A Ladder to Heaven (The Seven Victories)

In the latest issue of the Kyeongyang Magazine, there is an article on the well-known book The Seven Victories, which was written in Chinese by the Jesuit priest Diego de Panatoja (1571-1618). 

The book contains an explanation of what we know as the 7 deadly sins and the prescription for their conquest with the contrary virtues. The following will be a brief summary of the contents of the article written by a university professor.

What is the reason for life? How do we live this life? Why do we continue to commit the same sins? How to live a life of virtue? Once we arrive at such a stage is it possible to remain there?

In Confucianism, we have various feelings: joy, anger, sadness, delight, fear, love, dislike, and desire and what comes from the deep self are the four moral feelings of compassion; a heart ashamed of being unrighteous and hates not being good; the heart that knows how to be humble and says no when necessary; a mind that knows how to judge right and wrong. In Buddhism, we have the 3 poisons: greed, hate/anger, and ignorance/stupidity.

In China when they heard the Catholic missioners' teaching they considered it a lower form of Buddhism and paid no attention. The missioners began a deep study of the spoken and written language to encounter the educated class in China. Matthew Ricci wrote the True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven, and Diego de Panatoja the Seven Victories (mortification). Reading these books one did not have a feeling they were reading a book on religion but were filled with words of wisdom and were well received by the educated class.

The Seven Victories was translated also into Japanese and Korean and read by the educated classes. In Korea, it spread even among ordinary Christians as a spiritual text. 

This book is divided into chapters and sections, focusing on major concepts, and explanations. Not only the core concepts discussed but also vivid and interesting illustrations were given which remained with the reader. It makes for an amazing experience. In other words, the Western, deductive method of knowledge was creatively accepted by Chinese intellectuals who were accustomed to inductive oriental thinking.

In the Seven Victories, we have a list of the seven capital sins that we can easily commit: Pride, Jealousy, Greed, Anger, Gluttony, Lust, and Laziness. The seven virtues that we need to overcome these faults: humility is needed to overcome pride; jealousy is overcome by forgiveness; greed is overcome by grace; anger by patience; gluttony by temperance; lust with chastity, and laziness with diligence.

The fruit of sin eaten unknowingly brings forth disease, all kinds of sorrow, and tribulation in the world. To become citizens of the kingdom of heaven, we must uproot this tree of sin from within our hearts. 

 

 

Buddhist Enlightment— Helping us to Carry Our Crosses

 

One of the Catholic Retreat Centers has taken the Buddhist 10 Ox herding pictures, often seen in the Buddhist Temples in Korea and given them a Christian interpretation. The steps are used to deal with our personal Crosses ( sufferings we have to carry in life). 

1. The Search 

The first picture is the search for one's true nature which is signified by the ox. The person is searching for oneself that he does not know// In the Christian's life suffering comes suddenly into the person's life— One that needs to be accepted — one doesn't know what to do. 

2. Seeing the Footprints

In the second picture, he sees the footprints of the ox and has an idea of what to do// The Christian realizes even though not what he wants he has no other choice but to carry the cross.

3. Seeing the Bull 

The person sees the ox at a distance// In prayer the Christian begins to accept the meaning of the cross.

4. Catching the Bull 

Binding the 3 poisons: greed, ignorance, and hate which requires self-mortification and austerity// Realizing the need to carry the cross but with anger.

5. Taming the Bull

 Staying alert, and keeping all under control// He has fulfillment and joy but still resentment.

6. Riding the Bull home 

The Bull and the self become one the struggle is over// The cross carries me freedom is achieved.

7. The Bull Transcended

The Bull is forgotten. One's inner nature and the person are one. Integration// Looking back, thru the cross another aspect of God's love is discovered.

8. Both the Bull and Self Transcended

Everything becomes clear, Empty but full// One knows that Christ is within. Gal. 2,19-20

9. Oneness with Nature

The fullness of life// Realization that we are living in God's kingdom.

10. Return to Society

Returns to ordinary life after one reaches fullness and is ready to help others// Goes in search of others who are suffering to give them strength.

 

Indo-Pacific Strategy for Freedom, Peace and Prosperity

 

In the Catholic Peace Weekly, Diagnosis of the Times column, a Catholic University professor gives the readers his  thoughts on a recent statement from the government.

On December 28, the government announced a report titled “Indo-Pacific Strategy for Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity,” and held a briefing session hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The report declared that “Korea is an Indo-Pacific country” and emphasized that “regional stability and prosperity are directly related to the national interest of the Republic of Korea.

The name Indo-Pacific is still unfamiliar to ordinary citizens. Rather, the term Asia-Pacific is more familiar. Why bother to let go of a familiar name and use a new, unfamiliar name? For this reason, it is necessary to point out that the concept of Indo-Pacific has rapidly become internationally accepted and universalized over the past few years.

Indo-Pacific, a geopolitical concept encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, has been used as an official strategic concept in the United States since the end of 2017. Before that, Japan and Australia first actively reflected the concept of Indo-Pacific in their respective diplomatic strategies. In particular, Japan actively introduced the concept of Indo-Pacific to the United States. Since then, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) has published an Indo-Pacific outlook report, and major European countries such as the European Union (EU), Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have also announced their own Indo-Pacific policies.

The fact that China's foreign behavior has changed aggressively has served as a background factor for the generalization of the name Indo-Pacific. In other words, several countries in the region felt the need to respond to the perception and prospect that the rising China was trying to revise the existing liberal world order. In this respect, the check against China's revisionism can be said to be the hidden purpose of the concept of Indo-Pacific.

The announcement of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report by the Korean government this time has the greatest significance in keeping pace with many Indo-Pacific countries. Among them, it seems that the core of the concern was how to cooperate with the US while being highly conscious of the Indo-Pacific strategy.

However, the government's Indo-Pacific report suggested inclusiveness as one of the principles of cooperation within the region, leaving open the possibility of cooperation with China to the extent possible. In this respect, there is a certain difference from the US Indo-Thai strategy, which has a strong character of containing China, but it is an unavoidable setting for Korea, which cannot sever economic relations with China at once.

However, there is no strategic concern beyond positioning between the US and China. The report presents the vision of “the Indo-Pacific of freedom, peace and prosperity” and the cooperative principles of “inclusion, trust and mutual benefit”, “establishing a regional order based on norms and rules, cooperation in promoting the rule of law and human rights, and counter-terrorism and non-proliferation nine key tasks are also presented, including strengthening cooperation and expanding comprehensive security cooperation. However, it is regrettable that there is no sufficient explanation on how to promote and achieve these visions, principles, and tasks.

The geopolitical concept of the Indo-Pacific emerged and became common against the background of competition between the US and China, but the role of major countries other than the two countries is also important for the development of regional order. Of course, the ups and downs of US-China relations will primarily determine the nature of the regional order. However, since both the US and China are actively seeking solidarity and alliances with other countries, how other major countries in the region respond and what role they play is a variable that cannot be ignored.

In this respect, there is room for middle powers such as Korea to actively exercise leadership and to do so, they need their own meticulous strategies. Although the government's Indo-Pacific strategy report was virtually a vision declaration, it is expected that the government will prepare and implement more specific strategies for regional freedom, peace, and prosperity through follow-up work.

Catholic Rules of Law

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The Axioms in the interpretation of Catholic Law and regulations gathered over the centuries  would do a great deal in making our  society more human, genteel, kinder and healthier. Below is a list of some of the axioms in no particular order to remember in dealing with others in writing and speech.

When there is a doubt as to the sincerity of the narrator (when relating facts), we ought to understand it favorably.

It is better that scandal be allowed, than the truth be forsaken.

Necessity makes licit what in law is illicit.

He who fulfills a precept out of fear, does other than he ought, and thus really does not fulfill it.

There is no excuse for the shepherd who does not know that the wolf has devoured the sheep.

It is unworthy  that one should be compelled to render worship.

When the rights of either are obscure, the defendant is to be given the benefit of the doubt.

Odious things ought  to be restricted, while favorable ones ought to be extended.

He who involves himself in an affair which does not concern him, is not without fault.

One ought not to suffer for the offensive conduct of another.

One delays to his own detriment.

To one knowing and willing no injury or fraud is done.

That which pertains to all ought to be approved by all.

In obscure matters the minimum ought to be followed.

No one can  change his mind (judgement, advice , decision) to the detriment of another.

He who is silent seems to consent.

He who is silent admits nothing, neither affirms nor denies anything.

Ignorance is presumed, where knowledge is not proved.

If the law is doubtful there is (for all practical purposes) no law; a doubtful obligation is no obligation.

General words are to be understood generally.

The deduction from the red to the black is valid. (i.e., an inference from the red 'the title', to interpret 'the black' the text is valid.

This partial list of axioms was taken from the compilation done my Maryknoll Seminarians in 1955.

We Need Others to Live

 

The essence of generational conflict lies in the conflict of interests. Laws and systems are needed to solve that problem, but we also need a love for others, like brothers and sisters. 

"Certainly, after directly experiencing the fragility of our own lives and the world around us, we can say that the greatest lesson we learned from Covid-19 was the realization that we all need one another. That our greatest and yet most fragile treasure is our shared humanity as brothers and sisters, children of God. And that none of us can be saved alone.

Consequently, we urgently need to join together in seeking and promoting the universal values that can guide the growth of this human fraternity." Message for the 56th World Day of Peace.

Generational conflict? Seeing the elderly, we realize that we will all grow old and retire someday. Unfortunately, the current era tends not to welcome aging, which causes conflict. It's often called generational conflict, but it's a phenomenon that has existed in every age. Due to the difference in generation and age, there is a gap between thoughts and values regarding politics, economy, society, and religion.

But age is not necessarily the cause of conflict. For example, the elderly and children are not always uncomfortable with each other. So what is the nature of generational conflict? It's a conflict of interest. What do you think of Korea's national pension system and free subway rides for the elderly?  

The areas of interest are the essence of generational conflict. If you are an elderly person with an unstable income and have difficulty driving, there is nothing more grateful than free subway access. On the contrary, the younger generation who heard the news of the rate hike will have no choice but to feel burdened. With the national pension issue, they are sharply confronted because of the difference between those who pay and those who receive. This is where intergenerational conflict and hatred arise. However, the essence is not generational, but a problem of financial drain and distribution. Of course, it's a serious situation.

We need to come up with a plan to finance a sustainable society. But within that conflict, we all have concerns. It's not just a lack of understanding, but the fear of an uncertain future and a hard life. The hardships and unhappiness of life, the alienation, and the sickness are hard to accept, whether you are old or young. So, it is very difficult to resolve this conflict.

 

The two cores of social conflict are fear and maturity. Everyone is afraid, so they want to protect their interests more desperately, regardless of right or wrong, and that's why conflicts arise. Laws, principles, and systems are needed to solve this problem, but it is not just a matter of know-how. So personal maturity is required. Of course, that also isn't easy but it comes first.

How do I become a mature person? It is possible not only to pursue prosperity and success, but also to introspect, pray, and place importance on values and reasons on matters other than material things. The world is more difficult to live in when we do not acknowledge God and our neighbors. But when we acknowledge the existence of God and our neighbors, the world has hope. So, the important thing for everyone is this. We need each other.

"It is from the conversion of hearts that there arises concern for others, loved as brothers and sisters. This concern helps us to understand the obligation and commitment to healing institutions, structures, and conditions of life that are contrary to human dignity. The laity must therefore work at the same time for the conversion of hearts and the improvement of structures, taking historical situations into account and using legitimate means so that the dignity of every man and woman will be truly respected and promoted within institutions" (Compendium of the Social Gospel of the Church #552).

 

Bereaved by Death from Suicide

 

The director of the One Body One Spirit Movement, Suicide Prevention Program, has an article in the Catholic Times on the suffering of families bereaved by death from suicide.

Over the years he has met many such families. In most cases, family members have no signs of the coming separation. The loss, the way it was done, is an unbearable shock.
 
The wife's drowning while going out for air in the middle of the night; the unexpected suffocation of the husband who seemed comfortable to some extent after solving important matters; the son who went to the library every day even though his job was delayed, took poison; the father who said not to worry even if his business was difficult, died by hanging; the death of a daughter who was recovering from depression while receiving hospital treatment, died from a fall; a younger brother who had a promising future as a doctor (hanging); and the suffocation of a boyfriend who was going on a business trip abroad. All seemed to be full of life before their death which made it very difficult for the families to accept their way of dying.
 
It's a kind of murder and they feel someone is to blame for it. Although they are immersed in how to reveal the truth of death for some time, the result is they are often left with another scar. This is because, in the process of uncovering the truth, there will be a battle of responsibility within the family, and guilt and resentment may remain.
 
Moreover, in the process of uncovering the truth, the deceased's weaknesses, limitations, and something shameful may be revealed, which makes the issue no longer possible to enter. In this case, the bereaved are left with silence or crying, unable to take any action. This is why at times death cannot be properly discussed even within the same family.
 
So, the bereaved family lives by faking their feelings to others and later loses their true feelings.

"Why in the world did this have to happen?" (endless questions about an incomprehensible situation), "I can’t live as a normal person sharing normal emotions like before," "I and everything around me has collapsed," "revenge against someone" etc. It dominates you and it is difficult to get rid of those thoughts no matter how hard you try. These thoughts coil themselves inside themselves and make the lives of the bereaved even more painful. 

As the pain accumulates and worsens, the bereaved family also longs for a situation where the pain can be nullified, a state in which they fundamentally do not feel pain. At times more likely to lead to extreme behavior on the part of the bereaved.
 
In Korea, the number of suicide deaths exceeded 10,000 for the first time in 2003 and has been recording more than 10,000 (average of 14,026) suicide deaths every year for 18 years until 2021. When counting the number of suicide deaths and related suicide survivors, it is estimated to be at least 1.26 million people and could reach a maximum of 2.52 million people. In this way, Korea can be said to be a huge house of mourning for those who have experienced loss without parting.
 
Because they were unable to say goodbye or lament properly, the daily life of the bereaved family is filled with wailing where the sound is swallowed. If you look at the relationships we have, we are already the family members of someone's suicide without exception. Korea is now a society of survivors of suicide.
 

What Senior Citizens Need to Learn

 

On the Spirituality page of the Catholic Peace Weekly, a religious sister gives us some interesting suggestions on growing old and the way we need to examine ourselves.

One day, an elderly man's voice on the phone made her feel powerless and sad. Brother Joseph and Sister Maria, who participated in senior citizen groups for a long time said they wanted to prepare well for their deaths, and looked for homes for the aged, which would be their last living quarters as they grew weaker and weaker. It is said that there are not many places and the conditions are not good, so the concern grows. Many people around us are thinking about this. Even if there is a place where the conditions are right, many have doubts about adapting and living in a new environment, and the passing of time itself comes as a fear.
   
We met the elderly at the Senior Citizens' Center where they shared about 'the old age I want'. What they said in one voice expressed their sorrow and guilt for not being able to pass on ample wealth to their children despite having lived for them all their lives. As they get older, they spend more and more on hospital bills and medicines, and since they have no income, the wealth they saved will decrease and they will become a burden to their children in a few years. Therefore, it is said elderly parents endure pain without going to the hospital, and hide the fact that they are sick for fear of worrying their children.
 
How much do children know the hearts of their parents? Don't dismiss parents she says as being desperate but make the effort to understand them. No matter how much their children tell them to go to the hospital, the parents say it's okay and ignore their children's voices.  Parents often neglect to take care of themselves and feel sorry for not being able to give more to their children even after giving everything to them. That's why she thinks it might be said that love is descending love. If children have received boundless, overflowing love, shouldn't there be some degree of love from children to their parents?
 
She has meetings with seniors who have been abused and abandoned by their children. Looking back on the counseling, the elderly who have been abused are people who have lived a hard life by providing everything for their children. Therefore, amid abuse, they face the pain of their lives collapsing in front of their children's emotional and physical abuse. Sobbing, they ask: "How did I raise you, how could you do this to me? I gave you everything, and you keep asking for more, what can be done?"
 
While working with the elderly she was able to see some of their common characteristics. Our elders are clumsy about how to love themselves and only familiar with the love they give to their children. Since they don't respect themselves others might find it difficult to respect them. When a fish comes out meal time, don't just eat the head, but actively express yourself by saying, "You guys will have many opportunities to eat it in the future, so now I'll eat the body part of the fish." That way the children will understand that the parents don't like fish heads. When you value yourself, others will value you as well.
 
In Confucian culture, the position of the eldest son was always different from that of other children, as it was believed that children would attend to their parents when they grew older and hold ancestral rites when they passed away. However, according to a recent survey on the elderly, only 12% of the elderly wish to live with their children. The old-fashion household is changing rapidly, but the consciousness of the elderly about their children is not keeping up, so the conflict with their children will continue to get bigger.
 
Now is the time for the nation to take more responsibility for the support of needy families. The type of care service for the elderly is becoming increasingly diverse and the scope is gradually expanding. Sister is asking the senior citizens to put away worries about their children and enjoy a lively, confident, and happy old age.