The Virtue of Elder Peng Hua-Ling
In 1938, he received Tao. His introducer was Elder Liu Meng Rong劉夢榮道長.
In 1940, he was designated to be the Temple-host for Haoran Temple (浩然壇), in Tianjin Province天津. He made huge financial contribution to propagate Tao. The most incredible story about him was his benevolence to Deity Bekan! He donated million dollars and 200 acres of land in exchange for elevating Deity Bekan to heaven. However, All of Elder Peng ’s brothers could not comprehend the inherited properties were spent recklessly on something so foolish. Thus, all his brothers condemned his irrational conducts and alienated him purposely. Until 1949, China political situation took a drastic turn which the government confiscated all the citizen property and finance. Then, all the brothers realized Elder’s wisdom his divine foreseeing.
In 1941, he received the Heavenly decree and became an Enlighten Transmitted Master. The 18th Patriarch, Zhang Tien-Ran, assigned him to be the Temple-host for Bao-guang Temple寶光壇 in Shanghai, China. Again, Elder Peng donated significant amount of financial support to expand Tao. Although he came from wealthy family, but his cloth was always simple, his meal was usually plain, and his spending often was thrifty. He also inspired his families to follow Tao. His daughter was Temple host, his two sons were the channeling persons dedicated in the Tao mission, and his wife was also the transmitted Master with Heavenly decree. In less than 10 years, He expanded Tao to more than 10 provinces, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
In 1946 year end, he began his Tao missions in Taiwan. He ordered and brought 52 sets of temple lamps from Shanghai transiting via trains and ocean flights to Hong Kong, then he managed to carry them via ocean flights to Kilung, Taiwan. Afterward, he rode train from Kilung to Taipei. During those years, the material used for temple- lamps were mostly lead and tin due to the sources of copper material were considered scarce. Thus, the 52 sets of copper lamps that Elder Peng brought were considered significantly distinguished and precious. The Temple-lamps are essential items for the alters. Lamps mean brightness signifying the original of life. The lamps also imply consciousness which means our inner-soul. Each set of lamp includes the upper lamp and the 1 pair of lower lamps. During his 1st trip to Taiwan, Elder Peng purchased a two stories building in Taipei (台北市太原路92巷5至7號), Taiwan. He utilized first floor as retail grocery store and have second floor as temple, Chin-der Temple親德佛堂. From 52 sets of temple lamps he brought, he used one set for Chin-der Temple, and all others were bestowed to individuals who want to setup the temples. At the end, he was left with 8 set of temple lamp.
In 1947, Lunar month August 15th, Patriarch Zhang Tien-Ran passed away. In 1947, Patriarch Sun continued the Tao linages. Several Elder arrived to receive the Golden thread from Patriarch Sun. However, upon Patriarch Zhang’s return to heaven, Elder Peng was occupied in coordinating the memorial service for Patriarch Zhang and relocating his families. After completing the efforts, Elder Peng arrived late before Patriarch Sun. Upon fully explaining his reason for being late, Patriarch Sun bestowed the True Heavenly Way as a group title for Bao-guang Temple. From then on, the True Heavenly Way is scripted on the Heavenly Dragon Scroll which signifies all the Bao- guang members will be guided to the true Heavenly way and Elder Peng’s virtue and spirit will continue for generations.
In the same year of 1947, mission of Tao in Taiwan experienced extreme difficulties. Three Masters (Master Chen Wen-sheng (陳文祥)、Master Liu Zhang-red (劉長瑞), Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) and 85 Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation. Their residences and temples were confiscated by the Police. The remaining 8 set of temple-lamps and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing were impounded. The situations were disastrous and overwhelming. After several attempts and negotiation, fortunately, on the second day, 85 Tao members were released gradually, but 3 Masters were still prisoned.
In 1948, Elder Peng arrived in Taiwan, the second time. Traveling between cities, he inspired Tao members to repent and prayed Heavenly Lord’s mercy in rescuing the Tao environment.
In 1949 February, he came to Taiwan, the 3rd and final time. He realized the 3 Masters were still in prison. Upon returning, he informed the situation to Patriarch Sun. Patriarch Sun was torn with grief. Immediately Patriarch Sun knelt and prayed to the Lord’s mercy. Next day, miraculously, 3 Masters were released from prison. The 3 Masters were jailed totaling one year and 6 months. Although 3 Masters were released, the residences and temples were still occupied by the government. Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) sought assistance from Attorney Young(楊蔭衡) to file several petitions in the superior court.
In autumn of 1956, finally, all the confiscating items were releases: the residences, temple- lamps and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing. Upon verifying all the items upon pickup, Master Ku (谷椿年) and Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) found out all items were remarkably un-harm. Several Tao member bought 7 sets of lamps. The remaining 1 set were kept by Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) who later bestowal the set to be treasured and displayed in the Saint Weijue’s Memorial Hall.
In 1949, the Chinese Civil War ended, but it began the People’s Republic of China. Mao Zedong and his Red Army (Communist to the core) drove Chiang Kai-shek and his National Army from mainland China to Taiwan. China has been a Communist country since 1949.
In 1950-1951, because of the unstable political situation, Tao temples were demolished. Tao members disappeared or taken for prosecution for unknown reason; the whole Tao environment had been squashed. Bao-guang Temple then was forced to relocate to Hong Kong. Together with Patriarch Sun, Elder Peng relocated safely. Elder Peng later set up 3 additional temples in Hong Kong.
During this time, In China, numerous Masters, Temple-hosts, Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation and executed to death. The terrible news was continuous occurred in ongoing basis. The Communists held several Masters and Tao members’ hostage for threatening Elder Peng to surrender. Feeling grief, Elder Peng knelt before Patriarch Sun for permission to go back to China in exchange for Tao members’ life and freedom. Patriarch Sun stated: “You have just escape from danger. The great Tao missions await you to fulfill…” Elder Peng replied: “If I don’t go back, many Masters and Tao members will be executed to death. If I only sacrifice myself, I could exchange my life with numerous lives. Later when the political situation is over, their lives will be spared to continue to propagate Tao. I beg your permission to let me go.” Elder Peng knew this is a death road, but his bravery was dertermined to save the whole Tao environment. Patriarch Sun had no other choice but reluctantly let him go. Upon the day of his departure in Hong Kong, all Tao members cried to say good-by. Elder Peng motivated them: “Why cry? I will see you in heaven.” He arrived in Canton stated that he was the primary leader of Heavenly Tao. He was arrested immediately.
In 1953, lunar calendar of May 1st, together with other elders, he was executed with numerous gunshots. On this day, thousands of people came to honor his bravery and sacrifice for the Tao lineage. To prevent riot from the Tao members and bystanders, the government arranged extra police force to line up barricade around the executing arena. On this day, thunder storm, rock trembled, and sand flew in the air. Dark cloud covered the entire sky.
Although Elder Peng did not spend much time in Taiwan, many Tao members have not seen him in person, but he sacrificed his life to assure the continuation the Tao lineage. His selflessness and virtue is truly our model and would be deeply commemorated in our heart.
In 1940, he was designated to be the Temple-host for Haoran Temple (浩然壇), in Tianjin Province天津. He made huge financial contribution to propagate Tao. The most incredible story about him was his benevolence to Deity Bekan! He donated million dollars and 200 acres of land in exchange for elevating Deity Bekan to heaven. However, All of Elder Peng ’s brothers could not comprehend the inherited properties were spent recklessly on something so foolish. Thus, all his brothers condemned his irrational conducts and alienated him purposely. Until 1949, China political situation took a drastic turn which the government confiscated all the citizen property and finance. Then, all the brothers realized Elder’s wisdom his divine foreseeing.
In 1941, he received the Heavenly decree and became an Enlighten Transmitted Master. The 18th Patriarch, Zhang Tien-Ran, assigned him to be the Temple-host for Bao-guang Temple寶光壇 in Shanghai, China. Again, Elder Peng donated significant amount of financial support to expand Tao. Although he came from wealthy family, but his cloth was always simple, his meal was usually plain, and his spending often was thrifty. He also inspired his families to follow Tao. His daughter was Temple host, his two sons were the channeling persons dedicated in the Tao mission, and his wife was also the transmitted Master with Heavenly decree. In less than 10 years, He expanded Tao to more than 10 provinces, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
In 1946 year end, he began his Tao missions in Taiwan. He ordered and brought 52 sets of temple lamps from Shanghai transiting via trains and ocean flights to Hong Kong, then he managed to carry them via ocean flights to Kilung, Taiwan. Afterward, he rode train from Kilung to Taipei. During those years, the material used for temple- lamps were mostly lead and tin due to the sources of copper material were considered scarce. Thus, the 52 sets of copper lamps that Elder Peng brought were considered significantly distinguished and precious. The Temple-lamps are essential items for the alters. Lamps mean brightness signifying the original of life. The lamps also imply consciousness which means our inner-soul. Each set of lamp includes the upper lamp and the 1 pair of lower lamps. During his 1st trip to Taiwan, Elder Peng purchased a two stories building in Taipei (台北市太原路92巷5至7號), Taiwan. He utilized first floor as retail grocery store and have second floor as temple, Chin-der Temple親德佛堂. From 52 sets of temple lamps he brought, he used one set for Chin-der Temple, and all others were bestowed to individuals who want to setup the temples. At the end, he was left with 8 set of temple lamp.
In 1947, Lunar month August 15th, Patriarch Zhang Tien-Ran passed away. In 1947, Patriarch Sun continued the Tao linages. Several Elder arrived to receive the Golden thread from Patriarch Sun. However, upon Patriarch Zhang’s return to heaven, Elder Peng was occupied in coordinating the memorial service for Patriarch Zhang and relocating his families. After completing the efforts, Elder Peng arrived late before Patriarch Sun. Upon fully explaining his reason for being late, Patriarch Sun bestowed the True Heavenly Way as a group title for Bao-guang Temple. From then on, the True Heavenly Way is scripted on the Heavenly Dragon Scroll which signifies all the Bao- guang members will be guided to the true Heavenly way and Elder Peng’s virtue and spirit will continue for generations.
In the same year of 1947, mission of Tao in Taiwan experienced extreme difficulties. Three Masters (Master Chen Wen-sheng (陳文祥)、Master Liu Zhang-red (劉長瑞), Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) and 85 Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation. Their residences and temples were confiscated by the Police. The remaining 8 set of temple-lamps and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing were impounded. The situations were disastrous and overwhelming. After several attempts and negotiation, fortunately, on the second day, 85 Tao members were released gradually, but 3 Masters were still prisoned.
In 1948, Elder Peng arrived in Taiwan, the second time. Traveling between cities, he inspired Tao members to repent and prayed Heavenly Lord’s mercy in rescuing the Tao environment.
In 1949 February, he came to Taiwan, the 3rd and final time. He realized the 3 Masters were still in prison. Upon returning, he informed the situation to Patriarch Sun. Patriarch Sun was torn with grief. Immediately Patriarch Sun knelt and prayed to the Lord’s mercy. Next day, miraculously, 3 Masters were released from prison. The 3 Masters were jailed totaling one year and 6 months. Although 3 Masters were released, the residences and temples were still occupied by the government. Master Ku Zuan-nian (谷椿年) sought assistance from Attorney Young(楊蔭衡) to file several petitions in the superior court.
In autumn of 1956, finally, all the confiscating items were releases: the residences, temple- lamps and pose of Patriarch Lu Dong-bing. Upon verifying all the items upon pickup, Master Ku (谷椿年) and Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) found out all items were remarkably un-harm. Several Tao member bought 7 sets of lamps. The remaining 1 set were kept by Temple-host Chen (陳萬枝) who later bestowal the set to be treasured and displayed in the Saint Weijue’s Memorial Hall.
In 1949, the Chinese Civil War ended, but it began the People’s Republic of China. Mao Zedong and his Red Army (Communist to the core) drove Chiang Kai-shek and his National Army from mainland China to Taiwan. China has been a Communist country since 1949.
In 1950-1951, because of the unstable political situation, Tao temples were demolished. Tao members disappeared or taken for prosecution for unknown reason; the whole Tao environment had been squashed. Bao-guang Temple then was forced to relocate to Hong Kong. Together with Patriarch Sun, Elder Peng relocated safely. Elder Peng later set up 3 additional temples in Hong Kong.
During this time, In China, numerous Masters, Temple-hosts, Tao members were arrested for wrongly allegation and executed to death. The terrible news was continuous occurred in ongoing basis. The Communists held several Masters and Tao members’ hostage for threatening Elder Peng to surrender. Feeling grief, Elder Peng knelt before Patriarch Sun for permission to go back to China in exchange for Tao members’ life and freedom. Patriarch Sun stated: “You have just escape from danger. The great Tao missions await you to fulfill…” Elder Peng replied: “If I don’t go back, many Masters and Tao members will be executed to death. If I only sacrifice myself, I could exchange my life with numerous lives. Later when the political situation is over, their lives will be spared to continue to propagate Tao. I beg your permission to let me go.” Elder Peng knew this is a death road, but his bravery was dertermined to save the whole Tao environment. Patriarch Sun had no other choice but reluctantly let him go. Upon the day of his departure in Hong Kong, all Tao members cried to say good-by. Elder Peng motivated them: “Why cry? I will see you in heaven.” He arrived in Canton stated that he was the primary leader of Heavenly Tao. He was arrested immediately.
In 1953, lunar calendar of May 1st, together with other elders, he was executed with numerous gunshots. On this day, thousands of people came to honor his bravery and sacrifice for the Tao lineage. To prevent riot from the Tao members and bystanders, the government arranged extra police force to line up barricade around the executing arena. On this day, thunder storm, rock trembled, and sand flew in the air. Dark cloud covered the entire sky.
Although Elder Peng did not spend much time in Taiwan, many Tao members have not seen him in person, but he sacrificed his life to assure the continuation the Tao lineage. His selflessness and virtue is truly our model and would be deeply commemorated in our heart.