The Single Eye: Unifying Vision for Success and Harmony
- The Illusion of Two Eyes: Seeing as One
We possess two eyes, but their purpose is not to see two separate things. Instead, they converge to form a single image. Light enters both eyes, and the images are inverted, then processed by the brain to appear upright. This dual input allows for clearer vision and depth perception. If you close one eye, the perceived angle shifts, demonstrating that each eye has its own viewing angle, yet they combine to create a unified perception.
- The Brain’s Interpretation: Inverted Images and Unified Perception
When a person stands before you, the image enters your eyes inverted and split. Your brain then reassembles and re-inverts these images to present a single, upright view. This complex process ensures that despite having two eyes, we always perceive a single, coherent reality. This principle of two becoming one is fundamental to our vision.
- The Danger of a Single Eye (Literally)
If you were to drive with only one eye, judging the distance to other cars would be incredibly difficult, leading to potential accidents. Our two eyes work together to provide accurate depth perception and spatial awareness. This is a real-world example of how the convergence of two perspectives is crucial for safe and effective navigation.
- The Metaphorical Single Eye: Positive Vision
Just as our physical eyes converge to see one image, we are meant to perceive all things in life as one, not as two. This means viewing everything with a single, positive outlook. It is a mistake to divide the world into two, as many people unknowingly do. I am teaching you this truth.
- Embracing the Positive: Rejecting Negativity
We must look at the world with a positive eye. Why does negativity exist? It exists because of positivity. While there may be positive and negative aspects, the correct way is to focus on the positive. You must not see the negative. If someone views things negatively, they are mistaken. A negative outlook leads to failure; such people never succeed.
- The Example of Moses and the Promised Land
Consider the story of Moses. Out of twelve spies sent to Canaan, ten returned with a negative report, focusing on the giants and fortified cities, saying, “We cannot enter; we will all die.” Only two, Joshua and Caleb, saw the land positively. As a result, the millions who sided with the negative report died in the wilderness, unable to enter the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb, along with the children born in the wilderness, were allowed to cross the Jordan.
- The Consequences of Complaint and Gratitude
Those who complained daily in the wilderness died quickly. Their constant grumbling turned the wilderness into a hotbed of discontent. In contrast, Joshua and Caleb, who maintained a positive outlook, lived long enough to enter Canaan. Their positive perspective extended their lifespan, while the negative ones perished.
- The Freedom of Sky Palace: Beyond Religious Divisions
At Sky Palace, you come voluntarily, not by force or proselytization. We respect all religions and their freedom. This is a place of learning, not a specific religious institution. Monks, nuns, pastors, and followers of various faiths all come here freely. We do not demand you sell your house or abandon your current beliefs. You come and go like water, leaving only me.
- Honoring All Faiths: A Transcendent Approach
We acknowledge and respect all religious practices. I have never spoken ill of pastors; in fact, I recognize the immense suffering they endure, often facing church divisions over trivial matters like changing a curtain or a pulpit. I know many great religious leaders, like Pastor Ok Han-heum, Pastor Oh Jung-hyun, and Pastor Ha Yong-jo, whom I consider saints. I was even like an adopted son to Pastor Ok Han-heum at Naesudong Church. I know many excellent priests as well. Sky Palace is supra-religious; it transcends all religions and leaves everything to your freedom.
- The Seven Fundamental Rights of Citizens
Our freedom is one of the fundamental rights of citizens. There are seven fundamental rights: the right to life, the right to property, the right to equality, the right to association, the right to liberty, the right to participate in government, and the right to petition. These are the basic rights that underpin our democracy.
- Rights and Obligations: The Foundation of Freedom
These rights are guaranteed by the Constitution. However, rights are only granted when obligations are fulfilled. For example, if you don’t pay taxes, your right to association and liberty are revoked. Your business license can be seized. Therefore, fulfilling your tax obligations is essential for maintaining your rights. Rights are given only to those who fulfill their duties. Duty plus right equals freedom. If you claim rights without fulfilling duties, you become a bad citizen. Society functions when rights and duties combine to create freedom.
- Understanding the Three, Five, and Seven Rights
The five fundamental rights are equality, association, liberty, participation in government, and petition. The three fundamental rights are the right to life, the right to property, and the right to equality. These three are the most crucial among the seven.
- The Right to Life and Property: Essential for Existence
The right to life is about basic necessities like water and electricity. If these are cut off, it affects survival, and the government must provide these services because citizens pay taxes. The right to property, however, comes with obligations, primarily taxes. If you don’t pay property taxes, the state can seize your property. In capitalism, even personal property is not truly yours if you don’t pay taxes on it.
- The Burden of Property and Inheritance Tax
Having vast property, like 50 billion won in greenbelt land, can become a burden due to immense inheritance taxes. If you can’t sell it to pay the taxes, your family’s assets can be auctioned off, leading to ruin. This illustrates the power of the state and how property rights are conditional on fulfilling obligations. Owning property requires a stable income to maintain it; otherwise, it can lead to financial disaster.
- The Right to Equality: One Person, One Vote
The right to equality is exemplified by voting, where everyone has one vote. While voting is a right, it is not a mandatory duty that leads to punishment if not exercised. I explain democracy in an engaging way that few others do.
- The Single Eye of Positivity: Overcoming Weaknesses
Changing our two eyes to one means seeing with the eye of positivity, not negativity. Some people only see weaknesses in others. They are quick to spot flaws, like a woman’s outfit. This habit is detrimental. Instead, we should quickly find the good points.
- The Power of Compliments in Relationships
In a marriage, complimenting your spouse is crucial. If you only point out flaws, the relationship becomes dull. If your wife wears something nice, instead of asking where she spent money, tell her it suits her well. Even if you have to go hungry tomorrow, a kind word about her appearance can uplift the household. If you don’t acknowledge her, she might seek validation elsewhere, leading to serious problems.
- The Roots of Democracy: Seven Fundamental Rights
The seven rights—life, property, equality, association, liberty, participation in government, and petition—are the roots that drive democracy. When we view the functioning of the state and all religions positively, our faces will brighten.
- The Reflection of Inner State: Appearance and Clothing
When your mind is positive, good things, even clothes, will come to you. But if you always look at things crookedly, your clothes will also appear crooked to others. People will shake their heads, thinking, “That’s not right.” Your face should improve, not worsen. Your attire will also change. A person with a noble mind dresses appropriately, while a person with an empty mind dresses emptily, perhaps like someone who just left a bar.
- The Odd Numbers of Democracy: Casting the Deciding Vote
Notice that the numbers for the three, five, and seven rights are all odd. Democracy always uses odd numbers, like 3, 5, 7, to ensure there’s always a casting vote. For example, in a Supreme Court, there must be an odd number of judges to prevent ties. If there were an even number, a decision could never be reached.
- The Significance of Odd Numbers: Yang and Yin
Odd numbers are considered Yang, and even numbers are Yin. This is something you already know. You should keep this in mind. All rights proceed with odd numbers.
- The Necessity of Sacrifice in Democracy
Why are there nine judges on the Supreme Court? If there were ten, they couldn’t make a decision. If it’s five to five, it’s a deadlock. Democracy requires one side to sacrifice for a decision to be made. Without this sacrifice, democracy cannot function.
- Focusing on Strengths: The Path to Success
Should we focus on weaknesses? No! We must look at strengths, strengths, strengths. Only by focusing on strengths can things work out. Those who focus on weaknesses will not succeed. If it becomes a habit, negativity takes over. When you meet someone, quickly identify their strengths.
- Compassion and Positive Outlook in Interviews
When you go for a job interview, remember the words, “The Divine Being guides me all the way, so I lack nothing.” This means seeing with compassion, with the positive eye of the Divine Being. Compassion means looking at others with kindness, not pity.
- Understanding Compassion: Not Pity, But Empathy
Compassion can be misunderstood as seeing someone as pitiful, but it’s not. It’s about seeing them positively. If you have compassion within you, you won’t just see weaknesses. For example, if a child looks at their father with compassionate eyes, they might feel compassion for their father’s unfulfilled hopes, like their own failure to pass the bar exam. This isn’t a negative feeling; it’s a compassionate understanding of their parents’ desires.
- Approaching Interviewers with Compassion
When you go for an interview, the interviewers are experienced individuals who have faced many challenges. You should look at them with compassion, understanding their struggles and the effort it took for them to reach their positions. If you view them positively, you will pass. If you think, “Why does that interviewer look so mean?” you will fail. Look at them with the same compassionate heart you would your parents. This will make the interviewer feel a strange affection for you and want to help you.
- The Power of a Sincere Heart in Interviews
Treat the interviewers as you would your uncle, father, or mother, and you will pass. Don’t think that clever words will get you through. You must first offer a compassionate heart. Imagine you are before your father. “What do you want to do?” “I want to work hard for this company. My parents hope I get married next year, so I want to work diligently. I’m so frustrated because I keep failing interviews before my parents.” This shows you are a filial child, sincere and honest. They will hire you. The interviewer will unknowingly mark you with a circle, not because of your words, but because of your heart.
- Respecting Interviewers: A Path to Success
You must first win their hearts with compassion. If you approach them with a pitiful attitude, as if you’re barely scraping by, you won’t succeed. Instead, respect them for their hard work and the effort it took to reach their position. Understand their difficulties. They are not in their positions by being loud; they are careful and diligent. Respect them, and they will instinctively choose you. This is not about seeing their weaknesses; it’s about seeing them with a single, positive eye.
- The Single Eye of Positive Thinking: For Life and Business
Cultivate a positive mindset. Even in difficulties, believe you will succeed. “I will be a filial child to my parents. Heaven will surely grant this.” With such confidence and a single eye, you should conduct your business. Don’t think, “Oh no, what if this fails?” That’s having two eyes. You only need one.
- Filial Piety and a Unified Vision
“I will repay my parents. I don’t need trivial pleasures. My mother endured my father’s nagging and worked hard to raise our family. I will become a civil servant and not cause her any more pain. My father caused her pain for 50 years; I will not cause her pain until she passes away. I will be a filial child. I will heal my father and my mother’s wounds.” If you study with such a mindset, will your studies not progress? Of course, they will. This is seeing with a single eye.
- The Law of Cause and Effect: No Errors
If you only memorize your father’s weaknesses and your mother’s weaknesses, you will not succeed. But in this world, justice always prevails; there is not an inch of error. There is no falsehood. If you follow what I say, you won’t need religion, and this world will become heaven. Won’t you only see good people?
- Resolving Issues on Earth: The Purpose of My Coming
“What is bound on earth is bound in heaven.” I have come to earth to help you resolve issues on earth. You are seated, and I am standing. I have come to resolve things on earth.
- The Three Principles of Capitalism
Democracy can be approached with compassion. But what kind of society is this? It’s not communism; it’s capitalism. Capitalism has three main principles: the principle of freedom of contract, the principle of absolute property rights, and the principle of fault liability. You can contract freely and buy anything with money, except people. You cannot buy a person’s character, conscience, or love.
- The Unpurchasable: Love and Human Dignity
You cannot buy a person’s conscience or love with money. Even if you have billions, you cannot buy someone’s affection. If you try to force a marriage, their heart will remain with someone else. Love cannot be bought with money; it cannot be forced. This is the human heart, which cannot be traded. These are the three principles of capitalism.
- The Three Principles of Democracy
The three principles of democracy are the principle of the pursuit of happiness, the principle of human dignity, and the principle of absolute fairness.
- Understanding “Gongpyeong” (Fairness)
The term “absolute fairness” uses a specific character for “gong” (公), meaning public or noble. It’s different from the “gong” (共) used in “gonggong” (公共), which means “public” in the sense of shared by the state and individuals, like public order, public utilities, or public facilities. When “gonggong” is used, it implies that while it belongs to everyone, the state manages it. The principle of absolute fairness is one of the three principles of democracy.
- Citizen Sovereignty: Three Fundamental Rights
We are the masters of our nation. This is different from individual rights; it’s sovereignty. When you vote, you are exercising your sovereignty. You are not just citizens with rights; you are shareholders of the nation. The three fundamental rights of citizen sovereignty are the right to vote, the right to resist, and the right to revolution. We must vote.
- The Stages of Political Action: Vote, Resist, Revolution
If the country is corrupt after voting, you can engage in resistance movements, like the March 15th protests against fraudulent elections, which led to the April 19th Revolution. The April 19th Revolution is recorded as a revolution in Korea. These three stages are like gears in a car: first gear (voting), second gear (resistance), and third gear (revolution). In a marriage, this is like negotiation, mediation, and then divorce.
- The Importance of Ending at the First Stage
I’ve given you a good lecture on constitutional law. We must change our two eyes to one. This understanding will help us see the world clearly. There are few who explain our laws so simply. We must not go beyond the first stage (voting) to the second or third. Elections should end with elections.
- The Positive Gaze: Appreciating Others
I’ve told you that you shouldn’t look at things negatively. You must look with positive eyes to achieve progress. When a woman wears clothes, you must look at her positively. Pointing out flaws is not good; it becomes a habit. Her clothes suit her face. If someone dresses unusually, they might look like a beggar. But if it’s the clothes she chose for herself, pointing out flaws will not make her feel good.
- The Beauty of a Working Mother’s Uniform
When a woman wears a work uniform, she looks beautiful. Why? Because you see a working mother. If your mother works as a cleaner in a uniform, that is beautiful. If a son comes to his mother at work for lunch money, and she’s in her cleaning uniform, that sight is beautiful. Your perception of material things must be beautiful.
- Filial Piety and Understanding Parental Sacrifice
A son should be able to talk openly with his mother, even if she’s in a cleaning uniform. That’s a filial son. When a mother gives money, the image of her in her cleaning uniform, pushing a cart, stays in his mind. This motivates him to study harder. Some children complain, “Why is my mother a cleaner? My friend’s mother is in Hawaii!” This is wrong. You must see it beautifully. In any family situation, you must see it beautifully. Her uniform becomes a stimulant for him, fostering study and patience. He thinks, “I must study hard. My mother works like this, so I must earn money too.” He feels a stimulus. He shouldn’t think, “Why is my mother suffering like this? I’ll show them!” That’s wrong. He should think, “My mother’s working is beautiful, but it pains my heart that she suffers.” This will make him study harder.
- The Dangers of Spoiling Children
If a mother is a successful CEO, and her son asks for money to buy a motorcycle, that’s not right. The mother shouldn’t give him the money, and the son is ill-mannered. There’s a difference between this child and the previous one. Such a child should not exist.
- Compassion for Successful Parents
A child should see their successful mother with compassion. “My mother looks successful on the outside, but she must have many bruises on her heart. It must be difficult for her.” This is not negative; it’s compassionate. So, I shouldn’t ride a motorcycle. I can’t ask my mother for such things. She must suffer greatly to run a business, taking out loans, even for a large, successful company. This is the mindset you should have. But a narrow-minded, negative person tries to extract more from their mother. This is negative; they are rotten to the core. After their parents die, they will ruin the family within a few years.
- The Educational Value of Hardship
It’s not always good for parents to only show their children their success. Sometimes, being poor can be a great education for children. If parents live honestly, even as cleaners, their children can become doctors, judges, or police officers. But if parents act improperly, their children tend to go down the path of ruin, asking for money for failing ventures like coffee shops or motorcycles. This is what happens when nouveau riche families acquire money. If parents engage in speculation with others’ money, their children suffer the consequences.
- Cultivating a Positive Outlook from Childhood
Even failure can be a good lesson for children if they are taught to see things positively. From a young age, teach them to focus on the good. If a child points out a flaw in an apple, tell them, “You shouldn’t think like that. Always think of the good points.” This is how a family prospers.
- The Futility of Nagging: Cutting Water with a Sword
No matter how much you cut water with a sword, it flows back together. Similarly, no matter how much you nag your children or spouse, the nagging never ends. If you look with negative eyes, it’s like trying to cut water. It never changes. Nagging is like a sword, pointing out flaws. Don’t dream of cutting out flaws. Compliments make flaws disappear.
- The Folly of Seeking Flaws: A Diamond in the Ocean
If you keep finding weaknesses, flaws, or shortcomings in others, you will not progress. Doing so a hundred times will not change their habits. But if you embrace them warmly, things will change. Imagine someone trying to scoop out the entire ocean with a bucket to find a lost diamond ring. It’s a futile effort. The waves will carry it away. You can’t scoop out the entire ocean. I see you all doing this when you constantly try to find your spouse’s bad points. You can’t scoop them out. You’ll die fighting. You must give up early.
- The Endless Ocean of the Human Heart
Trying to scoop out the ocean to find a diamond ring is foolish. The water flows back. You can’t cut water. Similarly, marital arguments are pointless. No matter how much you fight, nothing changes. No matter how much you try to scoop out the “jewels” from your wife’s heart, her heart is endlessly deep. You’ll spend your whole life trying, but she won’t show you the diamond. It’s a wasted effort.
- The Importance of a Single, Positive Eye
I am telling you not to have two eyes because it is very important. It’s better not to have two. If you look at everything positively, there’s no reason to scoop out the ocean. You must have the habit of looking with a good, positive, single eye. You must not add a negative eye.
- Contrasting Perspectives: The Traveler’s View
Imagine two people traveling. One exclaims, “The scenery is beautiful! Take a picture here, and here!” That’s me. I become like a film director because I love beautiful scenery. But the other person complains, “My legs hurt! What’s the point of this? What’s so pretty about it?” These two are opposites. One wants to quickly go lie down and sleep because their legs hurt, even amidst beautiful scenery. This illustrates different perspectives. We must not find fault in others.
- The Unity of Water: Rivers Flowing as One
Don’t try to cut water with a sword. Can the Han River fight with the Potomac River or the Charles River? These rivers flow into the ocean. Would they wage war, saying, “That’s Han River water! That’s Mississippi River water!” It would be ridiculous. If you look at all people positively, they appear as one. Everything connects.
- Embracing Diversity: No Divisions
I don’t differentiate between people from Busan or Gwangju. Whether you come from far or near, everyone looks good to me. We must not take sides. Therefore, look with a single eye. That’s why I don’t view religions separately.
- The “One” in All Religions
All religions ultimately point to “one.” Christianity has “meditation and intimacy with one.” Islam has “purity and unity.” Buddhism has “all dharmas return to one.” Daejonggyo has “ten thousand lives return to one.” Confucianism also has “one.” All religions have “one” at the end. Won Buddhism has “originality returns to one.” Cheondogyo has “body returns to one.” All religions are the same; their ultimate goal is to change our eyes to one, not two. This “one” is the purpose of all religions.
- The Unity of Heaven and Earth
“Originality returns to one” is also found in Jeungsangyo. All these “ones” are the same. There is no religion with “two” at the end. Catholicism says, “Heaven, Jesus, and Mary are one.” Everything converges to one. You can’t say God, Jesus, and Mary are separate; they are one. Judaism also says, “The God of Heaven is uniquely one.” Everything returns to one. Taoism also has “embracing and holding to one.” There is no religion that doesn’t have “one” at the end. So, it cannot be “two.” Everything returns to one. The Cheonbugyeong also says, “One begins without beginning.” Buddhism’s “non-duality” means you and I are not separate; we are one. All sentient beings are one, not two. Heaven and Earth are of the same root; they are one. All wars begin from seeing things as two.
- The Shortness of Life and the Separation of Body and Soul
Don’t spend your life scooping out the ocean. Life is short. Soon, your body and soul will separate. You are waiting for the day your body and soul separate, but it’s not far off. Some people go to sleep and never wake up. Others wake up paralyzed. You will pass away quietly. You live without knowing when this separation will occur.
- The Rope to Heaven: Compassion for All
You have a Baekgung visa. When you die, you automatically go to Baekgung. You must look at those who don’t have it with compassion, not judgment. There’s a story: a rope came down from heaven, and a good person was told to climb to heaven. As he climbed, others from his village clung to him. He thought, “Heaven is only for me, why are they clinging?” He kicked them, and the rope broke. Did he go to heaven? No. You must feel compassion for those clinging to the rope. The rope would never break, even with 7 billion people. But if you think only you should go, you won’t reach heaven.
- The Unknown Moment of Separation
You don’t know when the separation of body and soul will happen. So, is it good to be kind to everyone? Yes, it is. I’ll give you each a bucket. Try scooping out the ocean for a lifetime to find a lost diamond ring. How tiring would that be?
- The Non-Duality of Buddhism: Good and Evil as One
Remember what I said today. The non-duality of Shakyamuni Buddha means that there are not two things; there is one. If you always look at things in terms of good and evil, it’s the end. This is a Buddhist teaching you should remember. Buddhism teaches philosophy.
- Unifying Opposites: Good and Evil, Beauty and Ugliness, Love and Hate, Life and Death
Good and evil, beauty and ugliness, love and hate, life and death—all are opposites. Buddhism teaches to see these two as one.
- Meditation and Intimacy with God
Meditation helps you realize that everything is one. Through meditation, you become intimate with God. This is what Christianity teaches; it’s a religion of prayer. We recognize all religions worldwide and acknowledge that they all point to one. That’s why our Sky Palace is “Sky Palace” (Haneul-gung), meaning “One Palace.” Heaven is one. God is one. We must remember that everything is one and abandon our two eyes.
- The Vision of Death: Two Eyes
Our two eyes are meant to see one. But just before death, things appear as two. It’s strange. While alive, you see one, but as death approaches, your son might appear as two. All objects begin to appear as two. That’s when you’re leaving. Your time to depart has come. The focal point disappears, and things are seen separately by each eye. You can experience this by staring blankly at an object; it will appear as two. That’s the stage of death. If you concentrate, it becomes one again. But if you let go, it appears as two. People let go of their minds when they die. If you let go, you see two. Your dying mother might ask, “Who is that person next to you?” even if there’s only one son. That means her mind has loosened, and her eyes have loosened. This means death is near. Things start to spin. It needs to spin fast to leave the body. If it spins slowly, it can’t leave.
- The Soul’s Departure: Speed and Pain
If you fast for a month, it starts to spin. Two months, faster. Three months, like a bullet. It’s hard to leave the body. It can’t leave easily. There’s pain when the soul leaves the brain within the body. It needs immense speed to be ejected. Otherwise, it’s difficult to leave. When it leaves, the body and soul are separated.
- The Philosophy of Life: A Lesson for All
We are here, connected. That’s when I start to appear. You’ve learned this, right? I tell interesting stories, but during the election period, I can’t speak freely about everything. So, I’ve taught you some philosophy. It’s interesting, isn’t it?
- Ending the Lecture: Embrace the Positive
It’s 5:57 PM. I will end the lecture here. So, no more marital arguments, right? You must only see the good points as one. Finding weaknesses in the Divine Being is a bad eye. It’s good, right? You must only see the good points. If someone sees bad points in others, you must be careful of them. If someone talks about money next to the Divine Being, thinking negatively, you should keep your distance from them. There’s no end to talking about good things. We must always have a positive mindset and be excellent people who seek out the strengths of others. Please give a big round of applause to the Divine Being who has given us such profound inspiration today. Thank you.