EVOLUTIONARY+KINGDOMS

The Great Tao

THE TAO OF PHILOSOPHY =I. THE EVOLUTIONARY KINGDOMS =

=[|THE TAO OF PHILOSOPHY]uv The Great Tao=

//LIFE IS LIKE THE HARVEST. THE WHEAT WILL BE GATHERED. THE WEEDS WILL BE LEFT TO BURN.// Life is to live. Life is also to evolve. Anything that takes form in this universe has a purpose of using space and time to improve itself and to evolve into a higher form. That is the meaning of life and the purpose of evolution. There are four kingdoms in this universe in Taoist theory: Kingdom of Vegetation, Kingdom of Animals, Kingdom of Humankind, and Kingdom of God. Although mineral matter is categorized in its own kingdom in western science, it displays no obvious organic life cycle and is therefore inapplicable to this particular discussion. The members of each kingdom exist to improve themselves, to evolve into a higher kingdom. > 1. The members of the [|Kingdom of Vegetation], which include bacteria and protozoa, have only physical bodies and physical feelings. Their sole purpose is to reproduce. They possess no creativity and never consciously benefit each other in any way. Any physical body that has feelings also has a right to live. > 2. The members of the [|Kingdom of Animals] have, in addition to physical bodies, mental bodies. Possessing a mind, a dog for instance is trainable and can consciously alter its environment within defined limits. Animals however always reproduce according to a certain timetable, have no comprehension of dissatisfaction, and lack creative abilities. They mechanically follow universal laws, with no will or desire to change their position in life. > 3. Members of the Kingdom of Humankind possess physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. The spirit imbues human beings with the ability and desire to create―the development of the arts and sciences for example results from this creativity. God gave mankind His spirit and His desires; therefore, man’s basic desire is to be immortal. This desire was given to man so he will improve himself, so that one day he may enter the Kingdom of God. However, man has corrupted this desire into a desire to acquire material things. Man has hope, but this hope is never satisfied by material things. This creates frustration. > 4. The members the Kingdom of God are spiritual beings. They possess spiritualized bodies and have access to all corners of the universe. This being is immortal and experiences total happiness and tranquility, for this being is in complete unity with Tao and the universe. Not all human beings can evolve into the Kingdom of God. According to Taoism there are four subcategories of human beings in the Kingdom of Humankind, and they are (in ascending order) Evil Men, Little Men, Gentlemen, and Sages. Only those who are Sages are qualified to evolve into the Kingdom of the Divine. There are three kinds of //Hsien//―or Immortal―in God’s Kingdom and they are (in ascending order) //Ren Hsien// (Transformed Immortal), //Ti Hsien// (Terrestrial Immortal), and //Tien Hsien// (Celestial Immortal). So there must first be “promotion through the ranks” before there is evolution to a higher kingdom.

include component="page" wikiName="omnionica" page="Evil Men"

Little Men are ignorant, unwise, and limited in abilities. Everything done by them is for short-sighted gains. Members of this group are capable of scheming and cheating for useless, unimportant things―they are too cowardly to commit crimes openly or help society in grand ways. Their concerns and their lives are petty. This group is effectively controlled by laws in most societies.

Gentlemen truly understand and pursue morality, culture, and propriety. They desire enlightenment for themselves and other human beings. When the members of this group increase in number, society flourishes. When their numbers diminish, society suffers. Gentlemen are guided by propriety.

Gentlemen truly understand and pursue morality, culture, and propriety. They desire enlightenment for themselves and other human beings. When the members of this group increase in number, society flourishes. When their numbers diminish, society suffers. Gentlemen are guided by propriety.

Sages are those who truly understand and pursue righteousness. These individuals work to improve and enlighten all human beings and create a peaceful world through spreading peace. This group is guided by righteousness.

Transformed Immortal is a cultivator of Taoism. Being extremely wise, holy, and kind this person is involved in improving world affairs. After death this person will be resurrected, leaving no corpse behind. Frequently and unexpectedly, this Immortal will materialize to help even more human beings. (Jesus is considered to be a Transformed Immortal). Love is the guiding force of Immortals.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'times new roman',times;">The Terrestrial Immortal is a Taoist who, being extremely wise, holy and egoless, has left behind all human characteristics. This Immortal dwells deep within the mountains for centuries and occasionally leaves his home to help a needy mortal, usually one with earth-shattering effects upon humanity. Perfect virtue is his guiding force.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'times new roman',times;">A Celestial Immortal is a Taoist who has survived for thousands of years and has accomplished a great number of good deeds. The body of the Celestial Immortal is completely spiritualized (not limited by space or time). The Celestial Immortal and God are one. Tao is the guiding force.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'times new roman',times;">The members of all these groups have physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. The differences between the groups are due solely to the degree of dominance of one body over the others. In Evil Men the physical body dominates the mental and spiritual bodies to the point that the latter are either subservient or nonexistent. In Sages the mental body dominates the other bodies. ln Celestial Immortals the spiritual body dominates the other bodies to the point that they are virtually nonexistent.