Chapter 10: Why a Kind Person Still Needs to Receive Dao

As human beings living between heaven and earth, we are blessed with all kinds of grace. Heaven unconditionally gives us air, sunshine, and water for our use. The earth unconditionally nurtures grains, vegetables, and fruit that provide us with food. Many other forms of grace are constantly bestowed upon us. Without such grace, we could not survive.

And yet, what have we done to repay the kindness of heaven and earth? Why has God given us this physical body? What purpose should it serve?

1. A Person’s Most Basic Requirement Is a Good Heart

It is common to hear people say, “Why should we cultivate? It is enough to have a good heart.” Or, “Life is fine the way it is—why go through so much trouble?” At first glance, such thoughts seem reasonable, but on deeper reflection, they are not necessarily correct.

How can we define the “kind heart” so many claim to have? It is a heart that does not engage in violence, theft, or any unrighteous act; a heart that takes care of oneself and is kind to others. But do all who claim to have a good heart truly manifest it?

Having a good heart is the natural condition and obligation of each person. If we fail to manifest it and fulfill our basic obligation, we act against truth and fail in our role as human beings. This alone is cause for shame. How could we then even think of causing harm to heaven and earth by holding a negative heart?

Human beings live in peace only because heaven, earth, and all beings bestow their grace upon us. Every second, heaven provides solar energy equivalent to millions of tons of burning coal—free and unconditional. The earth gives grains, fruits, and vegetables, nurturing all life. Even if humans plant and harvest, the real nurturing comes from the earth’s virtues.

We also receive support from our nations, love from our families, and guidance from our teachers. Clearly, we live with the blessings of boundless grace. Can we repay such immense kindness simply by having a “good heart”?

As Buddha taught:

A person ploughs and cultivates the fields to make a living. Why does heaven give life to humans? Even wood and stone have their purpose in the world.

Human beings live for a purpose greater than eating and sleeping. To have a good heart is only the most basic human responsibility—not a special achievement.

2. It Is a Great Pity if a Good Person Does Not Receive Dao

Today’s society, steeped in materialism and selfishness, often breeds ruthlessness. Many forsake the law of heaven and ignore their conscience, living in sorrow.

A truly good-hearted person refrains from stealing, deceiving, or committing evil deeds. They act in line with conscience and the law of heaven. Such people are rare. But if we stop at this basic level, our achievement remains insignificant.

A good heart reflects good spiritual foundation and affinity. But if we do not elevate ourselves by seeking truth and life’s meaning, we waste that precious affinity. Without receiving Dao, we cannot fully understand the root source of our existence or our life’s mission.

Our physical body is a tool for the soul, given through our parents, to fulfill life’s needs. Heaven, earth, and all things exist to nurture the body so the soul can use it. The soul is the essence, and without Dao, we cannot fully understand it.

Why does Heavenly Mother prepare such an ingenious body for us? Why arrange vast resources to meet its needs? If we do not receive Dao, we remain content as “good people” but fail to fulfill our true purpose.

3. A Truly Good Heart Comes When We Receive and Cultivate Dao

The basic human heart is not the same as a truly good heart. A bodhisattva naturally emanates compassion to save suffering souls; a devil, by contrast, brings harm. Those who say they already have a good heart and do not need Dao misunderstand what true goodness is.

A true good heart manifests in deeds aligned with conscience—the essence of our true nature. Such a heart:

Sympathizes and has compassion.
Feels shame and avoids negative behavior.
Is humble and courteous.
Distinguishes right from wrong.

As Mencius said:

A person whose heart cannot commiserate is inhuman.
A person whose heart cannot feel shame is inhuman.
A person whose heart is immodest and disagreeable is inhuman.
A person whose heart cannot distinguish right from wrong is inhuman.

From conscience arise the Four Beginnings:

Benevolence — sympathy and a desire to save others from suffering.
Righteousness — shame over wrongdoing and a drive to help others replace negativity with good.
Propriety — humility, shining warmth and brightness upon others.
Wisdom — discerning good from evil, guiding others to clarity.

A person who embodies all this has a working conscience and a truly good heart. Before receiving Dao, these virtues are often abstract ideals. When we receive Dao, the Dien Chuan Shr points out our true nature, making it possible to fully manifest these virtues.

Cultivating Dao is the process of removing negativity so our true nature’s virtues can shine.

Conclusion

Being complacent with having a “good heart” and not seeing the need to receive and cultivate Dao is a misunderstanding. Especially in these turbulent times, we cannot care only for our own well-being. Dao is now available to all—this is our great chance for spiritual elevation.

If we truly act from a good heart and possess wisdom, we will cherish the opportunity to receive and cultivate Dao.