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本网页内容经由 黄JW 编写或采纳自《真空教》经书内容，再由廖经文老师校对。欢迎各方道友寄来电邮结道缘。
以上标题，凡是后面带有“。”即附双语解释。
。 。 。
本网站属于《新加坡真空教联合会》资讯站，由2013年陈立新理事会管理。
本网页内容经由 黄JW 编写或采纳自《真空教》经书内容，再由廖经文老师校对。欢迎各方道友寄来电邮结道缘。
以上标题，凡是后面带有“。”即附双语解释。
。 。 。
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《真空教》之起源和历史背景
第一章：青少年时期
《真空祖师》出生于前清道光七年四月初九日 (即公元 1827 年)，俗名《廖帝聘》。廖祖师的当时出生地，在于中国江西省寻邬县 – 水东村《黃畬山》。他自幼便聪明豁达，青年时更是智慧超颖，所做种种善事，皆以众人为本和大公利益为先，绝无自我的心态。例如：廖祖师常耗力剷除道路上的障碍，亦在道路旁侧种植树木以供行人遮荫。此举不但造福地方老百姓，也得到乡民的爱戴和敬仰。
廖祖师十六岁时，乃在求学时期，就耳闻当时的两广总督大人 – 林则徐，于全国大力销毁与禁止洋烟活动。林则徐大人为了救国，既是亲子犯禁，也不外恕，最后将其逮捕并斩首示众。此壮举导至廖祖师，于因缘地当下发下大愿，来日学成有就后，必定跟随此戒烟之风，好让国人同胞们远离毒品，自救与强国。
如此年复一年，光阴似箭，廖祖师也渐渐成长。他成熟和机智的处事风范，更是成为乡民们的模范师长。无奈造化作弄，廖祖师正当二十四岁时，其妻逝世 (内情不详)，膝下亦无儿女。这对廖祖师无疑是个极大的打击，使他感叹人生被大自然力量（因果业力）所操纵的无情支配，亦更激发了他的求道之決心。尽管其双亲多次欲再搓合良缘，他都断然拒绝再另取妻室，并道：
“余愿为天下之祖，不愿为一姓之宗。”
这言行举止不但展现出廖祖师重情义的胸怀，也流露出他对修道的坚贞精神。
当时，廖祖师有意出家修行，无奈双亲年老并劝阻，只好暂时作罢，以免伤害两位老人家的心情。既然仍在家自修，廖祖师便把更多的闲余时间，用在乡里的公益活动上，好让广大乡民们受益。那段时期，廖祖师常到《云盖崠》古刹去诵读和听佛经，并结识《刘必发》长老，后成为知交。
后来，《刘必发》长老移居《修觉山》修行，廖祖师也跟随他上山求道，欲从佛法中探测人生和宇宙的真理。据说，有一回廖祖师和《刘必发》长老于《修觉山》上，研讨佛法经文。两人的对话如下：
刘问：”古今天下中外，以何物最为尊贵？”
廖答：”古今天下中外，独以《道》最为尊贵。”
这段谈话后，廖祖师的向道之心更加坚固，决意出家修行，以证佛果。
廖祖师在《修觉山》，待了一年多。隔年后，是时咸丰七年 (即公元 1857 年)，亦正当他三十一岁时，便下山回乡探亲；这次立志要得到双亲的同意，好让他出家修行。当他的所有家人知悉事情的来由后，亦觉得他多年来的努力修持，终使机缘成熟。既然能顺他意，也希望拯救天下苍生，无疑不是一粧好事！
再说，廖祖师一向来的求道之心非常坚决，已经证明了他对自己未来人生路途的选择是绝对的！
得到双亲的认同， 廖祖师便随《刘必发》长老回《云盖崠》古刹出家，正式受戒，并拜在其座下学法修行。
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第二章：出家后再还俗
廖祖师的天资聪慧，领悟力又高。凭着诚恳和认真的态度，不但学习进步快速，也深得刘长老的宠信。短短数月内，刘长老即把佛门的《圆通妙诀》和《无上正宗》这两部大经典，传授了给他。接着，师徒俩为了证得佛学上的更高境界，不让俗业干扰，又迁回《修觉山》内，继续他们的修行。
山上生活清苦，必须自力更生，凡事皆亲力亲为。就这样，他们师徒俩白天耕耘，晚间参禅；日日如一，一晃就过了六个秋冬。
苦修六载，廖祖师终于大彻大悟，真正了解到《道与空》的交含和精髓。廖祖师所领悟出的《空中大道》，道基深厚，包罗万有、变化莫测，既充实又简单如一。无形中，此项高深的哲学道理，奠定了《真空教》于日后发展的宗教纲本和观念，并播下种子让其众多道坛在南洋多处作为雄壮的道业根基。
说及《空》的含哲，以下是一些廖祖师的训解：
“道以空为开始，道亦以空为结束。”
“道无定体，无可比擬。”
“大道包含万物，仟悉微遗。”
“道乃復本还原，归一归空就是。”
尽管廖祖师已悟道成仁，但终究是个人的道业，只能自度而不能度他。他常常感叹世人迷痴，不懂得求道得解脱，更受文化闭塞之困，不通理义。时逢国难当前，天下苍生痛苦之及，百姓生活渐陷水深火热之中，仍旧困苦不得解脱。当时世上中外，仁者、圣贤、能人又极为稀少，老百姓无缘遇到得道高人来救世度人，实人类末劫一大悲哀！
有一回，廖祖师又在为大众苍生和百姓苦恼，欲寻出路。深思之及，由无奈之衷，一时悲从中来，当下向空中跪求祷告，请求诸神佛、菩萨怜悯众生，大发慈悲，指示一条明路。如能得愿，就是为众人代替受诸苦难，也心甘情愿。尔时，空中呈现瑞兆，《无极圣祖》托化来默示。廖祖师此项伟志，亦感应诸多天人、护法到场护持，并纷紛鼓舞赞扬。
接着，廖祖师将这授记请示了刘长老，待恩师指点明灯。
刘长老终究是位开悟大德，深明大义。他了解到上天所御下的重任，必须由廖祖师去落实。他日，佛门中孕育出别宗新材，不但含有传宗接花之美，法界中亦有新教护持正法，慈悲救济世人，实是一粧喜讯， 也是老百姓的善往福报!
廖祖师得到刘长老的同意后，就拜别诸师长辈，下山回府，在家乡故里自立新门户，宏扬《真空教》道理。此乃入世法，实是出世方也！
自此，他开斋破戒，教导世人按步就班，遵守天理循环、自然造化的原理。《真空教》的纲本教义，在于参透乾坤运转，彻天地之玄空；心地豁达光明，朗耀心聪，参悟空中无为大道；永世明灯，依復本还原，归一归空为真谛。宇宙万象物体，以空为始，以空为灭，生生不息，变化无穷。智者能仁，以守中庸之道为基本，凡事不偏不倚，无过无不及。行中道者得天下之达道，即中和万事兴也。
廖祖师更是专研儒释道三教，以其三教的文化精髓根源，去腐存菁，编写了本教的四大经典 – 《报空宝卷》、《无相宝卷》、《报恩宝卷》和《三教宝卷》等等。
《真空教》的崇高信仰，融化三大教理为一炉，独立为尊。廖祖师慈悲仁爱，四维八德，仍常不忘忧国忧民，深得地方上人民的尊重和瞻仰。
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第三章：五皈、四考与十诫训
《真空教》所有弟子和信众，凡入我教门之后都必须谨守以下教规：
其实，这《五皈、四考、十诫》并非任何难事。当年，廖祖师列下这教规，为的是让世人醒觉迷津，破除迷信，改过自新、远离恶习，培养正气，护持正道，自度度他，永不踏至地狱之门。
何谓五皈?
1. 皈依 – 此乃心与道合一，须臾不离。既无老师所在，也不无迷失于颠倒。依道不依人，就永世跟随祖师的无为教义，毫无恐惧。
2. 皈中 – 生活即是修行。凡事不偏不倚，老实忠厚，默守中道，允执厥中。
3. 皈正 – 道真心亦正。纳天地之正气，洁身自爱，大义凛然，心地一片光明，无愧于心。
4. 皈一 – 一入真空门，永不向外求。德一不二，无参无什，亦不受旁门外道所牵引。
5. 皈空 – 此乃修道至高境界。宇宙一切相乃空相，归空归一，无证于有证。转变《有为》成《无为》，后再转变无为成《大道自然》。万物始、灭随道缘，切勿执着。
何谓四考?
1. 考真 – 空心化性显真本。道心乃清淨心，不为外境所牵；不管富贵贫贱，道心不退，始终守一真元。
2. 考直 – 道若坦途，心仍直如矢。无为无不为，绝不歪邪，心直身正，表里相应。
3. 考愿 – 一心向道，绝不悔缩。毁誉由他，逆来顺受，犯而不较。
4. 考捨 – 超凡入道，不恋尘缘，不执着于世事；破解迷惑，开智令悟，免堕落沦迴之苦。修道心乃清心寡欲，知足常乐，不盲目追求奢华，常保乐观；这也是做人快乐的万福根源。
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第四章：开坛普渡
公元 1863年二月初七日，廖祖师在《黃畬山》故里 – 培桂园，第一次举办《开坛普渡》盛典，引来了许多广大群众，由其犯烟病人之多。廖祖师以本教的创新法门，首次公开于世。基于简单的跪拜方式、饮仙茶、打仙露(子时静坐)，许多百姓们成功戒烟和治疗病根，效果百试百验。短短一个月的时间，超过一万人被度化和皈依《真空教》。
廖祖师与《真空教》的名声，很快的就在多个地方上传开来。老百姓生活规律有了改善，众人不再犯烟，洗心革面，身心健康正直，都纷紛称廖祖师为仙伯。祖师坛也很自然地被乡民誉为《仙伯坛》!
每次开坛佈道，到場的人数都不胜其多，各各争先恐后。听道的人多，护道的人亦多，使到本教日益强大，远播万里。既然来求道的人越来越多，教务的开支经费也跟着增加。廖祖师他老人家为了持续这项伟大事业，不惜耗尽了本身和家人的财产，来支柱这项庞大的开销，毫无侮缩。他这般牺牲，为的就是欲度尽世人，使其广大众生寻归回到自然《空中大道》。
公元 1864 年春，廖祖师把自己所悟出的《空中大道》和所有《真空教》的精髓教义，传授于两位胞弟 – 廖兆元、廖兆扬两人。从此，三人一同隐居于《修觉山》，并在当地建设《真空教》道坛，日夜共修，参透宇宙道法玄机。最后，悟出了《空中图》和《三教图》。
创教初期，由于财力单薄和山上物质有限，不但道坛简漏，廖祖师和两兄弟的生活也相当清苦！尽管如此，到山上来的信众还是一天比一天多，皈道的人数更是不胜枚举！
众人之中，有三人名为赖仁章、凌邦璧、张声见等人，于过去曾蒙廖祖师的恩惠，成功戒了烟病。今欲跟随祖师参道，渡化世人，特地跑到山上来拜师学道。廖祖师留意这三人一段日子，觉得他们都天赋聪慧，又诚恳虚心，向道之心实而坚决。于是，就收了三人做门徒，把《空中大道》传授给他们。
从此，道坛里共有六人为首，一起参道，并同甘共苦。有了这团结的力量，不管做任何事情都能够里外照应。欲将本教发扬光大，亦指日可待了！
正是：
教主真空，普渡群蒙，以道化世，皈正皈中，
戒烟治病，效力宏功，无药济世，有感皆通。
仙茶饮之，安逸通融，慈悲救劫，怜悯苍穹，
消除斋诫，化合大同，方便佈道，利民福国。
敬告诸人，诚心信奉，有求必应，无求自安，
两弟添翼，三子同功，渡化世风，万古流通。
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第五章：方便传大道
自从有了两弟、三徒之后，教中一切事物有人分担，样样事情做起来得心应手。很自然的，本教的名望日益强大，教徒有增无减。这对廖祖师来说，无疑是极大的安慰，多年来的努力总算颇有成果。
《真空教》的一大特色即是放花。当时，有些外道人士对本教产生误会，觉得咱们即是宣扬正法，怎么还可以杀牲呢？其实不然。
放花分两种制度，即大花和小花。放大花的意思即宰杀猪或牛羊，放小花即指宰杀鸡鸭。
放花的意图在于振救牲灵。在这三界内，众生连续不断的受业力牵动，生生死死地不停轮回打转。有修行的众生得道超越，其余的还沉迷在苦海里，甚至早已忘记了本自俱有的真空灵光。
放花过程是一项非常严肃的仪式，并不能够随意个人执行。它也不是提倡杀生、涂炭生灵，更不是鼓励肉食。然而，本教的道法的确是教导世人自救救他、随缘而食、不讲究挑剔、无在家、无出家、无受戒、无破戒，一切皆顺其自然！
在本教中，放花仪式通常都是用来抵消放花者的病痛、恶运与劫数等等。在仪式开始前，本教中的老师、先生或长辈，必须在殿内跪地诵经，其用意在于替放花者和畜牲两边生态祈福和超度，让双方同时解除恶业痛苦与牲灵即时超生。在如此情况下，屠夫才可操刀宰杀畜牲。所以，放花可说是一种超度牲灵升空回本的活动。这项活动也被称为《敬道》，它必须在本教的严厉条件俱足之下才可进行，这样必定能够度人度牲，达至两全其美的境界！
据说，放花的圆满功德奠于三项基础，缺一不可。
第一：廖祖师的浩大愿力无边。第二：本教的正法经典可度一切苦厄。第三：牲灵受感化后的愿力配合。随着这三样功德，加上放花者的本身忏悔与平日修行，定然有求必应，无求自得安乐！
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第六章：祖师升空
公元1892年，廖祖师与其门徒《张声见》于雩都《登云山》道堂修行。是年十二月二十二日，贛县衙役到来，伪作拘票，实为勒索金款财物。众所周知，廖祖师一向来都布道廉洁，两袖清风，哪有什么财物可施！
就这样，官差索金不遂，只好把廖祖师、张声见和赖仁章等等带回衙门扣留。当时的昏官以莫须有罪名嫁祸于廖祖师的身上，将几人关闭牢狱中有长达将近一年之久。
廖祖师家族中有一后生徒子《廖接武》，挺身投诉两江提督，告知冤狱。此人翻案不果，反招入狱之祸！后来，贛县知令观察廖祖师和众爱徒在狱中言谈自如，性在空中，无半点恐怖愁容。接着，知令潜函到贵溪龙虎山- 张天师处，询问究竟。
张天师回复，廖祖师等人亦是善人，所传道法皆真理，不可无理怠慢云云。之后，贛县知令欲释放其众人，无奈种种障碍（内情不详），无法成事。
次年，公元1893 年十一月初十，廖祖师在狱中招徕门徒几人，告知大家他将于同月十六日上空。众门徒听后，都痛哭悲泣，欲留之于世上。
廖祖师说：“本月十六日，为吾上空之期。”
又说：“勿哭泣也。吾本为道而来，今道既传授得人，数当上空。昨夜奉空诏命，册我为《真空祖师》限七日领旨。此乃吉兆，非凶闻也，何哭泣为？惟吾上空之后，《黄畲山》须建道堂，以誌吾道所从出。”
当月十六日午后，廖祖师正襟危坐，仰天微笑，连诵“复本还原，归一归空”这句经词。坐化之际，身中显出一道大红光，腾空追至云霄。是时，廖祖师享世六十六春秋。
过后，《真空教》的美名和宗教纲本由众多徒弟门生努力传道，陆续在全国不胜传开，甚至越洋到南洋一带开枝散叶，包括星、马、泰、印尼国家等等，自然不在话下。
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七章：后记
随着时代的更进和变迁，《真空教》也快踏入整整两百年的历史。尽管近代历史上的许多恶性环境影响，它一直都是与时共存。就如世界一战和二战、中国步入民初、走向共和，再经历文革的冲击。跟着就是文明的挑战，各种宗教理念的束缚，世人对本教的误解。但是，本教从来都是以空为根，以道为本，真理不曾动摇，一直屹立不倒。
本网站纯粹欲与《空道》中人结善缘，亦度化众生走向光明大道，创造美满幸福人生。有言常道：修《空中大道》者，恶不相随，魔不能侵。身口意相合，空中自然拥护。诸事皆顺利，自救救他人，百事不忌讳。身在娑婆，性在空中，包罗万有，本自俱足。归空家乡，家乡就在真空！
愿世人莫蹉跎人生好时光，快快参研《空道》真理。本教各国多处道堂不拘源流之别，欢迎所有与《空道》有缘之人共修。他日有缘一起谈空论道，乐融其中，道喜充满。
道友常言：大道威灵家家显，空道流行处处明。
祝大家共勉之。
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〈大道威灵家家显。空道流行处处明〉DEC 2014
第一章：青少年时期
《真空祖师》出生于前清道光七年四月初九日 (即公元 1827 年)，俗名《廖帝聘》。廖祖师的当时出生地，在于中国江西省寻邬县 – 水东村《黃畬山》。他自幼便聪明豁达，青年时更是智慧超颖，所做种种善事，皆以众人为本和大公利益为先，绝无自我的心态。例如：廖祖师常耗力剷除道路上的障碍，亦在道路旁侧种植树木以供行人遮荫。此举不但造福地方老百姓，也得到乡民的爱戴和敬仰。
廖祖师十六岁时，乃在求学时期，就耳闻当时的两广总督大人 – 林则徐，于全国大力销毁与禁止洋烟活动。林则徐大人为了救国，既是亲子犯禁，也不外恕，最后将其逮捕并斩首示众。此壮举导至廖祖师，于因缘地当下发下大愿，来日学成有就后，必定跟随此戒烟之风，好让国人同胞们远离毒品，自救与强国。
如此年复一年，光阴似箭，廖祖师也渐渐成长。他成熟和机智的处事风范，更是成为乡民们的模范师长。无奈造化作弄，廖祖师正当二十四岁时，其妻逝世 (内情不详)，膝下亦无儿女。这对廖祖师无疑是个极大的打击，使他感叹人生被大自然力量（因果业力）所操纵的无情支配，亦更激发了他的求道之決心。尽管其双亲多次欲再搓合良缘，他都断然拒绝再另取妻室，并道：
“余愿为天下之祖，不愿为一姓之宗。”
这言行举止不但展现出廖祖师重情义的胸怀，也流露出他对修道的坚贞精神。
当时，廖祖师有意出家修行，无奈双亲年老并劝阻，只好暂时作罢，以免伤害两位老人家的心情。既然仍在家自修，廖祖师便把更多的闲余时间，用在乡里的公益活动上，好让广大乡民们受益。那段时期，廖祖师常到《云盖崠》古刹去诵读和听佛经，并结识《刘必发》长老，后成为知交。
后来，《刘必发》长老移居《修觉山》修行，廖祖师也跟随他上山求道，欲从佛法中探测人生和宇宙的真理。据说，有一回廖祖师和《刘必发》长老于《修觉山》上，研讨佛法经文。两人的对话如下：
刘问：”古今天下中外，以何物最为尊贵？”
廖答：”古今天下中外，独以《道》最为尊贵。”
这段谈话后，廖祖师的向道之心更加坚固，决意出家修行，以证佛果。
廖祖师在《修觉山》，待了一年多。隔年后，是时咸丰七年 (即公元 1857 年)，亦正当他三十一岁时，便下山回乡探亲；这次立志要得到双亲的同意，好让他出家修行。当他的所有家人知悉事情的来由后，亦觉得他多年来的努力修持，终使机缘成熟。既然能顺他意，也希望拯救天下苍生，无疑不是一粧好事！
再说，廖祖师一向来的求道之心非常坚决，已经证明了他对自己未来人生路途的选择是绝对的！
得到双亲的认同， 廖祖师便随《刘必发》长老回《云盖崠》古刹出家，正式受戒，并拜在其座下学法修行。
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第二章：出家后再还俗
廖祖师的天资聪慧，领悟力又高。凭着诚恳和认真的态度，不但学习进步快速，也深得刘长老的宠信。短短数月内，刘长老即把佛门的《圆通妙诀》和《无上正宗》这两部大经典，传授了给他。接着，师徒俩为了证得佛学上的更高境界，不让俗业干扰，又迁回《修觉山》内，继续他们的修行。
山上生活清苦，必须自力更生，凡事皆亲力亲为。就这样，他们师徒俩白天耕耘，晚间参禅；日日如一，一晃就过了六个秋冬。
苦修六载，廖祖师终于大彻大悟，真正了解到《道与空》的交含和精髓。廖祖师所领悟出的《空中大道》，道基深厚，包罗万有、变化莫测，既充实又简单如一。无形中，此项高深的哲学道理，奠定了《真空教》于日后发展的宗教纲本和观念，并播下种子让其众多道坛在南洋多处作为雄壮的道业根基。
说及《空》的含哲，以下是一些廖祖师的训解：
“道以空为开始，道亦以空为结束。”
“道无定体，无可比擬。”
“大道包含万物，仟悉微遗。”
“道乃復本还原，归一归空就是。”
尽管廖祖师已悟道成仁，但终究是个人的道业，只能自度而不能度他。他常常感叹世人迷痴，不懂得求道得解脱，更受文化闭塞之困，不通理义。时逢国难当前，天下苍生痛苦之及，百姓生活渐陷水深火热之中，仍旧困苦不得解脱。当时世上中外，仁者、圣贤、能人又极为稀少，老百姓无缘遇到得道高人来救世度人，实人类末劫一大悲哀！
有一回，廖祖师又在为大众苍生和百姓苦恼，欲寻出路。深思之及，由无奈之衷，一时悲从中来，当下向空中跪求祷告，请求诸神佛、菩萨怜悯众生，大发慈悲，指示一条明路。如能得愿，就是为众人代替受诸苦难，也心甘情愿。尔时，空中呈现瑞兆，《无极圣祖》托化来默示。廖祖师此项伟志，亦感应诸多天人、护法到场护持，并纷紛鼓舞赞扬。
接着，廖祖师将这授记请示了刘长老，待恩师指点明灯。
刘长老终究是位开悟大德，深明大义。他了解到上天所御下的重任，必须由廖祖师去落实。他日，佛门中孕育出别宗新材，不但含有传宗接花之美，法界中亦有新教护持正法，慈悲救济世人，实是一粧喜讯， 也是老百姓的善往福报!
廖祖师得到刘长老的同意后，就拜别诸师长辈，下山回府，在家乡故里自立新门户，宏扬《真空教》道理。此乃入世法，实是出世方也！
自此，他开斋破戒，教导世人按步就班，遵守天理循环、自然造化的原理。《真空教》的纲本教义，在于参透乾坤运转，彻天地之玄空；心地豁达光明，朗耀心聪，参悟空中无为大道；永世明灯，依復本还原，归一归空为真谛。宇宙万象物体，以空为始，以空为灭，生生不息，变化无穷。智者能仁，以守中庸之道为基本，凡事不偏不倚，无过无不及。行中道者得天下之达道，即中和万事兴也。
廖祖师更是专研儒释道三教，以其三教的文化精髓根源，去腐存菁，编写了本教的四大经典 – 《报空宝卷》、《无相宝卷》、《报恩宝卷》和《三教宝卷》等等。
《真空教》的崇高信仰，融化三大教理为一炉，独立为尊。廖祖师慈悲仁爱，四维八德，仍常不忘忧国忧民，深得地方上人民的尊重和瞻仰。
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第三章：五皈、四考与十诫训
《真空教》所有弟子和信众，凡入我教门之后都必须谨守以下教规：
- 五皈 – 1. 皈依 2. 皈中 3. 皈正 4. 皈一 5. 皈空
- 四考 – 1. 考真 2. 考直 3. 考愿 4. 考捨
- 十诫 – 1. 不淫欲 2. 不偷盗 3. 纪念上祖恩义 4. 孝敬父母，尊重伦常 5. 勿吸烟酒毒
其实，这《五皈、四考、十诫》并非任何难事。当年，廖祖师列下这教规，为的是让世人醒觉迷津，破除迷信，改过自新、远离恶习，培养正气，护持正道，自度度他，永不踏至地狱之门。
何谓五皈?
1. 皈依 – 此乃心与道合一，须臾不离。既无老师所在，也不无迷失于颠倒。依道不依人，就永世跟随祖师的无为教义，毫无恐惧。
2. 皈中 – 生活即是修行。凡事不偏不倚，老实忠厚，默守中道，允执厥中。
3. 皈正 – 道真心亦正。纳天地之正气，洁身自爱，大义凛然，心地一片光明，无愧于心。
4. 皈一 – 一入真空门，永不向外求。德一不二，无参无什，亦不受旁门外道所牵引。
5. 皈空 – 此乃修道至高境界。宇宙一切相乃空相，归空归一，无证于有证。转变《有为》成《无为》，后再转变无为成《大道自然》。万物始、灭随道缘，切勿执着。
何谓四考?
1. 考真 – 空心化性显真本。道心乃清淨心，不为外境所牵；不管富贵贫贱，道心不退，始终守一真元。
2. 考直 – 道若坦途，心仍直如矢。无为无不为，绝不歪邪，心直身正，表里相应。
3. 考愿 – 一心向道，绝不悔缩。毁誉由他，逆来顺受，犯而不较。
4. 考捨 – 超凡入道，不恋尘缘，不执着于世事；破解迷惑，开智令悟，免堕落沦迴之苦。修道心乃清心寡欲，知足常乐，不盲目追求奢华，常保乐观；这也是做人快乐的万福根源。
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第四章：开坛普渡
公元 1863年二月初七日，廖祖师在《黃畬山》故里 – 培桂园，第一次举办《开坛普渡》盛典，引来了许多广大群众，由其犯烟病人之多。廖祖师以本教的创新法门，首次公开于世。基于简单的跪拜方式、饮仙茶、打仙露(子时静坐)，许多百姓们成功戒烟和治疗病根，效果百试百验。短短一个月的时间，超过一万人被度化和皈依《真空教》。
廖祖师与《真空教》的名声，很快的就在多个地方上传开来。老百姓生活规律有了改善，众人不再犯烟，洗心革面，身心健康正直，都纷紛称廖祖师为仙伯。祖师坛也很自然地被乡民誉为《仙伯坛》!
每次开坛佈道，到場的人数都不胜其多，各各争先恐后。听道的人多，护道的人亦多，使到本教日益强大，远播万里。既然来求道的人越来越多，教务的开支经费也跟着增加。廖祖师他老人家为了持续这项伟大事业，不惜耗尽了本身和家人的财产，来支柱这项庞大的开销，毫无侮缩。他这般牺牲，为的就是欲度尽世人，使其广大众生寻归回到自然《空中大道》。
公元 1864 年春，廖祖师把自己所悟出的《空中大道》和所有《真空教》的精髓教义，传授于两位胞弟 – 廖兆元、廖兆扬两人。从此，三人一同隐居于《修觉山》，并在当地建设《真空教》道坛，日夜共修，参透宇宙道法玄机。最后，悟出了《空中图》和《三教图》。
创教初期，由于财力单薄和山上物质有限，不但道坛简漏，廖祖师和两兄弟的生活也相当清苦！尽管如此，到山上来的信众还是一天比一天多，皈道的人数更是不胜枚举！
众人之中，有三人名为赖仁章、凌邦璧、张声见等人，于过去曾蒙廖祖师的恩惠，成功戒了烟病。今欲跟随祖师参道，渡化世人，特地跑到山上来拜师学道。廖祖师留意这三人一段日子，觉得他们都天赋聪慧，又诚恳虚心，向道之心实而坚决。于是，就收了三人做门徒，把《空中大道》传授给他们。
从此，道坛里共有六人为首，一起参道，并同甘共苦。有了这团结的力量，不管做任何事情都能够里外照应。欲将本教发扬光大，亦指日可待了！
正是：
教主真空，普渡群蒙，以道化世，皈正皈中，
戒烟治病，效力宏功，无药济世，有感皆通。
仙茶饮之，安逸通融，慈悲救劫，怜悯苍穹，
消除斋诫，化合大同，方便佈道，利民福国。
敬告诸人，诚心信奉，有求必应，无求自安，
两弟添翼，三子同功，渡化世风，万古流通。
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第五章：方便传大道
自从有了两弟、三徒之后，教中一切事物有人分担，样样事情做起来得心应手。很自然的，本教的名望日益强大，教徒有增无减。这对廖祖师来说，无疑是极大的安慰，多年来的努力总算颇有成果。
《真空教》的一大特色即是放花。当时，有些外道人士对本教产生误会，觉得咱们即是宣扬正法，怎么还可以杀牲呢？其实不然。
放花分两种制度，即大花和小花。放大花的意思即宰杀猪或牛羊，放小花即指宰杀鸡鸭。
放花的意图在于振救牲灵。在这三界内，众生连续不断的受业力牵动，生生死死地不停轮回打转。有修行的众生得道超越，其余的还沉迷在苦海里，甚至早已忘记了本自俱有的真空灵光。
放花过程是一项非常严肃的仪式，并不能够随意个人执行。它也不是提倡杀生、涂炭生灵，更不是鼓励肉食。然而，本教的道法的确是教导世人自救救他、随缘而食、不讲究挑剔、无在家、无出家、无受戒、无破戒，一切皆顺其自然！
在本教中，放花仪式通常都是用来抵消放花者的病痛、恶运与劫数等等。在仪式开始前，本教中的老师、先生或长辈，必须在殿内跪地诵经，其用意在于替放花者和畜牲两边生态祈福和超度，让双方同时解除恶业痛苦与牲灵即时超生。在如此情况下，屠夫才可操刀宰杀畜牲。所以，放花可说是一种超度牲灵升空回本的活动。这项活动也被称为《敬道》，它必须在本教的严厉条件俱足之下才可进行，这样必定能够度人度牲，达至两全其美的境界！
据说，放花的圆满功德奠于三项基础，缺一不可。
第一：廖祖师的浩大愿力无边。第二：本教的正法经典可度一切苦厄。第三：牲灵受感化后的愿力配合。随着这三样功德，加上放花者的本身忏悔与平日修行，定然有求必应，无求自得安乐！
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第六章：祖师升空
公元1892年，廖祖师与其门徒《张声见》于雩都《登云山》道堂修行。是年十二月二十二日，贛县衙役到来，伪作拘票，实为勒索金款财物。众所周知，廖祖师一向来都布道廉洁，两袖清风，哪有什么财物可施！
就这样，官差索金不遂，只好把廖祖师、张声见和赖仁章等等带回衙门扣留。当时的昏官以莫须有罪名嫁祸于廖祖师的身上，将几人关闭牢狱中有长达将近一年之久。
廖祖师家族中有一后生徒子《廖接武》，挺身投诉两江提督，告知冤狱。此人翻案不果，反招入狱之祸！后来，贛县知令观察廖祖师和众爱徒在狱中言谈自如，性在空中，无半点恐怖愁容。接着，知令潜函到贵溪龙虎山- 张天师处，询问究竟。
张天师回复，廖祖师等人亦是善人，所传道法皆真理，不可无理怠慢云云。之后，贛县知令欲释放其众人，无奈种种障碍（内情不详），无法成事。
次年，公元1893 年十一月初十，廖祖师在狱中招徕门徒几人，告知大家他将于同月十六日上空。众门徒听后，都痛哭悲泣，欲留之于世上。
廖祖师说：“本月十六日，为吾上空之期。”
又说：“勿哭泣也。吾本为道而来，今道既传授得人，数当上空。昨夜奉空诏命，册我为《真空祖师》限七日领旨。此乃吉兆，非凶闻也，何哭泣为？惟吾上空之后，《黄畲山》须建道堂，以誌吾道所从出。”
当月十六日午后，廖祖师正襟危坐，仰天微笑，连诵“复本还原，归一归空”这句经词。坐化之际，身中显出一道大红光，腾空追至云霄。是时，廖祖师享世六十六春秋。
过后，《真空教》的美名和宗教纲本由众多徒弟门生努力传道，陆续在全国不胜传开，甚至越洋到南洋一带开枝散叶，包括星、马、泰、印尼国家等等，自然不在话下。
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七章：后记
随着时代的更进和变迁，《真空教》也快踏入整整两百年的历史。尽管近代历史上的许多恶性环境影响，它一直都是与时共存。就如世界一战和二战、中国步入民初、走向共和，再经历文革的冲击。跟着就是文明的挑战，各种宗教理念的束缚，世人对本教的误解。但是，本教从来都是以空为根，以道为本，真理不曾动摇，一直屹立不倒。
本网站纯粹欲与《空道》中人结善缘，亦度化众生走向光明大道，创造美满幸福人生。有言常道：修《空中大道》者，恶不相随，魔不能侵。身口意相合，空中自然拥护。诸事皆顺利，自救救他人，百事不忌讳。身在娑婆，性在空中，包罗万有，本自俱足。归空家乡，家乡就在真空！
愿世人莫蹉跎人生好时光，快快参研《空道》真理。本教各国多处道堂不拘源流之别，欢迎所有与《空道》有缘之人共修。他日有缘一起谈空论道，乐融其中，道喜充满。
道友常言：大道威灵家家显，空道流行处处明。
祝大家共勉之。
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〈大道威灵家家显。空道流行处处明〉DEC 2014
Zhenkong Religion (aka Kongdao)
Disclaimer: It is a great fortune of yours to be here. The objective of this website is to share the realization of DAO and teachings of the universal truth. The contents are mostly based on the Chinese book written by Professional Luo Xianglin published in 1962, entitled “The Zhenkong Religion that Popularizes among Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese and Malaya”. As practitioners of universal truth, we reserve all our comments on other sects and also do not reply to any criticism. We aim to share with more people on the core values of Kongdao and together, we find the WAY (DAO) to eternal Nirvana.
The Title heading with "o" at the back indicates bi-lingual description.
The Title heading with "o" at the back indicates bi-lingual description.
Topic 1:The Youth
Grandmaster Zhenkong was born on 9th day of Chinese lunar 4th month in 1827, during the Qing dynasty in China. The place of birth was set in Jiangxi Province in China and located in Xunwu County. The exact locality was known as Mt. Huangshe.
At his birth to a family with surname “Liao”, Grandmaster was named “Diping” by his family seniors. Since young, he was a bright and intelligent child with a compassionate mind. While staying in the county, Liao used to contribute his efforts in many ways for helping others. He always volunteered to remove obstacles and planted trees along the walkways in order to benefit the fellow countrymen.
When he turned sixteen, Liao took admiralty in then national Magistrate Lin Zexu who spent untiring efforts in eradicating opium from spreading within China. When Magistrate Lin found out his very own son was an opium addict and thus, executed him in public impartially, Liao vowed to follow the good example and aspired to terminate opium from deteriorating his country.
Times flied swiftly. Liao became a suave young man with maturity while his intelligence and benevolence earned much esteem from his fellow county men. Unfortunately, his wife died when he was 24 years old with no descendants. At then, Liao suffered great impact and started to ponder the power of “Cause and Effects” (Karma) that had been working on all human beings. He refused to re-marry despite the consent of his parents. Instead, he made an aspiration to pursue the ultimate enlightenment in life!
He once said,” I’d rather be the Enlightened Master in the world than to be the father of a single surname.”
Though Liao wanted very much to seek monkhood, he resorted to practicing Zen Buddhism on part-time basis while taking care of his aging parents. Hence, he dedicated his time to many community work within the county and simultaneously sought after the tutelage of a Zen Master called Liu in Yungai Temple during his free time.
Later on, Master Liu shifted to Mt. Xiujue to continue his practice in solitaire. Liao followed him and spent most of his time in intensive learning on Zen Buddhism.
There was once when Liao queried Master Liu:
“What is rarest and also most precious in the universe?”
“Only DAO (WAY) is the utmost rarest and precious in the universe!” Master Liu answered solemnly.
Thence, Liao made up his mind to seek monkhood and pursue the ultimate enlightenment in life.
After a year had passed, Liao returned home in 1857 when he was 31 years old. This time, he decided to persuade his parents for their blessings to allow his ordainment for monkhood. After he got the consent from every member of his family, Liao left for Yungai Temple again and formally took up the precepts of monkhood while acknowledging Master Liu as his lifetime Teacher.
>> Back to TOP
Topic 2: Return from Monkhood
Liao was a sharp and fast learner with honest personality. Within months of practice, he won the dear trust of Master Liu and received the great teachings of 2 maha-sutras for enhanced practice. Later on, they moved back to Mt. Xujue for seeking in-depth practice while in refuge.
During the subsequent 6 years, they farmed during the days and meditated during the nights without fail. Finally, Liao came to understand the universal truth and attained enlightenment from within. In his philosophy of truth, the WAY of Emptiness (Kongdao) is simplistic and marks the beginning cum the end of time. The WAY manifests in different forms and also serves as the core nature of all life forms.
When Liao interpreted the philosophy of Emptiness (Void) and Dao (WAY), he said:
“The DAO began with emptiness and will end with emptiness.”
“The DAO has no fixed forms but also formless.”
“The DAO exists in every life form and monitors every life form.”
“The DAO replicates to the Origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.”
When Liao became a Master, he was often upset by realizing the difficulty in passing on his philosophy of truth realization to others. During those days, many were illiterate and the China was sunken in deepening poverty and warfare.
Once when Master Liao was pondering very hard on ways to salvage the widespread sufferings of people, he broke into tears and prayed to the sky for some holy directives. Apparently, his sincerity was so powerful and touched the Ultimate Wuji (The Almighty) who descended with many angels and accompanied holy messages.
When Master Liao told his Mentor of this experience, Master Liu replied with happiness and granted his blessings to Liao for starting another new religious sect and spread his new philosophy.
With the verbal support from Liu, Master Liao departed and went back to his home at Mt. Huangshe. He started a new sect that taught practitioners to observe the heavenly order of nature (DAO) and live humbly accordingly to the law of nature (DAO). He also taught people to eat healthily and live happily without the necessity to observe vegetarian diets.
In his teachings, every life form is born and will perish by the law of nature, thus reinforce the continual circulation of universal energy till eternal eons of years. All practitioners should observe the middle WAY as means to live happily and satisfactorily, without taking extreme paths. Thus, all matters will achieve harmony and balance naturally. In this new religion known as Zhenkong sect (Religion of Void, also known as Kongdao), the most important verbal observation is the conclusion (last sentence) in every prayer: Replicate to the Origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.
Master Liao combined his understanding of the 3 major religions during his time and preserved the core values of these teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. He wrote the 4 main sutras in Zhenkong Religion known as Baokong Sutra, Wuxiang Sutra, Sanjiao Sutra and Baoen Sutra.
During the first few years of his teachings, his leadership had won many respects and esteem in the Jiangxi Province. In fact, many followers travelled for miles from other Provinces to see Grandmaster Liao in order to seek the practice of Kongdao. (Note: Kongdao is a short name for Zhenkong religion)
>> Back to TOP
Topic 3: The 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts
Zhenkong Religion reinforces the rules to be maintained by all followers:
- Seek 5 Refuges > 1. In DAO 2. In Middle Path 3. In Uprightness 4. In Oneness 5. In Defilement (Emptiness)
- 4 Examinations > 1. Sincerity (Purity) in heart 2. Straightness (Honesty) 3. Great Vows 4. Defilement (Offerings)
- 10 Precepts > 1. Abstain from sexual misconduct 2. Abstain from theft 3. Commemorate ancestors 4. Filial piety and Respect family order 5. Abstain from drugs and alcohol 6. Abstain from gamble 7. Abstain from telling lies 8. Abstain from greed 9. Eradicate superstition and idolatry worship 10. Lead a simple life and be a disciplinary citizen
Definition of seeking in 5 Refuges:
1. Acknowledge DAO exists in all nature’s life form. Synchronize our hearts to the values of DAO even in the absence of any Master around us. Do all goods and have no fear within.
2. Adopt middle path in our daily living by maintaining harmony in whatever we do BUT not seeking the extremes
3. Cultivate upright thoughts and bodily actions with full awareness in our daily livings
4. Follow the One and Only truth without being swayed into occult beliefs
5. Adore Emptiness (DAO) as our beliefs as everything with forms are impermanent
Definition of 4 Examinations:
1. Adopt a sincere and pure heart as our living principle so as to stay connected to DAO. Treat all humans as equal without prejudice to all matters.
2. Lead a straightforward life and speak in honesty. Do not be possessed by devilish thoughts.
3. Make great vows by adhering to the One and Only truth without changing your practice disregarding the perceptions of others unto you
4. Practice defilement (by giving offerings) to help and serve all others without selfishness. Revert to simple lifestyle for true happiness and not be overwhelmed by excessive luxuries.
>> Back to TOP
Topic 4: the First Sermon
On the 7th day of Chinese lunar second month in 1863, Master Liao conducted his very first religious sermon in his hometown Mt. Huangshe. Many opium addicts and ailed people attended the event with intention to eradicate their bodily sufferings.
Master Liao taught the followers to kneel and pray piously to the sky, drink plain Chinese tea as way to detoxification and meditate in past midnights as a form of remedy. The mystical power of this new combined methodology cured many people without using medicine. Within a month, more than 10,000 countrymen were cured and set free by such miraculous remedy. Thus the good name of Zhenkong religion travelled by miles across to many provinces.
As more and more followers joined the subsequent religious events, Master Liao decided to liquidate all his family and personal assets in order to finance the huge expenditures. The great compassion of alleviating others’ sufferings won many supports of the people and tens of thousands of followers came under the teachings of him which was commonly known as DAO of Emptiness (Chinese read as Kongdao).
In the spring of 1864, Master Liao imparted his teachings to his 2 family brothers namely Zhaoyuan and Zhaoyang. Since then, the three of them resided in the temple of Mt. Xiujue and practiced diligently for days and nights. Later, Master Liao founded the Kongzhong Pictorial and the Kongdao Pictorial that became the essential holy subjects of Zhenkong sect in future years.
However, as more and more followers visited the temple for seeking remedy to eradicate their drug addiction, the financial constraints of Master Liao became worst as days went by due to the shrinking resources!
Among many followers, there were 3 young men who successfully eradicated their opium addiction and volunteered to stay behind to serve Master Liao. After he observed these 3 chaps for many months and was finally convinced by their determination to pursue the practice of Kongdao, Master Liao finally took them all under his mentorship as fellow disciples.
Since then, they had 6 men staying together in the temple and lived in unity. They took care of daily chores in the temple premise and worked together to serve the huge followers who kept coming for seeking relief. Master Liao was happy and always praised the 2 brothers like added wings to him while the 3 disciples served like the Sun, Moon and Star in order to regulate harmony within the universe.
While more and more fellow countrymen kept visiting the temple and sought the teachings of truth, the reputation of Master Liao and his disciples also travelled to faraway places that invited many newcomers.
>>Back to TOP
Topic 5: The Spread of DAO
One of the unique ritual ceremonies in Zhenkong religion is the sacrifice of animals known as “Fanghua” (offering of exchange). This is classified into the “Big offering” that involves hogs, cows or lambs while “Small offering” refers to sacrificing chickens or ducks.
Many people misunderstand the principal of our religion and debate the sacrifice of animals as a form of occult ritual. However, this is not acceptable for an ignorant man to give such comment until he fully comprehends the compassion of Master Liao.
During his time, Master Liao realized many farm animals were bred for source of food and eventually had to be killed. Moreover, the repetitive reincarnations of these souls have been circulating within the 6 channels that had caused them to lose their awareness.
Zhenkong sect does not encourage casual and random killing or meat diets. In fact, we live by the most natural way that consume whatever edibles offered to us but being non-choosy in our diets. We live in the most simple and natural way of life without the need of seeking monkhood or insisting to be a home practitioner. We believe the universe is our home and we may practice in any locations without discrimination in our environments, diets and people around us.
“Fanghua” is a solemn ritual ceremony. It must be performed only under the permitted conditions of having proper setup with fellow seniors to recite the Baokong sutra. The purpose of this ritual ceremony is to shift the bodily sufferings or negative karma of a person (who donates the offering of animal) to a sacrificed animal in exchange of alleviation. Alternatively, the animal will take away the negativities of the human and be elevated to higher life form so as to be born as human again for future practice to attain Nirvana (spiritual ascension).
The purpose of “Fanghua” ceremony is to salvage the souls of animals with good wills. However, this is only possible if all the 3 compulsory factors are met at focal point i.e. the great prowess of Baokong sutra written by Master Liao, the willingness of animal’s sacrifice after being converted by the sutra and lastly, the repentance of human (who gives offering).
Strictly speaking, “Fanghua” ceremony is a switch of karmas between 2 parties and creates miraculous effects. It takes the faith of one who genuinely needs to give such offerings in order to see positive results. This is an ideal and miraculous effect that equates the sufferings of souls in different forms.
>> Back to TOP
Topic 6: The Spiritual Acension
In the year 1892, Master Liao was residing and practicing in Dengyun temple with his group of disciples. On the 22nd day of Chinese lunar 12th month, the local magistrate faked a warrant of arrest for Master Liao with an intention to extort money.
As Master Liao was well known for his thriftiness and simplicity in living, the court official was unable to compel any monetary payment for his bail, thus locked him up in the jail with few other disciples for almost a year.
One of the family descendant cum disciple named as Jiewu, reported to the higher authority for re-trial but was thrown into jail instead，out of no reason.
While the local magistrate observed the behavior of Master Liao to be solemn and relaxed while being captivated, he was appalled and sent a mail to Mt. Longhu to consult a popular Taoist priest of this situation. The Taoist priest surnamed with Zhang, replied that Master Liao was a real practitioner of truth and would not be swayed by imposing bodily treatments on him and thus should be released.
Nevertheless, no one knew the real reason why Master Liao was not released despite the local court magistrate did try to set him free through seeking the higher authority.
In the following year 1893, on the 10th day of Chinese lunar 11th month, Master Liao summoned few of his bosom disciples to his cell and told them this breaking news.
He said, “On the 16th day of this month will be the day of my ascension!”
“Do not be upset.” He said. “I came to impart the DAO and now the task has been accomplished. Thus, I should return HOME. Last night, I received the Verdict message from The Almighty that has conferred me with the title of “Grandmaster Zhenkong” (True Emptiness). This is an auspicious sign and should not be upset upon.”
He continued, “After I’m gone, you shall rebuild the temple of Mt. Huangshe as our base and start to impart the teachings of DAO from there.”
On the 16th day of the same lunar month, Master Liao sat upright with peaceful smile while he kept reciting the verses “Replicate to the origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.”
As he entered into Nirvana, there was a huge strong aura that emerged from his body and shot up straight into the sky. Master Liao lived for 66 years when he left the world.
Later on, Zhenkong religion spread rapidly within China and grew into the southern part of Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia at the beginning of 20th century.
Topic 7: The Summary
Entailing the changes of many decades, Zhenkong religion is about to step into the first 200 years anniversary since it was founded. The sect has gone through the challenges of many tidal changes such as World War l, World War ll, shift-over from Qing dynasty to the People’s Republic of China, cultural revolution in the 60’s etc.
In addition, the rapid modernization of human science also tends to leave the teachings of Kongdao behind time. Laymen might misunderstand the Kongdao practice as superstition. However, the core values of Kongdao practice have always been consistent and upholding without compromise in the belief of Oneness and only Emptiness.
The objective of this website is to create good affinity with people who wish to seek the truth to eternal brightness and creating a life full of happiness. As true practitioner of Kongdao, we believe the great protection of The Almighty (DAO) will bestow upon us with no fear in all challenges in our daily livings while we always succumb obstacles towards all success.
Though we live in this part of the universe with impermanent forms, we always cultivate our awareness to the DAO with the positive powers to achieve in all our good-will endeavors!
Life is short and should be enlightened with Truth that leads you to happiness. We welcome all people to contact us and join into our practice for seeking this fulfillment.
The DAO exists in every part of the world while Kongdao brightens every corner with its presence.
With love and compassion to all beings, may all sufferings be alleviated.
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NO copyright reserved @ 2012 This website is for information only Last Update Jan 2013
Grandmaster Zhenkong was born on 9th day of Chinese lunar 4th month in 1827, during the Qing dynasty in China. The place of birth was set in Jiangxi Province in China and located in Xunwu County. The exact locality was known as Mt. Huangshe.
At his birth to a family with surname “Liao”, Grandmaster was named “Diping” by his family seniors. Since young, he was a bright and intelligent child with a compassionate mind. While staying in the county, Liao used to contribute his efforts in many ways for helping others. He always volunteered to remove obstacles and planted trees along the walkways in order to benefit the fellow countrymen.
When he turned sixteen, Liao took admiralty in then national Magistrate Lin Zexu who spent untiring efforts in eradicating opium from spreading within China. When Magistrate Lin found out his very own son was an opium addict and thus, executed him in public impartially, Liao vowed to follow the good example and aspired to terminate opium from deteriorating his country.
Times flied swiftly. Liao became a suave young man with maturity while his intelligence and benevolence earned much esteem from his fellow county men. Unfortunately, his wife died when he was 24 years old with no descendants. At then, Liao suffered great impact and started to ponder the power of “Cause and Effects” (Karma) that had been working on all human beings. He refused to re-marry despite the consent of his parents. Instead, he made an aspiration to pursue the ultimate enlightenment in life!
He once said,” I’d rather be the Enlightened Master in the world than to be the father of a single surname.”
Though Liao wanted very much to seek monkhood, he resorted to practicing Zen Buddhism on part-time basis while taking care of his aging parents. Hence, he dedicated his time to many community work within the county and simultaneously sought after the tutelage of a Zen Master called Liu in Yungai Temple during his free time.
Later on, Master Liu shifted to Mt. Xiujue to continue his practice in solitaire. Liao followed him and spent most of his time in intensive learning on Zen Buddhism.
There was once when Liao queried Master Liu:
“What is rarest and also most precious in the universe?”
“Only DAO (WAY) is the utmost rarest and precious in the universe!” Master Liu answered solemnly.
Thence, Liao made up his mind to seek monkhood and pursue the ultimate enlightenment in life.
After a year had passed, Liao returned home in 1857 when he was 31 years old. This time, he decided to persuade his parents for their blessings to allow his ordainment for monkhood. After he got the consent from every member of his family, Liao left for Yungai Temple again and formally took up the precepts of monkhood while acknowledging Master Liu as his lifetime Teacher.
>> Back to TOP
Topic 2: Return from Monkhood
Liao was a sharp and fast learner with honest personality. Within months of practice, he won the dear trust of Master Liu and received the great teachings of 2 maha-sutras for enhanced practice. Later on, they moved back to Mt. Xujue for seeking in-depth practice while in refuge.
During the subsequent 6 years, they farmed during the days and meditated during the nights without fail. Finally, Liao came to understand the universal truth and attained enlightenment from within. In his philosophy of truth, the WAY of Emptiness (Kongdao) is simplistic and marks the beginning cum the end of time. The WAY manifests in different forms and also serves as the core nature of all life forms.
When Liao interpreted the philosophy of Emptiness (Void) and Dao (WAY), he said:
“The DAO began with emptiness and will end with emptiness.”
“The DAO has no fixed forms but also formless.”
“The DAO exists in every life form and monitors every life form.”
“The DAO replicates to the Origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.”
When Liao became a Master, he was often upset by realizing the difficulty in passing on his philosophy of truth realization to others. During those days, many were illiterate and the China was sunken in deepening poverty and warfare.
Once when Master Liao was pondering very hard on ways to salvage the widespread sufferings of people, he broke into tears and prayed to the sky for some holy directives. Apparently, his sincerity was so powerful and touched the Ultimate Wuji (The Almighty) who descended with many angels and accompanied holy messages.
When Master Liao told his Mentor of this experience, Master Liu replied with happiness and granted his blessings to Liao for starting another new religious sect and spread his new philosophy.
With the verbal support from Liu, Master Liao departed and went back to his home at Mt. Huangshe. He started a new sect that taught practitioners to observe the heavenly order of nature (DAO) and live humbly accordingly to the law of nature (DAO). He also taught people to eat healthily and live happily without the necessity to observe vegetarian diets.
In his teachings, every life form is born and will perish by the law of nature, thus reinforce the continual circulation of universal energy till eternal eons of years. All practitioners should observe the middle WAY as means to live happily and satisfactorily, without taking extreme paths. Thus, all matters will achieve harmony and balance naturally. In this new religion known as Zhenkong sect (Religion of Void, also known as Kongdao), the most important verbal observation is the conclusion (last sentence) in every prayer: Replicate to the Origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.
Master Liao combined his understanding of the 3 major religions during his time and preserved the core values of these teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. He wrote the 4 main sutras in Zhenkong Religion known as Baokong Sutra, Wuxiang Sutra, Sanjiao Sutra and Baoen Sutra.
During the first few years of his teachings, his leadership had won many respects and esteem in the Jiangxi Province. In fact, many followers travelled for miles from other Provinces to see Grandmaster Liao in order to seek the practice of Kongdao. (Note: Kongdao is a short name for Zhenkong religion)
>> Back to TOP
Topic 3: The 5 Refuges, 4 Examinations and 10 Precepts
Zhenkong Religion reinforces the rules to be maintained by all followers:
- Seek 5 Refuges > 1. In DAO 2. In Middle Path 3. In Uprightness 4. In Oneness 5. In Defilement (Emptiness)
- 4 Examinations > 1. Sincerity (Purity) in heart 2. Straightness (Honesty) 3. Great Vows 4. Defilement (Offerings)
- 10 Precepts > 1. Abstain from sexual misconduct 2. Abstain from theft 3. Commemorate ancestors 4. Filial piety and Respect family order 5. Abstain from drugs and alcohol 6. Abstain from gamble 7. Abstain from telling lies 8. Abstain from greed 9. Eradicate superstition and idolatry worship 10. Lead a simple life and be a disciplinary citizen
Definition of seeking in 5 Refuges:
1. Acknowledge DAO exists in all nature’s life form. Synchronize our hearts to the values of DAO even in the absence of any Master around us. Do all goods and have no fear within.
2. Adopt middle path in our daily living by maintaining harmony in whatever we do BUT not seeking the extremes
3. Cultivate upright thoughts and bodily actions with full awareness in our daily livings
4. Follow the One and Only truth without being swayed into occult beliefs
5. Adore Emptiness (DAO) as our beliefs as everything with forms are impermanent
Definition of 4 Examinations:
1. Adopt a sincere and pure heart as our living principle so as to stay connected to DAO. Treat all humans as equal without prejudice to all matters.
2. Lead a straightforward life and speak in honesty. Do not be possessed by devilish thoughts.
3. Make great vows by adhering to the One and Only truth without changing your practice disregarding the perceptions of others unto you
4. Practice defilement (by giving offerings) to help and serve all others without selfishness. Revert to simple lifestyle for true happiness and not be overwhelmed by excessive luxuries.
>> Back to TOP
Topic 4: the First Sermon
On the 7th day of Chinese lunar second month in 1863, Master Liao conducted his very first religious sermon in his hometown Mt. Huangshe. Many opium addicts and ailed people attended the event with intention to eradicate their bodily sufferings.
Master Liao taught the followers to kneel and pray piously to the sky, drink plain Chinese tea as way to detoxification and meditate in past midnights as a form of remedy. The mystical power of this new combined methodology cured many people without using medicine. Within a month, more than 10,000 countrymen were cured and set free by such miraculous remedy. Thus the good name of Zhenkong religion travelled by miles across to many provinces.
As more and more followers joined the subsequent religious events, Master Liao decided to liquidate all his family and personal assets in order to finance the huge expenditures. The great compassion of alleviating others’ sufferings won many supports of the people and tens of thousands of followers came under the teachings of him which was commonly known as DAO of Emptiness (Chinese read as Kongdao).
In the spring of 1864, Master Liao imparted his teachings to his 2 family brothers namely Zhaoyuan and Zhaoyang. Since then, the three of them resided in the temple of Mt. Xiujue and practiced diligently for days and nights. Later, Master Liao founded the Kongzhong Pictorial and the Kongdao Pictorial that became the essential holy subjects of Zhenkong sect in future years.
However, as more and more followers visited the temple for seeking remedy to eradicate their drug addiction, the financial constraints of Master Liao became worst as days went by due to the shrinking resources!
Among many followers, there were 3 young men who successfully eradicated their opium addiction and volunteered to stay behind to serve Master Liao. After he observed these 3 chaps for many months and was finally convinced by their determination to pursue the practice of Kongdao, Master Liao finally took them all under his mentorship as fellow disciples.
Since then, they had 6 men staying together in the temple and lived in unity. They took care of daily chores in the temple premise and worked together to serve the huge followers who kept coming for seeking relief. Master Liao was happy and always praised the 2 brothers like added wings to him while the 3 disciples served like the Sun, Moon and Star in order to regulate harmony within the universe.
While more and more fellow countrymen kept visiting the temple and sought the teachings of truth, the reputation of Master Liao and his disciples also travelled to faraway places that invited many newcomers.
>>Back to TOP
Topic 5: The Spread of DAO
One of the unique ritual ceremonies in Zhenkong religion is the sacrifice of animals known as “Fanghua” (offering of exchange). This is classified into the “Big offering” that involves hogs, cows or lambs while “Small offering” refers to sacrificing chickens or ducks.
Many people misunderstand the principal of our religion and debate the sacrifice of animals as a form of occult ritual. However, this is not acceptable for an ignorant man to give such comment until he fully comprehends the compassion of Master Liao.
During his time, Master Liao realized many farm animals were bred for source of food and eventually had to be killed. Moreover, the repetitive reincarnations of these souls have been circulating within the 6 channels that had caused them to lose their awareness.
Zhenkong sect does not encourage casual and random killing or meat diets. In fact, we live by the most natural way that consume whatever edibles offered to us but being non-choosy in our diets. We live in the most simple and natural way of life without the need of seeking monkhood or insisting to be a home practitioner. We believe the universe is our home and we may practice in any locations without discrimination in our environments, diets and people around us.
“Fanghua” is a solemn ritual ceremony. It must be performed only under the permitted conditions of having proper setup with fellow seniors to recite the Baokong sutra. The purpose of this ritual ceremony is to shift the bodily sufferings or negative karma of a person (who donates the offering of animal) to a sacrificed animal in exchange of alleviation. Alternatively, the animal will take away the negativities of the human and be elevated to higher life form so as to be born as human again for future practice to attain Nirvana (spiritual ascension).
The purpose of “Fanghua” ceremony is to salvage the souls of animals with good wills. However, this is only possible if all the 3 compulsory factors are met at focal point i.e. the great prowess of Baokong sutra written by Master Liao, the willingness of animal’s sacrifice after being converted by the sutra and lastly, the repentance of human (who gives offering).
Strictly speaking, “Fanghua” ceremony is a switch of karmas between 2 parties and creates miraculous effects. It takes the faith of one who genuinely needs to give such offerings in order to see positive results. This is an ideal and miraculous effect that equates the sufferings of souls in different forms.
>> Back to TOP
Topic 6: The Spiritual Acension
In the year 1892, Master Liao was residing and practicing in Dengyun temple with his group of disciples. On the 22nd day of Chinese lunar 12th month, the local magistrate faked a warrant of arrest for Master Liao with an intention to extort money.
As Master Liao was well known for his thriftiness and simplicity in living, the court official was unable to compel any monetary payment for his bail, thus locked him up in the jail with few other disciples for almost a year.
One of the family descendant cum disciple named as Jiewu, reported to the higher authority for re-trial but was thrown into jail instead，out of no reason.
While the local magistrate observed the behavior of Master Liao to be solemn and relaxed while being captivated, he was appalled and sent a mail to Mt. Longhu to consult a popular Taoist priest of this situation. The Taoist priest surnamed with Zhang, replied that Master Liao was a real practitioner of truth and would not be swayed by imposing bodily treatments on him and thus should be released.
Nevertheless, no one knew the real reason why Master Liao was not released despite the local court magistrate did try to set him free through seeking the higher authority.
In the following year 1893, on the 10th day of Chinese lunar 11th month, Master Liao summoned few of his bosom disciples to his cell and told them this breaking news.
He said, “On the 16th day of this month will be the day of my ascension!”
“Do not be upset.” He said. “I came to impart the DAO and now the task has been accomplished. Thus, I should return HOME. Last night, I received the Verdict message from The Almighty that has conferred me with the title of “Grandmaster Zhenkong” (True Emptiness). This is an auspicious sign and should not be upset upon.”
He continued, “After I’m gone, you shall rebuild the temple of Mt. Huangshe as our base and start to impart the teachings of DAO from there.”
On the 16th day of the same lunar month, Master Liao sat upright with peaceful smile while he kept reciting the verses “Replicate to the origins, seek refuge in Oneness and only Emptiness.”
As he entered into Nirvana, there was a huge strong aura that emerged from his body and shot up straight into the sky. Master Liao lived for 66 years when he left the world.
Later on, Zhenkong religion spread rapidly within China and grew into the southern part of Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia at the beginning of 20th century.
Topic 7: The Summary
Entailing the changes of many decades, Zhenkong religion is about to step into the first 200 years anniversary since it was founded. The sect has gone through the challenges of many tidal changes such as World War l, World War ll, shift-over from Qing dynasty to the People’s Republic of China, cultural revolution in the 60’s etc.
In addition, the rapid modernization of human science also tends to leave the teachings of Kongdao behind time. Laymen might misunderstand the Kongdao practice as superstition. However, the core values of Kongdao practice have always been consistent and upholding without compromise in the belief of Oneness and only Emptiness.
The objective of this website is to create good affinity with people who wish to seek the truth to eternal brightness and creating a life full of happiness. As true practitioner of Kongdao, we believe the great protection of The Almighty (DAO) will bestow upon us with no fear in all challenges in our daily livings while we always succumb obstacles towards all success.
Though we live in this part of the universe with impermanent forms, we always cultivate our awareness to the DAO with the positive powers to achieve in all our good-will endeavors!
Life is short and should be enlightened with Truth that leads you to happiness. We welcome all people to contact us and join into our practice for seeking this fulfillment.
The DAO exists in every part of the world while Kongdao brightens every corner with its presence.
With love and compassion to all beings, may all sufferings be alleviated.
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