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: Is being bankrupt critical to the well-being of a person? He answered: No, it is not that critical—being bankrupt is still better than being in prison.
He then explained with an example:
– One businessman became bankrupt after an honest but failed venture. He did not cheat anyone.
– Another businessman deliberately cheated investors, then declared bankruptcy to escape consequences.The fraudulent businessman would, upon his deathbed, feel profound regret for his deceit—but by then, it would be too late for him.
(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.
(K) Are children’s issues their parents’ fault?
Sometimes, when children join a sports team like the badminton team and lose a match, they may say, “I don’t want to play anymore!”
Xian Sheng advises parents not to—and never to—force them to continue playing badminton. If their children wish to stop, let them stop. Conversely, if they want to carry on, allow them to do so.
Regardless of their choice, parents should continue using encouragement: “You lost this time, but if you persist and train harder, you could win next time.” Xian Sheng questioned whether this was possible and affirmed that there is indeed a chance if they keep training. He also suggested that parents join in and play badminton with them.
Xian Sheng stated that if parents followed the various methods he mentioned, their children would develop resilience to stand up from setbacks. They would not easily become disheartened or pessimistic. An optimistic person would stand up again and not refuse to try after failures.
The various methods mentioned in the book, which Xian Sheng read aloud to the followers, are based on research and investigations into child-rearing.
The reason he shared these methods is specifically to educate parents in Baitiangong on handling their children. He reminded parents to start early and not delay, as they would otherwise face negative repercussions later in the child’s life.
Before attending the Sunday session, Xian Sheng mentioned an issue involving a follower’s daughter. He clarified that it was not his daughter’s problem.
Xian Sheng posed a general question: “Where does the problem lie?” He pointed out that if children make mistakes, go astray, or take a wrong turn in life, parents should not assume their children are entirely at fault and place all blame on them. Instead, parents must reflect on whether they might also bear some responsibility. Sometimes, parents are at fault—and sometimes they are not.
Nevertheless, Xian Sheng reminded parents to use encouragement. They must teach their children from a young age that no matter how dire their situation, they must remain optimistic and stand up again. If they face failure, they must start over and strive for success. If they have done wrong, they must change and do good instead. In short, Xian Sheng summarised that parents must guide their children toward improvement.
Xian Sheng urged parents not to delay teaching their children and wait until they grow older. They must start early to prevent them from, “行差踏錯” or “taking a wrong step in life.” If parents wait until their children are older to teach them, they will struggle, as instructing grown children is far more difficult. Xian Sheng emphasised that he did not mean it was impossible—but it would be very challenging.
(L) Children must never strike their parents.
All the followers were aware that Xian Sheng was late for the Sunday sermon. They might have thought he was watching the Thomas Cup badminton tournament, but in reality, he had been engaged in a heart-to-heart talk with someone’s daughter about private matters.
Xian Sheng expressed his disbelief at having to teach someone’s daughter to respect her own mother.
He advised her against further antagonising her mother, warning that her mother could pass away at any time, leaving her without one.
Xian Sheng shook his head as he remarked how some daughters might dismissively say, “Oh, she won’t die.” He countered that everyone could die—she might die, even he himself could die; how much more her mother?
Xian Sheng urged her to contemplate deeply, as she would one day become a mother herself. She might then have a daughter who treated her just as harshly as she was treating her mother now. The thought of such a scenario made him sigh deeply.
Xian Sheng recalled another situation where a daughter had told her mother to find a Chinese-to-English translator to facilitate their communication. He smacked his hand against his forehead in disbelief at the idea that the daughter could not speak to her own mother without a translator—simply because her mother did not know English.
There are those who, after completing their education and gaining fluency in English, begin to see themselves as superior and independent from their parents.
Xian Sheng paraphrased the daughter’s words: “Get a translator! I can’t speak Chinese… tell it in English… come and talk to me… translate.” He said her unreasonable demand made it difficult to resolve the conflict between her and her mother.
The only option left to Xian Sheng was to present her with a grim possibility: one day, she might have a daughter who spoke French, and that daughter might then demand a French translator in return. How would she handle that situation—learn French herself? Xian Sheng noted that such an outcome would be deeply undesirable.
He then posed the question, “Who is at fault here?” Xian Sheng suggested it might stem from the child’s early upbringing, though it was hard to say for certain. As children grow older, it becomes more challenging to reason with them. Still, parents must persist in encouraging their children to change for the better.
Xian Sheng then addressed the children in the congregation. Any child of age who struck their parents would be committing a sin. Such an act would be indefensible, as violence against one’s father and mother is never condonable. No matter how much resentment they might harbour, they must never raise a hand against their parents.
He reminded the sons and daughters that they owed their very existence to their parents. Therefore, those who struck them would be committing a wrong. This equally applied to those who berated, denigrated, or lambasted their parents. Regardless of their parents’ flaws, they are still their father and mother.
(M) Why do people make so many excuses?
Xian Sheng asked what would happen if we raised our children using various methods of encouragement and positive changes. How would the child turn out when they grew up?
Xian Sheng quoted a proverbial saying: “Bad things do not last, but good things endure.” He said that young people would benefit greatly if they understood this proverb.
With a proper grasp of this saying, they would practise “Think Good, See Good, Hear Good, Speak Good, and Do Good”—a crucial spiritual guideline in the Baitiangong Spiritual Movement.
Xian Sheng advised parents that punishing children by spanking or caning is not an effective teaching method. Instead, he suggested sitting down with their children for a heart-to-heart talk with them—just as Xian Sheng had done earlier with a follower’s daughter before the Sunday sermon. Similarly, they should resolve any issues through an honest heart-to-heart talk.
Xian Sheng believes that all conflicts between parents and children can be resolved through honest dialogue. However, it depends on whether the parents are willing to adopt this approach.
Xian Sheng recalled the previous week’s discussion, where he presented a moral dilemma: A mother asked her son, “If the boat sank, who would you save—your mother or your wife?” The son naturally replied that he would save his mother, reasoning that he could always find another wife. Easier said than done.
Likewise, when a mother asked her daughter the same question, the daughter would instinctively say she would save her mother, as it was the easier answer. Yet, if the daughter could clash with her mother over a boyfriend, her choice would likely shift when it came to her husband, as his influence over her would be stronger. If she could clash with her mother over a boyfriend, she might even cast her mother out for her husband.
Xian Sheng sometimes wonders why people would make so many excuses. Once again, he stressed that in hypothetical conversations, the easy answer is always to prioritise saving one’s mother over a girlfriend, since another girlfriend could be found.
Xian Sheng questioned whether a married couple might conspire to kick the mother out after marriage. Someone insisted this would never happen, but Xian Sheng countered that he had personally witnessed such a “miracle”—or rather, a “negative miracle”, as it is an uncommon and unfortunate occurrence.
Xian Sheng expressed hope that such situations would never arise and that no wife would ever encourage her husband to abandon his mother. Yet, some individuals are indeed that selfish, and Xian Sheng could never comprehend their reasons for pushing their husbands to distance themselves from their mothers.
(N) Xian Sheng: Do not send your parents to an old folks’ home.
Xian Sheng observed that various forms of moral decay are happening in today’s society. He views that the world is gradually deteriorating due to a lack of proper parental guidance.
The bonds between family members are slowly breaking down, much like in Western societies. This is the issue afflicting us. The family values in Malaysia and other Asian countries have followed the example of Western societies, where children no longer care for their parents and instead kicked them to old folks’ homes.
Xian Sheng emphasised that within the Baitiangong family, it is essential not to send our parents to an old folks’ home. We must care for them in their old age.
Even when it comes to the extent of washing their soiled backsides after they defecate because when we were infants, our parents washed our backsides after we defecated. Xian Sheng drove his point home by asking the followers: Who do you think washed your soiled backside when you were a baby?
Similarly, when our parents grow old, they, in turn, become like infants, and it becomes our responsibility—when the time comes—to carry them to the bathroom and wash their soiled backsides as well. We must not abandon them.
Xian Sheng reinforced his argument by stating that if, when we were young, our parents had neglected us and refused to wash our backsides after we defecated in our pants, we would not have a backside now—it would have rotted away. He stressed that we might not even be alive today, as faeces and urine would have burned our delicate skin, and bacterial infections would have poisoned our blood.
Xian Sheng explained that human life is cyclical. Yesterday, we were someone’s children; today, we are someone’s parents. He urged us to think carefully about our actions and how we would fulfill our responsibilities to our parents.
(O) We wear white because we consider them our brothers and sisters.
Xian Sheng announced that we are also conducting a “祝福” or blessings for Brother Wong Lai Yuen, who passed away at the age of 104. We regard him as our brother, and he is the oldest brother for whom we have ever conducted the Baitiangong Way of Obsequies.
Xian Sheng mentioned that he had previously explained how practitioners of Chinese martial arts would declare themselves sworn brothers. When one of their brethren passed away, the others would wear white to attend the funeral.
Xian Sheng asked whether the followers were aware of this custom. He then questioned if any of them had attended the funeral of a sworn brother. Someone responded that the tradition of sworn brotherhood is no longer practised today. Xian Sheng clarified that in the past, declaring sworn brotherhood was very common within the martial arts community.
Xian Sheng recalled that when one of his sworn brothers passed away in Kepong, all the sworn brothers wore white to his funeral. He explained that if sworn brothers are required to wear white for their brethren’s funerals, then it is not wrong for us to wear white during Baitiangong obsequies, as we also consider everyone our brothers and sisters. This is one of the reasons why we wear white for obsequies.
Wearing white originates from ancient Chinese funeral customs. Mourning relatives and family members wore white, not black, during funerals. Xian Sheng elaborated that in traditional Chinese funeral practices, relatives dressed in white. The truth is, that all people are brothers and sisters.
Brother Wong Lai Yuen passed away at the age of 104, and we are performing the most ancient funeral traditions for him. Xian Sheng requested the followers to conduct the blessing by praying for him, asking GOD to forgive, pardon, and lessen his sins. And if he is deserving, to grant him a good place in Heaven.