Vows

(Minghui.org) We should be honest and trustworthy in dealing with others in our lives. However, a lack of these qualities, together with selfishness and constant self-interest, pushes us farther and farther away from the condition Master describes in his poem:

“Ancients, honest and benevolent, With a calm mind, happiness and longevity complete.” (“Let Go of Attachments” from Hong Yin, translation version B)

Trustworthiness is one component of a vow, but vows themselves are serious and have deeper meaning. Let's take a look at a story in history.

Emperor Qinzong of the Song Dynasty, along with his empress, concubines, officials and soldiers were taken prisoner by the Jin Kingdom army in 1127. This event was also known as the Jingkang Incident. The Song emperor reached an agreement with the Jin Kingdom, whereby Empress Xianren would be released. Before she left, Emperor Qinzong held her hands and said in tears, “If I could go back, I would be happy to serve as a messenger in the palace. I don't have any other wish.” Empress Xianren then made a vow, “After my return, let me go blind if I don't try to rescue you.”

After Empress Xianren returned to the palace, she was disappointed to find out that replacement Emperor Gaozong didn't have any intention of rescuing Emperor Qinzong. She dared not bring up the topic again, and Qinzong's rescue was eventually forgotten.

Empress Xianren became blind soon after. Many doctors tried to cure her, but without success. Finally, a Taoist priest went to the palace and poked her left eye with a golden needle. She regained sight in her left eye and was overjoyed. She asked the Taoist priest to do the same thing to her right eye. He replied, “Please use one eye to see things, and the other eye to confirm your vow.” Empress Xianren was shocked to hear these words, and she suddenly realized the reason for her blindness. She stood up and thanked him.

The Taoist priest practiced cultivation and was able to see the cause of her blindness from a deeper dimension. Even though Empress Xianren didn't have the capability of rescuing Emperor Qinzong, she didn't try her best to rescue him.

Vows carry heavy weight and are made for very important things. This is why the ancients claimed that a promise was worth “one thousand in gold.” Ancients valued their promises and kept them. People nowadays think it's silly that ancient people paid with their lives to keep their promises. However, this is precisely why the ancients' words carried more weight. Modern people's words of promise are taken lightly, as if they don't exist.

Actually, keeping one's vow is an element of Truthfulness, which has profound meaning. Master Li Hongzhi says in his book Zhuan Falun, that Truthfulness is the one of the fundamental characteristics of the universe. Those who practice cultivation continue to gain understanding of this principle throughout their cultivation.

Everything in the world follows rules. Tao Te Ching, Tai chi, Bagua, Five Elements and other theories reveal the rules to a certain level. A person is considered to be good when he follows the rules. Those who keep their vows are good people. Empress Xianren experienced the result of not fulfilling her vows.

The seriousness of keeping vows is illustrated today by Falun Gong practitioners, who have held to their beliefs while facing brutal persecution in China. They cultivate Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance; this is their most serious vow.

On the other hand, many Chinese people have vowed to owe their lives to the Communist Party. Their vows could also result in their falling along with the Communist Party when it inevitably tumbles, as they are Party members. However, heaven is compassionate to humans and has provided them an opportunity to quit the Communist Party. We hope that they won't miss this precious opportunity.