (金公妙典), he tells the story in full—how sorrow, duty, and unshakable resolve took root in his heart.
The Moment of Divine Appointment
He said: In the Heavenly Palace, Eternal Mother wept without end for Her lost children. From the foot of Mount Spirit, I looked up and saw Her tears, and sorrow cut into my heart like a blade. I could not bear Her grief, and I was moved to take up the mission.
When Eternal Mother gave Her command, the weight of it struck me to the core. I wished to remain in Heaven and not descend into the world, yet Her tears left me with no choice. With my own eyes filled with tears, I turned to the other Buddhas and asked who would step forward to help pioneer this work. I promised to honor them with a higher lotus rank, even as my heart trembled before a task too vast for one alone.
無極母 在皇宮 痛淚不止 倒叫我 在靈山 心如刀割
急忙忙 踐跪在 靈賓寶殿 老娘親 千斤擔 教我擔著
有為祖 聽一言 唬的膽戰 把靈性 自唬在 靈山地坡
哭了聲 諸佛祖 速速打救 那一個 早護駕 封你大羅
Every great mission begins with a heavy cost. That is why Maitreya Buddha called for brave pioneers to join him. The early days were filled with trials and danger. During the time of Patriarch Zhang and Matriarch Sun, the land was torn by wars and unrest. Many cultivators were arrested, thrown into jail, and some even gave their lives because Tao spread so quickly that the government feared it as a threat.
Those who stepped forward—Elders, Chief Seniors, Seniors, Delegated Teachers, and hall stewards—were the very ones who had answered Maitreya Buddha’s call in Heaven. They stood firm beside the last three Patriarchs, enduring every hardship. With their blood, sweat, and tears, they built a foundation that will never be shaken, so that future generations could faithfully walk the golden path of Tao.
This part always brings tears to my eyes. I think of the courage it took for the Buddhas to accept this mission, knowing that once born into the world they could lose their way and forget their vow. To guard against this, many chose lives of hardship. Maitreya Buddha himself became an orphan, and his sister, the incarnation of Nanhai Ancient Buddha, also walked a path of struggle. These trials kept their hearts grounded and their will unshaken. Remembering this, how could I give less than a full and faithful heart, and every ounce of strength, to the path before me?
The Canon of the Age
In this same closing verse, Maitreya Buddha points us back to the unwritten mantra, placing it above every other scripture of the age. Alongside it are the sutras, teachings, and spirit-written texts bestowed by Eternal Mother and the buddhas, yet this mantra is set in the highest place.
Why? Because when we hold to it with care and constancy, its blessings unfold—quietly at first, almost like a whisper. The change is so gentle we may not notice it day by day. But over time, something within us begins to shift. One day we look back and see we are no longer who we once were. This quiet power has been shaping us all along—softly, steadily, from the inside out.
This is Maitreya’s plea to us—not a command, but a heartfelt call. The time is now. Let us not set aside the gift that has been placed in our hands.
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佛說彌勒救苦經 彌勒下世不非輕
The Buddha Speaks the Sutra of Maitreya’s Deliverance —
for Maitreya’s coming is no small matter.
領寶齊魯靈山地 拈花印證考三乘
In the ancient land of Qi and Lu,
he received Tao and Heaven’s mandate on Mount Spirit.
As in the Buddha's flower transmission,
three levels of cultivators are even now being tested,
to show who is worthy of the lineage.
落在中原三星地 大證四川王桃心
From the Central Plain, where three stars shine bright,
the great proof at Wangtaoxin in Sichuan
shall uphold Heaven's Mandate.
天真收圓掛聖號 等待時至點神兵
Tian and Zhen shall gather all souls,
their names recorded in Heaven’s Roll.
Until the appointed time,
Heaven’s agents shall await their awakening
through the sacred point.
雲雷震開戊己土 天下神鬼不安寧
Thunder roars, clouds surge;
the central ground of true nature is split,
shaking all spirits and ghosts beneath Heaven.
親在仁天中華母 九蓮聖教歸上乘
In the mortal world,
Mother of ZhongHua shall bear the Mandate
and ascend the nine lotus ranks through faithful practice.
天花老母垂玉線 收圓顯化在古東
The golden line of Tao, bestowed by Eternal Mother,
shall guide the sacred work in the Ancient East.
南北兩極連宗緒 混元古策在中央
Though the Tao lineage shall flow from north to south,
the Ancient Scroll dwells in the core of the true nature.
老母降下通天竅 無影山前對合同
Eternal Mother has opened the way to Heaven;
Her long‑kept covenant is fulfilled
at the foot of the shadowless mountain.
嬰兒要想歸家去 持念當來彌勒經
Mother's children who wish to return,
recite and practice the Sutra of Maitreya for this age.
用心持念佛來救 朵朵金蓮去超生
With sincere effort, Maitreya will save.
Golden lotuses will rise beyond birth and death.
識得西來白陽子 鄉兒點鐵化成金
To know those sent from the West in the White Era
is to heed Heaven’s final call—
turning iron into gold.
每日志心常持念 三災八難不來侵
Recite this sutra daily with single heart,
and all disasters will pass without harm.
要想成佛勤禮拜 常持聰明智慧心
To become a Buddha, kowtow with devotion;
keep wisdom bright within.
休聽邪人胡說話 牢栓意馬念無生
Do not follow the words of the false;
Restrain the restless mind,
guard against all delusion.
老母降下真天咒 用心持念有神通
Eternal Mother has bestowed the true mantra,
to be held in silence,
joining with the divine.
滿天星斗都下世 五方列仙下天宮
Like the stars that fill the sky,
celestial beings shall descend
from the five halls of Heaven
to aid the work of deliverance.
各方城隍來對號 報事靈童察的清
Local Magistrates verify the seeker’s name
and send a spirit child to check their worthiness.
三官大帝慈悲註 赦罪三曹救眾生
The Three Officials, moved by compassion,
record the seeker’s name;
wrongdoings are forgiven, life is redeemed.
救苦天尊來救世 親點文部揭諦神
八大金剛來護法 四位菩薩救眾生
緊領三十六員將 五百靈官緊隨跟
扶助彌勒成大道 保佑鄉兒得安寧
The Rescue Lord shall come,
appointing the Four Guardian Kings,
calling the Eight Diamond Guardians,
summoning the Four Great Bodhisattvas
to save the suffering.
He shall lead thirty-six divine generals,
with five hundred celestial officials close behind.
They shall aid Maitreya in guiding all souls to awakening,
and in keeping them safe for all time.
北方真武為將帥 青臉紅髮顯神通
扯起皂旗遮日月 頭頂森羅七寶星
威鎮北方為帥首 肅清諸惡掛甲兵
搭救原人鄉兒女 火光落地化為塵
四海龍王來助道 各駕祥雲去騰空
十方天兵護佛駕 保佑彌勒去成功
The Northern Martial Emperor,
green face, red hair, and divine in power,
shall serve as commander.
He shall raise the black banner to cover the sun and moon.
In that deep darkness,
only the opened hidden portals
shall shine with the seven jewel stars.
At his command, evil shall fall, and violence shall end;
Only the kind-hearted shall be saved,
when fire falls from Heaven, reducing all to ashes.
The Four Dragon Lords of the Seas shall come to aid,
riding auspicious clouds through the sky.
Celestial warriors shall guard the buddhas and Maitreya,
fulfilling their heavenly charge.
紅陽了道歸家去 轉到三陽彌勒尊
無皇勒令寄下生 收伏南閻歸正宗
來往造下真言咒 傳下當來大藏經
嬰兒奼女常持念 邪神不敢來近身
持念一遍神通大 持念兩遍得超生
持念三遍神鬼怕 魍魎邪魔化為塵
修持劫內尋路逕 念起真言歸佛令
南無天元太保 阿彌陀佛十叩首
In the Red Era, many returned home.
Now, in the White Era,
Maitreya is appointed by Heaven to lead the way.
By Mother’s command, he comes to guide all back to the true path.
Through many lives,
he has forged the unwritten mantra
into the Great Canon of this age.
Mother’s children, recite and practice it.
Then no evil spirit will dare come near.
Recite once to draw upon great spiritual power.
Recite twice to be freed from the unrest of worldly life.
Recite thrice to bring dread to all spirits.
All demons will vanish into nothingness.
In this troubled age of cultivation, to find the safe road home,
recite the true words and follow the Buddha’s call:
ná mó tiān yuán tài bǎo āh mí tuó fó ten kowtows
(The pinyin means - respectfully taking refuge in Maitreya Buddha, Guardian of the Eternal Source, and pray to Amitabha Buddha)
