The Shared Origin of All Faiths is not just a theory but a path of cultivation and practice.
Human growth is a process of awakening and a refinement of character. The soul descends into darkness through ignorance, while character erodes through selfishness. Ignorance is the absence of truth, a loss of clarity, while selfishness is the unchecked pursuit of personal gain at the expense of collective well-being. Only by deepening our understanding can we rise above ignorance, and only through a heart of compassion can we free ourselves from selfishness.
From the perspective of the Shared Origin of All Faiths, the elevation of the soul and character is not just a matter of personal cultivation but also a driving force for human civilization. The path to transcending ignorance and selfishness lies in « understanding » (recognition and insight), « embracing » (integration and mutual exchange), and « unity » (oneness and transcendence).
Notably, the Shared Origin of All Faiths is the only spiritual philosophy that approaches cultivation from a civilizational standpoint, aiming for the happiness and prosperity of all. It goes beyond individual spiritual growth, focusing on the collective well-being of society. Its ultimate mission is to guide humanity toward shared happiness and prosperity through the advancement of civilization, rather than remaining confined to the realm of personal faith.
The darkness of ignorance: where the soul begins to fall
In Buddhist teachings, « ignorance » is not mere lack of knowledge but a deep cognitive limitation that blinds individuals to the true nature of reality. It traps people in attachments, biases, and illusions, preventing them from seeing clearly. Ignorance leads individuals to cling to false beliefs. It not only makes self-liberation impossible but also causes them to resist truth, sinking further into delusion. History offers countless examples—extreme ideologies, blind fanaticism, and the societal catastrophes born from distorted perceptions.
To overcome ignorance, the first step is « understanding »—the ability to recognize, comprehend, and communicate. The Shared Origin of All Faiths emphasizes that true wisdom is not closed or rigid but open and diverse. To break free from ignorance, one must be willing to engage with different perspectives, embrace various forms of wisdom, and gradually elevate their understanding through deeper insight.
Whether it is Buddhism’s “dependent origination and emptiness” or Daoism’s “Dao (the path) follows nature”, both point to the same truth: only by transcending the limits of the self and truly understanding the laws that govern the world can one break free from the abyss of ignorance.
The corruption of selfishness: the root of moral decline
Selfishness is at the heart of moral decline. It extends beyond material pursuits like wealth and power—it is a deeper spiritual narrowness, a mindset that fixates on personal gain while disregarding others. This way of thinking breeds indifference, greed, and even a willingness to abandon moral principles for self-interest.
The true danger of selfishness lies in its ability to distort one’s values. It gradually erodes and fosters a « self-interest above all » mindset. This philosophy not only shapes personal moral choices but also corrodes the foundation of social trust. When human relationships are reduced to mere calculations of profit and gain, the very fabric of society begins to unravel, pushing it toward the brink of collapse.
To break free from the grip of selfishness, the key lies in « embracing« —integration and mutual connection. When a person realizes they are not an isolated being but part of a greater web of life, they can transcend narrow self-interest and step into a broader, more profound experience of existence.
This idea is widely present in mainstream faiths and serves as a common thread among many religions—an outlook that transcends self-centeredness, connecting personal growth with the well-being of the collective.
For example, Daoism’s concept of “wu wei (effortless action)” does not promote passivity but encourages individuals to align with the natural flow of life, to trust and embrace the world, and ultimately return to the purest essence of existence.
Buddhism teaches compassion not just as kindness, but as a path to transcend the self. By embracing the world with a selfless heart and caring for all beings, one can discover true happiness.
The height of universal civilization: the path of practice in the Shared Origin of all Faiths
Many belief systems focus solely on individual spiritual liberation, emphasizing detachment from the material world and the pursuit of peace in the afterlife. The Shared Origin of All Faiths practice, however, not only seeks the elevation of the soul but also values happiness in this life and the progress of society as a whole.
The Shared Origin of All Faiths holds that true happiness is not built on asceticism or austerity but on a well-ordered civilization and a balanced social structure. When people have reasonable material security and sufficient spiritual nourishment, society will achieve genuine harmony and happiness.
Therefore, the Shared Origin of All Faiths not only advocates spiritual awakening but also emphasizes the creation of a prosperous society. It upholds the belief that through the advancement of civilization, everyone can achieve a life of abundance and happiness.
This leads to the third step of the Shared Origin of All Faiths—“Union.” Union is not merely about merging beliefs. It represents a higher civilizational goal—integrating diverse wisdom traditions into a comprehensive system that both elevates the soul and advances society.
In this system, fields such as economy, culture, education, and faith can all develop in harmony, ultimately achieving the shared happiness of all humanity.
The path to happiness and prosperity
The soul is redeemed through awakening, character is elevated through universal love, and civilization progresses by uniting all wisdom to build a better world for humanity.
In the real world, those who truly drive social progress are often not just thinkers, but individuals who can transform wisdom into action. They focus not only on individual growth but also on the development of society as a whole. They understand that true happiness is not just personal liberation, but the shared happiness of all; true prosperity is not the accumulation of wealth by a few, but the collective creation and sharing by all.
The ultimate goal of the Shared Origin of All Faiths is to understand and perceive the world, to engage and unite with the world, and to integrate and elevate the world, ultimately leading all people towards happiness and prosperity.
The fall of the soul begins with ignorance, and the decline of character starts with selfishness. Yet, as our awareness grows, love flows, and civilization progresses, we can rise from this descent and move towards true awakening and transcendence.
The Shared Origin of All Faiths is not just a doctrine, but a practice and cultivation that every seeker should strive to complete together.
