A flying dragon with a snake’s tail. This symbolizes the passing of the Year of the Dragon and the approaching end of the Year of the Snake. This passage is a prophecy from the Master, for now that the years of the Dragon and Snake are approaching, hardship and war will soon befall all beings. The Monk Selling Sweet Potatoes (Sư Vải Bán Khoai) said:
“The flying dragon stirs up unrest,
The crawling snake crosses the border, turning the world upside down.”
Mr. Ba Thoi also said:
“The snake and dragon clash,
giving rise to rebellion among the people.”
And in the First Volume, the Master further stated: “The cat’s meowing causes unrest among the people, When the dragon and snake clash, bloodshed will be truly terrifying.” This prophecy came true in the two years (1940-1941), the initial stage of World War II.The Supreme Patriarch saw that sentient beings were perpetually engrossed in the illusory world, full of hardship and sin, so He clearly distinguished between the two paths of righteousness and evil for the people to understand. His work of reincarnation and salvation did not involve displaying the form of Buddhas or Immortals; His true spirit merely resided in a mortal body to propagate the Dharma. Therefore, whoever wants to know what is right and wrong should not look at appearances but rely on actions. Those who act righteously and virtuously are Buddhas or Immortals, while those who commit evil deeds are demons or evil spirits. -He constantly urged the wealthy to abandon their arrogance, pride, and abusive behavior towards their servants, and instead open their hearts to compassion and charity towards the needy—this is the right and proper thing to do. Those who remain greedy and stingy, offering their money to the temple as gifts to the Buddha, are truly useless. Because the Buddhas are always full of compassion, constantly saving all beings; they are never in need and never use worldly money, yet the Sangha advises them to do so. Commentary on the Sermon (1975)
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