《问答篇》

1．《真空教》是否源流《佛教》的教纲？又是否与《佛教》同属一支宗教？

 

答：《佛教》的流传的确历史悠久，主修的经典也甚多，从小乘到大乘佛教的层次里，修行至最高境界乃四大皆空、六根清净为根本。《真空教》之纲本教义从五皈、四考、十戒，到修悟《空道》的层次领略，相等于佛家禅宗，注重于直指人心，以《空》为修炼之根本。

 

从历史上而论，《真空教》之创始人 – 《廖帝聘》祖师的启蒙修行确是由《佛教》开始入门，后再开枝散叶，自创门户。虽然《真空教》内的许多教育思想与《佛教》相似，但本教保有许多独立的特色，又与其先不同，最主要是因为它针对当时的社会环境所设，以造福人群为首。严格来说，《真空教》不属于《佛教》宗派。

 

2．《真空教》是否提倡一神论或又是属哪位神佛管辖？

 

答：《真空教》经中有云：未有天地先有一，未有万物此在前，增不上，减不下，难描难画，归空就是。基本上，本教向道友弘扬了悟法界和宇宙之真理，注重于自身修行以得到解脱。本教把修行纲本分为内修兼外修两个部分，一切从简，以广大众生为对象，把真理宣传于世。

 

再来，《真空教》不提倡膜拜任何神明，也不宣扬法界以哪位神佛管辖，一切皆以《空道》孕育大自然为基本概念和做修行根本。万物随道缘而成灭，不起妄想执着。既然领悟到《道以空为始，道以空为终》的原理，求道者只要懂得安身立命、身端心正，以修行《空道》为根本，即五皈、四考、十戒。一切都由空做主、道安排，空中自然拥护，邪恶不侵。

 

3 ．《真空教》是提倡崇拜祖师、偶像、天神或某些经书吗？

 

答：《廖帝聘》祖师创教以来，所有道堂中的檀桌上皆无有神像、画像或任何偶像供给道徒膜拜。一般上，道堂内的摆设皆是中悬明镜，镜面上含《空中图》。上额挂有匾牌《真空祖》或《空中祖》字。檀桌上中央置有一大檀香炉，上供茶水、鲜花、水果。檀桌前又有一台经桌，置有木鱼、铜钟，和两旁各置高烛一只。檀桌后的明镜下方，又横置五张交椅和两旁各排三张交椅，非常清简。当我们面对檀桌时，左边墙壁悬挂《空字图》和《长宁县誌》，右边墙壁则悬挂《三教图》又名《空道图》和《无空图》。

 

《真空祖师》在世宣传《空道》时，也不曾提倡过道徒们崇拜他本人或某某神明，只要日常敬道就已经达到修持《空道》的基本入门。本教百余年来，道友即使十分敬仰廖祖师的教义和为人，都只有依法修持，却不曾立偶像膜拜，以免支离本教的纲本。依法修持即是依照本教四大经典探讨和学习真理。

 

4．既然《真空教》教导《空道》，那何谓《空道》？

 

答：《真空教》有云：一既是一切，一切不执着于色相既是空，空又回归到无极既是一。复本还原，归一归空就是。佛家《般若波罗蜜多心经》有解：五蕴皆空，十八界（六根、六触、六尘）亦是空相。

《心经》上又说：…菩提萨埵，依般若波罗蜜多故，心无挂碍，无挂碍故，无有恐怖远离颠倒梦想，究竟涅槃。三世诸佛，依般若波罗蜜多故，得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。… 云云。

 

学佛者必须领略到经中所说的意思，既是以空相来修持般若波罗蜜多，就能修成正果。以大乘佛教而言，《般若》既是无上智慧；波罗蜜多分为六种：布施、持戒、忍辱、精进、禅定、智慧。

 

以上两部经典之内容精髓，虽然文字有异，却是同样在刻画《空》的原理和奥秘，实有异曲同工之妙处。这也说明了万般门户中真理的定义，不能超越《空》的浩瀚无形威力，但它肯定是修行之最后的无上根本，乃至超越三界、脱离沉沦。

 

5．这个《空道》与佛教的《空解》又有何分别？                  

答：两者皆一致，无有区别。请参阅第四题答案。

 

6．曾经有某大德说过，源支《佛教》而又非《佛教》的教派实属邪教。本派《真空教》如何分解？

答：在过去千余年至今，的确有许多冒牌《佛教》或运用《佛教》之纲本教义来行骗之宗教团体。有许多类似教团更是欺诈钱财、挑拨社会秩序、怂恿作恶、提倡乱伦、颠倒真理等等，实属邪教。既使在佛陀住世时，已经有许多这类邪教团体横行于世，不胜其多。

 

《真空教》的起源和使命，主要是针对当时中国的社会动乱和许多同胞们沉迷于鸦片的情况，同时又是世人在末劫中迷失本性的紧要关头而创立。本教的基本教义：五皈、四考、十戒都是劝告世人向善。就如十戒中的第九条：不迷信偶像（风水），并非影射其他宗教或行业。而是在当时，的确有许多邪教大肆活动于中国国内四处，提倡偶像或个人教祖崇拜，又刻意扰乱社会秩序安宁来敛财。更有许多毫无根据的江湖郎中与术士，乱传邪法，妖言惑众，让无知的老百姓误入歧途！

 

《真空祖师》创教以后，的确教导许多犯毒瘾的烟民，通过诚心拜道和饮茶来解瘾，后再调正身心学道，重回归正途。更有许多病者，通过放花和敬道仪式，摆脱病疫或病痛的困扰。这些实录皆是记载于历史上，真实不虚。以《真空教》过去的种种功德而言，它只有对广大群众付出甚多贡献，从来没有带来一丝祸害，教中人也从来不曾向道友索财，实在难能可贵。《真空教》创教至今，一直都是在做有利众生的正业，何来邪教之说？

 

7．学者在末劫中，修行《空道》有什么好处？

 

答：在末劫中，人们生于五浊世上，容易脱离正法或正道的依据。由于世间五花八门、琳琅满目，世人都喜欢习惯性去以外相取胜，迷恋于世情，又争权夺力，好勇斗狠，丧失了本来自性。修行《空道》和了悟真理后，就得学会看破世间外相，放下执着，以正面和明朗的态度去处理生活，并面对各种挑战。再用宽宏的度量去接受别人，融合社会和作出贡献，让别人可以感应到修持《空道》的优点，自然就会把我们的生活环境变成人间天堂。

 

《心经》开经有云：观自在菩萨，行深般若婆罗蜜多时，照见五蕴皆空，度一切苦厄。舍利子，色不异空，空不异色，色即是空，空即是色，受想行识亦复如是。…

 

从以上作参考，就会看透外相（色）和空的奥妙。其实，近代科学家也已经证实，世间的能源动力不定体的在宇宙里不停变动和转变，有时有形亦有时无形，却从来不曾消失过！这就足以证实《心经》里头所说到《色》与《空》的转变性质，不能定相，亦变幻无穷。

 

8．学者如何修行《空道》？有准则吗？

                                     

答：在《真空教》里头，修行《空道》的基本准则既是清守五皈、四考、十戒。再来，就是常做内修兼外修的功课。本教的特点就是无受戒、无破戒、无在家、无出家。一切顺其自然，从而参透《空中大道》至无人相、无我相的境界。

 

9．何谓《修内果、立外功》？

                                

答：所谓《修内果、立外功》就是指内修兼外修的功夫。《修内果》是指修心养性，增进智慧，使心与道和，性在空中。修此功德的法门包括跪拜、诵经、静坐。学者慢慢领悟经意，最终修至道心如皓月当空、万里无云、纵横自在。

 

《立外功》是指将灵性智慧显之于外，广种福田，多利益有情众生。这些功德都是以五皈、四考、十戒来修持，以致能够行种种善、宽恕为怀，最终大捨大愿，牺牲小我来完成大我，才可以做到福利人群也！

 

10．学者修行《空道》中，最大的愿力来自何方？需要发愿吗？

 

答：在修行本教的《空道》时，最大的愿力首先来自《真空祖师》。既然《真空祖师》是本教《空道》的最高权威，一切的纲本教义、功德、法力自然归功于他。再来，我们的愿力就是追随《真空祖师》的遗训，依法修行，回归空界。修行《空道》的要旨以空为根，以道为本。最终目标既是复本还原，归一归空。我们可以发愿乃至归空家乡，家乡就在真空！

11． 《真空教》提倡杀生吗？为何要宰杀畜牲？

 

答：《真空教》并非提倡杀生。本教之放花仪式的宗旨在于宰牲救劫，度人又度牲灵。《真空祖师》在世时曾说：“吾初学佛，亦曾持斋戒杀。后因神尊点化，开斋破戒，参破乾坤，得了空中大道，方悟天地之间，人为重，畜为轻。方今大劫将临，人遭劫，则杀畜以抵其劫。…云云。”

 

其实，放花仪式是本教中一项非常庄严的事情，一定要达到一定的预先准备俱全，才能够实行，半点也不能马虎。从创教至今，有许多教中道友都曾经通过此项活动仪式，达到延年却病的功效。也有许多人用它度过自身劫数，后洗心革面，诚信向道，感化他人入道向善。从另一个角度看，放花仪式可以即时让牲灵从沉沦中得到解脱和超升入人道再修，也算是一件好事。所以说度人又度牲灵是一项两全其美的事，就要看世人以什么角度去评估它。

 

12．何谓放花？它从何由来和有什么意义？

 

答：放花分为大花（通常指猪、牛、羊亦可）和小花（通常指鸡、鸭亦可）两种，属于《真空教》仪式之一。在《真空祖师》任教宣道时，因局限于当时社会的环境民风，便立下《放花》为一种传道之方便法门。

 

当时的中国处于农业社会，民气纯朴。每当节日庆典，敬奉鬼神祖先之类，杀生乃被接受为一种非常普遍之民俗风气。《真空祖师》借其法宣道，是为适应当时社会环境。事实上，本教中四大经典，并无提倡杀生，望信者明查知。虽然本教《放花》为一种可行之特殊仪式，但并非一定要行之。学习《空道》者，还须谨慎认真而辨，勿将《方便法》视为《必行法》。

 

如今我们进入新时代，时移事变。今天，许多文明发达的国家也已经禁止在公共场所或私自宰杀畜牲，故《放花》仪式受到一定限制。

 

本教经中有云：“千变万化佛所用”。所以说，学《空道》者不可执意。在不能《放花》之时，我们应该选择其他修行方法，提升我们的道心。

 

13．别派宗教都有一些术语或咒语让学者修持，《真空教》有吗？

 

答：《真空教》既然是宣扬真空法门，就不依赖于一般法器、术语、咒语、手势等等。以正面来说，本教所创立和教导的是一门真正导引世人出世间的智慧法门。它杜绝焚烧纸宝、不宣扬迷信、不崇拜世间法，不与鬼神混绕，却又提倡自身修养，参破乾坤。无在家、无出家、无受戒、无破戒，一切以五皈、四考、十戒为教条，身端心正，好一个无为自在法门！

 

其实，《空》的概念外观似浅，内涵却深，犹如佛教《禅宗》一派。说实在，一般能够顿悟其意的道友，非要有上等利根不可，否则还是奉劝大家老实修行，从本教基本教条学起，慢慢由浅入深，不可操之过急。

 

佛家有云：“万般神通皆小术，唯有空空是大道。”这已经说明了《空》的本质精髓超过一切万物，甚至所有神通，却又是空无一物，空中包罗万有，变幻无穷无尽，是曰《道》。此句佛门所述《空》与《道》，即和本教之《空道》吻合，同属一字无名，也是万物之始终！

 

廖祖师在升空当时，正襟危坐，仰天微笑，连诵“复本还原，归一归空”二句经词。如果修行《空道》者欲寻求平日心里可依靠的经句，不妨多念以上八个字。此方亦可被视为修持《空道》之根基，日久自然清心寡欲，升清降浊，心想事成，事事顺利。

 

14．要上哪儿才能学习到《空道》的教纲和开始修行它？

 

答：初学者不妨参研本网站所附上的《真空教》四大经典，尤其从《报空宝卷》着手入门。如果有心再更进一步，可以拜访各处道堂向负责人表明来意，之后学习诵读经典和了解本教的其中纲本教义。

15．《真空教》内有教导静坐吗？它与别派类似打坐一样吗？

 

答：《真空教》里所教导的《无为静坐法》也俗称坐道。此坐道的宗旨在于摒除杂念、延年却病、修身养性，最后达到心合于道的境界。本教的这项修行最适合在于夜半子时入座，正逢天地清浊交替、阴尽阳生之际，调理咱们身体五行内脏运行。坐道也能够帮助修炼者良心反省，悔过当初，也有敬道和报恩之典。《无为静坐法》的特点就是不用《守窍》或刻意以气运行，一切顺其自然。最重要是修炼咱们的《平常心》，达到《明心见性、空心入道》的心境，人天合道，是为复本归空，道喜常满。

 

 

16．《真空教》之廖祖师早期创教时，教导多人拜道饮茶后解毒瘾。之后，许多人都知道本教能够无药而愈百病。这又作何解释？

 

答：《罗香林》教授1962 年之著作《流行于贛闽粤及马来亚之真空教》，书中有此一则：

 

黄氏曰：“不求神，已闻命矣。 至于医药，祖师不用，何也？”

 

赖氏答曰：“天地生人，三才得一，虽有始终，而无疫病。譬如天有浮云，风吹自散，地有冰雪，日出自消，人有疫病，得清气自散，得空气自宁。空道补足三才，清气补天，浊气补地，元气补人。人有疫病，祖师谓之过道者，言人本无疫病，即偶有之，实因阴阳失度，以致疫病缠绕。苟能于空处坐卧，存夜气，收放心，阴阳既调，自有缺病之效，实与医药无异也。..... 云云”

 

又说：“且世俗之所谓病者，有两大原因：一因三宝有损，一因积浊日深，岂有他哉？苟能内修其德，外立其功，遵道而行，去浊接清，则可以延年益寿矣。”

 

以白话文来解释,人身三宝即精、气、神。积浊日深是指长期没有好好照顾身体健康，譬如身受压力，没得到足够修养；又或暴饮暴食、饮食缺乏营养、饮食习惯不当等等。内修其德是指《修内果》，即精进自身修养，即语言和意念皆温和有礼，心苟合道，除去邪恶念头。外立其功是指行为向善，身端心正，常常自度度他，空中自然拥护，有求必应，无求自安。

 

 

17．长久《拜道》真的可以治百病或延年益寿吗？

 

答：自《真空教》创教至今，已有无数道友从诚信拜道中获得赐福。当中有无数的真实评述，经过不同时代的人潮，还是能够让人亲身体验到《空中大道》的无上显赫威力，绝无虚言。这也是本教参透真空的奥妙之处，非三言两语所能形容。除了当中带有《真空祖师》的真空法力一直存在，其自然原理可参阅第十六题答案。

 

18．《拜道》意义何在？

 

答：根据《罗香林》教授1962 年之著作《流行于贛闽粤及马来亚之真空教》，书中又有此一则：

 

旋《黄太史》复发问曰：“拜道，不拜人可乎？”

 

《赖氏》解曰:“无可、无不可。拜人、非作礼，求道之人交劫数也。弟拜师，交劫于师，下拜上，交劫于上；拜人是拜空，交劫于空。空中大道，赖人行之，大道原是本来人，人能代空说法，为救众生，赐福消灾，拜人非拜人也，拜道也，拜空也。”

 

以白话文来解释,其实拜道除了是敬道的一种方式以外，也是等于交劫数 – 既是先消灾后纳福的意思。在本教经典里，有多次重复此句：当天跪拜，有求必应。以科学理论而言，多拜道等于多活动筋骨，行气活血，促进身心。如果再以诚信求道，那就更加有效果了。

 

 

19． 《坐道》意义何在？

 

答：在《真空教》内，《坐道》和《拜道》皆有接清化浊之功效。《无为静坐法》俗称坐道，是本教创教以来一项被大力推广之法门。它盖一切宗教，皆以解除现实疫苦，修心养性，及提高个人精神层次和寄托为原则。坐道时，主要把持《心无挂碍》的境界，除去焦虑、恐惧、忧患、好乐、起伏、欢喜等等之心情，以接受自然清气，化除体中浊气，存空存无，进而与空同流。如此则有疫者，必获人身固有之却病机能，逐步除去疫病。而于戒除烟瘾，就更为有效！

 

20．《真空教》中四大宝典，应该怎么修持？又是以哪部为初学者最为至先？

 

答：《空道》初学者应以《报空宝卷》为首，再以《无相宝卷》、《三教宝卷》和《报恩宝卷》为辅助。既然本教有言：“一切以空为始，一切以空为终。”所以说，《报空宝卷》适合一切贤愚普罗大众。

 

有学之士，可凭此经典参透《空道》的真义和原理。平常大众，可多听多念此经典，慢慢进入平静的心态，与《空道》应通。

 

真经不贵在于多，因为“一法包含无量法”和  “一理通来万理通”。学道人之心最重要是带有“真”、“诚”和“信”。就如经上所说：“信心久远法界通”。

 

21．一般别的教派都以“牧师”、“法师”、“长老”、“法老”、“道长”云云来形容教中传道者，亦是极为尊重的称呼。《真空教》中是如何去分这项等级？

 

答：本教现在是以 “老师”和“先生”的称呼，作为道堂内服务人士的尊称。当《真空祖师》和三位大弟子在世宣道时，都是平易近人、宽容以待，来者皆称祖师为《大伯》或 《仙伯》；其弟子都被称纳为“三叔”、“五叔”等等。后来，道堂中开始称呼执事人为“老师”和“先生”，相信是在《真空祖师》和大弟子们升空后才实行的。

 

22．如今《真空教》流传于多少和哪个国家？本教如何将它继续发扬光大度化世人？

 

答：《真空教》最流行之地区为东南亚。当中有马来西亚、新加坡最为盛行。其次是泰国、印尼、香港、台湾等等。当年，本教在发源地 – 中国传开时，在清末明初期，曾传遍大江南北，极盛一时。如今，在江西省、福建省、广东省一带，依旧有一些跟随《真空祖师》教义纲本和学习《空道》的民间组织。只可惜，在中国国内，正式开坛宣道、传播《真空教》，还望期待当地政府之正式批准。

 

此外，新、马、泰、印及中国各道堂之联络处和数目都不详。我们希望这些执事人可以发电邮联络我们。到时，我们将另行整理发布，以便有心者，互相联络。

 

再来，谈到如何将本教发扬光大、度化世人。这是一项非常重大的任务工程。教内人士，人人有责，并非几人单薄势力就可完成。凡是教内有识之人和有心之人，都能够在“众志成城”的情况下，去义务推动这项任务。

 

只要是来入本教学道之人，必须多了解本教的教理和教义。学道后，在个人思想、言语、行为和一切的日常事物中，都要遵守《真空祖师》的教规，做一个存好心、说好话、做好事的良好公民和真空弟子，从而竖立好榜样示范于教外人士。

 

关于日后如何筹备经费来训练传道人才、编写传道资料、召集年轻一代接班人等等，都要靠道友们同心协力，才能完成。所谓“速则不达”又“宁慢勿滥”，这项伟大工程实在需要万事因缘俱足，才能够慢慢逐步落实。最后，《真空教》乃是一个纯真、高尚、廉洁，以理性为主的罕有宗教，非常值得有心人士来辅助推动和宣扬给世人。但是，不管堂内堂外，所使用的任何手法，都不能够偏离本教的中心原则。

 

23．踏入《空道》之后，学者有何禁忌或约束？

 

答：学者如果欲修行《空道》，当然先要端正其心，以五皈四考、十戒做每日生活的教条基础外，再勤奋《修内果》，以《复本还原》为宗旨。除此之外，也没什么其他禁忌或约束。

 

所谓《修内果》，既是常诵经、拜道、确立静坐之功，则心与道合，人与空同。《真空祖师》有云：“我心如皓月当空，万里无云，细足以察秋毫之末，远足以照世界之大，心明而见性，万事万物，当然之理，不求而得，应世则变化无穷，出世则清闲自在，物我皆忘。”是谓《修内果》，亦即所谓《复本还原，归空家乡》也。

 

在本教当中，内修兼外修是同时进行的。故知，在《修内果》时也不忘《立外功》以利益广大众生（请参阅第九课题）。修道人最重要的基本条件就是众善奉行、诸恶莫做，道心自然开始孕育。

 

24．为什么《空道》的流传会随着文明越来越少人知道？

 

答：这个课题是因人而异，见仁见智的。佛经有云：在末劫中，人们生于五浊世上，被文明社会的五花八门所迷惑，沉迷和执着于色相。又内心充满贪、嗔、痴，外在追逐于财、色、名、食、睡。众生整天都是勾心斗角，针锋相对，你抢我略，丧失了本性，沉沦在三界里头，无有出期，实是可悲之极！

 

现代世人，一般都是以入世间智聪较多繁盛，而拥有出世间智慧的贤者又极少。加上本教一直都不是很活跃去向外界发扬于世，除非是有缘人自己到本教来寻求真理。所以，认识和修行《空道》的道友不比一般别的宗教繁密。甚至有一些外界人士不明白和不了解本教的精髓，就妄下判断，把它归类成“迷信”或错误当成拜“鬼神”之类的宗教，非常可惜。

 

本教之《无相宝卷》的最后几段经文，有此一段与大家分享：

 

无上甚深微妙法，百千万劫难遭遇。

有福千里入妙门，无福地狱悔后迟。

无上甚深微妙法，不是大福遇不着。

无上甚深微妙法，薄福遇着也退了。

无上甚深微妙法，薄福遇着不承当。

无上甚深微妙法，薄福遇着也迷了。

无上甚深微妙发，薄福遇着也怠慢。

无上甚深微妙法，愚痴小人不承当…… 云云。

 

最后，我们希望借此网站，可以达到发扬《空道》的传播管道。即使是在新时代里，也能够随着进化科技把《真空教》的真理精神通过电脑网站散播到世界各地，和大家分享悟道。顺着这条正途，从新崛起《真空祖师》当年创教的一番苦心的悟道心得，再一代接一代的流传下去，继续永无止境的去净化人类心灵和拯救牲灵，把人间浊世转为快乐净土。

 

默念：承蒙《真空祖师》恩典 。（合十叩首）

 

(转载自《空道流行》网http://www.zhenkongdao.com/)

 

 

Frequent Asked Questions

 

1.     Is Zhenkong sect a faction of Buddhism? Are they the same?

 

A:   Buddhism is a sect with vast historical teachings spreading from Theravada to Mahayana practice. The highest attained level of such practice is based on the understanding of Emptiness and Simplicity.

 

In Zhenkong sect, the core value of comprehension is also Emptiness by practicing the 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts.

 

From historical fact, Grandmaster Liao began his practice from the Zen Buddhism and eventually developed the Zhenkong religion, thus aligning many philosophies of the 2 sects. However, Zhenkong sect remains many of the unique features that were specially created to suit the society of that time. Strictly speaking, Zhenkong sect and Buddhism are NOT the same religion.

 

 

2.     Does Zhenkong sect preach One GOD or whosoever as the target of worship?

 

A:   In the sutra of Zhenkong sect, there is a quote saying “Before the formation of heaven and earth already had the existence of Oneness. This holy form is the origin of all life forms. Nothing can add, subtract or describe this Almighty form. It is beyond description but replicates to Emptiness.”

 

Basically, Zhenkong teachings focus in spreading the universal truth and attain freedom for all believers. Practitioners are to enforce Inner Cultivation and accumulate External merits in their daily living.

 

We do not promote idolatry worship or preach the prowess of whichever GOD, deity or Buddha etc in control of the universe. We believe the great DAO will take charge of everything in the law of nature while all matters will adjust to equilibrium by themselves.

 

Kongdao disciples must do the goods and upkeep the basic code of 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts in order to be blessed by the Prowess of Emptiness.

 

 

3.     Does Zhenkong sect promote idolatry towards Grandmaster or any holy objects?

 

A:  Since Grandmaster Liao found the sect, no objects of idols were placed in all temples. Generally, the internal setup of all temples consists of a “Kongzhong” mirror in central area with above-hung signage “Grandmaster of True Emptiness”. On the alter table, there is a incense urn placed in the center, offerings of plain water, fresh flowers, fruits, sutras, chanting instruments and tall red candles on both sides.

 

On the inside front wall and under the “Kongzhong” mirror, 5 chairs are placed in straight orders with another 3 chairs on both left and right side each. The left-hand wall carries the “Kongzi” pictorial and “Changning” calligraphy while the right-hand wall carries “Kongdao” pictorial and “Wukong” pictorial.

 

During the time of Grandmaster Liao, he did not even encourage the disciples and followers to idolize him, his resemblance or any form of objects. Kongdao disciples just need do the daily kneeling prayers with prostration and reciting sutra will be sufficient. Our sect emphasizes more importantly on the comprehension of universal truth and applying good practice into daily living.

 

 

4.     What is “Kongdao” or “DAO of Emptiness”?

 

A:       In the teachings of Zhenkong religion, the Universal Oneness represents everything. When a person defiles from the attachment of visual forms, he will gradually replicate to Emptiness which eventually resides in The Almighty (Wuji) as ultimate One and Only formless state.

 

Similarly to Heart Sutra in Buddhism, its states the 5 skandhas and 18 realms (i.e. 6 organs, 6 consciousnesses, 6 external attachments) are all raised from the state of emptiness.

 

The Heart Sutra also states: The Bodhisattva who rely on practicing Prajna Paramita has no obstruction in his Mind. Because there is no obstruction, he has no fear and he passes far beyond confused imagination. Thus, he reaches ultimate Nirvana. The Buddhas of the past, present and future, by relying on practice of Prajna Paramita, have attained Supreme Enlightenment……..etc.

 

A Buddhist practitioner who comprehends completely on the teachings of Heart Sutra will reply on practicing Emptiness (defilement from forms) to achieve enlightenment.

 

In Mahayana teachings, Prajna means the Maha wisdom while Paramita is divided into 6 merits: The perfection of Generosity, The perfection of Ethics, the perfection of Patience, the perfection of Perseverance, the perfection of Concentration, the perfection of Wisdom.

 

From the above 2 schools of teaching, the wordings may be different but the contents are similarly aiming to outline the profound description of Emptiness. Hence, all preaching on universal truths should recognize the ultimate prowess of Emptiness (impermanence) and this also serves as the final highest state of all religious practice.

 

 

5.     Is there any difference between the definition of Emptiness between Buddhism and Kongdao?

 

A:    They are identical. Please refer to answer in question 4.

 

 

6.     Some seniors ever commented that all religions that were branched out from Buddhism are cult religions. What about Zhenkong sect?

 

A:  Over last thousands of years, there were indeed many “Faked Buddhist” groups or deceptive religions that cheated by using the look-alike teachings as Buddhism. Such social conflicts occurred as early as during the reign of Lord Buddha. 

 

The mission of erecting Zhenkong sect by Grandmaster Liao was to target at then social upheavals when people were addicted to Opium and loss of human values. The principles of our religion are based on 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts that aim to lead human back to rightful lives.

 

For instance, the 9th Precept states the eradication of superstition and idolatry worship is not meant to hurt other religion or certain professions. During that time, many con-men operated in the Chinese society to cheat the ignorant common folks by promoting such wrong practice and benefitted from dishonest wealth!

 

Since Grandmaster Liao erected the sect, he led thousands of country men in quitting opium, lived rightful livings, be pious and maintain healthy lifestyle.

 

Many followers adopted the Fanghua rituals and regained good state of bodily heath (from sickness). All these were recorded in true historical details while our sect has benefitted many people over many decades.

 

Broadly speaking, the Zhenkong sect has created many merits by helping countless followers while it has never ask for money in return. With so many benefits given to all people at such little monetary returns, there is no reason to doubt the operation as cult practice!

 

 

7.     What is the benefit of practicing Kongdao during the end of Dhamma era?

 

A:   In the current age that marks the end of Dhamma era, humans are infested with many worldly emotions and easily derail from the path of Dhamma. As many people are attached to beautiful and pleasant forms, they tend to fight, kill and try to win over each other in order to achieve authority, fame and wealth.

 

The purpose of practice Kongdao is to defile from such worldly superficial desires, thus let go our own ego and develop magnanimous altitude in receiving all people in our lives. We adopt positive mindset in our daily livings and work for best to benefit the society, while using our living own examples to lead others into developing the right values in their lives too!

 

The Heart Sutra begins with this: When the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was coursing in the deep Prajna Paramita, he perceived that all 5 skandhas are empty. Thus He overcame all illnesses and sufferings. Oh, Sariputra, form does not differ from the void,

and the void does not differ from form. Form is void and void is form; the same is true for feelings, perceptions, volitions and consciousness……"

 

From the above text, one might comprehend the inter-relations between Forms and Void (Emptiness). From scientific angle, it has been evident that the energies in this universal crust are inter-changeable and switched among many different forms. This proves the teachings in Heart Sutra that “Form” and “Void” are contrarian to each other with no fixed forms but then again, can be manifested in many forms.

 

 

8.     How shall we practice Kongdao? Is there any standard guideline?

 

A:  In Zhenkong sect, we practice the 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts. In addition, we practice in both Inner Cultivation and accumulate External Merits. The unique feature in Kongdao is no observation of tough precepts, no punishment for violations of tough precepts as well, no special practice for home-dwellers, no ordainment of monkhood as well. Everything boils down to natural ways of living simply while gradually align to the ultimate path of Emptiness in order to achieve defilements of forms.

 

 

9.     What are Inner Cultivation and External Merits?

 

A:   Inner Cultivation refers to practice of intrinsic value and gaining wisdom so as to align the perception of oneself to the DAO. To do this, one has to worship DAO with kneeling prayer, regular recitation of sutra and practice meditation. Gradually, one will be enlightened with crystal clear mind and attain awareness like the perfect full moon.

 

External Merits refers to the practice of charity to mankind and aim to benefit all people. To do this, one has to practice the 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts on daily basis. From practicing these values, one will naturally become benevolent, compassionate and willing to make sacrifice for others!

 

 

10.     What is the greatest driving force of a Kongdao practitioner? Does one need to make vow?

 

A:    In the practice of Kongdao, the greatest vow laid down on our practice actually comes from Grandmaster Zhenkong. Since he is the founder and holds the ultimate authority in our sect, all the teachings, merits and prowess were first initiated by him and passed down to us.

 

Our vow in the practice is to follow the teachings of Grandmaster Zhenkong and his method of practice in order to replicate ourselves to the origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness in our afterlife, thus pursuing eternity.

 

 

11.     Why Does Zhenkong sect kill animals?

 

A:    Zhengkong sect does not promote random killing. The objectives of Fanghua ritual aims to save souls of animal and save mankind simultaneously.

 

Grandmaster Zhenkong ever stated: When I practiced Buddhism in the past, I used to observe vegetarian diet and abstain from killing. After I was enlightened by the Wuji (Almighty), I decided to break the precepts and attain the universal enlightenment. After I understood the great path of DAO, I realized the different degree of importance between mankind and animals. In this era when mankind is badly surrounded by omens, we need to utilize animals to help shoulder our bad karmas… etc.

 

In fact, Fanghua ritual is a very solemn ceremony and need to be fully prepared before such execution. Since early days till now, we have witnessed many Kongdao followers who have been alleviated from sickness and misfortune by practicing this ritual.

 

On the hind side, Fanghua ritual ceremony enables the souls of animals to end sufferings instantly and be raised into mankind through reincarnation. Thus, this ritual ceremony is a mutual beneficial exchange.

 

 

12.     What is the significance of Fanghua ritual?

 

A:   Fanghua ritual can be categorized into the big ceremony involving the sacrifice of hog, cow and lamb while the small ceremony involves the sacrifice of chicken and duck. Due to the social environment when Grandmaster was preaching then, Fanghua ceremony was created as a form of casual and convenient methodology in order to help mankind.

 

Back then, sacrificing of animals was common practice in China among all cultural festivals. Grandmaster preached such methodology to suit the nation’s culture as well as providing food to the poor. In fact, there is no preaching of killing animals in all the 4 major sutras of our sect. Therefore, Fanghua ritual is not a compulsory practice and should NOT be debated upon!

 

In modern society, killing of animals are restricted to authority license and appointed venue. Hence, Fanghua ritual is also facing regulatory control in our existing society.

 

However, the sutra says “The Buddhas are always efficient in umpteen manifestations”. This reminds us to be versatile and select alternative rout when we are restricted to Fanghua activities!

 

 

13.     Other religious sects practice chanting of mantra. Does Zhenkong sect have such language?

 

A:  Zhenkong sect preaches Kongdao that is actually True Void (Emptiness) and does not rely on any instrument, chanting or hand-signs. We do not practice burning of paper money, talismans and superstition. We also do not worship worldly object and idolatry for prayers. In fact, we emphasize in self-cultivation and comprehend the universal truth. There is no ordainment of monkhood or house-practitioner. The fundamental guidelines of practice rely on the 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts as foundation!

 

Similarly to Zen Buddhism, the comprehension of Void (Emptiness) is not easily attained by anyone. Instead, it needs time to slowly develop the wisdom through this practice and benefit from it later.

 

The Buddhism quotes: All forms of manifestations are just small tricks while only Emptiness leads to the great path of DAO.

 

The above statement explains the magnificence of Emptiness and how it can generates unlimited manifestations in the universe through nature. Such is known as DAO. Thus, Emptiness and DAO are Oneness and also the beginning of all time!

 

Even when Grandmaster Zhenkong sat on his last day, he looked up and smiled while continually reciting “Replicate to the Origins, Seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.”

 

Therefore, we could repeat this sentence as a form of daily practice to set as foundation.

 

 

14.     Where can we learn and begin to practice Kongdao?

 

A:   Beginner may start to study the 4 major sutras uploaded in this website. It will be good to start from the Baokong Sutra (Sutra of Emptiness). Interested party may visit any of our temples to explore and learn further details.

 

 

15.     Is the meditation technique in Zhenkong sect same as others?

 

A:  The meditation taught in our sect is ideal to extend life while improve health conditions, cultivate inner peace and align oneself to the great path of DAO. The best time to practice is at midnight when the Yin and Yang universal energies interchange. The absorption of this energy is beneficial to our health and also increases our awareness of respect and gratefulness to others.

 

Our meditation technique does not require any mental control of inner energies or focus on certain acu-point. The most important objective is to observe natural forces in the universe and our own cultivated mind, thus aligning it to the great path of DAO!

 

 

16.     Since Zhenkong sect began, Grandmaster Liao offered the remedy of kneeling prayer and Chinese tea as antidote to opium addiction. How would such miracles be accounted for?

 

A:  According to the book written by Professional Luo Xianglin in 1962 about Zhenkong religion, there was a conversation between Huang and Lai (disciple of Grandmaster) as below:

Huang asked, “Without GOD’s blessing is life threatening, how would Grandmaster even cure illness without medicine?”

 

Master Lai replied, “The Heaven and Earth nurture mankind with no sickness (upon birth) though life is limited to years. For instance, the sky will be cleared after the clouds disperse and the snow will melt when the sun shines. When a man is sick, he receives energized and pure air to remove the bodily discomfort.  The Grandmaster said mankind is born as perfect but the imbalance of Yin and Yang will cause sickness in us. Through receiving pure universal air, meditation technique can energize and eradicate our sickness within…..”

 

He continued, “The 2 reasons why man fall sick are mainly because the 3 bodily essentials (Vital Energy, Qi and Mental Forces) deviate in balance or the prolonged accumulation of toxics. One who practices Inner Cultivation with External Merits will naturally stay healthy and attain longevity.”

 

In our modern world explanation, if one lives under stress, has bad eating habit or deprives of balance nutrition for too many years, sickness befalls and will affect the balance of 3 bodily essentials inside us.

But when one practices the Inner Cultivation with kindness and eradicates the evil thoughts while accumulate External Merits, he will receive the blessing and custody of DAO with happiness.

 

 

17.     Can persistent worshipping of DAO through kneeling prayer really cure sickness and prolong life?

 

A: Since the Zhenkong sect began, many followers have benefitted from the kneeling prayer. We have many testimonials and verifications by the real-life practitioners. The holistic power and effects are beyond words. You may read Q18 for the scientific explanation.

 

 

18.     What is the significance of worshipping DAO through keeling prayer?

 

A: According to the book written by Professional Luo Xianglin in 1962 about Zhenkong religion, there was this excerpt as below:

 

Magistrate Huang asked, “Is it acceptable to just worshipping DAO but not the personality?”

 

Master Lai replied, “Yes and No. Worshipping a personality is not seen as a mannerism but rather to pass on your karma to him. A disciple passes on his karma to the master and the flow always moves from downstream to upstream.  When one worships a Saint, he passes on to the Void (DAO) since all Saints represents the Void (DAO). Hence, worship a Saint and not a common person. Pray to DAO and it equates to worshiping Void.”

 

In our modern world explanation, worshiping DAO is a form of respect and also passes on your karma for eliminating negativities. In our sutra, it mentions many times that praying to the open sky (DAO) through kneeling prayer and be granted of your wishes.

 

From scientific angle, worshiping DAO thorough kneeling prayer is a good form of physical exercise that improves our joints and blood circulation. It will be more effective if faith can be integrated too.

 

 

19.     What is the significance of meditation?

 

A:  In Zhenkong sect, both the meditation and kneeling prayer eliminate carbon dioxide (fatigue) from our body and replenish with energized air. Our meditation technique is a widely accepted method by all religious practices without conflict. The objectives are to remove bodily illness, cultivate inner values and elevate personal spirituality. During the practice, one has to remove all worries, fear, depression, excitement, emotions etc. in order to receive the pure energized and universal air. This can strengthen our heath and immunity while help to quite opium (smoking) addiction!

 

 

20.     Among the 4 sutras in Zhenkong sect, which one should we begin the practice and how shall we do it?

 

A: For beginners, one should start with the “Baokong” sutra then to ‘Wuxiang” sutra, “Sanjiao” sutra and eventually to the “Baoen” sutra. Since our sect preaches the Emptiness (Void) as the Beginning and End of all eons, “Baokong” sutra is the most appropriate text for all general practitioners.

 

One who studies in-depth to this sutra will gradually comprehend the synchronization to the path of DAO and attain calmness with a peace of mind. The universal truth does not reply on quantity but on the unique quality of just understanding The Oneness. Practitioner of Kongdao is important to carry the sincerity and faith within for self-realization.

 

 

21.     Other religious sects usually honor the respectable and senior personalities as Pastor, Reverend, Bhagavan, Rabbi, Abbot etc, what is the practice in Zhenkong sect?

 

A: Our sect only addresses the seniors as Teacher (Sir) and Mister in our religious group. During the time of Grandmaster and his main 3 disciples (who became as Masters later), they wished to be approachable and receptive to general public so such culture was made simple.

 

Teacher (Sir) is referred to as one who preaches the sutra while Mister refers to the person who is in-charge of necessary chores in the temple. It is believed that these 2 honors were started after the ascension of Grandmasters and his main disciples. 

 

 

22.     Where has Zhenkong sect spread to and how should we expand the teachings of Kongdao?

 

A: The most popular countries with Zhenkong religion in South East Asia include Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan etc. When it was spread throughout China during the end of Qing dynasty, popularity rose in many provinces such as Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong area. Till now, there are still some practitioners in household groups of abovementioned vicinities. Unfortunately, Zhenkong religion has yet been officially approved to be practiced in China.

 

Throughout this website, we hope to establish contacts with various Zhenkong sect temples from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Mainland China.

 

The duty of expanding the Zhenkong sect is a great project that needs the massive combined efforts of many fellowships in accomplishing it. Those who join our sect will need to study and understand the essence of our teachings. After practice begins, the thought, speech and behavior must align to the commands laid down by Grandmaster. This can enhance our good image to the public.

 

With regards to the future expansion of our religious project, it will need time and the right people to take on the roles. Finally, Zhengkong sect is a pure, elevated, non-corrupted and rare religion. Whoever wishes to motivate and promote it to the world may do so in whatever best methods but not deviating from our core teachings and values.

 

 

23.     What are the restrictions and rules to be observed for disciples?

A: As practitioner of Kongdao, one must cultivate good thought based on the observations of 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts in our daily livings. In addition, persist in the Inner Cultivation throughout our daily livings.

 

Inner Cultivation refers to the regular worship of DAO through kneeling prayer, profound meditation，recitation of sutras while channeling these 3 practices into one’s alignment to the path of DAO. 

 

Grandmaster Zhenkong once said, “My awareness is like the clear moon without covered by clouds. It is mindful enough to observe the delicate change of all seasons but also can be magnified to the largest scale of a world. This ultimate awareness explains the natural phenomena of everything without doubts, thus no more urge arises from within but everything shall be fulfilled. This same awareness, after fully developed from within, will become versatile to material changes as one wishes but also lead a simple and carefree life-form as one attains the highest state of being.”

 

From above statement, the purpose of Inner Cultivation is to Replicate to the Origins cum ultimate Home of Void.

 

In our sect, the practice of Inner Cultivation and building External Merits are executed simultaneously with equal priority. The purpose is to benefit others and lead them onto the path of DAO. One must always comply with all good deeds while abstain from all evils in order to be align to the path of DAO.

 

 

24.     Why are teachings of Kongdao reducing over years?

 

A: This is an ambiguous topic. As Buddhism records, the human beings that live in the end of Dhamma era will be surrounded by 5 skandhas, thus very attached and infatuated by external visual forms. This gives rise to greed, anger and attachments that pursue the wealth, good looks, reputation, extravagant food and laziness. The untiring fights and plots cause squabbles among human beings and entrap them in the continual cycles of sufferings without end!

 

In this modern society, many people are trained with academic wisdom but few are gifted in holistic wisdom.

Over years, our sect has very limited activities in recruiting new fellowships. Hence, many strangers who do not have thorough understandings of our religion had accused Zhenkong sect of superstition.

 

Below is an excerpt from the “Wuxiang Sutra”:

 

An ultimate Dhamma teaching is hard to come by even after one searches through 10,000 eons.

Only the fortunate one will arrive here while many shall regret only in hades.

An ultimate Dhamma teaching will be met only by the fortunate ones.

An ultimate Dhamma teaching will be rejected by the less fortunate ones.

An ultimate Dhamma teaching will be relinquished by the less fortunate ones.

An ultimate Dhamma teaching will be misled by the less fortunate ones.

An ultimate Dhamma teaching will be delayed by the less fortunate ones.

An ultimate Dhamma teaching will be relinquished by all ignorant ones.

 

 

Finally, we hope to spread the teachings of Grandmaster Zhenkong through internet disseminations around the whole world. In today’s modern world, we wish to share these precious teachings of Kongdao and let all people rediscover the benefits of practicing it. Thus, it can be passed on to the future generations and fulfill the mission of salvaging both human and souls, while leading them to happier state of lives.

 

May Grandmaster Zhenkong bless all beings.