2024.10.26 1463 Free Meal Service!
. The Holy Man’s Journey: A Global Gathering at Haneulgung
We extend our warmest wishes for health and happiness to all who have gathered at Haneulgung today, both in Korea and around the world. The most significant moment in our lives is the direct encounter with Holy Man Huh Gung Yeong. Haneulgung is destined to be filled with countless people seeking to meet the Holy Man. We commence the 1463rd Saturday lecture, honoring the great Holy Man Huh Gung Yeong, who strives for world peace with boundless humanity.
- The Enduring Spirit of Switzerland: A Lesson in Trust and Loyalty
Today, we are honored by the presence of a special guest. Kim Young Hee, a great archangel from Switzerland, a member of the Haneulgung pilgrimage group from overseas, has presented a red orchid in gratitude to the Holy Man. We acknowledge her arduous journey from a distant land, as it takes 18 hours to travel from Switzerland to Haneulgung. Let us give a warm round of applause to Kim Young Hee, who has traveled such a great distance. We are truly grateful to her.
Traveling from Switzerland to Haneulgung is a remarkable feat. Many of you may not have visited Switzerland, but it is like a different world, a different country. Switzerland, along with Austria, was once a vast empire. It is a miracle that Switzerland has survived, given the historical conflicts with nations like Hungary and Germany. Austria, too, was once a large country that became smaller through wars and divisions. Switzerland declared neutrality and became a smaller, independent nation. Its continued existence is a testament to its resilience in European history.
The defining characteristic of the Swiss people is their unwavering loyalty, which has earned them the top spot globally for trustworthiness. When evaluating international relations, we consider five key aspects. First, trustworthiness is paramount. Next, manpower is essential. However, manpower alone is insufficient; technology is also crucial. While most nations possess both manpower and technology, some lack etiquette. Korea, for instance, may be perceived as having a weaker sense of etiquette. However, our manpower and technological capabilities are second to none globally.
- Korea’s Cultural Dominance and the Power of Inner World
Korea’s culture currently dominates the world. Our entertainment industry professionals are among the world’s best, making Korea a global leader in this field. Hundreds of countries worldwide engage with Korean culture. When a director, actor, or entertainer from South Korea is mentioned, they are recognized as top international talents. They possess a unique acting ability that other countries cannot replicate. Whether it is “Dae Jang Geum,” K-Pop, or songs like “Gangnam Style” that I provided, Korean food, music, and dance are widely imitated. Europeans practice these in their homes. Korea has indeed swept the cultural landscape.
Recently, a Korean woman became the first woman in the world to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. This achievement has challenged the pride of men worldwide. She has claimed the crown, demonstrating that Korean women are recognized for their delicate literary and cultural contributions. This achievement has broken the “mannerism” of previous literary figures like Park Kyung-ni and Lee Mun-yeol, who did not receive the Nobel Prize. Even with grand historical novels, no one could match the depth of analysis achieved by this woman who delved into the inner world. Korean novels are now considered world-class, making Korea the global leader in culture. We now have over 200 “vassal states” in terms of cultural influence.
Our people possess both “han” (a deep-seated sorrow) and “heung” (joy and excitement), creating a unique cultural blend that no other nation can replicate. Traditional Korean songs like “chang,” folk songs from the southern regions, and “sijo” (Korean classical poetry) are unparalleled in the West. I often observed elderly scholars reciting “sijo” in traditional tile-roofed houses when I was young. It was breathtaking, a practice that impatient people could not endure. As a child, I wondered why these grandfathers engaged in such activities, unable to comprehend their world. Our perception of self is always determined by the object of our focus. As a child, I could not understand the elderly reciting poetry, wondering why they were not moving quickly. I even imagined them chasing me with knives. I did not even know it was poetry.
- The Subjective Nature of Reality: How Perception Shapes Our World
If we do not understand the object, it remains a mystery. The reality we perceive is limited by what we choose to see. For some, this reality is invisible, like for a blind person. When one’s eyesight deteriorates, the world of objects disappears. The world of objects is not what creates us; it is we who create the objects through our perception. If you perceive this world as heaven, heaven unfolds before you. If you perceive it as hell, hell unfolds.
Imagine a director making a film about hell. They would look at every woman they pass, wondering if she could play a ghost. “Ah, in the director’s eyes, that woman would be perfect for a ghost. With makeup, she would look truly terrifying.” The director sees ghosts in every woman, all to create the film. The director’s objective is to find the best ghosts for the film’s success. They might even transform a woman into a ghost, thinking, “No, she wouldn’t make a good ghost; her eyes are too small. Her eye corners need to be longer.” They create the object. Similarly, if you are looking for a spouse, you scrutinize every potential partner, thinking, “No, that’s not the one.” Our perception creates the object; the object does not create our perception. This is the essence of subjectivity.
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The Serenity of Detachment: Lessons from the Himalayas
People living in a sea of happiness are like those who have not eaten a single meal in three days. Consider the Sherpa wives living in the Himalayas, at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. They appear withered, with 30-year-old women looking like 60-year-old grandmothers. Yet, they never lose their smiles, seeming as if they live in heaven. What objects could they possibly have in their minds? Their happiness is simply their husband returning alive from the snow. They have no cars or visible possessions. Their greatest joy is their husband, a Sherpa, returning safely from the snow, not buried within it. They experience no pain or suffering. If their husband dies, they accept it, believing he was taken by the Himalayas to a good place, and they do not grieve. They have no worries, no pain, and no fear of death. They simply fall asleep in the snow, where their bodies do not decompose but remain frozen for centuries. They believe they are merely sleeping in the snow, without the horror of decomposition. Their minds are pure, and they desire nothing. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Since faith itself has no inherent object, only nature remains. Is there competition among them? Do Sherpas compete with each other? No. We, however, are constantly pursued by the object of competition, leading to stress and heart disease. Therefore, it is better to reduce the number of objects you desire. When you reduce your desires, unnecessary things disappear from your sight. -
The Genesis of Free Meal Service: A 54-Year Commitment
Today’s lecture is titled “Free Meal Service.” Why did I, the Holy Man, begin providing free meals at Seoul Station 54 years ago, when I was 22? This was reported in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. It took 20 years for a single line about my efforts to appear in the newspaper, when I was 40. The article referred to me as “Korea’s Pestalozzi,” stating, “Helped 15,000 underprivileged people for 18 years.” This is me in the picture, at 40 years old, consulting with people at the Seoul Station meal service. Since I had been doing it for 18 years, that means I started when I was 22. This was published in the JoongAng Ilbo when I was 40. This was also used during my election campaigns. It may sound like boasting, but I started this at 22. -
The Principle of Self-Sacrifice in Giving: A Path to Blessings
When I see 22-year-olds today, my heart breaks. At 22, I reduced my own meals to two a day, believing that one meal should be given to others. Why did I fast one meal a day from the age of 22? A person who gives food to others after eating their fill is not truly virtuous. True blessing comes from reducing your own consumption to give to others. Do you understand? Our mothers used to set aside a spoonful of rice from each meal into a jar. What kind of rice was that? It was rice collected to be given to temples or others in need. That spirit of giving is crucial. That is the essence of free meal service.
Taking from what you would eat yourself, rather than giving leftovers, is true service. If you eat your fill and then give what remains, that is not true service. Instead of taking rice from the granary, it means eating less from the rice you would cook for yourself. Do you understand? When you give to others, you should reduce one meal a day. Then, you can provide free meals to others. If you eat three meals a day and then provide free meals, there is a problem with that person. That is not “pure rice” (jeonggyeolmi). “Pure rice” means giving what you have reduced from your own consumption.
Those who fast one meal a day and donate the equivalent in rice to a temple or church always become wealthy. Why? Heaven blesses such people. Therefore, you should first set aside what you will offer to God in heaven. You should first set aside what you will give to your neighbors, and then prepare your own meal. Only then will your family prosper.
- The True Meaning of Abstinence and Giving
If someone stops drinking alcohol and goes to church, saying, “God, I have stopped drinking,” will their family be blessed? No, they will likely drink again. If you stop drinking, you should calculate the monthly cost of alcohol and cigarettes and donate that amount to the church as an offering. “God in heaven, I have brought this money as a token of my abstinence. I will give this to those in need.” If you offer this before God, will you receive blessings? Yes, and that person will never drink again. But if you simply say, “Pastor, I’ve stopped drinking,” you will not receive blessings. That is for your own benefit; what does it have to do with the church? You must donate the equivalent of the alcohol money to others. Then, will you receive glory? Yes. It does not matter what religion you belong to; good deeds bring blessings. This applies to Buddhism and Christianity alike. You must remember this.
Therefore, I have eaten two meals a day since I started providing free meals. This spirit has guided me, the Holy Man, throughout my journey. Now you understand the meaning of free meal service. It means saving what you would eat and giving it to others. If you earn extra money and use it for service, the meaning is diminished. It is similar to donating your own blood. Such a person, if they do not meet me in this life and are reincarnated, will be born into a wealthy and noble family in their next life, surrounded by people who follow them. This is the destiny of those who perform such service.
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Blessings of Compassion: Health, Wealth, and Divine Protection
If such a person falls ill, they will experience “wealth and nobility with medicine” (bugwi deugyak jisang). Doctors and pharmacists will line up to treat them, and people will rush to help them recover. As I mentioned before, if a dragon is struggling without water, a sudden downpour will bring it “difficulty gaining water” (gonnan deugsu jisang), allowing it to fly freely. This is the power of service, especially providing food to the hungry. The Bible also says to give a cup of water. The one who receives the water is divine, like Jesus. “Did you not feed me when I was hungry, give me water when I was thirsty, and help me when I was sick?” When asked, “When did we do this for you?” the answer is, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” -
Isaiah 58:6-10: The Divine Promise of Fasting and Giving
Let us read Isaiah 58:6-8.
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. What does this mean? Angels will protect you. Archangels will protect you. This is what it means to be guarded. The money donated by archangels goes to free meal services. Archangels will support you when you stumble, protecting you unknowingly. “Your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and the speaking of wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a
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The Holy Man’s Journey: A Global Gathering at Haneulgung
We extend our warmest wishes for health and happiness to all who have gathered at Haneulgung today, both in Korea and around the world. The most significant moment in our lives is the direct encounter with Holy Man Huh Gung Yeong. Haneulgung is destined to be filled with countless people seeking to meet the Holy Man. We commence the 1463rd Saturday lecture, honoring the great Holy Man Huh Gung Yeong, who strives for world peace with boundless humanity. -
The Enduring Spirit of Switzerland: A Lesson in Trust and Loyalty
Today, we are honored by the presence of a special guest. Kim Young Hee, a great archangel from Switzerland, a member of the Haneulgung pilgrimage group from overseas, has presented a red orchid in gratitude to the Holy Man. We acknowledge her arduous journey from a distant land, as it takes 18 hours to travel from Switzerland to Haneulgung. Let us give a warm round of applause to Kim Young Hee, who has traveled such a great distance. We are truly grateful to her.
Traveling from Switzerland to Haneulgung is a remarkable feat. Many of you may not have visited Switzerland, but it is like a different world, a different country. Switzerland, along with Austria, was once a vast empire. It is a miracle that Switzerland has survived, given the historical conflicts with nations like Hungary and Germany. Austria, too, was once a large country that became smaller through wars and divisions. Switzerland declared neutrality and became a smaller, independent nation. Its continued existence is a testament to its resilience in European history.
The defining characteristic of the Swiss people is their unwavering loyalty, which has earned them the top spot globally for trustworthiness. When evaluating international relations, we consider five key aspects. First, trustworthiness is paramount. Next, manpower is essential. However, manpower alone is insufficient; technology is also crucial. While most nations possess both manpower and technology, some lack etiquette. Korea, for instance, may be perceived as having a weaker sense of etiquette. However, our manpower and technological capabilities are second to none globally.
- Korea’s Cultural Dominance and the Power of Inner World
Korea’s culture currently dominates the world. Our entertainment industry professionals are among the world’s best, making Korea a global leader in this field. Hundreds of countries worldwide engage with Korean culture. When a director, actor, or entertainer from South Korea is mentioned, they are recognized as top international talents. They possess a unique acting ability that other countries cannot replicate. Whether it is “Dae Jang Geum,” K-Pop, or songs like “Gangnam Style” that I provided, Korean food, music, and dance are widely imitated. Europeans practice these in their homes. Korea has indeed swept the cultural landscape.
Recently, a Korean woman became the first woman in the world to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. This achievement has challenged the pride of men worldwide. She has claimed the crown, demonstrating that Korean women are recognized for their delicate literary and cultural contributions. This achievement has broken the “mannerism” of previous literary figures like Park Kyung-ni and Lee Mun-yeol, who did not receive the Nobel Prize. Even with grand historical novels, no one could match the depth of analysis achieved by this woman who delved into the inner world. Korean novels are now considered world-class, making Korea the global leader in culture. We now have over 200 “vassal states” in terms of cultural influence.
Our people possess both “han” (a deep-seated sorrow) and “heung” (joy and excitement), creating a unique cultural blend that no other nation can replicate. Traditional Korean songs like “chang,” folk songs from the southern regions, and “sijo” (Korean classical poetry) are unparalleled in the West. I often observed elderly scholars reciting “sijo” in traditional tile-roofed houses when I was young. It was breathtaking, a practice that impatient people could not endure. As a child, I wondered why these grandfathers engaged in such activities, unable to comprehend their world. Our perception of self is always determined by the object of our focus. As a child, I could not understand the elderly reciting poetry, wondering why they were not moving quickly. I even imagined them chasing me with knives. I did not even know it was poetry.
- The Subjective Nature of Reality: How Perception Shapes Our World
If we do not understand the object, it remains a mystery. The reality we perceive is limited by what we choose to see. For some, this reality is invisible, like for a blind person. When one’s eyesight deteriorates, the world of objects disappears. The world of objects is not what creates us; it is we who create the objects through our perception. If you perceive this world as heaven, heaven unfolds before you. If you perceive it as hell, hell unfolds.
Imagine a director making a film about hell. They would look at every woman they pass, wondering if she could play a ghost. “Ah, in the director’s eyes, that woman would be perfect for a ghost. With makeup, she would look truly terrifying.” The director sees ghosts in every woman, all to create the film. The director’s objective is to find the best ghosts for the film’s success. They might even transform a woman into a ghost, thinking, “No, she wouldn’t make a good ghost; her eyes are too small. Her eye corners need to be longer.” They create the object. Similarly, if you are looking for a spouse, you scrutinize every potential partner, thinking, “No, that’s not the one.” Our perception creates the object; the object does not create our perception. This is the essence of subjectivity.
-
The Serenity of Detachment: Lessons from the Himalayas
People living in a sea of happiness are like those who have not eaten a single meal in three days. Consider the Sherpa wives living in the Himalayas, at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. They appear withered, with 30-year-old women looking like 60-year-old grandmothers. Yet, they never lose their smiles, seeming as if they live in heaven. What objects could they possibly have in their minds? Their happiness is simply their husband returning alive from the snow. They have no cars or visible possessions. Their greatest joy is their husband, a Sherpa, returning safely from the snow, not buried within it. They experience no pain or suffering. If their husband dies, they accept it, believing he was taken by the Himalayas to a good place, and they do not grieve. They have no worries, no pain, and no fear of death. They simply fall asleep in the snow, where their bodies do not decompose but remain frozen for centuries. They believe they are merely sleeping in the snow, without the horror of decomposition. Their minds are pure, and they desire nothing. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Since faith itself has no inherent object, only nature remains. Is there competition among them? Do Sherpas compete with each other? No. We, however, are constantly pursued by the object of competition, leading to stress and heart disease. Therefore, it is better to reduce the number of objects you desire. When you reduce your desires, unnecessary things disappear from your sight. -
The Genesis of Free Meal Service: A 54-Year Commitment
Today’s lecture is titled “Free Meal Service.” Why did I, the Holy Man, begin providing free meals at Seoul Station 54 years ago, when I was 22? This was reported in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper. It took 20 years for a single line about my efforts to appear in the newspaper, when I was 40. The article referred to me as “Korea’s Pestalozzi,” stating, “Helped 15,000 underprivileged people for 18 years.” This is me in the picture, at 40 years old, consulting with people at the Seoul Station meal service. Since I had been doing it for 18 years, that means I started when I was 22. This was published in the JoongAng Ilbo when I was 40. This was also used during my election campaigns. It may sound like boasting, but I started this at 22. -
The Principle of Self-Sacrifice in Giving: A Path to Blessings
When I see 22-year-olds today, my heart breaks. At 22, I reduced my own meals to two a day, believing that one meal should be given to others. Why did I fast one meal a day from the age of 22? A person who gives food to others after eating their fill is not truly virtuous. True blessing comes from reducing your own consumption to give to others. Do you understand? Our mothers used to set aside a spoonful of rice from each meal into a jar. What kind of rice was that? It was rice collected to be given to temples or others in need. That spirit of giving is crucial. That is the essence of free meal service.
Taking from what you would eat yourself, rather than giving leftovers, is true service. If you eat your fill and then give what remains, that is not true service. Instead of taking rice from the granary, it means eating less from the rice you would cook for yourself. Do you understand? When you give to others, you should reduce one meal a day. Then, you can provide free meals to others. If you eat three meals a day and then provide free meals, there is a problem with that person. That is not “pure rice” (jeonggyeolmi). “Pure rice” means giving what you have reduced from your own consumption.
Those who fast one meal a day and donate the equivalent in rice to a temple or church always become wealthy. Why? Heaven blesses such people. Therefore, you should first set aside what you will offer to God in heaven. You should first set aside what you will give to your neighbors, and then prepare your own meal. Only then will your family prosper.
- The True Meaning of Abstinence and Giving
If someone stops drinking alcohol and goes to church, saying, “God, I have stopped drinking,” will their family be blessed? No, they will likely drink again. If you stop drinking, you should calculate the monthly cost of alcohol and cigarettes and donate that amount to the church as an offering. “God in heaven, I have brought this money as a token of my abstinence. I will give this to those in need.” If you offer this before God, will you receive blessings? Yes, and that person will never drink again. But if you simply say, “Pastor, I’ve stopped drinking,” you will not receive blessings. That is for your own benefit; what does it have to do with the church? You must donate the equivalent of the alcohol money to others. Then, will you receive glory? Yes. It does not matter what religion you belong to; good deeds bring blessings. This applies to Buddhism and Christianity alike. You must remember this.
Therefore, I have eaten two meals a day since I started providing free meals. This spirit has guided me, the Holy Man, throughout my journey. Now you understand the meaning of free meal service. It means saving what you would eat and giving it to others. If you earn extra money and use it for service, the meaning is diminished. It is similar to donating your own blood. Such a person, if they do not meet me in this life and are reincarnated, will be born into a wealthy and noble family in their next life, surrounded by people who follow them. This is the destiny of those who perform such service.
-
Blessings of Compassion: Health, Wealth, and Divine Protection
If such a person falls ill, they will experience “wealth and nobility with medicine” (bugwi deugyak jisang). Doctors and pharmacists will line up to treat them, and people will rush to help them recover. As I mentioned before, if a dragon is struggling without water, a sudden downpour will bring it “difficulty gaining water” (gonnan deugsu jisang), allowing it to fly freely. This is the power of service, especially providing food to the hungry. The Bible also says to give a cup of water. The one who receives the water is divine, like Jesus. “Did you not feed me when I was hungry, give me water when I was thirsty, and help me when I was sick?” When asked, “When did we do this for you?” the answer is, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” -
Isaiah 58:6-10: The Divine Promise of Fasting and Giving
Let us read Isaiah 58:6-8.
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. What does this mean? Angels will protect you. Archangels will protect you. This is what it means to be guarded. The money donated by archangels goes to free meal services. Archangels will support you when you stumble, protecting you unknowingly. “Your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and the speaking of wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a
The True Meaning of Free Meal Service: A Path to Blessings and Spiritual Growth with Huh Kyung-young
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Keyword Frequency
meal: 19
energy: 13
world: 12
money: 10
alcohol: 9
tobacco: 8
church: 8
temple: 8
water: 8
heaven: 7 -
Today’s Central Metaphor
The central metaphor is that of the mind as a canvas, where one’s perception of the world (heaven or hell) dictates their reality. -
Lecture in Numbers
1463: The number of the Saturday lecture being held.
18 hours: The travel time from Switzerland to Sky Temple.
1st: Switzerland’s ranking in reliability globally.
200+ countries: The number of countries influenced by Korean culture.
54 years: The duration Huh Kyung-young has been providing free meal service.
22 years old: The age Huh Kyung-young started the free meal service.
40 years old: The age Huh Kyung-young’s free meal service was first reported in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper.
18 years: The period of service mentioned in the newspaper article (from age 22 to 40).
15,000 people: The number of disadvantaged people helped over 18 years, as reported in the newspaper.
2 meals: The number of meals Huh Kyung-young ate daily to save one meal for others.
2 billion won: The estimated annual cost of Huh Kyung-young’s free meal service.
3.3 km: The depth from which the Elixir Water (Gwangcheonsu) emerges, taking over 100 million years to penetrate the earth.
1 cm: The depth water penetrates the ground in one year.
100 years: The time it takes for water to penetrate 1 meter into the ground.
1,000 years: The time it takes for water to penetrate 10 meters into the ground.
10,000 years: The time it takes for water to penetrate 100 meters into the ground.
100,000 years: The time it takes for water to penetrate 1,000 meters into the ground.
200 tons: The daily volume of Elixir Water (Gwangcheonsu) that rises from the ground.
90%: The percentage of rainwater that flows away rather than being absorbed into the ground.
400 meters: The elevation of the Elixir Water (Gwangcheonsu) source and the main Sky Temple building above sea level.
200 meters: The height difference between the Sky Temple and downtown Seoul.
1950 January 1: The birthdate of the God-man, as stated in the “Huh Kyung-young Anthem.” -
Signature Sentence
“The person who gives food to others while eating all of their own is flawed; only by reducing what you eat and giving to others is it a blessing.” -
Concise Summary & Highlights
This lecture advocates for fasting and selfless giving as the true path to blessings, spiritual growth, and physical well-being.
True giving involves sacrificing one’s own portion, not merely giving leftovers.
Fasting, even one meal a day, brings blessings, health, and divine favor.
Giving to the needy is equivalent to serving God, as stated in Isaiah 58.
Negative behaviors like backbiting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching hinder blessings.
The God-man’s 54 years of free meal service exemplify this principle of self-sacrifice.
Elixir Water (Gwangcheonsu) is presented as a miraculous gift, emphasizing gratitude for nature’s profound processes.
Christian concepts (e.g., prayer, salvation, blessing) are described as having “energy,” while Buddhist concepts (e.g., enlightenment, nirvana) are depicted as lacking it.
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Scriptural / Religious Citations
Isaiah 58:6-8: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
Isaiah 58:9-11: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and the speaking of wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” -
Historical & Epochal Context
The lecture touches upon historical events like wars involving Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, noting Switzerland’s miraculous survival as a neutral nation. It also references the rapid growth of Korean culture (K-pop, K-drama, Nobel Prize in Literature for a Korean woman) as a global phenomenon. The speaker recounts his personal experiences during a period of poverty in Korea, specifically mentioning the relocation of shantytown residents to Seongnam City by President Park, and the widespread hunger and malnutrition of that era. -
Key Figures & Events Referenced
Pestalozzi: A Swiss educator, referenced as a comparison for Huh Kyung-young’s philanthropic work.
Park Kyung-ni, Yi Mun-yeol: Korean literary figures mentioned in the context of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
President Park: Refers to Park Chung-hee, who relocated shantytown residents to Seongnam City.
Jesus: Referenced as the ultimate example of giving to the poor.
Kangnam Style: A global K-pop hit, mentioned as an example of Korean cultural influence.
Dae Jang Geum: A popular Korean historical drama, also cited as an example of Korean cultural influence. -
Core Concept Definitions
Subjectivity of Perception (인식): The idea that one’s perception creates their reality, rather than reality dictating perception. “Your perception creates the object; the object does not become your perception.”
Mind as Heaven/Hell: If one views the world as heaven, heaven unfolds; if viewed as hell, hell unfolds.
Jeonggyeolmi (정결미): “Pure rice” or “clean rice,” referring to rice set aside from one’s own portion before cooking, symbolizing self-sacrifice in giving.
Bugi Gyeomjeon Jisang (부귀겸전지상): “An image of wealth and honor combined,” a state of being born into a wealthy and respected family with a good appearance.
Yubyeong Deukyak Jisang (유병득약지상): “An image of obtaining medicine when sick,” meaning that if such a person falls ill, they will have access to the best medical care and support.
Gonnan Deuksu Jisang (곤란득수지상): “An image of obtaining water in difficulty,” signifying that when facing hardship, divine intervention or unexpected help will arrive, like a dragon finding water.
Three Highs (쓰리 고):
Physical: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar.
Mental: Pain, hardship, worry.
Mugeuk (무극): The ultimate, undifferentiated state beyond yin and yang, where a compass does not function, representing a state of weightlessness and no polarity.
Taegeuk (태극): The primordial, undifferentiated absolute from which yin and yang arise.
Eumyang (음양): Yin and Yang, the dualistic forces that govern the earthly realm, where a compass functions.
Gongdeok (공덕):
供德 (Gongdeok): Merit accumulated through offerings or donations, often in a religious context, which the speaker claims lacks “energy” and only leads to a “waiting room” for heaven.
功德 (Gongdeok): Merit accumulated through good deeds recognized by society, which the speaker also claims lacks “energy.”
Eight Joys (8락):
Christian: Prayer, salvation, blessing, Holy Spirit, grace, resurrection, eternal life, heaven. These are said to possess “energy.”
Buddhist: Right enlightenment, nirvana, liberation, bodhi, prajna, samadhi, non-self, Buddhahood. These are said to lack “energy.” -
Central Questions & Answers
Question: How does one achieve blessings, spiritual growth, and a good life?
Answer:
By reducing one’s own consumption (e.g., fasting one meal a day, abstaining from alcohol/tobacco) and giving the saved portion to others.
By avoiding negative behaviors such as backbiting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching, which are likened to animalistic actions.
By cultivating a positive mindset, as one’s perception creates their reality (heaven or hell).
By demonstrating good deeds through actions rather than just words or prayers. -
Conclusion & Strategic / Philosophical Implications
The lecture concludes by reiterating the importance of controlling one’s speech and actions, emphasizing that what comes out of the mouth can either build or destroy blessings. The ultimate message is that true blessings and a fulfilling life are achieved through self-sacrifice, selfless giving, and positive conduct, rather than mere religious rituals or material pursuits. This philosophy implies a direct correlation between one’s actions and their fate, both in this life and the next, with divine intervention favoring those who practice genuine compassion and self-restraint. -
Cross-Referencing
Pestalozzi: The speaker compares his own philanthropic work to that of Pestalozzi, a renowned educator known for his humanitarian efforts.
Biblical Teachings: The lecture extensively quotes and references Isaiah 58:6-11, linking the practice of fasting and giving to the poor with divine blessings and healing. It also references Jesus’ teachings on serving the poor as serving Him directly.
Religious Concepts: The lecture contrasts Christian “Eight Joys” (Prayer, Salvation, Blessing, Holy Spirit, Grace, Resurrection, Eternal Life, Heaven) with Buddhist “Eight Joys” (Right Enlightenment, Nirvana, Liberation, Bodhi, Prajna, Samadhi, Non-self, Buddhahood), asserting that the former possess “energy” while the latter do not, aligning with the speaker’s unique cosmological framework of Eumyang (Yin and Yang) and Mugeuk (the ultimate state). -
Content Gaps & Unaddressed Areas
Specifics of “Energy”: While the lecture frequently mentions “energy” in relation to Christian concepts and the God-man’s presence, it does not provide a clear, scientific, or philosophical definition of what this “energy” is, how it operates, or how it is measured.
Mechanism of Blessings: The lecture asserts that specific actions (fasting, giving) lead to specific blessings (wealth, health, divine protection), but the precise mechanism or causal link beyond divine will is not elaborated.
Reconciliation of Religious Differences: The lecture makes strong claims about the “energy” of Christian concepts versus the lack thereof in Buddhist concepts. It does not offer a nuanced theological or philosophical reconciliation for these assertions, which could be perceived as dismissive of other faiths.
Evidence for Elixir Water Claims: The miraculous properties and geological timeline of the Elixir Water (Gwangcheonsu) are presented as facts, but no scientific evidence or external verification is offered to support these claims.
Practicality of “Three Highs” Solution: While fasting is presented as a cure for physical “Three Highs” (high blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar), the lecture does not address potential health risks or the need for medical supervision for individuals with existing conditions. -
Future Predictions & Prophetic Statements
Sky Temple’s Future: The Sky Temple will be crowded with people coming to meet the God-man.
Reincarnation and Blessings: Those who perform selfless service will be reborn with “wealth and honor combined” (Bugi Gyeomjeon Jisang) and will receive “medicine when sick” (Yubyeong Deukyak Jisang) and “water in difficulty” (Gonnan Deuksu Jisang).
Divine Protection: Angels will guard and protect those who give to the poor, and the glory of the Lord will be their rear guard.
Family Prosperity: Families who practice self-sacrifice and giving will prosper.
Health Benefits of Fasting: Fasting will resolve “Three Highs” (high blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar) and other illnesses, making doctors unnecessary.
Divine Intervention in Daily Life: Those who have accumulated blessings will experience miraculous protection from accidents and dangers.
God’s Promises: God will answer prayers, grant desires, and guarantee the well-being of children for those who practice fasting and giving.
New Era: The “God-man management era” (신 경영시대) will arrive, and the God-man’s “unified field” (통일장) will shake the entire world.
Executive Insight
This lecture presents a compelling, albeit unconventional, framework for achieving personal and spiritual prosperity rooted in radical self-sacrifice and compassionate action. The core takeaway is that genuine giving stems not from surplus, but from reducing one’s own consumption—exemplified by fasting one meal a day—and dedicating that saved portion to others. This practice, the speaker argues, transcends mere charity, directly attracting divine blessings, improving physical health by eliminating “Three Highs,” and fostering a positive mental state. Conversely, negative speech and actions, likened to animalistic behaviors, are depicted as actively repelling blessings. For a thoughtful professional, this lecture challenges conventional notions of success and philanthropy, suggesting that true fulfillment and divine favor are earned through profound personal discipline and selfless, action-oriented compassion, rather than through material accumulation or superficial gestures.
Meeting Minutes: The True Meaning of Free Meal Service: A Path to Blessings and Spiritual Growth with Huh Kyung-young
Ⅰ. Meeting Overview
Category
Details
Date
October 26, 2024
Event
1463rd Saturday Lecture
Speaker
Huh Kyung-young
Topic
The True Meaning of Free Meal Service: A Path to Blessings and Spiritual Growth
Attendees
Sky Palace visitors and domestic/international viewers
Special Guest
Kim Young-hee, Archangel from Switzerland Sky Palace Pilgrimage Group
Ⅱ. Meeting Discussion
Introduction and Welcome
The speaker welcomed attendees and viewers, wishing them health and happiness .
The significance of meeting the divine being, Huh Kyung-young, was highlighted as the best moment in life .
A special welcome was extended to Kim Young-hee, an Archangel from Switzerland, who traveled 18 hours to attend .
Global Cultural Influence of Korea
Switzerland was praised for its reliability, ranking first globally in trust .
The speaker discussed five key factors in international relations: reliability, manpower, technology, etiquette, and culture .
Korea’s cultural influence, particularly in entertainment (K-pop, K-drama), was emphasized as world-leading .
The recent Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to a Korean woman was noted as a significant achievement, challenging traditional literary norms .
Korean traditional music and poetry (Sijo) were presented as unique cultural forms unmatched in the West .
Perception and Reality
The speaker explained that one’s perception shapes their reality; viewing the world as heaven creates heaven, while viewing it as hell creates hell .
Examples included a director seeing potential “ghosts” in women for a horror film and someone seeking a spouse evaluating all potential partners .
The concept of subjective reality was reinforced: “Your perception creates the object, not the other way around” .
The example of Sherpa wives in the Himalayas, who find happiness in their husbands’ safe return despite harsh conditions, illustrated finding contentment in minimal expectations .
Reducing external desires (objects) helps eliminate unnecessary worries and suffering .
The True Meaning of Free Meal Service (무료급식)
Huh Kyung-young initiated free meal services at Seoul Station 54 years ago, starting at age 22 , which was reported in JoongAng Ilbo when he was 40 .
The core principle of free meal service is to reduce one’s own consumption to help others, rather than giving from surplus .
This concept was likened to traditional Korean mothers setting aside a spoonful of rice from their own meals for charity (정결미) .
Giving from one’s own reduction brings blessings, as seen in those who fast and donate their saved money to religious institutions .
Similarly, quitting habits like drinking or smoking should be accompanied by donating the saved money to truly receive blessings and avoid relapse .
This practice of self-sacrifice and giving leads to future prosperity, good health, and divine protection (부귀겸전지상, 유병득약지상, 곤란득수지상) .
Giving even a cup of water to the needy is considered an act of serving the divine, as stated in the Bible .
Biblical Support for Fasting and Charity (Isaiah 58:6-11)
The speaker cited Isaiah 58:6-11 to emphasize the spiritual benefits of fasting and helping the oppressed .
Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” . This implies that fasting releases one from physical ailments (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) and promotes weight loss .
Isaiah 58:7: “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” . This highlights the importance of sharing food with the hungry and sheltering the homeless .
Isaiah 58:8: “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” . This promises divine protection and rapid healing for those who practice such charity .
Isaiah 58:9-11: Further promises include divine response to prayers, light in darkness, constant guidance, spiritual satisfaction, and enduring strength, likening them to a well-watered garden and an unfailing spring .
These verses underscore that genuine blessings come from actions of self-denial and compassion, not merely prayers .
Avoiding Negative Behaviors
The speaker warned against “dog-like” behaviors that hinder blessings: “bite,” “bark,” “growl,” “fight,” and “scratch” .
These actions, often directed at loved ones or neighbors, create emotional “scratches” and prevent blessings .
Instead of these negative behaviors, one should practice “free meal service” through kind words and actions .
The Wisdom of Nature
Animals like burrowing creatures (혈거자) and birds (magpies) can sense impending weather changes (rain, wind, typhoons) and prepare accordingly .
Humans, in contrast, often focus solely on personal gain and are caught unprepared .
The Significance of Kwangcheonsu (Mineral Water)
The speaker described the miraculous nature of the Kwangcheonsu (mineral water) at Sky Palace, which rises from 3.3 km underground .
The water’s journey through the earth takes over 100 million years to reach that depth, absorbing various minerals .
This natural phenomenon is presented as a divine blessing, and consuming it without gratitude is considered a grave error .
Spiritual Energies in Religious Terms
The speaker demonstrated that Christian terms like “prayer,” “salvation,” “blessing,” “Holy Spirit,” “grace,” “resurrection,” “eternal life,” and “heaven” possess strong energy .
In contrast, Buddhist terms like “enlightenment,” “nirvana,” “liberation,” “bodhi,” “prajna,” “samadhi,” “no-self,” and “Buddhahood” lacked this energy .
This distinction was explained through the concepts of “Yang” (Christianity) and “Yin” (Buddhism) in the cosmic order of “Wuji,” “Taiji,” and “Yin-Yang” .
Buddhist “gongdeok” (merit) is seen as moral points, leading only to a “heaven waiting room,” requiring the divine being (신인) for direct entry to heaven .
Conclusion
The lecture concluded by reiterating the importance of free meal service, self-restraint, and avoiding negative speech .
These actions, rather than words, demonstrate one’s true character and attract blessings .
The speaker shared personal anecdotes of being mistaken for a pastor due to his clean lifestyle and preference for meeting in banks to avoid smoke .
Fasting one meal a day can prevent various diseases (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) and eliminate mental suffering (pain, hardship, worry) .
The lecture was followed by performances of “Huh Kyung-young Changa” and “Flying Saucer” .
Ⅲ. Action Items
Practice self-restraint in consumption and donate the saved resources to those in need .
Avoid negative speech and actions such as “bite, bark, growl, fight, and scratch” .
Cultivate gratitude for natural blessings like Kwangcheonsu .
Refer to Isaiah 58:6-11 for guidance on fasting and charity
This document contains excerpts from a lecture by Huh Kyung-young on October 26, 2024, focusing on the true meaning of free meal service and its connection to blessings and spiritual growth. He emphasizes that true giving comes from sacrifice, not surplus, and links this philosophy to personal well-being and divine favor. The lecture also touches on cultural dominance, the power of perception, and the importance of positive speech and actions over negative ones.
The Philosophy of Giving and Receiving Blessings
The Essence of True Charity: Sacrifice, Not Surplus
Huh Kyung-young argues that genuine giving involves personal sacrifice, not merely donating what’s left over. This principle, he explains, is the foundation for receiving blessings and spiritual growth. He highlights his own practice of fasting one meal a day since age 22 to share with others, emphasizing that this act of self-denial is what truly brings divine favor. This perspective challenges the common notion of charity as simply giving from abundance, instead framing it as a profound act of self-discipline and empathy that resonates with a higher power.
나는 22살에 내가 먹는 거 하루 한 끼를 줄여. 22살 때 내 하루 2끼 먹었어요. 왜 그랬냐? 한 끼는 돌려준다 남한테 이렇게 생각을 한 거야. 그러면 내가 22살부터 왜 밥을 한 끼씩 금식을 했을까? 왜 한 끼씩 금식했을까? 남한테 밥을 주는 사람이 지 거 다 먹고 주는 사람은 불량한 거야. 지가 먹는 걸 줄이고 남을 줘야 그게 복이야.
At 22, I cut one meal a day from what I ate. At 22, I ate two meals a day. Why? I thought of one meal as something to give back to others. So why did I fast one meal a day since I was 22? Why did I fast one meal a day? A person who gives food to others after eating all their own is bad. It’s a blessing to reduce what you eat and give to others.
자기들이 먹을 걸 들어내 일단 먼저. 먹고 남은 걸 남 주는 거는 봉사 아니야.
First, take out what you’re going to eat. Giving leftovers to others after you’ve eaten is not service.
이런 남한테 줄 때는 내가 밥을 한 끼를 적게 먹어야 돼 하루에. 그리고 남을 무료급식을 해야지 지 세끼 찾아 먹고 무료급식한다 그러면 그 사람이 문제가 있는 거야. 그럼 정결미가 아니야. 정결미는 내가 줄인 걸 남한테 준다 이런 의미가 있는 거야.
When giving to others, I have to eat one less meal a day. And I have to provide free meals to others; if someone eats all three of their meals and then provides free meals, that person has a problem. That’s not “Jeonggyeolmi” (pure rice). “Jeonggyeolmi” means giving what I’ve reduced to others.
The Spiritual Rewards of Self-Denial and Charity
Huh Kyung-young connects acts of self-denial, like fasting or abstaining from vices, directly to divine blessings and a prosperous future. He cites biblical passages (Isaiah 58:6-11) to support the idea that such sacrifices lead to healing, guidance, and protection. He emphasizes that these actions are not just about personal gain but about aligning oneself with a higher purpose, leading to a life of “wealth and honor combined” (부귀겸전지상) and “medicine for illness” (유병득약지상). This perspective offers a powerful incentive for self-improvement and altruism, suggesting that spiritual investment yields tangible rewards.
금식을 하루 한 끼씩 하고 교회에다가 십일조를 낸 사람은 부자가 안 된 사람이 없어. 절에다가 그렇게 한 사람은 다 부자가 돼. 그거 왜 그러냐? 마음이 하늘에서 그런 사람한테 복을 줘. 알았지? 그래서 하늘의 신에게 바칠 걸 먼저 빼놓는 거야. 이웃에게 줄 걸 먼저 빼놓고 자기 밥을 해야 그 가족이 잘된다는 거야.
There’s no one who fasted one meal a day and paid tithes to the church who didn’t become rich. Everyone who did that at a temple became rich. Why? Heaven gives blessings to such people. Understood? So, you set aside what you’ll offer to the God of heaven first. You set aside what you’ll give to your neighbors first, and then you prepare your own meal, and that family will prosper.
그 사람은 술 다시 안 먹어. 다시 안 먹어.
That person won’t drink alcohol again. Won’t drink again.
어떤 종교도 관계없어. 좋은 일을 하면 복이 와요.
No religion matters. If you do good deeds, blessings come.
그 이 사람은 그냥 병에 걸리면 의사가 줄줄이 붙어 있어. 약사도 막 붙어 있고 다 고쳐줄 사람이 줄을 섰어.
If this person gets sick, doctors line up. Pharmacists also line up, and people who can cure them are all waiting.
여러분들이 대천사들이 자빠져 넘어지려고 하면 받쳐 주지? 알게 모르게 지켜 주는 거야.
Archangels support you when you’re about to fall, right? They protect you, knowingly or unknowingly.
그다음부터 그 집이 그 집이 잘 돼. 그 집안이 일어나는 거야. 그건 누가 해 줘? 하늘이 해 주는 거야.
From then on, that family prospers. That family rises. Who does that? Heaven does.
그런 사람은 지금. 그런 사람만 서울시내 돌아다니고 있는 거야 지금. 다 복을 지었기 때문에 그중에서도 여기 온 사람은 더 그런 일을 많이 한 거야.
Such people are now. Only such people are walking around Seoul right now. Because they all built up blessings, and among them, those who came here did even more of such deeds.
The Power of Perception and Action
Your Perception Shapes Your Reality
Huh Kyung-young asserts that our perception actively creates our reality. He uses vivid examples, like a director seeing potential “ghosts” in every woman for a horror film or someone looking for a spouse evaluating every person as a potential partner. This highlights the idea that our internal state and intentions dictate how we interpret the world around us. This concept is a powerful reminder that we have the agency to choose our perspective, whether it leads to a “heaven” or “hell” on Earth.
그러니까 대상 세계는 자기가 대상을 만드는 거지 대상이 자기를 만드는 게 아니야. 그러니까 자기가 이 세상을 천국으로 보면 천국이 전개돼. 근데 이 세상을 지옥으로 보면 지옥이 전개돼.
So, the objective world is created by oneself, not the other way around. If you see this world as heaven, heaven unfolds. But if you see this world as hell, hell unfolds.
그러니까 인식이 대상을 대상을 만드는 거야. 자기 인식이 대상을 만들지 대상이 인식이 되는 게 아니야.
So, perception creates the object. Your perception creates the object; the object doesn’t become your perception.
The Impact of Words and Actions: Human vs. Animalistic Behavior
Huh Kyung-young draws a sharp contrast between constructive human behavior and destructive “animalistic” actions, particularly in speech. He lists behaviors like “bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch” as detrimental to one’s blessings and spiritual well-being. He argues that these negative actions, often directed at others, create “scratches” on the heart and prevent blessings from entering one’s life. This section serves as a powerful ethical guide, urging listeners to cultivate positive communication and actions that foster harmony and attract good fortune.
복 못 짓는 건 고사하고 복을 다 차 버리는 거야. 그렇죠? 물어뜯으면 돼요? 절대 안 돼요 물어뜯으면.
Not only do you fail to build blessings, but you kick them all away. Right? Is it okay to bite? Absolutely not.
이래 가지고 복 들어올까 이거? 동물이야 동물.
Will blessings come with this? This is animal behavior.
남의 얼굴에 낸다는 게 아니라 마음에. 마음에 스크레치를 계속 내는 거야. 그럼 복 들어올까? 그러면서 아들 공부 잘하라고? 아들 시험에 붙으라고? 안 맞아.
Not on someone’s face, but in their heart. You keep scratching their heart. Will blessings come then? And you want your son to study well? To pass his exam? It doesn’t fit.
제일 조심해야 되는 게 bite 물어뜯는 거 입으로 남편을 막 묻어뜯어. 아내를 입으로 막 묻어뜯어. 그거는 개가 하는 거여. dog가 도그가 제일 잘하는 게 물어뜯는 거야.
The most important thing to be careful of is biting—tearing into your husband with your mouth. Tearing into your wife with your mouth. That’s what a dog does. Biting is what a dog does best.
우리는 입으로 봉사를 해서 입에 무료급식 남에게 좋은 음식을 넣어줘야지. 뭘 넣어 주나? 입으로 물어뜯고 그냥 으르렁거리질 않나? 세상에 상처 내질 않나? 싸우지 않나?
We should serve with our mouths, putting good food into others’ mouths through free meals. What do we put in? Don’t we bite with our mouths, growl, hurt the world, and fight?
저러면 복이 올까 갈까? 당연히 가는 거야 당연히.
If you act like that, will blessings come or go? Of course, they’ll go.
그러니까 이런 거 하면 되나 안 되나? 안 되죠? 그러면 이렇게 된다.
So, is it okay to do these things? No, it’s not. If you do, this is what happens.
남 절대 물어뜯지 말아요. 좀 으르렁대지 말아 이런 거. 이거는 뭐 하는 거야? bark는? 뭐 쌀이 떨어지니 뭐 하느니 돈 못 버니 이렇게 짓지 말아. 말하는 게 아니라 짓는 거야. 개 짓는 것처럼.
Never bite others. Don’t growl like that. What is “bark”? Don’t bark about running out of rice, not making money, and so on. It’s not talking, it’s barking, like a dog.
입이 복을 다 날리고 복을 짓기도 하고 날리기도 하는 거.
The mouth can both build and destroy blessings.
The Authenticity of Action: “Smell” of a True Servant
Huh Kyung-young emphasizes that true character is revealed through actions, not just words. He uses the metaphor of a “smell” or “fragrance” that emanates from individuals who genuinely practice what they preach, whether it’s a wealthy person, a priest, or a spiritual leader. This “smell” attracts others and makes their message credible. He contrasts this with those who merely talk about faith or good deeds without embodying them, highlighting the importance of authenticity and consistent behavior in influencing others.
심지어 어떤 사람이 교회 갑시다 그러니까 당신 몸에서 교회 냄새가 나야 뭐 교회를 가든지 말든지 할 거 아니에요? 그렇게 말할 수가 있어.
Some people might even say, “Let’s go to church,” and you could reply, “Well, if your body smells like church, then maybe I’ll go.”
당신 몸에서 목사 냄새 전도사 냄새라도 나야 될 거 아니야? 아무 냄새도 안 나면서 말이야. 뭐 교회 가자? 가겠어요? 내 말 이해 가죠? 납치하는 거여? 교회로? 그 납치하자는 거야? 알죠? 그래서 우리는 그런 사람이 돼야 된다는 몸에 배야 돼. 몸에 배어야. 그래야 사람들이 가는 거야.
Shouldn’t your body at least smell like a pastor or an evangelist? You don’t smell like anything, and you say, “Let’s go to church”? Will people go? Do you understand what I’m saying? Is it kidnapping to church? Is that what you’re suggesting? You know? So, we need to become that kind of person, it has to be ingrained in our bodies. It has to be ingrained. Only then will people follow.
또 누가 봐도 그냥 양복을 입고 있는데도 이 사람은 일반 사람이 아니야. 성직자 같은 냄새가 나.
Also, even if someone is just wearing a suit, anyone can tell this person isn’t ordinary. They have the aura of a religious figure.
그 사람한테서 그 냄새 향기가 나와야 돼. 향기가. 그래서 봉사한 사람은 사람들이 그 사람을 좋아해요. 이상스렇게 사람이 따라.
That scent, that fragrance, must emanate from that person. That’s why people like those who serve. People strangely follow them.
이렇게 몸에서 묻어나야 돼.
It has to emanate from the body like that.
어머 저 사람은 재벌 냄새가 나. 저 사람은 신부 냄새가 나. 저 사람은 성직자 냄새가 나. 허경영은 신인 냄새나네. 그래 안 그래? 그러면 되는 거예요.
Oh, that person smells like a chaebol. That person smells like a priest. That person smells like a religious figure. Huh Kyung-young smells like a divine being. Right? Then that’s it.
무료급식은 이게 뭐야? 말 없는 행동이야. 맞지? 말 없는 행동. 어머 저 사람 무료급식 냄새가 나. 그래 안 그래? 어머 저 사람은 작은 예수야. 하는 행동이 전부 성직자 냄새가 나.
What is free meal service? It’s action without words. Right? Action without words. Oh, that person smells like free meal service. Right? Oh, that person is a little Jesus. All their actions smell like a religious figure.
Central Questions & Answers
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What is the True Meaning of Free Meal Service According to Huh Kyung-young?
Question: What is the spiritual and practical significance of providing free meal service, and how does it differ from ordinary charity, as explained by Huh Kyung-young?
Answer: Huh Kyung-young emphasizes that true free meal service, or any act of giving, must come from personal sacrifice, not from surplus. He recounts how he began offering free meals at 22 by reducing his own daily intake from three meals to two. This act of “fasting” (절식) and giving what one has personally forgone is considered a “blessing” (복) from Heaven. Giving from one’s abundance is seen as mere service, lacking the profound spiritual impact of self-denial. This principle extends to other forms of giving, such as donating money saved from quitting alcohol or cigarettes, which is believed to bring blessings and prevent backsliding.
Key Quote: “Giving to others by reducing what you eat is a blessing. If you give to others after eating all you want, that is not true service.” -
How Does Personal Sacrifice and Giving Lead to Blessings and a Favorable Destiny?
Question: How does Huh Kyung-young explain the connection between personal sacrifice, acts of giving, and the manifestation of blessings, good fortune, and even health in one’s life and future incarnations?
Answer: According to Huh Kyung-young, acts of genuine sacrifice and giving, such as fasting to provide for the needy, accumulate spiritual merit that leads to tangible blessings. These blessings can manifest as a favorable destiny in the next life, such as being born into wealth and nobility (富貴兼全之象), or receiving timely help in times of illness (有病得藥之象) or difficulty (困難得水之象). He cites the Bible (Isaiah 58:6-10) to support the idea that such actions lead to divine protection, rapid healing, and constant guidance, transforming darkness into light and making one like a “watered garden.”
Key Quote: “If you give to the hungry, the thirsty, and the sick, that is giving to God. The blessings will follow you, and Heaven will protect you.” -
What Behaviors Should Be Avoided to Attract Blessings, According to Huh Kyung-young?
Question: What specific negative behaviors and attitudes does Huh Kyung-young identify as detrimental to receiving blessings and spiritual growth, often comparing them to animalistic traits?
Answer: Huh Kyung-young strongly advises against behaviors he likens to those of dogs and cats, which he categorizes as “bite,” “bark,” “growl,” “fight,” and “scratch.” These represent verbal attacks, constant complaining, aggressive arguments, and inflicting emotional wounds on others. He asserts that engaging in such actions, particularly within families, drives away blessings and prevents divine assistance. Instead of these destructive behaviors, individuals should cultivate kindness and positive actions.
Key Quote: “If you bite, bark, growl, fight, and scratch, you are not building blessings; you are kicking them all away.” -
How Does Fasting (절식) Contribute to Health and Spiritual Well-being?
Question: Beyond its role in enabling charity, what are the direct health and spiritual benefits of fasting or reducing food intake, as taught by Huh Kyung-young?
Answer: Huh Kyung-young states that reducing one’s food intake, even by just one meal a day, has profound health benefits, preventing common ailments like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar (the “three highs”). Spiritually, this self-discipline is a form of “fasting that God delights in,” which breaks the “bonds of wickedness” and frees one from burdens. It aligns the individual with divine will, leading to rapid healing and a sense of inner peace, eliminating “pain, suffering, and worry” (마음의 쓰리고).
Key Quote: “If you fast one meal a day, all hospitals become unnecessary. Doctors become unnecessary because there is no illness.” -
What is the Significance of the Sky Temple’s Elixir Water (광천수) and How Should It Be Approached?
Question: What is the spiritual and scientific explanation behind the Elixir Water at the Sky Temple, and what attitude should people adopt when consuming it, according to Huh Kyung-young?
Answer: Huh Kyung-young explains that the Elixir Water (광천수) at the Sky Temple is not ordinary water but has traveled over 3.3 kilometers underground for more than 100 million years, absorbing various beneficial minerals like germanium. This incredibly long and arduous journey imbues it with immense spiritual significance. He emphasizes that consuming this water without gratitude or acknowledgment of its miraculous origin and the God-man’s power is akin to inviting misfortune. It should be approached with deep respect and thankfulness.
Key Quote: “If you drink this water without saying, ‘God-man, thank you,’ you will be struck by lightning.” -
What is the Difference in Energy Between Buddhist and Christian Spiritual Terms?
Question: According to Huh Kyung-young, what is the fundamental difference in spiritual energy between key terms used in Buddhism and Christianity, and what does this imply about their nature?
Answer: Huh Kyung-young demonstrates that Christian spiritual terms like “prayer,” “salvation,” “blessing,” “Holy Spirit,” “grace,” “resurrection,” “eternal life,” and “Heaven” all possess tangible energy, which he illustrates through a physical test where individuals cannot be pushed over while uttering them. In contrast, Buddhist terms such as “enlightenment,” “nirvana,” “liberation,” “bodhi,” “prajna,” “samadhi,” “non-self,” and “Buddhahood” lack this energy, causing individuals to lose balance easily. He attributes this difference to Christianity representing “Yang” (positive energy) and Buddhism representing “Yin” (negative energy) in the cosmic order, with the God-man embodying the Yang principle.
Key Quote: “Christianity’s terms all have energy. Buddhism’s terms have no energy at all.”
Top 3 Recommended Questions:
What is the True Meaning of Free Meal Service According to Huh Kyung-young?
How Does Personal Sacrifice and Giving Lead to Blessings and a Favorable Destiny?
What Behaviors Should Be Avoided to Attract Blessings, According to Huh Kyung-young?
The Profound Significance of Free Meal Service: A Pathway to Blessings and Spiritual Cultivation with Huh Kyung-young
- The Global Cultural Dominance of Korea and the Essence of Trust
The journey from Switzerland to Sky Temple is indeed remarkable, spanning eighteen hours . Switzerland, a nation renowned for its unwavering loyalty, consistently ranks first globally in trustworthiness . This characteristic is one of five crucial elements observed in international relations, alongside manpower, technology, and etiquette . While Korea excels in manpower and technological prowess, its etiquette is perceived as somewhat lacking .
Nevertheless, Korean culture currently exerts a profound influence worldwide . Korean entertainers are recognized as global leaders in their craft, establishing Korea as the undisputed emperor of the entertainment industry . Over 200 nations engage with Korea through its cultural exports, particularly from South Korea, which is celebrated for its directors, actors, and talents . Whether it is historical dramas like “Dae Jang Geum,” K-Pop, or global phenomena such as “Gangnam Style,” Korean cuisine, music, and dance are widely emulated, with Europeans practicing these forms in their homes .
Recently, a Korean woman achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, challenging traditional male dominance in the literary world . This accomplishment underscores the recognition of Korean women in the delicate, literary, and future-oriented cultural spheres, transcending the limitations of previous literary figures . Consequently, Korean literature has attained global prominence, establishing Korea as the leading nation in culture, overseeing numerous cultural “vassal states” . The Korean people possess a unique blend of sorrow and joy, expressed through traditional songs like “Chang” and “Minyo,” which are unparalleled in Western cultures .
- The Subjective Nature of Perception and the Pursuit of Happiness
Perception shapes reality; one’s understanding constructs the object, rather than the object defining perception . This subjective reality implies that if one perceives the world as heaven, heaven unfolds; conversely, if one views it as hell, hell manifests . For instance, a director creating a film about hell might perceive every woman as a potential ghost, meticulously selecting those who best embody the role . Similarly, an individual seeking a spouse evaluates every potential partner through the lens of their ideal marital candidate .
Those who reside in a “sea of happiness” may appear outwardly impoverished, akin to individuals in the Himalayas who, despite their harsh living conditions, maintain an unwavering smile . For these individuals, happiness is simply the safe return of a husband from a perilous journey . They experience neither suffering nor fear of death, viewing demise as a natural transition into the eternal embrace of the snow-covered mountains . Their minds are unburdened by desires, and their faith is rooted in the tangible reality of nature, devoid of competitive aspirations . In contrast, those who constantly perceive competition are plagued by anxiety and heart ailments . Therefore, reducing the scope of one’s perceived objects is beneficial, as it eliminates unnecessary distractions .
- The Genesis of Free Meal Service and the Principle of Self-Sacrifice
Huh Kyung-young initiated free meal services at Seoul Station 54 years ago, at the age of 22 . This endeavor was eventually recognized by the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper when he was 40, highlighting his 18 years of dedicated service to 15,000 underprivileged individuals . The profound principle behind free meal service is rooted in self-sacrifice: one must reduce one’s own consumption to provide for others . This concept is akin to the traditional practice of mothers setting aside a spoonful of rice from their own meals for those in need . Offering leftovers after one has eaten to satiety does not constitute true service . Instead, one should first set aside a portion of what one intends to consume .
This act of self-denial, such as fasting one meal a day, is considered a “pure offering” (정결미) . Those who practice such fasting and donate the saved resources to religious institutions, whether temples or churches, invariably achieve prosperity . This is because the heavens bestow blessings upon such individuals . Similarly, those who abstain from vices like alcohol and tobacco should donate the equivalent monetary value to charity, transforming their personal sacrifice into a blessing for others . Such actions are universally rewarded, irrespective of religious affiliation . Huh Kyung-young himself adopted a two-meal-a-day regimen since commencing his free meal service, embodying this principle of self-sacrifice .
- The Blessings of Altruism and Divine Protection
Engaging in acts of selfless service, such as providing free meals, leads to profound blessings in future lives . Individuals who perform such deeds are reborn with the “auspicious appearance of wealth and honor” (富貴兼全之象), possessing both beauty and noble lineage . Should they fall ill, they experience the “auspicious appearance of obtaining medicine in sickness” (有病得藥之象), receiving the best medical care and surrounded by dedicated healthcare professionals . Furthermore, they encounter the “auspicious appearance of obtaining water in difficulty” (困難得水之象), where divine intervention resolves their challenges, akin to a dragon finding water in a drought .
The Bible, specifically Isaiah 58:6-11, underscores the spiritual significance of such actions .
Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” This verse asserts that a chosen fast liberates individuals from the shackles of wickedness and oppression, symbolizing freedom from physical ailments like high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure, and promoting weight loss .
Isaiah 58:7: “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” This passage emphasizes the importance of sharing food with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, and not neglecting one’s own kin .
Isaiah 58:8: “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” This verse promises that such acts will lead to enlightenment, rapid healing, divine guidance, and protection by celestial beings .
Isaiah 58:9: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.” This verse assures that prayers will be answered immediately for those who eliminate oppression, judgment, and malicious speech .
Isaiah 58:10: “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” This verse reiterates that compassion for the hungry and afflicted transforms darkness into light .
Isaiah 58:11: “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” This verse promises continuous divine guidance, spiritual fulfillment even in barren lands, physical strength, and an unending source of blessings .
These scriptures assert that fasting and sharing with the needy are paramount for receiving divine favor and ensuring the well-being of one’s family .
- The Perils of Negative Speech and the Power of Action
Conversely, engaging in negative speech and actions can negate blessings . Huh Kyung-young identifies five behaviors akin to those of animals:
Bite: Maliciously attacking others with words, as dogs do .
Bark: Shouting or complaining incessantly, like a barking dog .
Growl: Displaying hostility and resentment, akin to a growling animal .
Fight: Engaging in conflict and discord .
Scratch: Inflicting emotional wounds or damaging another’s reputation, similar to a cat’s claws .
These behaviors, particularly prevalent among women, hinder the reception of blessings and create emotional scars . Instead of such destructive actions, one should offer “good food” through positive words and actions .
A couple who agrees to fast one meal a day and dedicate the saved resources to helping others will experience immense familial prosperity . This practice not only fosters marital harmony but also prevents common ailments like high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia . Fasting, in essence, eliminates the need for doctors and hospitals by promoting health and well-being . Such acts of kindness are rewarded with divine protection, safeguarding individuals from unforeseen dangers .
- Personal Experiences and the Wisdom of Nature
Huh Kyung-young’s commitment to free meal service stems from his own experiences of hunger during his high school years . Living in a tent on Muak Mountain, he often went without food, observing the impoverished yet seemingly happy families in the shantytowns below . The aroma of their meals would often cause him to pause, reflecting on the simple joys of family life . Despite his own privations, he recognized the profound happiness in their communal meals, a stark contrast to the wealthy who often dismissed them as beggars .
During that era of widespread poverty, many individuals, including his neighbors, practiced “rice-saving” (절미) by setting aside a portion of their rice for those in need . This act of self-denial, coupled with a life free from vices like alcohol, tobacco, and coffee, was believed to bring prosperity and good fortune . Such individuals, when they pass away, are said to experience a beautiful transition, guided by angels to heaven .
Nature itself offers profound lessons in foresight and preparation. Creatures living in holes, such as ants and frogs, possess an innate ability to predict impending rain or floods, taking preemptive measures to ensure their survival . Similarly, birds like magpies, which build nests in trees, can sense an approaching typhoon and reinforce their homes accordingly . These observations highlight humanity’s folly in often failing to anticipate and prepare for future challenges, prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term well-being .
- The Miraculous Spring Water and the Eight Joys
The miraculous spring water at Sky Temple, which gushes forth from a depth of 3.3 kilometers, serves as a testament to divine power . The journey of a single drop of rainwater to such depths takes over 100 million years, navigating through countless rock formations and absorbing various minerals . The fact that this cold water rises spontaneously, without mechanical assistance, is a phenomenon that defies human comprehension . This water, which is largely prevented from rapidly permeating the earth to prevent landslides, is a meticulously designed system for human survival . Therefore, consuming this water without acknowledging Huh Kyung-young’s divine grace is considered an act of ingratitude .
The eight joys (八樂) of Christianity—prayer, salvation, blessing, Holy Spirit, grace, resurrection, eternal life, and heaven—are imbued with divine energy . In contrast, the eight joys of Buddhism—enlightenment, nirvana, liberation, bodhi, prajna, samadhi, non-self, and Buddhahood—lack this inherent energy . This distinction reflects the fundamental difference between the “yang” energy of Christianity and the “yin” energy of Buddhism . The universe itself is structured in a hierarchy of “Wuji” (無極), “Taiji” (太極), and “Yin-Yang” (陰陽), with Earth residing in the realm of Yin-Yang . The Wuji realm, characterized by weightlessness and the absence of magnetic fields, represents a higher spiritual plane .
While Buddhist practices like “gongdeok” (供德) accumulate moral merit, they do not possess the power to directly lead one to heaven . To reach heaven, one must encounter Huh Kyung-young, who provides direct passage . Therefore, it is imperative to refrain from negative speech and actions, such as biting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching, which are akin to animalistic behaviors . Instead, one should embody the spirit of free meal service through silent action, radiating a benevolent aura that inspires others . Huh Kyung-young’s own life, devoid of vices and dedicated to service, exemplifies this principle, earning him the perception of a spiritual leader .
- The Path to Prosperity and the Eradication of Suffering
Fasting one meal a day is a powerful means to eliminate all diseases, promoting physical and spiritual well-being . This practice clears blocked blood vessels, reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, and alleviates the “three highs” of the mind: suffering, hardship, and worry . By entrusting one’s worries to Huh Kyung-young at Sky Temple, individuals can find resolution and peace .
Huh Kyung-young’s lectures, rooted in both personal experience and divine wisdom, serve as a guide for humanity . His life, marked by profound experiences from heaven to earth, has cultivated a deep love and appreciation for all people, especially those who recognize his divine nature . The “Huh Kyung-young Anthem” and “Flying Saucer” songs, performed during the lecture, celebrate his divine arrival and transformative power . The “Elixir Water” (불로수) from Sky Temple, which cures incurable diseases, further underscores his miraculous abilities .
The free meal service, a practice Huh Kyung-young has maintained for 54 years, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to humanity . Despite the lack of media recognition, his actions are acknowledged by heaven, serving as a model for all . His personal experiences of hunger during his youth profoundly influenced his dedication to this service, a principle echoed in the ancient scriptures of Isaiah . Thus, the path to fulfilling one’s desires and receiving divine blessings lies not in empty rituals but in acts of self-sacrifice and compassion, as exemplified by the free meal service .
The Profound Meaning of Free Meal Service: A Path to Blessings and Spiritual Growth with Huh Kyung-young
- The Global Reach of the Sky Temple and the Essence of Trust
The journey from Switzerland to the Sky Temple is indeed remarkable, spanning 18 hours. Switzerland, a nation that has miraculously maintained its existence through tumultuous European history, is renowned for its unwavering loyalty, ranking first globally in trustworthiness. When evaluating international relations, we consider several factors: reliability, manpower, and technology. While many nations possess manpower and technological prowess, some lack proper etiquette. Korea, for instance, excels in manpower and technological capabilities, and our culture now dominates the world. Our entertainment industry professionals are considered global leaders, making Korea a cultural empire. The entire world, comprising over 200 nations, looks to Korea for cultural trends. Korean directors, actors, and talents are internationally recognized as top-tier. Whether it is Dae Jang Geum, K-pop, or songs like “Gangnam Style,” Korean culture, including food, music, and dance, is widely imitated, with Europeans practicing these at home.
Recently, a Korean woman became the first female recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, which challenged the pride of men worldwide. This woman claimed the literary crown, demonstrating that in areas of subtlety, literature, and future-oriented cultural aspects, Korean women are highly esteemed. She transcended the mannerisms of previous literary figures like Park Kyung-ni and Lee Mun-yeol, who had not received Nobel recognition. Her deep dive into the inner world of human experience captivated the global literary scene. Consequently, Korean novels now hold a top position, establishing Korea as the cultural leader of the world, with over 200 nations following our lead. Our people possess both deep sorrow and vibrant joy, creating a unique cultural blend that no other nation can emulate. Traditional Korean songs, such as chang and minyo, and sijo poetry, are unparalleled in the West. I recall seeing elderly scholars reciting sijo in traditional tiled houses during my youth; it was a breathtaking experience that those with impatient temperaments could not fathom.
- The Subjective Nature of Perception and the Pursuit of Happiness
Our understanding of self is always determined by the object of our perception. As a child, I could not comprehend the elderly reciting classical poetry. Without understanding the subject, everything remains veiled. This physical world reveals itself only to the extent that one perceives it. For those with impaired vision, this objective world may not exist. Therefore, one creates their own objective world; the objective world does not create the individual. If one perceives this world as heaven, then heaven unfolds. If one perceives it as hell, then hell unfolds. For example, a director creating a film about hell might see potential “ghosts” in every woman they encounter, envisioning how they could be transformed into terrifying specters. The director’s objective becomes finding the perfect “ghosts” to ensure the film’s success.
Similarly, when seeking a spouse, one scrutinizes every potential partner, evaluating them against their preconceived ideal. Thus, one’s perception creates the object; the object does not create the perception. This is the essence of subjectivity. Consider those living in the Himalayas, like the Sherpa women, who reside at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. They often appear withered, with women in their thirties resembling sixty-year-old grandmothers. Yet, they never lose their smiles, appearing as if they live in paradise. What is their objective? Their happiness lies in their husbands returning safely from the treacherous snowy peaks. Their world is a vast expanse of snow. For them, the greatest joy is their husband’s safe return, free from the dangers of the snow. They experience no suffering or distress. If a husband perishes in the snow, they accept it as fate, believing the Himalayas have taken him to a better place, and they do not grieve.
They are free from worry, pain, and the fear of death. Their bodies, preserved in the snow, do not decompose, remaining intact for centuries. They believe they simply fall asleep in the snow, free from the decay and maggots associated with death. Their inner perception is pure, and they desire nothing. Faith, as it is said, is the substance of things hoped for. Their faith is devoid of specific desires, embracing only nature itself. There is no competition among Sherpas. We, however, are constantly driven by the objective of competition, leading to stress and heart ailments. Therefore, it is beneficial to reduce the number of objectives one pursues, as this eliminates unnecessary distractions.
- The Genesis of Free Meal Service and the Principle of Self-Sacrifice
The topic of free meal service is profoundly significant. Why did the God-man initiate free meal service in Seoul Station 54 years ago, at the age of 22? This was reported in the JoongAng Ilbo when I was 40. It took 20 years for a single line about my efforts to appear in the newspaper. The article, published when I was 40, hailed me as the “Pestalozzi of Korea,” having assisted 15,000 underprivileged individuals over 18 years. This confirms that I began at 22. When I observe 22-year-olds today, my heart sinks. At 22, I reduced my daily meals to two, believing that one meal should be given to others. Why did I fast one meal a day? Because a person who gives food to others after consuming all their own is not truly virtuous. True blessing comes from reducing one’s own consumption to help others.
This principle is akin to how mothers in the past would set aside a spoonful of rice from each meal into a jar. This rice, known as jeonggyeolmi (righteous rice), was saved to be given to those in need. This spirit is crucial for free meal service. One must first set aside from what they would eat. Giving leftovers after one has eaten their fill is not true service. It is essential to reduce one’s own portion before preparing a meal. This act of self-reduction, of eating one less meal a day, is what makes free meal service meaningful. If one eats three full meals and then provides free meal service, there is a fundamental issue. Jeonggyeolmi signifies giving from one’s own reduction.
Those who fast one meal a day and donate their tithes to a church or temple invariably become wealthy. This is because heaven bestows blessings upon such individuals. It is about setting aside what is to be offered to the divine and to one’s neighbors before preparing one’s own meal, ensuring the prosperity of the family. Similarly, if one quits alcohol, merely declaring it to God will not bring lasting blessings. One must calculate the monthly cost of alcohol and cigarettes and donate that amount to the church as an offering, stating, “I offer this money to God as a token of my abstinence, to be given to those in need.” Such an act ensures that the person will not revert to drinking. However, simply quitting without this offering does not bring blessings, as it is done for personal benefit, not for the divine or others.
By offering the saved amount to others, one receives glory. This principle applies to all religions; good deeds bring blessings. There is no distinction between Buddhism or Christianity in this regard. This is why I have eaten only two meals a day since I began free meal service. This spirit has guided the God-man throughout his journey. Free meal service means giving from what one has personally saved, not from surplus earnings. It is akin to donating one’s own blood. Those who perform such selfless service, even if they do not encounter the God-man in this life, will be reborn into a state of wealth and honor in the next. They will be born with a beautiful appearance, into a wealthy and noble family, attracting followers.
Such individuals, if they fall ill, will experience the “image of obtaining medicine when sick.” Doctors and pharmacists will line up to treat them, ensuring their recovery. Just as a dragon in distress finds water in abundance, those who perform such service will experience the “image of obtaining water in difficulty,” where divine intervention aids them in times of trouble. Giving food to the hungry is the most profound act of service.
- Scriptural Foundations for Compassionate Service
The Bible also speaks of giving a cup of water, asserting that the recipient is divine. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Isaiah 58:6-8 elucidates this further: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard, meaning angels will protect you. Archangels will guard you, subtly supporting you when you stumble. This protection comes from your contributions to free meal service. Isaiah 58:9-11 continues: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
These verses are not to be taken lightly. They emphasize that the fast pleasing to God is when you reduce your own consumption. If you have a fervent wish, such as your child passing an exam, you should fast and give the equivalent of what you saved to others, whether to a temple or a church. Heaven will not ignore such an act; it is a method of accumulating blessings. Some might question why the God-man has provided free meal service for 54 years. It is to set an example. While it may not be possible during election campaigns or when funds are scarce, the intention remains. The crucial element is fasting. Providing free meal service while indulging in alcohol and cigarettes is unacceptable. How can one expect blessings for their children or family if they engage in such behavior?
The most effective practice is the “rice-saving movement” (절식 운동) our mothers used to perform. They would set aside rice from their meals and give it to needy neighbors. After accumulating it for a year, they would offer it to an elderly person, saying, “Please eat this; it is rice I saved for six months.” Subsequently, that family would prosper. This is a blessing from heaven. It is not enough to simply work hard; one must reduce personal consumption and eliminate indulgence. I have never consumed alcohol, cigarettes, or coffee. In high school, a cup of coffee was my entire day’s living expense. I never drank soda or cola, only cold water. I always carried water, as I had no lunchbox.
I avoided coffee because of its dark color, though it is beneficial for women’s skin; it simply costs money. I abstained from such things to maintain a clear conscience. I witnessed mothers in rural areas practicing the rice-saving movement. Our village became prosperous because everyone, even the wealthy, participated. They accumulated blessings, leading to wealth and honor in the next life. If they fell ill, they would be taken to the best hospitals, with special rooms prepared. When they passed, angels would await them, accompanied by beautiful fragrances and music, experiencing a painless transition. This is the essence of free meal service.
Some might wonder why I spend billions on free meal service instead of investing in land or stocks. I have provided extensive free meal service, not through fundraising, but entirely on my own, in secret. Most successful individuals have performed good deeds discreetly. You need not feel guilty; you have performed many good deeds to reach the Sky Temple. I instruct ordinary people to read Isaiah 58:6-10, but it does not apply to you, as you have already done much good and entered the heavenly ranks. I am not admonishing you, but rather informing others who watch my lectures. A person who eats three meals a day while their child faces university entrance exams is misguided. They should reduce their meals and give to the less fortunate in their neighborhood. Simply praying for their child’s success without action is ineffective.
One might tell a person inviting them to church, “Your body must exude the scent of the church for me to consider going.” If someone consistently helps elderly neighbors, provides food, and assists others, people will follow them to church. One must embody the spirit of a pastor or evangelist. People are drawn to those who radiate such an aura. Some priests possess such a profound presence that one desires to attend their church. Even in civilian clothes, some individuals exude a spiritual aura. When a young person asks for directions, a priest might respond with respectful and gentle words. However, a pastor who responds curtly or tries to convert someone asking for directions to a temple will not attract followers. A kind and helpful person, even if a pastor, will inspire others to follow them to church.
This spiritual fragrance must emanate from within. People are drawn to those who serve others. They are inexplicably attracted to such individuals. A person who speaks English fluently will exude an “English scent.” Their clothes, hairstyle, and demeanor will reflect this. Similarly, one’s actions must reflect their inner state.
- Avoiding Negative Behaviors and Embracing Spiritual Practices
To embody such a spirit, one must avoid behaviors akin to those of dogs: biting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching. These actions not only prevent blessings but actively repel them. Biting others with words, whether a spouse or a neighbor, is a canine behavior. Barking, or complaining loudly about financial difficulties, is also like a dog’s bark. Growling, or harboring resentment and hostility, is common in marital conflicts. Fighting, or engaging in disputes, will not bring blessings. Scratching, or inflicting emotional wounds on others, is a prevalent human tendency. These behaviors, often directed at others, prevent blessings from entering one’s life.
The most crucial behavior to avoid is “biting” with words, tearing down one’s spouse or others. This is a characteristic of dogs. Barking, or yelling, is also a dog-like behavior. Women who frequently yell might be drawn to keeping dogs, as “birds of a feather flock together.” These terms, though English, are easily understood. “Scratching,” or subtly demeaning others, is a common tactic. For example, disparaging someone’s character by spreading rumors. These are profoundly important observations. We should use our mouths to serve others, to offer good words, not to bite, growl, scratch, or fight. Growling, or harboring intense animosity, is frequently observed between spouses. Such behavior repels blessings and leaves emotional scars.
The “image of obtaining water in difficulty” signifies that divine assistance arrives in times of trouble. However, if couples quarrel during difficulties, they repel blessings and obstruct heavenly aid. Imagine a couple deciding to fast one meal a day and dedicate the savings to helping others throughout their lives. Such a family would experience immense growth. This practice also prevents health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Fasting one meal a day eliminates the need for hospitals and doctors, as one remains free from illness. This health stems from a righteous heart. By dedicating one meal’s worth of food to God, or to the “little Jesuses” (the needy), blessings will flow.
Many have experienced miraculous escapes from accidents, such as a large truck narrowly missing their car. These are instances of protection from blessings accumulated in past lives. Those who have performed many good deeds are protected. Those who come to the Sky Temple have performed even more such deeds. In high school, I lived in a tent on a mountaintop, eating only once or twice a week. I often went hungry, climbing Muak Mountain, where shantytowns sprawled below. The alleys were winding, traversed by men carrying briquettes. The area teemed with children; poverty often leads to large families.
Families lived in single rooms under makeshift roofs. President Park Chung-hee later relocated these residents to Seongnam City, which was then a mountainous area, distributing 50 pyeong (approximately 165 square meters) of land to each family, thus creating a new city. I lived there a few years before this relocation. Children swarmed everywhere. Returning home late at night from high school, around 11 PM, I would hear the sounds of families eating in the shantytowns. Through small windows, I could hear spoons and chopsticks, and smell soybean paste stew. I would often stop for ten minutes, inhaling the aroma. Then, realizing why I had stopped, I would continue my ascent, only to be drawn by another scent, stopping again. This path was a journey of hardship.
Upon entering my tent, it was cold, everything frozen, including the water. There were no sounds or smells of food. I would light a candle and study, forgetting my hunger as I focused on homework. I experienced life without running water, where everything was frozen. Yet, in those impoverished homes, I perceived happiness. Children calling for their fathers, families conversing, eating together in small spaces—these were images of happiness. Wealthy people in Jangchung-dong, however, would call them beggars. Returning from school, I would see men carrying briquettes, one or two at a time, on their way home from work. This was a time of great poverty, when hunger was more common than satiety.
I fainted hundreds of times from dizziness and malnutrition, waking up in police stations before returning to school. My face was covered in rashes from nutritional deficiencies. This is why I began free meal service at 22, and why I fasted. It was a continuation of my high school experiences. To improve one’s fortune, one must reduce personal consumption and give to others. Indulging in three meals, alcohol, and cigarettes will not bring blessings. Coffee is acceptable as a beverage, but cigarettes are problematic. I speak from direct experience. My high school hardships were instrumental in preparing me for my role as the God-man. My time in temples was during middle school, where I visited seven different temples. While I could eat in temples, the work was arduous, leaving no time for study. In high school, I chose to live in a tent and study, even if it meant going hungry. This was a dilemma: to go to a temple for food or to study while fasting. My mind often yearned for the warm food and rooms of the temple, while I sat in the freezing cold, my lower body stiff.
Despite this, I persevered with sheer willpower, though my body suffered from inflammation and peritonitis. My experiences shaped me. The phrase hyeolgeojajiwoo (穴居者知雨), meaning “cave dwellers know the rain,” refers to creatures like ants and frogs that sense impending rain or floods and seek refuge. Humans, however, often remain oblivious and suffer the consequences. In China, there were instances of rats fleeing en masse before major floods. Rats and bats, living in caves, sense the coming of heavy rains and take shelter. Humans, in their foolishness, are often caught unprepared.
Insects can sense typhoons and heavy rains. Cave dwellers and creatures living in burrows, like magpies building nests in trees, know when a typhoon is approaching. They prepare by reinforcing their nests. Elderly people in the past observed these animal behaviors to predict weather events. This means humans learn from insects, discerning the future by observing them. This phrase, hyeolgeojajiwoopung (穴居者知雨風), signifies knowing both rain and wind. Humans, however, often focus solely on personal consumption and prosperity, only to face disaster despite their efforts.
- The Blessings of Fasting and Compassionate Action
Let us revisit Isaiah 58:6-10. “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” Fasting releases you from the bonds of wickedness and evil, which constantly afflict us. It frees you from high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Fasting naturally leads to weight loss. It breaks the yokes that bind you.
“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” The “homeless poor” refers to refugees, like those in Israel and Palestine, whom we support. “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” Your honor will be restored, leading to a state of wealth and honor. Illnesses will naturally disappear with fasting. Those with terminal cancer, for instance, should fast rather than indulge.
“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” This means avoiding negative behaviors like biting, growling, scratching, fighting, and barking. If you satisfy the desires of the afflicted, your light will rise in the darkness.
The consequences are further elaborated: “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” You will be like an ever-flowing spring, like the mineral water that miraculously gushes forth in the mountains. This is not my own assertion but is found in the scriptures. Why would the God-man refer to this? Because these are my words.
Consider the water that penetrates the earth. It takes one year for water to seep 1 centimeter into the ground. To reach 1 meter, it takes 100 years; 10 meters, 1,000 years; 100 meters, 10,000 years; and 1,000 meters, 100,000 years. For our mineral water to reach 3.3 kilometers, it takes over 100 million years. This vast amount of water, approximately 200 tons daily, gushing from the earth, is an unimaginable blessing. It is water stored for hundreds of millions of years, rising for our benefit. This is not a fabrication. The speed at which water permeates the earth is incredibly slow, navigating around rocks and through various mineral layers like germanium. The journey of a single drop of water to 3.3 kilometers beneath the earth involves unimaginable hardship.
This water, having traveled for over 100 million years, gushes forth in such abundance. One should bow in reverence to this water. To consume it without gratitude is to invite divine retribution. I am teaching you the proper attitude towards water. A single drop of rainwater takes over 100 million years to reach 3.3 kilometers underground. And how does it rise? There is no pump at 3.3 kilometers. Boiling water can rise, but cold water? It is not humanly possible. Most rainwater evaporates or flows into rivers and then to the sea, not penetrating the ground. Only a small fraction seeps in, at an incredibly slow pace. If you excavate a mountain after rain, the soil inside is dry; there is no water.
This is why mountains do not collapse. If water rapidly permeated the ground, landslides would occur, as the soil could not hold it. The earth’s structure is designed to prevent rapid water absorption, ensuring our survival. How intricate is this design? Water flows down slopes into streams and then to the sea, not penetrating the ground. The source of our mineral water is at an altitude of 400 meters, 200 meters higher than Seoul. This water, rising from such a height, is a miracle. To drink this mineral water without acknowledging the God-man is to incur divine wrath. You may have taken free meal service for granted, but I have read Isaiah 58:6-10 to you today. Do not forget it.
It clearly states what leads to prosperity. It emphasizes fasting and sharing with neighbors. When you give to the thirsty and your neighbors, your prayers will be answered, and your children will be protected. Therefore, the God-man must set an example through free meal service. It does not matter if newspapers or people recognize it; only heaven’s recognition matters. The God-man sets this example. I have no need for blessings; I merely demonstrate the path. My high school hunger profoundly influenced my practice of fasting. And Isaiah, written thousands of years before my birth, already contained these principles. You now understand what actions lead to the fulfillment of wishes. It is not about superficial acts of charity but about these profound practices.
I speak slowly because you cannot absorb too much at once. My voice is hoarse from many calls. I must write these down: fight, growl, bark, bite, scratch. These are your favorite actions, especially scratching, which is your specialty—inflicting emotional wounds on others. These are all associated with dogs. Cats also scratch, but dogs also bite, bark, growl, and scratch. These five behaviors are deeply connected to animals. You have inflicted many scratches on others. This is a common female trait. While there are Chinese characters for these, English is simpler in this context. It is shameful to engage in these behaviors. Instead, you should fast.
- The Power of Spiritual Energy and the Path to Heaven
Prayer, salvation, blessing, Holy Spirit, grace, resurrection, eternal life, and heaven—these eight Christian “joys” (八樂) are imbued with energy. When tested, these words demonstrate an inherent power. However, the eight Buddhist “joys” (八樂)—enlightenment, nirvana, liberation, bodhi, prajna, samadhi, non-self, and Buddhahood—lack this energy. When tested, these words show no power. This signifies that Christian terms are “yang” (positive energy), while Buddhist terms are “yin” (negative energy).
In the creation of the universe, there is the ultimate void (無極), followed by the supreme ultimate (太極), and then yin and yang (陰陽), which constitute Earth. The “Great Way of the Ultimate Void” (無極大道) refers to a higher spiritual realm. Just as a compass does not function beyond a certain altitude, that is the realm of the ultimate void, a state of weightlessness. Here on Earth, we live in the world of yin and yang, where the compass functions.
All Buddhist concepts lack energy, whereas all Christian and Catholic concepts are imbued with energy. This is why the God-man came as a man, not as a woman. If I were to embody the yin energy, I would have come as a female bodhisattva. This is a profound secret. These Christian terms possess energy, while Buddhist terms consume energy, leaving none. Therefore, performing Buddhist rituals, while accumulating moral merit, does not lead to heaven. It only brings one to the waiting room of heaven. To reach heaven directly, one must meet the God-man.
You tend to forget much, so I will emphasize this: never bite or growl at others. Do not bark, complaining about lack of rice or money. These are not words but barks, like a dog’s. No one likes such behavior. Men and women alike, stop barking. Show it through action. Let people perceive the “scent of a millionaire,” the “scent of a priest,” the “scent of a holy person,” or the “scent of the God-man” from you.
As Jesus said, it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out. These negative behaviors are what come out. Therefore, one must guard their mouth, as it can both create and destroy blessings. Free meal service is an action without words. It exudes the “scent of free meal service.” People will perceive you as a “little Jesus,” whose actions radiate holiness. Even before becoming president, when I provided free meal service, people would ask if I was a pastor. I did not drink, smoke, or consume coffee, and avoided cafes. If I had to meet someone, I would suggest a bank, as it was clean, cool in summer, and offered a lobby without interference. Banks were my office.
I knew all the banks in Seoul, like the Joheung Bank headquarters in Jongno 1-ga or the Commercial Bank in Gwanghwamun. I did not need to memorize coffee shops. I lived a pure life, avoiding cigarette smoke. Banks were smoke-free and offered free water, which I appreciated. I lived like an ascetic, detesting behaviors like biting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching. English words like “bark” and “growl” vividly describe these actions. English is easy for me; I understand it instantly.
Why should we provide free meal service? Isaiah 58:6-10 explains why fasting and free meal service are beneficial: they eliminate illness and feed the hungry. If you find it difficult to lose weight, try fasting one meal a day; all diseases will disappear. Coming to the Sky Temple, eating one meal, and then fasting, filling your stomach with water, is beneficial for your body. It clears blocked blood vessels and removes fatty deposits. It eliminates high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar—the “three highs” of the body. The “three highs” of the mind are pain, hardship, and worry. These mental “three highs” cause stress and all diseases. Do not worry; ask the angels, or come to the Sky Temple and unburden your worries to the God-man, and they will be resolved.
It is not about accumulating much information. You now understand why free meal service is necessary. Memorize Isaiah 58:6-10. It contains all that I wish to convey. My additional explanations are supplementary. My lectures are the easiest to understand. I have experienced everything, from heaven to earth. Therefore, people appear precious and lovable to me. Those who recognize me are especially lovable.
According to the speaker, what is the primary characteristic that makes Switzerland stand out globally?
① Its historical military power
② Its advanced technological innovations
③ Its strong sense of reliability and trust
④ Its diverse cultural entertainment industry
(③ Its strong sense of reliability and trust, The speaker emphasizes Switzerland’s global number one ranking in reliability and trust, highlighting it as a key national characteristic. A common misconception might be that its neutrality is the primary characteristic, but the speaker specifically links neutrality to its smaller size after historical conflicts, while trust is presented as a current defining feature.)
The speaker states that the “object world” (대상 세계) is not something that creates the self, but rather something that the self creates. (O/X)
(O, The speaker explicitly states, “대상 세계는 자기가 대상을 만드는 거지 대상이 자기를 만드는 게 아니야” (The object world is where the self creates the object, not the object creating the self). A common misconception is that external circumstances dictate one’s reality, but the speaker argues that one’s perception shapes it.)
What is the speaker’s definition of “정결미” (pure rice) in the context of giving to others?
① Rice that is specially blessed before being given away.
② Rice that is purchased specifically for donation.
③ Rice that is set aside from one’s own portion before eating.
④ Rice that is given only to those who are truly in need.
(③ Rice that is set aside from one’s own portion before eating, The speaker defines “정결미” as rice taken from one’s own intended portion before consumption, emphasizing that true giving involves personal sacrifice, not just giving leftovers. A common misconception is that any act of giving is equally meritorious, but the speaker stresses the importance of self-denial.)
According to the speaker, what is the ultimate outcome for someone who consistently practices selfless service, like providing free meals, in their next life?
① They will be reborn with immense spiritual power.
② They will achieve enlightenment and escape the cycle of reincarnation.
③ They will be born into a life of wealth and honor (부귀겸전지상).
④ They will become a leader in a religious organization.
(③ They will be born into a life of wealth and honor (부귀겸전지상), The speaker states that those who perform such selfless acts will be reborn with “부귀겸전지상” (a state of possessing both wealth and honor), implying a life of prosperity and respect. A common misconception might be that spiritual rewards are purely non-material, but the speaker connects good deeds to tangible future blessings.)
The speaker mentions that the Bible (Isaiah 58:6-10) supports the idea that fasting and sharing with the needy leads to blessings. (O/X)
(O, The speaker directly references Isaiah 58:6-10 and reads passages that connect fasting, sharing food with the hungry, and helping the poor to divine blessings, healing, and guidance. A common misconception might be that these are purely secular acts, but the speaker frames them as spiritually significant.)
What is the speaker’s view on the effectiveness of prayer alone for achieving desires, such as a child passing an exam?
① Prayer is sufficient if done with strong faith.
② Prayer is only effective if accompanied by selfless actions.
③ Prayer should be combined with financial offerings.
④ Prayer is a secondary tool, less important than meditation.
(② Prayer is only effective if accompanied by selfless actions, The speaker explicitly states that simply praying for a child to pass an exam “안 통해” (won’t work) and that one must “행동으로 보여야 돼” (show it through action), specifically by fasting and giving to the poor. A common misconception is that prayer alone can achieve all desires, but the speaker emphasizes the necessity of complementary actions.)
Intermediate
Fill in the blank: The speaker contrasts the “three highs” (쓰리 고) of physical health (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar) with the “three highs” of the mind, which are __, __, and __.
(고통 (pain), 고난 (hardship), 고민 (worry/distress), The speaker identifies “고통, 고난, 고민” as the “three highs” of the mind, contrasting them with physical ailments and suggesting that addressing these mental states is crucial for well-being. A common misconception is that mental struggles are separate from physical health, but the speaker links them as parallel challenges.)
The speaker describes a personal experience from his youth where he would stop and smell food from poor households while walking home, finding their simple meals to represent happiness. (O/X)
(O, The speaker recounts how, as a high school student, he would stop at the small windows of poor households, drawn by the smell of food and the sounds of families eating, perceiving their simple meals as a sign of happiness despite their poverty. A common misconception might be that poverty inherently equates to unhappiness, but the speaker’s observation highlights the presence of joy even in difficult circumstances.)
According to the speaker, what is the significance of the slow rate at which rainwater penetrates the earth, especially in relation to the “광천수” (mineral spring water) at 하늘궁 (Haneulgung)?
① It demonstrates the earth’s natural filtration system.
② It highlights the immense time and effort involved in forming deep underground water sources.
③ It explains why mountain landslides are rare.
④ It proves that the water is not naturally occurring.
(② It highlights the immense time and effort involved in forming deep underground water sources, The speaker details how it takes years for water to penetrate even a few centimeters, emphasizing that the “광천수” coming from 3.3 km deep has taken “1억 년 이상” (over 100 million years) to form, underscoring its preciousness and the incredible journey it undertakes. A common misconception might be that water sources are easily replenished, but the speaker stresses the ancient and arduous process involved.)
The speaker lists five “dog-like” behaviors that hinder blessings. Name three of them and briefly explain what they represent in human interaction.
(Bite (물어뜯는 거): Represents verbally attacking or tearing down others, often with harsh words. Bark (짓는 거): Represents complaining, nagging, or making loud, unpleasant noises, like a dog barking. Growl (으르렁거리는 거): Represents grumbling, snarling, or showing hostility, often in marital relationships. Fight (싸우는 거): Represents engaging in conflict or arguments. Scratch (상처 내는 거): Represents causing emotional or reputational damage to others, like scratching someone’s face or reputation. A common misconception is that these behaviors are minor, but the speaker emphasizes their destructive impact on one’s blessings and relationships.)
Explain the speaker’s distinction between the “eight joys” (8락) of Christianity and Buddhism, particularly concerning their energetic qualities.
(The speaker claims that the “eight joys” of Christianity (e.g., prayer, salvation, blessing, Holy Spirit, grace, resurrection, eternal life, heaven) all possess “energy” (에너지), which he demonstrates by showing that a person holding these words does not lose balance. In contrast, he asserts that the “eight joys” of Buddhism (e.g., right awakening, nirvana, liberation, bodhi, prajna, samadhi, non-self, Buddhahood) lack this energy, causing a person to lose balance. He attributes this difference to Christianity being “yang” (양) and Buddhism being “yin” (음), positioning Christianity as having a more active, positive energy. A common misconception might be that all spiritual concepts hold similar energetic value, but the speaker draws a clear distinction based on his unique energetic assessment.)
Advanced
How does the speaker connect his personal experience of hunger and poverty during his high school years to his lifelong commitment to free meal service and the concept of “금식” (fasting)?
(The speaker recounts living in a tent on a mountain, often going hungry and experiencing severe malnutrition during high school. This direct experience of hunger profoundly influenced his decision to start free meal service at 22, and to practice “금식” (fasting) by reducing his own meals to share with others. He emphasizes that true giving comes from personal sacrifice, not from abundance, stating that his past struggles were essential for him to understand and embody the role of a “신인” (divine being) in demonstrating selfless service. This personal history underpins his belief that reducing one’s own consumption is a prerequisite for receiving blessings and effectively helping others. A common misconception is that leaders are born into privilege, but the speaker highlights how his hardship shaped his mission.)
The speaker uses the analogy of “혈거자지우” (cave dwellers knowing rain) and birds like magpies knowing when a typhoon is coming. What is the broader lesson he intends to convey to humans through these examples?
(The speaker uses these analogies to illustrate that animals and insects living in nature possess an innate ability to sense impending natural disasters like rain or typhoons, allowing them to prepare and take shelter. He contrasts this with humans, whom he describes as “어리석게” (foolishly) often being caught unprepared because they are too focused on immediate self-gratification (“내만 실컷 먹고 잘 살아보자” – “Let’s just eat our fill and live well”). The broader lesson is that humans should learn from nature’s wisdom, cultivate foresight, and engage in selfless acts (like free meal service and fasting) to build “복” (blessings) that will protect them from unforeseen difficulties, much like animals instinctively prepare for future challenges. A common misconception is that human intelligence makes us superior, but the speaker suggests we can learn humility and foresight from animals.)
The Profound Meaning of Free Meal Service: A Path to Blessings and Spiritual Growth with Huh Kyung-young
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Basic Information
Lecture Session and Date: 1463rd Saturday Lecture, 2024.10.26
One-sentence Main Theme or Title Summary: Huh Kyung-young elucidates the spiritual significance of free meal service, emphasizing self-sacrifice and genuine giving as pathways to divine blessings and personal well-being.
Location: Sky Temple
Key Segments:
The Essence of Giving: Huh Kyung-young explains that true giving involves personal sacrifice, such as fasting, rather than merely donating surplus.
Spiritual Rewards of Selfless Service: He details how acts of genuine charity lead to divine protection, prosperity, and healing, referencing biblical passages.
Avoiding Negative Behaviors: Huh Kyung-young identifies destructive behaviors like “bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch” as hindrances to receiving blessings.
The Power of Fasting: He connects regular fasting to physical health benefits, including the prevention of chronic diseases, and spiritual purification.
Distinction Between Energies: Huh Kyung-young illustrates the difference in spiritual energy between Christian and Buddhist terms, positioning Christian terms as possessing active energy. -
Core Messages
True Free Meal Service Requires Personal Sacrifice: “The person who gives food to others after eating all their own is flawed. It is a blessing to reduce what you eat and give to others.” This means that genuine charity stems from self-denial and sharing from one’s own needs, not just from abundance.
Divine Blessings Follow Selfless Acts: “Heaven bestows blessings upon such individuals.” This indicates that acts of sincere giving, especially when accompanied by personal sacrifice, are recognized and rewarded by divine providence, leading to prosperity and well-being.
Negative Speech and Actions Hinder Blessings: “If you bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch, you are not building blessings; you are kicking them all away.” This conveys that engaging in destructive verbal and physical behaviors towards others prevents the accumulation of positive spiritual merit and blessings.
Fasting is a Path to Health and Spiritual Favor: “My joyful fasting is to loosen the bonds of wickedness and untie the cords of the yoke… If you fast, you are freed from these.” This highlights fasting not only as a means of physical healing and disease prevention but also as a divinely favored practice that liberates individuals from various forms of bondage.
Spiritual Energy Differentiates Religious Concepts: “All Christian and Catholic terms possess energy in every word… Buddhist terms, however, have no energy.” This explains Huh Kyung-young’s unique perspective on the inherent spiritual power embedded in the terminology of different religions, with Christian concepts being described as energetically potent. -
Detailed Summary
The Importance of Trust and Cultural Influence
Huh Kyung-young begins by acknowledging a Swiss delegation, noting Switzerland’s global reputation for trust. He then transitions to discussing Korea’s growing global influence, particularly in culture and entertainment, asserting that Korean artists are world-class. He mentions a Korean woman winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he presents as a significant cultural achievement that challenges traditional male dominance in the literary world.
Main Assertions: Switzerland’s high trust index is commendable. Korea’s cultural power, especially in entertainment and literature, is globally dominant.
Examples: K-pop, “Gangnam Style,” Korean dramas like “Dae Jang Geum,” and a recent Korean female Nobel laureate in literature.
Practical Message: Cultural soft power is a key indicator of national strength and influence.
Perception Shapes Reality
Huh Kyung-young delves into the subjective nature of perception, stating that one’s recognition creates their reality. He uses the analogy of a film director seeing potential “ghosts” in every woman for a horror film, or someone looking for a marriage partner, to illustrate how personal intentions and perspectives shape how one perceives the world. He concludes that if one views the world as heaven, it becomes heaven, and if as hell, it becomes hell.
Main Assertions: Our perception actively constructs our reality; the external world reflects our internal state.
Analogies/Examples: A director seeking “ghosts” for a film, a person searching for a spouse, and the contrasting perspectives of those in poverty versus those in comfort.
Practical Message: Cultivate a positive internal state to manifest a favorable external reality.
The True Meaning of Free Meal Service and Sacrifice
Huh Kyung-young introduces the core topic of free meal service, recounting his own 54-year history of providing it since age 22. He clarifies that true giving is not about donating surplus but about personal sacrifice, such as reducing one’s own meals. He draws a parallel to traditional Korean mothers who would set aside a spoonful of rice from their own portion for charity.
Main Assertions: Authentic free meal service involves personal sacrifice, like fasting, rather than merely giving from excess.
Examples: His own 54 years of free meal service, mothers setting aside “jeonggyeolmi” (pure rice) from their own meals.
Practical Message: To truly benefit from giving, one must make a personal sacrifice, demonstrating genuine intent.
Spiritual Rewards and Biblical Connections
Huh Kyung-young explains that such acts of self-sacrifice and giving lead to immense blessings, including wealth, good health, and divine protection. He cites Isaiah 58:6-10, which describes how fasting and helping the needy lead to light, healing, and divine guidance. He interprets these verses as promises of prosperity and protection for those who practice genuine charity.
Main Assertions: Selfless giving, especially through fasting, attracts divine blessings, including prosperity, health, and protection.
Biblical References: Isaiah 58:6-10, which speaks of the rewards of joyful fasting and helping the oppressed and hungry.
Practical Message: Engage in acts of charity and fasting to align with divine will and receive abundant blessings.
Avoiding Negative Behaviors and Cultivating Virtue
Huh Kyung-young warns against negative behaviors, which he categorizes using English words: “bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch.” He states that these actions, often directed at others through words or deeds, prevent blessings and cause spiritual harm. He contrasts these “animalistic” behaviors with the virtuous conduct expected of those seeking divine favor.
Main Assertions: Destructive behaviors like backbiting, complaining, fighting, and causing emotional harm (“scratch”) repel blessings.
Examples: Using “bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch” to describe negative interactions, particularly within families.
Practical Message: Refrain from negative speech and actions, as they obstruct the flow of blessings and cause spiritual damage.
The Benefits of Fasting and His Personal Experience
He reiterates the physical benefits of fasting, such as preventing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar (the “three highs”). He shares his personal experiences of extreme poverty during his youth, including frequent hunger and living in a tent on a mountain, which instilled in him the importance of free meal service. He describes how these hardships shaped his understanding of true happiness and compassion.
Main Assertions: Fasting one meal a day can prevent chronic diseases and eliminate the need for doctors. His personal experience with hunger deeply influenced his commitment to free meal service.
Examples: His own youth, living in a tent, experiencing hunger, and observing the simple happiness of poor families.
Practical Message: Embrace fasting not only for physical health but also as a means to cultivate empathy and spiritual understanding.
The Nature of Spiritual Energy and Religious Concepts
Huh Kyung-young conducts a demonstration to show that Christian terms like “prayer, salvation, blessing, Holy Spirit, grace, resurrection, eternal life, heaven” possess active energy, while Buddhist terms like “enlightenment, nirvana, liberation, bodhi, prajna, samadhi, non-self, Buddhahood” do not. He explains this by referencing the cosmic hierarchy of “Mugeuk” (ultimate void), “Taegeuk” (supreme ultimate), and “Eumyang” (yin and yang), positioning Christian concepts as “yang” (positive) and Buddhist concepts as “eum” (negative).
Main Assertions: Christian religious terms carry inherent spiritual energy (“yang”), while Buddhist terms do not (“eum”). This is explained through a cosmic model of Mugeuk, Taegeuk, and Eumyang.
Examples: A physical demonstration where individuals lose balance when Buddhist terms are spoken, but remain stable with Christian terms.
Practical Message: Understand the energetic differences in spiritual terminology and align with concepts that possess active, positive energy.
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Key Quotes Collection
“Our greatest moment in life is having personally met the God-man Huh Kyung-young.” (Opening statement of gratitude and reverence)
“Your perception creates the object; the object does not create your perception.” (Explaining the subjective nature of reality)
“The person who gives food to others after eating all their own is flawed. It is a blessing to reduce what you eat and give to others.” (Defining true charity and sacrifice)
“Heaven bestows blessings upon such individuals.” (Connecting selfless acts to divine rewards)
“If you cut off alcohol, you must calculate a month’s worth of alcohol and cigarette money and offer it as a donation to the church.” (Providing a concrete example of sacrificial giving)
“Free meal service means I save what I would eat and give it to others.” (Reiterating the core principle of free meal service)
“If you bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch, you are not building blessings; you are kicking them all away.” (Warning against negative behaviors)
“My joyful fasting is to loosen the bonds of wickedness and untie the cords of the yoke.” (Quoting Isaiah 58:6 on the benefits of fasting)
“If you fast one meal a day, all diseases disappear.” (Stating the health benefits of fasting)
“Christian and Catholic terms all possess energy in every word… Buddhist terms, however, have no energy.” (Explaining the energetic difference between religious concepts)
“What is free meal service? It is action without words.” (Summarizing the essence of free meal service as tangible action)
“You must be careful with your mouth. The mouth can either bring blessings or scatter them.” (Emphasizing the power of speech) -
Historical / Doctrinal Connections
This lecture builds upon Huh Kyung-young’s established teachings by reinforcing the principles of self-sacrifice, genuine giving, and the direct connection between human actions and divine blessings. His long-standing commitment to free meal service, dating back 54 years, is presented not just as a charitable act but as a model of spiritual practice that aligns with divine will. This connects to his broader doctrine of divine-human theory, where humans, by emulating divine principles (like selfless giving), can access higher spiritual states and blessings.
The emphasis on fasting as a means of both physical healing and spiritual purification is a consistent theme in his teachings, often linked to personal discipline and the pursuit of a higher consciousness. His personal anecdotes of extreme poverty and hunger in his youth serve to authenticate his message, demonstrating that his teachings are rooted in lived experience and profound understanding, not just abstract theory.
The discussion on perception shaping reality (subjectivism) is a foundational element of his philosophy, suggesting that individuals have the power to create their own “heaven” or “hell” through their mindset. This aligns with his teachings on mental control and the power of thought in manifesting one’s destiny.
A newly emphasized point in this lecture is the energetic distinction between Christian and Buddhist religious terms. By categorizing Christian terms as “yang” (energetic) and Buddhist terms as “eum” (lacking energy), Huh Kyung-young introduces a unique metaphysical framework for understanding religious efficacy. This expands on his previous discussions of spiritual power and the nature of the divine, offering a novel perspective on the inherent qualities of religious language. This also subtly reinforces his position as the God-man, capable of discerning and explaining such profound energetic differences.
The warning against “bite, bark, growl, fight, scratch” behaviors is a practical application of his broader ethical teachings, which consistently advocate for harmony, respect, and positive interaction as prerequisites for spiritual growth and receiving blessings. This reinforces the idea that one’s conduct directly impacts their spiritual standing and the flow of divine favor.
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Action Items & Blessing Guidance
Practice Sacrificial Giving: Actively reduce your own consumption (e.g., fast one meal a day) and donate the saved resources to those in need, rather than merely giving from your surplus.
Eliminate Negative Speech and Actions: Consciously avoid behaviors such as backbiting (“bite”), complaining (“bark”), grumbling (“growl”), fighting (“fight”), and causing emotional harm (“scratch”) to prevent the loss of blessings.
Embrace Fasting for Health and Spiritual Benefit: Incorporate regular fasting (e.g., one meal a day) into your routine to improve physical health, prevent chronic diseases, and align yourself with divine favor.
Cultivate a Positive Internal State: Recognize that your perception shapes your reality; choose to view the world as a place of blessings and happiness to manifest a positive external experience.
Seek Guidance from the God-man: When facing difficulties or “three highs” of the mind (pain, hardship, worry), bring your concerns to the God-man at Sky Temple for resolution and guidance. -
One-Sentence Overall Summary
Huh Kyung-young’s lecture reveals that true free meal service, rooted in personal sacrifice and fasting, is a profound spiritual practice that attracts divine blessings, fosters physical health, and requires the conscious avoidance of negative behaviors, ultimately leading to a life of prosperity and divine protection, as exemplified by his own life and supported by biblical wisdom.
1. The Essence of Trust and Global Cultural Dominance
The journey from Switzerland to the Sky Temple is indeed remarkable, spanning 18 hours. Switzerland is renowned for its unwavering loyalty, ranking first globally in trustworthiness. This characteristic is one of five key factors in international relations: reliability, manpower, technology, etiquette, and culture. While many nations possess manpower and technology, some lack proper etiquette. Korea, for instance, excels in manpower and technological prowess, and its culture now dominates the world. Korean entertainers are considered global leaders, making Korea the cultural emperor of the world. Over 200 nations are influenced by Korean culture, particularly from South Korea. Whether it is historical dramas, K-pop, or even unique dance styles, Korean cultural products are widely imitated globally. The recent achievement of a Korean woman winning the Nobel Prize in Literature further underscores Korea’s cultural influence, challenging traditional literary norms and highlighting the profound depth of Korean female writers. This signifies Korea’s emergence as a global cultural leader, commanding influence over numerous nations. The Korean people possess both deep sorrow and vibrant joy, creating a unique cultural blend that is unparalleled worldwide. Traditional Korean songs and poetry, such as “Chang” and “Sijo,” are distinct from Western forms, reflecting a profound depth that requires a unique understanding.
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Perception and the Construction of Reality
Our perception shapes our reality. If one views the world as heaven, then heaven unfolds. Conversely, if one perceives it as hell, then hell manifests. For example, a director creating a film about ghosts will see potential ghost characters in every woman, focusing on features that would enhance their ghostly appearance. Similarly, someone seeking a spouse will scrutinize every potential partner through the lens of their ideal match. Our subjective perception constructs the object of our awareness; the object does not define our perception. Individuals living in extreme poverty, such as the Sherpa women in the Himalayas, often maintain a constant smile despite their harsh conditions. Their happiness is derived from simple things, like their husbands returning safely from dangerous expeditions. They experience neither profound suffering nor fear of death, viewing it as a peaceful slumber in the snow. Their minds are unburdened by desires, and they live without competition. Our modern society, however, is driven by competition, leading to stress and heart ailments. Therefore, reducing the number of external objects of desire can alleviate unnecessary distractions and suffering. -
The Profound Meaning of Free Meal Service
The concept of free meal service holds a profound spiritual significance. Huh Kyung-young began providing free meals at Seoul Station at the age of 22, a fact that was only reported in the media 18 years later when he was 40. This initiative was not about giving away surplus but about sacrificing one’s own sustenance for others. Just as mothers in the past would set aside a spoonful of rice from each meal for those in need, true charity involves reducing one’s own consumption to help others. Giving from one’s abundance is not genuine service; rather, it is the act of self-deprivation for the benefit of others that constitutes a blessing. This principle extends to other forms of sacrifice, such as abstaining from alcohol or cigarettes and donating the saved money to charity. Such acts of sincere giving are believed to bring blessings from heaven, leading to prosperity and well-being. -
The Blessings of Selfless Service and Divine Protection
Engaging in selfless service, such as providing free meals, brings forth profound blessings. Individuals who practice such benevolence are believed to be reborn into lives of wealth and honor, possessing both physical attractiveness and noble lineage. Should they face illness, they will receive exceptional medical care, surrounded by dedicated doctors and pharmacists. Furthermore, in times of difficulty, divine intervention will provide unexpected solutions, akin to a dragon finding water in a drought. The Bible, specifically Isaiah 58:6-11, underscores the importance of fasting and sharing one’s food with the hungry, clothing the naked, and sheltering the homeless. Such acts are said to illuminate one’s path, bring rapid healing, and ensure divine protection. Angels are believed to guard and assist those who perform these good deeds. Conversely, those who engage in negative behaviors such as backbiting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching others’ feelings will not receive such blessings. These actions are likened to animalistic behaviors that hinder spiritual growth and invite misfortune. -
The Path to Health and Harmony Through Fasting
Fasting, particularly reducing one’s daily meals, is not only a spiritual practice but also a powerful means to achieve physical health and marital harmony. For instance, a couple agreeing to skip lunch and use the saved resources to help others can foster unity and improve their well-being. This practice can prevent common ailments such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, often referred to as the “three highs.” By reducing food intake, one can eliminate the need for doctors and hospitals, as the body naturally heals. This act of self-sacrifice, offering a portion of one’s food to the divine through helping the less fortunate, brings forth blessings and protection. Many individuals have experienced miraculous escapes from danger, attributing these events to the accumulated good deeds from their past lives. This underscores the profound connection between selfless actions and divine intervention in one’s life. -
Personal Experience and the Wisdom of Nature
Huh Kyung-young’s commitment to free meal service stems from his own experiences of hunger and hardship during his youth. Living in a tent on a mountain, he often went days without food, witnessing the struggles of impoverished families in the shantytowns below. Despite their poverty, these families exuded a sense of happiness and togetherness that deeply impacted him. This personal journey instilled in him the understanding that true blessings come from self-deprivation and giving to others. He abstained from alcohol, tobacco, and coffee, recognizing the financial and ethical implications of such indulgences. His life as a “hermit” in his youth, enduring cold and hunger while studying by candlelight, shaped his resolve to help those in need. This personal history reinforces the message of Isaiah 58:6-11, which he asserts he embodied even before being aware of the scripture. Furthermore, nature itself offers profound lessons. Creatures living in holes or nests, such as ants, frogs, and magpies, possess an innate ability to predict weather changes like rain and typhoons, preparing themselves in advance. Humans, however, often remain oblivious, suffering the consequences of their lack of foresight and self-centeredness. -
The Spiritual Significance of Water and the Universe’s Design
The journey of a single drop of rainwater, penetrating 3.3 kilometers into the earth to become mineral water, takes over 100 million years. This water, infused with various minerals, then miraculously rises to the surface. This natural phenomenon is a testament to the universe’s intricate design and the profound blessings it offers. To consume this water without acknowledging its miraculous journey and the divine power behind it is considered a grave oversight. The slow absorption of water into the earth also prevents landslides, ensuring human survival. This delicate balance in nature highlights the meticulous care embedded in the creation of the world. The Sky Temple’s mineral water, emerging from an elevation of 400 meters above sea level, defies conventional understanding, further emphasizing its divine origin. Recognizing and appreciating these blessings, rather than taking them for granted, is crucial for spiritual well-being. -
The Contrast Between Eastern and Western Spiritual Energies
The spiritual energies associated with different religious terms reveal a profound distinction. Terms central to Christianity, such as prayer, salvation, blessing, Holy Spirit, grace, resurrection, eternal life, and heaven, all possess tangible energy. This energy can be demonstrated through physical tests, where individuals remain stable when these words are invoked. Conversely, terms associated with Buddhism, such as enlightenment, nirvana, liberation, bodhi, prajna, samadhi, non-self, and Buddhahood, lack this energetic quality. This difference is attributed to the fundamental cosmic principles of Yang (positive energy) and Yin (negative energy). Christianity is aligned with Yang, while Buddhism is aligned with Yin. The universe itself is structured in a hierarchy: Wuji (the ultimate void), Taiji (the supreme ultimate), and Yin-Yang (the duality of forces). The Wuji state, characterized by weightlessness and the absence of magnetic fields, represents a higher spiritual realm. Earth, existing within the Yin-Yang realm, is where these energetic distinctions manifest. Therefore, while Buddhist practices may accumulate moral merit, they do not inherently lead to the same energetic blessings as Christian practices. True spiritual progress, leading to heaven, requires an encounter with the God-man. -
The Power of Words and Actions
Our words and actions profoundly impact our spiritual well-being. Engaging in negative speech and behavior, such as backbiting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching others’ feelings, is likened to animalistic tendencies that hinder the accumulation of blessings. These actions, particularly prevalent among women, create emotional scars and prevent divine favor. Instead, one should strive for fasting and selfless service, which are silent acts of benevolence. These actions speak louder than words, radiating a spiritual aura that attracts others. Just as a priest or a wealthy person exudes a distinct presence, a person dedicated to service emanates a spiritual fragrance. Huh Kyung-young’s own life, marked by abstinence from vices and a preference for clean, public spaces like banks for meetings, exemplifies this principle. His commitment to free meal service is a tangible expression of his spiritual teachings, demonstrating the path to health, harmony, and divine blessings. -
The Three Highs of the Body and Mind
The practice of fasting not only addresses physical ailments but also mental suffering. The “three highs” of the body—high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar—can be alleviated through dietary moderation. Similarly, the “three highs” of the mind—pain, hardship, and worry—can be overcome by seeking spiritual guidance and releasing one’s burdens. Worry, in particular, is a significant source of stress and illness. By entrusting one’s concerns to the God-man, individuals can find resolution and peace. The teachings emphasize that true wisdom lies not in accumulating vast knowledge but in understanding and applying these fundamental principles of self-sacrifice, service, and spiritual alignment.
The Profound Meaning of Free Meal Service: A Path to Blessings and Spiritual Growth
- The Essence of Perception and the Creation of Reality
Huh Kyung-young asserts that an individual’s perception shapes their reality, emphasizing that the external world does not define the self; rather, the self constructs its own world . This subjective nature of perception means that if one views the world as heaven, heaven unfolds before them, while perceiving it as hell brings forth a hellish existence . He illustrates this with the example of a director casting for a “hell movie,” whose perception transforms every woman into a potential ghost, meticulously evaluating their features to fit the role . Similarly, a person seeking a spouse scrutinizes every potential partner through the lens of their ideal marriage, affirming or rejecting them based on this internal framework . This highlights that one’s recognition (인식) actively creates the object (대상) of perception, rather than the object dictating recognition .
This subjective reality extends to happiness and suffering. Huh Kyung-young describes the Sherpa women living in the Himalayas, who, despite their harsh environment and aged appearance, maintain an unwavering smile, seemingly dwelling in a state of heaven . Their ultimate happiness is simply their husband’s safe return from the treacherous snows . They experience no suffering or fear of death; if a husband perishes in the snow, it is accepted as a natural occurrence, a journey to a better place . Their minds are pure, devoid of desires, and free from the competitive struggles that plague others . Huh Kyung-young suggests that reducing one’s objects of desire (대상) eliminates unnecessary distractions and anxieties, thereby fostering inner peace . He even applies this principle to his own lectures, stating that being constrained by a title (제목) can stifle creativity, implying that freedom from such external frameworks allows for a more engaging and authentic delivery .
- The Spiritual Discipline of Free Meal Service and Fasting
Huh Kyung-young explains the profound spiritual significance behind his 54 years of providing free meal service (무료급식), which began when he was 22 years old . He recounts how his efforts were eventually recognized in a newspaper article when he was 40, highlighting his 18 years of helping 15,000 underprivileged individuals . He asserts that true generosity comes not from giving away surplus, but from sacrificing one’s own sustenance . He practiced this by reducing his own meals to two a day, dedicating the saved portion to others . This echoes the traditional practice of mothers setting aside a spoonful of rice (정결미) from their own meals for charity, emphasizing that genuine giving involves personal sacrifice .
He argues that merely providing service with leftover resources is not true devotion . Instead, one must first set aside a portion for others before preparing their own meal . This act of self-denial, such as fasting one meal a day, is not only a path to spiritual blessings but also a means of physical well-being . Huh Kyung-young states that those who practice such fasting and donate the saved resources, whether to a temple or a church, invariably become prosperous . This is because heaven bestows blessings upon those with such a mindset, prioritizing the divine and the needs of neighbors before one’s own . He extends this principle to breaking bad habits: simply quitting alcohol or cigarettes is insufficient; one must donate the equivalent cost to a charitable cause to solidify the commitment and receive blessings . This act transforms personal sacrifice into a virtuous offering, ensuring lasting positive outcomes .
- Divine Blessings and the Prophecy of Isaiah
Huh Kyung-young connects the act of selfless service, particularly providing free meal service (무료급식), to profound divine blessings and biblical prophecy. He asserts that giving food to the hungry is the most powerful form of service, even equating offering a cup of water to serving God himself, referencing biblical passages where Jesus identifies with the poor and needy . He then cites Isaiah 58:6-8, which describes the kind of fasting that pleases God:
Breaking the bonds of wickedness (흉악의 결박을 풀어 주며): This refers to freeing oneself from harmful constraints.
Undoing the straps of the yoke (멍에의 줄을 끌러주며): This signifies liberation from burdens.
Setting the oppressed free (압제 당하는 자를 자유케 하며): This emphasizes acts of justice and compassion.
Sharing food with the hungry (주린 자에게 네 식물을 나눠 주며): This directly supports the concept of free meal service.
Providing shelter for the poor wanderer (유리하는 빈민을 네 집에 들이며): This highlights hospitality and care for the vulnerable.
Clothing the naked (벗은 자를 보면 입히며): This calls for practical assistance to those in need.
Not turning away from your own flesh and blood (네 골육을 피하여 스스로 숨지 아니하는 것이 아니겠느냐): This underscores familial and communal responsibility .
The prophecy promises that if these acts are performed, one’s light will break forth like the dawn, their healing will quickly appear, their righteousness will go before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rear guard . Huh Kyung-young interprets this “rear guard” as archangels protecting and guiding those who contribute to free meal service . He further emphasizes that such actions lead to a life of prosperity and honor (부귀겸전지상), where one is born into a wealthy and respected family with a good appearance . Even in illness, such individuals experience “sickness obtaining medicine (유병득약지상),” meaning they receive the best medical care and support . Difficulties transform into “difficulty obtaining water (곤란득수지상),” where divine intervention (천우신조) provides solutions, akin to a dragon finding water in a drought . These blessings, he asserts, are the direct result of selfless service, particularly feeding the hungry .
- The Perils of Negative Speech and the Path to Inner Harmony
Huh Kyung-young strongly cautions against negative speech and actions, likening them to the behaviors of animals. He identifies five destructive behaviors that hinder the accumulation of blessings:
Bite (물어뜯는 것): This refers to verbally attacking and tearing down others, such as a husband and wife constantly criticizing each other .
Bark (짓는 것): This describes incessant complaining or yelling, often associated with women, which he compares to a dog barking .
Growl (으르렁거리는 것): This signifies a constant state of resentment and hostility, particularly prevalent in marital relationships, where individuals harbor ill will towards each other .
Fight (싸우는 것): This denotes direct conflict and contention .
Scratch (할퀴는 것): This refers to inflicting emotional wounds or damaging another’s reputation, leaving “scratches” on their heart .
He asserts that engaging in these behaviors not only prevents blessings but actively repels them . Instead of offering “good food” (좋은 음식) through positive words and actions, people often “bite, bark, growl, fight, and scratch” with their mouths, causing emotional harm . He emphasizes that true service involves giving, not taking or harming .
Huh Kyung-young contrasts these destructive behaviors with the practice of fasting and selfless giving, which he states leads to harmony within a household and improved health . He claims that fasting one meal a day can prevent common ailments like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar (쓰리 고), eliminating the need for doctors and hospitals . This physical well-being is a direct consequence of a righteous mind (마음을 바로 썼기 때문에), where one dedicates a portion of their sustenance to heaven . He also suggests that past good deeds (복을 많이 지은 것) manifest as divine protection in daily life, preventing accidents and guiding individuals .
- The Wisdom of Nature and the Depth of Water’s Journey
Huh Kyung-young draws parallels between the wisdom of nature and human foresight, using the concept of “cave dwellers knowing rain (혈거자지우)” . He explains that creatures living in holes or caves, such as ants, frogs, and bats, possess an innate ability to sense impending rain or storms and take preemptive action, unlike often oblivious humans . Similarly, birds like magpies, which build nests in trees, can sense an approaching typhoon and reinforce their homes, a phenomenon observed by elders in the past . He suggests that humans can learn from these natural indicators to anticipate future events, emphasizing that merely striving for personal gain without foresight can lead to misfortune .
He then delves into the profound journey of water, particularly the Elixir Water (광천수) that springs forth at Sky Temple (하늘궁). He explains that rainwater takes an incredibly long time to penetrate the earth: 1 centimeter in one year, 1 meter in 100 years, 10 meters in 1,000 years, and 1,000 meters in 100,000 years . For water to reach a depth of 3.3 kilometers, as the Elixir Water does, it takes over 100 million years, navigating countless rock formations and absorbing various minerals like germanium . This slow, arduous journey imbues each drop with immense history and “suffering” .
Huh Kyung-young emphasizes that this water, which rises spontaneously without mechanical aid, is a miraculous gift . He points out that most rainwater flows into rivers or evaporates, with only a small fraction penetrating the ground . The earth’s structure is designed to prevent rapid water absorption, which would lead to landslides and endanger human life . Therefore, the emergence of Elixir Water at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level is presented as a testament to divine providence . He asserts that consuming this water without acknowledging its miraculous origin and expressing gratitude to the God-man (신인) Huh Kyung-young is an act of disrespect that invites misfortune .
- The Power of Words and the Contrast of Spiritual Energies
Huh Kyung-young highlights the immense power of words, particularly in their spiritual energy. He states that words associated with Christianity, such as “prayer (기도),” “salvation (구원),” “blessing (축복),” “Holy Spirit (성령),” “grace (은사),” “resurrection (부활),” “eternal life (영생),” and “heaven (천국),” all possess tangible energy . He demonstrates this by having an individual attempt to resist his physical push while uttering these words, claiming that the person remains unmovable, indicating the presence of spiritual power .
In stark contrast, he asserts that Buddhist terms, such as “enlightenment (정각),” “nirvana (열반),” “liberation (해탈),” “bodhi (보리),” “prajna (반야),” “samadhi (삼매),” “non-self (무아),” and “Buddhahood (성불),” lack this energy . He performs the same physical test with these Buddhist terms, claiming that the individual easily falls, signifying an absence of spiritual power . Huh Kyung-young explains this difference by categorizing Christian concepts as “yang (양)” (positive, active energy) and Buddhist concepts as “yin (음)” (negative, passive energy) .
He further elaborates on a cosmic hierarchy:
Non-polar (무극): The ultimate, undifferentiated state, beyond yin and yang. He likens this to a realm where a compass ceases to function, representing a state of weightlessness and absolute neutrality .
Great Polarity (태극): The primordial state from which yin and yang emerge .
Yin and Yang (음양): The dualistic forces that govern the earthly realm, where a compass operates .
Huh Kyung-young claims that because he embodies the “yang” energy, he came as a man, whereas if he were to embody “yin” energy, he would have come as a female Bodhisattva . He distinguishes between two types of merit (공덕): “offering merit (공덕)” (供德), which is the act of making offerings, and “achievement merit (공덕)” (功德), which is recognized by society . He states that while “offering merit” may lead one to the waiting room of heaven, it is insufficient for direct entry; one must meet the God-man (신인) to achieve direct passage to heaven . He concludes by reiterating the importance of controlling one’s speech, emphasizing that the words that “come out” (나오는 것) of one’s mouth are what truly determine blessings or misfortune, and that free meal service (무료급식) is a silent act of positive behavior
The Profound Significance of Benevolent Sustenance: A Pathway to Divine Favor and Spiritual Transcendence
- The Subjective Construction of Reality and the Pursuit of Inner Tranquility
The journey to the Sky Temple from Switzerland, a distance spanning eighteen hours, underscores the profound dedication of its adherents. Switzerland, a nation renowned for its unwavering fidelity and global leadership in trustworthiness, exemplifies the virtues of reliability, manpower, technological prowess, and etiquette. These attributes are crucial in international relations. While Korea excels in manpower and technological innovation, its cultural influence, particularly in entertainment, has achieved global dominance. Korean artists and cultural products, from K-pop to historical dramas, are emulated worldwide. The recent achievement of a Korean woman receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature further solidifies Korea’s preeminence in the literary and cultural spheres, challenging established norms and demonstrating the depth of Korean feminine insight. This cultural ascendancy positions Korea as a global leader, commanding the respect of numerous nations.
Korean traditional arts, such as chang and sijo, possess a unique emotional depth that is unparalleled in Western cultures. The profound, lingering recitations of sijo by elders, though initially perplexing to a youthful observer, reveal a distinct cultural rhythm. Our perception of reality is inherently subjective; the external world manifests according to our internal framework. If one perceives the world as a paradise, paradise unfolds; if as a hell, then hell materializes. A film director, for instance, seeking actors for a demonic role, will perceive every woman through the lens of potential demonic portrayal, actively constructing their reality to fit their creative vision. Similarly, one seeking a spouse will evaluate every potential partner against their preconceived ideal.
This subjective construction of reality extends to our emotional states. Individuals residing in the Himalayas, enduring extreme hardships, often maintain an unyielding smile, embodying a profound inner peace. Their aspirations are simple: the safe return of a husband from a perilous expedition. In such an environment, the absence of material desires eliminates competition, a primary source of human suffering. The pursuit of fewer external objects leads to a reduction in unnecessary distractions and anxieties. This principle suggests that true happiness stems from an internal state, rather than external circumstances.
- The Esoteric Principle of Benevolent Sustenance and Divine Reciprocity
The concept of benevolent sustenance, or “free meal service,” which I initiated at the age of twenty-two, transcends mere charity. It is rooted in the principle of self-sacrifice. To genuinely offer sustenance to others, one must first reduce one’s own consumption. This mirrors the ancient practice of mothers setting aside a spoonful of rice from their own meals for those in need. Such an act, born of personal reduction, constitutes a true blessing. Conversely, offering only what remains after one’s own satiety diminishes the spiritual merit of the act.
The essence of benevolent sustenance lies in prioritizing the needs of others before one’s own. This involves consciously setting aside a portion of one’s resources, whether it be food or finances, for the benefit of the less fortunate. This act of self-denial, such as fasting one meal a day, cultivates a spirit of generosity that attracts divine favor. Those who practice such self-restraint and contribute to charitable causes, whether religious or secular, invariably experience prosperity. This is because the heavens bestow blessings upon those who demonstrate such altruism. Just as one dedicates a tithe to the divine, one should first set aside resources for neighbors in need, ensuring the well-being of one’s own household.
Furthermore, acts of self-improvement, such as abstaining from alcohol or tobacco, gain spiritual efficacy when accompanied by a tangible offering. If one ceases drinking, the monetary equivalent of the saved alcohol expenses should be consecrated as an offering to the divine, to be distributed to the needy. This act transforms personal discipline into a conduit for blessings, solidifying the commitment and preventing relapse. Such benevolent actions, irrespective of religious affiliation, invariably attract positive outcomes. My lifelong practice of consuming only two meals a day, initiated concurrently with my benevolent sustenance efforts, exemplifies this principle. True benevolent sustenance involves personal sacrifice, not merely dispensing surplus resources.
Those who engage in such profound acts of service are destined for a blessed reincarnation, characterized by wealth, nobility, and auspicious circumstances. They are born into affluent families, possess attractive countenances, and command respect. Should they encounter illness, a multitude of medical professionals and remedies will be readily available, ensuring swift recovery. Their lives are marked by divine intervention, transforming adversity into opportunity, akin to a dragon finding water in a time of drought. This profound reciprocity underscores the immense spiritual power of feeding the hungry, an act echoed in sacred texts.
The Book of Isaiah, Chapter 58, verses 6-11, elucidates the divine favor bestowed upon those who practice a fast pleasing to the divine. This involves:
Releasing the bonds of wickedness: This refers to breaking free from the constraints of evil and injustice.
Undoing the thongs of the yoke: This signifies liberating the oppressed and breaking every yoke of servitude.
Sharing sustenance with the hungry: This entails providing food to those in need.
Bringing the homeless poor into one’s house: This emphasizes offering shelter to the destitute.
Clothing the naked: This involves providing garments to those without.
Not hiding oneself from one’s own kin: This highlights the importance of familial responsibility.
Upon fulfilling these injunctions, one’s light will break forth like the dawn, one’s healing will spring up speedily, and one’s righteousness will go before them, with the glory of the Divine serving as their rear guard. This implies divine protection and guidance. Furthermore, the Divine will respond to their calls and cries, guiding them perpetually, satisfying their souls in parched lands, and strengthening their bones. They will become like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. This passage underscores that the most cherished fast is one accompanied by acts of charity, particularly the reduction of one’s own consumption to benefit others. Such actions are not merely acts of piety but a direct means of invoking divine blessings for oneself and one’s descendants.
My personal abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and coffee since my youth, driven by a profound sense of human conscience, aligns with these principles. I observed elders in rural communities practicing jeolmi (rice-saving) to assist their struggling neighbors, and these families invariably prospered. Such acts of self-denial lead to a blessed existence in future lives, characterized by wealth, nobility, and access to superior medical care in times of illness. Even in death, such individuals are met by celestial beings, experiencing a serene transition. This profound spiritual economy demonstrates that benevolent sustenance, born of personal sacrifice, is a potent force for attracting divine favor.
- The Perils of Canine-like Conduct and the Cultivation of Virtuous Character
While these teachings are primarily directed at the general populace, those who have already embarked on a path of virtue, such as those present at the Sky Temple, are already recipients of divine grace. However, it is imperative to caution against behaviors that impede the accumulation of blessings. These include:
Biting: This refers to verbally attacking or slandering others.
Barking: This signifies incessant complaining or nagging.
Growling: This denotes aggressive, hostile communication, often seen in marital disputes.
Fighting: This represents engaging in conflict and discord.
Scratching: This refers to inflicting emotional wounds or damaging another’s reputation.
These “canine-like” behaviors, often exhibited through verbal aggression and emotional harm, are antithetical to the accumulation of blessings. Instead of engaging in such destructive conduct, one should strive to offer “good food” through their words, fostering harmony and goodwill. Such negative actions create emotional scars and repel divine favor.
Conversely, a harmonious marital relationship, characterized by mutual commitment to self-denial and benevolent acts, fosters immense familial prosperity. For instance, a couple agreeing to fast one meal a day and dedicating the saved resources to charity will experience significant familial advancement. This practice not only attracts divine blessings but also promotes physical health, mitigating common ailments such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. The reduction of food intake, therefore, serves as a powerful preventative measure against various diseases, rendering medical intervention largely unnecessary.
The divine protection extended to those who accumulate blessings is evident in everyday life. Instances of narrowly escaping accidents or unforeseen dangers are often attributed to the merits accumulated in past lives. Those who have performed numerous benevolent acts are guided and protected by celestial forces. My own experiences of extreme hunger during my youth, living in a tent on a mountainside and observing the simple joys of impoverished families, instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of benevolent sustenance. This personal journey, marked by hardship and self-denial, prepared me for my divine mission.
- The Prescience of Nature and the Call to Spiritual Awareness
Just as creatures dwelling in holes, such as ants and frogs, possess an innate ability to foresee impending rain or floods, and birds like magpies can sense an approaching typhoon, humans too must cultivate a spiritual awareness to navigate life’s challenges. These creatures, through their instinctive preparations, demonstrate a wisdom that often eludes humanity. Humans, in their pursuit of self-gratification, often remain oblivious to impending difficulties, suffering consequences that could have been averted through foresight and virtuous conduct.
The aforementioned passage from Isaiah 58:6-10 reiterates the profound benefits of a divinely pleasing fast. It promises liberation from wickedness, freedom from oppression, and the bestowal of divine light and healing. It also warns against “finger-pointing and empty talk,” which are akin to the destructive “canine-like” behaviors previously described. By satisfying the needs of the afflicted, one’s light will emerge from darkness, transforming night into day. The Divine will perpetually guide and satisfy the soul, making one like a well-watered garden. These scriptural injunctions underscore the direct correlation between benevolent actions and divine blessings.
The miraculous emergence of pure spring water from deep within the earth, a process spanning millions of years, serves as a profound metaphor for divine providence. The water’s arduous journey through subterranean rock formations, accumulating various minerals, culminates in its ascent to the surface, a testament to the intricate workings of the cosmos. To consume such water without acknowledging its profound origin and the divine grace it represents is to invite divine displeasure. This illustrates the importance of gratitude and reverence for all of creation.
My lifelong commitment to benevolent sustenance, rooted in personal experience and guided by divine principles, serves as a model for humanity. The divine does not require human recognition; its approval is sufficient. My role is to exemplify these virtues, demonstrating the path to spiritual transcendence. The profound impact of my youthful hunger on my commitment to fasting and benevolent sustenance is undeniable, a testament to the enduring wisdom of ancient scriptures.
- The Energetic Disparity of Spiritual Traditions and the Path to Divine Connection
The destructive behaviors of “biting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching” are particularly prevalent among humans, especially women, inflicting emotional wounds and hindering the flow of blessings. These actions, akin to those of animals, stand in stark contrast to the virtuous conduct that attracts divine favor. Instead of engaging in such negativity, one should embrace fasting and benevolent sustenance.
The energetic resonance of spiritual terms reveals a profound distinction between various traditions. Terms associated with Christianity, such as “prayer,” “salvation,” “blessing,” “Holy Spirit,” “grace,” “resurrection,” “eternal life,” and “heaven,” possess a palpable energetic force. Conversely, terms associated with Buddhism, such as “enlightenment,” “nirvana,” “liberation,” “bodhi,” “prajna,” “samadhi,” “non-self,” and “Buddhahood,” lack this energetic resonance. This disparity reflects the fundamental difference between “yang” (positive, active) and “yin” (negative, passive) energies.
The cosmic hierarchy, encompassing the “Wuji” (ultimate non-duality), “Taiji” (supreme ultimate), and “Yin-Yang” (duality), illustrates this principle. The Wuji represents a state beyond duality, akin to a region where a compass ceases to function due to the absence of magnetic poles. The Taiji and Yin-Yang represent the dualistic realm of earthly existence. Christianity, embodying “yang” energy, resonates with the divine, while Buddhism, embodying “yin” energy, does not. This explains why Christian terms possess energetic power, while Buddhist terms do not.
Buddhist practices, while accumulating “merit” in a general sense, do not lead directly to heaven. They may facilitate entry into a “heavenly waiting room,” but direct access to heaven requires encountering the God-man. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid destructive behaviors and embrace benevolent actions. The mouth, being the conduit for both blessings and curses, must be carefully guarded. Benevolent sustenance, as a silent act of compassion, embodies the essence of virtuous conduct, radiating a spiritual aura that attracts others. My own life, characterized by abstinence and benevolent service, has often led people to perceive me as a spiritual leader, even before my public mission.
My preference for conducting meetings in banks, rather than smoke-filled coffee shops, reflects my commitment to a clean and wholesome lifestyle. Banks, with their spacious lobbies, cool environments, and readily available water, provided a conducive setting for my interactions, free from the pollutants of tobacco smoke. This meticulous attention to purity and integrity has been a hallmark of my existence.
The importance of benevolent sustenance, as elucidated in Isaiah 58:6-10, cannot be overstated. It is a pathway to physical health, spiritual well-being, and divine favor. Fasting one meal a day can eliminate numerous ailments, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. It also alleviates mental suffering, such as pain, hardship, and worry, which are the root causes of stress and disease. By entrusting one’s worries to the divine, one can find resolution and peace. The profound significance of benevolent sustenance, therefore, lies in its ability to transform both the individual and their circumstances, aligning them with divine will and attracting boundless blessings.
What is the true meaning of free meal service? It’s about sacrificing your own portion to help others, which brings blessings and spiritual growth, as supported by biblical teachings.
- Introduction to the Lecture and Honoring a Special Guest
The lecture begins by welcoming attendees and viewers, then acknowledges a special guest from Switzerland who traveled a long distance to attend.
1.1. Welcoming Remarks and Guest Recognition
The speaker welcomed everyone to the Cheongung Palace and wished them health and happiness.
The speaker stated that meeting Heo Kyung-young is the best moment in life, and the Cheongung Palace will be crowded with people wanting to see him.
The 1463rd Saturday lecture began with a tribute to Heo Kyung-young, who is believed to bring world peace through his great love for humanity.
A special guest, Kim Young-hee, a great angel from Switzerland, presented red orchids to Heo Kyung-young as a token of gratitude.
She traveled 18 hours from Switzerland to attend.
The speaker asked for applause for her long journey.
- Reflections on Switzerland and Global Cultural Influence
The speaker discusses Switzerland’s unique history and high trustworthiness, then transitions to South Korea’s growing global cultural influence, particularly in entertainment and literature.
2.1. Switzerland’s History and Global Trustworthiness
The speaker noted that traveling from Switzerland to Cheongung Palace is a significant journey, comparing Switzerland to “another planet” due to its distance and unique history.
Switzerland and Austria were once large empires that shrank due to wars, with Switzerland becoming a neutral, smaller nation.
Switzerland’s survival in European history is considered a miracle, as it likely fought wars with countries like Germany.
A key characteristic of Swiss people is their unwavering loyalty, which makes Switzerland number one in global trustworthiness.
2.2. South Korea’s Cultural Dominance and Recent Achievements
The speaker outlined five factors for international relations: trustworthiness, manpower, technology, etiquette, and culture.
South Korea excels in manpower and technology.
South Korea’s culture now dominates the world.
South Korean entertainers are considered the best in the world, making the country’s entertainment industry a global emperor.
Over 200 countries are influenced by South Korean culture, especially from South Korea, not North Korea.
South Korean directors, actors, and talents are internationally recognized as top performers.
Other countries cannot replicate the acting skills of South Koreans.
South Korean cultural products, such as Dae Jang Geum, K-pop, and songs like Gangnam Style, are imitated globally, with Europeans practicing them at home.
A South Korean woman recently won the Nobel Prize in Literature, which was the first time a woman from Korea received this award.
This achievement challenged the pride of men worldwide.
It highlighted the recognition of Korean women in delicate, literary, and future-oriented cultural fields.
This broke the “mannerism” of previous Korean literary figures like Park Kyung-ni and Yi Mun-yol, who did not win Nobel Prizes.
South Korean novels are now considered world-class, making Korea the leading nation in culture, with influence over more than 200 “vassal states.”
The Korean people possess both sorrow (han) and joy (heung), creating unique forms of music like chang, minyo, and sijo that are unparalleled globally.
The speaker recalled watching old noblemen recite sijo, which was a slow, breath-holding process that impatient people could not do.
As a child, the speaker found it hard to understand why old men would spend so much time reciting sijo, feeling it was outside the normal “cycle of the world.”
- The Subjective Nature of Reality and the Importance of Reducing Desires
The speaker explains that our perception creates our reality, emphasizing that reducing desires and external “objects” leads to a more peaceful and less competitive life.
3.1. Perception Shapes Reality
The speaker explains that without understanding the “subject,” reality remains a mystery.
What we perceive is limited by our perception; for example, a blind person does not perceive the visual world.
Our perception creates our reality; if we see the world as heaven, it becomes heaven, but if we see it as hell, it becomes hell.
The speaker uses the example of a director making a horror movie: the director sees every woman as a potential “ghost” for the film, shaping their perception to fit their goal.
Similarly, someone looking for a spouse will evaluate every person as a potential partner, creating their “subject” based on their intention.
Therefore, our perception creates the subject, rather than the subject creating our perception, making reality subjective.
3.2. Lessons from Himalayan Life and the Benefits of Reducing Desires
The speaker describes the lives of Sherpa women in the Himalayas, who appear aged beyond their years due to harsh conditions but maintain a constant smile, as if living in heaven.
Their happiness comes from simple things, like their husbands returning safely from dangerous expeditions.
These people experience no suffering or fear of death; they accept death as a natural part of life, believing the mountains take their loved ones to a good place.
Their bodies are preserved in the snow for centuries, so they believe they simply “fall asleep” in the snow, without decay or maggots.
Their minds are pure, and they have no desires, as they have seen nothing to desire beyond nature itself.
Unlike modern society, there is no competition among Sherpas.
The speaker argues that our focus on competition leads to stress and heart disease.
Therefore, reducing the “subjects” or desires in our lives is beneficial, as it eliminates unnecessary distractions.
- The True Meaning of Free Meal Service
The speaker introduces the topic of free meal service, explaining that its true meaning lies in sacrificing one’s own portion to help others, rather than giving from surplus.
4.1. Introduction to Free Meal Service
The speaker humorously notes that talking without a title is more interesting, as being constrained by a title can limit creativity.
However, for a lecture, a title is necessary.
The topic for today is “Free Meal Service.”
4.2. The Speaker’s History of Free Meal Service
The speaker began providing free meal service at Seoul Station 54 years ago, at the age of 22.
This work was recognized in the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper 20 years later, when the speaker was 40, identifying him as “Korea’s Pestalozzi” for helping 15,000 disadvantaged people over 18 years.
The speaker mentions that this newspaper article was even used during his election campaigns.
The speaker expresses sadness when seeing 22-year-olds today, contrasting them with his own actions at that age.
4.3. The Principle of Sacrificial Giving
At 22, the speaker reduced his own daily meals from two to one, believing that one meal should be given to others.
He emphasizes that giving to others after eating one’s fill is not true charity; true blessing comes from sacrificing one’s own portion.
This principle is similar to how mothers in the past would set aside a spoonful of rice from each meal into a jar to help others in need.
The speaker stresses that true free meal service involves first setting aside one’s own food, not giving leftovers.
He explains that taking rice from the pantry before cooking, rather than reducing one’s own meal, misses the point of personal sacrifice.
Therefore, providing free meals while eating three full meals a day is problematic; true jeonggyeolmi (pure rice) means giving from what one has personally reduced.
Those who fast one meal a day and donate the equivalent to a church or temple become wealthy because heaven blesses such sincere acts.
It is important to set aside offerings for God and portions for neighbors before preparing one’s own meal, as this brings prosperity to the family.
4.4. The Importance of Action and Sacrifice in Receiving Blessings
The speaker explains that simply quitting alcohol or cigarettes is not enough to receive blessings; one must donate the money saved from these habits to God or those in need.
This act of sacrifice ensures that the person will not revert to their old habits and will receive blessings.
Without this sacrificial act, simply quitting for oneself does not bring divine favor.
Good deeds, regardless of religion, bring blessings.
The speaker states that he ate only two meals a day since starting free meal service, embodying this principle.
True free meal service means giving from what one has personally saved or sacrificed, not from surplus money.
This act is comparable to donating one’s own blood.
Those who perform such selfless service will be reborn into a life of bu-gwi-gyeom-jeon-ji-sang (wealth and honor combined) in their next life.
They will be born into wealthy and noble families, with good looks and many followers.
If they fall ill, they will experience yu-byeong-deuk-yak-ji-sang (sickness leading to medicine), meaning doctors and pharmacists will line up to cure them.
They will also experience gon-nan-deuk-su-ji-sang (difficulty leading to water), where help arrives miraculously during times of trouble, like a dragon finding water during a drought.
Giving food to the hungry is the most powerful form of service.
- Biblical Support for Giving and Fasting
The speaker references the Bible, specifically Isaiah 58:6-11, to support the idea that sacrificial giving and fasting bring divine blessings, protection, and prosperity.
5.1. Jesus’ Teachings on Helping the Needy
The Bible states that giving even a cup of water to someone is like giving it to God, as Jesus identifies with the hungry, thirsty, and sick.
Helping the poor is equivalent to helping Jesus himself.
5.2. Isaiah 58:6-11: The Rewards of Righteous Fasting and Giving
The speaker directs the audience to Isaiah 58:6-11, which outlines the kind of fasting that pleases God.
Isaiah 58:6: God’s chosen fast involves freeing the oppressed, breaking yokes, and letting the enslaved go free.
The speaker interprets “breaking the bonds of wickedness” as being freed from high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure, and achieving weight loss through fasting.
Fasting also breaks the “yoke” that binds people.
Isaiah 58:7: It involves sharing food with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, and not hiding from one’s own family.
“Wandering poor” refers to refugees, like those in Israel and Palestine, whom we should support.
Isaiah 58:8: If these actions are taken, one’s light will shine like the dawn, healing will come quickly, righteousness will go before them, and the glory of the Lord will be their rear guard.
“Your light will break forth like the dawn” means honor will return, leading to bu-gwi-gyeom-jeon-ji-sang (wealth and honor combined).
“Your healing shall spring forth speedily” means illnesses will disappear through fasting; even those with terminal cancer should fast.
“The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard” means angels will protect and guard them.
Isaiah 58:9: When one calls, the Lord will answer; when one cries for help, God will say, “Here I am.”
This means prayers for help will be immediately answered.
Isaiah 58:10: If one removes oppression, finger-pointing, and malicious talk, and satisfies the needs of the afflicted, their light will rise in darkness, and their gloom will become like noonday.
This verse warns against negative behaviors like bite (biting), growl (growling), scratch (scratching), and fight (fighting), which are compared to animalistic actions.
Isaiah 58:11: The Lord will guide them continually, satisfy their souls in parched lands, strengthen their bones, and make them like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
This means they will be like a spring of pure water, even in dry places.
The speaker emphasizes that these are not his words but are from the Bible, highlighting their importance.
The most pleasing fast to God is when one skips a meal and gives that food to others, which can lead to blessings like a child passing an exam.
This is a method of accumulating blessings.
The speaker, as a divine being, must set an example by continuing free meal service, even when financially difficult.
The act of fasting is crucial; providing free meals while consuming alcohol and cigarettes is unacceptable to heaven.
The most effective way to gain blessings is through jeolsik (fasting/reducing food intake), as practiced by mothers who saved rice to give to needy neighbors.
Such families subsequently prosper, as heaven rewards their actions.
Simply working hard is not enough; one must reduce personal consumption and pleasure.
The speaker states he never consumed alcohol, tobacco, or coffee, which were luxuries he couldn’t afford in his youth.
He drank only cold water, even when others had lunchboxes.
He avoided these things out of human conscience.
The speaker observed jeolmi (rice-saving) practices in his village, which led to prosperity for many families.
These people would be reborn with bu-gwi-gyeom-jeon (wealth and honor) and yu-byeong-teuk-yak (sickness leading to medicine), receiving excellent medical care if they fell ill.
Upon death, angels would guide them to heaven with beautiful scents and music, experiencing no pain.
The speaker questions why people would spend 2 billion won annually on free meal service instead of investing in land or stocks, explaining that it is the most powerful way to accumulate blessings.
He clarifies that his free meal service was done secretly and without fundraising, emphasizing that many successful people perform good deeds in secret.
- The Importance of Actions Over Words and Avoiding Negative Behaviors
The speaker emphasizes that actions, especially selfless service, speak louder than words, and warns against negative, animalistic behaviors like backbiting and fighting, which hinder blessings.
6.1. Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The speaker reassures the audience that they have already done many good deeds, which is why they are at Cheongung Palace.
He encourages the general public, not the current audience, to read Isaiah 58:6-10.
He criticizes those who eat three meals a day while their child faces a college entrance exam, stating that one should fast and give to the poor.
Simply praying for success without action is ineffective.
People should embody their beliefs through their actions; for example, a person’s body should “smell” of the church or priesthood for others to follow them.
The speaker gives an example of a kind priest who respectfully guides a young man, contrasting him with a rude pastor who dismisses questions about other religions.
People are drawn to those who exude a positive “fragrance” through their service.
When someone’s actions speak for themselves, others will naturally follow them.
6.2. Avoiding Animalistic Behaviors
The speaker uses the analogy of an English teacher whose English “radiates” from them, even in their appearance, to illustrate how one’s essence should be evident.
He warns against using “dog-like” behaviors, which prevent the accumulation of blessings.
These negative behaviors include:
Bite: Backbiting and verbally attacking others, especially spouses.
Bark: Shouting and complaining, like a dog barking, which is unpleasant to others.
Growl: Grumbling and snarling, often seen between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, or between spouses, indicating a desire to harm.
Fight: Engaging in conflict.
Scratch: Harming others with words, leaving emotional “scratches” on their hearts, often seen in women who spread rumors to demean others.
These behaviors are animalistic and prevent blessings from entering one’s life, making it impossible for children to succeed.
The speaker emphasizes that instead of these negative actions, one should use their mouth to provide “free meal service” by speaking good words to others.
- Benefits of Fasting and the Speaker’s Personal Experiences
The speaker reiterates the benefits of fasting, including improved health and divine protection, and shares his personal experiences of poverty and hunger during his youth, which shaped his commitment to free meal service.
7.1. The Power of Fasting and Divine Intervention
The speaker explains that avoiding negative behaviors and practicing sacrificial giving leads to gon-nan-deuk-su-ji-sang, where divine help arrives during difficulties.
In contrast, couples who fight during hard times block heavenly assistance.
He suggests that couples fast one meal a day and save the money to help others, which will lead to immense family prosperity.
This practice also helps avoid becoming a “three-meals-a-day” burden in old age.
Eating only two meals a day promotes marital harmony and prevents common health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
Fasting one meal a day can eliminate the need for hospitals and doctors, as it prevents diseases.
This is because a righteous mind, offering a reduced meal to God, brings blessings.
The speaker shares an anecdote of almost being hit by a truck, attributing his survival to blessings accumulated in a previous life.
He believes that those who have accumulated many blessings are the ones currently living in Seoul, and those at Cheongung Palace have done even more good deeds.
7.2. The Speaker’s Youthful Struggles and the Origin of Free Meal Service
The speaker recounts living in a tent on a mountaintop during high school, eating only once or twice a week.
The area below was a shantytown filled with children, as poor families often had many children due to cramped living conditions.
These residents were later relocated to Seongnam City by President Park, creating a new city.
The speaker lived there years before the relocation.
Returning home late at night from school, he would often stop for 10 minutes to smell the food cooking in the shantytown homes, feeling hungry.
His own tent was cold, with frozen water, and he would study by candlelight, forgetting his hunger as he focused on his work.
He observed the happiness in those poor homes, with families eating together, which seemed like heaven compared to the wealthy areas like Jangchung-dong, where such people were called beggars.
He also saw men returning from work carrying heavy briquettes, a common sight in those impoverished times.
The speaker frequently fainted from hunger and malnutrition during school, experiencing dizziness and skin conditions.
He explains that his free meal service and fasting originated from these personal experiences of hunger during his school years.
He emphasizes that to improve one’s luck, one must reduce personal consumption and give to others, not indulge in alcohol, coffee, or cigarettes.
The speaker’s direct experience of poverty was crucial for him to fulfill his divine role.
He spent his middle school years in various temples, where he could eat but had to work hard, hindering his studies.
In high school, he chose to live in a tent and study, even if it meant going hungry, rather than working in a temple.
This period was a dilemma, as he longed for the warm food and rooms of the temple while enduring the cold in his tent, which caused physical discomfort.
His strong willpower helped him endure, despite developing peritonitis due to the harsh conditions.
- Nature’s Wisdom and the Importance of Understanding Divine Principles
The speaker highlights how animals possess an innate wisdom to predict natural events, contrasting it with human ignorance, and re-emphasizes the profound meaning of the Gwangcheonsu (divine spring water) as a miracle that should be appreciated.
8.1. Animals’ Foresight vs. Human Ignorance
The speaker introduces the concept of hyeol-geo-ja-ji-u (穴居者知雨), meaning “cave dwellers know rain.”
Animals and insects living in holes, like ants and frogs, can predict rain and floods, taking shelter in advance.
Similarly, rats and bats living in caves also know when big or small rains will come and prepare.
Humans, in contrast, are often caught unprepared by natural disasters.
Birds like magpies, which build nests in trees, also know when typhoons are coming.
They prepare by reinforcing their nests.
Old people used to predict typhoons by observing magpies repairing their nests.
The speaker adds pung (風, wind) to the phrase, making it hyeol-geo-ja-ji-u-pung (穴居者知雨風), meaning “cave dwellers know rain and wind.”
He contrasts this animal wisdom with humans who only focus on personal consumption and work hard, only to face disaster.
8.2. The Miracle of Gwangcheonsu (Divine Spring Water)
The speaker re-emphasizes the importance of Isaiah 58:6-10, stating it is crucial to understand.
He explains the slow process of water seeping into the ground: 1 cm takes 1 year, 1 meter takes 100 years, 10 meters takes 1,000 years, and 1,000 meters takes 100,000 years.
For the Gwangcheonsu (divine spring water) to reach 3.3 km underground, it takes over 100 million years.
The speaker highlights the miracle of 200 tons of this ancient water rising daily from the earth, emphasizing that it is a gift stored for humanity over hundreds of millions of years.
The water’s journey through rocks and various minerals like germanium is incredibly difficult and long.
Therefore, one should bow in gratitude when seeing the Gwangcheonsu, acknowledging its immense journey and the divine grace it represents.
Taking it for granted is a sin.
Rainwater mostly evaporates or flows into rivers and oceans, with only a small fraction seeping into the ground very slowly.
The speaker explains that mountains are structured to prevent rapid water absorption, which would cause landslides and endanger lives.
Water flows off the slopes into rivers and then to the sea.
The Gwangcheonsu emerges at an altitude of 400 meters, higher than Seoul, making its upward flow even more miraculous without any pumps.
The speaker warns that drinking the Gwangcheonsu without acknowledging Heo Kyung-young is like inviting a lightning strike.
He reiterates that Isaiah 58:6-10 explains what actions lead to prosperity, including fasting and sharing with neighbors, which ensures prayers are answered and children are protected.
As a divine being, he must set an example through free meal service, regardless of public recognition, as only heaven’s acknowledgment matters.
- The Speaker’s Role and the Energetic Differences Between Religions
The speaker clarifies his role as a model for humanity, explains the energetic differences between Christian and Buddhist terms, and connects these concepts to the cosmic structure of Mugeuk, Taegeuk, and Eumyang.
9.1. The Speaker’s Role as a Model and the Influence of His Past
The speaker states that he does not seek blessings for himself but serves as a model for humanity.
His commitment to fasting is deeply influenced by his own hunger during high school.
He points out that the principles he teaches are found in Isaiah, written thousands of years before his birth, indicating their timeless truth.
This understanding reveals what actions lead to answered prayers, emphasizing that simple acts of charity are more important than abstract concepts like bosi-gongdeok (charitable merit) or mujusang-bosi-gongdeok (merit of selfless giving).
9.2. Energetic Differences in Religious Terms
The speaker notes that he is speaking slowly due to a sore throat from many phone calls.
He reiterates the negative “dog-like” behaviors (fight, growl, bark, bite, scratch) that people often engage in, especially women, which cause emotional harm to others.
He finds it more effective to explain these in English.
He urges people to stop these shameful behaviors and instead practice fasting.
He then demonstrates the energetic power of Christian terms (8 Joys of Christianity): gido (prayer), guwon (salvation), chukbok (blessing), seongnyeong (Holy Spirit), eunsa (grace), buhwal (resurrection), yeongsaeng (eternal life), and cheon-guk (heaven).
He shows that these words possess strong energy, as they cannot be pushed down.
In contrast, Buddhist terms (8 Joys of Buddhism): jeonggak (enlightenment), yeolban (nirvana), haetal (liberation), bode (bodhi), banya (prajna), sammae (samadhi), mua (no-self), and seongbul (Buddhahood), have no energy and can be easily pushed down.
This indicates that many believers do not understand the true meaning of these terms.
9.3. Cosmic Structure and Religious Energies
The speaker explains that Christian terms represent yang (positive energy), while Buddhist terms represent eum (negative energy).
He illustrates the cosmic structure:
Mugeuk (無極, ultimate void) is at the top, representing a state beyond yin and yang, where a compass does not work.
Taegeuk (太極, supreme ultimate) is below Mugeuk.
Eumyang (陰陽, yin and yang) is below Taegeuk, representing the Earth where a compass functions.
He states that he, as a divine being, came as a man (yang) rather than a woman (yin) to align with this energetic principle.
Therefore, Christian terms possess energy, while Buddhist terms consume energy.
Performing Buddhist rituals only earns “moral points” from heaven, not the same kind of energetic blessings.
He distinguishes between gongdeok (供德, merit from offerings) and gongdeok (功德, merit from good deeds).
The latter is recognized by society but lacks the power to reach heaven directly.
To reach heaven, one must meet a divine being like him.
- Conclusion: The Power of Action and the Speaker’s Example
The speaker concludes by reiterating the importance of actions over negative words, emphasizing that free meal service is a silent act of love that embodies divine principles, and expresses disappointment over the lack of media coverage for his 54 years of service.
10.1. The Importance of Actions and Positive Conduct
The speaker advises against over-learning, suggesting that focusing on key principles is better.
He again warns against negative behaviors like backbiting, growling, and barking, which are like dog-like actions and are disliked by everyone.
Instead, one should demonstrate their character through actions, exuding the “scent” of a wealthy person, a priest, or a divine being.
He reminds the audience of Jesus’ teaching that what comes out of the mouth is what defiles a person, emphasizing the need to control one’s speech.
Free meal service is a silent act of love that embodies these principles, making one appear like a “small Jesus” or a saint.
The speaker recounts how people often mistook him for a pastor due to his clean lifestyle, avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and coffee.
He used banks as meeting places because they were clean, cool, and offered free water, avoiding smoky coffee shops.
10.2. The Speaker’s Clean Lifestyle and the Call to Action
The speaker knew all the banks in Seoul and used their lobbies as his office, appreciating their cleanliness and amenities.
He lived like an ascetic, disliking negative behaviors like bite, bark, growl, and scratch.
He finds English easy to learn and uses it to make his lessons engaging.
He reiterates that free meal service is essential, referencing Isaiah 58:6-10, which explains how fasting and helping the hungry eliminate illness and promote well-being.
He encourages attendees to fast after eating at Cheongung Palace, drinking water to fill their stomachs, which improves blood circulation and eliminates high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.
He also addresses the “three highs of the mind”: pain, hardship, and worry, stating that worry causes stress and illness.
He advises people not to worry but to ask angels or him for solutions.
He concludes by urging the audience to remember Isaiah 58:6-10 as the core message of why free meal service is important.
10.3. Final Remarks and Media Disappointment
The speaker states that his lecture is easy to understand because he has experienced everything from heaven to earth.
He expresses his love for those who recognize him, noting that they are more precious than those who do not.
The lecture concludes with musical performances, including the “Heo Kyung-young Anthem,” “Flying Saucer,” and “Bulrosu” (Elixir of Youth).
The speaker thanks the audience for listening and participating in the free meal service.
He expresses personal disappointment that his 54 years of free meal service have not received media coverage, unlike what would happen if a celebrity or wealthy person did the same.
2024.10.26. 1463rd Free Meal Service!
It’s amazing that you’ve come all the way from Switzerland. You haven’t been to Switzerland, have you? It’s a completely different planet. A completely different planet, a completely different country. Austria and Switzerland used to be such powerful nations back in the day, waging wars against Hungary and such. It’s a miracle that Switzerland still exists. Austria was once a very large country, too. But it shrank so much, and Switzerland declared itself a neutral state, splitting into small parts. That was the empire of that time. It was a big country, but it kept shrinking due to wars and subsequent fragmentation. They probably went to war with Germany as well. Anyway, the fact that Switzerland still exists is truly a precarious sign in European history.
But now, the characteristic of Swiss people is that they keep their loyalty to the very end. That is why they rank number one in the world for trust. Number one in the world. So, we look at five things. What do we look at first? What we look at in international relations. What we look at in terms of trust. I’ve given you a lot of lectures on this. What’s next? You need manpower. But can manpower alone suffice? You need technology. So, after having manpower, every country has technology. Every country has manpower and technology. But there are countries that lack etiquette. So, our etiquette is a bit weak, isn’t it? Therefore, our manpower and technological prowess do not lag behind the rest of the world.
We dominate the world in culture. The people currently working in our entertainment industry are the world’s top technicians. So, you can consider our entertainment industry the emperor of the world. Furthermore, people from over 200 countries around the globe come and go to South Korea. When it comes to culture, it is the Korean people. And not North Korea, but South Korea. If you talk about South Korean directors, movie actors, or talents, they are the world’s best performers. They cannot act like us. So, whether it is Dae Jang Geum or K-pop, you know that thing we shake up? The song I gave you, Gangnam Style, or whatever—whether it is food, music, or dance—European kids are all sitting in their living rooms practicing imitating Korean things.
So, Korea has swept the cultural scene. And this time, it is the first time in the world that a Korean woman has won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Because a Korean woman won the Nobel Prize in Literature, men all over the world have had their pride completely hurt. That woman snatched the crown away. Korean women are recognized for their sensitivity, literary talent, and future-oriented cultural and literary aspects. People like Park Kyung-ri (author of Toji) and Lee Mun-yeol didn’t win the Nobel Prize, did they? So, what did she break down for them? She shattered their mannerisms. She completely turned everything upside down. No matter how many epic novels or historical novels exist, they couldn’t match what one woman did—deeply delving into and analyzing the inner world. She has conquered the world.
So, since Korean novels are ranked number one in the world, we have now become the global leader in culture. That is why we rule over 200 vassal states. Anyway, our people possess both sorrow and joy, and there is no other music in the world like our traditional singing that the world cannot replicate. Namdo folk songs, Namdo singing, and our Sijo do not exist in the West. I watched the old nobles reciting Sijo a lot when I was young. It is breathtaking; it takes your breath away. Someone with an impatient temper couldn’t do it. When I was young, I didn’t know why they were doing it.
Grandfathers would sit in tile-roofed houses, sitting at the punctual hour, reciting Sijo, and it was absolutely breathless. So, when I was young, I completely wondered, “Why are those old men sitting there like that?” Unless it was part of the cycle of that world, I couldn’t understand it. You know. Because our sense of self is always determined by the object. When I was young, seeing those old men reciting classical Chinese poetry or Sijo, could I understand the subject? No, I couldn’t. Why aren’t those bright people just going into their coffins already? That’s how we think when we’re young. We imagined those old men would chase after me with knives, threatening to castrate me whenever they saw me.
But why are they reciting poetry like that? What does that even mean? I didn’t even know that was poetry. So, if we don’t know the object, it is a curtain. So, in this real world, you can see the object. Then you only see as much as you can see. Some people say, “Jang-rim, you can’t see this.” If your eyesight deteriorates significantly, this world of objects ceases to exist. Therefore, in the world of objects, you create the object; the object doesn’t create you. So, if you view this world as heaven, heaven unfolds. But if you view this world as hell, hell unfolds. Let’s say I’m making a movie about hell. Then, as I pass by the woman who will appear in every scene of hell, I look at her, wondering if she looks like a ghost.
In the director’s eyes, that woman would be perfect for the role of a ghost. If she were made up, she would look like a truly cool ghost. It is as if he sees ghosts whenever he looks at a woman—all for the sake of making that movie. So, what is the target in the director’s eyes? He has to identify the ghost well for the movie to succeed. Then, when he looks at a woman, he tries to turn her into a ghost. He looks at her like this and thinks, “That woman shouldn’t be a ghost. Her eyes are too short; the corners need to be a bit longer.” He shapes the target himself in this way. If I were planning to get married, I would look at my potential spouse. I scan every single woman once. I look at her and think, “No, that isn’t it.”
So, perception creates the object. Self-perception creates the object; the object does not become perception. That is why it is subjective. That is why people in the ocean of happiness look like those who haven’t eaten a single bowl of porridge in three days. There are people who go to the Himalayas or places like Tibet and live at the mountaintops, 2,000 or 3,000 meters high—the Sherpa wives. When you look at them, they look like shriveled women. A woman in her 30s looks like a grandmother in her 60s. I’m not lying. Yet, they never lose their smiles. They look like people in heaven. What could be the object in their minds? If their husbands return alive from the snow without dying, that is happiness.
Are there any cars or anything? The only thing visible is the snowfield. Isn’t that right? So, for those people, if their husbands are Sherpas and return from the snow without being buried with them, that is their greatest joy. Isn’t that right? Therefore, there is no pain, nothing at all. When a husband dies, they just think, “Oh, so it is. He is buried in the snow. The Himalayas have taken him to a good place.” They don’t even grieve. So, do they have any worries? No. Is there any pain? No. There is no fear of death. They return to the snowfield and do not rot. Their bodies remain in the snow forever, exactly as they were, frozen to death. Even after 100 years, the body remains the same. Even after 1,000 years, it remains the same.
And those people simply think of it as falling asleep in the snow. There is no dying, rotting, or swarming with maggots. So, the objects in their hearts are pure. And they have no desires. Didn’t I say that faith is the substance of things hoped for? Since they haven’t seen anything they hope for in this faith itself, what is there? Naturally, that is all there is. Then, is there competition within that? Do the Sherpas compete with each other? No. Because we are fixated on the object of competition, we feel chased and end up with heart disease. So, it is good for you to reduce your objects of focus. If you reduce your objects, you won’t see useless things.
We’re getting sidetracked today. Talking without a title is actually more fun. If you get tied down by the concept of a title, it’s over. I do well without a title. You do have to write one, since it’s a lecture. But if you get bogged down in it, it’s no fun.
Free meals!
The title is very simple, isn’t it? What did you write? Free meals, free meals. Why did Shin-in start providing free meals at Seoul Station 54 years ago, when he was 22? That was published in the JoongAng Ilbo. How old was he when it was published? At 40. He started at 24, but it took 20 years to get a single line published in the newspaper. It was published when he was 40. This man is the Pestalozzi of Korea. Helped 15,000 underprivileged people over 18 years. It says that, doesn’t it? This, this, this is me.
I was 40, 40. I was consulting with the people providing meals here at Seoul Station. When they gave me food. I was 40 at this time. 40. Since it was 18 years, how old was I? Since I did it for 18 years, I was 40, so I was 22 at the time. That age comes out quickly, doesn’t it? It was in the JoongAng Ilbo when I was 40. In the Weekly JoongAng. Since I did it for 18 years, it is correct
that I was 22. I started providing free meals back then, so they would publish me in the newspaper once, then once. It was the original Weekly JoongAng. This, this is the one I used even during elections. Put it aside. It might sound like I’m bragging. Anyway, I started when I was 22. But when I look at the kids who are 22 now, my heart breaks.
When I was 22, I cut back on one meal a day. Back then, I used to eat two meals a day. Why did I do that? I thought, “I am giving back one meal to others.” So why did I fast for one meal a day starting at age 22?
Why did I fast for one meal? A person who gives food to others while eating everything themselves is a bad person. You have to reduce your own food intake and give to others; that is a blessing. Do you understand what I’m saying? So, you know how mothers used to take a spoonful of rice with a spoon and put it into the earthenware jar when cooking in the old days? What kind of rice is that? What kind of rice is that? I mean, does no one know? One person, tell me. So, why was it called that?
You gather that rice like that and take it when you are saving. That is giving it to others. So, isn’t that spirit really important? That is what providing free meals is. First, you take out what you are going to eat yourself. Giving away what is left over isn’t volunteering. It is difficult to give away the leftovers after I have eaten my fill. So, you could just scoop out rice from the storehouse before cooking. Isn’t that right? It is as if they insist on eating less rice from the very rice that is going to be cooked. They scooped out the rice. Is there a reason for that? Do you understand what I’m saying? So, when you give to others like this, you have to eat one less meal a day.
And you should be providing free meals to others; if someone seeks out their own three meals and then claims to provide free meals, that person has a problem. That is not true “Jeonggyeolmi.” Jeonggyeolmi means giving to others what you have set aside yourself. It means eating until you are stuffed and then offering rice to a temple. Going somewhere, going to church, and doing whatever else. There is no one who has failed to become wealthy after fasting one meal a day and tithing to a church. Everyone who has done the same for a temple becomes rich. Why is that? Because the heart of heaven blesses such people. That is why you set aside what to offer to the gods of heaven first. It means that your family will prosper only if you prepare your own meals after setting aside what to give to your neighbors first.
So, for someone who quits drinking, if they go to church and say, “Oh God, I have quit drinking,” will that person be blessed and have their household affairs go well? They will likely drink again later. Therefore, if you have quit drinking, you must calculate your monthly alcohol and cigarette expenses precisely and offer that amount as a donation at church. You must say to God, “As a reward for quitting drinking, I have brought this money to Heaven. I will give this to those in need.” If you say you have laid it down before God, will there be a blessing? That person will not drink again. They won’t drink again. But they just quit drinking. If they simply say, “Pastor, I have quit drinking,” will they receive that blessing? No, they won’t.
You are quitting drinking for your own sake; what does that have to do with our church? However, by quitting drinking, you must pay for the alcohol for others. Then, will glory come to that person or not? It will. It does not matter what religion it is. If you do good deeds, blessings will come. There is no such thing as “this works because it is Buddhism, but this doesn’t work because it is Christianity.” You must keep that in mind. That is why I have eaten two meals a day since I started providing free meals. That spirit is the path that Shinin has walked until now. Now you understand what free meals are. Free meals mean saving on your own food to give to others. Earning money and then using that surplus to serve others—that loses its meaning.
So, it’s somewhat similar to donating your own blood. Therefore, if we say that such a person never came to our Heavenly Palace and is reborn, and that they never met me in the world of reincarnation, then what will that person become in the next life? Empty riches and honors. In the next world, when they open their eyes, they will surely be rich and honored. How will they become rich and honored? They will be born with the state of possessing both wealth and honor.
Symbol of both wealth and honor;
symbol of having an illness and finding medicine
He is born handsome and into a wealthy family. People flock to him from a noble household. He is born with exactly this kind of fate. Does it fit or not? It probably does. So, such a person falls ill. If this person falls ill, what does it become? It becomes the fate of gaining wealth and gaining weakness.
When this person gets sick, doctors line up one after another. Pharmacists are everywhere, and everyone is lined up to cure him. So, remember what I told you last time? He is in great distress because there is no water. What happens to this kind of distress? He is in such great distress, yet what happens? The dragon is struggling because there is no water, and then suddenly a torrential downpour comes in, and… special ground.
The image of water obtained through hardship
Gonan suddenly gets water, and the dragon just carries it wherever it pleases. Is that good or bad? Then, did the person who became like that just happen? Like that. That is volunteering for free meals; giving food to hungry people is the scariest thing of all.
So, the Bible says to give a cup of water. If you give a cup of water, the one who drinks it is a god. It says that he is Jesus, doesn’t it? Isn’t he the one who gave me food when I was hungry, water when I was thirsty, and helped me when I was sick? But when you say, “I have never done that for you,” he replies, “What you did for the poor is what you did for me.” Let’s read Isaiah 58:6, 7, and 8. Play the video here. Chapter 7, 58:6, 7, 8. Is the video not showing up here? Isaiah 58:6 7 8.
Yes, the Book of Isaiah
This is Isaiah 58:6, 7, and 8. [6] Is not this the fast that I choose: to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house, to clothe the naked when you see them, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood? [8] Then your light will shine like the morning, and your healing will come swiftly; your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Now, even to the point of escorting. Now, the glory of the Lord in heaven escorts you. It will escort you. “Walk before Me, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” What does this mean? Angels protect you, don’t they? Archangels protect you, don’t they? That is escorting. The money the archangels contribute goes into free meals. If the archangels are about to stumble and fall, you catch them, don’t you? You protect them, knowingly or unknowingly. What is escorting? “Walk before Me, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.”
[9] When I call, I, the LORD, will answer. When I cry out, I will say, “Here I am.” If I remove from among you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and empty words, [10] and if my heart is with the hungry and I satisfy the heart of the afflicted, then my light will rise in the darkness and your darkness will become like the day. [11] The LORD will always guide you and satisfy my soul even in dry places and strengthen my bones; you will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never fails. Does it come out or not?
Do you understand? You shouldn’t take this passage lightly. It goes up to verse 10. It’s from Isaiah 58:6 through 10. This is a story from the Bible. So, what should we do for the poor? In that case, I mentioned the first thing earlier, didn’t I? The fasting that I delight in appears like this, doesn’t it? What the highest rejoice in is you skipping a meal. Then my son might pass his exam. When you have something you truly desperately want, you must fast and give to others exactly what you have starved. Whether you give it to a temple or a church, if you just give it away, will Heaven simply let it sit there? Will they just say they will leave it there? That is the way to accumulate merit.
Is that person crazy? Why is he providing free meals? Why has he been doing this for 54 years? However, should a newcomer set an example like that or not? He might not be able to do it when running for election, but he should continue doing it when he has money, and doing it when he does. That is how it is done; he just keeps doing it. Even when he can’t, does he do it with his heart? He is doing it. But the one thing that absolutely must not be left out is fasting. You providing free meals while pouring alcohol into your mouth? That is unacceptable. They tell you to fast even on food, yet you claim you will serve while drinking and smoking? Will Heaven grant you glory? Will they let such a child pass the bar exam and make the family prosper? They probably won’t.
The most effective method is what our mothers used to do: the fasting movement. Set aside the rice you would normally use to cook. Then, give it to those who have nothing. For example, the elderly woman next door lives in such hardship. Save that rice for a year and say, “Grandma, please take this and eat. This is the rice I saved for six months.” From that point on, that family starts to prosper. That household rises up. Who does that for you? Heaven does it. Do you understand now? It’s not like everything works out just because we work hard blindly. We have to reduce what goes into our mouths. We have to eliminate our indulgences. Have I ever had a drink or smoked a single cigarette? Have I ever had a cup of coffee?
Back in high school, a single cup of coffee was my daily living expense. So, did I ever drink coffee? I never did. I never tried Coke or Sprite, those drinks the kids loved so much, did I? And yet, I drank only cold water every day. Everyone else brought packed lunches, but since I didn’t, I just drank water. Also, I have a habit of drinking water, so if I drank coffee—since I was drinking something pitch black—I didn’t really like it. However, coffee is good for women’s skin. It’s not that it’s bad. It just costs money. That’s why I didn’t drink it. It’s the same with alcohol. Cigarettes all cost money. But did I do those things or not? I didn’t, did I? Why? Because I have to maintain a human conscience.
You didn’t see those mothers practicing the rice-saving campaign because we don’t have one at home. I saw everyone else doing it. In the countryside. That’s why everyone in our village is rich. They do things like that. Even the wealthy families do it. So everyone becomes rich, and in the next life, they achieve both wealth and honor. Pre-existing condition special rider. If you get sick, they take you to a good hospital like Seoul National University Hospital. The room is ready, and you go to a private room. That’s how everything is prepared. And when you return, angels from heaven are waiting. The scent is so beautiful that you lose your mind.
Because it was so beautiful. And then I heard a beautiful sound, the sound of music. It turned out that was death. Is there pain? It was just like being anesthetized in a fog; suddenly, heavenly hosts and angels wearing crowns lined up to guide me. Is it good or not? That is what free meals are. Then why does that person spend 2 billion won a year on free meals instead of buying even one more pyong of land or more stocks?
I have provided a lot of free meals in total over the years. But did I do this by raising funds like you do? No, I never raised funds. I did it all by myself. By myself, without anyone knowing. So, if you look at successful people, most of them are those who did good deeds in secret.
Do you feel guilty? You don’t need to feel guilty. You have come to Heaven’s Palace because you have done so many good deeds. I am telling ordinary people to read Isaiah 68:6 through 10. That does not apply to you. You have done many good deeds. That is why you have entered the ranks of Heaven. I am not lecturing you. Do you think only you watch my lectures? Other people watch them. That is why I am telling you this. If you are eating three meals a day right before a child’s college entrance exam, you are out of your mind. You really have to cut back on one meal at a time and give the food to a poor person in your neighborhood. Then, simply praying for the child to pass won’t work at all. You have to show it through your actions.
You could even say, “Let’s go to church.” You need to smell like the church to even consider going. Imagine someone who constantly cooks for needy elderly people, brings them food, and helps out their neighbors. If that person asks you to go to church, you’ll follow. You need to smell like a pastor or an evangelist, don’t you? Especially when you don’t smell like anything at all. “Let’s go to church”? Do you think people will go? Do you understand what I’m saying? Are you kidnapping them? To church? Are you trying to kidnap them?
That is why we need to internalize the idea that we must become that kind of person. It must be internalized. Only then will people go. If you look at the priests, there are some who are like that.
There are people who are so deeply ingrained in them that it makes you want to go to church. Also, even though they are clearly just wearing a suit, anyone can see they are not ordinary people. They exude the aura of a clergyman. When a young man asks for directions, they say, “Go to the temple. You just need to go to the temple.” Their way of speaking is different; their tone is different. If they speak to a young man with such respect, that is a priest. That makes sense. But if they were to ask a pastor, “Excuse me, where is the way to the church?” and say, “Why are you asking me that?” then they wouldn’t be a pastor. Isn’t that right? If a pastor passing by asks, “I heard there is a temple here; where is the way to Hwagyesa?” and the pastor replies, “Why are you going to Hwagyesa? I’m going to the temple to register today. You should register at our church instead.” Does that make the pastor go? No, it doesn’t. Instead, they should kindly say, “Please follow me.”
“Since there are many alleys here and I don’t know the way, just follow me a little and I’ll show you. Please explain things kindly. It turns out that person is a pastor later on. Then you might end up following them to church. That can happen. That scent—that fragrance—must emanate from them. A fragrance. That is why people like those who have served. Strangely enough, people follow them. If many people keep trying to go near them, is there any need for them to speak? Where they go is where I go. It has to radiate from their very being like that.”
There are people who speak English well. English teachers, for example. English just oozes from their very being. If they sing, it’s an English song. But strangely enough, they dress like Europeans, and their hair doesn’t look like a country bumpkin’s; they just exude the scent of English from within. Yeah, that’s exactly how it fits when they sing in English. If they come in with a messy perm, wearing baggy pants, and singing in English, who would listen? It’s truly unbearable to watch. You need to have at least a bit of a European vibe for us to listen to your English. To become that kind of person, the very first thing we need to be careful about is whether or not we should use the slang that dogs use.
Is it okay to bite others?
Bite bite growl fight scratch
Far from failing to accumulate good fortune, you’re kicking it all away.
Is biting okay? Absolutely not. If you bite, you shouldn’t. And what about dogs? They bark. They bark, they bark. Bark, bang, bang, bang. There’s something else, this one. What is this? Growl. This is attached here. Growl. This is just growling. Saying they’re going to eat you. Look at this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law growling. They do this all the time. This is biting all the time. This is barking all the time. Is that okay? This is completely… What is this? Fight. It’s fighting. Do you think good fortune will come in like this? They’re just animals. Barking and biting—how can humans think of humans like that? Bite, bark, growl, fight. Is that okay? Is it okay?
What is this? Scratch. Just scratching wildly with fingernails, with a hand covered in nail polish. Yeah, scratching someone’s face. Scratch. What you usually do to your neighbors isn’t offering free meals, but biting, barking, growling, fighting, and scratching. And then, to the heart. Here, here, it’s a K. As I write it, it becomes SC. Scratch. It means making a scratch. So, it’s not about scratching someone’s face, but their heart. You keep making scratches on their heart. Will good fortune come then? And while doing that, you tell your son to study hard? To pass his exams? It doesn’t work.
The thing you have to be most careful about is biting. They tear their husbands apart with their mouths. They tear their wives apart with their mouths. That is what dogs do. Bite is what a dog does best. Isn’t that right? And this, they’re good at this too. What is this? They’re good at barking. When women scream, dogs bark. That’s probably why women raise dogs so often. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. This… no, this doesn’t exist in Chinese characters. I teach it because it only exists in English. You need to know English to teach it properly. In Chinese characters, there is no such thing as “bite” or “bark.” “Growl,” “fight,” and “scratch” are the words you all use the most.
If there is someone who is even slightly good-looking, they scratch him. They say things like, “Oh, look, she’s had ten men,” and so on. Then, they disparage the woman. They leave a deep scratch. What I am saying right now is extremely important. We should be serving with our mouths, like a free meal, putting good food into the mouths of others. What are we putting in? We bite and growl with our mouths, don’t we? We wound the world, don’t we? We fight, don’t we? Growl, what is that? Growling, as if they can’t eat each other. The thing couples do the most is growl. Growling, growling, all the time. They can’t eat each other. If they act like that, will good fortune come or go? Of course it will go, of course. Then, a scratch remains in that person’s heart. Oh dear, that really isn’t good, is it?
So, regarding the image of a person possessing both wealth and honor, the image of overcoming illness and weakness, and the image of overcoming hardship and obtaining water—whenever difficulties arise—the “overcoming hardship and obtaining water” aspect implies that whenever there is a hardship, divine intervention comes to your aid. Divine intervention does come to your aid. But if there is only hardship, if there is only hardship between a husband and wife, fighting drives away all blessings and blocks the opportunity for Heaven to help. Is that acceptable? Let’s say, “Honey, let’s skip one meal a day. Let’s save that money and help others for the rest of our lives.” If you do this, your household will prosper tremendously. If you stick to that, then… you will avoid being a “three-meals-a-day” person in your old age. Isn’t that right?
“Honey, since we decided to skip one meal a day, we can just eat breakfast, go out, come home, and eat dinner. If we just go out and have fun during the day, we won’t have to worry about lunch. Let’s do it like that. So, we’re only eating two meals a day, but we’re cutting back by one. That’s how marital harmony develops. And after a while, your husband won’t get high blood pressure. Three-go, three-go. Three-go—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar—these won’t happen if you skip one meal a day. So, health isn’t like free meals; by fasting one meal a day, you don’t need any hospitals. You don’t need doctors.”
Why do you need a doctor if you have no illness? Then, how did you achieve that? Because you used your heart right. We prepare one meal a day and offer it to God’s temple in heaven. Because you are all Jesus, the Little Jesus. If you give it to everyone in need, blessings will simply flow abundantly. Imagine a bus where no one is coming, but you are about to turn the steering wheel when a massive truck whizzes past. It must have been speeding. But you didn’t see it. You are determined to turn, but suddenly hear a strange sound. You wonder what it is, and just as you turn, the truck blasts past. If you had turned the wheel just one second faster, you would have been reduced to dust. You must have experienced that many times. Who protected you? It is because you accumulated a lot of merit in your past lives. Only such people are walking around downtown Seoul right now. Because everyone has accumulated merit, those who have come here have done even more of those things.
So, remember when I was in high school at the top of the mountain, I was pitching a tent? Back when we were pitching tents, we could only eat once or twice a week. So, you went around starving. You went up the mountain starving and visited the top of Mt. Muak where I am. As you climb up there, everything below is just shacks. The alleys are all winding. There are only a few men carrying coal briquettes around occasionally. You know, even a child couldn’t get through. But there were so many little kids—hey, the whole neighborhood was full of them. When you’re poor, everyone just eats and has babies.
Because the rooms were small, the couple and the entire family were crammed into one room, and that was a roofing house. The roofing was on top. You know what roofing is. It’s similar to corrugated iron. Where did all those people go from those roofing houses? President Park sent them to Seongnam City. That is how Seongnam City came into existence. The whole group went to Seongnam, and they were given land in plots of about 50 pyeong each. Seongnam is a mountainous area, so a whole city of Seongnam was created. So, they all went to Seongnam, but I lived there a few years before they were sent. I pitched a tent at the very top. The neighborhood kids would swarm around like bees. Wow, a lot of children were born back then.
But when I went home late at night—I finished night high school around 11 PM—and walked up that alley, could you hear the sounds of people eating after working late?
The windows of those shacks are tiny. All the lights were on, and I could hear the clatter of spoons and chopsticks, and the smell of soybean paste soup. Before I knew it, I would stop for about ten minutes just to smell it. But then, standing there for a moment, I’d suddenly wonder, “Why am I standing here?” and go back up. When I went up again, I smelled something else. And then I’d go there and stop again. That path going up like this was a path of suffering. So, when I finally got up there and stepped into my room, it was freezing. Everything was frozen. What could possibly be inside the tent? Even the water was frozen; everything was frozen.
Do you smell that soybean paste? Do you hear any human sounds? Nothing at all. You sit there, light a candle, and study from that very moment. Then you forget all about being hungry. You forget everything, do your homework, and as time passes, you forget all about being hungry. Is there any water because it’s frozen? I am someone who has experienced that kind of life. So, as I went up, I saw that in every house, despite the poverty, there was happiness. When I looked at them, they seemed incredibly happy. They were all calling out “Dad, Dad,” the kids were calling out, and the fathers were talking to each other—those were the poor houses. Since there was no veranda, the room was basically just the veranda, and that was it.
Then, when I see them eating together, huddled together with the sound of spoons clinking, I think, “Ah, that is happiness.” Do we not see things like this? We do, but the rich people in Jangchung-dong look at those kids and call them beggars. But when I come home from school, I see the adults coming back from work—the men are all carrying something in their hands. What is it? They are carrying briquettes, one by one, tied with straw rope. They buy briquettes every day. Some buy two with a rope, while others buy just one—the briquettes are really heavy. Then, they stick the briquettes right into the rope and sell them like this. You just have to carry them. They are tied to the bottom with the rope. As they come back carrying the briquettes, those people climb up here and there to get home. The scene of people leaving work is a bit different, isn’t it?
It was a very poor time back then. At that time, we went hungry far more often than we ate. I collapsed hundreds of times on my way to school. I would get dizzy, the sky would spin around, and I would just collapse. I would wake up at the police station and go back to school. But the sky would turn yellow, and it was malnutrition. My face would break out in patches of skin—it was that kind of era. So, do you understand why I provide free meals? Why have I been providing free meals since I was 22? Why have I fasted? I fasted because I had been doing it since I was in school, but if you truly want your luck to improve, you need to reduce what goes into your mouths. You have to give away what goes to others.
But if you eat three meals a day, drink heavily, drink coffee, and smoke cigarettes on top of that, what happens? Coffee is okay; it’s cold. However, cigarettes are the problem. So, what I am talking about now is that I am someone who has experienced this firsthand and is involved in providing free meals. Therefore, if I hadn’t gone through that during my high school years, would it have helped me in my work as a newcomer? No, it wouldn’t. That is why, regarding my time at the temple during high school, I was only there during middle school. You know I went around to seven different temples during middle school? So, I had to go into a temple, and while I could get a meal there, high school is when I crave food the most. So, even though I got free meals at the temple during middle school, if I went there, I had to work myself to the bone.
So, I couldn’t study. In high school, I went to the temple—well, I couldn’t study because I was too busy. I managed to get through middle school at the temple, but in high school, I thought, “Even if I go hungry, I have to pitch a tent and study.” As I chose that path, I thought, “Isn’t going to the temple the only way to avoid starving to death? Do I really need to go to school and study?” It was a dilemma. Every day, my heart longed for the warm meals at the temple. I longed for the warm rooms there. Sitting in this freezing cold room, you know. I sat there trying to study, but my lower body just stiffened up. Even though I was a high school student. But I endured it solely on willpower. How could my body… later on, my stomach swelled up like a mountain, and I got inflammation. I got peritonitis. So I just said, “Oh, it’s okay, it’s okay. Let them criticize me if they want.”
So, what I’m talking about is, what is a blood-dwelling friend?
Those who live in a cave know the rain
Does anyone know? The cave dweller knows. You know the beasts and insects that live in holes? Those insects know in advance that it is going to rain. Like holes or ants. Look over there, a huge monsoon breaks out, causing a flood, and the swarms of ants flee. The frogs all take refuge. But humans know nothing and just get caught up in it like falling leaves in the autumn wind, don’t they? So, there was something like that in China too. Like, rats swarming and running away. And then all sorts of chaos breaks out, like floods. Rats live in holes, too. Rats and things like that live in holes, and bats live in burrows, too, don’t they? These things know in advance. They know in advance whether heavy rain or light rain is coming. Do they know or not? They know and all take refuge beforehand. Only humans are foolish enough to just get caught up in it.
Insects already know in advance that a typhoon is coming. They know that heavy rain is coming. So, cave dwellers—animals that live in burrows, you know—all these bugs know that rain is coming. Then there are animals like magpies that build their nests on tree branches; they know when a typhoon is coming. It’s quite amazing how they know, isn’t it? So they take refuge in advance. They prepare. They tie the branches tightly. If it looks like a typhoon is going to blow, they tend to their nest. Look, a magpie is tending to its nest. Oh my, a typhoon is coming. It flies around the nest, brings something in, and starts tending to it.
Then they would think, “Oh, it’s time for a big typhoon.” The elders of old used to figure all of that out by watching these creatures. “They’re moving. Oh my, a huge disaster is going to come.” That is how they observed it. So, humans learn from insects. Humans look at insects and foresee the future. “Oh my, a baby magpie that was just sitting still has come out and is tying up a nest with something it brought.” “Oh my, the wind is blowing, it’s time for a typhoon.” That is how the elders of old caught on. That is exactly what that saying means. For “Hyeolgeojajiu,” you just need to add another “Jiu” here.
Those who live in a cave know rain and wind.
The character for wind. It means knowing in advance that the rain and wind are coming. Do you all do that? You just think, “Let me eat my fill and live well.” You work your fingers to the bone, only to get screwed when something goes wrong. Is that acceptable?
So, we read Isaiah earlier. We read chapter 58, verses 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. It’s very important, so read it one more time. Put the video up. Now, over there. Now, don’t read from the book; look at this and read it.
From Isaiah 5:6
Chapter 58
Isaiah 58:6
This is verse 6. Please read it.
The fasting that I choose loosens the shackles of wickedness and undoes the thongs of the yoke.
They say that fasting for a short while releases the bonds of wickedness, don’t they? You are bound by wickedness and evil. That will be released on its own. That is a voice from Heaven. I am saying that is what I am saying. The wickedness of wickedness, wickedness and evil, approach us every day. We are bound by them. It releases them. How wonderful is that? When it is released, what does that mean? It refers to hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and high blood pressure. What? Try eating three meals a day. If you fast, does it release you from these or not? Also, does it release you from being fat or not? It releases. So, the fasting that I rejoice in releases the bonds of wickedness. You lose weight automatically. Now, get inside. Untie the ropes of the yoke. You are tied by a yoke like this, so use that to untie it. Read it again.
Is it not to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Break them all off and get rid of them. Do you like it or not? Then, verse 7.
Also, I share my food with those who have reduced theirs, and the wandering poor
What is it that is displaced? There are Israeli and Palestinian refugees right now, aren’t there? Those are the people who are displaced. We send donations to such people, don’t we? We shouldn’t take those people lightly. Now, to the displaced, the poor
Is it not that one takes the wandering poor into one’s home, clothes the naked when seeing them, and does not hide oneself from my power?
Wouldn’t it be?
Then my light will shine like the dawn, and my
I mean that honor returns. You mentioned the combination of wealth and honor earlier. It becomes the ultimate state of having both wealth and honor. If my light does so, my light shines like the dawn.
It will shine like the dawn.
Do you have an illness? If you just fast, it will disappear on its own.
My healing
It will happen rapidly, and someone in the terminal stage of cancer just starts stuffing themselves. Will that work? It won’t. People in the terminal stage of cancer need to fast. You can do it by gradually reducing your intake, but is it okay for someone in the terminal stage to just be greedy? Read this.
My righteousness will go before me, and the glory of the LORD will be my guard.
They say angels in heaven are escorting them from behind. Verse 9
When I call, I, the LORD, will answer.
“I am having such a hard time right now. Please save me.” Then, for someone like that, the response just comes down immediately.
When I cry out, I will say, “Here I am.” If I remove from among you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and empty talk, and if my heart moves with the hungry and I satisfy the heart of the afflicted, then your light will rise out of darkness, and your darkness will become like the day.
What is this? You know what I mentioned earlier? Biting and growling at others, uh uh scratching. What else? Fighting. One more thing is missing. Uh uh bark. What is that? Barking. It sounds similar to barking and scratching hard. Barking. If you are moved by your heart toward the hungry and satisfy the heart of those in distress, your light will rise out of darkness, and your darkness will become like the face. So, is doing things like this okay or not? It’s not okay. Then it becomes like this. Read it again. We finished verse 10.
Here it is. After that, the reward comes. What blessing is there for such people? The LORD will always guide you.
I will satisfy my soul even in dry places and strengthen your bones.
You will be like a watered garden, and like a spring whose water never runs dry.
I mean, it will be like mineral water. I mean, mineral water just comes down from the sky into this thirsty mountain valley. Enough. That is a very important point, isn’t it? These verses aren’t my own words. They are in the Bible, aren’t they? Then why would a divine being bring this up? This is all my own words. So, you are all staying exactly as you are, aren’t you? Look.
You draw well, too. It’s raining on the ground. It takes a year for this water to sink 1cm because of the rain.
How incredible is that? I went down to the ground right now after the rain, and there is standing water. A lot of it evaporates from the sunlight, but not much sinks down. Since it takes a year for 1cm to sink, how long do you think it would take for that 1m to sink in—10m, 10cm? It would probably take 100 years.
1cm 1 year
1m 100 years
10m 1,000 years
100m 10,000 years
1,000m 100,000 years
It would probably take a thousand years to go down 10 meters. It would take ten thousand years to go down 100 meters. It would take 100,000 years to go down 1,000 meters. Does our mineral water come up from the very bottom? To reach exactly 3.3 kilometers, it would take over 100 million years for the water to go down.
Listen, everyone. Do you realize what a glory it is when about 200 tons of water surge up from underground every day? Don’t even try to imagine it. It is water that has been flowing in for hundreds of millions of years, stored for me, and is now sending it up. This, this is not a lie. The speed at which water seeps into the ground is incredibly slow. You know that’s how it is. If it encounters a rock along the way, it has to go around it. There are countless bends in the path going 3.3 kilometers into the bedrock. Because it has to go around the bedrock. To get 3.3 kilograms underneath, the journey is indescribably treacherous. Just try to imagine the path of that water. For that single drop of water to reach 3.3 kilometers underground, there is a path of unimaginable suffering.
Water passes through countless rocks, traversing stone components, various other substances, and germanium—it takes over 100 million years to travel that path and cover 3.3 kilometers. Even though that water surges up like that and such a massive volume is coming out, you have to bow your head low to look at it for a long time. If you think, “Oh my, is this even possible?”, then you are blessed. But if you say, “I just assumed it was ordinary water because it was coming up,” you will be punished by heaven. I am teaching you the attitude you should have toward water. Since it took over 100 million years for a single drop of water to fall from the rain and penetrate 3.3 kilometers into the ground, isn’t the speed at which it rises just laughable?
Is there a mooring device 3.3km down there? It just comes up. Boiling water can rise, but is there any cold water that rises like that? Am I sucking it up with some kind of mooring device? Isn’t it unbelievable? That rising up—is that something a human does? This kind of water, this rainwater, dries even faster. It evaporates. Then it flows into the stream. It doesn’t go underground. It just flows away. 90% of it flows away. Even that remaining water flows down drop by drop, but just think about the speed at which it goes down. So, if you push a mountain with a sledgehammer after it rains, the inside is white. There isn’t a single drop of water. Try digging up that mountain after it rains. Is the soil underground even wet?
That is why that mountain doesn’t collapse. If it rained heavily and water rushed down, the whole mountain would crumble. We designed it that way when we built it.
If too much water gets in, a landslide will occur. The soil of the mountain cannot hold it in place. So, we are preventing water from entering as much as possible. Do you understand now? If the rocks and soil were to detach and the soil came down this slope, everyone would die. So, we created a structure that prevents water from being absorbed quickly, so that your survival wouldn’t be significantly affected. How meticulous is that? So, if the mountain is tilted like this, all the water flows out in the heat. It goes through the streams and into the sea. Is there any reason for it to get in? No.
That is why the spot here where the spring water comes out is 400 meters above sea level. 400 meters above sea level. That place is more than 200 meters higher than downtown Seoul. It is 400 meters higher than the sea level. That is the mineral spring. I am telling you, our main palace is 400 meters higher. Then how does that water come up from a height of several hundred meters? It is higher than the sea. So, when we look at the mineral water, we don’t look at it and say, “Ah, thank you, Divine Being.” We drink the water. We drink it without saying “Huh Kyung-young.” It is like being struck by lightning. You all took this free meal service for granted. I read Isaiah 58:6 through 10 for you today, didn’t I? Don’t forget it.
It says what you must do to prosper, doesn’t it? Why is it just “fast”—that “fast” is all there is? But wasn’t there also talk of sharing with neighbors? To summarize that: when you give to the thirsty and to your neighbors, I will grant you all your prosperity. I will grant the prayers you desire. I will guarantee the well-being of your children. Is that all there is? Then what is it that a divine being needs to come and set as an example? It is providing free meals. It is enough if Heaven acknowledges it; why do the newspapers need to acknowledge it, or do you all need to acknowledge it? It doesn’t matter if they don’t. It is enough if Heaven acknowledges it. So, should a divine being come from Heaven to demonstrate it, or not? It is merely visible.
I have nothing to receive blessings from anywhere. A divine being simply sets an example. That is why the starvation I experienced in high school had a tremendous influence on my fasting. But look at the Book of Isaiah; it was written 3,000 or 4,000 years ago, before I was even born. Is it written there or not? It is written like this. Do you understand now what you must do to have your wishes granted? It is not about the merit of giving alms, or the merit of giving without attachment. You have to do this. So, we
I’m taking my time because you guys don’t really learn just because I do a lot for you. My voice is a bit hoarse. I’ve been doing this so much, answering a lot of calls. So I’m speaking less. I should write this down. Fight is what you guys like the most. You like growl, bark, bite, and scratch. Your specialty is scratching someone’s heart. Isn’t this fun doing in English? Remember this. Everything here is related to dogs. English teacher. Dogs don’t scratch much, but cats do, and dogs are good at it too. That’s all the specialties of cats and dogs. So, cats are ambush-like. They pounce on you without growling, whereas dogs bark, growl, and then scratch. Dogs scratch, too. Even though they scratch, these five things are very much related to animals.
But actually, you guys have scratched each other a lot. This is women’s specialty.
Hanja? Well, Hanja exists, too. But English is easier in times like this. I’m saying English is easier. I mean, it’s fun doing it in English, isn’t it? It’s fun doing English after doing only Hanja all the time. Here, I’m listing the specialties that women mainly do. In English… I mean, you won’t forget this now. This is a really embarrassing story. I’m telling you to do this instead of this. Fasting. I’m telling you to fast. So, remember this thing I mentioned? Actually…
It’s a prayer. You all received blessings.
Prayer,
Salvation,
Blessing,
Holy Spirit
Spiritual
Gifts, Resurrection
Eternal Life
Heaven
It’s resurrection, eternal life, and heaven. All of these words are infused with energy. Prayer, resurrection, blessing, gifts of the Holy Spirit, resurrection, eternal life, and heaven—they are all filled with energy. This rich guy has just thrown them away. This is how you write resurrection. Then, prayer, salvation, blessing, gifts of the Holy Spirit, resurrection, eternal life, and heaven—these are the eight joys of Christianity. They are the eight joys of Christianity, and I mean, these eight joys are structured like this. But is there anything without energy? Gwangju, come out here.
Is it that funny to you just because I’m crying and sniffling? Now, put some strength into it. Prayer, prayer (doesn’t fall). Is it falling? Salvation, salvation (doesn’t fall). Blessing, blessing (doesn’t fall). Make it visible. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit (doesn’t fall). Spiritual gifts, spiritual gifts (doesn’t fall). Resurrection, resurrection (doesn’t fall). Eternal life, eternal life (doesn’t fall). Heaven, heaven (doesn’t fall). It’s not falling. This has energy; the Eight Bliss of Buddhism is inside it. This is the Eight Bliss of Buddhism. What are the Eight Bliss of Buddhism?
Eight Bliss,
Perfect Enlightenment,
Nirvana,
Liberation,
Bodhi
Prajna,
Samadhi,
Non-self
Buddhahood
Perfect Enlightenment—isn’t that a really good word? Why is it that even though it is a good word, it lacks energy? Perfect Enlightenment—is that a good word? It means transcending all of this. Isn’t that good? It is Bodhi Samadhi, non-self, and Buddhahood. So, there are these eight things.
Look here. Exactly on the spot (falls). Is there any energy? Is this some kind of fake? Exactly on the spot (falls). Nirvana, Nirvana (falls). Liberation, Liberation (falls). Enlightenment, Enlightenment (falls). It’s the same. Why is your body like this? Is it shaking? Because you’re trying to exert force? Enlightenment, Prajna, Prajna (falls). Samadhi, Samadhi (falls). Non-self, Non-self (falls). Enlightenment (falls). Because it’s like someone standing on the edge of a cliff. You have absolutely no strength, do you? Not a single bit of strength. It’s inside. That is why people who believe in Buddhism or Christianity still don’t understand this meaning.
Why is it that energy drains from this part while energy enters this one? This is Yang. This is Yang. This is Yin. I am saying that Buddhism is Yin. Let’s look closely at when the universe was created. When the universe was created, what is right here at the very top? It is Mugeuk. I am saying Mugeuk.
Mugeuk
, Taegeuk,
Eumyang
Then, what is below that? It is called Taegeuk. And what is here? Below Taegeuk? Taegeuk—no, Mugeuk. What comes after Taegeuk? It is called Yin and Yang. This is the Earth. Do you understand what I mean? So, you know there is the Great Way of Mugeuk. Us. The Great Way of Mugeuk refers to this place. It refers to a Way of a higher realm. Here, there is Taegeuk. There is also the Way of Taegeuk. There is the Way of Mugeuk, and religions have things like that, don’t they?
However, it works this way spiritually as well. There is the Ultimate Void. In that world, which is neither Yin nor Yang, we have a compass here, but if we go up there, does the compass work? That is the Ultimate Void. Do you understand now? When the compass goes up a certain point, the compass stops abruptly. That is the world of the Ultimate Void. Then, if you come all the way down here on Earth, the compass appears. Then this is the world of Yin and Yang. Do you understand now? If you take that compass and go up, it changes completely. Oh my, this is the Ultimate Void. Then what kind of world is that? There is no gravity; it is a state of weightlessness. That is the Ultimate Void. Then, is there a compass there? It doesn’t move. This exists scientifically. Therefore, we are living in this world of Yin and Yang.
This is Yang. This is Yin. Therefore, nothing in Buddhism appears as energy. In all of Christianity—Catholicism and Christianity in general—energy emanates from every single character. These eight types of energies emanate, don’t they? So, is the divine being present or not? That is, I have not come as a woman, but as a man. I have come as this. If I come as this, I should come as a woman. As a female Bodhisattva. Do you understand? So, there is a secret like this. So, everything emanates as energy. This devours energy. There is absolutely no energy. Therefore, no matter how much you go to a temple and perform rituals, that is merely giving you moral points from above.
Since you have performed many Buddhist rituals, you have accumulated merit. In the temple, this merit is the right one, isn’t it?
Merit, virtue
, virtue
There is this merit, and when you go to a temple, there is also the general merit we possess. There is this kind of merit as well. What is this merit that we practice in ordinary churches or places like that? It is the character ‘Gong’ from the word ‘offering.’ It is the character for ‘to offer.’ This is merit that is unattainable through offering, whereas this is a mixture of various things, consciously or unconsciously. This is the merit that people in this society recognize. So, does this merit have power or not? It does not. This is the merit for going to Heaven, but even with this merit, you cannot go to Heaven. You only go as far as the waiting room for Heaven. Then, whom must you meet? You must meet a divine being to go directly to Heaven.
So, if you give them too much, they’ll forget everything because it’s just bean sprouts. This is the only big lesson you’re learning today. Never tear others apart. Stop growling. What is this thing? Barking? Don’t bark about running out of rice or not making money. You aren’t talking; you are barking. Just like a dog barking. Is there anyone who likes that? No. Whether you’re a man or a woman, please stop barking. What do you want to be seen as? Through actions. “Oh, that person smells like a billionaire.” “That person smells like a priest.” “That person smells like a clergyman.” “Huh Kyung-young smells like a god.” That’s all it takes. That is why I intend to do things like this with words.
So, I told you that when I am Jesus, it is not what goes into my mouth that is bad, but what comes out. This is all coming out. We have to be careful, don’t we? That is why you all need to watch your mouths. Your mouth scatters all blessings; it creates blessings and scatters them. It is very important, isn’t it? Then, what is “free meal”? It is a wordless action. A wordless action. “Oh my, that person smells like a free meal.” “Oh my, that person is a little Jesus.” Everything they do smells like a clergyman. The strange thing is, when I was young and came back from the army, whenever I went somewhere, people would say, “Oh, aren’t you a pastor?” I would say, “I’m not a pastor.”
Before I left to be president, back when I was doing free meals, whenever people saw me, they’d say, “Oh, you’re a pastor?” I didn’t drink alcohol, smoke, or drink coffee, and I wouldn’t even go to traditional tea houses. But if someone insisted on meeting, I’d say, “Let’s meet at the bank, at the coffee shop.” They’d ask, “Is the bank yours?” or something like that, but the bank is my office. Because it doesn’t smell of cigarettes. Because it’s cool in the summer. Is it good or bad? Because there’s a lobby. Because they’re friendly. They don’t interfere. Do you know when I might make a deposit? I’m a potential customer. Actually, the bank is full of space. If we were meeting in downtown Seoul, I’d say, “Let’s meet at the Joheung Bank headquarters in Jongno 1-ga.” The headquarters is spacious and roomy. I met so many people at the Joheung Bank headquarters. There used to be a Joheung Bank headquarters in Mugyo-dong.
So, I know every bank by heart. The Commercial Bank’s Gwanghwamun Branch in Gwanghwamun. It’s where the Kumkang Shoe Store is. So, anyone coming from the direction of the Civic Center can just use that. Then, for me to meet them, I only need to know the bank. I don’t need to memorize coffee shops. How cleanly did I live? Just to avoid cigarette smoke. But not a single person ever went into the bank to sit and smoke. There wasn’t even a smell. So, I’ve been really grateful to banks since I was young. Whether they make money or not, I go there to use the lobby. And then, I can even kindly get some water. I’m not lying. They made it so you could drink water when you went to the bank. They have exactly the water I like best. How great is that? It’s free. Back then, banks were the only places that provided water.
Actually, I really did live like a monk. While living that way, I hated things like this the most. Things like “bite.” “Bark” sounds similar to scraping hard. “Growl” sounds like a rumbling, high-pitched rumbling, doesn’t it? That’s English. English is actually very easy to learn. Learning English is incredibly easy. I understand it just by hearing it once. It’s fun, isn’t it? Yes. Now, let’s talk about free meals. Why do we have to do it? Which Isaiah chapter? Chapter 68, verses 6 through 10. That’s why we should fast and why providing free meals is good—getting rid of illness in my body and feeding poor, hungry people. Is it good or not? You say losing weight is hard? Don’t say things like that. Just try fasting one meal a day for a long time. All diseases will disappear.
Everyone, come to Haneulgung, eat a meal, and then go home starving—even if you go on a very tight hunger strike, that is good for your body. You just need to go and fill your stomach with water, just like I used to do in the past. If you do that, your blood vessels will open up. Blocked blood vessels will burst open. Your body, which is covered in grease, will disappear completely.
Yes, among our three major diseases, hyperlipidemia will disappear. High blood pressure, high protein, low blood sugar—these will disappear. These are the “three highs.” What is the “three highs” of the mind? This mental “three highs” is the physical “three highs.” The “three highs” of the mind are pain, worry, and hardship. That is the “three highs” of the mind. If your body feels these things, is it okay or not? You have to expel them.
What is this “bitter heart” thing? Pain, hardship, and worry. This worry brings stress and all kinds of illnesses. Don’t worry, just ask an angel. Just come to the Sky Palace and ask. Oh my, if I tie up my worries and go to the Divine One, I just vomit them all out and they get resolved. I should surprise you. Because of time constraints, the days have gotten shorter by the time you all go home. So, the reason I’m telling you this today isn’t just to cram it all into your heads. You understand now why I have to provide free meals. Make sure you memorize Isaiah chapters 68 through 58, verses 7 through 6 through 10. That says everything I want to tell you, doesn’t it?
What you told me was just incidental. There is no lecture as easy as mine. However, I am someone with actual experience. I have experienced everything from the heavens to the earth. So, do you think people look so precious and lovable to me? But the people who recognized me are lovable; you are different from those who didn’t recognize me, aren’t you? That is why you are even more lovable. A singer, I should sing a song.
I would like to thank everyone for listening attentively today, and I am very grateful for your participation in the free meal program.
Although you have been providing free meals for 54 years, Mr. Shin-in, you claim to do so secretly and out of the public eye. However, I am also deeply disappointed that the media and broadcasters have reported on this so little. I believe that if a chaebol or a celebrity had been providing free meals for 54 years, there would likely have been thousands of reports. What do you think, everyone? If you agree, please give us a round of applause. Yes, while our views differ from yours, Mr. Shin-in, we cannot help but feel a sense of disappointment.