Date: 19 May 2000.
Location: Xian Sheng’s house, Taman Melawati
Table of Contents
(A) NO to segregation of people into “valids” or “in-valids”
After watching the film Gattaca, Xian Sheng highlighted that the key takeaway is the distinction between the brothers’ birth methods – one through natural law which is natural birth and the other through artificial birth.
Xian Sheng asked the followers if they recalled his explanation about “predisposed.” He briefly reiterated that it involves screening, isolating, and removing the genes of those predisposed to diseases. (See 32A-2000 D4.)
Those born through natural birth are referred to as “in-valids.” Xian Sheng clarified that, in this context, “in-valids” signifies being unqualified. Conversely, those whose disease-causing genes are removed before birth and who are then implanted into the mother’s uterus are referred to as “valids.”
Xian Sheng read the blurb on the back cover of the Gattaca DVD: “Vincent Freeman ‘Ethan Hawke’ is an outsider, a natural birth or in-valid. Living in a society where designing perfect offspring in a petri dish is the norm.”
Xian Sheng explained that this film depicts a dystopian era where individuals are genetically designed. Even in today’s society, certain organisations or movements have already advocated for eugenic principles, and this movie conveyed these ideas and research.
Once again, Xian Sheng explained that the genes of individuals predisposed to diseases are screened and isolated, leaving only the perfect genes to be passed on to their offspring. This process is regarded as the norm in the dystopian society depicted in the film, where those born through natural birth are labelled as “in-valids,” while those whose genes are selectively refined to eliminate undesirable traits and achieve perfection are deemed “valids.”
Xian Sheng questioned whether humanity would eventually reach a point where one group is classified as “valids” and another as “in-valids.” This is precisely why the Baitiangong Spiritual Movement must establish a clear principle regarding such individuals.
Xian Sheng emphasised that we must not permit these organisations to categorise people into “valids” or “in-valids.” Segregation of individuals must not be allowed under any circumstances.
(B) Baitiangong opposes birth through genetic engineering.
Xian Sheng continued reading the blurb: “Not willing to give up his dream, Vincent assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite, Jerome Eugene Morrow ‘Jude Law’ to pursue his goal of a mission to space with the Gattaca.” Gattaca is an abbreviation for Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. Xian Sheng explained that Vincent took on Jerome’s identity to gain entry into Gattaca, as it is no simple feat to join the organisation. The primary criterion for admission is to be a “valid”.
Xian Sheng sought the Cantonese translation for the words valid and invalid. After careful consideration, he concluded that the most appropriate terms were qualified individual and unqualified individual.
Those born naturally are considered unqualified individuals, while those conceived through genetic engineering – where undesirable genes are isolated and removed, leaving only the good traits before being implanted into the mother’s uterus—are regarded as the norm in that era. This film offers a thought-provoking glimpse into a possible future. Xian Sheng attempted to determine the year this film was released.
In the film, the two brothers embody opposing methods of conception: one natural and the other through genetic selection, which Xian Sheng characterised as unnatural. Those born naturally are labelled as “in-valids,” as they are susceptible to various diseases. Brother Moon explained to Xian Sheng that the elder brother, Vincent, is an “in-valid,” while the younger brother, Anton, who works as a detective in the police department, is a “valid.”
From Baitiangong’s viewpoint, it is crucial to determine which of the two brothers is more aligned with our values and worthy of support. Xian Sheng recalled asking the followers in the past whether they accepted genetic engineering. He reiterated his position, stating that Baitiangong cannot endorse genetic engineering.
This film demonstrates that individuals conceived through genetic engineering are not guaranteed success, as Vincent, who was born naturally, proves capable of surpassing his genetically engineered brother in swimming.
Xian Sheng urged the followers to pay close attention to this film, as it vividly portrays the divide between two distinct groups: the “in-valids,” who are conceived naturally, and the elite “valids,” who are genetically engineered. He concluded by posing a question to the followers about their preference, to which they unanimously responded in favour of natural birth.
(C) Human monsters
On the topic of genetic engineering, Xian Sheng urged the followers to recognise that our world is governed by the “Divine Law of Nature” (神聖自然安排). This understanding must be imparted to our children and grandchildren as well, emphasising that we cannot accept genetic engineering on humans, as it interferes with this divine natural order. We must strive for natural birth in alignment with this divine law.
Xian Sheng expressed concern that if society fails to approach genetic engineering involving germline cells with caution, and instead continues to support or overlook its implications, it could result in the emergence of abnormal individuals or monsters in a metaphorical sense.
Xian Sheng is uncertain about how other major religions—Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others—view genetic engineering. He spoke in English but left his sentence unfinished, “So far, I don’t know what the other religions, such as Christianity …”
Xian Sheng stated that genetic engineering has advanced to the point where it is now possible to create individuals with an additional pair of hands. He mentioned that geneticists have already succeeded in genetically altering insects, experimenting on cockroaches to grow extra legs.
Date: 21 May 2000.
Location: Xian Sheng’s house, Taman Melawati
(D) In Baitiangong approach to Scientific Remote Viewing, ideally it is the soul that travels.
Xian Sheng wanted the followers to think of going to the front entrance of Baixian office. He wanted them to think of entering the Baixian Travel & Tours office. Once inside, to look to their right, where two portraits are displayed on the wall. He wanted them to think of walking over to the portraits and touching them. These are portraits of the Malaysian Agong (the King) on the right and the Raja Permaisuri Agong (the Queen) on the left.
They must truly think of going there to touch the portraits. They have to think as though they were taking a morning walk – rising from their meditative pose, walking down the steps to the back door, and making their way all the way to the Baixian office.
Xian Sheng instructed the followers to face the direction he pointed at to pray and meditate. He repeated his guidance on how they should meditate, emphasising the steps they must follow. He further explained that after touching the portraits, they should leave the Baixian office and slowly walk to the meditation ground at Xian Sheng’s house. He stressed that they must walk.
He asked if everyone had understood his instructions and repeated them for the third time to ensure clarity, particularly for the benefit of the latecomers. He concluded by adding the final part of the instruction: they were to complete the exercise by thinking of sitting back down in their original meditative pose.
Xian Sheng emphasised that they must truly think of going there. He concluded by stating that, in the ideal scenario, their soul would leave their body and travel there.
(E) A Baitiangong person is one who practises meditation.
Xian Sheng advised those who were unable to think of travelling to the Baixian office not to think of other matters. In fact, they were not to think of any other things whatsoever. They were to think solely about going there and coming back here. Xian Sheng questioned whether the followers understood his instructions.
This exercise was based on the results of scientific research and was termed Scientific Remote Viewing. Although Xian Sheng had read the book on Scientific Remote Viewing, he still wanted to conduct experiments together with the assistance of the brothers and sisters.
Whether the followers are successful in this exercise or not, they have to try because they are a group that meditates. Xian Sheng proclaimed that a Baitiangong person is one who practises meditations. He reminded them to always remember his proclamation.
He concluded his explanation and asked everyone to face the direction he pointed at to pray and begin their meditation.
(F) Failure itself is unimportant, but learning and adapting to achieve success is important.
Xian Sheng inquired if anyone in the congregation possessed an English-to-Chinese dictionary, as he wanted to know the Cantonese translation of the word “resilience.”
In the past, Xian Sheng shared a story explaining that if a person experiences a downfall, it is of little consequence and merely a minor issue. For instance, if someone fails in their business, it is just a small matter. However, if a person commits a wrongful act, that is not a small matter. However, if that person can change, that is good.
Xian Sheng referenced the recent Thomas Cup match between Malaysia and South Korea, which he had seen, where Malaysia suffered a 1-4 defeat. He said that the loss does not matter. What truly matters is Malaysia need to identify and develop young talents to compete. Xian Sheng noted that Malaysia’s badminton players are relatively older, making it challenging for them to match the performance of younger opponents.
Earlier, Xian Sheng watched the badminton match between Indonesia and China. He was watching Match 3 – Men’s Singles 2 – between Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat and China’s Ji Xinpeng, aged 23. China had already lost two matches to Indonesia, and if they were to lose Match 3, they would lose the Thomas Cup Finals to Indonesia. In Match 3, China had already lost the first round 15-12. Xian Sheng mentioned that the Indonesian player, Taufik Hidayat, was only 18 years old.
Xian Sheng repeated that Malaysia’s defeats in this year’s matches are unimportant. He hopes that Malaysia will focus on training younger talents, as young as 18 years old, to compete in future Thomas Cup matches.
Since the Indonesian player is only 18 years old, there is no reason why Malaysia cannot also train 18-year-old badminton players to compete in tournaments.
Xian Sheng mentioned that he was halfway through watching the match. He had initially planned to watch the entire match, where China lost the first round to Indonesia, but meditation was more important to him. This was why he came down to discuss resilience, emphasising that failure itself is unimportant, but learning and adapting to achieve success is what truly matters.
(G) Is Bankruptcy Truly Important?
Xian Sheng posed a question about whether the state of being bankrupt is very important to a person. He answered that it is not as important, as being bankrupt is better than being in prison.
Xian Sheng then illustrated this with a scenario involving two businessmen: one who becomes bankrupt due to an unsuccessful business venture but did not cheat others, and another who also becomes bankrupt due to unsuccessful ventures but cheated others.
He explained that the businessman who cheated others would deeply regret his actions by the time he passed away, but it would be too late to do anything about it.
(H) Instil resilience in your children.
Xian Sheng urged parents to instil resilience in their children, so they can rebound and persist when encountering setbacks or failures in their pursuits.
Xian Sheng read an article discussing two young brothers who were placed on separate teams. Gus’s team suffered a loss, while his brother’s team emerged victorious.
Gus cried when his team lost, and his father hugged him, offering comfort by saying the award was a trivial matter. The author contends that the father’s approach of downplaying the issue as insignificant would not benefit his son. Instead, the author suggests that the father should have used words of encouragement, such as, “You may not have won the award this time, but if you work hard, you can achieve it next time,” as this would have been the right method.
Xian Sheng reframed the situation for the followers: if they were to tell their children not to concern themselves with winning awards as it is not important, they would be mistaken. By doing so, parents neglect to teach their children how to overcome setbacks. Instead, it inadvertently teaches them how to be a failure in life. This is an important reminder for all parents.
The author highlighted that this is just one of several methods for encouraging children. He emphasised that parents must consistently provide positive reinforcement to their children.
To illustrate a negative scenario, the author described a situation where a child loses a badminton match and begins to believe they will always lose in future matches. If parents reinforce this pessimistic mindset through negative remarks, the child may never develop the drive to succeed. On the other hand, if parents employ positive reinforcement by encouraging the child to keep trying despite the loss, the child will learn the value of confronting life’s challenges and strive to overcome them.
Parents must thoroughly explain to their children the reasons behind their failures and offer practical advice on how to address these challenges, equipping them for future success.
It is crucial for parents to communicate positively with their children. Some parents praise their children when they succeed but criticise and belittle them when they fail. Parents must instil optimism in their children, teaching them not to succumb to pessimism when they encounter setbacks in their pursuits. For example, in pursuits such as painting, if a child’s efforts are not successful, parents should motivate them to continue practising, until they achieve success in the future.
Children will succeed in their future endeavours because they have learned how to recover from defeats and setbacks.
(I) Helping children solve their problems.
Some children, when faced with failure in an activity, might give up entirely, overwhelmed by a sense of defeat. As parents, how would you address this situation?
Parents should guide their children in developing effective strategies to address and overcome their weaknesses. For example, in the context of playing snooker, consistently encourage them to continue playing and practising, even in the face of setbacks. It is crucial to prevent them from falling into despair. Over time, with dedication and practice, they will gradually hone their skills and achieve success. Teaching them to overcome their weaknesses is essential for them to be successful.
When it comes to children, they often form peer groups with others of the same age and shared interests. If a member of their group fails at an activity, they might distance themselves, ignore the individual, and even cease wanting to be friends. Conversely, when someone in the group succeeds, they tend to gather around, offering praise and admiration.
Xian Sheng asked the followers to consider the emotional impact on a child who has been rejected by their peers. What would it feel like for that child to be pushed away and overlooked by the very group they once belonged to?
As parents, we should reassure them not to be overly concerned, as everyone has the chance to succeed. Sometimes they will win, and sometimes their friends will win. We ought to encourage them to take their time, continue practising, and strive to do better next time.
There are times when we should let our children take the initiative to resolve their problems. Encourage them to think critically and find their own solutions. We must not let them dwell in sadness or despair over losing their friends.
As adults, we need to know how and when to intervene in our children’s problems. We should resist the urge to immediately step in and solve their issues for them. Instead, give them the opportunity to attempt to resolve their own problems first.
(J) Parents Should Set Achievable Rules for Their Children
The article gave an example of a female student who was constantly teased by her peers. They pressured her to excel in her studies and stand out from the rest so she could attract boys to befriend her. This pressure made her very uncomfortable.
Xian Sheng posed a question: How would the followers solve her problem? He stated that the solution is very simple – encourage her to join friends who, like her, are interested in studying, share a similar intellect, and are not interested in pursuing relationships with boys or girls at that stage. This way, she would earn respect among her peer group.
If parents want their children to develop resilience – the ability to bounce back from failures – they should not impose too many rules. However, if parents do set rules, these rules must be fair. Parents should avoid giving their children unattainable rules, as they will never succeed under such conditions.
When assigning chores – such as making their own bed in the morning or preparing their own supper (like cooking instant noodles if they feel hungry at night) – parents should not intervene at the first sign of difficulty. For example, they shouldn’t step in and cook for the child instead of letting them struggle through the process. Xian Sheng explained that parents must allow their children to develop independence and avoid making them feel incapable of handling tasks competently.
Sometimes, children behave in ways that seem strange to parents. Unexpectedly, they might decide to cook for themselves – instant noodles or fried rice – using only eggs, without other condiments to enhance flavour, or even without cooking oil. While the food may appear tasteless and bland to adults, when asked if it’s good, the children will often insist it’s delicious and finish every last bite. Conversely, they might not finish the instant noodles cooked by their mother but will happily eat everything they prepared themselves. Xian Sheng explained that this is because they take pride in their own efforts, and parents should encourage such independence.
If parents see their children feeling satisfied doing what they desire, they should encourage them to pursue it. Conversely, Xian Sheng warned that parents should not push their children to do things solely to satisfy themselves (the parents) rather than the children. He emphasised that this approach is wrong.
Children will never learn resilience if they are forced into activities just to please their parents. This is very important for parents to remember.