This is a bit of a long read, maybe a half hour if you read at a moderate pace.  Once you are done reading and if you want to know more about receiving Dao, please feel free to drop me a line or leave me a comment.

Introduction

To

I: What Is Dao............................

II: What Is The Relationship Between

Dao And Me....................

III: What Is "Receiving Dao"............

IV: What Do I get In Receiving Dao...........

V: What Qualification Do We Need

In Order To Receive Dao.............

VI: What Impact Does Receiving Dao

Have On Me.................................

VII: What Can Attest To The Validity

Of The Dao.................................

I: What Is Dao?

By consciously observing the cosmos, the living beings, the earthly activities and all phenomena, we will find the existence of the laws of nature. There is a supernatural origin, which guides all operations happening across the galaxy, the earth, and the human beings. We call this source "DAO."

Dao existed before the primordial time, before the universe was formed. It is the origin of the world, and it therefore nurtures all creatures and beings. Since Dao is unchangeable and does not evolve with time, it is the ultimate truth. It is what all saints and sages throughout human history have been searching for.

The essence of Dao is the foundation of nature. This law, or power, which existed before the universe was formed, is beyond description because it precedes all civilizations, creatures and languages. Since no name could be applied we simply call it "Dao."

After the mutations of the universe, the world was formed. The actions of seasonal changes, rhythms of time and tide, and the balances of the earthly ecosystem were created in harmony. These are the laws of nature. This is also the extension of that original "Dao" when it was substantiated and materialized. The Dao merged into everything that is with and within us.

Now we know Dao is present universally. However, it is difficult to be recognized. There have been prophets and preachers trying to let us know and understand the origin and truth of life through various teachings and literature since the beginning of civilization. They were scattered around the world throughout history. Great commandments were taught to disciples. Goodness and badness were differentiated. These teachings varied, based on differences in culture, background, timing and the level of each individual's comprehension. However, they all tried to express and transmit the awareness of the Creator to there descendants. Some call it "God." We call it "Dao."

Dao is actually the headwaters of all religions. It embraces the essence of all the preaching and teachings. And yet, it is superior to the system of " belief ", it is also superior to all because it is the unchangeable principle.

Understanding Dao allows us not only to discover the center of all religious belief, but also to communicate with the origin and the highest power of nature. We will then be able to relate ourselves to the truth of the universe.

[ To Probe Further]

Dao existed before the formation of all, and continues to this day. Therefore Dao is not limited. Everything else created however large or small can be measured and detected. It is only Dao that cannot be measured by immensity, nor detected by existence.

Dao is larger than the largest and leaves nothing excluded. Yet it can be smaller than the smallest and penetrate everything. It is ubiquitous. It merges into and governs all. It is in charge of the universe, the earth, human beings, all the creatures and all existences. It penetrates and regulates the entire universe.

Dao is the source of all the scriptures and sutras, as well as the dharmas. It encompasses all the religions, and it is what makes one a Buddha or a saint. And above all, it connects each individual to their divine self.

This is the true meaning of Dao. We should get to know the Dao and rediscover our own invaluable treasure. To cultivate Dao is to revive one's own conscience, as well as everyone else's and to act upon it accordingly. Then all people can be of one spirit, all nations can be in peace like a family, and the Great Harmony will come true. How precious Dao is!

II: What is the Relationship Between Dao and Me?

The significance of Dao is in the immensity and ubiquity. Its mightiness guides the universe to carry on with changing seasons and evolving creatures. The countless aspects of the natural phenomena seem so capricious, and yet they actually move in order and in cycles. This divine truth also resides in each of us, known as the divine self, the natural quality of a person. It enables us to see, to feel, to taste, to hear and to move without learning.

As we research the ultimate truth in the universe, we should also turn inward and into ourselves to discover that divine self. Thus Dao is our "True Self"

Dao's preciousness is not because it is to far to reach or to mysterious to comprehend, but because it is simple, straightforward and related to our daily life, we cannot be away from its essence.

Every moment we make, in order to see, to touch, to feel and to think, is associated with Dao. Consider how many wonders are hidden in our body, how delicately our physical functions are carried out. For example, when we shake hands, the components involved include the coordination of joints and muscles, the chemical reactions of energy, the transmission of information through nerve systems and the actions occurring in our brain such as issuing orders, making judgments and analyzing situations. Even with the most advanced technology and the highest level of knowledge we have developed today, we cannot completely reconstruct such a function. Yet the ability to perform such a simple movement is there for all individuals, regardless of the level of a person's knowledge and his/her being a grown-up or a baby, a scholar or an illiterate. These are the kind of abilities we come equipped with naturally, without learning or being taught. It sits within us and is in charge of all. Dao never diminishes nor inflates.

Wordly knowledge acquired through learning can be forgotten. A gymnast can abandon his/her techniques and a musician can lose his/her skills without practicing. The essence of Dao and its extension are always in charge of the macro-universe, the human beings self. We are associated with it unconsciously since day one. Because it encompasses the whole nature within us, we all call it "original self from God.:"

Dao is within and surrounding us. It needs not be worshiped nor debated because its existence is unconditional, regardless of race, color, nationality, religion or status. It is impartial and stays constant.

In receiving Dao, we not only find the origin of the universe, but also the divine self. We get to know the highest power in the universe, as well as the genuine nature in charge of self. We discover the ultimate truth of the cosmos, as well as the integrity of ourselves. Recognizing that the laws which govern the universe also govern us, makes us able to return to our true nature.

[ To Probe Further]

The most essential concept in Dao is that we all possess it intrinsically. It is the wisdom and the ability with which we were born without having to learn or practice. It is the one's conscience, which is like the spirit of God -- the divine or Buddha nature. It is invisible and intangible. For this reason, we call it "genuine emptiness," which means that to be really empty, it goes beyond emptiness and can therefore have marvelous existence in it. "Marvelous existence" is the foundation for the sky, the earth, human beings, all the creatures and all existences. With omnipotence, Dao is called "Great Lord of All Beings," this almighty being is not only in charge of the entire universe, but also in charge of oneself. So the proverb is, "Dao is within Self. It governs all of one's abilities; if Dao deviates from one's body the body becomes useless." This is the treasure that we need all to realize and fully explore.

III: What Is " Receiving Dao"?

When we look around the world, we admire the miracles and wonders of nature. Countless things change and move simultaneously every second and yet in order and in harmony. So do our bodies. Countless biochemical reactions and physical functions occur concurrently within our bodies. Without our learning and thinking, thousands of activities happen within us. These are the actions and extension of Dao. Dao functions naturally and automatically without the need for our intention to be involved. This is the effect of Dao within us. Dao is not only in control of the universe and nature, but also in charge of every human being in his/her own actions. In other words, it is the same source that governs us, as well as everything else.

Dao is invisible and intangible, but it has been working out its magic before day one. Thereafter, languages, cultures, religious scriptures, literature and civilization were developed. They all originate from Dao functioning within us.

People don't realize it is Dao that has been residing and working within us. They hae used "soul" to represent the confusing and yet irrefutable being. Because it is eternal and intangible, we also call it "True Self." This true self is the most abundant, brilliant and imperishable being.

Lets take a look at our tangible body and see if it can be the true self. We know the pictures taken throughout one's life show different faces and expressions. We recognize people by face, but our looks change and are not permanent. The handicapped, with impaired arms or legs, can also lead a complete life. One with a transplanted animal heart is still a human being. Even our brain cells keep decreasing and changing every second from the moment we were born.

Therefore, the physical body is only the interim residence of the true self. Though it seems so real, solid and alive, it turns into dust eventually. We call it "false self" because of its tentative and transient nature. By recognizing the difference between the true self and the false self, we understand the reason and importance for us to receive Dao.

Fortunately, we are given the opportunity of receiving Dao and learning the "Three Treasures." The Three Treasures are straightforward yet profound. The meaning and details of them will be illustrated through the ceremony of receiving Dao. Here, we only discus two issues:

First, by receiving Dao, the true self gets pointed out. It leads us to our conscience. When material pursuits surpass spiritual seeking, the true self is lost and makes us a walking corpse. In order to fulfill and satisfy the sensational desires of the false self, we may commit wrongdoings and harm others, eventually creating trouble for ourselves. Our inner conscience is identified and enlightened by receiving Dao. Thus, the body gets to work with the spirit in a mutually beneficial and harmonious way, making our lives joyful and meaningful.

Second, by receiving Dao, the front door or "Heavenly Gate" gets opened. It leads us to truth, mercy and wisdom. When we leave a house, we leave through the front door. If the front door is locked, we may have to leave through the back door, or even by breaking the window or jumping off the balcony. We may fall and get hurt by doing so. Our body is like a house, and ou r soul is the master who lives in the house. One day, when the body is aged and depleted and the soul has to leave, we can imagine its horror if it cannot leave through the correct

exit. This is the pain and discomfort human beings experience at the coming of death and after death. As we know, for most people, when they die, their body shows stiffness, and signs of helplessness and confusion. After we receive Dao, the door of life and death will be opened.

Having received Dao and the Three Treasures, we have the opportunity to recognize the true self and the Dao that dwells within us. This will make it easier to treat people and the world conscientiously and make our lives more meaningful. Then we can transcend life and death. So if we cultivate ourselves, after our death we will be able to return to where we came from. Therefore, the heavenly Dao is also the way to return back to heaven.

[ To Probe Further]

The enlightenment of Dao is superior to studying thousands of sutras. This is the value of Dao. The enlightenment of Dao opens the Heavenly Gate, the front door, wich is the entrance to heaven. It gives us the guarantee to be exempt from rebirth cycles and to reach eternity. The superiority of this enlightenment lies in that it surpasses Buddha and saints, it exceeds the scope of sutras and dharmas, and it transcends the universe. Dao is therefore the Source of All Sutras, King of All Dharmas, Mother of All Buddhas, and Creator of the Universe. Transcendence of rebirth cycles leads to eternity. We have never lost the Dao, and being imperishable, the Dao never deteriorates. Hence, Dao is the direct way back to heaven.

IV: What Do I Get In Receiving Dao?

As mentioned earlier, by receiving Dao, we act upon our conscience, gain more wisdom and find the door to heaven. In addition to these basics, we also benefit from the following in our lifetime.

A: TO BE AWAY FROM SUFFERINGS AND CLOSER TO HAPPINESS

` The troubles and worries we face in our daily lives result from our disregard of the true self. Receiving Dao helps us to recognize the Dao that dwells within us. It also restores the beauty of the true self so that our behavior and mind are free from being controlled by earthly pleasures and swayed by the losses and gains of the material world. Since our minds are cultivated spiritually, devils will not approach and get close to us. Thus, our fortune can be altered from bad to bright, and we can obtain real joy.

B: TO AVOID DISASTERS AND CALAMITIES

Dao has been passed on from patriarch to patriarch since the beginning of human history. The thread of its passage weaves through ancient civilizations, including China and India. However, in recent centuries, human beings have been trapped by materialism and a weaker sense of right and wrong. Wars prompted the development of powerfully lethal weapons. In reviewing the thousands of years of human history, we realize, in just less than one hundred years, there have been two major world wars, which have caused enormous killing and tragedy. The abuse of science and technology has also destroyed the environment, caused damage to the atmosphere and unbalanced the world climates. The corruption of human beings minds has caused natural disasters. Human beings have created calamity.

God, with his mercy, makes Dao available to everybody in order to save good people. After we receive Dao, with the true meaning of Dao in mind, we will be conscientious. We can use the three treasures testified by many Dao relatives.

whenever something dangerous and uncontrollable is about to happen to us. We will be able to get away from bad encounters. This has been

C: TO TRANSCEND LIFE AND DEATH

Life is a mixture of happiness and bitterness. Throughout the journey of life, wee experience birth, growth, aging, illness and death. Joys are momentary and wealth is here today and gone tomorrow. Rather than seeking the pleasures of material life, the wise make full use of their lifetime searching for the true meaning of life and eternity.

In olden times, Dao could only be received after harsh self-cultivation. Only very few of the cultivators looking for an enlightened master would be able to receive Dao. Whereas in this century. Dao is allowed to be spread and transmitted through the Dien Chuan Shr {Person with Heavenly Decree to perform the Dao ceremony} to the truth-seekers. The Dien Chuan Shr points out the heavenly gate of life and death, assuring the completeness of our true self. With the true self as our guide, which keeps us away from evil and greed, it helps us think, speak and act in accordance with our conscience and intuition. Death then becomes the return of our soul to the eternal and peaceful home where we came from. Thus, we will have everlasting joy.

D: TO ACHIEVE ENLIGHTENMENT

The enlightenment of Dao, which reveals the true self, is like the planting of the seed of righteousness and integrity. Through self-cultivation and self-improvement, the nurturing of wisdom, kindness and purity, it will blossom and produce the fruit of sacred mind and eternal life.

In times of overwhelming utilitarianism, Dao is the lighthouse to the truth. Receiving Dao, and then cultivating ourselves, not only improves our own lives, but also gives us the opportunity to better the world.

After we receive Dao, we act upon our conscience and care for people around us. We cherish Dao and disregard personal disadvantages. Then we make an effort to spread the message of Dao to the World, in order for everyone to benefit from it. We are devoting ourselves to the work of God, and certainly will achieve spiritual perfection in both this world and the world after life.

[ To Probe Further]

The supremacy of Dao is based on the Heavenly Decree of God by which the Dien Chuan Shr can perform the passage of Dao. The enlightenment of Dao from the Dien Chuan Shr directly opens the Main Gate of our bodies, which revives our divine nature. It reveals that heaven is not beyond oneself. Instead, one's true self merges into the entire universe. This is the supremacy of Dao

1: With the Heavenly Decree, the enlightenment of Dao is extremely profound and marvelous. It cannot be completely expressed by any words or languages. It is not recorded on any scriptures or sutras. It cannot be described by preaching, nor achieved from gifted talents. Because the scriptures are all created they also can be eliminated, which means that they cannot last forever by themselves. They all bear partiality and cannot be applied universally. Hence, they cannot surpass life cycles, nor can they reach eternity.

2:` The wonder of the effects and omnipotence of Dao is beyond words. It is the wisdom that does not come from learning. It is what we acquire from God and possess intrinsically. It is the same divine heart before the creation of the universe. It is conscience, the holy heart. It is the divine and immortal nature of the spirit of God.

3: Dao is too marvelous to be described. It makes us know without learning, and function without practicing. It is a prior wisdom, perception, potency and ability. It's not constrained by words or languages. It functions without thinking, intents or even actions. However, it can create the sky, the world, humans, all beings and all existences. All these, after being created, still cannot carry on without Dao even for one moment. Dao is therefore called the Great Lord of all beings.

4: Without Dao, the stars and planets in the sky wouldn't be in order. The sun and the moon couldn't illuminate or revolve properly. Then the yin-yang energies wouldn't circulate, and, as a result, this world would not be suitable for all of us to live in.

5: Without Dao, the five primary elements of the earth ( metal, wood, water, fire and earth) wouldn't be balanced, which would put the entire world in chaos. Mountains would collapse, lands would crack and oceans would dry up. This world would not be an environment for us to live in. Without Dao, human beings wouldn't be able to walk, see, hear, speak or move. Our physical bodies would deteriorate quickly into a pile of soil in a hundred days.

6: If one really comprehends the effects and omnipotence of Dao, and can practice accordingly and persistently, one can communicate with and be united with God.

This is the absolute truth. It is a glory and marvel beyond description. Therefore, it is not after death that one becomes a Buddha. It is when one is still alive that one achieves Buddhahood. And to be a Buddha is to revive and h old on to one's divine and original nature. This is what we can benefit from attaining and cultivating Dao.

V: What Qualification Do We Need In Order To Receive Dao?

We have discussed the many benefits we obtain after receiving Dao. Some would wonder why there is so much given to us. Of course , we should realize it comes from God's grace toward human beings. This allows Dao to be spread around the world, especially at the approach of worldwide calamities. People with merit and conscientious minds will have the opportunity of learning about Dao and the way back to heaven. It always hols true that people who have the fortune of receiving Dao are descended from the tree of righteous ancestors.

In addition, during the transmission of Dao, it is required that we make promises to God that:

A: After we receive Dao, we will keep in mind the true meaning of Dao and put it into action in our daily lives. What we speak and what we do will all be based on our conscience.

B: After we attain the Three Treasures, we promise not to tell them to any other person. The Three Treasures can only be transmitted through the Dien Chuan Shr in front of God. If we reveal them to any person, they become invalid to the person, and we also defy the Heavenly Decree.

All the required promises are reasonable and achievable. It goes with our true nature. If we practice and keep the promises, we will be able to become a wiser and better person. We will become more merciful, and nurture the good seed of Dao planted in our mind.

One last thing to mention is that one of the reasons we are able to receive Dao is due to the good deeds of our ancestors. Therefore, as we persistently cultivate Dao, our ancestors will also benefit and so will our descendents. As long as you are prepared for the above mentioned, you are qualified to receive Dao -- no matter to which nationality, race or religion you belong.

[ To Probe Further ]

In order to be exempted from the rebirth cycles, to avoid the ordeal of hell, to alleviate the suffering and misfortunes in our lives and to be able to return back to heaven after death and enjoy permanent happiness, we need to receive Dao. The general qualifications are

1: To have a compassionate heart, and to be fortunate enough to be born in a time when Dao is available to the public.

2: To have sowed the seeds of virtue by helping many people and offering lots of charitable services in our previous lives. This is the divine affinity with God.

3: To have ancestors with virtues who have done good deeds.

4: To meet the Introducer and Guarantor who indicate the way to attain Dao. It is very likely that, in the previous lives, we did charitable services together, or we self-cultivated together in the same religion. So in this life when Dao is available, we can help each other out and cultivate Dao together again. So the time is ripe for Dao due to our divine affinity

VI: What Impact Does Receiving Dao Have On Me?

As we mentioned before, unlike the old days when cultivators had to leave there families to receive Dao through meditation and self-cultivation, Dao at the present time can be received in a way that's applicable and conforming to our practical needs. We don't have to give up our lifestyle in order to attain Dao. By the grace of God, Dao is intended to be delivered to the public at all levels of occupations and around the world, rather than being limited to a privileged group of people.

The impacts that receiving Dao can have on our daily life are summarized as follows:

A: RECEIVING DAO CREATES NO CONFLICTS WITH ANY RELIGIONS.

Dao governs the universe including all human beings. It existed before the formation of any religions. It is concordant with all religions, in the sense that religions preach the awareness of conscience and the pursuit of the truth. We don't need to give up our religion in order to receive Dao. On the contrary, by receiving Dao we will have further understanding of the truth.

B: CONSCIENCE BECOMES OUR ULTIMATE GUIDANCE.

Due to the variations of cultures, customs, backgrounds, legislations and value systems, it is difficult to find a universal guideline for all of us to follow in our daily life. In receiving Dao, the main commandment is to act by our conscience, the true self, rather than by literature. It is better to be sensitive to the conscience than to be familiar with the laws.

C: WE WILL VOLUNTARILY KEEP THE VOWS WE MADE WHEN WE RECEIVED DAO.

Through receiving Dao, we are not offered conscience of true self, but merely the opening of the door to wisdom and mercy. Therefore, we restore the heavenly principles inherent in us, and strengthen the power originating from our conscience. o There is no external force that makes us keep the promises, and commitments we make when we receive Dao. The only force comes from the feelings of regret that result from our misbehaviors, thus reducing the mistakes we make.

D: CULTIVATING DAO CAN ACCOMMODATE OUR WORLDLY AFFAIRS.

The fulfillment of cultivating Dao and conscientious awareness does not have to be accomplished in a temple or church. It is mot required of us to abandon worldly belonging or relationships in order to attain the ultimate truth. Each individual can still have his/her family, career and schooling at the same time. As long as we keep in mind the basic guideline : that we need to cultivate Dao and get closer to our divine self.

E: WE WILL MAKE A BETTER WORLD BY IMPROVING OURSELVES FIRST.

After we receive Dao, by realizing the true self and what we are, the feeling of joy comes to us. The improvements in the quality of our spiritual life will affect people surrounding us. By interacting and working together in Dao, we will make the world better with lower crime rates and less pollution. The wish of God will finally come true -- to turn the world into God's Kingdom and make all people live in harmony.

VII: What Can Attest To The Validity Of The Dao

Dao is the highest truth of the universe. It connects Heave and Earth and all things and also is the master of our bodies. Many people after receiving dao, with their wisdom, faith and devotion, realize that Dao is the fundamental principle that governs all things. They comprehend the truth of the universe not only through literature, but also through daily living and nature. Their faith in Dao becomes strengthened, and they move forward in their spiritual life. However, for the people who haven't received or have just received Dao, Dao can be confirmed through revelations.

A: Anyone who has received Dao and has had the Heavenly Gate opened shall die peacefully. One proof of this is that for those who have received Dao and died, their bodies remained soft and pliable. since the soul leaves the body through the Heavenly Gate, the corpse can actually remain un-corroded for a few days. With the most advanced modern science and technology, it is still difficult to explain this phenomenon. However, it is a FACT that cannot be denied. This happened before in some religions, but very rarely. For people who have received Dao, this experience is guaranteed, unless they have committed serious sins and corrupted their own mind. This can prove that the soul has reached an ultimate harmony.

B: Being the superintendent of the things on earth, human beings are nonetheless weak. Since birth, we are subject to unpredictable accidents and natural disasters. There have been many people who encountered danger, used the Three Treasures with faith, and got away from the danger or reduced the damage. Testimonies of this kind are numerous.

The above mentioned are rarely heard of and difficult to belive, but they are the protection and security given by God once a person has received Dao. Thereafter, with each individuals faith, wisdom and the accumulation of good deeds, one will come to experience the value of this treasure. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to receive Dao, experience it in your life, achieve ultimate perfection and realize eternity.