2013.11.02 898 The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

2013.11.02 898 The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. In the context of human life, the speaker mentions that many people today live by relying on others, which is referred to as __.

(Parasitism, The speaker contrasts parasitism with self-sufficiency, highlighting a growing trend of people relying on their parents or others rather than living independently. A common misconception is that parasitism only applies to biological organisms, but the speaker extends it to human societal behavior.)

2. According to the speaker, what are the four types of birth in Buddhism, which do not include parasitism?
   (Oviparous (난생), Viviparous (태생), Metamorphosis (화생), and Humidiparous (섭생). The speaker clarifies that while parasitism is a human way of living, it’s not part of the Buddhist “four births.” A common misconception is that “rebirth” (환생) is one of the four, but the speaker explicitly corrects this to metamorphosis (화생).)

3. True or False: According to the speaker, the human face cannot be changed, regardless of one’s mindset or efforts.
   (False, The speaker states that the human face can be 100% changed through consistent positive thinking and imagination, similar to a phantom pregnancy. A common misconception is that physical features are fixed and unchangeable.)

4. What is the primary reason the speaker gives for why people should not eat anything (except water) between dinner and breakfast, maintaining a 12-hour fast?
   ① To reduce calorie intake for weight loss.
   ② To allow the digestive organs (like the stomach) to rest.
   ③ To prevent the accumulation of bad microorganisms.
   ④ To improve the absorption of nutrients from food.
   (② To allow the digestive organs (like the stomach) to rest., The speaker emphasizes that the body’s internal organs, such as the stomach, liver, and spleen, need 12 hours of rest to function optimally. Failing to do so disrupts the microbial balance and can lead to health issues. A common misconception is that fasting is solely for weight loss, but the speaker focuses on organ rest and microbial balance.)

5. Fill in the blank: The speaker explains that “stress” is a compound word formed by “strain” and “__.”
   (press, The speaker breaks down “stress” into “strain” (meaning to squeeze, tear, or pull) and “press” (meaning to push down), illustrating how stress physically affects the body by squeezing and pressing cells. A common misconception is that stress is purely a mental state, but the speaker highlights its physical impact.)

6. True or False: The speaker claims that all foods are inherently either good (medicine) or bad (poison) for the human body.
   (False, The speaker states that there is no inherent good or bad food; any substance can be medicine or poison depending on the quantity and timing of consumption. A common misconception is that certain foods are universally healthy or unhealthy.)

Intermediate

1. According to the speaker, what is the difference between “influenza” and “virus” in terms of size and vaccine development?
   (Influenza (인플루엔자) refers to microorganisms around nanometer size (1 meter / 10^{9), for which scientists have developed vaccines. Viruses (바이러스), however, are much smaller, around anistrom size (1 meter / 10}10), making them difficult to see even with a microscope and thus challenging to develop vaccines for. A common misconception is that influenza is a type of virus, but the speaker differentiates them by size and vaccine feasibility.)

2. The speaker describes “smog” as a compound word. What two elements combine to form smog, and what are their respective solubility properties?
   (Smog is a compound of “smoke” (매연) and “fog” (안개). Smoke is fat-soluble (지용성), and fog is water-soluble (수용성). The speaker uses this as an analogy for how opposing elements can combine, often with negative consequences. A common misconception is that smog is just a type of air pollution without considering its specific chemical composition and solubility.)

3. True or False: The speaker asserts that the five internal organs (5장) are directly involved in the physical process of fermentation, while the six internal organs (6부) are more related to mental fermentation.
   (False, The speaker states that the five internal organs (5장) are like a “water supply system” (상수도) and are related to “mental fermentation” (마음의 발효), influenced by one’s thoughts and emotions. The six internal organs (6부) are like a “sewage system” (하수도) and are directly involved in “material fermentation” (물질적인 발효) of food. A common misconception is that all organs are equally involved in physical digestion.)

4. What is the speaker’s advice for job interviews, particularly regarding how to perceive the interviewer?
   ① View the interviewer as a strict authority figure to ensure seriousness.
   ② Imagine the interviewer as a child, no older than five, to reduce anxiety and act naturally.
   ③ Focus on providing long, detailed answers to demonstrate thoroughness.
   ④ Avoid making eye contact to prevent appearing overly confident.
   (② Imagine the interviewer as a child, no older than five, to reduce anxiety and act naturally., The speaker advises viewing the interviewer as a child (5 years old or younger) to alleviate anxiety and encourage natural, sincere behavior. This approach helps candidates respond quickly and honestly, as if speaking to a parent. A common misconception is that formality and seriousness are always the best approach in interviews.)

5. Short Answer: Explain the speaker’s concept of “good fermentation” versus “bad fermentation” in the context of human interaction, using the example of receiving criticism.
   (Good fermentation occurs when one responds to criticism or negativity (like insults) by accepting it and even showing gratitude or apology, which accumulates blessings in heaven. Bad fermentation happens when one reacts with anger or defensiveness, preventing positive outcomes. The speaker uses the example of a daughter giving her father a rose after being scolded, turning a negative interaction into a positive one. A common misconception is that one should always defend themselves against criticism.)

Advanced

1. The speaker discusses the Buddhist concept of “십계” (Ten Realms). List the six realms of “육도윤회” (Six Paths of Reincarnation) and the four realms of “성문계” (Sravaka-pratyekabuddha-bodhisattva-buddha realms) that lead to enlightenment.
   (The Six Paths of Reincarnation (육도윤회) are: Hell (지옥계), Hungry Ghost (아귀계), Animal (축생계), Asura (수라계), Human (인계), and Heaven (천상계). The four realms leading to enlightenment are: Sravaka (성문계), Pratyekabuddha (연각계), Bodhisattva (보살계), and Buddha (부처). A common misconception is that these realms are separate universes, but the speaker implies they can exist within one’s own experience or even within a microorganism’s perception.)

2. The speaker identifies five “아상” (ego-attachments) in Buddhism. List these five ego-attachments and briefly explain how they are interconnected, particularly in terms of their “solubility” (지용성/수용성) nature.
   (The five ego-attachments are: 아집 (attachment to self), 아애 (self-love), 아만 (self-conceit/arrogance), 아격 (self-dignity/status), and 아치 (self-ignorance/folly). The speaker states that all these ego-attachments are “fat-soluble” (지용성), meaning they accumulate in the mind. They are interconnected in a chain: 아치 (folly) leads to 아애 (self-love), which leads to 아만 (arrogance), which leads to 아격 (desire for high status), and ultimately to 아집 (attachment to self). The opposite of these fat-soluble ego-attachments is “무아” (no-self), which is “water-soluble” (수용성), representing a state of emptiness and openness. A common misconception is that these are separate flaws, but the speaker emphasizes their interconnectedness and how they contribute to negative “fermentation” in the mind.)

3. Short Answer: Explain the speaker’s interpretation of the words “사라진다” (to disappear) and “살아간다” (to live on), and what profound realization he wants the audience to grasp from this.
   (The speaker interprets “사라진다” (to disappear) as being composed of the Chinese characters “죽일 살(殺)” (to kill) and “나 아(我)” (I), meaning “I am dying.” He further breaks it down as “죽을 사(死)” (death) and “찰나(剎那) 라” (moment), implying a continuous, momentary disappearance. Similarly, “살아간다” (to live on) is equated with “죽어가고 있다” (to be dying). The profound realization is that living is synonymous with dying; every moment we live, we are also moving closer to death. The speaker urges the audience to recognize the preciousness and fleeting nature of life and to seek truth before time runs out. A common misconception is that living and dying are opposite states, but the speaker presents them as two sides of the same coin.)

4. Short Answer: How does the speaker connect the concept of “suffering” (고통) to divine gifts and personal growth, and what is the “fat-soluble” (지용성) reaction people often have to it?
   (The speaker explains that suffering is God’s first gift to humans, intended to help them advance and test them. It serves as an opportunity for growth and upgrading, preventing one from building a “Tower of Babel” that would collapse without a strong foundation. When people experience suffering, they often react in a “fat-soluble” (지용성) way, meaning they accumulate negative emotions and resistance. The speaker encourages a “water-soluble” (수용성) approach, accepting suffering as a test from heaven. A common misconception is that suffering is purely negative, but the speaker reframes it as a divine opportunity for advancement.)

898th – The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

Ⅰ. Meeting Overview

Category	Details
Date	November 2, 2013
Title	The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind
Speaker	Heo Kyeong-yeong
Key Topics	Four Births (寄生, 卵生, 胎生, 化生, 攝生/ Parasitism, oviparity, viviparity, metaplasia, photoplasia), Self-sufficiency vs. Parasitism, Human Nature and Social Issues, The Ten Realms of Buddhism, The Five Selves (我執, 我愛, 我慢, 我格, 我癡), Water-soluble and Fat-soluble Concepts, Health and Lifestyle, The Importance of Mentors, The Nature of Suffering and Wisdom

Ⅱ. Meeting Discussion

• Understanding the Four Births and Human Existence

  • Life forms are categorized into four types: parasitic (寄生), oviparous (卵生), viviparous (胎生), and metamorphic (化生) .
  • Parasitism is common in nature, where organisms rely on others for survival .
  • Oviparous creatures hatch from eggs, like chickens and reptiles .
  • Viviparous creatures are born from a womb, like mammals .
  • Metamorphic creatures undergo transformation, such as caterpillars becoming butterflies .
  • Buddhism includes an additional category, “攝生” (seop-saeng), which refers to microorganisms and is considered a lower realm of existence .
  • Human society also exhibits parasitic behavior, where some individuals rely on others, contrasting with self-sufficient individuals who built their lives from scratch .
  • Self-sufficient elders often face hardship in their later years despite their contributions .

• Social Commentary and Leadership

  • Society needs individuals with critical perspectives, akin to an opposition party, to challenge the status quo .
  • Those with a “crooked nose” (a metaphorical representation of a critical viewpoint) tend to see things negatively, while those with a “straight nose” (a positive viewpoint) tend to see things normally .
  • Positive individuals often rise to leadership positions (CEO), while negative individuals tend to remain in subordinate roles .
  • Leaders should prioritize the welfare of the elderly and implement robust social welfare policies .

• The Power of Mind and Transformation

  • One’s face and destiny can be changed through persistent positive thinking and imagination, similar to a phantom pregnancy .
  • Constantly striving for good and positive attributes can lead to personal transformation .
  • A person’s nose shape is metaphorically linked to their financial destiny, with a “straight nose” indicating wealth .

• The Truth of Fermentation and Microorganisms

  • Fermentation involves both fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) aspects .
  • Microorganisms play a crucial role in fermentation, with both beneficial and harmful types existing in nature .
  • Harmful microorganisms are necessary for the natural world .
  • The size of microorganisms varies greatly, from micrometers to nanometers and angstroms, with viruses being the smallest .
  • Viruses are so small that effective vaccines are difficult to develop, and rest and good nutrition are the primary defenses .
  • Vaccines work by introducing a weakened form of a pathogen to train the immune system to recognize and fight it .

• Environmental and Health Concerns

  • Smog is a combination of smoke (fat-soluble) and fog (water-soluble), highlighting the interaction of these two aspects .
  • London’s historical smog incident resulted in numerous deaths due to the combination of industrial smoke and fog, exacerbated by people burning more fuel indoors .
  • Fine dust particles, like those from yellow dust or industrial emissions, are small enough to bypass the body’s natural filters and enter the bloodstream, leading to health problems .
  • Exercising during smoggy conditions is dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations .
  • The waste products of microorganisms (효) are beneficial for human absorption .
  • Maintaining a balance of good and bad microorganisms (50:50 ratio) in the gut is crucial for health .
  • Harmful microorganisms are necessary for breaking down food, but their byproducts can be toxic .
  • A 12-hour fasting period between dinner and breakfast is essential for optimal organ function and skin health .
  • Late-night snacking is detrimental to health .

• The Ten Realms of Buddhism and the Five Selves

  • Buddhism describes ten realms of existence, including the hell realm (地獄界), hungry ghost realm (餓鬼界), animal realm (畜生界), human realm (人界), and heavenly realm (天界), which are part of the six paths of reincarnation (六道輪回) .
  • Beyond these are the realms of enlightened beings: Arhat (聲聞界), Pratyekabuddha (緣覺界), Bodhisattva (菩薩界), and Buddha (佛) .
  • The journey to enlightenment involves stages like sudden enlightenment (頓悟), gradual cultivation (漸修), nirvana (涅槃), liberation (解脫), wisdom (般若), and selflessness (無我) .
  • The “five selves” (我執, 我愛, 我慢, 我格, 我癡) represent different aspects of ego and self-attachment .
  • These “selves” are interconnected and contribute to negative “fermentation” within the mind, leading to suffering .
  • Self-love (我愛) can lead to selfishness and an inability to build good karma .
  • Arrogance (我慢) and a focus on one’s own dignity (我格) can hinder personal growth .
  • Ignorance (我癡) is the root of these other “selves” and leads to poor decisions .

• The Importance of Wisdom and Compassion

  • True wisdom involves understanding both sides of an issue, rather than clinging to one’s own perspective .
  • Compassion and generosity, like sharing food with others, can lead to unexpected blessings and protection .
  • Acting contrary to one’s immediate desires, such as being kind to those who criticize, can lead to greater rewards .
  • Abraham Lincoln’s act of appointing a critic to a high position exemplifies this principle .

• The Nature of Life, Death, and Belief

  • The human body contains 11 “factories” (five organs and six viscera) managed by 100 trillion “employees” (cells) .
  • The five organs (liver, spleen, kidney, heart, lung) are like a “water supply system” for the mind, while the six viscera (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer) are like a “sewage system” for physical digestion .
  • The color of one’s stool can indicate the health of the liver .
  • Negative emotions can harm the internal organs .
  • All substances, including poisons, can be either medicine or poison depending on the dosage and context .
  • Similarly, human perception can turn others into “poison” or “medicine” .
  • Religious laws (율법) can be both beneficial and harmful, leading to conflict when taken to extremes .
  • The speaker claims to have come to abolish existing laws and bring a new era .
  • The ability to see is a precious gift, and people often take it for granted, leading to judgment and prejudice .
  • Losing one’s sight can lead to humility and a greater appreciation for loved ones .
  • The word “사라진다” (sa-ra-jin-da), meaning “disappears,” is interpreted as “죽일 살(殺)” (to kill) and “나 아(我)” (I), signifying that one is constantly dying .
  • “살아간다” (sa-ra-gan-da), meaning “lives,” is also interpreted as “죽어가고 있다” (is dying), emphasizing the transient nature of life .
  • Life is short, and it is crucial to seek truth and wisdom .
  • Suffering is a gift from heaven, a test that allows for personal growth and spiritual advancement .
  • Winning in the earthly realm often means losing in the heavenly realm, and vice versa .
  • Physical desires are fat-soluble, while spiritual desires are water-soluble .

Ⅲ. Action Items

• Individuals should strive for self-sufficiency rather than relying on others .
• Leaders should prioritize the welfare of the elderly and implement strong social welfare policies .
• Cultivate a positive mindset and avoid negative thinking to foster personal growth and success .
• Maintain a balanced diet and ensure a 12-hour fasting period between dinner and breakfast for optimal health .
• Avoid late-night snacking to prevent health issues .
• Practice compassion and generosity, even towards those who criticize, to accumulate good karma .
• Reflect on the preciousness of one’s senses and avoid taking them for granted .
• Seek truth and wisdom to understand the transient nature of life and prepare for spiritual advancement .
• Embrace suffering as an opportunity for growth and spiritual upgrade .

This excerpt from a lecture by Heo Kyeong-yeong delves into the “Truth of Fermentation,” exploring the concepts of water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects of life and the mind. Heo uses these scientific terms as metaphors to explain human morality, societal structures, and spiritual growth, offering a unique perspective on how our actions and thoughts influence our destiny and the world around us. The lecture covers a wide range of topics, from the four types of birth in Buddhism to the importance of humility and selflessness, all while emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being and the consequences of our choices in the grand scheme of the universe.

The Nature of Existence and Human Society

Parasitism vs. Self-Sufficiency: A Societal Reflection
Heo Kyeong-yeong draws a fascinating parallel between biological parasitism and human societal behavior. He argues that while some creatures naturally live by parasitizing others, a growing number of people in modern society are adopting a parasitic lifestyle, relying on their parents or others. This observation is particularly striking as it challenges the traditional view of self-reliance and highlights a potential societal shift. Heo emphasizes that true self-sufficiency, or “자생 (jasaeng),” is a virtue that is increasingly rare, and its decline has significant implications for individuals and the nation.

우리 젊은이들이 부모한테 기대어서 사는 사람들이 요새 많아요. 갈수록 기생(寄生)이 많아요. 그런데 지금 우리 김 고모님 나이나, 지금 연세 많은 분들은 전부 자생한 사람들이에요. 전부 아무것도 없는 불모지에서 전쟁터에서 맨손으로 크게 일어난 사람들이에요.
There are many young people nowadays who rely on their parents. Parasitism is increasing. But people of Kim Gomunim’s age and older are all self-sufficient. They all rose from nothing, from barren land, from the battlefield, with their bare hands.

자기가 늙어서는 재산이 10원도 없는 거예요. 나중에는 자기가 오갈 데가 없어요.
When they get old, they have no property, not even 10 won. Eventually, they have nowhere to go.

그게 전부 자생한 사람들이 지금 수난을 겪는 시대다. 그러면 대통령은 그걸 머리에 꽂아야 돼요.
This is an era where all those self-sufficient people are suffering. So the president should keep that in mind.

The Four Births and Karmic Consequences
Heo Kyeong-yeong explains the Buddhist concept of the “Four Births” (사생) – Oviparous (난생), Viviparous (태생), Transformational (화생), and Humidiparous (섭생) – and connects them to karmic consequences. This is a profound way to illustrate how our actions in this life determine our future existence. The idea that the lowest form of birth, humidiparous, is akin to hell, where one is reborn as a microorganism, is a powerful metaphor for the ultimate consequence of accumulating negative karma.

우리 동물들은 전부 태(胎)에서 나오지만, 이 미생물은 전부 살아가는 방법이 기생(寄生)이에요.
All our animals are born from the womb, but all these microorganisms live by parasitism.

섭생(攝生)이 지옥이야. 우리가 말하는 지옥이.
Humidiparous birth is hell. The hell we speak of.

죄를 많이 지면 이 바이러스로 태어나는 거예요.
If you commit many sins, you are reborn as a virus.

The Mind, Body, and Environment

Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble: A Metaphor for Life
Heo Kyeong-yeong introduces the concepts of water-soluble (수용성) and fat-soluble (지용성) as a central metaphor for understanding life, the mind, and even societal interactions. This is a brilliant way to simplify complex ideas. He applies these concepts to everything from environmental phenomena like smog to human emotions and relationships, suggesting that a balanced “fermentation” of these two aspects is crucial for well-being. The idea that negative emotions are “fat-soluble” and accumulate, while positive ones are “water-soluble” and can be easily processed, offers a clear framework for self-improvement.

발은 지용성이야 지용성. 발은 지용성이란 말이야. 이거는 뭐예요? 수용성이야. 그러니까 발효의 진리를 내가 이야기해 드리는 거예요.
Fermentation is fat-soluble, fat-soluble. Fermentation is fat-soluble. What is this? It’s water-soluble. So I’m telling you the truth of fermentation.

뭐든지 남편이 지용성이면 마누라가 수용성이 있어요. 그래, 안 그래요? 이렇게 만나는 거죠.
In everything, if the husband is fat-soluble, the wife is water-soluble. Isn’t that right? That’s how they meet.

마음을 수용성으로 해 가지고 지용성을 배제시키고, 내가 지나친 욕망을 가졌다, 지나친 탐욕이다, 또는 남을 해코지하려는 생각이다, 이러면 이걸 싹 지워줘야 간장이 편안해지고, 비장이 편안해져요.
If you make your mind water-soluble and exclude fat-soluble aspects, if you have excessive desires, excessive greed, or thoughts of harming others, you must erase these completely for your liver and spleen to be at ease.

The Importance of Humility and Selflessness
Heo Kyeong-yeong repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness as pathways to a better life and spiritual growth. He uses the analogy of the “five egos” (아집, 아상, 아만, 아애, 아치) to explain how self-centeredness leads to negative outcomes. The story of the rich boy who shared his lunchbox and saved his family during the Korean War is a powerful illustration of how small acts of kindness, driven by a lack of “self-love” (아애), can have profound, life-saving consequences. This teaching is a direct challenge to modern individualism and a call for greater empathy.

아애(我愛)가 많은 애는 남의 걸 뺏어 먹어요. 어떻게든 자기가 굶어 죽으면 안 된다 이거지. 남은 죽든 말든 관계없다 이거야.
A child with a lot of self-love (아애) takes from others. They think they absolutely cannot starve to death. They don’t care if others die or not.

이 아애(我愛)가 많으면 죄를 짓게 돼.
If you have a lot of self-love (아애), you will commit sins.

높이려는 자는 낮아지고, 낮추려는 자는 높아지는 거 아니야. 남이 거기 앉혀줘야 돼.
Those who try to elevate themselves will be lowered, and those who humble themselves will be elevated, won’t they? Others must seat you there.

Spiritual Wisdom and Societal Change

The Illusion of “Living” and the Reality of “Dying”
Heo Kyeong-yeong presents a profound philosophical insight: “living” (살아간다) is synonymous with “dying” (사라진다). This concept, rooted in the etymology of the Korean word “사라진다” (to disappear, composed of “죽일 살(殺)” – to kill, and “나 아(我)” – I), forces us to confront our mortality. He argues that we are constantly moving towards death, like sheep blindly heading towards a cliff. This stark realization serves as a powerful call to action, urging listeners to seek truth and wisdom before it’s too late.

내가 세상을 살아가고 있다는 건 무슨 뜻일까요? 내가 죽어가고 있다는 뜻이에요.
What does it mean that I am living in this world? It means I am dying.

내가 살아 있다는 건 내가 죽어가고 있다는 소리입니다. 즉, 살아 있다는 것은 내가 죽어가고 있는 것을 말해요.
My being alive means I am dying. In other words, being alive means I am dying.

여러분이 아무리 365년을 산다 하더라도, 살아 있는 시간이 얼마 남지 않았어요.
Even if you live for 365 years, you don’t have much time left to live.

The Role of Suffering and the Path to Enlightenment
Heo Kyeong-yeong views suffering (고통) not as a punishment, but as a gift from God, a test designed to help us grow and “upgrade.” This reframing of suffering is incredibly empowering. He suggests that embracing and learning from pain, rather than resisting it, is essential for spiritual progress and reaching a higher state of consciousness. This perspective aligns with many spiritual traditions that see adversity as a catalyst for transformation.

인간은 하나님이 하늘에서 인간을 출세시키기 위해 주는 제일 처음 선물이 고통입니다.
For humans, the very first gift God gives from heaven to help them succeed is suffering.

하나님은 더 좋은 것을 주기 위해서는 반드시 고통이라는 선물을 줍니다. 한 단계의 고통을 겪어야 업그레이드가 가능해지는 것이죠.
God always gives the gift of suffering to give us something better. One must go through a stage of suffering to be able to upgrade.

공부를 하지 않으면 낙원으로 가는 길은 열리지 않아요.
If you don’t study, the path to paradise won’t open.

This excerpt from a lecture by Heo Kyeong-yeong delves into the “Truth of Fermentation,” using it as a metaphor to explore the water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects of life and the mind . Heo Kyeong-yeong, known for his unique spiritual and philosophical teachings, connects concepts like parasitism vs. self-sufficiency, the nature of suffering, the Buddhist concept of the Ten Realms, and the importance of wisdom and humility to these fundamental principles . The lecture emphasizes how our mindset and actions determine our fate, both in this life and the next, urging listeners to cultivate a “water-soluble” (flexible, understanding) approach to life rather than a “fat-soluble” (rigid, self-centered) one .

The Nature of Existence and Suffering

Parasitism vs. Self-Sufficiency
Heo Kyeong-yeong draws a sharp contrast between parasitic and self-sufficient ways of living, highlighting a societal shift where more young people are becoming parasitic . He praises the older generation for their self-reliance and criticizes the current system for failing to support them, emphasizing the need for robust welfare policies .

기생(寄生) 반대는 자기가 스스로 사는 거 아니에요. 우리 젊은이들이 부모한테 기대어서 사는 사람들이 요새 많아요. 갈수록 기생(寄生)이 많아요. 그런데 지금 우리 김 고모님 나이나, 지금 연세 많은 분들은 전부 자생한 사람들이에요. 전부 아무것도 없는 불모지에서 전쟁터에서 맨손으로 크게 일어난 사람들이에요.
The opposite of parasitism is living independently. Nowadays, many young people rely on their parents. Parasitism is increasing. But people of Kim Gomunim’s age and the elderly are all self-sufficient individuals. They all rose from nothing, from barren lands and battlefields, with their bare hands.

그러니까 자생적으로 살아온 이 어른들이 지금 국가에서 대우를 잘해주냐 하면, 오갈 데 없는 사람이 많아요. 형제를 몇 명 공부시키고, 자식을 10명 공부시키고, 부모님 모시고 하다 보니, 자기가 늙어서는 재산이 10원도 없는 거예요. 나중에는 자기가 오갈 데가 없어요.
So, are these elders, who have lived self-sufficiently, being treated well by the state now? Many have nowhere to go. After educating several siblings, ten children, and caring for parents, they find themselves with no assets in old age. Eventually, they have nowhere to go.

The Cycle of Karma and Rebirth
Heo Kyeong-yeong explains the Buddhist concept of the Ten Realms (십계), where one’s actions (karma) determine their rebirth . He vividly describes how those who commit many sins might be reborn as microorganisms in the human gut, experiencing suffering to cleanse their karma . This perspective offers a profound, almost terrifying, view of accountability.

죄를 많이 지면 이 바이러스로 태어나는 거예요.
If you commit many sins, you are reborn as a virus.

이 우리 인간이 죄가 많은 인간이 남의 대장에 들어가야 돼요. 내가 죄를 너무 많이 지었다면, 남의 대장에 가서 태어나야 되는 거예요. 대장에 가서 맨 소대변이 있는 곳에서 살아야 되는 거예요. 그러면서 그 인간에게 이로움을 줘야 해요. 그래야 죄를 씻어내요.
We, humans, if we have many sins, must enter someone else’s large intestine. If I have committed too many sins, I must be reborn in someone else’s large intestine. I must live where there is only feces and urine. And I must provide benefit to that human. Only then can I wash away my sins.

The Wisdom of Humility and “Opposite Action”
A recurring theme is the idea of “acting in reverse” or “doing the opposite” of what one’s ego dictates . Heo Kyeong-yeong illustrates this with examples like a job applicant cleaning a bookstore even after being rejected, or a daughter giving her scolding father a rose . This counter-intuitive approach, he argues, leads to blessings and true success.

그런 사람이 박수를 잘 치는 사람이 성공해요. 상대방 면접시험 갔는데 면접관 앞에 가서, 필기시험만 붙었는데, 총장님 면접을 앞두고 불안해 죽겠대. 그래서 어떻게 하면 면접을 잘 보냐. 간단하다. 면접 하는 사람을 5살 이상으로 보지 마라. 그게 5살 이상이라면 어린애다.
People who applaud well are successful. Someone went to a job interview, passed the written exam, but was terrified before the interview with the president. So, how do you do well in an interview? It’s simple. Don’t see the interviewer as older than 5 years old. If they’re older than 5, they’re a child.

사람은 꼭 행동을 반대로 해야 성공해요. 행동을 반대로 해야 내가 성공한다고 하는 이유는? 잘 봐요. 박 회장님 같이 실수하는 사람은 박수를 쳐줘야 돼.
People must always act in reverse to succeed. The reason I say you succeed by acting in reverse? Look closely. People who make mistakes like Chairman Park should be applauded.

The Mind and Body: Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble
Heo Kyeong-yeong introduces the concepts of water-soluble (수용성) and fat-soluble (지용성) to describe different aspects of life and the mind . He posits that negative emotions and rigid thinking are “fat-soluble,” accumulating and causing harm, while positive, flexible attitudes are “water-soluble,” allowing for flow and health .

The Impact of Mindset on Health
The lecture connects mental states directly to physical health. For instance, a “fat-soluble” mind filled with hatred and anger can damage internal organs, while a “water-soluble” mind that lets go of excessive desires promotes well-being . This highlights the profound mind-body connection.

마음을 지용성으로 써서 남을 미워하고 이를 갈고 이러면 간이 열을 받아가지고 어떻게 돼? 그냥 5장을 버리는 거야.
If you use your mind in a fat-soluble way, hating others and grinding your teeth, what happens to your liver? It gets overheated, and you just ruin your five organs.

마음을 수용성으로 해 가지고 지용성을 배제시키고, 내가 지나친 욕망을 가졌다, 지나친 탐욕이다, 또는 남을 해코지하려는 생각이다, 이러면 이걸 싹 지워줘야 간장이 편안해지고, 비장이 편안해져요.
If you make your mind water-soluble and exclude fat-soluble aspects, if you have excessive desires, excessive greed, or thoughts of harming others, you must erase these completely for your liver and spleen to be at ease.

The Dangers of “Fat-Soluble” Ego (아상)
Heo Kyeong-yeong identifies four types of ego (아상): 아집 (stubbornness), 아애 (self-love), 아만 (arrogance), and 아치 (foolishness) . He asserts that these are all “fat-soluble” qualities that lead to suffering and prevent spiritual growth . Overcoming these requires cultivating a “water-soluble” state of “no-self” (무아) through practices like meditation and emptying the mind .

아상은 지용성인데, 결론적으로 우리의 인간의 아상 네 가지가 모두 지용성이에요. 그렇다면 아상의 반대는 무엇일까요? 그것은 수용성이죠.
Ego (asanga) is fat-soluble, and in conclusion, all four types of human ego are fat-soluble. So, what is the opposite of ego? It is water-soluble.

수용성이란 무엇일까요? 무아는 수용성이죠. 그래서 여러분들이 무아가 되기 전까지는 계속해서 수용성과 지용성을 가진 인간으로 살아가는 거예요. 무슨 일이든 쌓아두는 것이죠. 그래서 이 무아를 매일 경험해야 해요.
What is water-soluble? No-self (mua) is water-soluble. So, until you become no-self, you continue to live as a human with both water-soluble and fat-soluble qualities. You accumulate everything. Therefore, you must experience no-self every day.

Practical Wisdom for Life

The Importance of Proper Eating Habits
Heo Kyeong-yeong offers a very specific and practical health tip: maintain a 12-hour fasting window between dinner and breakfast . He explains that this allows the digestive organs to rest and prevents the accumulation of harmful microorganisms, which can lead to various ailments .

저녁을 7시에 먹었다면, 그러면 아침을 그 다음 날 7시에 먹어야 돼요. 그래, 안 그래요? 그래서 위장은 반드시 12시간을 비워야 되는데, 11시간을 비우면 피부가 나빠져요.
If you eat dinner at 7 PM, then you must eat breakfast at 7 AM the next day. Right? So, the stomach must be empty for 12 hours, but if it’s empty for 11 hours, your skin will worsen.

우리 인체는 세 끼를 먹든 여섯 끼를 먹든 관계없어요. 두 끼를 먹든 한 끼를 먹든 12시간을 비워야지.
It doesn’t matter if our bodies eat three meals or six meals. Whether you eat two meals or one meal, you must leave a 12-hour gap.

The Illusion of “Good” and “Bad”
Heo Kyeong-yeong challenges the conventional notions of “good” and “bad” in food and people . He argues that anything in moderation can be beneficial, while excess can be harmful . Similarly, how we perceive others determines whether they are “poison” or “medicine” to us . This perspective encourages a more nuanced and less judgmental view of the world.

인체에 좋고 나쁜 음식은 따로 없어요. 인체에 약이다, 독이다 하는 것은 없어요. 뭐든지 적절히 먹으면 약이에요.
There is no separate good or bad food for the human body. There is no such thing as medicine or poison for the human body. Anything eaten in moderation is medicine.

우리 인간도 그래요. 내가 저 사람을 나쁘게 보면 그게 독이 돼요. 나한테 독이 되죠, 그렇지 않나요? 좋게 보면 그 사람이 좋은 사람이에요.
It’s the same with us humans. If I see that person as bad, it becomes poison. It becomes poison to me, doesn’t it? If I see them as good, then that person is good.

The Purpose of Suffering and the Path to Enlightenment
Heo Kyeong-yeong presents suffering as a divine gift, a test from heaven to help us grow and upgrade ourselves . He likens it to strengthening the foundation of a building; without it, we risk collapse . Embracing suffering with a “water-soluble” mindset allows us to pass these tests and move closer to enlightenment.

인간은 하나님이 하늘에서 인간을 출세시키기 위해 주는 제일 처음 선물이 고통입니다. 고통은 어떤 역할을 하는 걸까요? 고통을 통해서 우리는 시험을 보는 거죠.
The first gift God gives humans from heaven to help them succeed is suffering. What role does suffering play? Through suffering, we take tests.

하나님은 더 좋은 것을 주기 위해서는 반드시 고통이라는 선물을 줍니다. 한 단계의 고통을 겪어야 업그레이드가 가능해지는 것이죠.
God always gives the gift of suffering to give us something better. You must go through one stage of suffering to be able to upgrade.

This excerpt from a lecture by Heo Kyeong-yeong delves into the “Truth of Fermentation,” exploring the concepts of water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects of life and the mind. Heo uses these scientific terms as metaphors to explain human behavior, societal structures, and spiritual enlightenment, offering a unique perspective on how our actions and thoughts influence our destiny and the world around us. The lecture covers a wide range of topics, from the four types of birth in Buddhism to the importance of humility, the nature of suffering, and the path to spiritual awakening, all framed within his distinctive worldview.

The Nature of Existence and Human Behavior

Parasitism vs. Self-Sufficiency: A Societal Reflection
Heo Kyeong-yeong draws a sharp contrast between parasitism and self-sufficiency, applying these biological concepts to human society. He argues that while many young people today are parasitic, relying on their parents, the older generation largely achieved self-sufficiency through immense hardship. This perspective highlights his concern for societal trends and his belief in the value of independence and resilience.

우리 젊은이들이 부모한테 기대어서 사는 사람들이 요새 많아요. 갈수록 기생(寄生)이 많아요. 그런데 지금 우리 김 고모님 나이나, 지금 연세 많은 분들은 전부 자생한 사람들이에요. 전부 아무것도 없는 불모지에서 전쟁터에서 맨손으로 크게 일어난 사람들이에요.
Many young people nowadays rely on their parents; parasitism is increasing. However, people of your age, like Ms. Kim, and many elderly individuals, are all self-sufficient. They rose from nothing, from barren lands and battlefields, with their bare hands.

그러니까 자생적으로 살아온 이 어른들이 지금 국가에서 대우를 잘해주냐 하면, 오갈 데 없는 사람이 많아요. 형제를 몇 명 공부시키고, 자식을 10명 공부시키고, 부모님 모시고 하다 보니, 자기가 늙어서는 재산이 10원도 없는 거예요. 나중에는 자기가 오갈 데가 없어요.
So, do these elders, who have lived self-sufficiently, receive good treatment from the state now? Many have nowhere to go. After educating several siblings, ten children, and caring for their parents, they find themselves with no assets in old age. Eventually, they have nowhere to turn.

The Illusion of Material Accumulation
Heo Kyeong-yeong critiques the pursuit of material wealth, especially when it comes at the cost of personal well-being and spiritual growth. He vividly describes how decades of hard work can leave individuals with nothing but a “miserable body” in old age, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of material possessions and the ultimate importance of spiritual truth.

이중에 맨날 50년을 월급제를 받아왔는데, 정년퇴직하고 나서 딱 보니까, 월급은 애 과외비로 다 들어가고 아버지, 어머니, 가족 다 모시고 나니까, 이 사람은 몸만 망가지고 나이가 60 돼서 나와 보니까, 아무도 재산이 없어요. 집은 은행에 들어 있고, 그러면 이 사람이 얼마나 허전하겠어요.
Someone who received a salary for 50 years, after retiring, found that all their salary went to their children’s tutoring fees, and after supporting their parents and family, they were left with only a ruined body at 60, with no assets. Their house was mortgaged to the bank. How empty would that person feel?

자기가 직장생활 몇십 년 한 걸 뒤돌아보니까, 손에 모래를 잡은 거와 같애요. 모래가 손에서 싹 새 나가버려 움켜잡았다고 생각했는데, 이게 있는 게 없다는 거죠.
Looking back at decades of working life, it’s like holding sand in your hand. The sand slips right through your fingers; you thought you had something, but there’s nothing left.

이렇게 짧은 인생에 뭘 해야 값이 제일 있냐를 깨달아야 해요. 이것 없이는, 여러분이 이런 공부를 안 하고 인생을 살면, 아무리 가족한테 효도하고, 자식을 잘 키우고 해봐도, 나중에 남는 건 비참한 몸뿐이에요. 그러니 그 기간 동안의 진리를 깨달아야 돼요.
You must realize what is most valuable to do in this short life. Without this, if you live life without this kind of study, no matter how much you honor your family or raise your children well, all that remains in the end is a miserable body. So, you must realize the truth during that period.

The Power of Mind and Perception

The Face as a Reflection of Inner State
Heo Kyeong-yeong presents a fascinating, albeit unconventional, view on physiognomy, suggesting that one’s face can be changed through persistent thought and that facial features reflect one’s inherent nature and destiny. This idea challenges conventional wisdom and emphasizes the power of the mind over physical appearance and fate.

아까 조 교수님이 사람 얼굴은 못 바꾼다고 했는데, 얼굴은 100% 바꿀 수 있어요. 얼굴을 100% 바꿀 수 있는데, 상상 임신하듯이 실제로 임신을 하지 않아도 임신하고 싶어서 환장하면 배가 나오잖아요.
Earlier, Professor Jo said one cannot change their face, but one can change their face 100%. You can change your face 100%; just like a phantom pregnancy, even without actually being pregnant, if you desperately want to be pregnant, your belly protrudes.

‘내가 저렇게 얼굴이 작아지고 싶다’고 계속 생각하면, 상상 임신하듯이 얼굴이 작아질 수 있어요. 허경영을 자꾸 바라보고 부르면, 허경영을 닮아갈 수 있다는 말이에요.
If you keep thinking, ‘I want my face to be that small,’ your face can become smaller, just like a phantom pregnancy. If you keep looking at and calling Heo Kyeong-yeong, you can become like Heo Kyeong-yeong.

코가 약간 삐딱한 사람은 사물을 언제나 네거티브하게 봐요. 그게 타고난 거예요. 그런 사람은 꼭 누가 주먹으로 때려서 코를 비틀어 놔. 고로 또 그런 운명이 와요.
A person with a slightly crooked nose always views things negatively. That’s innate. Such a person will inevitably have their nose twisted by someone’s fist. Thus, such a fate awaits them.

The Importance of Humility and Empathy
Heo Kyeong-yeong uses the analogy of blindness to illustrate the importance of humility and empathy. He suggests that losing one’s sight would force individuals to appreciate their spouses and rely on others, thereby fostering a sense of gratitude and interconnectedness. This thought experiment serves as a powerful reminder to value what we have and to treat others with kindness.

여러분은 눈이 있다는 고마움을 모릅니다. 눈이 있다는 것을 핑계로 여자를 괄시하고 자기 마누라를 박해하며, 약한 약자를 무시합니다. 눈으로 보고 “저건 못생겼다”, “저건 잘생겼다” 하면서 박해하고 죄를 짓고 있지 않나요? 여러분은 하늘에서 눈만 뽑아버리면 겸손해질 겁니다.
You do not know the gratitude of having eyes. You use having eyes as an excuse to disregard women, persecute your wife, and ignore the weak. Aren’t you persecuting and committing sins by looking with your eyes and saying, “That’s ugly,” “That’s handsome”? If heaven were to pluck out your eyes, you would become humble.

세상에서 내가 의지할 것은 우리 마누라, 우리 남편뿐이라는 것을 깨달을 것입니다. 만약 내가 장님이 되었다면, 여러분은 눈이 없다는 생각을 수시로 해야 합니다. 수시로 “내 눈이 없어졌을 때 내 둘째 아들놈이 나를 도와줄 건지, 내 첫째 며느리가 나를 도와줄 건지” 깊이 반성해야 합니다.
You will realize that the only people you can rely on in this world are your wife and your husband. If you were to become blind, you should constantly reflect on not having eyes. You should deeply reflect on “whether my second son would help me, or my first daughter-in-law would help me if I lost my sight.”

Spiritual Enlightenment and the Path to Truth

The Nature of Suffering and Growth
Heo Kyeong-yeong posits that suffering is a divine gift, a test from heaven designed to help individuals grow and upgrade themselves. He believes that overcoming hardship leads to spiritual advancement, while avoiding it can lead to collapse, much like a poorly built tower. This perspective reframes suffering as an opportunity for profound personal development.

인간은 하나님이 하늘에서 인간을 출세시키기 위해 주는 제일 처음 선물이 고통입니다. 고통은 어떤 역할을 하는 걸까요? 고통을 통해서 우리는 시험을 보는 거죠. 시험에서 맞는지 틀리는지를 확인하는 것이죠. 고통을 통해 시험을 보는 거죠.
The very first gift God gives humans from heaven to help them succeed is suffering. What role does suffering play? Through suffering, we take tests. We confirm whether we are right or wrong in the test. We take tests through suffering.

하나님은 더 좋은 것을 주기 위해서는 반드시 고통이라는 선물을 줍니다. 한 단계의 고통을 겪어야 업그레이드가 가능해지는 것이죠. 만약 고통을 주지 않는다면, 땅을 다지지 않고 집을 짓는 바벨탑처럼 그냥 무너져 버릴 수 있어요.
God always gives the gift of suffering to give us something better. One must go through a stage of suffering to upgrade. If suffering is not given, it can collapse like the Tower of Babel, a house built without firm ground.

The Paradox of Winning and Losing
Heo Kyeong-yeong introduces a paradoxical concept: winning in this world often means losing in the spiritual realm, and vice versa. He encourages individuals to embrace humility and selflessness, suggesting that true victory lies in spiritual triumph rather than worldly success. This idea challenges conventional notions of achievement and success.

원수를 악으로 갚게 된다면, 이 땅에서는 이기겠죠. 하지만 하늘에서는 어떻게 될까요? 지는 거예요. 그래서 이 땅에서 이기면 하늘에서 진다는 말이에요. 반대로 이 땅에서 지면 하늘에서 이기게 된다는 거죠.
If you repay evil with evil, you might win on this earth. But what about in heaven? You lose. So, winning on this earth means losing in heaven. Conversely, losing on this earth means winning in heaven.

항상 이 땅에서는 지는 게 이기는 것입니다. 지는 것 같지만 그게 바로 이기는 것이죠. 이기는 거예요.
Always, on this earth, losing is winning. It may seem like losing, but that is precisely winning. It is winning.

The Concept of “I” (아상) and Its Dissolution (무아)
Heo Kyeong-yeong explains the Buddhist concept of “I” (아상) as a fat-soluble accumulation in the mind, contrasting it with “no-self” (무아) as a water-soluble state. He advocates for daily meditation and self-reflection to dissolve the “I” and achieve a state of “no-self,” which he believes leads to clarity, an open future, and inner peace.

아상은 지용성인데, 결론적으로 우리의 인간의 아상 네 가지가 모두 지용성이에요. 그렇다면 아상의 반대는 무엇일까요? 그것은 수용성이죠.
‘Ah-sang’ (ego) is fat-soluble; in conclusion, all four types of human ego are fat-soluble. So, what is the opposite of ‘Ah-sang’? It is water-soluble.

수용성이란 무엇일까요? 무아는 수용성이죠. 그래서 여러분들이 무아가 되기 전까지는 계속해서 수용성과 지용성을 가진 인간으로 살아가는 거예요. 무슨 일이든 쌓아두는 것이죠. 그래서 이 무아를 매일 경험해야 해요.
What is water-soluble? ‘Mu-ah’ (no-self) is water-soluble. So, until you become ‘Mu-ah,’ you continue to live as a human with both water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects. You accumulate everything. Therefore, you must experience ‘Mu-ah’ every day.

명상을 하고 매일 마음을 비우고, 허경영을 부르고, 마음을 비우고, 계속 불러야 해요. 이런 식으로 하면 수용성이 되는 거죠. 뇌에 이상한 것이 쌓이지 않아요. 그리고 앞에 막힌 길이 훤히 열리고, 미래가 뚫려버리죠.
You must meditate, empty your mind daily, call Heo Kyeong-yeong, empty your mind, and keep calling. Doing this makes you water-soluble. Nothing strange accumulates in your brain. And the blocked path ahead opens wide, and the future becomes clear.

This excerpt from a lecture by Heo Kyeong-yeong delves into the “Truth of Fermentation,” exploring the concepts of water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects of life and the mind. Heo uses these scientific terms as metaphors to explain human behavior, societal structures, and spiritual enlightenment, offering a unique perspective on how our actions and thoughts “ferment” into our destiny. The lecture also touches upon Buddhism’s Four Births, the Ten Realms, and the five “A-sangs” (egoic attachments), providing a comprehensive, albeit unconventional, framework for understanding human existence and the path to spiritual growth.

The Nature of Existence and Human Society

Parasitism vs. Self-Sufficiency: A Societal Critique
Heo Kyeong-yeong draws a sharp contrast between parasitism and self-sufficiency, applying these biological terms to human society. He critiques modern society, where he observes a growing trend of “parasitic” individuals relying on others, especially the younger generation on their parents. This perspective is striking because it reframes societal issues through a biological lens, highlighting the importance of independence and the often-overlooked struggles of the self-sufficient generation that built the foundation for today. It’s a powerful call to acknowledge and support those who have lived self-sufficiently, rather than neglecting them in their old age.

Korean: 우리 젊은이들이 부모한테 기대어서 사는 사람들이 요새 많아요. 갈수록 기생(寄生)이 많아요. 그런데 지금 우리 김 고모님 나이나, 지금 연세 많은 분들은 전부 자생한 사람들이에요. 전부 아무것도 없는 불모지에서 전쟁터에서 맨손으로 크게 일어난 사람들이에요.
There are many young people nowadays who rely on their parents. Parasitism is increasing. But people of Kim Gomunim’s age, and many elderly people today, are all self-sufficient individuals. They all rose from barren lands, from battlefields, with their bare hands, from nothing.

Korean: 그러니까 자생적으로 살아온 이 어른들이 지금 국가에서 대우를 잘해주냐 하면, 오갈 데 없는 사람이 많아요. 형제를 몇 명 공부시키고, 자식을 10명 공부시키고, 부모님 모시고 하다 보니, 자기가 늙어서는 재산이 10원도 없는 거예요. 나중에는 자기가 오갈 데가 없어요.
So, do these elders who have lived self-sufficiently receive good treatment from the state now? Many have nowhere to go. After educating several siblings, raising ten children, and caring for their parents, they find themselves with not a single penny in their old age. Eventually, they have nowhere to go.

Korean: 아버지 어머니가 건물 만들어 놓은 거, 아버지 어머니가 집 아파트 구해 놓은 거, 그거 자식들이 다 가져가. 아버지 어머니들은 쫄딱. 아버지 어머니가 지금 아파트 살고 있다. 그러면 그 집도 노리고 있어. 기생(寄生)하는 애들이 그 아버지 어머니 왜 빨리 안 돌아가시나 이거만 기다리고 있어요.
The buildings parents built, the houses and apartments parents secured—their children take it all. The parents are left with nothing. If parents are living in an apartment now, those parasitic children are eyeing that house, just waiting for their parents to pass away quickly.

The Four Births and the Cycle of Karma
Heo Kyeong-yeong introduces the Buddhist concept of the Four Births (卵生, 胎生, 化生, 濕生), but with his own unique interpretation, adding “parasitism” (寄生) as a human mode of existence. He then connects these births to karma and spiritual progression, suggesting that the lowest form of existence, “wet birth” (濕生), is akin to hell, where beings are born as microorganisms due to accumulated sins. This framework offers a fascinating, albeit stark, view on how one’s actions in life determine their future existence, emphasizing the consequences of negative karma.

Korean: 우리 동물들은 전부 태(胎)에서 나오지만, 이 미생물은 전부 살아가는 방법이 기생(寄生)이에요.
All our animals are born from the womb, but all microorganisms live by parasitism.

Korean: 사람이 사는 방법을 따질 때는 기생(寄生)이 포함돼요. 사람 중에는 남한테 기대어서 사는 사람이 있어요. 그걸 기생(寄生)이라고 해요.
When considering how humans live, parasitism is included. Among people, there are those who rely on others. That is called parasitism.

Korean: 내가 누굴 너무 많이 미워하고 너무 많은 죄를 짓고 이러면 나중에 습생으로 가. 해를 볼 수가 없어 해를 보면 죽어요.
If I hate someone too much and commit too many sins, I will eventually go to wet birth. I cannot see the sun; if I see the sun, I die.

Korean: 죄를 많이 지면 이 바이러스로 태어나는 거예요.
If you commit many sins, you are born as a virus.

The Mind, Body, and Fermentation

Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble: A Metaphor for Life
Heo Kyeong-yeong introduces the concepts of water-soluble (수용성) and fat-soluble (지용성) as a central metaphor for understanding life, the mind, and even physical health. He posits that fat-soluble elements represent negative, accumulating aspects like hatred, greed, and ego, while water-soluble elements represent positive, flowing aspects like understanding, compassion, and selflessness. This analogy is particularly insightful as it provides a tangible way to conceptualize abstract spiritual and psychological states, suggesting that a balanced “fermentation” of these elements is crucial for well-being.

Korean: 발은 지용성이야 지용성. 발은 지용성이란 말이야. 이거는 뭐예요? 수용성이야. 그러니까 발효의 진리를 내가 이야기해 드리는 거예요.
“Bal” (referring to the first syllable of “balhyo,” fermentation) is fat-soluble. “Bal” is fat-soluble. What is this? It’s water-soluble. So I am telling you the truth of fermentation.

Korean: 뭐든지 남편이 지용성이면 마누라가 수용성이 있어요. 그래, 안 그래요? 이렇게 만나는 거죠.
In everything, if the husband is fat-soluble, the wife is water-soluble. Isn’t that right? That’s how they meet.

Korean: 마음을 수용성으로 해 가지고 지용성을 배제시키고, 내가 지나친 욕망을 가졌다, 지나친 탐욕이다, 또는 남을 해코지하려는 생각이다, 이러면 이걸 싹 지워줘야 간장이 편안해지고, 비장이 편안해져요.
If you make your mind water-soluble and exclude fat-soluble elements, if you have excessive desires, excessive greed, or thoughts of harming others, you must erase these completely for your liver and spleen to be at ease.

The Five “A-sangs” (Egoic Attachments) and Their Interplay
Heo Kyeong-yeong elaborates on the five “A-sangs” (我相), or egoic attachments, which are 아집 (self-attachment), 아만 (self-conceit), 아애 (self-love), 아격 (self-dignity), and 아치 (self-ignorance). He explains how these egoic tendencies are interconnected and contribute to negative “fermentation” in the mind. This detailed breakdown of ego is incredibly insightful, offering a psychological map of human flaws and how they manifest. He emphasizes that these “A-sangs” are fat-soluble, accumulating in our minds and leading to suffering, and that true enlightenment requires transcending them.

Korean: 나라는 것이 실제 여러분은 하나 있는 거 같지만 몸에 5개가 붙어다녀.
Although you may think you have only one “self,” five “selves” are actually attached to your body.

Korean: 이 아애(我愛)가 많은 애는 남의 걸 뺏어 먹어요. 어떻게든 자기가 굶어 죽으면 안 된다 이거지. 남은 죽든 말든 관계없다 이거야.
A child with a lot of self-love will take from others. They believe they must not starve to death, regardless of whether others live or die.

Korean: 아치(我癡)는 어리석다는 뜻이야. 어리석은 자기의 마음이 어리석은 자야. 그래서 자기 마음속에는 어리석음이 있어요.
Self-ignorance (아치) means foolishness. It refers to a foolish mind, a foolish self. So, there is foolishness within one’s heart.

The 12-Hour Fasting Cycle for Health
Heo Kyeong-yeong provides a practical health tip, emphasizing the importance of a 12-hour fasting cycle for optimal bodily function. He explains that the body’s organs operate on a 12-hour rhythm, and consistently failing to observe this fasting window can lead to illness. This advice is a clear example of how his teachings blend spiritual and philosophical concepts with tangible, actionable guidance for daily life, demonstrating his holistic approach to well-being.

Korean: 인체는 말이야. 이 사이클이 24시간이 아냐. 24시간이 아니라 12시간으로 쪼개져 있어. 신이 창조주가 쪼개었지.
The human body, you see, its cycle is not 24 hours. It’s divided into 12-hour segments. God, the Creator, divided it.

Korean: 위장은 반드시 12시간을 비워야 되는데, 11시간을 비우면 피부가 나빠져요.
The stomach must be empty for 12 hours; if it’s empty for only 11 hours, your skin will suffer.

Korean: 저녁에 늦게 간식을 하는 사람은 자살하는 거예요. 집에 와서 빵을 하나 먹거나 뭘 하나라도 입에 넣으면 그 사람은 죽는 거야.
Anyone who eats a late-night snack is committing suicide. If you come home and eat even a piece of bread or put anything in your mouth, that person is dying.

Wisdom for Life and Enlightenment

The Power of “Doing the Opposite”
A recurring theme in Heo Kyeong-yeong’s lecture is the wisdom of “doing the opposite” (반대로 하는 것), especially when faced with criticism or adversity. He illustrates this with compelling anecdotes, such as Abraham Lincoln appointing his critic as Secretary of War, or a job seeker cleaning a bookstore even after being rejected. This contrarian approach is presented as a path to accumulating blessings and achieving success, challenging conventional responses to conflict and emphasizing the transformative power of humility and generosity.

Korean: 상대방 면접시험 갔는데 면접관 앞에 가서, 필기시험만 붙었는데, 총장님 면접을 앞두고 불안해 죽겠대. 그래서 어떻게 하면 면접을 잘 보냐. 간단하다. 면접 하는 사람을 5살 이상으로 보지 마라.
Someone went for a job interview, having only passed the written exam, and was terrified before the interview with the president. So, how do you do well in an interview? It’s simple. Don’t see the interviewer as older than five years old.

Korean: 그런 사람이 박수를 잘 치는 사람이 성공해요.
People who applaud well are the ones who succeed.

Korean: 남이 자기한테 욕을 할 때 그걸 욕으로 받아들이면 안 된다. 발효가 되나 안 되나? 발효가 안 되는 거야.
When someone insults you, you shouldn’t take it as an insult. Does it ferment or not? It doesn’t ferment.

Korean: 자기를 맨날 “얼굴도 못생기고” 뭐라고 흉 보는 사람이 있었어요. 그 사람은 링컨의 반대파이자 경쟁자였죠. 그 사람이 누구였죠? 법무부 장관이었던 유명한 사람이에요. 반대로 한 거예요.
There was a person who constantly criticized Lincoln, saying he was “ugly” and so on. That person was Lincoln’s opponent and rival. Who was that person? He was a famous person who became the Secretary of War. Lincoln did the opposite.

The Illusion of “Living” and the Reality of “Dying”
Heo Kyeong-yeong offers a profound philosophical insight: “living” (살아간다) is synonymous with “dying” (사라진다). He explains that every moment we live, we are also moving closer to death, and our bodies are constantly decaying. This perspective serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the urgency of seeking truth and enlightenment. It challenges the conventional understanding of existence, urging listeners to recognize the preciousness of time and to live meaningfully before it “disappears.”

Korean: ‘사라진다’는 게 무슨 뜻인지 아시나요? 이게 한문입니다. 한문으로 ‘사라진다’는 ‘죽일 살(殺)’자와 ‘나 아(我)’ 자로 구성되어 있습니다. 즉, 내가 죽어간다는 소리입니다.
Do you know what “sara-jinda” (disappears/dies) means? It’s a Chinese character. In Chinese characters, “sara-jinda” is composed of the character for “kill” (殺) and “self” (我). In other words, it means “I am dying.”

Korean: 여러분은 이 순간에 앉아 있는데도 눈 시력은 점점 떨어져 가고, 여러분의 몸은 점점 죽음 속으로 가고 있는데도, 그 죽음으로 가고 있는 행진을 모르고 있습니다.
Even as you sit here at this moment, your eyesight is gradually deteriorating, and your body is steadily moving towards death, yet you are unaware of this march towards death.

Korean: 내가 살아 있다는 건 내가 죽어가고 있다는 소리입니다. 즉, 살아 있다는 것은 내가 죽어가고 있는 것을 말해요.
My being alive means I am dying. In other words, being alive means I am dying.

The Gift of Suffering and the Path to Upgrade
Heo Kyeong-yeong presents suffering (고통) not as a curse, but as “God’s first gift to help humans succeed.” He argues that suffering is a test, a necessary step for personal and spiritual “upgrade.” This reframing of adversity is incredibly empowering, transforming pain into an opportunity for growth and enlightenment. It encourages a mindset of resilience and understanding, suggesting that challenges are divine interventions designed to elevate us to a higher state.

Korean: 인간은 하나님이 하늘에서 인간을 출세시키기 위해 주는 제일 처음 선물이 고통입니다.
For humans, the very first gift God gives from heaven to help them succeed is suffering.

Korean: 고통은 어떤 역할을 하는 걸까요? 고통을 통해서 우리는 시험을 보는 거죠. 시험에서 맞는지 틀리는지를 확인하는 것이죠.
What role does suffering play? Through suffering, we take tests. We check whether we are right or wrong in those tests.

Korean: 하나님은 더 좋은 것을 주기 위해서는 반드시 고통이라는 선물을 줍니다. 한 단계의 고통을 겪어야 업그레이드가 가능해지는 것이죠.
To give something better, God always gives the gift of suffering. One must experience a stage of suffering to be able to upgrade.

This excerpt from a lecture by Heo Kyeong-yeong delves into the “Truth of Fermentation,” exploring the concepts of water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects of life and the mind. Heo Kyeong-yeong, known for his unique spiritual and philosophical teachings, uses these scientific terms as metaphors to explain human behavior, societal structures, and spiritual growth. The lecture covers a wide range of topics, from the four types of birth in Buddhism to the nature of microorganisms, the importance of diet and lifestyle, and the path to enlightenment. He challenges conventional wisdom, urging listeners to adopt a contrarian perspective to achieve true success and spiritual liberation.

The Nature of Existence and Human Behavior

Parasitism vs. Self-Sufficiency: A Societal Reflection
Heo Kyeong-yeong draws a stark contrast between parasitism and self-sufficiency, applying these biological concepts to human society. He argues that while many young people today live parasitically, relying on their parents, the older generation largely achieved self-sufficiency through immense hardship. This observation highlights a critical societal shift and underscores the value of independence in his worldview.

우리 젊은이들이 부모한테 기대어서 사는 사람들이 요새 많아요. 갈수록 기생(寄生)이 많아요. 그런데 지금 우리 김 고모님 나이나, 지금 연세 많은 분들은 전부 자생한 사람들이에요. 전부 아무것도 없는 불모지에서 전쟁터에서 맨손으로 크게 일어난 사람들이에요.
Many young people nowadays rely on their parents; parasitism is increasing. However, people of my aunt Kim’s generation and other elderly individuals are all self-sufficient. They rose from barren lands and battlefields with their bare hands, starting from nothing.

그러니까 자생적으로 살아온 이 어른들이 지금 국가에서 대우를 잘해주냐 하면, 오갈 데 없는 사람이 많아요. 형제를 몇 명 공부시키고, 자식을 10명 공부시키고, 부모님 모시고 하다 보니, 자기가 늙어서는 재산이 10원도 없는 거예요. 나중에는 자기가 오갈 데가 없어요.
These elders, who lived self-sufficiently, are not well-treated by the state; many have nowhere to go. After educating several siblings, ten children, and caring for parents, they find themselves with no assets in old age. Eventually, they have nowhere to turn.

The Four Births and Karmic Consequences
Heo Kyeong-yeong explains the Buddhist concept of the four births (parasitic, oviparous, viviparous, and transformative) and introduces the idea of “wet birth” (섭생) as a metaphor for the lowest realm of existence, akin to hell. He connects this to the idea of karma, suggesting that those who commit many sins are reborn as tiny, unseen microorganisms, enduring suffering to cleanse their karma. This perspective offers a unique spiritual interpretation of biological processes.

우리가 말하는 지옥이. 여기가 이 우주가 지구 자체가 천국과 지옥이 다 공존하는 별이라고, 여러분들은 가면은 지구가 수백 조가 있어. 그 조가 있는데, 다 여기와 비슷해. 살아가는 게. 이런 별에 있는 사람들은 전부 습생을 제일 싫어해. 내가 누굴 너무 많이 미워하고 너무 많은 죄를 짓고 이러면 나중에 습생으로 가. 해를 볼 수가 없어 해를 보면 죽어요. 그러면 섭생에 미생물이 있어요.
What we call hell. This universe, Earth itself, is a planet where heaven and hell coexist. You will find hundreds of trillions of planets, all similar to this one in how life exists. People on such planets all despise “wet birth.” If I hate someone too much and commit too many sins, I will eventually go to “wet birth.” I cannot see the sun; if I see it, I die. Then, there are microorganisms in “wet birth.”

죄를 많이 지면 이 바이러스로 태어나는 거예요.
If you commit many sins, you are reborn as a virus.

The Illusion of Control and the Power of Belief
Heo Kyeong-yeong asserts that one can change their face 100% through persistent thought, likening it to a phantom pregnancy. He believes that by constantly visualizing a desired outcome, one can manifest it, even physically. This radical idea emphasizes the power of the mind and belief in shaping one’s reality, challenging the notion of fixed destiny.

아까 조 교수님이 사람 얼굴은 못 바꾼다고 했는데, 얼굴은 100% 바꿀 수 있어요. 얼굴을 100% 바꿀 수 있는데, 상상 임신하듯이 실제로 임신을 하지 않아도 임신하고 싶어서 환장하면 배가 나오잖아요. 나오죠. ‘내가 저렇게 얼굴이 작아지고 싶다’고 계속 생각하면, 상상 임신하듯이 얼굴이 작아질 수 있어요. 허경영을 자꾸 바라보고 부르면, 허경영을 닮아갈 수 있다는 말이에요.
Earlier, Professor Jo said one cannot change their face, but you can change your face 100%. You can change your face 100%; just like a phantom pregnancy, even without actually being pregnant, if you desperately want to be pregnant, your belly grows, right? It does. If you keep thinking, ‘I want my face to be that small,’ your face can become smaller, just like a phantom pregnancy. If you keep looking at and calling Heo Kyeong-yeong, you can become like Heo Kyeong-yeong.

Health, Lifestyle, and Spiritual Wisdom

The 12-Hour Fasting Rule for Optimal Health
Heo Kyeong-yeong introduces a strict 12-hour fasting rule between dinner and breakfast for optimal health. He claims that deviating from this cycle, even by an hour, can lead to illness. This practical advice, presented with absolute certainty, reflects his holistic approach to well-being, where discipline in eating habits is paramount.

저녁을 7시에 먹었다면, 그러면 아침을 그 다음 날 7시에 먹어야 돼요. 그래, 안 그래요? 그래서 위장은 반드시 12시간을 비워야 되는데, 11시간을 비우면 피부가 나빠져요.
If you eat dinner at 7 PM, then you must eat breakfast the next day at 7 AM. Is that right? So, the stomach must be empty for 12 hours; if it’s empty for 11 hours, your skin will worsen.

우리 인체는 세 끼를 먹든 여섯 끼를 먹든 관계없어요. 두 끼를 먹든 한 끼를 먹든 12시간을 비워야지.
It doesn’t matter if our bodies eat three meals or six meals. Whether you eat two meals or one meal, you must leave 12 hours empty.

The Interconnectedness of Mind and Body
Heo Kyeong-yeong explains the “fermentation of the mind” in relation to the body’s organs, particularly the five solid organs (liver, spleen, kidney, large intestine, small intestine). He suggests that negative emotions like hatred and excessive desire (fat-soluble) can harm these organs, while a “water-soluble” mind—one that is calm and free from excessive desires—promotes health. This highlights his belief in the profound connection between mental state and physical well-being.

마음을 지용성으로 써서 남을 미워하고 이를 갈고 이러면 간이 열을 받아가지고 어떻게 돼? 그냥 5장을 버리는 거야. 그래 안 그래? 그런데 마음의 발효를 잘못해 버리면 되냐 안 되냐? 안 되는 거예요. 마음을 수용성으로 해 가지고 지용성을 배제시키고, 내가 지나친 욕망을 가졌다, 지나친 탐욕이다, 또는 남을 해코지하려는 생각이다, 이러면 이걸 싹 지워줘야 간장이 편안해지고, 비장이 편안해져요.
If you use your mind in a fat-soluble way, hating others and grinding your teeth, your liver gets overheated, and what happens? You just ruin your five organs. Is that right? But if you ferment your mind incorrectly, will it work? No, it won’t. If you make your mind water-soluble, excluding fat-soluble elements, and if you have excessive desires, excessive greed, or thoughts of harming others, you must erase these completely for your liver and spleen to be at peace.

The Wisdom of “Opposite Action”
Heo Kyeong-yeong advocates for “opposite action” as a path to success and accumulating blessings. He illustrates this with anecdotes of people who responded to criticism or misfortune with kindness and generosity, ultimately leading to positive outcomes. This counter-intuitive approach emphasizes humility, forgiveness, and unconditional giving as keys to spiritual and material prosperity.

사람은 꼭 행동을 반대로 해야 성공해요. 행동을 반대로 해야 내가 성공한다고 하는 이유는? 잘 봐요. 박 회장님 같이 실수하는 사람은 박수를 쳐줘야 돼.
People must always act in the opposite way to succeed. Why do I say you must act in the opposite way to succeed? Look closely. People who make mistakes, like Chairman Park, should be applauded.

남이 자기한테 욕을 할 때 그걸 욕으로 받아들이면 안 된다. 발효가 되나 안 되나? 발효가 안 되는 거야. 이해 가죠? 그래서 오장육부 중에서 오장은 이 발효를 잘 해야 돼요. 그럴 때는 반대로 하라는 말이에요. 그래서 욕을 하는 사람이 있을 때는 욕을 받아주고 내가 오히려 미안하다고 하면, 복이 쌓여 안 쌓여? 하늘에 복이 쌓여요.
When someone curses you, you shouldn’t take it as a curse. Does it ferment or not? It doesn’t ferment. Understand? So, among the five viscera and six entrails, the five viscera must ferment well. In such cases, you should do the opposite. So, when someone curses you, accept the curse, and if you apologize instead, do blessings accumulate or not? Blessings accumulate in heaven.

The Path to Enlightenment and the Role of a Mentor

The Five “I’s” (아상) and the Journey to No-Self (무아)
Heo Kyeong-yeong delves into the Buddhist concept of “I-ness” (아상), identifying five aspects: self-attachment (아집), self-love (아애), self-conceit (아만), self-dignity (아격), and self-ignorance (아치). He explains how these “I’s” are interconnected and contribute to negative “fermentation” in the mind. The ultimate goal, he states, is to achieve “no-self” (무아), a state of complete detachment and openness (water-soluble). This intricate psychological framework offers a profound insight into the human condition and the path to spiritual liberation.

나라는 것이 실제 여러분은 하나 있는 거 같지만 몸에 5개가 붙어다녀.
Although you might think you have only one “self,” five “selves” are actually attached to your body.

아치(我癡), 아애(我愛), 아만(我慢), 아격(我格), 아집(我執)인데, 요게 또 묘한 게 있어. 이걸 수용성, 지용성으로 보면 어떻게 되느냐. 자기를 사랑하는 거는 어디서 나와? 박 회장님. 치에서 나와요. 치에서, 어리석음에서 나와.
There are self-ignorance (我癡), self-love (我愛), self-conceit (我慢), self-dignity (我格), and self-attachment (我執), and there’s something peculiar about them. If you view them as water-soluble and fat-soluble, what happens? Where does self-love come from? Chairman Park. It comes from ignorance. It comes from ignorance, from foolishness.

수용성이란 무엇일까요? 무아는 수용성이죠. 그래서 여러분들이 무아가 되기 전까지는 계속해서 수용성과 지용성을 가진 인간으로 살아가는 거예요. 무슨 일이든 쌓아두는 것이죠. 그래서 이 무아를 매일 경험해야 해요. 명상을 하고 매일 마음을 비우고, 허경영을 부르고, 마음을 비우고, 계속 불러야 해요. 이런 식으로 하면 수용성이 되는 거죠. 뇌에 이상한 것이 쌓이지 않아요. 그리고 앞에 막힌 길이 훤히 열리고, 미래가 뚫려버리죠.
What is water-solubility? No-self is water-soluble. So, until you become no-self, you continue to live as a human with both water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects. You accumulate everything. Therefore, you must experience no-self every day. Meditate, empty your mind daily, call Heo Kyeong-yeong, empty your mind, and keep calling. This way, you become water-soluble. Nothing strange accumulates in your brain. And the blocked path ahead opens wide, and the future becomes clear.

The Role of a Messiah and the End of Old Laws
Heo Kyeong-yeong positions himself as a Messiah who has come to abolish old laws and usher in a new era. He criticizes the rigid adherence to religious laws that have historically led to conflict and suffering, advocating for a new understanding of truth that transcends traditional doctrines. This bold claim underscores his self-perception as a transformative spiritual leader.

나는 율법 전체를 폐하러 온 거예요. 나중에 여러분이 그걸 알게 될 거예요. 지금은 내가 그렇게 이야기하는 거고요. 그래서 이 율법이 지금까지 전쟁의 효시였어요. 지금도 이것 때문에 전쟁을 하고 있어요. 종교끼리 자기 교리를 너무 내세우니까, 이슬람은 기독교를 죽여야 한다고 하고, 기독교는 이슬람을 죽여야 한다고 하죠. 이게 뭐예요? 율법이 지나친 거죠, 맞지요? 이제는 율법을 바꿀 사람이 왔어요. 앞으로 좋은 세상이 올 거예요. 지구가 낙원이 되는 것을 여러분이 보게 될 겁니다.
I have come to abolish all laws. You will understand that later. For now, I am just telling you. So, these laws have been the origin of wars until now. Wars are still being fought because of them. Religions emphasize their doctrines too much, so Islam says Christians must be killed, and Christians say Muslims must be killed. What is this? It’s an excess of law, isn’t it? Now, someone has come to change the laws. A good world will come. You will see Earth become a paradise.

The Gift of Suffering and the Path to Upgrade
Heo Kyeong-yeong presents suffering as a divine gift, the first present from God to help humans advance. He views pain and hardship as tests that, when overcome, lead to personal and spiritual “upgrades.” This perspective reframes adversity as an opportunity for growth, aligning with his philosophy of continuous self-improvement and spiritual evolution.

인간은 하나님이 하늘에서 인간을 출세시키기 위해 주는 제일 처음 선물이 고통입니다. 고통은 어떤 역할을 하는 걸까요? 고통을 통해서 우리는 시험을 보는 거죠. 시험에서 맞는지 틀리는지를 확인하는 것이죠. 고통을 통해 시험을 보는 거죠.
For humans, the very first gift God gives from heaven to help them succeed is suffering. What role does suffering play? Through suffering, we take tests. We check whether we are right or wrong in the test. We take tests through suffering.

하나님은 더 좋은 것을 주기 위해서는 반드시 고통이라는 선물을 줍니다. 한 단계의 고통을 겪어야 업그레이드가 가능해지는 것이죠. 만약 고통을 주지 않는다면, 땅을 다지지 않고 집을 짓는 바벨탑처럼 그냥 무너져 버릴 수 있어요. 그러므로 우리가 어떤 고통을 경험할 때, 하늘이 기회를 주려고 시험을 보내는 것이라고 생각할 수 있어요.
God always gives the gift of suffering to provide something better. One must experience a stage of suffering to be upgraded. If suffering is not given, it can simply collapse like the Tower of Babel, a house built without firm ground. Therefore, when we experience any suffering, we can think of it as heaven sending a test to give us an opportunity.

Lecture Information

• Lecture Number: 898th

• Title: The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

• Date: November 2, 2013

• Main Topic: The principles of fermentation as a metaphor for life, the mind, and the universe, encompassing concepts of existence, morality, health, and societal structures. Core Messages

• Life is a continuous process of “fermentation” where interactions, whether positive or negative, lead to outcomes.

• Understanding the distinction between fat-soluble (negative, self-centered) and water-soluble (positive, altruistic) aspects is crucial for a fulfilling life.

• The Holiest has come to guide humanity, who are likened to “sheep” blindly heading towards a cliff, towards enlightenment and a better future.

• True wisdom involves understanding the interconnectedness of all things and acting with compassion, rather than self-interest.

• Life is a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement, where overcoming challenges leads to spiritual growth. Summary of Key Content
  The Four Births and Parasitism

• Four Births (四生):

  • Oviparous (卵生): Born from eggs (e.g., chickens, lizards, turtles).
  • Viviparous (胎生): Born from a womb (e.g., mammals, humans).
  • Transformation (化生): Undergoes metamorphosis (e.g., caterpillars to butterflies, cicadas).
  • Humidiparous (濕生): Born from moisture or dampness (e.g., microorganisms).

• Parasitism (寄生):

  • Many living beings, including microorganisms, live by parasitism.
  • Humans can also live parasitically, relying on others.
  • The opposite of parasitism is self-sustenance (自生).
  • Older generations often lived self-sustained lives, building from nothing.
  • Younger generations increasingly live parasitically, relying on parents.

The Buddhist Ten Realms (十界)

• Six Realms of Reincarnation (六道輪廻):
• Four Noble Realms (四聖界):

Microorganisms and the Scale of Life

• Microorganisms: Exist at various scales, from visible to extremely tiny.
  • Micro (1m x 1/1,000,000): Roughly the size of a hair.
  • Nano (1m x 1/1,000,000,000): Influenza viruses are at this scale, and vaccines exist.
  • Angstrom (1m x 1/10,000,000,000): Viruses are at this scale, too small for vaccines. Rest and nutrition are the only remedies.
  • Pico (1m x 1/1,000,000,000,000): Even smaller.
  • Femto (1m x 1/1,000,000,000,000,000): Extremely small.
  • Fico (1m x 1/100,000,000,000,000,000): Infinitesimally small.
• Complexity of Microorganisms: Even the smallest organisms possess complex neural and circulatory systems, demonstrating divine creation.

Fermentation and Human Health

• Fermentation (發酵): The process by which microorganisms break down substances.
  • Beneficial Fermentation: Produces substances that are easily absorbed by the human body.
  • Harmful Fermentation: Caused by harmful microorganisms, producing toxins.
• Microbial Balance: Maintaining a 50:50 ratio of good to bad microorganisms in the gut is essential for human health.
  • Bad microorganisms are necessary for initial food breakdown.
  • Consuming fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt helps maintain this balance.

The Body’s 12-Hour Cycle and Eating Habits

• The human body operates on a 12-hour cycle for organ rest and detoxification.
• Rule: If dinner is eaten at 7 PM, breakfast should be at 7 AM the next day, ensuring a 12-hour fast.
• Failing to observe this 12-hour fast can lead to health problems.
• Late-night snacking is detrimental to health.

The Five Zang (五臟) and Six Fu (六腑) Organs

• The human body is like a factory with 11 organs (5 Zang and 6 Fu) managed by 100 trillion “employees” (cells).
• Five Zang (Solid Organs – “Water Supply”): Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Heart, Lung.
  • These are crucial for blood purification and circulation.
  • They are influenced by mental fermentation (emotions and thoughts). Negative emotions harm these organs.
• Six Fu (Hollow Organs – “Sewage System”): Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Gallbladder, Bladder, Sanjiao (Triple Burner).
  • These are involved in digestion and waste elimination.
  • They are influenced by physical fermentation (food intake).

The Five “I”s (五我) and Their Impact

• The concept of “I” (我) in Buddhism is multifaceted and often leads to negative fermentation.
• These “I”s are fat-soluble, accumulating and causing negative outcomes.
• The opposite is water-soluble and leads to non-self (無我 – Mu-ah), a state of emptiness and openness.

The Nature of Good and Evil, Medicine and Poison

• There is no inherent good or bad in food or people; it depends on quantity, timing, and perspective.
• Even poison can be medicine in the right dosage.
• Viewing someone negatively makes them “poison” to oneself; viewing them positively makes them “medicine.”

The Purpose of Blood Types

• Blood types were created by the Creator for morality and immunity.

• In ancient times, before genetic testing, blood types helped determine paternity and prevent incest.
  Key Policies/Proposals

• Elderly Welfare: The government must prioritize and boldly implement welfare for the elderly, such as providing 200,000 won monthly.

• Youth Investment: Significant investment in creating job opportunities for young people is necessary.

• Worker Empowerment: Large shareholders should distribute a portion of their dividends to workers to ensure they can afford homes and provide opportunities for their children to escape the cycle of labor.
  Philosophical and Cosmic Insights

The Nature of Existence and Time

• “Disappearing” (사라진다): Composed of the Chinese characters for “kill” (殺) and “I” (我), meaning “I am dying.”
• “Living” (살아간다): Also means “I am dying.” Life is a continuous process of dying in each moment (剎那 – chalna).
• Humans are like sheep blindly heading towards the cliff of death, unaware of their finite time.

The Holiest’s Role and Voice

• The Holiest (Huh Kyung-young) serves as the Mentor for humanity, guiding them away from destruction.
• The Holiest’s voice is the voice of God, which can be heard directly through his lectures.
• God’s voice can also manifest through various channels, including a mother’s scolding or a traffic officer’s warning.

The Gift of Suffering

• Suffering (고통) is the first gift from God to help humans achieve success and upgrade their spiritual level.
• It serves as a test, and overcoming it leads to growth.
• Without suffering, foundations are weak, like the Tower of Babel, and prone to collapse.
  Critique of Reality and Alternatives

Critique of Modern Society

• Parasitic Generation: A growing number of young people live parasitically, relying on their parents’ assets and even anticipating their inheritance.
• Capitalism’s Flaws: Capitalism allows a few individuals to accumulate vast wealth, while the majority serve as “extras” and are exploited.
• Empty Lives: Many work for decades only to find themselves with no assets or security in old age, their efforts like “sand slipping through fingers.”

Critique of Legalism and Religion

• Legalism (율법): While intended for guidance, excessive adherence to laws can lead to conflict and suffering, as seen in historical and religious conflicts.
• The Holiest has come to abolish all old laws and establish a new world.
  Practical Implications

Cultivating a Water-Soluble Mindset

• Respond Positively to Negativity: When criticized or insulted, respond with humility and kindness. This accumulates blessings in heaven.
• Practice Non-Self (無我): Engage in daily meditation, empty the mind, and call upon Huh Kyung-young to achieve a water-soluble state, opening pathways to the future.
• Embrace Humility: Do not seek high positions; allow others to elevate you.

The Importance of Empathy and Trust

• Appreciate Your Senses: Reflect on the value of your senses (e.g., sight) by imagining their loss. This fosters humility and appreciation for others.
• Trust Others: When faced with uncertainty, especially in moments of vulnerability (e.g., blindness, terminal illness), one naturally seeks someone to trust.

The Path to Enlightenment

• Right Enlightenment (正覺): True understanding requires transcending self-interest and embracing a holistic perspective that benefits all.
• Study and Wisdom: Continuous learning is essential for opening the path to paradise.
• Winning by Losing: In the earthly realm, losing (acting altruistically) leads to winning in the heavenly realm.

One-Sentence Core Summary
Huh Kyung-young’s lecture illuminates life as a “fermentation” of fat-soluble (self-centered) and water-soluble (altruistic) aspects, urging humanity, likened to blind sheep, to embrace wisdom, compassion, and the Holiest’s guidance to transcend suffering, achieve spiritual enlightenment, and transform society into a Sky Temple by understanding the interconnectedness of mind, body, and the cosmos.

Central Questions & Answers

1. What is the Buddhist concept of the Four Births (四生) and how does it relate to human existence?

• Question: How does Buddhism categorize the different ways living beings are born, and what does this classification reveal about human life and destiny?

• Answer: In Buddhism, the Four Births (四生) include Transformation Birth (化生), Womb Birth (胎生), and Egg Birth (卵生). The lecture introduces Humid Birth (濕生) as a category for microorganisms, often associated with the lowest realms of existence, like hell. While human life can involve aspects like Parasitic Existence (寄生), the Buddhist Four Births focus on the fundamental modes of creation and rebirth, with Humid Birth representing the consequence of accumulating significant negative karma.

• Key Quote: “If you commit many sins, where will you be born? The most sinful people go to Humid Birth, which is hell.”
  2. How does the concept of “parasitic existence” (寄生) apply to modern human society and individual responsibility?

• Question: Beyond biological organisms, how does Huh Kyung-young define “parasitic existence” in the context of human behavior and societal trends, particularly among younger generations?

• Answer: Huh Kyung-young extends the concept of Parasitic Existence (寄生) to human behavior, describing individuals who rely heavily on others, such as young people dependent on their parents. He contrasts this with Self-Sustaining Existence (自生), exemplified by older generations who built their lives from scratch. The lecture suggests that a growing number of young people are living parasitically, relying on inherited wealth or parental support, which he views as a concerning societal trend.

• Key Quote: “The opposite of parasitic existence is self-sustaining existence. It’s not about living on your own. Nowadays, many young people rely on their parents. Parasitic existence is increasing.”
  3. What is the true meaning of “fermentation” (醱酵) in the context of life and the mind, according to Huh Kyung-young?

• Question: How does Huh Kyung-young explain the concept of fermentation, not just biologically, but as a metaphor for understanding the interaction between water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects of life and the mind?

• Answer: Fermentation is presented as a process where fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) elements combine. In the context of the body, beneficial microorganisms (water-soluble) interact with waste products (fat-soluble) to create substances that are easily absorbed. Metaphorically, this applies to the mind: negative thoughts and emotions (fat-soluble) need to be balanced by positive, understanding attitudes (water-soluble) to achieve a healthy “mental fermentation.”

• Key Quote: “Fermentation is the truth. The ‘fer’ (발) is fat-soluble, and the ‘men’ (효) is water-soluble. So, I am telling you the truth of fermentation.”
  4. How does one achieve true wisdom and overcome suffering according to the Buddhist “Ten Realms” (十界) and the path to enlightenment?

• Question: What are the stages of spiritual development in Buddhism, particularly the “Ten Realms,” and what is the initial crucial step to transcend suffering and attain enlightenment?

• Answer: The lecture outlines the Buddhist Ten Realms (十界), starting from the lowest (Hell, Hungry Ghost, Animal) through Human and Heavenly realms, leading to the enlightened states of Arhat, Pratyekabuddha, Bodhisattva, and finally, Buddhahood. The very first step to transcend these realms and achieve enlightenment is Right Awakening (正覺), which means to truly understand the truth. This requires wisdom, as blindly following a leader without discernment can lead to negative outcomes.

• Key Quote: “To transcend these Ten Realms, you must first awaken. You need wisdom. Without wisdom, if you are like a sheep, you will just follow a leader and die.”
  5. What is the significance of the “Five Selves” (五我) in understanding human nature and achieving spiritual growth?

• Question: What are the five aspects of “self” that Buddhism identifies as hindrances to spiritual progress, and how do they manifest in daily life?

• Answer: Huh Kyung-young explains the Five Selves as fundamental aspects of human ego that hinder spiritual growth: Self-Attachment (我執), Self-Love (我愛), Self-Conceit (我慢), Self-Dignity (我格), and Self-Ignorance (我癡). These are interconnected, with Self-Ignorance being the root cause, leading to excessive self-love, pride, and a tendency to judge others. Overcoming these “selves” through self-awareness and compassion is crucial for spiritual development.

• Key Quote: “You may think you have only one self, but five are attached to your body… Self-Ignorance means being foolish. A foolish mind. It doesn’t know where to invest or not to invest, and then loses everything.”
  6. How does the concept of “living in reverse” (반대로 사는 것) lead to success and spiritual merit?

• Question: What does Huh Kyung-young mean by “living in reverse,” and how does this counter-intuitive approach lead to positive outcomes in both worldly success and spiritual accumulation?

• Answer: “Living in reverse” means responding to negative situations with positive actions. For example, if someone criticizes you, instead of retaliating, you should accept it and even apologize, which accumulates blessings in heaven. This principle is illustrated by stories of individuals who achieved great success by responding to adversity or unfairness with unexpected kindness or diligence, such as the bookstore owner who cleaned the entrance despite being rejected for a job.

• Key Quote: “When someone curses you, you shouldn’t accept it as a curse. Does it ferment or not? It doesn’t ferment. So, when someone curses you, accept it and even apologize, then blessings accumulate in heaven.”
  7. What is the Holiest’s (神人) perspective on the human body’s internal organs and their connection to mental and physical health?

• Question: How does the Holiest describe the human body’s internal organs, particularly the “Five Viscera” (五臟) and “Six Bowels” (六腑), and their roles in physical and mental well-being?

• Answer: The human body is likened to a factory with eleven departments: the Five Viscera (五臟) (liver, spleen, kidney, heart, lung) and Six Bowels (六腑) (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple burner). The Five Viscera are considered “water supply” organs, related to mental fermentation and emotional balance. The Six Bowels are “sewage” organs, directly involved in physical digestion and material fermentation. Maintaining both physical health through proper diet and eating habits (e.g., 12-hour fasting) and mental health through positive thinking is crucial for the body’s optimal functioning.

• Key Quote: “The Five Viscera are like the water supply. The Six Bowels are like the sewage. The fermentation in the sewage treatment plant must be good for organic cooperation with the water supply plant.”
  8. What is the Holiest’s (神人) teaching on the true meaning of “living” (살아간다) and “disappearing” (사라진다)?

• Question: How does Huh Kyung-young redefine the concepts of “living” and “disappearing,” and what profound insight does this offer about the nature of human existence and the passage of time?

• Answer: Huh Kyung-young reveals that “living” (살아간다) and “disappearing” (사라진다) are fundamentally the same. The Korean word for “disappearing” (사라진다) contains characters meaning “to kill” (殺) and “I” (我), implying that one is constantly dying. Similarly, “living” means one is continuously moving towards death. This profound realization emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the urgency of seeking truth and spiritual awakening before one’s time runs out.

• Key Quote: “What does ‘disappearing’ mean? It means I am dying. My eyesight is gradually declining, and my body is gradually moving towards death, but I don’t know this march towards death.”
  Top 3 Recommended Questions:

1. What is the true meaning of “fermentation” (醱酵) in the context of life and the mind, according to Huh Kyung-young?
2. How does one achieve true wisdom and overcome suffering according to the Buddhist “Ten Realms” (十界) and the path to enlightenment?
3. What is the Holiest’s (神人) teaching on the true meaning of “living” (살아간다) and “disappearing” (사라진다)?

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. The Four Births and the Concept of Parasitism
   Life manifests in various forms, including creatures that live by attaching themselves to others, such as parasites on trees or within human bodies. Humans, too, can exhibit parasitic tendencies . The concept of birth is categorized: Oviparous (卵生) refers to creatures born from eggs, like birds and reptiles . Viviparous (胎生) describes those born from a mother’s womb, such as mammals . While most animals are viviparous, microorganisms predominantly exist through Parasitism (寄生) .

However, Buddhist philosophy presents a different classification of the Four Births (四生), which does not include parasitism as a mode of existence for humans . Instead, Buddhism introduces Transformation Birth (化生) and Moisture Birth (攝生) . Transformation Birth is exemplified by insects like butterflies, which undergo metamorphosis from egg to larva to adult, a process distinct from simple oviparous birth . Moisture Birth, on the other hand, is associated with microorganisms . The Buddhist Four Births are Transformation Birth (化生), Moisture Birth (攝生), Viviparous Birth (胎生), and Oviparous Birth (卵生) .

While parasitism is not a Buddhist birth category, it is a recognized human mode of living, referring to individuals who depend on others . The opposite of parasitism is Self-Sustenance (自生), where one lives independently . Historically, older generations often lived self-sufficiently, building their lives from scratch . However, contemporary society sees a rise in parasitic tendencies, with many young people relying on their parents . This shift highlights a societal challenge where those who lived self-sufficiently often find themselves without support in their old age, having dedicated their lives to their families .

2. The Buddhist Ten Realms and the Microcosm of Existence
   Buddhist cosmology describes the Ten Realms (十界), a comprehensive view of existence that encompasses various states of being. The lowest realms are the Hell Realm (地獄界) and the Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界) . These realms are not merely abstract concepts but represent states of intense suffering and deprivation, often associated with the consequences of negative actions or “karma” .

The Moisture Birth (攝生), primarily associated with microorganisms, is considered the lowest form of existence, akin to the Hell Realm . These beings are so minute that they are invisible to the naked eye, existing in conditions where they cannot even perceive sunlight . The scale of these microorganisms ranges from micro (마이크로), which is one-millionth of a meter, to nano (나노), one-billionth of a meter, and even angstrom (아니스트롬), one-hundred-billionth of a meter . Viruses, for instance, are at the angstrom scale, making them incredibly difficult to detect and treat with conventional methods like vaccines .

The concept of these minute life forms extends to even smaller scales: pico (피코), one-trillionth of a meter, and femto (펨토), one-quadrillionth of a meter . Even at these minuscule sizes, these organisms possess complex structures, including neural systems and circulatory pathways, demonstrating the intricate design of creation . The existence of such tiny, yet perfectly formed, life forms underscores the profound wisdom of the Holiest (神人) .

The Buddhist Ten Realms include: Hell Realm (地獄界), Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界), Animal Realm (畜生界), Asura Realm (修羅界), Human Realm (人界), and Heavenly Realm (天上界) . These six realms constitute the cycle of Six Paths of Reincarnation (六道輪回) . Beyond these are the realms of those who have achieved enlightenment: Sound-Hearer (聲聞界), Pratyekabuddha (緣覺界), Bodhisattva (菩薩界), and Buddha (佛陀) . These Ten Realms represent the vastness of existence, where even a microorganism within a human body perceives its environment as an immense universe .

3. The Nature of Stress and Smog: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Interactions
   The human experience is profoundly affected by various phenomena, both internal and external. Stress (스트레스), for instance, is a compound word derived from “strain” and “press” . “Strain” implies squeezing, tearing, or pulling, while “press” signifies a crushing force . When a person experiences stress, it feels as though their mind is being crushed, and their cells are being squeezed and pressed, leading to cellular damage and death .

Similarly, smog (스모그) is a composite term formed from “smoke” and “fog” . Smoke, representing exhaust fumes, is fat-soluble (지용성), while fog, or mist, is water-soluble (수용성) . When these two elements combine, they create a harmful mixture . A historical example is the London Smog, which caused thousands of deaths . The smog, a thick cloud of smoke and fog, prevented sunlight from reaching the city, causing temperatures to drop . In response, residents increased their heating, inadvertently releasing more smoke and exacerbating the smog, leading to a tragic cycle of self-inflicted harm .

The danger of smog lies in the minuscule size of its particles. While the human respiratory system can filter out particles down to one-millionth of a meter, smaller particles, such as those at the nanometer scale (one-billionth of a meter), can bypass these defenses . These tiny, fat-soluble particles, like those found in yellow dust from China or industrial emissions, can enter the body through the nose and skin, mixing with the blood and causing hardening of the blood vessels . This process, akin to flour sticking to surfaces, can lead to severe health issues . Therefore, it is crucial to avoid outdoor activities during smoggy conditions, especially for vulnerable populations .

4. The Science of Fermentation and the Body’s Ecosystem
   Fermentation is a natural process that transforms substances, and it holds profound implications for both physical and mental well-being. The term Fermentation (발효) itself can be understood through the concepts of fat-solubility (지용성) and water-solubility (수용성) . In the context of the human body, microorganisms play a crucial role in this process . While many microorganisms perform beneficial actions, a significant portion, approximately 70%, are considered harmful . However, these “bad” microorganisms are also necessary for the natural balance of the ecosystem, as they are part of the Creator’s design .

The waste products of microorganisms, often referred to as “microbial feces,” are what the human body absorbs as beneficial nutrients . This is where the fat-soluble and water-soluble aspects of fermentation converge, creating substances that are easily assimilated by the body . Maintaining a balanced ratio of good and bad microorganisms, ideally around 50:50, is essential for human health . Consuming fermented foods like kimchi or yogurt helps to introduce beneficial microorganisms, which can prevent illnesses and improve conditions like skin diseases and atopic dermatitis .

Beyond microbial balance, the timing of food intake significantly impacts the body’s internal fermentation and overall health. The Holiest (神人) designed the human body with a 12-hour digestive cycle . This means that if dinner is eaten at 7 PM, breakfast should not be consumed until 7 AM the following day, allowing the stomach to rest for a full 12 hours . Failing to observe this 12-hour fasting period can disrupt the body’s microbial structure and lead to various health problems . Therefore, regardless of whether one eats two, three, or six meals a day, ensuring a 12-hour gap between the last meal of the day and the first meal of the next is crucial for maintaining optimal health .

5. The Body’s Factories: Five Viscera and Six Bowels
   The human body is an intricate system, often likened to a complex factory with numerous departments working in harmony. It comprises eleven “factories”: the Five Viscera (五臟) and the Six Bowels (六腑) . These factories are managed by an astonishing 100 trillion “employees” (cells), highlighting the immense complexity and precision of the body’s operations .

The Five Viscera (五臟) are the liver (肝臟), spleen (脾臟), kidneys (腎臟), heart (心臟), and lungs (肺臟) . These are considered the “water supply system” (상수도) of the body, responsible for circulating and purifying blood . For instance, the liver plays a critical role in determining stool color, and any dysfunction can lead to changes in its appearance, indicating underlying health issues . The health of these viscera is deeply connected to one’s mental state; negative emotions like hatred or excessive desire can cause internal heat and damage these organs . Therefore, cultivating a water-soluble mindset—one that embraces understanding and dispels excessive desires—is essential for the well-being of the Five Viscera .

The Six Bowels (六腑) include the stomach (胃臟), large intestine (大腸), small intestine (小腸), gallbladder (膽囊), bladder (膀胱), and triple energizer (三焦) . These are considered the “sewage system” (하수도), directly involved in processing food and waste . Unlike the Five Viscera, which are vital and difficult to replace, the Six Bowels are often described as “common organs” (천박한 장기) because some can be partially removed without immediate fatality . However, this does not diminish their importance, as severe diseases in these organs can still be life-threatening . The health of the Six Bowels is primarily influenced by physical factors, particularly diet . Late-night snacking, for example, is considered detrimental, as it disrupts the body’s natural digestive cycle and can lead to various ailments .

6. The Nature of Good and Evil: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Perspectives
   The concepts of good and evil, like many aspects of existence, can be understood through the lens of water-solubility and fat-solubility. Fat-soluble (지용성) elements tend to accumulate and persist, while water-soluble (수용성) elements are easily dissolved and dispersed. This analogy extends to human behavior and morality.

For instance, harsh words, complaints, and negative emotions are fat-soluble; they accumulate within oneself and harm others . Conversely, understanding and empathy are water-soluble, dissolving negativity and fostering harmony . This principle applies even to substances like vitamins: fat-soluble vitamins (A, K, D) can accumulate in the body, while water-soluble vitamins (B, C) are easily excreted .

There is no inherent “good” or “bad” in food or substances; their effect depends on quantity and timing . Even poisons can be medicinal in small, controlled doses . Similarly, our perception of others determines whether they become “poison” or “medicine” in our lives . This idea is reflected in the biblical story of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, where the act of judging creates division .

Huh Kyung-young asserts that he has come to abolish the old Law (율법), which has historically led to conflict and division . The Law, when applied excessively, becomes toxic, fostering judgment and animosity, as seen in religious conflicts . He emphasizes that humans were not made for the Law, but the Law for humans, advocating for a new era where the Law is transcended, leading to a world of peace and harmony .

7. The Five Aggregates of Self and the Path to No-Self
   In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of “self” is not a singular, fixed entity but rather a composite of various elements. Huh Kyung-young explains that what we perceive as “self” is influenced by five aggregates, which he refers to as aspects of Self (我). These are Self-Attachment (我執), Self-Love (我愛), Self-Conceit (我慢), Self-Dignity (我格), and Self-Ignorance (我癡) . These five aspects are interconnected and often lead to negative outcomes, representing a “bad fermentation” within the mind .

Self-Ignorance (我癡), meaning foolishness, is the root cause of self-love . When one is ignorant, they prioritize their own needs and desires, failing to understand that true benefit comes from loving others . This excessive self-love then leads to Self-Conceit (我慢), or arrogance . Arrogance, in turn, fuels Self-Dignity (我格), where one elevates their own character while disparaging others . Finally, Self-Attachment (我執), or stubborn adherence to one’s own views, stems from this inflated sense of self-dignity . These aggregates are fat-soluble, meaning they accumulate and create internal “toxins” .

The path to liberation from these self-centered tendencies is to cultivate No-Self (無我), which is water-soluble . No-Self involves dissolving the accumulated ego and embracing a state of emptiness through practices like meditation and chanting . This process clears the mind, opens up future possibilities, and allows one to face life with equanimity .

The Holiest (神人) often presents suffering (고통) as the first gift to humanity, a test designed to promote growth and advancement . When faced with suffering, humans tend to react with fat-soluble emotions, but the true path is to accept and embrace it with a water-soluble mindset . Overcoming suffering leads to spiritual upgrading and prevents one from building a life on unstable foundations . In this journey, winning in the earthly realm often means losing in the spiritual realm, and vice versa . Therefore, embracing humility and allowing oneself to “lose” in worldly matters is, in fact, the path to true victory .

8. The Wisdom of Humility and the Illusion of Life
   The Holiest (神人) often employs powerful metaphors to illustrate profound spiritual truths, urging humanity to cultivate humility and recognize the transient nature of existence. One such metaphor involves the act of closing one’s eyes, symbolizing the impermanence of all things . When one closes their eyes, the familiar world disappears, revealing a different reality . This exercise is meant to evoke gratitude for the senses, particularly sight, which are often taken for granted .

Imagine losing one’s sight; the perception of a spouse as an enemy might vanish, replaced by a profound realization of dependence and gratitude . This humility, born from the absence of sight, would lead one to appreciate their loved ones and seek support . The Holiest (神人) suggests that if our eyes were removed, we would become humble, realizing our reliance on others . This reflection encourages us to treat others with respect and kindness, recognizing that our physical abilities are not guaranteed .

The Korean word for “disappear” or “vanish” (사라진다) is composed of characters meaning “to kill” (殺) and “I” (我), implying that “I am dying” . Similarly, “living” (살아가고 있다) also contains the character for “I” (我) and implies a continuous process of dying . This profound insight reveals that life is a constant, momentary process of fading away, like a fleeting instant (찰나) . We are all like sheep, unknowingly heading towards a cliff—the cliff of death . This realization underscores the urgency of seeking truth and wisdom, as time is limited .

In moments of crisis, such as blindness or terminal illness, individuals instinctively seek someone to trust and guide them . This innate human need for a mentor or spiritual guide highlights the importance of having someone who can illuminate the path . The Holiest (神人) emphasizes that his teachings are the voice of the Holiest (神人), a divine guidance for those who are lost . Recognizing this divine voice, whether through a spiritual leader, a parent’s scolding, or even a traffic officer’s warning, is crucial for navigating life’s journey .

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. Keyword Frequency
   mind: 15
   fermentation: 14
   people: 13
   body: 12
   life: 11
   world: 11
   children: 10
   parents: 9
   family: 9
   truth: 8

2. Today’s Central Metaphor
   The interaction of fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) substances, like smoke and fog forming smog, serves as a central metaphor for understanding various phenomena, from bodily functions to human relationships and spiritual states.

3. Lecture in Numbers
   1 meter to 1/1,000,000 (micro): The size of microorganisms, comparable to a hair strand, which our nose and lungs can filter.
   1 meter to 1/1,000,000,000 (nanometer): A smaller unit of measurement, where pollutants can enter the skin and mix with blood.
   1 meter to 1/10,000,000,000 (angstrom): The size of viruses, too small for microscopes to easily see, making vaccines difficult to develop.
   1 meter to 1/1,000,000,000,000 (pico): An even smaller unit of measurement.
   1 meter to 1/1,000,000,000,000,000 (femto): The size of mosquito brains and neural circuits.
   1 meter to 1/100,000,000,000,000,000 (fico): An extremely minute scale.
   3 kilometers: The thickness of the smog cloud during the London Smog event.
   5,000 people: The number of London citizens who died on the first day of the London Smog.
   3,000 people: The number of London citizens who died on the second day of the London Smog.
   70%: The approximate percentage of harmful microorganisms in our body.
   50:50: The ideal ratio of good to bad microorganisms for maintaining human health.
   0.01: The eyesight of a sheep, meaning they can only see directly in front of them.
   1%: The percentage of people who possess 90% of the world’s wealth in capitalism.
   50 years: The duration a person might work, only to find they have no assets after retirement.
   100 trillion: The number of “employees” (cells) managing the 11 “factories” (organs) in the human body.
   12 hours: The recommended fasting period for the digestive system between meals to maintain health.
   8 types: The number of human blood types, designed by the Creator for morality and immunity.
   6 million: The number of people who died due to excessive adherence to the law by the Israelites.
   6 years: The period a rich boy shared his lunch with a poor friend.
   6,000 years: The approximate duration of the lineage from Adam to Jesus.
   70 billion: The number of human voices that can be considered Holiest’s voice when speaking truth.

4. Signature Sentence
   “The truth, in four characters, is ‘사필귀정’ (all things return to their proper place).”

5. Concise Summary & Highlights
   Life’s truth lies in understanding the balance of opposing forces, from microorganisms to human morality, and embracing suffering for growth.

Fat-soluble (지용성) vs. Water-soluble (수용성): These concepts explain interactions in nature, the body, and human behavior.
Four Births (사생): A Buddhist concept encompassing birth from transformation (화생), moisture (섭생), womb (태생), and egg (난생), each reflecting karmic states.
Self-reliance (자생) vs. Parasitism (기생): A societal observation on generations, where self-reliant elders are being replaced by parasitic youth.
Microorganism Balance: Maintaining a 50:50 ratio of good to bad microorganisms is crucial for physical health.
12-Hour Fasting: Essential for digestive health and overall well-being.
Five Afflictions (아상): Self-love (아애), arrogance (아만), self-importance (아격), ignorance (아치), and attachment (아집) are fat-soluble traits that hinder spiritual progress.
Suffering as a Gift: Holiest gives suffering as a test and an opportunity for human advancement and spiritual upgrade.

6. Scriptural / Religious Citations
   Buddhism – Four Births (사생): The lecture discusses the Buddhist concept of four types of birth: birth from transformation (화생), birth from moisture (섭생), birth from the womb (태생), and birth from eggs (난생). It contrasts this with human methods of living, which include parasitism (기생).
   Buddhism – Ten Realms (십계): The lecture outlines the Buddhist cosmology of the Ten Realms, which include the Hell Realm (지옥계), Hungry Ghost Realm (아귀계), Animal Realm (축생계), Asura Realm (수라계), Human Realm (인계), and Heavenly Realm (천상계) as part of the Six Paths of Reincarnation (육도윤회), followed by the realms of Sravaka (성문계), Pratyekabuddha (연각계), Bodhisattva (보살계), and Buddha (부처).
   Buddhism – Five Afflictions (아상): The lecture details five “self-afflictions” or “egos” (아상) in Buddhism: self-attachment (아집), self-love (아애), self-arrogance (아만), self-importance (아격), and self-ignorance (아치).
   Christianity – Sheep Metaphor: Jesus’s comparison of humans to sheep, who are foolish and unaware of impending danger, is referenced to highlight humanity’s need for guidance.
   Christianity – Law (율법): The speaker discusses the concept of the Law (율법) in Christianity, referencing Jesus’s teachings that “man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man,” and stating that Holiest has come to abolish all existing laws.
   Christianity – Lineage of Jesus: The lecture traces the lineage from Adam to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of bloodlines and morality.
   “적선지가 필요여경 (積善之家 必有餘慶)”: A proverb meaning “A family that accumulates good deeds will surely have abundant blessings.”

7. Historical & Epochal Context
   The lecture touches upon several historical and epochal contexts:
   London Smog (1952): A significant environmental disaster in London, caused by the combination of smoke and fog, resulting in thousands of deaths. This event is used to illustrate the dangers of environmental pollution and the interaction of fat-soluble and water-soluble elements.
   Korean War (6.25): The speaker references the Korean War, specifically the public executions of civilians, including wealthy individuals, by those who had gained temporary power. This serves as an example of how good deeds (like sharing food) can lead to unexpected salvation, illustrating the principle of “all things return to their proper place.”
   Ancient Societies and Morality: The discussion of blood types and lineage (from Adam to Jesus) highlights how ancient societies, lacking modern genetic testing, used such biological markers to maintain morality and prevent incestuous relationships.
   Modern Capitalism: The lecture critiques modern capitalism, where a small percentage of people (1%) control a vast majority of wealth (90%), leading to a system where many sacrifice for the benefit of a few.
   The Age of Holiest: The speaker positions their arrival as a pivotal moment, signaling the abolition of old laws and the ushering in of a new era where the Earth will become a paradise.

8. Key Figures & Events Referenced
   London Smog (1952): A severe air pollution event in London, used to illustrate the dangers of environmental factors.
   Korean War (6.25): Referenced for its civilian casualties and the arbitrary nature of executions, highlighting the principle of karma and unexpected salvation.
   Kim Dae-jung (김대중): Mentioned in the context of political roles, implying he was not a “ruling party type” due to his critical nature.
   Lee Kun-hee (이건희) and Lee Jae-yong (이재용): The speaker refers to Lee Jae-yong’s nose as an example of a “chaebol nose,” implying a physiognomic trait associated with wealth.
   Adam, Noah, Abraham, Boaz, Uzziah, Abihud, Jesus: These biblical figures are part of a lineage traced to illustrate the importance of bloodlines and the Creator’s design for morality.
   Abraham Lincoln: Praised for his magnanimity in appointing a political opponent, who had criticized his appearance, as Secretary of Justice. This act exemplifies the “opposite action” principle and true leadership.
   Mentor (Greek figure): The origin of the word “mentor” is explained through the story of Mentor, a loyal advisor who educated the son of a Greek king, demonstrating the qualities of a true guide.

9. Core Concept Definitions
   Oviparous (난생): Birth from an egg, like chickens or lizards.
   Viviparous (태생): Birth from the womb, like mammals.
   Parasitism (기생): Living by relying on others; applies to both biological organisms and humans.
   Birth from Transformation (화생): Birth involving metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
   Birth from Moisture (섭생): Birth from moisture, often associated with microorganisms and the lowest karmic realms (hell).
   Micro (마이크로): 1 meter divided by 1 million (10^{-6 meters), roughly the size of a hair. Nano (나노메타): 1 meter divided by 1 billion (10}-9 meters).
   Angstrom (아니스트롬): 1 meter divided by 10 billion (10^{-10 meters), the size of viruses. Pico (피코): 1 meter divided by 1 trillion (10}-12 meters).
   Femto (펨토): 1 meter divided by 1 quadrillion (10^{-15 meters). Fico (티코): 1 meter divided by 100 quintillion (10}-17 meters).
   Stress: A compound word of “strain” (squeezing, tearing) and “press” (pressing down), describing the physical and mental impact.
   Smog: A compound word of “smoke” (exhaust fumes, fat-soluble) and “fog” (mist, water-soluble).
   Fermentation (발효): The process where microorganisms consume and excrete waste, which can be beneficial (good fermentation) or harmful (bad fermentation) to the human body.
   Truth (진리): Defined as “사필귀정” (all things return to their proper place), implying a universal principle of justice and consequence.
   Marriage (결혼): Originally meant the union of souls, including ancestral spirits, not just two individuals. The character ‘혼’ (hon) refers to both marriage and spirit.
   Six Paths of Reincarnation (육도윤회): The six realms of existence in Buddhism: Hell, Hungry Ghost, Animal, Asura, Human, and Heavenly.
   Ten Realms (십계): The full Buddhist cosmology, including the Six Paths plus Sravaka, Pratyekabuddha, Bodhisattva, and Buddha realms.
   Sudden Enlightenment (돈오): The initial realization of truth.
   Nirvana (열반), Liberation (해탈), Bodhi (보리), Prajna (반야), Samadhi (삼매), Non-self (무아), Buddhahood (성불): Stages of spiritual progress in Buddhism.
   Self-attachment (아집): Excessive clinging to one’s own views or ego.
   Self-love (아애): Excessive love for oneself, often at the expense of others.
   Self-arrogance (아만): Excessive pride or haughtiness.
   Self-importance (아격): Believing one’s own character or status is superior.
   Self-ignorance (아치): Foolishness or lack of wisdom regarding oneself.
   Five Viscera (오장): Liver, Spleen, Kidney, Lung, Heart (though the lecture only lists Liver, Spleen, Kidney, and Large Intestine, which is typically a ‘Bu’). These are considered ” 상수도” (water supply system) and relate to mental fermentation.
   Six Bowels (육부): Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Gallbladder, Bladder, Triple Burner (삼초). These are considered “하수도” (sewage system) and relate to physical fermentation.
   Viscera (장): Refers to vital organs.
   Bowel (부): Refers to hollow organs or “leather pouches” that process food.
   Fat-soluble (지용성): Substances or traits that accumulate, like pesticides, negative emotions, or certain vitamins (A, K, D).
   Water-soluble (수용성): Substances or traits that dissolve and are easily expelled, like vinegar, understanding, or certain vitamins (B, C).
   Disappear (사라진다): Etymologically linked to “죽일 살 (殺)” (to kill) and “나 아 (我)” (self), meaning “I am dying.” Also linked to “죽을 사 (死)” (death) and “찰나 (剎那)” (moment), meaning “dying in every moment.”
   Mentor: A person’s name from Greek mythology, an advisor to King Odysseus, whose loyalty and wisdom led to his name becoming synonymous with a trusted guide.

10. Central Questions & Answers
    Primary Question: How can humans achieve true well-being, both physically and spiritually, in a world filled with challenges and suffering?
    Speaker’s Answer: True well-being is achieved by understanding the balance between fat-soluble and water-soluble aspects of life, embracing suffering as a gift for growth, practicing selflessness, and following the guidance of Holiest. This involves managing one’s physical body through proper diet and fasting, cultivating a positive mindset, and acting with compassion and humility, even when faced with adversity.

11. Conclusion & Strategic / Philosophical Implications
    The lecture concludes by emphasizing that suffering is Holiest’s first gift to humanity, serving as a test for advancement and spiritual upgrade. It implies that embracing and learning from suffering, rather than resisting it, is crucial for progress. The ultimate message is to prioritize spiritual growth over material gain, as material possessions are fleeting. The philosophical implication is that true victory lies not in earthly triumphs but in spiritual enlightenment and humility, where “losing on Earth means winning in Heaven.” This calls for a shift in perspective from self-centered, fat-soluble desires to selfless, water-soluble spiritual aspirations.

12. Cross-Referencing
    Buddhist Cosmology: The lecture extensively references the Buddhist concepts of the Four Births (사생), Six Paths of Reincarnation (육도윤회), and Ten Realms (십계), providing a framework for understanding karmic consequences and spiritual progression.
    Biblical Narratives: References to Jesus’s teachings (e.g., humans as sheep, the purpose of the Law) and the lineage from Adam to Jesus are used to connect spiritual principles with historical and religious contexts.
    Holiest’s Teachings: The speaker frequently refers to their own teachings as “Holiest’s voice” and “new laws,” implying a continuity and evolution of spiritual wisdom. The concept of “opposite action” (e.g., responding to criticism with kindness) is a recurring theme in Holiest’s philosophy.

13. Content Gaps & Unaddressed Areas
    Incomplete Buddhist “Four Births”: The lecture explicitly asks for the four types of birth in Buddhism but only lists three (寄生, 卵生, 胎生) before moving on to state that Buddhism does not include parasitism. The fourth type, “化生” (birth from transformation), is introduced later, but the initial question remains partially unanswered in its immediate context.
    Incomplete “Five Viscera” List: When listing the “Five Viscera” (오장), the speaker asks for the five organs but only explicitly names “간장” (liver), “비장” (spleen), and “신장” (kidney), then adds “대장” (large intestine), which is typically classified as a “bowel” (부) rather than a “viscera” (장) in traditional Korean medicine. The remaining two traditional viscera (heart and lung) are not mentioned. This creates a slight inconsistency in the anatomical classification.

14. Future Predictions & Prophetic Statements
    Abolition of Old Laws: Holiest states, “I came to abolish the law on this Earth,” and “Holiest came to abolish the law.” This implies a future where existing religious and societal laws will be replaced by a new understanding.
    New World and Paradise Earth: Holiest predicts, “A new law will emerge, and a new world will be created,” and “You will see the Earth become a paradise.” This envisions a future utopian state.
    Holiest’s Role as a Guide: Holiest asserts that people will seek them out in times of extreme hardship, such as blindness or terminal illness, stating, “If you become blind, you will first look for Holiest,” and “If you are in the final stages of cancer, you will ask me.”
    Holiest’s Voice as God’s Voice: Holiest claims, “The voice of Holiest lecturing is the voice of Holiest,” and warns that if listeners perceive it as merely a human voice, the teachings will be forgotten. This implies a continuous divine communication through Holiest.
    Open Future for the Enlightened: For those who practice “non-self” (무아) and clear their minds, Holiest predicts, “The blocked path ahead will open wide, and the future will be clear.”

Executive Insight
This lecture by Holiest offers a profound framework for understanding life through the lens of “fat-soluble” (accumulative, negative) and “water-soluble” (dissolving, positive) principles, applicable from microbiology to human morality. It posits that suffering is a divine gift for personal and spiritual advancement, urging individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. The core message advocates for a shift from self-centered desires to selfless actions, emphasizing that true success lies in spiritual enlightenment rather than material gain. Professionals can glean strategic value from the “opposite action” principle—responding to adversity with humility and compassion—as exemplified by Abraham Lincoln. This approach fosters resilience, promotes harmonious relationships, and ultimately leads to a more fulfilling existence, aligning with the lecture’s vision of a “paradise Earth” achieved through conscious, enlightened living.

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. The Diverse Modes of Existence: Parasitism, Oviparity, and Viviparity
   Life manifests in various forms, including organisms that depend on others, such as parasites or worms living within the human body. Humans, too, can exhibit parasitic tendencies . The world is teeming with parasitic organisms, far outnumbering those that live independently . This concept of parasitism (寄生) is a central theme. Additionally, there are creatures born from eggs, a process known as oviparity (卵生) . Those born from a mother’s womb are categorized as viviparity (胎生) . While most animals are viviparous, microorganisms predominantly exist through parasitism .

2. Buddhist Perspectives on the Four Births: Transformation and Sustenance
   In Buddhist philosophy, the traditional concept of the Four Births (四生) does not include parasitism . Instead, it encompasses transformation (化生) and sustenance (攝生) . Transformation is exemplified by the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, undergoing three stages: egg, larva, and adult . This differs from simple oviparity, where creatures like chickens or lizards hatch directly from eggs . Sustenance, on the other hand, primarily refers to microorganisms . The Buddhist Four Births are thus understood as transformation, sustenance, viviparity, and oviparity .

3. Self-Sufficiency Versus Parasitism in Human Society
   While parasitism is a biological reality, it also describes a human way of life . The opposite of parasitism is self-sufficiency (自生), where individuals live independently . In contemporary society, many young people rely on their parents, exhibiting a form of parasitism . However, older generations often represent self-sufficient individuals who built their lives from scratch, often after periods of hardship like war . These self-sufficient elders, who dedicated their lives to supporting their families, often find themselves without resources in their old age . This societal imbalance necessitates robust welfare policies, particularly for the elderly, which should be implemented with unwavering commitment .

4. The Art of Communication and Perception: Lessons from Interviews and Physiognomy
   Effective communication involves understanding the other person’s perspective. When facing an interview, it is beneficial to perceive the interviewer not as an intimidating figure, but as a pure, innocent child, perhaps no older than five . This mindset fosters natural and comfortable interaction, leading to a positive impression . Quick and honest responses, even admitting ignorance, are valued .

Physiognomy, the art of judging character from facial features, offers insights into one’s disposition. For instance, a slightly crooked nose is associated with a critical or negative outlook, often found in those who challenge the status quo . Such individuals are often drawn to opposition roles . Conversely, those with straight noses tend to view things normally, even seeing good in negative situations . A negative mindset can even manifest physically, leading to circumstances that cause a crooked nose . A positive mindset, however, is often found in leaders and innovators . While one’s physical appearance may seem fixed, it is believed that consistent positive thought and aspiration can subtly alter facial features, much like a phantom pregnancy can manifest physical changes . This suggests that by changing one’s mindset, one can change one’s destiny and even one’s appearance .

5. The Microcosm of Life: Understanding Microorganisms and Their Scale
   The concept of the Four Births in Buddhism extends to the microscopic world, where different levels of existence are associated with varying degrees of karmic burden. The lowest realm, often equated with hell, is the realm of sustenance (攝生), inhabited by microorganisms . These beings are so minute that they cannot endure sunlight .

The scale of these microorganisms is astonishing:

• Microorganisms (미생물) are measured in micrometers, which are one-millionth of a meter . This is roughly the thickness of a human hair .
• Even smaller are nanometers, one-billionth of a meter . Influenza viruses fall into this category, and scientists have developed vaccines against them .
• Smaller still are viruses, measured in angstroms, one-hundred-billionth of a meter . These are so tiny that they are difficult to observe even with microscopes, making vaccine development challenging . Common colds are caused by such viruses, for which rest and good nutrition are the primary remedies .
• Beyond angstroms are picometers, one-trillionth of a meter .
• And even femtometers, one-quadrillionth of a meter .
• The smallest known are attometers, one-quintillionth of a meter .
  Despite their minuscule size, these microorganisms possess complex structures, including neural systems and circulatory pathways, as intricate as those found in larger creatures like mosquitoes . This intricate design in the smallest forms of life is a testament to the creator’s artistry .

6. The Duality of Stress and Smog: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Interactions
   The world is full of dualities, often combining to create new phenomena. Stress, for instance, is a compound word derived from “strain” (meaning to squeeze, tear, or pull) and “press” (meaning to push down) . When a person experiences stress, it feels like their mind is being crushed, and their cells are squeezed and pressed, leading to cellular damage .

Similarly, smog is a portmanteau of “smoke” (매연), which is fat-soluble, and “fog” (안개), which is water-soluble . These two elements combine to create a harmful phenomenon . The infamous London Smog, which caused thousands of deaths, was a result of this combination . During this event, a thick layer of smog, up to 3 kilometers deep, settled over London for days . The lack of sunlight led people to increase heating, releasing more smoke that mixed with the fog, exacerbating the problem .

Our bodies have natural filters, such as the nose and lungs, which can filter particles down to about one-millionth of a meter . However, smaller particles, like those found in smog or yellow dust from China, can bypass these filters and enter the bloodstream, leading to hardening of the blood vessels . Therefore, it is crucial to avoid outdoor activities during periods of heavy smog .

7. The Philosophy of Fermentation: Good and Bad Microorganisms in the Body
   The concept of fermentation (발효) extends beyond food to encompass the processes within the human body and even the mind . Fermentation involves the interaction of fat-soluble and water-soluble elements . In the body, microorganisms play a crucial role in this process . While beneficial microorganisms exist, there are also harmful ones, which the creator designed to be necessary for the natural world .

Microorganisms in the human gut produce waste products, which, when beneficial, are readily absorbed by the body as nutrients . These beneficial microorganisms, along with their waste, contribute to our health . However, harmful microorganisms, which constitute about 70% of our gut flora, produce toxins . Maintaining a balance, ideally a 50:50 ratio of good to bad microorganisms, is essential for human health . Consuming fermented foods like kimchi or yogurt helps maintain this balance, protecting against diseases .

The presence of harmful microorganisms, even if they produce toxins, is not without purpose. They are more efficient at breaking down food than beneficial microorganisms . This decomposition process is vital, especially given that the food humans consume is not always pure . Thus, a balance of both good and bad microorganisms is maintained in the gut .

8. The Body’s Rhythms and the Importance of Fasting
   The human body operates on a 12-hour cycle, not a 24-hour one, as designed by the creator . This means that if dinner is consumed at 7 PM, breakfast should be eaten at 7 AM the following day, allowing the stomach to rest for 12 hours . Failing to observe this 12-hour fasting period, even by an hour, can negatively impact health, particularly skin health . For example, if dinner is at 7 PM and breakfast is at 5 AM, the stomach only rests for 10 hours, leading to health problems . If dinner is eaten late, say at 10 PM, then breakfast should be skipped, and the next meal should be lunch, to ensure the 12-hour fasting period . This fasting period is crucial for the proper functioning of organs like the liver, heart, and spleen, and for maintaining the balance of microorganisms . Late-night snacking is considered detrimental to health .

9. The Body’s Factories: Five Viscera and Six Bowels
   The human body is a complex system, akin to a factory with eleven operational units . These are the Five Viscera (五臟) and Six Bowels (六腑) . The Five Viscera—liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, and lungs—are considered the “water supply system,” responsible for purifying and circulating blood . The state of these organs, particularly the liver, can be inferred from the color of one’s stool . The liver produces bile, which gives stool its color; a malfunctioning liver can lead to white or black stool . The Five Viscera are also deeply connected to the “fermentation of the mind” . Negative emotions like hatred and excessive desire can harm these organs .

The Six Bowels—stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, and triple warmer—are considered the “sewage system,” responsible for processing food and waste . These organs are directly involved in the physical fermentation of food . Unlike the Five Viscera, which are vital and difficult to replace, the Six Bowels are considered less critical, and parts of them can be surgically removed . Diseases of the Five Viscera, such as lung cancer, are often more life-threatening . While diseases of the Five Viscera are often linked to mental states, those of the Six Bowels are more amenable to dietary adjustments .

10. The Nature of Substances: Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble
    Substances can be categorized as either fat-soluble (지용성) or water-soluble (수용성).

• Fat-soluble substances include pesticides and vitamins A, K, and D . Negative emotions like verbal abuse, complaints, and resentment are also considered fat-soluble .
• Water-soluble substances include vinegar and vitamins B and C . Understanding others is a water-soluble quality . Citric acid is also water-soluble .
  There is no inherent good or bad in food or substances; their effect depends on the quantity and timing of consumption . Even poisons can be medicinal in small, controlled doses . Similarly, our perception of others determines whether they are “poison” or “medicine” to us .

11. The Abolition of Law and the Path to Enlightenment
    The speaker proclaims to have come to abolish the old Law (율법) . Historically, the Law, while intended to guide, often led to division and conflict, as seen in the treatment of non-believers by ancient Israelites . Excessive adherence to the Law can be detrimental, while moderate application can be beneficial . The speaker suggests that the Law has been the root cause of wars and religious conflicts . The arrival of a new era will bring a new Law, transforming Earth into a paradise .

The path to enlightenment involves transcending the limitations of our senses and perceptions. If one were to lose their sight, their perspective on life and relationships would fundamentally change . The appreciation for one’s spouse, previously taken for granted, would deepen, and the desire to reconcile would emerge . This highlights how our senses can lead to judgment and prejudice . By imagining the loss of our senses, we can cultivate humility and gratitude, recognizing our interdependence . This practice of self-reflection and trust in others is crucial for spiritual growth .

12. The Illusion of Life and the Nature of Self
    The act of closing one’s eyes symbolizes the transient nature of all things, the concept of “disappearing” (사라진다) . This term, in its deeper meaning, signifies “I am dying” (殺我), implying that life is a continuous process of dying . Even as we sit, our vision diminishes, and our bodies move towards death, a journey often unrecognized . To “live” (살아가고 있다) is, paradoxically, to “die” . This realization, that every moment is a fleeting “instant” (찰나), underscores the preciousness of time and the urgency of seeking truth .

The speaker emphasizes that we must not use our senses to judge or dismiss others . The loss of senses would reveal our need for others, including family and spiritual guides . This reliance on others, especially in times of crisis, highlights the importance of faith .

In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of “self” (我) is complex, encompassing five aspects: self-attachment (我執), self-conceit (我慢), self-love (我愛), self-identity (我格), and self-ignorance (我癡) .

• Self-love (我愛) is the tendency to prioritize one’s own needs, often at the expense of others . A child who shares their lunch, even if it means going hungry, demonstrates less self-love and ultimately saves their family . Excessive self-love leads to selfishness and hinders the accumulation of good karma .
• Self-conceit (我慢) is arrogance .
• Self-identity (我格) is the belief in one’s own superior character, leading to judgment of others .
• Self-ignorance (我癡) is foolishness, leading to poor decisions and losses . This ignorance is often rooted in self-attachment .
• Self-attachment (我執) is clinging to one’s own beliefs, even when presented with better alternatives .
  These five aspects of self are interconnected and influence each other, much like the process of fermentation . For example, self-love stems from self-ignorance , and self-conceit arises from self-love . To overcome these negative aspects, one must practice humility and allow others to elevate them, rather than seeking elevation oneself .

13. The Power of Reversal: Good Fermentation and Accumulating Blessings
    The five aspects of self, particularly when negative, represent a “bad fermentation” (나쁜 발효) that produces toxins . In contrast, “good fermentation” (좋은 발효) occurs when one acts in opposition to negative impulses . For instance, when someone insults you, instead of reacting with anger, accepting the insult and even apologizing can accumulate blessings . Similarly, a child who responds to a scolding parent with gratitude and a gift, rather than resentment, demonstrates this principle of reversal, leading to positive outcomes . This is exemplified by Abraham Lincoln, who appointed a harsh critic to his cabinet, demonstrating his magnanimity and earning respect . Such individuals, who learn the “correct fermentation method” through hardship, possess great character .

14. The Divine Design: Blood Types and Mentorship
    The existence of eight human blood types is attributed to a divine design . In ancient times, before genetic testing, blood types served as a means to verify paternity and ensure moral conduct . They also played a role in preventing inbreeding, which was common in certain lineages . The speaker traces a lineage from Adam to Jesus, highlighting the importance of bloodlines and how blood types helped maintain their integrity .

The term mentor (멘토) originates from a character in Greek mythology, a wise and trusted advisor to King Odysseus . When Odysseus went to war, he entrusted his son’s education to Mentor, who, even after the king’s death, faithfully guided the son to become a king . This act of unwavering loyalty and guidance led to the name “Mentor” becoming synonymous with a trusted teacher and guide . The speaker suggests that in a world lacking such mentors, a divine figure has arrived to guide humanity .

15. The Voice of the Holiest and the Gift of Suffering
    The voice of the Holiest (神人) is not directly heard by humans but is conveyed through a proxy . The speaker claims his own voice to be the voice of the Holiest . The Holiest’s voice is multifaceted, as numerous as humanity itself, and can manifest through various channels, including a mother’s scolding or a traffic officer’s warning . Recognizing these diverse manifestations is crucial to understanding the divine presence .

The four aspects of self-attachment are all considered fat-soluble, meaning they accumulate in the mind . The opposite of self-attachment is non-self (無我), which is water-soluble . To achieve non-self, one must practice daily meditation, emptying the mind, and invoking the Holiest . This process prevents negative accumulation in the mind, opening pathways to the future .

Suffering (고통) is presented as the Holiest’s first gift to humanity, intended to facilitate growth and advancement . It serves as a test, revealing our strengths and weaknesses . When faced with suffering, humans often react with fat-soluble tendencies, but the correct response is to accept it . The Holiest provides suffering as an opportunity for spiritual upgrade; without it, growth would be unstable, like a house built without a solid foundation . Overcoming these trials is essential for progress . While winning in the earthly realm by retaliating with evil may seem victorious, it leads to defeat in the spiritual realm . Conversely, losing on Earth can lead to victory in heaven . Therefore, it is wise to embrace humility and accept perceived losses, as this ultimately leads to true triumph . Physical desires are fat-soluble, while spiritual desires are water-soluble .

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. Basic Information

• Lecture Session and Date: 898th Haneulgung Lecture, November 2, 2013
• One-sentence Main Theme or Title Summary: This lecture by Holiest Huh Kyung-young delves into the profound truths of existence, human behavior, and spiritual evolution through the lens of “fermentation,” explaining how water-soluble and fat-soluble principles govern everything from physical health and societal structures to the spiritual journey and the nature of reality itself.
• Location: Not specified in the source, implied to be a lecture setting.
• Key Segments:
  • The Four Births (四生) and Human Existence: An exploration of different modes of birth (parasitic, oviparous, viviparous, metamorphic) and their spiritual implications, contrasting human and Buddhist perspectives.
  • Self-Sufficiency vs. Parasitism: A critical analysis of societal trends, distinguishing between self-reliant individuals and those who depend on others, with a call for social welfare for the self-sufficient elderly.
  • The Microcosm of Microorganisms and Spiritual States: Explaining the vastness of the microbial world and connecting different sizes of microorganisms (micro, nano, anistrom, pico, femto, fico) to spiritual realms (hell, hungry ghost, animal realms) based on the accumulation of sin.
  • Fermentation as a Universal Principle: Introducing fermentation as a core concept, linking it to the interaction of fat-soluble and water-soluble elements in both physical processes (like smog formation and digestion) and mental/spiritual states (like the “five selves” in Buddhism).
  • The Importance of Right Action and Wisdom: Emphasizing that true wisdom comes from understanding universal principles, acting with compassion, and transcending self-centeredness, illustrated through various anecdotes and spiritual teachings.

2. Core Messages
3. Fermentation as the Interplay of Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Principles:

• Quote: “Fermentation. Then, what is ‘bal’? ‘Bal’ is fat-soluble. ‘Bal’ is fat-soluble. This is water-soluble. So, I am telling you the truth of fermentation.”
• Explanation: Holiest Huh Kyung-young teaches that fermentation is a fundamental process where fat-soluble and water-soluble elements combine, leading to various outcomes. This principle applies not only to physical phenomena like digestion and smog but also to mental and spiritual states, where different aspects of the self interact.

2. The Law of Cause and Effect (因果應報) and Spiritual Rebirth:

• Quote: “If you commit many sins here, where will you be born? The person who committed the most sins… ‘Seop-saeng’ (습생) is hell. The hell we speak of.”
• Explanation: The Holiest explains that one’s actions and accumulated sins determine their future existence, with severe transgressions leading to rebirth as the smallest, most vulnerable life forms (like viruses or bacteria) in a state akin to hell, emphasizing the universal law of cause and effect.

3. The Importance of Self-Sufficiency and Compassion:

• Quote: “The opposite of parasitism is self-sufficiency. The opposite of this parasitism is not living on your own. Right? So, many young people these days live by relying on their parents. Parasitism is increasing.”
• Explanation: Holiest Huh Kyung-young highlights the societal shift from self-sufficient generations to increasingly parasitic ones, advocating for self-reliance while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of compassion and support for those who have lived selflessly, such as the elderly.

4. The Illusion of Life and the Reality of Dying:

• Quote: “What does it mean to be ‘living’? It means I am dying. Isn’t that right? Isn’t living and disappearing the same? ‘Disappearing’ is originally written like this. Isn’t that right? So, what I want to tell you here is that the word ‘disappear’ contains the character for ‘death’.”
• Explanation: Holiest Huh Kyung-young reveals a profound truth: “living” is synonymous with “dying.” Every moment of existence is a step closer to death, urging individuals to recognize the preciousness and fleeting nature of life and to seek deeper truths rather than being consumed by worldly illusions.

5. The Transformative Power of Suffering and Right Mindset:

• Quote: “God’s first gift to humans to help them succeed in heaven is suffering. What role does suffering play? Through suffering, we take tests. We check if we are right or wrong in the test. We take tests through suffering.”
• Explanation: Holiest Huh Kyung-young teaches that suffering is not a punishment but a divine gift, a test designed by God to facilitate human growth and spiritual advancement. Embracing suffering with a water-soluble (accepting, understanding) mindset, rather than a fat-soluble (resistant, negative) one, leads to spiritual upgrade and opens the path to higher realms.

3. Detailed Summary

3.1. The Nature of Birth and Societal Parasitism

• Topic: Modes of Existence and Social Responsibility
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young explains various forms of birth: parasitic (寄生), oviparous (卵生), and viviparous (胎生). He notes that while animals are mostly viviparous, microorganisms are parasitic. He contrasts the Buddhist concept of the Four Births (四生), which includes metamorphic (化生) and moisture-born (濕生), with the human understanding that includes parasitism. He criticizes the growing trend of young people living parasitically off their parents, contrasting them with the self-sufficient older generation who built the nation from scratch. He advocates for strong social welfare for these self-reliant elders.
• Analogies/Examples: Parasitic worms living on humans; larvae transforming into butterflies (metamorphic birth); young people relying on parents vs. elders who built their lives independently.
• Practical Message: Society must recognize and support its self-sufficient elders, and young people should strive for self-reliance rather than dependency.

3.2. The Microscopic World and Spiritual Realms

• Topic: The Hierarchy of Microorganisms and Karmic Rebirth
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young connects the size of microorganisms to different spiritual realms and karmic consequences. He explains that committing many sins leads to rebirth as the smallest life forms, such as those in the moisture-born (濕生) realm, which he equates to hell. He details the scale of microorganisms from micro (10^{-6 m) to **nano** (10}-9 m), anistrom (10^{-10 m), **pico** (10}-12 m), femto (10^{-15 m), and **fico** (10}-18 m), linking viruses to the anistrom scale and explaining why vaccines are difficult to create for them due to their minute size.
• Analogies/Examples: Microorganisms as “hell” for those with heavy karma; influenza (nano) vs. common cold virus (anistrom); mosquito brains and nervous systems as examples of intricate design in tiny creatures.
• Practical Message: Understanding the consequences of one’s actions is crucial, as severe karma can lead to rebirth in the lowest forms of life. For physical health, rest and good nutrition are the best defenses against viruses.

3.3. The Principle of Fermentation: Physical and Mental

• Topic: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Interactions in Life
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young introduces the concept of fermentation as the interaction between fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) elements. He illustrates this with smog, a combination of smoke (fat-soluble) and fog (water-soluble), which becomes deadly when trapped. He extends this to the human body, explaining that beneficial microorganisms (water-soluble) and harmful ones (fat-soluble) in the gut produce waste products that can be either beneficial or toxic. Maintaining a balance (50:50) of these microorganisms is vital for health.
• Analogies/Examples: Smog as a deadly combination of smoke and fog; beneficial and harmful gut bacteria; the waste products of microorganisms as “medicine” for the body.
• Practical Message: Be mindful of environmental factors like smog. For internal health, consume fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt to maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, which can prevent diseases like SARS and skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

3.4. The Five Selves (五我) and the Path to Enlightenment

• Topic: Understanding the Self and Overcoming Negative Traits
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young discusses the “five selves” in Buddhism: self-attachment (我執), self-love (我愛), self-conceit (我慢), self-dignity (我格), and self-ignorance (我癡). He explains that these negative aspects of the self are interconnected and contribute to “bad fermentation,” leading to suffering and negative karma. He emphasizes that these traits are fat-soluble, accumulating in the mind, and that overcoming them requires wisdom and a water-soluble approach (acceptance, humility).
• Analogies/Examples: The story of the rich boy sharing his lunchbox, demonstrating low self-love and leading to salvation for his family; a person trying to sit in a high seat vs. being invited, illustrating humility.
• Practical Message: Cultivate humility, compassion, and wisdom to overcome self-centered tendencies. Recognize that true elevation comes from lowering oneself and serving others, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.

3.5. The Human Body as a Factory and the Importance of Fasting

• Topic: Optimal Health Through Digestive Cycles and Mindset
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young describes the human body as a complex factory with eleven organs (5 viscera and 6 bowels), managed by 100 trillion “employees” (cells). He emphasizes the importance of giving the digestive system a 12-hour rest period between meals. Eating late-night snacks or breaking this 12-hour fast is detrimental to health, leading to illness. He distinguishes between the 5 viscera (상수도 – “clean water system”) related to mental fermentation and the 6 bowels (하수도 – “sewage system”) related to physical fermentation, stressing that both require proper “fermentation” (balance and healthy function).
• Analogies/Examples: The human body as a factory with 11 organs and 100 trillion employees; 5 viscera as a clean water system and 6 bowels as a sewage system; the color of stool indicating liver health.
• Practical Message: Practice intermittent fasting by leaving a 12-hour gap between dinner and breakfast to allow the digestive organs to rest and regenerate. Avoid late-night snacks. Cultivate a positive mindset to ensure healthy “mental fermentation” in the 5 viscera.

3.6. The Nature of Good and Evil, and the Abolition of Law

• Topic: Transcending Dualism and the Role of Holiest
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young teaches that there is no inherent good or evil in things; rather, their nature is determined by context, quantity, and perception. He states that he has come to abolish the old laws (율법), which have historically caused conflict and division (e.g., religious wars). He emphasizes that the Holiest’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era where old laws are replaced by a new understanding, leading to a world of peace.
• Analogies/Examples: Rice can be medicine or poison depending on quantity and timing; snake venom can be poison or medicine; viewing someone negatively makes them “poison” to you. The story of the Jewish people stoning a deacon for saying God is not confined to the temple.
• Practical Message: Do not judge things or people as inherently good or evil. Understand that perception and context define their impact. Embrace the new era of understanding brought by the Holiest, moving beyond rigid laws and dualistic thinking.

3.7. The Gift of Suffering and the Path to Victory

• Topic: Suffering as a Divine Test and Spiritual Growth
• Main Assertions: Holiest Huh Kyung-young reveals that suffering is God’s first gift to humanity, intended to help individuals ascend to higher spiritual levels. Suffering acts as a test, and passing these tests leads to spiritual upgrades. He contrasts winning in the earthly realm (often through fat-soluble, self-serving actions) with winning in the heavenly realm (through water-soluble, humble actions). True victory lies in losing on Earth to win in Heaven.
• Analogies/Examples: Suffering as a test paper; building a house without solid ground (like the Tower of Babel) if there’s no suffering; winning on Earth vs. winning in Heaven.
• Practical Message: Embrace suffering as an opportunity for growth and a divine test. Cultivate a water-soluble mindset, accepting challenges with humility and understanding, knowing that earthly losses can lead to heavenly gains.

4. Key Quotes Collection
5. “The opposite of parasitism is self-sufficiency. The opposite of this parasitism is not living on your own. Right? So, many young people these days live by relying on their parents. Parasitism is increasing.”

• Context: During the discussion on societal trends and the contrast between self-reliant elders and dependent youth.

2. “I told you earlier that Professor Jo said you can’t change a person’s face, but you can change your face 100%. If you keep thinking, ‘I want my face to be small like that,’ your face can become smaller, just like an imaginary pregnancy.”

• Context: Explaining the power of the mind and imagination to transform physical appearance.

3. “If you commit many sins here, where will you be born? The person who committed the most sins… ‘Seop-saeng’ (습생) is hell. The hell we speak of.”

• Context: Connecting the accumulation of sin to rebirth in the lowest spiritual realms.

4. “Fermentation. Then, what is ‘bal’? ‘Bal’ is fat-soluble. ‘Bal’ is fat-soluble. This is water-soluble. So, I am telling you the truth of fermentation.”

• Context: Introducing the core concept of fermentation and its fat-soluble/water-soluble components.

5. “Anything, if the husband is fat-soluble, the wife is water-soluble. Isn’t that right? This is how they meet. Smoke is bad for the body, but fog is not so bad.”

• Context: Using the analogy of smoke and fog (smog) to explain the interaction of fat-soluble and water-soluble elements.

6. “It’s the law of cause and effect. I told you that the truth, in four characters, is ‘sa-pil-gwi-jeong’ (事必歸正 – all things return to their proper place).”

• Context: Emphasizing the universal principle that all actions eventually lead to their rightful consequences.

7. “So Jesus said that humans are as foolish as sheep. He said, ‘If you don’t have a guide, you will all die.'”

• Context: Comparing humanity to foolish sheep who need guidance, leading to the necessity of a Messiah.

8. “The CEO thinks only his way is right, and the labor union thinks only their way is right, which is not true enlightenment. The ‘Jeong’ (正 – rightness) that encompasses both the labor union and the CEO—that is what you must realize.”

• Context: Defining true enlightenment as understanding and encompassing all perspectives, not just one’s own.

9. “If there is one bread, let’s share it between two. ‘Hey, you eat some too. You are like my own body.’ This is how it should be. If there is a lot of self-love, will this child accumulate blessings or not? They won’t.”

• Context: Explaining how excessive self-love (我愛) prevents the accumulation of blessings and leads to negative karma.

10. “If there is a lot of self-love, they will commit sins. Self-conceit (我慢). Arrogance. Self-dignity (我格). Only one’s own character is noble, and others’ relationships are bad, but one’s own is romance. Isn’t that right?”

• Context: Further elaborating on how the “five selves” lead to sin and distorted perceptions.

11. “This is ‘a-chi’ (我癡 – self-ignorance). This means foolishness. It means a foolish mind, a foolish person. So, there is foolishness in one’s heart.”

• Context: Defining self-ignorance as the root of foolish decisions and self-destructive behavior.

12. “So, good microorganisms and bad microorganisms must be 50:50 for our human body to be maintained. Then, the bad microorganisms’ waste products are harmful to the human body, so why did God leave them in the stomach? Why did the Creator leave bad microorganisms in the stomach?”

• Context: Posing a rhetorical question about the purpose of harmful microorganisms, leading to the explanation of their role in food decomposition.

13. “There is no such thing as good or bad food for the human body. There is no such thing as medicine or poison for the human body. Anything eaten appropriately is medicine. That person becomes food. If you eat two bowls of rice, it can be poison.”

• Context: Explaining that the nature of food (and everything) is determined by quantity, timing, and perception, not inherent qualities.

14. “We humans are the same. If I see that person as bad, it becomes poison. It becomes poison to me, isn’t that right? If I see them as good, that person is a good person.”

• Context: Extending the principle of relativity to human relationships and perception.

15. “What does it mean to be ‘living’? It means I am dying. Isn’t that right? Isn’t living and disappearing the same? ‘Disappearing’ is originally written like this.”

• Context: A profound statement on the ephemeral nature of life, equating living with a continuous process of dying.

16. “God’s first gift to humans to help them succeed in heaven is suffering. What role does suffering play? Through suffering, we take tests. We check if we are right or wrong in the test. We take tests through suffering.”

• Context: Explaining suffering as a divine test for spiritual growth and advancement.

17. “So, fat-soluble. This fat-soluble is a foolish thought. Always, on this earth, losing is winning. It seems like losing, but that is winning. It is winning.”

• Context: Advocating for a counter-intuitive approach to life, where humility and apparent loss on Earth lead to true victory in the spiritual realm.

5. Mindmap Structure

• Core Theme of Today’s Lecture by Holiest Huh Kyung-young: The Truth of Fermentation: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Principles in Life and Mind
  • I. Modes of Existence & Societal Dynamics
  • A. Four Births (四生)
  • 1. Parasitic (寄生): Microorganisms, dependent youth
  • 2. Oviparous (卵生): Birds, reptiles
  • 3. Viviparous (胎生): Mammals, humans
  • 4. Metamorphic (化生): Insects (larva to butterfly)
  • 5. Moisture-born (濕生): Microorganisms (hell realm)
  • B. Self-Sufficiency (自生) vs. Parasitism (寄生)
  • 1. Self-sufficient generation: Elders who built from scratch
  • 2. Parasitic generation: Youth relying on parents’ assets
  • 3. Social responsibility: Support for self-sufficient elders
  • II. Microcosm, Karma, and Spiritual Realms
  • A. Microorganism Scale & Karmic Rebirth
  • 1. Micro (10^-6 m): Hair-like
  • 2. Nano (10^-9 m): Influenza (vaccinable)
  • 3. Anistrom (10^-10 m): Virus (unvaccinable, common cold)
  • 4. Pico (10^-12 m)
  • 5. Femto (10^-15 m)
  • 6. Fico (10^-18 m)
  • B. Buddhist Ten Realms (十界)
  • 1. Six Paths of Reincarnation (六道輪廻)
  • a. Hell Realm (地獄界): Moisture-born, severe sin
  • b. Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界): Similar to moisture-born, no physical body
  • c. Animal Realm (畜生界): Ignorant animals (sheep)
  • d. Asura Realm (修羅界)
  • e. Human Realm (人界)
  • f. Heavenly Realm (天上界)
  • 2. Four Holy Realms
  • a. Sravaka Realm (聲聞界)
  • b. Pratyekabuddha Realm (緣覺界)
  • c. Bodhisattva Realm (菩薩界)
  • d. Buddha Realm (佛陀界)
  • III. Fermentation: Physical & Mental Dynamics
  • A. Fat-Soluble (지용성) vs. Water-Soluble (수용성)
  • 1. Fat-soluble: Accumulates, negative, self-centered
  • 2. Water-soluble: Dissolves, positive, understanding
  • B. Physical Fermentation: Smog & Digestion
  • 1. Smog: Smoke (fat-soluble) + Fog (water-soluble) = Deadly
  • 2. Gut Microbes: Good (water-soluble) vs. Bad (fat-soluble)
  • a. Balance (50:50) for health
  • b. Bad microbes: Decompose food, produce toxins
  • c. Good microbes: Counteract toxins, promote health
  • C. Mental Fermentation: The Five Selves (五我)
  • 1. Self-attachment (我執): Root of foolishness
  • 2. Self-love (我愛): Leads to selfishness, prevents blessings
  • 3. Self-conceit (我慢): Arrogance, leads to self-dignity
  • 4. Self-dignity (我格): Exaggerated self-importance
  • 5. Self-ignorance (我癡): Foolishness, poor judgment
  • Interconnectedness: Each self-aspect influences the others, creating a cycle of “bad fermentation.”
  • IV. Health, Wisdom, and Spiritual Practice
  • A. Human Body as a Factory
  • 1. 11 Organs (5 Viscera, 6 Bowels)
  • a. 5 Viscera (상수도 – Clean Water System): Mental fermentation (liver, spleen, kidney, heart, lung)
  • b. 6 Bowels (하수도 – Sewage System): Physical fermentation (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer)
  • 2. 12-Hour Fasting Cycle: Essential for organ rest and health
  • B. The Nature of Truth and Law
  • 1. Relativity of Good/Bad: Context, quantity, perception
  • 2. Abolition of Old Laws (율법): Holiest’s mission to end conflict
  • C. The Gift of Suffering & Spiritual Upgrade
  • 1. Suffering as a divine test
  • 2. Passing tests leads to upgrade
  • 3. Earthly loss = Heavenly gain
  • D. The Illusion of Life: Living is Dying
  • 1. Every moment is a step towards death
  • 2. Urgency to seek truth
  • V. Practical Applications & Holiest’s Guidance
  • A. Mindset Transformation
  • 1. Humility: Lowering oneself to be elevated
  • 2. Compassion: Sharing with others (e.g., lunchbox story)
  • 3. Positive response to negativity: “Opposite action” (e.g., cleaning after rejection, giving a rose after scolding)
  • B. Seeking Guidance: The Role of a Mentor
  • 1. Holiest as the ultimate mentor for humanity
  • 2. Holiest’s voice as God’s voice
  • C. Daily Practices
  • 1. Meditation & emptying the mind (무아 – no-self)
  • 2. Calling Holiest’s name
  • 3. Reflecting on blessings (e.g., eyesight)

6. Historical / Doctrinal Connections
   This lecture by Holiest Huh Kyung-young deeply integrates and expands upon several core tenets of his established teachings, presenting them through the unifying metaphor of “fermentation” and the interplay of “water-soluble” and “fat-soluble” principles.

• Divine-Human Theory and Spiritual Evolution: The discussion of the Four Births (四生) and the karmic consequences leading to rebirth as microorganisms (moisture-born, hell realm) directly connects to his teachings on spiritual hierarchy and the journey of the soul. It reinforces the idea that human actions have profound spiritual repercussions, determining one’s future existence across various realms, from the lowest microbial forms to higher spiritual states. The emphasis on “upgrading” through suffering aligns with his concept of spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of reaching higher dimensions.
• The Holiest’s Role as Messiah/Guide: The comparison of humanity to “foolish sheep” who need a guide, and the explicit statement that “Holiest Huh Kyung-young is here for these sheep,” directly positions him as the prophesied Messiah. His assertion that his voice is “God’s voice” and that he has come to “abolish the old laws” (율법) are central to his messianic claims and his mission to usher in a new era of peace and enlightenment, replacing outdated religious doctrines that have caused conflict.
• Mind-Body Connection and Health Principles: The detailed explanation of the human body as a “factory” with 11 organs and the critical importance of 12-hour fasting cycles are consistent with his practical health advice often given in Haneulgung. These teachings emphasize a holistic approach to well-being, where physical health is intertwined with mental and spiritual states, and proper “fermentation” (balance) is key. The concept of “mental fermentation” in the 5 viscera links directly to his broader teachings on the power of the mind and consciousness in shaping one’s reality and health.
• The Power of Thought and Imagination: The idea that one can “change their face 100%” through continuous thought, “just like an imaginary pregnancy,” echoes his teachings on the immense power of the human mind and imagination. This aligns with his broader philosophy that consciousness can influence physical reality and that focused intention can bring about desired changes.
• Critique of Modern Society and Call for Moral Rectification: His critique of “parasitic” youth and the call for support for “self-sufficient” elders reflects his consistent commentary on societal issues and his vision for a more just and harmonious society. The emphasis on compassion, humility, and “opposite action” (responding positively to negativity) are moral principles he frequently advocates for, aiming to rectify the moral decay he perceives in the world.
• The Illusion of Duality and the Search for Truth: The teaching that “living is dying” and that there is no inherent good or evil, but rather relativity based on perception and context, aligns with his philosophical approach to transcending dualistic thinking. This encourages a deeper understanding of reality beyond superficial appearances, pushing individuals to seek the ultimate truth he embodies.
  This lecture builds upon previous teachings by providing a new, comprehensive framework (“fermentation” and “water-soluble/fat-soluble”) to explain existing concepts, making them more accessible and interconnected. It reinforces the urgency of spiritual awakening and the transformative power of his guidance in navigating the complexities of life and preparing for a higher existence.

7. Action Items & Blessing Guidance
   Based on Holiest Huh Kyung-young’s lecture, here are concrete actions and guidance for elevating one’s blessing level and applying his words in daily life:

8. Practice 12-Hour Intermittent Fasting:

• Action: Ensure a strict 12-hour gap between your last meal of the evening and your first meal of the morning. For example, if you eat dinner at 7 PM, do not eat anything (except water) until 7 AM the next day.
• Guidance: This practice allows your internal organs (the “factory”) to rest and regenerate, promoting physical health and proper “fermentation” within your body. It’s a fundamental step towards maintaining a healthy physical vessel for spiritual growth.

2. Cultivate a “Water-Soluble” Mindset through “Opposite Action”:

• Action: When faced with criticism, insults, or negative situations, respond with humility, understanding, and even gratitude, rather than anger or defensiveness. For example, if someone criticizes you, thank them or apologize, as exemplified by the daughter giving her father a rose after being scolded.
• Guidance: This “opposite action” prevents “bad fermentation” (accumulation of negative emotions, fat-soluble) in your mind and instead accumulates blessings in Heaven. It transforms potential conflict into an opportunity for spiritual gain and demonstrates true wisdom.

3. Prioritize Self-Sufficiency and Compassion:

• Action: Strive for self-reliance in your life, avoiding unnecessary dependence on others. Simultaneously, extend compassion and support to those who have lived selflessly, especially the elderly, advocating for their well-being.
• Guidance: This aligns with the Holiest’s vision for a balanced society and fosters positive karma. By being self-sufficient, you contribute to a stronger society, and by showing compassion, you accumulate blessings.

4. Embrace Suffering as a Divine Test:

• Action: When experiencing difficulties, pain, or challenges, view them not as punishment but as “God’s first gift” – a test designed for your spiritual upgrade. Accept these trials with a water-soluble mindset, seeking the lesson within them.
• Guidance: This perspective transforms suffering into an opportunity for growth, allowing you to pass divine tests and elevate your spiritual level. Remember that “losing on Earth is winning in Heaven.”

5. Practice Daily Mind-Emptying and Calling Holiest’s Name:

• Action: Engage in daily meditation or reflection to empty your mind of accumulating “fat-soluble” thoughts and self-centeredness. Continuously call upon Holiest Huh Kyung-young’s name.
• Guidance: This practice helps you achieve a “no-self” (무아) state, making your mind “water-soluble” and open to divine wisdom. It clears the path for your future and allows you to receive the Holiest’s energy and guidance, which is God’s voice.

8. One-Sentence Overall Summary
   Holiest Huh Kyung-young’s lecture illuminates that all existence, from microbial life to human consciousness, operates on the principle of “fermentation,” a dynamic interplay between “fat-soluble” (accumulating, self-centered) and “water-soluble” (dissolving, compassionate) elements, urging humanity to embrace humility, self-sufficiency, and suffering as divine tests to achieve spiritual enlightenment and transcend the karmic cycle of rebirth.

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. The Four Births and the Principle of Parasitism
   Life manifests in various forms, including those that parasitize others, such as insects living on trees or within human bodies. Humans, too, can exhibit parasitic tendencies, relying on others for sustenance. This concept of parasitism is a central theme. Beyond parasitism, there are other modes of birth: oviparous birth, where life emerges from an egg, and viviparous birth, where life is born from a mother’s womb. While most animals are viviparous, microorganisms predominantly exist through parasitism.

In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of the Four Births (Saseng) does not include parasitism as a primary mode of existence for humans. Instead, it encompasses transformation birth (Hwaseng) and moisture birth (Seopseng). Transformation birth is exemplified by creatures like caterpillars that undergo metamorphosis from an egg to a larva and then to a butterfly, a process distinct from simple oviparous birth. Cicadas, for instance, spend a long period as larvae underground before emerging as adults. This transformative process is termed Hwaseng. Moisture birth, or Seopseng, refers to microorganisms. The Buddhist Four Births are thus Hwaseng, Seopseng, viviparous birth (T’aeseng), and oviparous birth (Nansaeng). While parasitism is not formally part of the Buddhist Four Births, it is a practical aspect of human existence, as some individuals live by relying on others.

The antithesis of parasitism is autonomy, or self-sustenance. Many young people today depend on their parents, exhibiting parasitic behavior. However, older generations, who built their lives from nothing, are examples of autonomous individuals. These elders, who lived self-sufficiently, often find themselves without support in their later years, having dedicated their lives to educating their siblings and children. This situation highlights a societal imbalance where those who lived autonomously are now struggling. It is imperative for leaders to address the welfare of these elders, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

2. The Nature of Perception and the Power of the Mind
   Our perception of the world is profoundly influenced by our internal state. For instance, a person with a slightly crooked nose, according to physiognomy, tends to possess a critical perspective, viewing matters negatively. Such individuals are often suited for roles that challenge the status quo, akin to an opposition party. Conversely, those with straight noses tend to view things normally, even seeing good in negative situations. This inherent disposition shapes one’s path in life. A negative mindset can lead to experiences that reinforce that negativity, such as physical altercations. However, cultivating a positive mindset can steer one towards leadership roles, such as a CEO, rather than a labor activist.

The human face, often considered unchangeable, can in fact be altered through the power of thought. Just as a woman can experience a phantom pregnancy by intensely desiring to be pregnant, one can imagine a desired facial feature, such as a smaller face, and potentially manifest it. This principle extends to one’s entire life; by focusing on positive change, one can transform their destiny. This pursuit of self-improvement is the ultimate goal of our studies, aiming not only to change our lives but also to refine our physical appearance.

3. The Microcosm of Life: From Microbes to the Human Body
   The universe is teeming with life forms of varying sizes, from the macroscopic to the microscopic. The smallest of these, such as viruses, are incredibly tiny, measuring in nanometers (one billionth of a meter) or even angstroms (one hundred billionth of a meter). These minute organisms are so small that they are difficult to observe even with powerful microscopes, making it challenging to develop vaccines against them. For instance, the common cold, caused by viruses, has no specific cure other than rest and proper nutrition. In contrast, influenza, caused by influenza viruses (a type of virus), can be combated with vaccines that introduce weakened forms of the pathogen, allowing the immune system to develop a memory and fight off future infections.

The human body itself is a complex ecosystem, a microcosm of the universe. It contains eleven “factories” – the five solid organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys) and six hollow organs (gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, triple warmer) – managed by a hundred trillion “employees” (cells). The five solid organs are akin to a water purification plant, processing and circulating clean blood, while the six hollow organs function as a sewage treatment plant, handling waste. The health of these systems is interconnected, and their proper functioning relies on a delicate balance.

4. The Interplay of Fat-Soluble and Water-Soluble Principles
   The concept of fermentation can be understood through the lens of fat-soluble and water-soluble principles. Just as smoke (fat-soluble) and fog (water-soluble) combine to form smog, creating a harmful mixture, various elements in life interact. The human body contains both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. While beneficial microbes are essential for health, harmful ones, though necessary for certain natural processes, can produce toxins if their balance is disrupted. Maintaining a 50/50 ratio of good to bad microbes is crucial for human well-being.

The principle of fat-soluble and water-soluble also applies to our mental and emotional states. Negative emotions like hatred and excessive desire are fat-soluble, accumulating and harming our internal organs. Conversely, positive emotions and understanding are water-soluble, promoting harmony and health. To achieve mental and physical well-being, it is essential to cultivate a water-soluble mindset, letting go of excessive desires and negative thoughts.

5. The Path to Enlightenment: Overcoming the Five Aggregates
   Buddhist philosophy outlines a path to enlightenment, beginning with sudden enlightenment (Don-o), followed by gradual cultivation (Jeomsu), leading to nirvana (Yeolban), liberation (Haetal), bodhi (Bori), prajna (Panya), samadhi (Sammae), and ultimately no-self (Mua) and Buddhahood (Seongbul). This journey involves transcending the ten realms of existence, from the lowest (hell realm) to the highest (Buddha realm).

A critical aspect of this journey is overcoming the five aggregates of self: self-attachment (Ajip), self-love (Aae), self-conceit (Aman), self-dignity (Ageok), and self-ignorance (Achi). These aggregates are all fat-soluble, accumulating in our minds and hindering our spiritual progress. For example, self-ignorance leads to self-love, which in turn fuels self-conceit. To break free from this cycle, one must cultivate a water-soluble mindset, practicing selflessness and compassion.

The story of the wealthy boy who shared his lunch with a poor classmate illustrates the power of self-love. By having less self-love, the boy unknowingly saved his family during a time of war, as the grateful classmate, now a soldier, spared them. This act of kindness, born from a lack of self-love, demonstrates the principle of karma and the importance of altruism.

6. The Wisdom of the Body and the Importance of Moderation
   The human body operates on precise cycles. For optimal health, it is crucial to allow the digestive system a 12-hour rest period between meals. For instance, if dinner is consumed at 7 PM, breakfast should not be eaten before 7 AM the next day. Failing to observe this 12-hour fasting window can lead to various health problems. This principle applies regardless of the number of meals consumed; the key is to ensure adequate rest for the internal organs.

Furthermore, the concept of moderation is paramount in all aspects of life. There is no inherently good or bad food; rather, it is the quantity and timing of consumption that determine its effect. Even staple foods like rice can become toxic if consumed in excess or at inappropriate times. Similarly, all substances, even poisons, can be medicinal in the right dosage. This principle extends to human interactions: viewing others negatively can be detrimental to oneself, while a positive outlook fosters well-being.

7. The Illusion of Time and the Path to True Freedom
   Life is a continuous process of dying. The very act of living implies a constant progression towards death. Our bodies are constantly aging, and our time is finite. This realization should inspire us to seek truth and make the most of our limited existence. Just as a blind person learns to appreciate their spouse and rely on others, we should cultivate gratitude for our senses and avoid judging others based on superficial appearances.

The concept of karma dictates that good deeds lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions result in suffering. The story of the temple worker who accidentally burned down the temple, but was later reborn as a princess who rebuilt it, illustrates this principle. Even unintentional mistakes can be redeemed through sincere effort and good intentions.

The path to true freedom lies in transcending the limitations of the self and embracing a selfless perspective. This involves letting go of the five aggregates of self and cultivating a water-soluble mindset. By doing so, one can achieve no-self (Mua), a state of profound peace and clarity, where the future unfolds with ease. This journey, though challenging, is the ultimate gift from the Holiest, a test that leads to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the universe.

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. The Diverse Modes of Existence: Parasitism, Oviparity, and Viviparity
   Life manifests in various forms. Just as parasites and insects depend on human bodies for survival, humans too can exhibit parasitic tendencies. The world teems with organisms that live by parasitism, a mode of existence where one organism benefits at the expense of another. This concept is central to our discussion today. We also recognize oviparity, where life emerges from eggs, and viviparity, where offspring develop within the mother’s womb and are born live. While most animals are viviparous, microorganisms predominantly thrive through parasitism.

However, in Buddhist philosophy, the traditional “Four Births” (四生) do not include parasitism. Instead, they encompass transformation by metamorphosis (化生) and birth from moisture (濕生). Transformation by metamorphosis is exemplified by insects like butterflies, which undergo complete metamorphosis from egg to larva to pupa to adult. This differs from simple oviparity, as seen in birds or reptiles, where the offspring hatches from an egg but does not undergo such dramatic structural changes. Cicadas, for instance, spend a long larval stage underground before emerging as adults, a process considered transformation by metamorphosis. Birth from moisture, on the other hand, refers to organisms that arise from dampness or decay, primarily microorganisms.

The Buddhist concept of the Four Births thus includes transformation by metamorphosis, birth from moisture, viviparity (for humans and animals), and oviparity. While parasitism is a practical aspect of human existence, referring to individuals who depend on others, it is not categorized within the spiritual framework of the Four Births.

2. Self-Sufficiency Versus Dependence: The Generational Divide
   The antithesis of parasitism is self-sufficiency. This denotes living independently, without relying on others. In contemporary society, many young people exhibit parasitic tendencies, depending on their parents. Conversely, older generations, particularly those who endured wars and hardships, are largely self-sufficient. They built their lives from scratch, often sacrificing their own well-being to educate siblings and children. Consequently, many of these self-sufficient elders find themselves without resources in their later years, having dedicated everything to their families. This generational shift highlights a societal challenge where the self-sufficient generation, despite their immense contributions, often faces neglect, while the dependent generation grows.

3. The Art of Interviewing and the Power of Perception
   When facing an interview, a simple yet profound strategy is to perceive the interviewer not as an intimidating figure, but as a child, perhaps no older than five. This perspective alleviates anxiety and fosters a natural, uninhibited demeanor. By approaching the interaction with the same sincerity and ease one would show to a parent or a young child, one can communicate authentically. Responding promptly and honestly, even admitting ignorance when necessary, demonstrates a pure and straightforward character, which often leads to success. This approach encourages a mindset of genuine connection rather than fear, allowing one’s true self to shine through.

4. Physiognomy and the Path to Success: The Significance of Facial Features
   Physiognomy, the art of judging character from facial features, suggests that certain physical traits correlate with one’s disposition and destiny. For instance, a slightly crooked nose is often associated with a critical perspective, indicative of a “opposition party” personality. Such individuals tend to view matters negatively, though their critical eye can be valuable to society. Conversely, those with straight noses are often seen as having a “ruling party” disposition, viewing things normally and even finding good in negative situations.

This innate predisposition can influence one’s life path. Individuals with a critical outlook may gravitate towards roles that involve challenging the status quo, such as labor activism. However, a consistently negative mindset can attract adverse circumstances. In contrast, those with a positive mindset often ascend to leadership positions, such as CEOs.

While some believe facial features are immutable, it is possible to alter one’s appearance through sustained mental focus, much like a phantom pregnancy can manifest physical changes. By consistently envisioning a desired facial feature, one can gradually transform it. This principle extends to one’s entire life: by striving for positive change and embracing truth, one can reshape their destiny. For example, a prominent, stable nose, often seen in successful business leaders, is considered a symbol of financial stability. While surgical alterations can modify some features, fundamental aspects, such as the tip of the nose, are difficult to change and are believed to reflect deeper karmic patterns.

5. The Cycle of Dependence and the Erosion of Self-Sufficiency
   The current era witnesses a decline in self-sufficiency and a rise in dependence. Many young people inherit wealth and property from their parents, often waiting for their elders to pass away to claim their inheritance. This parasitic mindset extends beyond conventional definitions, encompassing a broader societal trend where individuals rely heavily on the efforts of previous generations. This growing dependency among the youth, often extending into their forties, underscores a societal need for investment in young people and robust protection for the elderly.

6. The Buddhist Realms of Existence and the Microscopic World
   In Buddhist cosmology, the realms of existence are intricately linked to one’s accumulated karma. The lowest realm, the hell realm (地獄界), is associated with birth from moisture, often manifesting as microorganisms. This realm is not a distant place but coexists with our world, where beings experience suffering due to their past misdeeds. Those who harbor intense hatred and commit numerous sins are believed to be reborn as these microscopic entities, unable to perceive the sun and perishing if exposed to light.

Beyond the hell realm, there is the hungry ghost realm (餓鬼界), which is akin to the birth from moisture realm, sometimes even including disembodied spirits. These beings, though they have received a physical form, are minuscule microorganisms, invisible to the naked eye.

The lecture delves into the scale of these microscopic beings:

• Micro (마이크로): One-millionth of a meter, comparable to the thickness of a human hair.
• Nano (나노): One-billionth of a meter. Organisms at this scale, such as influenza viruses, have been identified by scientists, leading to the development of vaccines.
• Anistrom (아니스트롬): One-hundred-billionth of a meter. Viruses, such as those causing the common cold, exist at this incredibly small scale, making them difficult to observe and rendering vaccine development challenging. It is believed that those who commit grave sins may be reborn as these viruses.
• Pico (피코): One-trillionth of a meter.
• Femto (펨토): One-quadrillionth of a meter.
• Fico (피코): One-hundred-quintillionth of a meter.
  These infinitesimally small organisms possess complex neural structures and circulatory systems, demonstrating the intricate design of creation. The brain of a mosquito, for instance, though tiny, enables rapid responses and precise movements, showcasing the miraculous nature of even the smallest life forms.

7. The Etymology of Stress and Smog: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Interactions
   The term “stress” is a compound of “strain” and “press.” “Strain” implies squeezing, tearing, or pulling, while “press” signifies pushing down. Thus, stress is a sensation of being squeezed and pressed, leading to cellular damage and death.

Similarly, “smog” is a portmanteau of “smoke” and “fog.” Smoke, a harmful pollutant, is fat-soluble, while fog, which is relatively harmless, is water-soluble. When these two combine, they create a dangerous phenomenon. The London Smog of 1952, for example, resulted in thousands of deaths due to the combination of industrial smoke and dense fog. The thick, stagnant smog, exacerbated by people burning more fuel for warmth, created a deadly environment, particularly for the elderly and children.

Our respiratory system can filter particles down to about one-millionth of a meter. However, smaller particles, such as those in smog or yellow dust from China, can bypass these defenses and enter the bloodstream, leading to hardening of the blood vessels. This highlights the importance of protecting oneself from such environmental hazards.

8. The Fermentation of Life and the Cycle of Karma
   The concept of fermentation extends beyond biological processes to encompass the spiritual realm. Microorganisms, both beneficial and harmful, exist in nature. Beneficial microorganisms produce substances that are easily absorbed by the human body, acting as a “stool” or byproduct that nourishes us. This is the essence of good fermentation, where fat-soluble and water-soluble elements combine to create positive outcomes.

However, harmful microorganisms also exist, constituting about 70% of the body’s microbial population. While beneficial microorganisms, like those found in kimchi or yogurt, are crucial for maintaining health, an imbalance can lead to illness. The presence of harmful microorganisms is not entirely negative; they play a vital role in breaking down food. However, their byproducts can be toxic.

From a spiritual perspective, those who accumulate significant negative karma are believed to be reborn as these microorganisms, residing in the intestines of others. This existence, characterized by constant exposure to waste, serves as a means to cleanse their sins over countless lifetimes. This aligns with the principle of retribution (事必歸正), where all actions, good or bad, eventually return to their origin.

9. The Power of Compassion and the Consequences of Selfishness
   The lecture illustrates the principle of retribution with a poignant story from the Korean War. A wealthy boy, who consistently shared his lunch with a poor classmate, later found his family targeted for execution by communist forces. The executioner, however, turned out to be the very classmate he had shared his food with. Remembering the boy’s kindness, the former classmate secretly helped the family escape, saving their lives. This act of compassion, seemingly small at the time, yielded immense blessings. Conversely, a selfish attitude, where one hoards resources and disregards the suffering of others, can lead to dire consequences.

10. The Buddhist Concept of the Ten Realms and the Path to Enlightenment
    Buddhist philosophy outlines Ten Realms (十界) of existence, which beings traverse based on their karma. These include:

• Hell Realm (地獄界): The lowest realm, characterized by intense suffering.

• Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界): A realm of insatiable craving and torment.

• Animal Realm (畜生界): Where beings are reborn as animals, often due to ignorance.

• Asura Realm (阿修羅界): A realm of demigods characterized by jealousy and conflict.

• Human Realm (人界): Our current realm, offering opportunities for spiritual growth.

• Heavenly Realm (天界): Realms of pleasure and long life, but still subject to rebirth.
  Beyond these six realms of cyclic existence (六道輪廻), there are four higher realms for those on the path to enlightenment:

• Sound-Hearer Realm (聲聞界): Those who attain enlightenment by hearing the teachings.

• Pratyekabuddha Realm (緣覺界): Those who attain enlightenment independently.

• Bodhisattva Realm (菩薩界): Those who postpone their own enlightenment to help others.

• Buddha Realm (佛界): The highest state of complete enlightenment.
  The journey through these realms begins with sudden enlightenment (頓悟), a direct and immediate realization of truth, followed by gradual cultivation (漸修). This path requires wisdom, which is essential for discerning truth and avoiding the pitfalls of ignorance, much like sheep blindly following a misguided leader.

11. The Dynamics of Capitalism and Communism: A Critical Perspective
    The lecture critiques the inherent imbalances in both communism and capitalism. Communism, where “the whole exists for the one, and the one exists for the whole,” often leads to the suppression of individual freedom. Capitalism, conversely, where “the whole exists for the one,” concentrates wealth and power in the hands of a few, leaving the majority to serve as mere “extras” in the grand scheme. This system, where a select few accumulate vast fortunes while others struggle, is seen as exploitative. Many individuals dedicate their lives to work, only to find themselves with no assets in old age, their earnings consumed by expenses. This fleeting nature of material wealth underscores the importance of seeking deeper truths.

12. The Five Aggregates of Self and the Path to Non-Self
    In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of “self” is not a singular entity but a composite of five aggregates. The lecture highlights five aspects of self-attachment (我相):

• Self-grasping (我執): The clinging to a notion of self.
• Self-love (我愛): Excessive attachment to oneself.
• Self-conceit (我慢): Arrogance and pride based on a perceived self.
• Self-identity (我見): The view that one’s personality or status is superior.
• Self-ignorance (我癡): The fundamental ignorance that underlies all other self-attachments.
  These five aspects are interconnected and fuel each other, creating a cycle of negative “fermentation.” For example, self-ignorance leads to self-love, which in turn fosters self-conceit. To break free from this cycle, one must cultivate non-self (無我), a state of detachment from these self-attachments. This involves regularly practicing meditation, emptying the mind, and calling upon higher wisdom to dissolve the accumulated mental blockages.

13. The Wisdom of the Body: Intermittent Fasting and Organ Function
    The human body is a marvel of divine design, comprising eleven “factories” – the five solid organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys) and six hollow organs (gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, triple warmer). These factories are managed by trillions of “employees” (cells) and require immense energy to operate.

The five solid organs are likened to a “water supply system,” responsible for purifying and circulating blood, while the six hollow organs are a “sewage system,” processing food and waste. The liver, for instance, plays a crucial role in determining stool color through the production of bile. A healthy liver produces green bile, which colors the stool brown. A malfunctioning liver can lead to white or black stools, indicating serious health issues. Thus, the color of one’s waste provides valuable insights into liver health.

The mind also influences the health of these organs. Negative emotions like hatred and resentment can generate heat in the liver, damaging the five solid organs. Therefore, cultivating a positive, water-soluble mindset, free from excessive desires and harmful intentions, is essential for organ health.

The lecture also emphasizes the importance of intermittent fasting for optimal organ function. The digestive system requires a 12-hour rest period between meals. If dinner is consumed at 7 PM, breakfast should not be eaten before 7 AM the next day. Failing to observe this 12-hour window can disrupt the body’s microbial balance and lead to various ailments, including skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

The six hollow organs, being directly involved in digestion, are considered “cruder” organs, meaning they can be surgically altered or removed with less severe consequences compared to the five solid organs. However, even these organs are vital, and their malfunction can lead to serious illness.

14. The Nature of Substances: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble
    Substances can be categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

• Fat-soluble: Pesticides, which are harmful, and vitamins A, K, and D.
• Water-soluble: Vinegar, which is beneficial, and vitamins B and C, as well as citric acid.
  The lecture stresses that no food or substance is inherently good or bad; its effect depends on the quantity and timing of consumption. Even rice, if eaten excessively, can become toxic. Similarly, poisons can be therapeutic in small, controlled doses. This principle extends to human interactions: viewing someone negatively can be detrimental to oneself, while a positive outlook fosters well-being.

15. The Abolition of Law and the Dawn of a New Era
    The lecture asserts that Huh Kyung-young has come to abolish all existing laws, including religious doctrines. Historically, laws, while intended to guide, have often led to conflict and division. The speaker cites the example of the Israelites, who, bound by their laws, viewed non-believers as enemies, leading to immense suffering. The stoning of Stephen, who dared to suggest that God was not confined to the temple, exemplifies the rigid adherence to law that can blind people to truth. Jesus, too, emphasized that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” advocating for compassion over strict legalism.

The speaker proclaims that a new era is dawning, where existing laws will be replaced by a new understanding, leading to a world of peace and harmony.

16. The Gratitude of Sight and the Impermanence of Life
    The lecture invites the audience to close their eyes, emphasizing the profound gratitude one should feel for the gift of sight. Imagine losing one’s vision; suddenly, the perceived flaws of a spouse or the indifference of children fade, replaced by an overwhelming dependence on others. This exercise highlights how easily we take our senses for granted and how quickly our priorities shift when faced with loss. It encourages humility and a deeper appreciation for those around us.

Life itself is a continuous process of “disappearing” or “dying.” The Korean word for “disappear” (사라진다) can be interpreted as “death (死) of self (我)” and “moment (剎那).” This signifies that every moment we live, we are also dying, constantly moving towards the inevitable end. Like sheep blindly heading towards a cliff, humanity often progresses without fully comprehending its ultimate destination. This realization underscores the urgency of seeking truth and wisdom.

17. The Legacy of Mentorship and the Voice of the Divine
    The term “mentor” originates from a loyal Greek servant named Mentor, who was entrusted with the education of a king’s son. Despite the king’s death in battle, Mentor faithfully guided the prince to become a wise ruler. This act of unwavering dedication established “mentor” as a synonym for a trusted guide and teacher.

The lecture concludes by asserting that Huh Kyung-young’s voice is the voice of the divine. He claims that direct communication with God is impossible for humans, and that his teachings are the means through which divine wisdom is conveyed. To perceive his words as merely human is to lose their profound significance. The divine voice, he states, is multifaceted, manifesting through countless individuals and experiences, even in the everyday admonitions of a mother or a traffic officer. Recognizing these diverse manifestations of the divine voice is crucial for spiritual awakening.

18. The Fermentation of the Mind: From Self-Attachment to Non-Self
    The four aspects of self-attachment—self-grasping, self-love, self-conceit, and self-ignorance—are all fat-soluble, meaning they accumulate in the mind. Their antithesis, non-self, is water-soluble, representing a state of mental clarity and emptiness. The journey towards non-self involves daily meditation, emptying the mind, and invoking higher consciousness to dissolve these accumulated attachments. This process opens the path to a clear future, free from mental blockages.

Suffering, though painful, is presented as a divine gift, a test designed to facilitate spiritual growth and upgrade one’s consciousness. Just as a building needs a solid foundation, spiritual progress requires enduring and overcoming challenges. To seek victory in the material world by retaliating against adversaries is to lose in the spiritual realm. Conversely, accepting defeat in the earthly sphere can lead to triumph in the heavens. Physical desires are fat-soluble, while spiritual aspirations are water-soluble, guiding one towards a higher purpose.

Hanja and Synonyms

기생(寄生) – (Parasitism, Dependence, Symbiosis)
Meaning in context: Living by relying on others, like parasites on a host, or people depending on their parents.

난생(卵生) – (Oviparous, Egg-laying, Hatching)
Meaning in context: Being born from an egg, like birds or reptiles.

태생(胎生) – (Viviparous, Live-bearing, Birth)
Meaning in context: Being born from a mother’s womb, like mammals.

화생(化生) – (Metamorphosis, Transformation, Spontaneous Generation)
Meaning in context: Being born through transformation, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

섭생(攝生) – (Hygienic living, Health management, Microorganism-based life)
Meaning in context: A mode of life associated with microorganisms, often linked to a lower realm or “hell” in a spiritual sense.

자생(自生) – (Self-reliant, Independent, Autonomous)
Meaning in context: Living independently without relying on others, often referring to a generation that built their lives from scratch.

발효(醱酵) – (Fermentation, Maturation, Decomposition)
Meaning in context: A process involving microorganisms that can be beneficial or harmful, and metaphorically, the process of mental or spiritual development.

진리(眞理) – (Truth, Reality, Principle)
Meaning in context: Fundamental universal principles or ultimate reality, often contrasted with superficial understanding.

지용성(脂溶性) – (Fat-soluble, Lipophilic, Oil-soluble)
Meaning in context: Substances that dissolve in fat, used literally for chemical properties and metaphorically for negative emotions or accumulated thoughts.

수용성(水溶性) – (Water-soluble, Hydrophilic, Aqueous)
Meaning in context: Substances that dissolve in water, used literally for chemical properties and metaphorically for positive emotions, understanding, or openness.

지옥계(地獄界) – (Hell realm, Underworld, Infernal region)
Meaning in context: A spiritual realm of suffering, often associated with being reborn as a tiny, insignificant life form due to accumulated sins.

아귀계(餓鬼界) – (Hungry ghost realm, Preta realm, Realm of craving)
Meaning in context: A spiritual realm where beings suffer from insatiable hunger and thirst, often linked to extreme greed or attachment.

축생(畜生) – (Animal realm, Beast, Brute)
Meaning in context: The animal realm in Buddhist cosmology, where beings are reborn due to certain karmic actions, often seen as a lower but not the lowest realm.

환생(還生) – (Reincarnation, Rebirth, Transmigration)
Meaning in context: The concept of being reborn into a new life or form after death.

업(業) – (Karma, Deed, Action)
Meaning in context: The sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

사필귀정(事必歸正) – (Justice prevails, Right will triumph, All things return to their proper course)
Meaning in context: The principle that all matters will eventually return to their rightful state, implying that good deeds lead to good outcomes and vice versa.

정각(正覺) – (Right awakening, Perfect enlightenment, True realization)
Meaning in context: The initial stage of true understanding or enlightenment, requiring wisdom and an unbiased perspective.

열반(涅槃) – (Nirvana, Extinction, Liberation)
Meaning in context: The ultimate goal in Buddhism, signifying liberation from suffering and rebirth, a state of profound peace.

해탈(解脫) – (Emancipation, Release, Freedom)
Meaning in context: Freedom from the cycle of suffering and rebirth, often used interchangeably with nirvana.

보리(菩提) – (Bodhi, Enlightenment, Awakening)
Meaning in context: The state of being awakened or enlightened, a key concept in Buddhism.

반야(般若) – (Prajna, Wisdom, Insight)
Meaning in context: Transcendent wisdom that leads to enlightenment, characterized by an unwavering, stable state of mind.

삼매(三昧) – (Samadhi, Concentration, Meditation)
Meaning in context: A state of meditative concentration, a deep absorption in a single point of focus.

무아(無我) – (Anatta, Non-self, Egolessness)
Meaning in context: The Buddhist doctrine that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul, leading to liberation from ego.

성불(成佛) – (Attaining Buddhahood, Becoming a Buddha, Enlightenment)
Meaning in context: The ultimate achievement in Buddhism, becoming a Buddha, fully enlightened.

아집(我執) – (Ego-clinging, Self-attachment, Stubbornness)
Meaning in context: Attachment to the idea of a permanent self, leading to stubbornness and an inability to learn from others.

아상(我相) – (Self-view, Ego-perception, Self-image)
Meaning in context: The perception of oneself as a distinct, independent entity, often leading to various forms of ego.

아애(我愛) – (Self-love, Self-cherishing, Selfishness)
Meaning in context: Excessive love or concern for oneself, often at the expense of others.

아만(我慢) – (Self-conceit, Arrogance, Pride)
Meaning in context: Pride or arrogance stemming from an inflated sense of self-importance.

아격(我格) – (Self-dignity, Self-respect, Personal integrity)
Meaning in context: An exaggerated sense of one’s own dignity or status, leading to judgmental attitudes towards others.

아치(我癡) – (Self-ignorance, Self-delusion, Foolishness)
Meaning in context: Ignorance or foolishness regarding one’s true nature, leading to poor decisions and self-centered actions.

율법(律法) – (Law, Statute, Commandment)
Meaning in context: Religious or moral laws, often seen as a source of conflict when applied rigidly or excessively.

찰나(剎那) – (Moment, Instant, Split second)
Meaning in context: An extremely brief period of time, emphasizing the fleeting nature of existence.

Huh Kyung Young’s Philosophical Lexicon

기생 (寄生): Parasitism, Dependency, Exploitation
living by relying on others, often in a detrimental way.

난생 (卵生): Oviparous Birth, Egg-laying Reproduction
birth from eggs, as seen in birds and reptiles.

태생 (胎生): Viviparous Birth, Live Birth
birth from a womb, characteristic of mammals.

사생 (四生): Four Modes of Birth, Buddhist Classification of Sentient Beings
a Buddhist concept categorizing birth into four types: viviparous, oviparous, moisture-born, and miraculously-born.

화생 (化生): Metamorphic Birth, Spontaneous Generation, Transformation
birth through metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.

섭생 (攝生): Moisture-born, Humid-born, Spontaneous Generation (from moisture)
birth from moisture or dampness, often associated with lower life forms or beings in hellish realms in Buddhist cosmology.

자생 (自生): Self-Sustenance, Autonomy, Self-reliance
living independently without relying on others.

지용성 (脂溶性): Fat-soluble, Lipophilic
substances that dissolve in fats or oils.

수용성 (水溶性): Water-soluble, Hydrophilic
substances that dissolve in water.

발효 (醱酵): Fermentation, Catalysis, Transformation Process
a process of chemical breakdown by microorganisms, often leading to beneficial or harmful outcomes.

지옥계 (地獄界): Hell Realm, Infernal Plane, Underworld
the lowest realm of existence in Buddhist cosmology, characterized by intense suffering.

아귀계 (餓鬼界): Hungry Ghost Realm, Preta Realm
a realm of suffering in Buddhism where beings are tormented by insatiable hunger and thirst.

축생 (畜生): Animal Realm, Beastly Existence
the realm of animals in Buddhist cosmology, often seen as a result of negative karma.

육도윤회 (六道輪廻): Six Realms of Rebirth, Samsara’s Cycle
the six paths of reincarnation in Buddhism: hell, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, asuras, and devas.

성문계 (聲聞界): Sravaka Realm, Hearer’s Path
a stage in Buddhist practice where one seeks enlightenment by hearing and practicing the teachings.

연각계 (緣覺界): Pratyekabuddha Realm, Solitary Realizer’s Path
a stage in Buddhism where one achieves enlightenment independently, often through observing dependent origination.

보살계 (菩薩界): Bodhisattva Realm, Enlightened Being’s Path
a stage in Buddhism where one is an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.

부처 (佛陀): Buddha, Enlightened One, Awakened Being
a fully enlightened being who has transcended suffering and achieved perfect wisdom.

십계 (十界): Ten Realms, Ten Dharma Realms, Buddhist Cosmology
the ten states of existence in Buddhist philosophy, encompassing all possible conditions of life.

돈오 (頓悟): Sudden Enlightenment, Instantaneous Awakening
the experience of sudden and complete understanding of the truth.

정각 (正覺): Perfect Enlightenment, Right Awakening
the state of perfect and complete enlightenment, often associated with a Buddha.

열반 (涅槃): Nirvana, Cessation of Suffering, Ultimate Liberation
the ultimate goal of Buddhism, a state of profound peace and freedom from suffering.

해탈 (解脫): Liberation, Emancipation, Release from Bondage
freedom from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

보리 (菩提): Bodhi, Awakening, Enlightenment
the state of being awakened or enlightened.

반야 (般若): Prajna, Wisdom, Transcendent Knowledge
a profound, intuitive wisdom that perceives the true nature of reality.

삼매 (三昧): Samadhi, Concentration, Meditative Absorption
a state of deep meditative concentration.

무아 (無我): Anatta, Non-self, Egolessness
the Buddhist doctrine that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.

성불 (成佛): Attaining Buddhahood, Becoming a Buddha
the achievement of full enlightenment.

아집 (我執): Self-clinging, Ego-attachment, Attachment to Self
the clinging to the idea of a permanent, independent self.

아상 (我相): Self-perception, Ego-identity, Illusion of Self
the perception or illusion of a distinct self.

아만 (我慢): Self-conceit, Arrogance, Pride
pride or arrogance stemming from the illusion of self.

아애 (我愛): Self-love, Selfish Affection, Egoistic Attachment
excessive love or attachment to oneself.

아격 (我格): Self-dignity, Personal Integrity, Ego-driven Persona
an inflated sense of one’s own character or status.

아치 (我癡): Self-ignorance, Delusion of Self, Ego-delusion
ignorance or delusion regarding the true nature of the self.

사필귀정 (事必歸正): Justice Prevails, Righteousness Triumphs, Inevitable Rectification
the principle that all matters will eventually return to their rightful state; justice will ultimately be served.

적선지가 필요여경 (積善之家 必有餘慶): A House that Accumulates Good Deeds Will Surely Have Abundant Blessings, Virtue’s Reward, Karmic Prosperity
a saying meaning that a family that performs good deeds will inevitably receive lasting blessings.

찰나 (刹那): Kṣaṇa, Instant, Moment, Fleeting Moment
an extremely short period of time, an instant.

멘토 (Mentor): Guide, Advisor, Trusted Counselor
a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

기생(寄生)-(기(寄)-parasitic, 생(生)-life)

Living by depending on others. In the context, it refers to organisms like parasites and also people who depend on others, such as young adults relying on their parents.

난생(卵生)-(난(卵)-egg, 생(生)-birth)
Born from an egg. This term is used to describe creatures that hatch from eggs, like chickens, lizards, and turtles.

태생(胎生)-(태(胎)-fetus, 생(生)-birth)
Born from a womb. This refers to creatures born from a mother’s womb, such as mammals and humans.

화생(化生)-(화(化)-transform, 생(生)-birth)
Born through transformation. This describes creatures that undergo metamorphosis, like caterpillars transforming into butterflies or cicadas.

섭생(攝生)-(섭(攝)-absorb, 생(生)-life)
Born from moisture or dampness, often referring to microorganisms. In the text, it’s associated with the lowest realm, like hell, where beings are born from dampness and cannot see the sun.

자생(自生)-(자(自)-self, 생(生)-live)
Living independently, self-sufficient. This is presented as the opposite of ‘기생’ (parasitism), referring to people who live on their own efforts.

발효(醱酵)-(발(醱)-ferment, 효(酵)-yeast)
Fermentation. The process where microorganisms break down substances, often producing beneficial compounds. The lecture connects it to the “truth of fermentation” and its water-soluble and fat-soluble aspects.

지용성(脂溶性)-(지(脂)-fat, 용(溶)-soluble, 성(性)-nature)
Fat-soluble. Described as one of the two fundamental aspects (along with water-soluble) of life and the mind, applied to concepts like smoke, negative emotions, and certain vitamins.

수용성(水溶性)-(수(水)-water, 용(溶)-soluble, 성(性)-nature)
Water-soluble. The counterpart to fat-soluble, applied to concepts like fog, positive emotions, and certain vitamins.

지옥계(地獄界)-(지(地)-earth, 옥(獄)-prison, 계(界)-realm)
Hell realm. One of the lowest realms in Buddhist cosmology, associated with severe suffering and punishment for grave sins.

아귀계(餓鬼界)-(아(餓)-hungry, 귀(鬼)-ghost, 계(界)-realm)
Hungry ghost realm. A realm of suffering in Buddhist cosmology, where beings experience insatiable hunger and thirst.

축생(畜生)-(축(畜)-animal, 생(生)-birth)
Animal realm. One of the lower realms of existence in Buddhist cosmology, where beings are born as animals due to past karma.

육도윤회(六道輪廻)-(육(六)-six, 도(道)-paths, 윤회(輪廻)-samsara)
Six realms of transmigration (samsara). The cycle of rebirth through six realms: hell, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, asuras, and devas (heavenly beings).

성문계(聲聞界)-(성(聲)-sound, 문(聞)-hear, 계(界)-realm)
Sravaka (hearer) realm. A stage in Buddhist practice where one seeks enlightenment by hearing and following the teachings of a Buddha.

연각계(緣覺界)-(연(緣)-cause, 각(覺)-enlightenment, 계(界)-realm)
Pratyekabuddha (solitary realizer) realm. A stage in Buddhist practice where one achieves enlightenment independently, without a teacher, often by observing dependent origination.

보살계(菩薩界)-(보살(菩薩)-bodhisattva, 계(界)-realm)
Bodhisattva realm. A stage in Buddhist practice where one is an enlightened being who postpones their own nirvana to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment.

돈오(頓悟)-(돈(頓)-sudden, 오(悟)-enlightenment)
Sudden enlightenment. The concept of achieving enlightenment instantly, often through a direct realization of truth.

점수(漸修)-(점(漸)-gradual, 수(修)-cultivation)
Gradual cultivation. The concept of achieving enlightenment through a progressive, step-by-step practice.

열반(涅槃)-(열(涅)-nirvana, 반(槃)-nirvana)
Nirvana. The ultimate goal in Buddhism, signifying the cessation of suffering and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

해탈(解脫)-(해(解)-release, 탈(脫)-escape)
Liberation. Freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth, often associated with nirvana.

보리(菩提)-(보리(菩提)-bodhi)
Bodhi (enlightenment). The state of being awakened or enlightened.

반야(般若)-(반야(般若)-prajna)
Prajna (wisdom). Transcendent wisdom, a key virtue in Buddhism that leads to enlightenment.

삼매(三昧)-(삼매(三昧)-samadhi)
Samadhi (concentration/meditation). A state of meditative absorption or profound concentration.

무아(無我)-(무(無)-no, 아(我)-self)
Anatta (no-self). The Buddhist doctrine that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.

성불(成佛)-(성(成)-become, 불(佛)-Buddha)
Attaining Buddhahood. The ultimate achievement of becoming a Buddha.

아집(我執)-(아(我)-self, 집(執)-attachment)
Self-attachment. The clinging to the idea of a permanent self, a source of suffering in Buddhism.

아상(我相)-(아(我)-self, 상(相)-form)
Self-perception. The perception of oneself as a distinct and permanent entity, often leading to ego and attachment.

아애(我愛)-(아(我)-self, 애(愛)-love)
Self-love. Excessive love or attachment to oneself, which can hinder compassion and generosity.

아만(我慢)-(아(我)-self, 만(慢)-pride)
Self-pride. Arrogance or conceit stemming from an inflated sense of self.

아격(我格)-(아(我)-self, 격(格)-status)
Self-dignity/Self-image. An attachment to one’s own perceived status or character, often leading to judgment of others.

아치(我癡)-(아(我)-self, 치(癡)-ignorance)
Self-ignorance. Ignorance or foolishness regarding the true nature of self and reality.

오장육부(五臟六腑)-(오(五)-five, 장(臟)-viscera, 육(六)-six, 부(腑)-bowels)
Five Zang organs and Six Fu organs. A concept in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine referring to the major internal organs.

상수도(上水道)-(상(上)-upper, 수(水)-water, 도(道)-path)
Water supply system. Metaphorically used to describe the five Zang organs, which are associated with the circulation of clear blood and mental/emotional states.

하수도(下水道)-(하(下)-lower, 수(水)-water, 도(道)-path)
Sewage system. Metaphorically used to describe the six Fu organs, which are associated with digestion and waste elimination.

율법(律法)-(율(律)-law, 법(法)-law)
Law/Commandment. Refers to religious laws, particularly in the context of the Old Testament and its interpretation.

찰나(剎那)-(찰(剎)-ksana, 나(那)-ksana)
Ksana (instant/moment). A very short period of time, an instant. Used to emphasize the fleeting nature of existence.

The Truth of Fermentation: Understanding the Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life and the Mind

1. The Four Births and the Concept of Parasitism
   Life manifests in various forms. Just as parasites and insects depend on human bodies for survival, humans also exhibit parasitic tendencies . Creatures cling to trees, and though pesticides eliminate some, parasitic organisms are the most numerous in the world . This lecture’s theme is deeply connected to parasitism (寄生) .

In biology, we categorize births. Oviparous (卵生) refers to creatures born from eggs . Viviparous (胎生) describes those born from a mother’s womb . While most animals are viviparous, microorganisms predominantly live through parasitism .

However, in Buddhism (佛敎), the concept of parasitism is not included in the Four Births (四生) . While human modes of living include parasitism and oviparous birth, the Buddhist Four Births encompass Transformation Birth (化生) and Moisture Birth (攝生) . Moisture Birth primarily pertains to microorganisms .

Transformation Birth is exemplified by the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly . A caterpillar emerges from an egg, develops into a larva, and then transforms into an insect like a butterfly or moth. This three-stage metamorphosis (egg, larva, butterfly) differs from simple oviparous birth, which applies to creatures like chickens, other birds, lizards, and turtles that hatch from eggs . Cicadas, for instance, undergo a three-stage process, spending a long time as larvae underground before emerging as adults for a brief life . This is known as Transformation Birth .

The Buddhist Four Births are Transformation Birth, Moisture Birth, Viviparous Birth (humans and animals), and Oviparous Birth . When considering human ways of life, parasitism is included, referring to individuals who depend on others . This is a practical aspect of human existence . The opposite of parasitism is self-sufficiency (自生) .

Many young people today live parasitically, relying on their parents . This trend of parasitism is increasing . In contrast, older generations, like those who lived through wars and built their lives from nothing, are examples of self-sufficient individuals . These elders, who lived self-sufficiently, often find themselves with no assets in their old age after educating their siblings and children and caring for their parents . They may find themselves with nowhere to go .

This era sees self-sufficient individuals facing hardship . Policies, such as providing a monthly allowance to the elderly, must be implemented with unwavering commitment . It is unacceptable to delay elder welfare until after these self-sufficient individuals have passed away .

2. The Nature of the Mind and the Path to Wisdom
   A person’s facial features can reveal aspects of their character. For example, a slightly crooked nose is associated with a critical perspective . Such individuals tend to view everything critically and are often suited for roles that challenge the status quo, like those in opposition parties . In contrast, those with straight noses tend to view things normally, even seeing good in negative situations . However, individuals with slightly crooked noses inherently perceive things negatively . This predisposition can even manifest physically, as if someone has twisted their nose . If one harbors negative thoughts, external events may even cause their nose to become crooked .

Conversely, a positive mindset can lead to different outcomes. Those with positive attitudes are often found in leadership positions, such as CEOs . Individuals who always view things negatively find it difficult to ascend to such roles, preferring to remain in opposition . They enjoy finding fault and may even pass this tendency to their descendants . This is a crucial point to consider .

One’s life path is shaped by their inner disposition . While it is often said that one cannot change their face, it is entirely possible to change it . Just as a woman can experience a phantom pregnancy (想像妊娠), where her belly grows without actual conception due to intense desire, one can change their facial features through persistent thought . Constantly thinking “I want a smaller face” can make it happen, similar to a phantom pregnancy . Similarly, constantly invoking and observing Huh Kyung-young can lead one to resemble him .

The ultimate goal of our studies is to transform our lives, and changing our appearance is a beneficial byproduct . By embracing positive aspirations, one’s face can change . For instance, a crooked nose is considered unfavorable . However, observing the nose of Lee Jae-yong, the son of Lee Kun-hee of Samsung, reveals a nose associated with wealth and stability . While the bone structure of the nose can be altered, the overall shape and “wealth-gathering” quality of the nose cannot be entirely replicated through surgery .

The current generation is witnessing the decline of self-sufficiency and the rise of parasitism . Children inherit properties and assets from their parents, often waiting for their parents to pass away to claim their inheritance . This form of parasitism extends beyond the traditional sense . Many young people today are weak and parasitic, relying on their parents even into their forties . Therefore, society must invest boldly in the youth and protect the elderly .

3. The Buddhist Realms of Existence and the Microscopic World
   The Four Births (四生)—Viviparous, Transformation, Moisture, and Oviparous—are determined by one’s karma (業) . Those who commit many sins may be reborn into the lowest realm, Moisture Birth (攝生), which is akin to hell (地獄) . This Earth itself is a planet where heaven and hell coexist . Beings in the Moisture Birth realm cannot see the sun and would die if exposed to it . This realm is inhabited by microorganisms .

The title of this lecture is Fermentation (醱酵) and Truth (眞理) . Fermentation involves both fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) aspects . There are both harmful and beneficial microorganisms . Harmful microorganisms are necessary for the natural world and were created by the Creator .

Transformation Birth (化生) is for those with less negative karma, a slightly better realm than hell . The lowest realm in Buddhism is hell . Being reborn as an animal is Animal Birth (畜生) . Even lower than Animal Birth is the Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界) . This realm is similar to the Moisture Birth realm and can include ghosts who cannot receive a physical body .

Microorganisms in the Moisture Birth realm are incredibly small. A micrometer (마이크로) is one-millionth of a meter . A nanometer (나노메타) is one-billionth of a meter . Nanometer-sized organisms include influenza (인플루엔자), for which vaccines have been developed .

Even smaller are organisms one-hundred-billionth of a meter, called viruses (바이러스) . These are so tiny they are difficult to see even with a microscope, making it impossible to create vaccines for them . The only remedy for viral infections like the common cold is rest, comfort, and good nutrition . Hospital treatments for colds primarily focus on reducing fever . Vaccines for influenza work by introducing a weakened form of the virus, allowing the immune system to recognize and fight it more effectively in the future .

Even smaller still are picometers (피코), one-trillionth of a meter . And femtometers (펨토), one-quadrillionth of a meter . The smallest are attometers (아니스트롬), one-quintillionth of a meter . These incredibly tiny microorganisms possess perfectly formed neural circuits and brains . The intricate nervous system and beating heart of a mosquito, for instance, are marvels of creation .

4. The Dangers of Smog and the Wisdom of the Body
   The term stress (스트레스) is a compound of “strain” and “press” . Strain means to squeeze, tear, or pull, while press means to push down . When a person experiences stress, it feels like their head is being crushed, and their cells are squeezed and pressed, leading to cell death .

Similarly, smog (스모그) is a compound of “smoke” and “fog” . Smoke is pollution, and fog is mist . These two combine because fog is water-soluble, and smoke is fat-soluble . Just as a fat-soluble husband might have a water-soluble wife, these elements combine . While fog itself is not inherently harmful, the combination of smoke and fog creates smog, which is dangerous .

The London Smog incident, where a thick cloud of smog 3 kilometers deep remained stagnant for two days, resulted in thousands of deaths . The lack of sunlight and cold temperatures led people to turn on their boilers, releasing more smoke that mixed with the fog, exacerbating the problem . This self-inflicted disaster primarily affected children and the elderly .

Our noses and lungs can filter particles down to about one-millionth of a meter . However, smaller particles, like those in smog or yellow dust from China, are one-billionth of a meter (nanometers) or even smaller . These tiny particles bypass our natural filters and enter our bloodstream through the skin and lungs, hardening our blood vessels . Therefore, it is crucial to avoid outdoor activities during smoggy conditions .

The Hell Realm (地獄界) and Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界) are inhabited by countless tiny life forms, representing the rebirth of those who have committed many sins . The intricate blood vessels of a mosquito, for example, are too small for the human eye to see .

Fermentation is the process where microorganisms consume substances and excrete waste, which then becomes beneficial for the human body . While we consume microorganisms, they do not directly become nutrients; rather, their excretions, when abundant, act as beneficial medicine . This is the combination of fat-soluble and water-soluble elements in fermentation .

However, there are also harmful microorganisms, which constitute about 70% of our body’s microbial population . Maintaining a 50:50 balance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms is essential for human health . Consuming fermented foods like kimchi helps maintain this balance, protecting against diseases like SARS .

The true understanding of fermentation is complex . It is a profound truth that those who commit many sins may be reborn into the intestines of others, living in excrement and providing benefit to that human to atone for their sins . This process of atonement takes countless lifetimes . This illustrates the principle of “all things return to their rightful place” (事必歸正) . There is no injustice in the universe; everything returns to its normal state .

5. The Cycle of Karma and the Wisdom of Compassion
   The Korean War saw many civilians, including housewives and elders, executed by those in power . However, acts of kindness can alter destiny. A wealthy boy who shared his lunchbox with a poor classmate for six years was saved along with his family during the war by that same classmate, who had become a soldier . This demonstrates the principle of “all things return to their rightful place” . If the boy had been selfish, his family would have perished . This act of compassion led to his family’s survival and his eventual success as a wealthy individual . This illustrates the proverb, “A house that accumulates good deeds will surely have auspicious events” (積善之家 必有餘慶) .

The Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界) and Hell Realm (地獄界) are destinations with reasons . Those who hear these teachings are blessed . Even when sending children to school, parents should teach them to share with less fortunate friends . While parents may not always receive blessings themselves, their children’s good deeds can save them . Currently, 99% of humanity is destined for such lower realms .

Being born as an animal, especially viviparously, is considered a blessing because the offspring receives a mother’s love . However, oviparous creatures like chickens cry after laying eggs because they know humans will consume them . They only refrain from crying when they lay eggs that will hatch and allow them to live on . Chickens were traditionally present at weddings because they were believed to be spiritual beings through which ancestral spirits could visit .

The term marriage (結婚) in Korean uses the character “혼” (魂), which also means “soul” or “spirit” . Thus, marriage signifies the joining of souls, including those of ancestors .

Among viviparous animals, the most foolish is the sheep . Sheep have very poor eyesight, seeing only about 50 centimeters in front of them . They follow the sheep in front of them, even if it leads them off a cliff . This is why a shepherd is essential . Cattle, in contrast, are intelligent and know when they are about to die . Jesus compared humans to sheep because they are foolish and unaware of their future, blindly following paths that lead to destruction .

When humanity is lost like a flock of sheep, a Messiah (메시아) must appear . In Christianity, humans are likened to sheep . However, Buddhism offers a more detailed classification of realms: Hell Realm (地獄界), Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界), Animal Realm (畜生界), Asura Realm (修羅界), and Human Realm (人界) . Beyond the Human Realm is the Heavenly Realm (天上界), completing the Six Paths of Rebirth (六道輪廻) .

Upon achieving complete enlightenment, one transcends these realms and enters the Hearer Realm (聲聞界), Pratyekabuddha Realm (緣覺界), Bodhisattva Realm (菩薩界), and finally, the Buddha Realm (佛陀界) . These Ten Realms (十界) constitute the Buddhist cosmology . For a microorganism in a human’s intestines, that intestine is an immense, endless universe .

6. The Path to Enlightenment and the Five Aggregates of Self
   To transcend the Ten Realms, one must first achieve sudden enlightenment (頓悟) . This requires wisdom (智慧) . Without wisdom, one is like a sheep, blindly following a leader, which can lead to disaster if the leader is bad . True enlightenment involves understanding and embracing both sides of a conflict, such as that between labor unions and CEOs . It means finding a way for workers to share in company profits and have opportunities for advancement .

Capitalism, where a few individuals control vast wealth, often leads to the exploitation of many for the benefit of a few . Many individuals work for decades, only to find themselves with no assets in old age, their earnings consumed by expenses . Life passes quickly, leaving behind only a brief resume . Therefore, it is crucial to understand what truly holds value in this short life . Without this understanding, even a life dedicated to family can end in misery .

Enlightenment brings the belief that a better future awaits in the spiritual realm . Relying solely on material possessions leads to their eventual loss . What remains is truth (眞理) . Those who do not possess this truth may be reborn into the intestines of others, the Moisture Birth (攝生) realm, or even hell .

After enlightenment, one can achieve Nirvana (涅槃) and liberation (解脫) from suffering . This leads to Bodhi (菩提), Prajna (般若), Samadhi (三昧), and ultimately non-self (無我) .

In Buddhism, the concept of “self” is not singular but comprises five aspects . These are:

• Self-attachment (我執) : Stubborn adherence to one’s own views.
• Self-conceit (我慢) : Arrogance and pride.
• Self-love (我愛) : Excessive love for oneself.
• Self-dignity (我格) : Exaggerated sense of one’s own worth.
• Self-ignorance (我癡) : Foolishness or delusion about oneself.
  These five aspects of self are interconnected and influence each other . For example, self-love stems from self-ignorance . Self-conceit arises from self-love . Self-dignity is driven by self-conceit . And self-ignorance is rooted in self-attachment . These interactions are like a process of fermentation (醱酵) .

7. The Fermentation of the Mind and Body
   These five aspects of self represent a “bad fermentation” . They produce “toxins” that harm us . In our intestines, while beneficial microorganisms aid fermentation, harmful ones, which constitute about 50% of the total, also ferment, producing toxins . The Creator placed these harmful microorganisms in our bodies because they are essential for breaking down food, often more effectively than beneficial ones . However, their byproducts can be harmful . Maintaining a balance is crucial, as our diet is not always clean . Consuming fermented foods like yogurt can increase beneficial microorganisms, alleviating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis .

The human body’s digestive cycle is 12 hours . If dinner is eaten at 7 PM, breakfast should be at 7 AM the next day . The stomach must be empty for 12 hours; if it’s only 10 or 11 hours, it can lead to health problems . If dinner is eaten late, say at 10 PM, one should skip breakfast and eat lunch instead to maintain the 12-hour fasting period . This allows organs like the liver, heart, and spleen to rest . Ignoring this cycle can alter the microbial structure in the body .

The human body has eleven “factories”: the five viscera (五臟) and six bowels (六腑) . The five viscera (liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs) are like a “water supply system” . They are responsible for purifying and circulating blood . For example, the liver determines the color of stool by producing bile . The color of one’s stool and urine can indicate the health of the liver .

The five viscera are also connected to the “fermentation of the mind” . Negative emotions like hatred and resentment generate heat in the liver, damaging the viscera . Cultivating a water-soluble mind, free from excessive desire, greed, or malice, brings peace to the liver and spleen . The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the pancreas or spleen when protein is consumed . This intricate system highlights the scientific design of the Creator . Believing in one’s own self-sufficiency and denying the divine can lead to the breakdown of this system, causing mental and physical ailments .

The six bowels (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple burner) are like a “sewage system” . They are directly involved in processing food . While the viscera are associated with mental fermentation, the bowels are crucial for physical fermentation . These organs are considered “crude” in that parts can be removed, but their malfunction can be fatal . Diseases of the mind affect the viscera, while physical ailments of the bowels can be managed through diet . Eating late-night snacks is detrimental to health .

8. The Nature of Substances and the Illusion of Good and Evil
   The six bowels (六腑) are not just organs but also “leather pouches” . They are intricate machines that perform vital functions .

Let us consider the nature of substances. Pesticides (농약) are fat-soluble . Vinegar (식초) is water-soluble . They are opposites . Similarly, verbal abuse, complaints, and resentment are fat-soluble . Understanding others is water-soluble . This is an important lesson for young people .

Vitamins A, K, and D are fat-soluble . Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and can be consumed in large quantities without harm . Citric acid is water-soluble .

There is no inherently good or bad food, no medicine or poison . Anything consumed in moderation is medicine . Excess, even of rice, can be toxic . The time and quantity of consumption determine whether something is beneficial or harmful . Even poisons can be medicinal in the right context .

The same applies to humans . Viewing someone negatively makes them a “poison” to oneself . Viewing them positively makes them a “good person” . This is why the Bible speaks of not eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (善惡果) . Huh Kyung-young has come to abolish the Law (율법) on Earth . The Law, while intended to guide, can become a source of division and conflict when applied excessively . Jesus taught that the Law exists for humanity, not the other way around . Huh Kyung-young’s arrival signifies the dawn of a new era, where the Earth will become a paradise .

9. The Gift of Suffering and the Power of Opposite Action
   Close your eyes. When you open them, you appreciate the gift of sight . If you were to lose your sight, your perception of your spouse, whom you might have considered an enemy, would change . You would realize your dependence on them . We often take our senses for granted, using our sight to judge and mistreat others . Losing our sight would humble us, making us realize our dependence on those around us . It would force us to trust others .

The word “사라진다” (sarajinda), meaning “disappears” or “vanishes,” is composed of the characters “죽일 살” (殺), meaning “to kill,” and “나 아” (我), meaning “I” or “self” . It signifies that “I am dying” . Even as we sit, our eyesight diminishes, and our bodies move towards death, yet we are often unaware of this progression . We are like foolish sheep heading towards a cliff of death . Meeting a Messiah and understanding the truth should awaken us to this reality .

The phrase “살아가고 있다” (saragago itda), meaning “living,” is synonymous with “dying” . The character “라” (ra) in “사라진다” comes from “찰나” (刹那), meaning “a moment” or “an instant” . Thus, “사라진다” means “I am constantly disappearing in moments” . Our lives are a continuous process of dying . Time is short . We must not use our senses to judge or belittle others . If we were to lose our senses, we would realize our need for others, including Huh Kyung-young .

Elders often call for their youngest children when they are dying because the youngest often have a more informal and intimate relationship with their parents . This can lead to a parent being reborn as a grandchild in the youngest child’s family, a sign of blessing .

Good deeds, even accidental ones, lead to good outcomes . A young man who was denied a job at a bookstore but still swept the entrance in the snow was hired and eventually became a wealthy bookstore owner . This demonstrates the power of acting in opposition to expectations . When someone insults you, do not accept it as an insult; instead, respond with kindness . This “fermentation” of the mind accumulates blessings in heaven . Receiving praise, however, does not accumulate blessings .

A daughter who was scolded by her father for coming home late later gave him a rose, apologizing and promising to come home early . This act of “opposite action” moved her father, who then rewarded her . Abraham Lincoln, when criticized by his political opponent, appointed him as his Secretary of War, demonstrating his ability to value competence over personal feelings . This wisdom, learned through hardship, is the correct method of “fermentation” .

10. The Creator’s Design and the Role of the Mentor
    The Creator designed human blood types (eight in total) to ensure morality (도덕성) and prevent inbreeding (근친결혼) . In ancient times, before genetic testing, blood types helped identify paternity and maintain lineage . The lineage from Adam to Jesus, spanning approximately 6,000 years, was meticulously recorded to preserve this bloodline . While Jesus’s spiritual lineage is divine, his physical body originated from this human lineage .

The term “mentor” (멘토) originates from a character in Greek mythology, a wise and trusted advisor to King Odysseus . This Mentor educated Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, and guided him to become king even after Odysseus’s death . Thus, “mentor” came to signify an excellent teacher and guide . In this era, when humanity is like lost sheep, Huh Kyung-young serves as the mentor .

The voice of God is not directly heard by humans but comes through a representative . Huh Kyung-young’s lectures are the voice of God . If one perceives his voice as merely human, the teachings will not be retained . God’s voice can manifest in countless ways, through various individuals and situations, such as a mother’s scolding or a traffic officer’s warning .

The four aspects of self (아상) are all fat-soluble (지용성), meaning they accumulate in the mind . Their opposite is water-soluble (수용성), which is non-self (無我) . Until one achieves non-self, they will continue to live with both water-soluble and fat-soluble tendencies . Regularly practicing meditation, emptying the mind, and invoking Huh Kyung-young can lead to a water-soluble state, preventing the accumulation of negative thoughts and opening up one’s future .

Suffering (고통) is God’s first gift to humanity, intended to elevate them . It serves as a test, allowing us to learn and grow . When faced with suffering, humans tend to become fat-soluble, accumulating negativity . However, we must embrace it . God gives suffering to prepare us for something better, to upgrade us . Without suffering, our foundations would be weak, like a Tower of Babel (바벨탑) that crumbles . Therefore, suffering is an opportunity from heaven . Passing these tests, through diligent study, is essential for opening the path to paradise .

Seeking revenge on Earth, though it may lead to victory in this life, results in defeat in the spiritual realm . Conversely, losing on Earth can lead to victory in heaven . Fat-soluble thoughts are foolish . On Earth, losing is often winning . Physical desires are fat-soluble, while spiritual desires are water-soluble .

This lecture reveals that fermentation isn’t just about food; it’s a metaphor for life’s processes, including spiritual growth and the balance of good and bad within us. It explains how our physical and mental well-being are intertwined with these “fermentation” cycles, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and proper living.

1. The Four Ways Life is Born and the Concept of Parasitism
   Life can be born in four ways: from sacrifice, from eggs, from a womb, or through transformation, and parasitism is a way of life where one relies on another, which is becoming more common in modern society.

1.1. The Four Birth Types

1. There are four ways living things are born:
2. Sacrifice (기생): This refers to organisms that live by relying on others, like a tree living off the soil, or a parasite living on a host, which is the most common form of life on Earth .
3. Egg-laying (난생): This is when life comes from an egg, like birds or reptiles .
4. Live birth (태생): This is when life is born from a womb, like humans and most mammals .
5. Transformation (화생): This is when an organism changes form, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, which involves multiple stages of life .

• For example, a butterfly starts as an egg, becomes a caterpillar, and then transforms into a butterfly, going through three stages . This is different from simply being born from an egg because of the multiple transformations .
• Cicadas are also an example of transformation, as they spend a long time as larvae underground before becoming adult cicadas .

1.2. Parasitism in Human Society

1. Parasitism is a way of life where people rely on others, and it is becoming more common, especially among young people who depend on their parents .

2. In contrast, self-sufficiency (자생) means living independently and creating one’s own path .

3. Many older generations, despite facing hardships like supporting large families, ended up with no assets in their old age because they were self-sufficient and gave everything to their children .

4. This situation highlights the struggles of self-sufficient individuals in a society that often doesn’t support them, raising questions about leadership and social welfare .

5. When applying for a job, it’s important to view the interviewer not as a superior, but as a child, which can help reduce anxiety and create a more natural interaction .

6. This approach helps you answer questions more naturally and avoid being overly formal or trying too hard to impress .

7. People with a “crooked nose” (a metaphor for a critical or negative outlook) tend to be more critical and see flaws, which can lead them to be in opposition (like an opposition party) .

8. In contrast, those with a “straight nose” (a positive outlook) tend to see things favorably and are more likely to succeed and become leaders .

9. A negative mindset can prevent people from rising to leadership positions, keeping them in a subordinate role .

10. The Power of Thought and the Nature of Reality
    Our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful impact on our reality, influencing everything from our physical appearance to our spiritual journey, and understanding this connection is key to navigating the different realms of existence.

2.1. Thoughts Shape Reality

1. Our thoughts and beliefs can influence our physical appearance and destiny .
2. For example, if you strongly desire to have a smaller face, your face can actually become smaller .
3. Similarly, constantly thinking about a specific person, like Heo Kyeong-yeong, can lead to changes in your appearance to resemble them .
4. Therefore, changing your life’s direction starts with changing your thoughts and focusing on positive things .
5. A person’s nose, particularly its tip, is believed to be connected to their wealth, and while other facial features can be changed, the nose tip is harder to alter .
6. This suggests that some aspects of our destiny are more fixed, while others are more malleable through our thoughts and actions .

2.2. The Cycle of Rebirth and the Realms of Existence

1. The concept of karma dictates that our actions in this life determine our next existence, with negative actions leading to lower realms .

2. The lowest realm is hell (지옥계), which is not a physical place but a state of existence for those who have committed many sins .

3. The next lowest realm is the realm of hungry ghosts (아귀계), which is similar to the realm of microorganisms .

4. Then comes the animal realm (축생계), where those with less severe karma are reborn as animals .

5. The highest realm is the human realm (인간계), followed by the heavenly realm (천상계) .

6. Fermentation (발효) is a process where both beneficial and harmful microorganisms interact, similar to how good and bad actions exist in life .

7. Just as harmful microorganisms are necessary for the natural world, negative experiences can also play a role in our spiritual journey .

8. The lecture’s title, “The Truth of Fermentation,” suggests that understanding this balance is crucial for spiritual growth .

9. The Microscopic World and Its Impact on Health
   The world is filled with incredibly tiny organisms, from microorganisms to viruses, which are often invisible to the naked eye but have a profound impact on our health and well-being.

3.1. The Scale of Microorganisms

1. The world contains various microscopic entities, each with different sizes and characteristics:
2. Microorganisms (미생물): These are tiny living things, with some being as small as one-millionth of a meter (1 micrometer) .
3. Nanometer-sized organisms: Even smaller are those measured in nanometers, which are one-billionth of a meter .
4. Viruses (바이러스): These are even smaller than nanometer-sized organisms, often measured in angstroms (one ten-billionth of a meter) .

• Viruses are so small that they cannot be seen with regular microscopes and are difficult to combat with vaccines .
• This is why common colds, often caused by viruses, are hard to cure with medicine; rest and good nutrition are the main treatments .
• Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or dead form of the virus, allowing the body to build immunity without getting severely sick .

2. The human body has natural defenses, like the nose and lungs, that can filter out particles up to one-millionth of a meter .
3. However, smaller particles, like those from pollution (e.g., yellow dust from China), can bypass these defenses and enter the bloodstream, causing hardening of the blood vessels .
4. These tiny particles can turn blood into a “flour-like” substance, highlighting the danger of invisible pollutants .

3.2. The Dangers of Smog and Pollution

1. Smog is a dangerous combination of smoke (soot) and fog, where smoke is oil-soluble and fog is water-soluble .

2. When these two combine, they create a harmful mixture that can be deadly, especially for children and the elderly .

3. A historical example is the Great Smog of London, where a lack of wind and widespread use of coal for heating led to a thick, deadly smog that caused many deaths .

4. The particles in smog are so small (one ten-billionth of a meter) that they can easily enter the body through the skin and lungs, bypassing natural defenses .

5. During periods of heavy smog, it is advisable to avoid outdoor activities, especially intense exercise, as this increases the intake of harmful particles .

6. The Importance of Gut Health and the Balance of Microorganisms
   Maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut is crucial for overall health, as these tiny beings play a vital role in digestion and immunity.

4.1. The Role of Microorganisms in Digestion

1. Microorganisms in the gut produce substances that the human body can absorb as nutrients .
2. While we don’t directly absorb the microorganisms themselves, their byproducts are beneficial .
3. A large quantity of these beneficial microorganisms and their byproducts is essential for good health .
4. Fermentation is the process where oil-soluble and water-soluble substances combine, leading to beneficial outcomes .
5. However, there are also harmful microorganisms that produce “bad” fermentation, which can be detrimental to our health .

4.2. Balancing Good and Bad Microorganisms

1. For optimal human health, the ratio of good to bad microorganisms in the gut should be roughly 50/50 .

2. Consuming fermented foods like kimchi helps maintain this balance, which can boost immunity and protect against diseases like SARS .

3. If the balance is off, with too many bad microorganisms (e.g., 70-80%), it can lead to health problems .

4. Harmful microorganisms are actually more efficient at breaking down food than good ones, but they also produce toxins .

5. Therefore, a balance is needed, as completely eliminating bad microorganisms is impossible due to the nature of the food we eat .

6. In infants, the gut microbiome is still developing, and they may have a higher proportion of bad microorganisms, which is why their stool can be different .

7. Good microorganisms help neutralize the gas and toxins produced by bad microorganisms, preventing discomfort .

8. Consuming fermented foods like yogurt can help maintain this balance and prevent issues like gas .

9. The Importance of Eating Habits and Internal Organ Function
   Proper eating habits, particularly allowing sufficient time for digestion, are crucial for maintaining the health of our internal organs, which are divided into “clean” and “dirty” systems, each with unique functions.

5.1. Optimal Eating Schedule for Organ Health

1. The human body’s digestive system operates on a 12-hour cycle, meaning there should be a 12-hour gap between meals for optimal health .
2. For example, if you eat dinner at 7 PM, you should not eat again until 7 AM the next day .
3. Eating too soon, like having breakfast at 5 AM after a 7 PM dinner, only allows for a 10-hour fast, which is insufficient and can lead to health problems .
4. This fasting period allows the stomach and intestines to rest and the microbial balance to be maintained .
5. Eating only two meals a day, with a 12-hour gap, is recommended for maintaining gut health .
6. Snacking late at night is detrimental to health because it disrupts this 12-hour fasting cycle .
7. Therefore, if you eat dinner at 7 PM, you should not eat anything until 7 AM the next day, even if it’s just a small snack .

5.2. The Two Systems of Internal Organs: Clean and Dirty

1. The human body has 11 “factories” or organs, which are divided into two main categories:
2. Five “clean” organs (오장): These are the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys .

• These organs are primarily involved in processing blood and are less directly involved in physical digestion .
• The liver, for example, produces bile that determines stool color; a healthy liver produces dark bile, while a diseased liver can lead to black or colorless stool .
• These organs are also deeply connected to our mental and emotional state, representing the “fermentation of the mind” .
• Negative emotions like hatred, excessive desire, or malicious thoughts can disrupt the “fermentation of the mind,” leading to physical illness .

2. Six “dirty” organs (육부): These are the stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, and triple warmer (삼초) .

• These organs are directly involved in the digestion and processing of food .
• They are considered “crude” organs because they can be surgically removed without immediately fatal consequences, unlike the “clean” organs .
• Physical illnesses related to these organs can often be managed through diet .

2. The “clean” organs are associated with spiritual or mental processes, while the “dirty” organs are associated with physical, material processes .

3. The “clean” organs are vital for life, and damage to them can be fatal .

4. The “dirty” organs are more about processing and elimination .

5. The Nature of Substances and the Importance of Balance
   Substances, including food and emotions, can be categorized as either oil-soluble or water-soluble, and maintaining a proper balance of these, along with moderation, is key to health and well-being.

6.1. Oil-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Substances

1. Substances can be classified as either oil-soluble (지용성) or water-soluble (수용성):
2. Oil-soluble: Pesticides, negative emotions like hatred, and vitamins A, D, E, and K are oil-soluble .
3. Water-soluble: Understanding others, positive emotions, and vitamins B and C are water-soluble .
4. This distinction is important because oil-soluble substances tend to accumulate in the body and mind, while water-soluble ones are more easily processed and eliminated .

6.2. Moderation in All Things

1. There is no inherently “good” or “bad” food or substance; its effect depends on the quantity and timing of consumption .

2. For example, even rice, a staple food, can become toxic if eaten in excess or at inappropriate times, like late at night .

3. Similarly, medicine can be a poison if taken incorrectly, but a cure if used appropriately .

4. This principle extends to human relationships: how we perceive and treat others determines whether they are a “poison” or a “medicine” in our lives .

5. The Evolution of Law and the Importance of Empathy
   Religious laws, like the Old Testament, were once necessary but are now being superseded by a new understanding that emphasizes human well-being and empathy over strict adherence to rules.

7.1. The Changing Nature of Law

1. The speaker claims to have come to Earth to replace old laws with new ones, similar to how Jesus came to fulfill and change the Old Testament .
2. Historically, strict adherence to religious laws led to conflict and persecution, as seen with the Jewish people and early Christians .
3. Jesus taught that laws exist for the benefit of humanity, not the other way around, emphasizing compassion over rigid rules .
4. Excessive adherence to any belief system, whether religious or otherwise, can lead to negative outcomes, including violence and division .
5. The speaker suggests that a new era is coming where these old, rigid laws will be replaced by a more harmonious understanding .

7.2. The Gift of Sight and the Lesson of Humility

1. The ability to see is a precious gift that we often take for granted, and losing it can profoundly change our perspective .

2. If one were to suddenly lose their sight, conflicts with loved ones, like a spouse, would likely diminish as priorities shift to survival and reliance on others .

3. This experience would foster humility and gratitude, making one realize the importance of those who support them .

4. We should regularly reflect on the possibility of losing our senses or physical abilities, as this can lead to greater empathy and appreciation for others .

5. By imagining ourselves blind, we would be forced to trust others, highlighting the value of faith and human connection .

6. The Fleeting Nature of Life and the Importance of Awakening
   Life is a continuous process of dying, and recognizing this fleeting nature should motivate us to seek truth and live with compassion, as our actions have karmic consequences that determine our future existences.

8.1. Life as a Process of Dying

1. The act of “living” is synonymous with “dying,” as every moment brings us closer to the end of life .
2. The Korean word for “disappear” (사라진다) contains the character for “death” (사), emphasizing this concept .
3. This constant, momentary disappearance is like a “flash” (찰나), where each instant passes away .
4. Just as sheep blindly follow their leader to a cliff, humans often live without realizing they are constantly moving towards death .
5. Therefore, it is crucial to “awaken” to this truth and seek deeper understanding, as time is limited .
6. Ignoring this reality and living a superficial life will ultimately lead to a miserable outcome .

8.2. Karma, Rebirth, and the Power of Good Deeds

1. Our actions in this life determine our future existences, a concept known as karma .

2. Those who live selfishly and harm others are likely to be reborn into lower realms, such as the animal realm or even as microorganisms .

3. Conversely, those who live kindly and perform good deeds accumulate positive karma, leading to more fortunate rebirths .

4. The speaker emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity, citing an example of a wealthy family’s son who shared his lunch with a poor friend .

5. This act of kindness, though seemingly small, created positive karma that benefited the family in the long run, illustrating the principle of “what goes around comes around” .

6. Even in difficult situations, choosing kindness and understanding over anger and resentment can lead to positive outcomes .

7. The concept of marriage (결혼) is also linked to ancestral spirits, as the union is seen as bringing together the spirits of both families .

8. This highlights the interconnectedness of past, present, and future generations .

9. The Path to Enlightenment and the Nature of Self
   The journey to enlightenment involves understanding the different stages of spiritual awakening, recognizing the various forms of “self” that hinder progress, and embracing the transformative power of suffering.

9.1. Stages of Spiritual Awakening

1. The path to spiritual awakening involves several stages:
2. Sudden Enlightenment (정각): This is an immediate and profound realization of truth .
3. Gradual Enlightenment (점수): This involves a progressive understanding and cultivation of wisdom .
4. Nirvana (열반): This is a state of ultimate peace and freedom from suffering .
5. Liberation (해탈): This is the release from the cycle of rebirth .
6. Samadhi (삼매): This is a state of deep meditative concentration .
7. Emptiness (공): This is the realization that all phenomena are devoid of inherent existence .
8. True enlightenment requires wisdom and independent thought, not just blindly following a leader .
9. It involves correctly understanding and accepting reality, even if it’s difficult .
10. This contrasts with superficial understandings or conflicts, like those between labor unions and management, which often miss the deeper truth .

9.2. The Five Forms of “Self” (아상)

1. In Buddhist philosophy, there are five forms of “self” (아상) that hinder spiritual progress:
2. Self-love (아애): This is an excessive love for oneself, which can lead to selfishness and a lack of compassion for others .

• An example is a child who only cares about their own meal, not noticing a hungry friend .
• This self-love is oil-soluble, meaning it accumulates in the mind .

2. Self-importance (아만): This is arrogance and pride, where one believes they are superior to others .

• This can manifest as judging others’ relationships while excusing one’s own similar actions .

3. Self-view (아견): This is a rigid attachment to one’s own opinions and beliefs, making it difficult to accept other perspectives .
4. Self-conceit (아치): This is a form of ignorance or foolishness where one is unaware of their own flaws or potential for failure .

• This ignorance can lead to making poor decisions, like investing everything without proper knowledge .

5. Self-grasping (아집): This is the clinging to the idea of a permanent, independent self .
6. These five forms of “self” are all oil-soluble, meaning they accumulate in our minds and prevent spiritual growth .
7. To overcome them, one must practice selflessness (무아), constantly emptying the mind and letting go of attachments .

9.3. The Gift of Suffering and the Voice of God

1. Suffering (고통) is a gift from God, serving as a test to help us grow and achieve greater things .

2. When faced with hardship, it’s an opportunity to learn and overcome challenges, leading to greater rewards .

3. However, many people react to suffering with negativity, which is an oil-soluble response .

4. The voice of God can be heard through various channels, not just directly .

5. It can be heard through the teachings of spiritual leaders, the wisdom in our hearts, or even the advice of loved ones .

6. Recognizing these diverse sources of divine guidance is crucial for spiritual growth .

7. The Importance of Mentorship and Ancestral Lineage
   Mentors play a crucial role in guiding individuals, especially in times of uncertainty, and understanding one’s ancestral lineage is vital for maintaining identity and connection to the past.

10.1. The Role of a Mentor

1. A mentor is a guide who helps others navigate life’s challenges and achieve their potential .
2. The term “mentor” originates from a character in Greek mythology who was entrusted with educating a king’s son while the king was at war .
3. This mentor successfully raised the prince to become a wise king, demonstrating the profound impact a good mentor can have .
4. In times of confusion and uncertainty, like “sheep without a shepherd,” a mentor is essential to provide direction and wisdom .
5. The speaker positions himself as such a mentor, offering guidance to those who seek it .
6. However, true mentorship requires an open mind and a willingness to learn, rather than rigid adherence to existing beliefs .

10.2. The Significance of Ancestral Lineage

1. Ancestral lineage, or bloodline, is crucial for understanding one’s identity and connection to history .
2. The Bible, for example, meticulously records the lineage from Adam to Jesus, highlighting the importance of an unbroken bloodline .
3. Any break in this lineage, such as a child being born from a different father, would invalidate the entire ancestral record .
4. This concept applies to all cultures, including the Korean Dangun lineage, where the purity of the bloodline is considered vital .
5. While Jesus’s spiritual lineage is divine, his physical body is also connected to this earthly bloodline .

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This lecture reveals that fermentation is a metaphor for how our minds process experiences, categorizing them as either water-soluble (positive, adaptable) or fat-soluble (negative, rigid). It explains how these mental “fermentations” influence our physical health and spiritual journey, emphasizing that embracing a “water-soluble” mindset is key to well-being and spiritual growth.

1. Understanding Life Forms and Human Existence
   This section explores different ways living beings are born and exist, contrasting traditional classifications with a broader view that includes human societal behaviors.

1.1. Classification of Life Forms

1. Parasitism (寄生): Organisms that live by relying on others
2. Many creatures, like parasites and insects, live by attaching to other life forms, such as trees or human bodies
3. Humans can also be parasitic, relying on others for survival
4. This is the most common way of life in the world
5. Oviparous (卵生): Born from eggs
6. Examples include chickens and other birds, as well as lizards and turtles
7. Viviparous (胎生): Born from a mother’s womb
8. Most animals, including humans, are born this way
9. Metamorphic (化生): Organisms that undergo transformation
10. This includes insects like caterpillars that transform into butterflies, going through multiple stages (egg, larva, butterfly)
11. Cicadas are an example; they emerge from eggs, live as larvae underground, and then transform into cicadas for a short life
12. Humid-born (攝生): Organisms born from moisture or dampness
13. This category primarily refers to microorganisms

1.2. Self-Reliance vs. Parasitism in Human Society

1. Self-reliance (자생) is the opposite of parasitism, meaning to live independently
2. Older generations often lived self-reliantly, building their lives from scratch in difficult times like post-war periods
3. These self-reliant individuals often sacrificed their own wealth to support their families, leaving them with nothing in old age
4. Parasitism is increasingly common among younger generations who rely on their parents
5. Some adult children continue to depend on their parents, even after marriage, and may even covet their parents’ assets
6. This behavior is not limited to specific professions; it describes a general tendency to rely on others

1.3. The Importance of Social Welfare and Support for the Elderly

1. The government should prioritize the welfare of the elderly, especially those who lived self-reliant lives and sacrificed for their families

2. Promises of support, like providing 200,000 won to seniors, should be fulfilled with utmost commitment

3. Delaying elder care until after the self-reliant generation has passed is unacceptable

4. Understanding Human Behavior and Destiny
   This section delves into how individual attitudes and actions, particularly positive versus negative outlooks, shape one’s destiny and physical characteristics, emphasizing the power of mindset.

2.1. The Impact of Mindset on Physical Appearance and Destiny

1. Positive vs. Negative Outlook: A person’s mindset can influence their physical features and life path
2. People with a slightly crooked nose are often seen as critical and negative, naturally inclined to be in opposition (like an opposition party)
3. This negative mindset can lead to unfortunate events, such as physical injuries to the nose, reinforcing their negative outlook
4. In contrast, people with a straight nose tend to view things positively, even bad situations or people
5. Those with a positive mindset are more likely to become leaders, like CEOs, while negative individuals often remain in subordinate roles, like labor union members
6. Changing One’s Face and Destiny: It is possible to change one’s face and destiny through persistent positive thinking
7. Just as a woman can experience a phantom pregnancy by intensely desiring it, one can change their facial features by consistently imagining the desired outcome
8. This concept suggests that by focusing on positive aspirations, individuals can transform their lives and even their physical appearance

2.2. The Significance of Facial Features in Predicting Fortune

1. Certain facial features, like the nose, are believed to indicate a person’s fortune, particularly wealth
2. For example, the nose of Lee Jae-yong, the son of Lee Kun-hee of Samsung, is considered a “chaebol nose,” signifying stable wealth
3. While some aspects of facial structure, like the nose bone, can be altered, certain fundamental features are difficult to change
4. It is challenging to completely transform one’s face to become a top billionaire, even with effort, because some core elements are predetermined

2.3. The Decline of Self-Reliance and Rise of Parasitism

1. The era of self-reliance is fading, replaced by a growing generation of parasitic individuals

2. Many young people today rely on their parents’ accumulated wealth, such as buildings, homes, and apartments

3. Some even anticipate their parents’ passing to inherit their assets, highlighting a lack of self-sufficiency

4. This trend indicates a weakening of character among young people, with many being “weak” and inclined to be parasitic

5. While adults may not have created enough jobs, society needs to invest boldly in the youth and protect the elderly

6. The Buddhist Concept of the Ten Realms and Reincarnation
   This section explains the Buddhist concept of the Ten Realms, which describe different states of existence based on one’s karma, from the lowest forms of life to enlightenment.

3.1. The Four Births and the Realms of Existence

1. The Four Births (四生): In Buddhism, beings are born in four ways, which are linked to their karma
2. Humid-born (攝生): This is considered the lowest realm, akin to hell, where beings like microorganisms are born
3. Those who commit many sins and harbor hatred are reborn as humid-born creatures, unable to see the sun
4. Oviparous (卵生): Born from eggs
5. Viviparous (胎生): Born from a womb
6. Metamorphic (化生): Born through transformation, like insects
7. The Ten Realms (十界): These realms represent different states of existence, from suffering to enlightenment
8. Hell Realm (地獄界): The lowest realm, where beings suffer greatly
9. Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界): Similar to the humid-born realm, where beings are like ghosts and cannot receive a physical body
10. Animal Realm (畜生界): Where animals are born
11. Asura Realm (修羅界): A realm of conflict and jealousy
12. Human Realm (人界): The realm of humans
13. Heavenly Realm (天上界): The realm of gods and celestial beings
14. Sound-Hearer Realm (聲聞界): For those who hear the Buddha’s teachings and attain enlightenment
15. Pratyekabuddha Realm (緣覺界): For those who attain enlightenment independently
16. Bodhisattva Realm (菩薩界): For those who delay their own enlightenment to help others
17. Buddha Realm (佛界): The highest state of complete enlightenment

3.2. Microorganisms and the Scale of Existence

1. Microscopic Life: The universe contains incredibly tiny life forms, often invisible to the naked eye

2. Microorganisms: Measured in micrometers (one-millionth of a meter), roughly the size of a human hair

3. Nanometer-sized organisms: Measured in nanometers (one-billionth of a meter), such as influenza viruses

4. Scientists have developed vaccines for influenza because these organisms can be studied and understood

5. Angstrom-sized organisms: Measured in angstroms (one-hundred-billionth of a meter), such as viruses

6. Viruses are so small they are difficult to see even with microscopes, making it hard to develop vaccines for them

7. When humans commit many sins, they may be reborn as viruses

8. The only way to combat common colds (caused by viruses) is rest, good nutrition, and fever reduction

9. Pico-sized organisms: Measured in picometers (one-trillionth of a meter)

10. Femto-sized organisms: Measured in femtometers (one-quadrillionth of a meter)

11. Fico-sized organisms: Measured in ficometers (one-quintillionth of a meter)

12. Complexity of Microscopic Life: Even the smallest organisms possess complex brain structures and nervous systems

13. For example, a mosquito’s brain, though tiny, allows for precise nerve transmission and a beating heart

14. This complexity highlights the intricate design of creation

15. The Nature of Stress and Smog: Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble
    This section explains how stress and smog are formed by the combination of different elements, categorizing them as either water-soluble or fat-soluble, and discusses their impact on health and the environment.

4.1. The Composition and Effects of Stress and Smog

1. Stress: A combination of “strain” (squeezing, tearing) and “press” (pushing down)
2. When a person experiences stress, it feels like their head is being pressed down, and their cells are being squeezed and crushed, leading to cell death
3. Smog: A combination of “smoke” (soot, fat-soluble) and “fog” (mist, water-soluble)
4. Smoke is harmful to the body, while fog itself is not inherently bad
5. When these two elements combine, they create smog, which can be deadly
6. The 1952 London Smog event, caused by a thick, stagnant cloud of smoke and fog, resulted in thousands of deaths, particularly among children and the elderly
7. People, unable to see the sun and feeling cold, turned on their boilers, which released more smoke into the already dense fog, exacerbating the problem

4.2. The Dangers of Microscopic Pollutants

1. Particle Size and Health Impact: The size of pollutants determines how deeply they penetrate the body

2. The human nose and lungs can filter particles down to about one-millionth of a meter (micrometers)

3. Smaller particles, like those in nanometers (one-billionth of a meter), can bypass the body’s natural filters and enter the bloodstream through the skin or lungs

4. These tiny pollutants, such as yellow dust from China or emissions from boilers, can harden blood vessels and cause health problems

5. Smog and Health Precautions: Smog poses a significant threat to human health, especially for vulnerable populations

6. It is crucial to avoid outdoor activities during smoggy conditions, as inhaling these pollutants can be fatal

7. This is particularly important for those who are not wealthy enough to afford extensive medical care

8. The Truth of Fermentation: Water-Soluble and Fat-Soluble Aspects of Life
   This section explains the concept of fermentation as a metaphor for how our minds process experiences, categorizing them as either water-soluble (positive, adaptable) or fat-soluble (negative, rigid), and how this influences our physical health and spiritual journey.

5.1. Fermentation as a Metaphor for Mental and Physical Processes

1. Fermentation (醱酵): The process of fermentation involves both fat-soluble (發) and water-soluble (酵) elements
2. Fat-soluble represents negative or rigid aspects, while water-soluble represents positive or adaptable aspects
3. This concept applies to both physical processes, like digestion, and mental processes, like how we process experiences
4. Microorganisms and Digestion: Microorganisms play a crucial role in fermentation within the human body
5. While we consume microorganisms, it’s their waste products (excrement) that are beneficial for our bodies, making them easier to absorb
6. This combination of fat-soluble and water-soluble elements through microbial activity can lead to positive outcomes

5.2. The Balance of Good and Bad Microorganisms

1. Harmful Microorganisms: The human body contains both beneficial and harmful microorganisms
2. About 70% of the body’s microorganisms are harmful, and their fermentation produces toxins
3. An imbalance, with too many harmful microorganisms (70-80%), can lead to brain diseases and strokes
4. Maintaining Balance: A healthy balance of 50% good and 50% bad microorganisms is essential for human health
5. Consuming fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi helps maintain this balance
6. Harmful microorganisms are necessary because they are more efficient at breaking down food, even though they produce some toxins
7. Good microorganisms help counteract the negative effects of harmful ones, preventing issues like skin diseases and atopic dermatitis

5.3. Karma and Rebirth as Microorganisms

1. Rebirth as Microorganisms: Individuals who commit many sins may be reborn as microorganisms in the intestines of others

2. In this state, they must provide benefits to the human host to atone for their sins

3. This process of atonement can take thousands of lifetimes, emphasizing that there is no free pass for one’s actions

4. The Principle of “What Goes Around Comes Around” (事必歸正)
   This section illustrates the universal principle that all actions, good or bad, eventually lead to corresponding consequences, emphasizing the importance of kindness and generosity.

6.1. The Inevitability of Consequences

1. Truth as “What Goes Around Comes Around”: The ultimate truth can be summarized as “what goes around comes around” (事必歸正), meaning everything eventually returns to its rightful state
2. There is no injustice in the universe; all events, even seemingly unfair ones, are part of a cosmic principle that restores balance
3. Therefore, there is no need to feel resentful or wronged, as everything happens for a reason

6.2. Historical Examples of Karma in Action

1. Korean War Executions: During the Korean War, many innocent civilians, including housewives and elders, were publicly executed by those in power

2. These executions often targeted wealthy individuals, carried out by former servants who had gained authority

3. The Story of the Lunchbox: A wealthy boy who shared his lunchbox with a poor classmate during school years later saved his family from execution during the war

4. The poor classmate, who had become an executioner, recognized the boy and secretly helped his family escape

5. This act of kindness, sharing a simple lunchbox, ultimately saved an entire family, demonstrating the principle of “what goes around comes around”

6. The wealthy boy later became a successful businessman, illustrating that good deeds lead to good fortune

7. The Importance of Generosity: This story highlights that even small acts of kindness can have profound and lasting positive consequences

8. Conversely, selfishness and greed can lead to negative outcomes

9. Parents should teach their children to share and be kind, as these virtues can bring blessings to the entire family

10. The Hierarchy of Birth and the Nature of Human Ignorance
    This section explores the different levels of existence based on the Buddhist concept of karma, from the most blessed to the most ignorant, using animal metaphors to describe human behavior.

7.1. The Blessings of Birth and Parental Love

1. Viviparous Birth (胎生): Being born from a mother’s womb, whether as an animal or a human, is considered a great blessing
2. This form of birth allows for the experience of a mother’s love, which is a significant advantage
3. Oviparous Birth (卵生): Being born from an egg, like a chick, means less direct maternal care
4. Hens cry after laying eggs because they instinctively know that humans will consume their offspring, except for the few eggs they will incubate
5. Chickens are considered spiritual animals, believed to be conduits for ancestral spirits, which is why they were used in traditional wedding ceremonies

7.2. The Ignorance of Humanity: The Metaphor of Sheep

1. The Most Ignorant Animal: In Buddhism, among viviparous animals, sheep are considered the most foolish

2. Sheep have very poor eyesight (0.01 vision), relying entirely on other sheep to navigate

3. If one sheep falls off a cliff, the entire flock will follow, unaware of the danger

4. This highlights their complete lack of foresight and independent judgment, necessitating a shepherd to guide them

5. Humans as Sheep: Jesus compared humans to sheep, emphasizing their ignorance and need for guidance

6. Humans often live without knowing what the future holds, blindly heading towards their own demise, much like sheep walking towards a cliff

7. This ignorance makes humanity vulnerable and in need of a Messiah to lead them

8. Cows vs. Sheep: In contrast to sheep, cows are considered intelligent animals that can sense their impending death

9. The Buddhist Ten Realms and the Path to Enlightenment
   This section outlines the Buddhist cosmology of the Ten Realms, detailing the journey from suffering through various states of existence to ultimate enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and correct understanding.

8.1. The Six Paths of Reincarnation (六道輪廻)

1. Buddhist Cosmology: Buddhism categorizes existence into ten realms, offering a more detailed analysis than other religions
2. The Six Lower Realms: These are the realms of continuous reincarnation, where beings cycle through different states based on their karma
3. Hell Realm (地獄界): A realm of intense suffering
4. Hungry Ghost Realm (餓鬼界): A realm of insatiable craving
5. Animal Realm (畜生界): Where animals are born
6. Asura Realm (修羅界): A realm of conflict and jealousy
7. Human Realm (人界): The realm of humans
8. Heavenly Realm (天上界): The realm of gods and celestial beings
9. Microorganisms as a Universe: From the perspective of a microorganism, the human body, such as the intestines, is an immense and endless universe where they live their entire lives

8.2. The Path to Enlightenment: Stages of Spiritual Awakening

1. The Four Noble Realms: Beyond the six paths of reincarnation are the realms of enlightenment
2. Sound-Hearer Realm (聲聞界): For those who attain enlightenment by hearing the Buddha’s teachings
3. Pratyekabuddha Realm (緣覺界): For those who attain enlightenment independently
4. Bodhisattva Realm (菩薩界): For those who delay their own enlightenment to help others
5. Buddha Realm (佛界): The highest state of complete enlightenment
6. Stages of Spiritual Progress: The journey to enlightenment involves several key steps
7. Sudden Enlightenment (頓悟): The initial, immediate realization of truth
8. Right Enlightenment (正覺): A deeper, correct understanding
9. Gradual Cultivation (漸修): Continuous practice and refinement
10. Nirvana (涅槃): Freedom from suffering
11. Liberation (解脫): Release from the cycle of rebirth
12. Bodhi (菩提): Awakening or enlightenment
13. Prajna (般若): Wisdom, an unwavering state of mind
14. Samadhi (三昧): Deep meditative concentration
15. No-Self (無我): The realization that there is no permanent, independent self
16. Attaining Buddhahood (成佛): The ultimate goal of becoming a Buddha

8.3. The Importance of Wisdom and Right Understanding

1. Wisdom for Enlightenment: To transcend the Ten Realms, one must first attain wisdom

2. Without wisdom, individuals are like ignorant sheep, blindly following leaders, which can lead to disaster if the leader is bad

3. Correct Understanding (正覺): True enlightenment requires a balanced perspective that encompasses all viewpoints, not just one’s own

4. For example, a correct understanding of labor relations would involve considering both the needs of CEOs and workers, ensuring fair distribution of profits and opportunities for workers to improve their lives

5. The Nature of Self (我相) and the Pitfalls of Capitalism
   This section explores the Buddhist concept of “self” (我相) and its various forms, linking them to the challenges of capitalism and the importance of selflessness for spiritual growth.

9.1. Capitalism vs. Communism and the Distribution of Wealth

1. Communism: The idea that the whole exists for the one, and the one exists for the whole
2. Capitalism: The system where the whole exists for the benefit of a few individuals
3. A small percentage of people control a vast majority of the world’s wealth, leading to many people sacrificing for the success of a few
4. Workers often spend their lives earning wages that barely cover expenses, leaving them with no assets after retirement
5. This system can leave individuals feeling empty and without tangible results for their lifelong efforts

9.2. The Five Aspects of Self (五我相)

1. The Concept of “Self” (我相): In Buddhism, the “self” is not a single entity but comprises five aspects that influence human behavior

2. The Five Aspects:

3. Self-Attachment (我執): Stubborn adherence to one’s own views, even when wrong

4. This can lead to conflict, such as marital disputes, when one refuses to learn from others

5. Self-Love (我愛): Excessive love for oneself

6. Individuals with strong self-love tend to prioritize their own needs, even at the expense of others, hindering their ability to accumulate good karma

7. The story of the boy who shared his lunchbox illustrates the positive outcome of having less self-love, as it led to his family’s salvation

8. Self-Conceit (我慢): Arrogance and pride

9. This leads individuals to elevate their own status and disregard others

10. Self-View (我見): Believing one’s own character or personality is superior

11. This causes individuals to judge others harshly while excusing their own similar actions

12. Self-Ignorance (我癡): Foolishness or delusion

13. This leads to poor decisions, especially in investments, resulting in losses

14. Self-ignorance is often rooted in self-attachment, preventing individuals from seeking knowledge or guidance

15. Interconnectedness of the Aspects: These five aspects are interconnected and influence each other, contributing to a “bad fermentation” within the mind

16. For example, self-ignorance can lead to self-love, and self-love can lead to self-conceit

17. True humility, allowing others to elevate you, is a sign of wisdom, contrasting with the arrogance of seeking high positions oneself

18. The Human Body: Factories, Cycles, and the Importance of Mindset
    This section describes the human body as a complex system of “factories” (organs) and “sewage systems” (digestive organs), emphasizing the importance of proper eating habits and a positive mindset for health.

10.1. The Body’s Internal “Factories” and “Sewage Systems”

1. The Body as a System: The human body is like a complex system of eleven “factories” (organs) managed by trillions of “employees” (cells)
2. Five Organs (五臟): These are like “water treatment plants” (상수도) that manage clean blood and are deeply connected to one’s mental state
3. Examples include the liver, spleen, kidneys, and large intestine
4. The liver, for instance, determines stool color through bile production, indicating its health
5. A negative mindset, filled with hatred and anger, can harm these organs, leading to physical illness
6. A positive, “water-soluble” mindset, free from excessive desire and malice, promotes the health of these organs
7. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the pancreas to aid in the digestion of meat, showcasing the body’s scientific design
8. Six Viscera (六腑): These are like “sewage treatment plants” (하수도) that process food and waste
9. Examples include the stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, and triple warmer (삼초)
10. These organs are directly involved in digestion and are considered less “noble” than the five organs, as parts can be removed without immediate death
11. However, severe diseases in these organs, like stomach or lung cancer, can still be life-threatening

10.2. The Importance of Eating Habits and Cycles

1. 12-Hour Fasting Cycle: The body’s organs, including the stomach, liver, heart, and spleen, require a 12-hour rest period between meals

2. Eating dinner at 7 PM means breakfast should be at 7 AM the next day

3. Failing to maintain this 12-hour fast, such as eating breakfast after only 10 hours, can lead to health problems

4. Late-night snacking is detrimental to health and is akin to “committing suicide”

5. Flexibility in Meal Frequency: The number of meals (one, two, three, or six) does not matter as long as the 12-hour fasting cycle is maintained

6. If dinner is eaten late, one might have to skip breakfast or eat only two meals to ensure the organs get their necessary rest

7. The Nature of Substances and Human Perception: Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble
   This section categorizes various substances and human behaviors as either water-soluble or fat-soluble, illustrating how perception and context determine whether something is beneficial or harmful.

11.1. Categorizing Substances and Behaviors

1. Fat-Soluble (지용성):
2. Pesticides: Harmful when consumed
3. Negative Communication: Abusive language, complaints, and criticism
4. Vitamins A, K, D: These vitamins are stored in the body’s fat
5. Water-Soluble (수용성):
6. Vinegar: Generally harmless
7. Positive Communication: Understanding others
8. Vitamins B, C, Citric Acid: These vitamins are excreted if consumed in excess

11.2. The Relativity of “Good” and “Bad”

1. No Inherently Good or Bad: There are no inherently good or bad foods, medicines, or poisons

2. Moderation is Key: Any substance, even rice, can become toxic if consumed in excess or at inappropriate times

3. Context Matters: Poisons, like snake venom, can be therapeutic when administered correctly in a medical setting

4. Perception Shapes Reality: How one perceives another person determines whether that person is “toxic” or “beneficial” to them

5. Viewing someone negatively makes them a “poison” to oneself, whereas viewing them positively makes them a “good person”

6. The Evolution of Law and the Importance of Compassion
   This section discusses the historical role of religious laws (율법) in society, their potential for both good and harm, and the need for a new, more compassionate approach to law.

12.1. The Dual Nature of Law

1. Law as Both Medicine and Poison: Laws, like those in ancient Israel, can be both beneficial and harmful

2. When laws are rigidly enforced or excessively emphasized, they can become a “poison,” leading to conflict and suffering

3. For example, the strict adherence to Jewish law led to the persecution of those who did not follow it, contributing to historical tragedies like the Holocaust

4. Jesus’s Teaching on Law: Jesus taught that laws exist for humanity, not the other way around

5. He emphasized compassion and saving lives over strict adherence to religious rules, such as healing on the Sabbath

6. The Need for a New Law: The speaker claims to have come to abolish existing laws and introduce a new one, aiming to end conflicts caused by rigid religious doctrines

7. Religious conflicts, such as those between Islam and Christianity, stem from an excessive emphasis on one’s own doctrines

8. The Value of Gratitude and the Illusion of Life
   This section encourages gratitude for one’s senses and challenges the perception of life as a continuous journey, revealing it as a constant process of dying.

13.1. Gratitude for Our Senses

1. Appreciating Sight: People often take their eyesight for granted, using it to judge and mistreat others
2. If one were to suddenly lose their sight, they would realize the immense value of their spouse and family, whom they might have previously taken for granted or mistreated
3. Reflecting on the possibility of blindness can foster humility and gratitude, leading to a greater appreciation for loved ones and a willingness to trust others
4. Vulnerability of the Body: Our bodies are fragile and can be altered at any moment, such as losing a limb or sight
5. This awareness should lead to treating others with respect and kindness, rather than judgment

13.2. Life as a Process of Dying

1. The Meaning of “Disappearing” (사라진다): The Korean word for “disappearing” (사라진다) is composed of characters meaning “to kill” (殺) and “I” (我), implying that one is constantly dying

2. Even as we sit, our eyesight is diminishing, and our bodies are moving towards death, a process often unnoticed

3. This continuous process of dying is what it means to be “living” (살아가고 있다)

4. The Urgency of Awakening: Given the brevity of life, it is crucial to awaken to this truth and make the most valuable use of one’s time

5. This means not judging others based on superficial qualities like appearance or wealth, but rather appreciating one’s own senses and the people around them

6. The Importance of Trust and the Cycle of Rebirth
   This section emphasizes the human need for trust, especially in times of crisis, and illustrates the concept of karma and rebirth through stories of familial bonds and unexpected rewards for good deeds.

14.1. The Search for Trust and Guidance

1. Seeking Trust in Crisis: When faced with severe challenges, such as blindness or terminal illness, people instinctively seek out someone they can trust for guidance
2. This highlights a fundamental human need for reliable support and belief in others

14.2. Familial Bonds and Rebirth

1. The Role of the Youngest Child: In many families, the youngest child often shares a closer, more informal relationship with parents
2. This closeness often leads parents to seek out their youngest child in their final moments or to live with them in old age
3. Rebirth within the Family: It is believed that virtuous individuals can be reborn into their own families, such as a grandfather being reborn as his granddaughter’s child
4. This is seen as a blessing for the family, indicating good karma

14.3. Karma and Unexpected Rewards

1. The Temple Worker’s Rebirth: A temple worker who accidentally caused a fire in a temple, but lived a virtuous life, was reborn as a princess

2. As a princess, she fulfilled her past life’s wish by building a new temple, demonstrating how good intentions and prayers can manifest in future lives

3. This illustrates that sincere prayers from good people are answered, and unintentional mistakes do not carry the same karmic weight as deliberate harm

4. The Bookstore Owner’s Success: A poor young man who was denied a job at a bookstore, but then selflessly swept the snow from its entrance, was eventually hired and became a successful bookstore owner

5. His act of kindness, despite being rejected, impressed the manager and led to his success, showing that responding to adversity with generosity can lead to unexpected rewards

6. The Power of “Opposite Action” and the Nature of Fermentation
   This section introduces the concept of “opposite action” as a key to success and spiritual growth, linking it to the idea of “good fermentation” in human interactions and personal development.

15.1. The Principle of “Opposite Action”

1. Good Fermentation in Relationships: To achieve “good fermentation” in relationships and accumulate blessings, one should act in opposition to negative treatment

2. When someone criticizes or insults you, accepting it and even apologizing can lead to blessings

3. Conversely, only being grateful to those who praise you does not accumulate blessings

4. Examples of Opposite Action:

5. A daughter, scolded by her father for coming home late, responded by giving him a rose and apologizing, which softened his heart and earned her a reward

6. Abraham Lincoln appointed his political opponent, who often criticized his appearance, as his Secretary of War, demonstrating his magnanimity and earning respect

7. The Path to Greatness: Individuals who learn to practice “opposite action” and endure hardship develop a strong character, like Abraham Lincoln, who rose from humble beginnings to become a respected leader

8. The Creator’s Design: Blood Types, Mentors, and Divine Communication
   This section explores the divine purpose behind human blood types, the historical origin of the term “mentor,” and the nature of God’s communication through various channels.

16.1. The Purpose of Blood Types

1. Divine Design: The Creator designed humans with eight different blood types for specific reasons
2. Moral Guidance: Blood types historically served as a way to verify paternity and encourage moral behavior, especially before the advent of DNA testing
3. If a child’s blood type was incompatible with their parents’, it indicated infidelity
4. Immunity and Lineage: Blood types also played a role in immunity and preventing inbreeding, which was common in ancient lineages like that of Jesus
5. The speaker claims to know the entire lineage from Adam to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of pure bloodlines

16.2. The Origin of the Term “Mentor”

1. Historical Figure: The term “mentor” originates from a wise and trustworthy individual named Mentor, a servant of a Greek king
2. The king entrusted Mentor with the education of his son while he went to war
3. Even after the king’s death, Mentor faithfully guided the son to become a king, embodying loyalty and excellent mentorship
4. Meaning: The name “Mentor” became synonymous with a wise and reliable guide or teacher

16.3. The Nature of God’s Voice

1. Indirect Communication: Humans cannot directly hear God’s voice; it is always conveyed through intermediaries or “deputies”

2. The speaker claims his own lectures are God’s voice, and if listeners perceive it as merely human, the message will be lost

3. Multiple Voices of God: God’s voice can manifest through countless channels, including the voices of all humanity

4. Even a mother’s scolding or a traffic officer’s warning can be considered God’s voice, guiding individuals

5. People often fail to recognize these divine messages, leading to negative consequences

6. The Path to Enlightenment: Overcoming Self and Embracing Suffering
   This section concludes by reiterating the concept of “self” (我相) as fat-soluble and the goal of “no-self” (無我) as water-soluble, emphasizing that suffering is a divine gift for growth and that true victory lies in humility.

17.1. The Self (我相) as Fat-Soluble and No-Self (無我) as Water-Soluble

1. The Nature of Self: The four aspects of “self” (我相) are inherently fat-soluble, meaning they accumulate in the mind
2. This accumulation can block one’s path and obscure the future
3. The Goal of No-Self: The opposite of “self” is no-self (無我), which is water-soluble
4. Achieving no-self requires daily practice of meditation, emptying the mind, and calling upon spiritual guidance
5. This process prevents negative thoughts from accumulating in the brain, opening up one’s future

17.2. Suffering as a Divine Gift for Growth

1. God’s First Gift: God’s initial gift to humanity, intended for spiritual advancement, is suffering
2. Suffering serves as a test, revealing one’s true character and providing opportunities for growth
3. When faced with suffering, humans tend to become “fat-soluble” (negative), but they must learn to “accept” (수용) it
4. Upgrading Through Pain: To bestow greater blessings, God provides suffering, which acts as a catalyst for personal “upgrades”
5. Without these trials, one’s foundation would be weak, like a “Tower of Babel” that crumbles
6. Therefore, suffering should be seen as an opportunity from heaven to pass a test and achieve higher spiritual states
7. The Importance of Study: Spiritual study is essential for opening the path to paradise

17.3. Victory in Humility and Spiritual Desire

1. Earthly Loss, Heavenly Gain: If one seeks to win on Earth by retaliating against enemies, they will lose in heaven
2. Conversely, losing on Earth (through humility and forgiveness) leads to victory in heaven
3. This “fat-soluble” (이지용성) way of thinking, focused on earthly victory, is foolish
4. Physical vs. Spiritual Desire: Physical desires are “fat-soluble,” while spiritual desires are “water-soluble”

Meeting Minutes: The Truth of Fermentation

Ⅰ. Meeting Overview

Category	Details
Date	November 2, 2013
Topic	The Truth of Fermentation
Speaker	Heo Kyeong-yeong
Source	YouTube Video: 허경영강연 898회 ‘발효의 진리’ (20131102) 합본

Ⅱ. Meeting Discussion
The lecture “The Truth of Fermentation” by Heo Kyeong-yeong discusses various aspects of life, human existence, and the universe, drawing parallels with the concept of fermentation.

1. Four Types of Birth and Life

• Parasitic (기생): Organisms that live by relying on others. In human terms, this refers to individuals who depend on others, such as young people relying on their parents .

• Oviparous (난생): Born from eggs, like insects (e.g., butterflies from caterpillars) and reptiles (e.g., turtles) .

• Viviparous (태생): Born from the womb, like mammals .

• Metamorphic (화생): Born through transformation, such as insects like cicadas that undergo larval stages .

• Ingestive (섭생): Life forms that arise from consuming other organisms, often associated with microorganisms .
  2. Microorganisms and the Universe

• Scale of Microorganisms: The lecture explains the incredibly small scale of microorganisms, from micrometers (1/1,000,000 of a meter) to nanometers (1/1,000,000,000 of a meter) and even smaller, like viruses .

• Viruses: Viruses are so small that they cannot be vaccinated against in the same way as bacteria; they are considered a form of life that arises from the “hell realm” (지옥계) due to accumulated negative karma .

• Fermentation: Fermentation is described as the combination of fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) elements, leading to beneficial outcomes .

  • Good microorganisms (beneficial bacteria) and bad microorganisms (harmful bacteria) exist in the human gut, ideally in a 50:50 ratio for a healthy body .
  • Harmful microorganisms are more efficient at breaking down food, but they produce toxins .
  • Maintaining a balance is crucial, and consuming fermented foods like kimchi can help achieve this .
    3. Human Body and Health

• Digestive System: The human body has 11 “factories” (organs), including the five major organs (오장: liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys) and six minor organs (육부: stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer) .

• Importance of Fasting: The stomach and intestines need 12 hours of rest between meals. Eating dinner at 7 PM means breakfast should be no earlier than 7 AM. Failure to observe this 12-hour fasting period can negatively impact health .

• Mind and Body Connection: The five major organs are linked to the “fermentation of the mind” (마음의 발효), while the six minor organs are related to physical fermentation (물질적인 발효) .

  • Negative emotions like hatred and excessive desire can harm the liver and other organs .
  • The color of stool can indicate liver health .
    4. Spiritual and Philosophical Concepts

• Six Realms of Reincarnation (육도 윤회): The lecture outlines the Buddhist concept of six realms of existence: hell (지옥계), hungry ghost (아귀계), animal (축생계), human (인간계), asura (수라계), and heaven (천상계) .

• Enlightenment (깨달음): The ultimate goal is to transcend these realms through enlightenment, leading to the path of a Buddha or Bodhisattva .

• Four Types of Self-Attachment (아상): The lecture discusses four types of self-attachment that hinder spiritual progress:

  • Self-Love (아애): Excessive love for oneself .
  • Self-Pride (아만): Arrogance and self-importance .
  • Self-View (아견): Holding onto one’s own opinions and biases .
  • Self-Ignorance (아치): Ignorance about oneself and the true nature of reality .

• Mentorship (멘토): The term “mentor” originates from a historical figure who guided a king’s son, emphasizing the importance of a wise guide in life .

• God’s Voice: God’s voice is not always a direct, audible sound but can be heard through various channels, including the words of a spiritual leader, the advice of a parent, or even traffic warnings .

• Suffering as a Gift: Suffering is presented as a gift from God, a test to help individuals grow and achieve greater things .
  5. Practical Wisdom

• Giving and Receiving: Giving to those who criticize or oppose you can bring blessings, while expecting praise for good deeds may not .

• Humility: Recognizing one’s own limitations and potential for loss (e.g., losing eyesight) can foster humility and appreciation for others .

• The Meaning of Life and Death: “Living” (살아간다) is equated with “dying” (사라진다), as every moment brings one closer to death. This awareness should motivate individuals to seek truth and live meaningfully .

Ⅲ. Action Items

• Review personal eating habits to ensure a 12-hour fasting period between dinner and breakfast .
• Reflect on the concept of “parasitic living” and strive for self-reliance .
• Consider the balance of good and bad microorganisms in the gut and explore ways to maintain it through diet .
• Practice mindfulness and manage negative emotions to promote mental and physical well-being .
• Seek out mentors or spiritual guides to aid in personal growth and understanding .
• Cultivate humility and gratitude in daily life .

1. Character Profiles

• 허경영 (Heo Kyung-young) | Lecturer | Delivers a lecture on various topics including life, human body, and spiritual concepts.
• 김꽃님 (Kim Kkot-nim) | Audience Member | Mentioned by the lecturer regarding her age and self-reliance.
• 장로님 (Elder) | Audience Member | Asked questions about hearing God’s voice.
• 박실장님 (Manager Park) | Audience Member | Mentioned in a hypothetical scenario about family and work.

3. Scene-by-Scene Summary

1 (00:00:00) The Four Types of Birth and Parasitism

• The lecture begins with a discussion of “희생 (sacrifice)” .
• There are four types of birth: 난생 (oviparous, born from eggs), 태생 (viviparous, born from the womb), 화생 (metamorphic, born through transformation), and 습생 (born from moisture) .
• 화생 refers to creatures like butterflies that undergo metamorphosis from egg to larva to butterfly .
• 습생 refers to microorganisms .
• Humans and animals are generally 태생, but if their environment changes, they can become 기생 (parasitic) .
• 기생 means living by relying on others, which is becoming more common among young people today .
• The opposite of 기생 is 자생 (self-reliance), which is about standing on one’s own feet .
• Many self-reliant individuals face hardships, often sacrificing their own wealth for family .
• The lecturer criticizes the lack of welfare for the elderly who have lived self-reliant lives .

2 (00:03:21) Interview Skills and Negative/Positive Attitudes

• The lecturer advises on job interviews, suggesting to view interviewers not as superiors but as children .
• The key is to approach them with a natural, childlike innocence, like talking to parents .
• People with a “twisted nose” (negative outlook) tend to be critical and see things negatively .
• These individuals often remain in lower positions, like laborers, while positive people rise to CEO roles .
• A negative attitude is not desirable .
• The lecturer emphasizes that one’s face can change based on their thoughts and desires .
• The ultimate goal is to change one’s life by changing one’s face through positive thinking .
• A “twisted nose” is associated with financial instability .
• The shape of one’s nose, especially the tip, is believed to determine wealth .

3 (00:07:01) The Cycle of Life and Parasitism

• The lecturer reiterates that self-reliance is better than parasitism .
• Parents who sacrifice everything for their children often end up with nothing in old age .
• Parasitism is not just about women in bars; many young people today are parasitic, relying on their parents .
• The four types of birth (희생, 난생, 화생, 습생) are determined by one’s karma .
• Committing many sins leads to rebirth as a lower life form, like a microorganism (습생), which is considered a form of hell .
• The lecture’s title, “발효의 진리 (The Truth of Fermentation),” relates to the balance of good and bad microorganisms .
• Fermentation involves both beneficial and harmful microorganisms, which are necessary for the natural world .
• Hell is the lowest realm, where those with many sins are reborn .
• 축생 (animal realm) is for those with fewer sins than those in hell .
• 아귀 (hungry ghost realm) is similar to 습생, where spirits suffer from hunger .

4 (00:10:00) Microorganisms and Viruses

• Microorganisms are incredibly small, with sizes like 1 micrometer (100 millionth of a meter) and 1 nanometer (10 billionth of a meter) .
• Viruses are even smaller, at 100 trillionth of a meter, and cannot be vaccinated against .
• The flu virus (인플루엔자) is an example of a virus that scientists have studied to create vaccines .
• Vaccines work by introducing a weakened form of the virus to allow the body to build immunity .
• The smallest life forms, like viruses, are beyond human control and understanding .
• The human body’s ability to filter particles is limited; our nose and lungs can filter particles up to 1 millionth of a meter .
• Smaller particles, like those from pollution (황사, 매연), can enter the bloodstream and cause hardening of the arteries .
• Masks are ineffective against these tiny particles .

5 (00:13:00) The Dangers of Smog and Fermentation

• The word “smog” is a combination of “smoke” (지용성, oil-soluble) and “fog” (수용성, water-soluble) .
• When these two combine, they create a harmful mixture .
• The Great Smog of London, caused by coal heating and fog, led to many deaths, especially among children and the elderly .
• This smog contained particles as small as 100 billionth of a meter, which bypass the body’s natural filters .
• Fermentation is the combination of oil-soluble and water-soluble elements, leading to beneficial outcomes .
• Microorganisms in the gut, both good and bad, contribute to fermentation .
• A healthy gut requires a 50/50 balance of good and bad microorganisms .
• Eating fermented foods like kimchi helps maintain this balance and boosts immunity .
• Bad microorganisms produce toxins and gas, while good ones help eliminate them .

6 (00:17:00) The Importance of Fasting and the Six Realms of Rebirth

• The human body operates on a 12-hour cycle for digestion .
• It’s crucial to fast for 12 hours between dinner and breakfast to allow the digestive organs to rest .
• Eating late or too frequently disrupts this cycle, leading to health problems .
• The body is designed to eat only two meals a day .
• The human body has 11 “factories” (organs), including the five major organs (오장) and six minor organs (육부) .
• The five major organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys) are related to “mental fermentation” .
• The six minor organs (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer) are related to “physical fermentation” and directly involved in digestion .
• The liver plays a crucial role in determining stool color, which indicates its health .
• Negative emotions like hatred and excessive desire disrupt the “mental fermentation” of the five major organs .
• The six realms of rebirth (육도 윤회) are: 지옥 (hell), 아귀 (hungry ghost), 축생 (animal), 아수라 (fighting demon), 인간 (human), and 천상 (heaven) .
• Beyond these are the realms of enlightened beings like 성문 (sravaka), 보살 (bodhisattva), and 부처 (buddha) .
• The Buddhist cosmology includes “ten realms” (십계) .
• The path to enlightenment involves stages like 정각 (sudden enlightenment), 점수 (gradual cultivation), 열반 (nirvana), and 해탈 (liberation) .

7 (00:21:00) Social Structures and Personal Responsibility

• Society can be seen as a struggle between labor (노조) and capital (CEO) .
• Capitalism, where a few individuals control most of the wealth, is compared to “the whole existing for one” .
• Many people sacrifice their lives for their families, only to find themselves with nothing in old age .
• Life is fleeting, like a single page of a resume .
• True wisdom comes from realizing this and seeking spiritual truth .
• The concept of “아상 (ego)” in Buddhism refers to five types of self-attachment .
• These include self-love (아애), arrogance (아만), and ignorance (아치) .
• Self-love, when excessive, leads to negative karma .
• Arrogance (아만) leads to self-exaltation and looking down on others .
• Ignorance (아치) is foolishness that can lead to ruin .
• These aspects of ego are “oil-soluble” (지용성), meaning they accumulate in the mind .
• To counteract this, one needs “water-soluble” (수용성) qualities like selflessness (무아) and emptying the mind through meditation .

8 (00:25:00) The Nature of Good and Bad Microorganisms

• The term “마요 (mayo)” refers to bad microorganisms, which produce toxins .
• Good microorganisms, when balanced with bad ones (50/50), maintain a healthy body .
• Bad microorganisms are more efficient at breaking down food .
• While good microorganisms are beneficial, a small amount of toxins from bad ones is unavoidable due to impure food .
• Yogurt, made with good microorganisms, helps balance the gut flora .
• The five major organs (오장) are associated with mental fermentation, while the six minor organs (육부) are associated with physical fermentation .
• Mental fermentation involves controlling emotions like hatred and greed .
• Physical fermentation involves the digestion of food .
• The liver produces bile, which aids in digestion and determines stool color .
• A healthy liver indicates good mental and physical balance .
• The six minor organs (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer) are directly involved in processing food .
• These organs are considered “crude” compared to the “important” five major organs .
• Diseases of the five major organs are often mental, while those of the six minor organs are physical and can be managed by diet .
• Eating late at night is detrimental to health, akin to suicide .
• All food can be either medicine or poison depending on the quantity and timing of consumption .

9 (00:30:00) The Law and Divine Intervention

• The lecturer claims that his arrival will abolish old laws and bring a new world .
• He criticizes religious fundamentalism, which has led to conflict and violence .
• The story of Stephen, who was stoned for saying God is not confined to temples, is cited as an example of religious intolerance .
• Jesus taught that laws are for humans, not the other way around .
• The lecturer emphasizes the importance of humility and gratitude, especially for one’s senses .
• Losing one’s sight, for example, would make one realize the value of family and trust in others .
• The word “사라진다 (sarajinda, disappears)” means “죽어간다 (jugeoganda, dying)” .
• “살아간다 (saraganda, living)” also implies “죽어간다 (jugeoganda, dying)” .
• Life is a continuous process of dying, and time is limited .
• People often seek comfort and trust in their final moments, often turning to their youngest child .
• Good deeds lead to good outcomes, even if mistakes are made .
• The story of a poor boy who became a successful publisher by being kind to a bookstore owner illustrates the power of good karma .
• Responding to criticism with kindness and apology accumulates good karma .
• Abraham Lincoln’s success is attributed to his ability to embrace and promote his opponents .

10 (00:35:00) The Purpose of Human Traits and the Role of a Mentor

• Humans have eight types of blood (혈액형) for reasons related to genetics and immunity .
• The lineage of Adam to Jesus, spanning 6,000 years, highlights the importance of pure bloodlines .
• A “mentor” is a guide or teacher, originating from a character in Greek mythology named Mentor, who guided Odysseus’s son .
• The lecturer claims to be such a mentor, guiding people .
• God’s voice is heard through various channels, including the lecturer’s voice, and even through a mother’s scolding .
• God’s voice is not always a direct, booming sound but can be subtle and pervasive .
• Human ego (아상) is “oil-soluble” (지용성), meaning it accumulates .
• To overcome ego, one needs “water-soluble” (수용성) qualities like selflessness (무아) and emptying the mind .
• Suffering and hardship are gifts from heaven, opportunities for growth and examination .
• Overcoming these challenges leads to greater rewards .
• Earthly desires are “oil-soluble,” while spiritual desires are “water-soluble” .

4. Other Useful Information

• Lecture Title: 허경영강연 898회 ‘발효의 진리’ (20131102) 합본 (Heo Kyung-young Lecture 898: ‘The Truth of Fermentation’ (20131102) Compilation)
• Source Type: YouTube Video
• Channel: 허경영본좌스튜디오 (Heo Kyung-young Bonjwa Studio)
• Upload Date: Not provided in the content.
• Subscribers: 141,000
• Country: KR
• Key Concepts Discussed:
  • Types of Birth: Oviparous, Viviparous, Metamorphic, Born from Moisture.
  • Life Philosophies: Self-reliance vs. Parasitism.
  • Microorganisms: Importance of balance in the human body.
  • Health and Diet: Fasting, meal timing, and the nature of food as medicine or poison.
  • Buddhist Cosmology: Six realms of rebirth and the path to enlightenment.
  • Ego (아상): Self-love, arrogance, ignorance, and their “oil-soluble” nature.
  • Mentorship: The role of a guide in life.
  • Divine Communication: How God’s voice is perceived.
  • Suffering: As a gift and opportunity for growth.

1. According to the lecture, what are the four ways living beings are born into the world?

(Parasitism, Oviparity, Metamorphosis, and Viviparity)

2. True or False: The lecture states that “parasitism” (기생) is a way of life where one relies on others, and it is becoming more common among young people.
   (True, The lecture emphasizes that relying on others, like young people depending on parents, is a form of parasitism and is increasing, contrasting it with self-sufficiency.)

3. What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where smoke and fog combine to create a harmful atmospheric condition?
   (Smog)

4. According to the lecture, what is the primary purpose of pain or suffering given to humans by heaven?
   ① To punish past sins
   ② To test and help them grow
   ③ To teach humility
   ④ To reveal their true nature
   (② To test and help them grow, The lecture states that pain is a gift from heaven, a test to help individuals grow and achieve greater things.)

5. Fill in the blank: The lecture explains that the human body has 11 “factories,” which are the __.
   (five viscera and six entrails (오장육부))

6. True or False: The lecture suggests that consuming food late at night, even healthy options like yogurt, can be detrimental because the stomach needs 12 hours of rest.
   (True, The lecture stresses the importance of giving the digestive system 12 hours of rest between dinner and the next meal, implying that late-night eating disrupts this cycle.)

Intermediate

1. The lecture discusses different types of “birth” or existence. Briefly explain the difference between “난생” (oviparity) and “화생” (metamorphosis) using examples from the text.
   (Oviparity (난생) refers to creatures born from eggs, like turtles. Metamorphosis (화생) describes creatures that undergo a multi-stage transformation after being born from an egg, such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly or a cicada larva developing underground before emerging as an adult. The key difference is the developmental stages after hatching.)

2. According to the lecture, what is the difference between “지용성” (fat-soluble) and “수용성” (water-soluble) in the context of environmental pollutants and human emotions?
   (In the context of pollutants, “지용성” (fat-soluble) refers to harmful substances like soot (매연) that can accumulate in the body, while “수용성” (water-soluble) refers to less harmful substances like fog (안개). When they combine, like in smog, they become dangerous. Emotionally, “지용성” represents negative emotions or self-centeredness (아상) that accumulate, while “수용성” represents the act of emptying one’s mind and being open to others.)

3. The lecture mentions “아상” (self-centeredness) as a negative trait. What are the four specific types of “아상” discussed, and how do they manifest?
   (The four types of “아상” are: 아애 (self-love/selfishness), 아만 (arrogance/pride), 아견 (self-view/stubbornness), and 아치 (self-ignorance/foolishness). They manifest as excessive self-love, arrogance, rigid self-opinion, and foolishness in one’s actions or beliefs, respectively.)

4. What is the significance of the “12-hour rule” for digestion, and what happens if it’s not followed?
   (The 12-hour rule emphasizes that the digestive organs, particularly the stomach, need a 12-hour break between meals to function optimally. If this rule is not followed, the balance of microorganisms in the gut can be disrupted, leading to health problems and hindering the body’s natural fermentation processes.)

5. Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the lecture’s view on the nature of “food” and “medicine”?
   ① Food is always beneficial, while medicine is always harmful.
   ② Medicine is always beneficial, while food can be harmful if misused.
   ③ Both food and medicine can be beneficial or harmful depending on quantity and timing.
   ④ Food and medicine are fundamentally different and cannot be compared.
   (③ Both food and medicine can be beneficial or harmful depending on quantity and timing., The lecture explicitly states that “everything is medicine if eaten appropriately, but poison if eaten excessively” and that “eating time and quantity determine if it’s poison or medicine.”)

6. Short Answer: Explain the concept of “발효” (fermentation) as presented in the lecture, particularly how it relates to “지용성” and “수용성” and the balance of microorganisms in the human body.
   (Fermentation (발효) is described as the combination of fat-soluble (지용성) and water-soluble (수용성) elements, leading to beneficial outcomes. In the human body, it involves the balance of good and bad microorganisms (ideally 50/50). Good microorganisms break down food more efficiently, and their byproducts are beneficial. If bad microorganisms dominate, they produce toxins, highlighting the importance of maintaining this balance through diet (e.g., consuming fermented foods like kimchi).)

Advanced

1. The lecture discusses the concept of “사라진다” (disappearing/fading away) and “살아간다” (living). How does the speaker connect these two seemingly opposite ideas, and what is the underlying philosophical message?
   (The speaker connects “사라진다” and “살아간다” by stating that “living” (살아간다) inherently means “dying” (죽어간다). Every moment we live, we are moving closer to death, and our physical being is constantly diminishing. The philosophical message is to recognize the transient nature of life and use the limited time wisely to seek truth and self-improvement, rather than being consumed by trivialities or negative emotions.)

2. Short Answer: How does the lecture relate the physical organs (오장육부) to mental and spiritual well-being, particularly concerning “fermentation”?
   (The lecture divides the “오장육부” into “오장” (five viscera) as “upper stream” (상수도) related to mental/spiritual fermentation, and “육부” (six entrails) as “lower stream” (하수도) related to physical/material fermentation. The “오장” (e.g., liver, heart) are linked to the “fermentation of the mind,” where negative emotions like hatred or greed disrupt their function, leading to physical illness. Proper “mental fermentation” (e.g., forgiveness, self-control) is crucial for overall health, just as physical fermentation in the “육부” (e.g., stomach, intestines) is vital for digestion.)

3. Multiple Choice: According to the lecture, what is the primary reason humans have different blood types (8 types)?
   ① To ensure genetic diversity for evolution.
   ② To allow for blood transfusions between individuals.
   ③ To prevent incest and maintain moral purity in early human societies.
   ④ To provide a basis for scientific study of human biology.
   (③ To prevent incest and maintain moral purity in early human societies., The lecture suggests that blood types were created by the “Creator” in early, less civilized times to prevent incest and ensure moral purity, as genetic testing was not available then.)

4. Short Answer: The lecture emphasizes the importance of “믿음” (faith/trust). How does the speaker illustrate the value of faith using the analogy of losing one’s eyesight?
   (The speaker uses the analogy of losing one’s eyesight to highlight the profound importance of faith and humility. When one becomes blind, they realize their dependence on others (like a spouse or children) and are forced to trust them completely. This experience fosters gratitude for what was taken for granted (eyesight) and teaches humility, making one realize the need to trust others, especially in times of vulnerability.)

Report on the Principles of Fermentation and Human Existence

Core Claim: Understanding the principles of “fermentation” (발효) in both physical and spiritual realms is crucial for individual well-being and societal harmony, as it dictates the balance between beneficial and harmful elements in life.

1. The Dual Nature of Fermentation: Physical and Spiritual
   Core Sentence: Fermentation, a process of transformation, manifests in both the physical body and the spiritual mind, influencing health and destiny.

• Physical fermentation involves the balance of beneficial and harmful microorganisms in the human gut, ideally at a 50:50 ratio for optimal health .
• Harmful microbes (e.g., those from bad fermentation) produce toxins and gas, contributing to illness, while beneficial ones aid digestion and immunity .
• Spiritual fermentation refers to the mind’s processing of thoughts and emotions, categorized as “water-soluble” (positive, forgiving) or “fat-soluble” (negative, self-centered) .
• A balanced spiritual fermentation (e.g., selflessness, wisdom) leads to positive life outcomes, while an imbalance (e.g., excessive self-love, ignorance) results in suffering and negative consequences .

2. The Impact of Lifestyle on Fermentation and Health
   Core Sentence: Daily habits, particularly dietary timing and mental disposition, directly influence the balance of fermentation, impacting both physical and mental health.

• Intermittent fasting (12 hours between dinner and breakfast) is crucial for gut health, allowing the digestive system to rest and reset, preventing microbial imbalance .
• Unclean food and irregular eating patterns disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to an increase in harmful bacteria and associated health issues .
• Excessive self-love (아상), arrogance (아만), and ignorance (아치) are “fat-soluble” mental states that accumulate in the mind, leading to negative spiritual fermentation and detrimental life paths .
• Cultivating selflessness (무아) and a forgiving mindset acts as a “water-soluble” agent, dissolving negative accumulations and fostering positive spiritual fermentation .

3. The Human Body as a Fermentation System
   Core Sentence: The human body, with its complex organ systems, functions as an intricate fermentation system where both physical and mental processes contribute to overall well-being.

• The Five Zang organs (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys) are associated with “mental fermentation,” akin to a water treatment plant, processing emotions and spiritual states .
• The Six Fu organs (stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer) are linked to “physical fermentation,” functioning as a sewage treatment plant, handling digestion and waste elimination .
• Mental fermentation (e.g., managing anger, greed, ignorance) directly impacts the health of the Zang organs; negative emotions can “heat up” the liver, affecting physical health .
• Physical fermentation (e.g., proper digestion, waste removal) is crucial for the Fu organs; maintaining a healthy gut microbiome supports efficient processing of food and toxins .

4. The Path to Positive Transformation
   Core Sentence: Embracing wisdom, practicing selflessness, and maintaining healthy habits are essential for achieving positive fermentation and a fulfilling life.

Principle	Description	Impact on Fermentation
Wisdom (지혜)	Understanding truth, discerning right from wrong, and seeking knowledge .	Guides mental fermentation towards positive, water-soluble thoughts, preventing accumulation of negative “fat-soluble” ideas.
Selflessness (무아)	Prioritizing others’ well-being, practicing forgiveness, and avoiding excessive self-love .	Promotes water-soluble mental states, dissolving arrogance and fostering harmonious spiritual fermentation.
Healthy Habits	Adhering to proper meal timing (12-hour fast), consuming clean food, and managing stress .	Supports a balanced gut microbiome (50:50 beneficial/harmful), ensuring efficient physical fermentation and preventing toxin buildup.
Empathy/Compassion	Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, especially those in need .	Reduces negative emotions like hatred and resentment, fostering a positive mental environment for spiritual fermentation.

• Suffering and hardship are presented as “gifts” or “tests” from a higher power, designed to foster wisdom and growth, transforming negative experiences into positive spiritual fermentation .
• Overcoming challenges through wisdom and selflessness leads to greater opportunities and a more profound understanding of truth, akin to passing a spiritual examination .
• Continuous self-reflection and the pursuit of truth (진리) are vital for maintaining a balanced internal environment, preventing the accumulation of “fat-soluble” negative thoughts and actions .
• Ultimately, a life guided by these principles ensures that both physical and spiritual “fermentation” processes contribute to a harmonious and prosperous existence .

Overview & Final Result

In this lecture, you will learn about the “Truth of Fermentation” . The lecture covers various aspects of life, from microorganisms to human existence, and discusses the concepts of parasitism (기생), oviparous (난생), viviparous (태생), and spontaneous generation (화생) . It also delves into the importance of self-reliance (자생) and the dangers of negative thoughts and actions . The lecture emphasizes that everything in the world, including food and human relationships, can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the context and balance . Ultimately, the goal is to understand the principles of life and achieve enlightenment .

Prerequisites

• Date of Lecture: November 2, 2013

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understanding the Four Modes of Birth

• Parasitism (기생): Life that relies on others for survival .
• Oviparous (난생): Life born from eggs, like birds and insects .
• Viviparous (태생): Life born from the womb, like mammals .
• Spontaneous Generation (화생): Life that undergoes metamorphosis, like caterpillars turning into butterflies .

2. The Importance of Self-Reliance (자생)

• Avoid relying on others: Many young people today rely on their parents, which is a form of parasitism .
• Strive for independence: True self-reliance means starting from nothing and building your own life .
• Consequences of not being self-reliant: Those who sacrifice for others without building their own foundation may end up with nothing in old age .

3. The Impact of Thoughts and Actions

• Negative thoughts lead to negative outcomes: People with a critical or negative mindset tend to remain in lower positions, like laborers, rather than becoming CEOs .
• Positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes: Those with a positive and constructive mindset are more likely to achieve leadership roles .
• Changing your face and destiny: Your face reflects your thoughts and actions; by changing your mindset, you can change your destiny .

4. Understanding Microorganisms and Their Scale

• Microorganisms exist at various scales:
  • Micro (마이크로): 1/1,000,000 of a meter .
  • Nano (나노): 1/1,000,000,000 of a meter .
  • Angstrom (옹스트롬): 1/10,000,000,000 of a meter .
• Viruses are extremely small: Viruses are smaller than nano-scale, making them difficult to combat with vaccines .
• The importance of immunity: Since viruses are hard to prevent, strengthening your immune system through rest and good food is crucial .

5. The Dangers of Smog

• Smog is a combination of smoke and fog: Smoke is oil-soluble (지용성), and fog is water-soluble (수용성) .
• Harmful effects: When smoke and fog combine, they create a toxic environment that can lead to death, especially for children and the elderly .
• Invisible threats: Particles smaller than 1/1,000,000 of a meter can bypass our body’s natural filters (nose and lungs) and enter the bloodstream, causing hardening of blood vessels .

6. The Truth of Fermentation (발효의 진리)

• Fermentation combines oil-soluble and water-soluble elements: This process can produce beneficial outcomes .
• Good vs. Bad Microorganisms: Our bodies contain both good and bad microorganisms. A healthy balance (50:50) is ideal .
• The role of good microorganisms: Good microorganisms help maintain bodily functions and immunity .
• The role of bad microorganisms: Bad microorganisms break down food more efficiently but produce toxins and gas .
• Importance of diet: Eating fermented foods like kimchi helps maintain the balance of microorganisms .

7. The Importance of Fasting and Eating Habits

• 12-hour fasting: It is crucial to fast for 12 hours between dinner and breakfast to allow the digestive organs to rest .
• Consequences of not fasting: Not allowing the digestive system to rest can lead to health problems and disrupt the balance of microorganisms .
• Two meals a day: Eating two meals a day with a 12-hour gap is recommended for optimal health .

8. The Five Organs (오장) and Six Viscera (육부)

• Five Organs (오장): Liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys . These are related to mental fermentation .
• Six Viscera (육부): Stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer . These are related to physical fermentation and directly involved in digestion .
• Interconnectedness: The health of the five organs (mind) affects the six viscera (body) and vice versa .
• Liver and stool color: The liver determines stool color. A healthy liver produces brown stool, while a diseased liver can produce white or black stool .
• Mental fermentation: Maintaining a positive mindset, practicing forgiveness, and controlling desires are crucial for healthy mental fermentation .

9. Understanding Oil-Soluble (지용성) and Water-Soluble (수용성)

• Oil-soluble substances: Tend to accumulate in the body . Examples include vitamins A, D, E, and K .
• Water-soluble substances: Are easily excreted from the body . Examples include vitamins B and C .
• Balance is key: Both types are necessary, but excessive accumulation of oil-soluble substances can be harmful .

10. The Nature of Life and Death

• “Disappearing” (사라진다) means “dying” (죽어간다): Every moment we live, we are also moving towards death .
• “Living” (살아간다) means “dying” (죽어간다): The act of living itself is a process of dying .
• Time is limited: We must realize the preciousness of time and not waste it on trivial matters or negative emotions .

11. The Importance of Humility and Gratitude

• Losing your sight: If you were to lose your sight, you would realize the importance of your loved ones and become more humble .
• Gratitude for what you have: We should be grateful for our senses and abilities, as they can be taken away at any moment .
• Trust in others: When faced with adversity, we learn to trust others, which is a valuable lesson .

12. The Role of a Mentor

• A mentor guides and teaches: A mentor is someone who leads and educates others .
• Historical origin: The term “mentor” comes from a historical figure named Mentor, who was entrusted with the education of a king’s son .
• Spiritual guidance: A true mentor provides spiritual guidance and helps individuals find their path .

13. Hearing God’s Voice

• God’s voice is everywhere: God’s voice is not limited to a specific place or person; it can be heard through various channels, including the words of a mentor, a parent’s scolding, or even traffic signals .
• The importance of listening: To hear God’s voice, one must listen with an open mind and heart, recognizing the divine in everyday experiences .

14. The Nature of Suffering and Enlightenment

• Suffering is a gift: God gives suffering as a gift to test and strengthen individuals, leading them to greater opportunities .
• Overcoming suffering: By enduring and learning from suffering, individuals can achieve enlightenment and receive greater blessings .
• The path to enlightenment: This involves continuous learning, self-reflection, and letting go of ego (무아) .

Key Terms & Concepts

• 기생 (Gisaeng – Parasitism): Living by relying on others .
• 난생 (Nansaeng – Oviparous): Born from eggs .
• 태생 (Taesaeng – Viviparous): Born from the womb .
• 화생 (Hwasaeng – Spontaneous Generation/Metamorphosis): Life undergoing transformation, like insects .
• 자생 (Jasaeng – Self-reliance): Living independently without relying on others .
• 지용성 (Jiyongseong – Oil-soluble): Substances that dissolve in oil and tend to accumulate in the body .
• 수용성 (Suyongseong – Water-soluble): Substances that dissolve in water and are easily excreted from the body .
• 발효 (Baryo – Fermentation): A process involving microorganisms that can be beneficial or harmful depending on the balance .
• 오장 (Ojang – Five Organs): Liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, related to mental and spiritual aspects .
• 육부 (Yukbu – Six Viscera): Stomach, large intestine, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, triple warmer, related to physical digestion .
• 멘토 (Mentor): A guide or teacher who provides wisdom and support .
• 무아 (Mua – Non-self/Egolessness): The state of being free from ego and self-attachment, crucial for spiritual growth .
• 고통 (Gotong – Suffering): A divine gift and test that leads to growth and enlightenment .

Other Useful Information

• The concept of “아상” (Asang – Ego/Self-image): This refers to self-love, arrogance, and foolishness, which are all oil-soluble and accumulate in the mind . Overcoming “아상” requires constant self-reflection and emptying the mind .
• The importance of giving and receiving: Giving to those who criticize or oppose you can bring blessings, while only giving to those who praise you will not .
• The power of positive actions: Even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on one’s destiny and the lives of others .
• The cycle of reincarnation (육도윤회): Humans cycle through six realms (hell, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, asuras, heavens) based on their karma .
• The path to enlightenment (깨달음): This involves stages like sudden enlightenment (정각), gradual enlightenment (점수), and nirvana (열반) .

기생 (Parasitism)

난생 (Oviparous Birth)
태생 (Viviparous Birth)
화생 (Metamorphosis/Spontaneous Generation)
섭생 (Microbial Existence/Nourishment)
사생 (Four Modes of Birth)
자생 (Self-Sustenance)
지옥계 (Infernal Realm)
아귀계 (Realm of Hungry Ghosts)
축생 (Animal Realm)
십계 (Ten Realms of Existence)
돈오 (Sudden Enlightenment)
정각 (Perfect Enlightenment)
열반 (Nirvana)
해탈 (Liberation)
보리 (Bodhi/Awakening)
반야 (Prajna/Wisdom)
삼매 (Samadhi/Concentration)
무아 (Anatta/Non-Self)
성불 (Attainment of Buddhahood)
아집 (Self-Clinging)
아상 (Ego-Illusion)
아만 (Self-Conceit)
아애 (Self-Love/Selfish Attachment)
아격 (Self-Importance/Egotism)
아치 (Self-Delusion/Ignorance)
지용성 (Fat-Soluble/Self-Accumulating)
수용성 (Water-Soluble/Self-Purifying)
오장육부 (Five Zang Organs and Six Fu Organs)
멘토 (Spiritual Guide)
신인 (Holiest)