理教簡介　Li-ism General Introduction

　　理教乃由中華文化孕育而成，導源於六千年來（始於伏羲氏）聖聖相傳「天人合一」之大道。以儒家思想為中心，兼採佛、道兩家之精華，綜三家之學為一理，集千聖之傳以立教，其教義博大精深，容百川而匯大海。

　　理教 創教人  姓楊，名澤，譜名宰，字廷賢，道號來如，又稱羊祖（羊祖原姓楊，為遁避清廷加封派任而改姓「羊」），係明末崇禎十六年癸未科進士，創始在理教，迄今約四百年。理教融合儒釋道三家之精華，以天地孕育萬物、無私無我之心為我心，貫徹「天人合一」之聖道，實踐聖理於無所不在的日常生活中，是一個入世的宗教，肯定眾生皆有佛性，眾生皆可成佛。理教將教義融合在心靈成長的各項課程中，配合著生活般的修行，非常適合現代人來學習與加入。

　　理教的核心價值為「為天地立心，為生民立命，為往聖繼絶學，為萬世開太平」。未來的目標乃是建立一個健康喜樂的『歡喜共好園區』，一個真正落實老有所終、壯有所用、幼有所長的理想社區。期望在園區內推行各類身心靈教育和活動，以建立互助共好的生活文化，提供志工們不同的服務機會，以達成其奉獻公益的心願。長期目標則是擴展園區，涵蓋「生、老、病、死、育、樂」六大志業，進而推動到全球各地，共同成就一個充滿平和真善美德愛的大同世界！

　Li-ism is nurtured from the synthesis of Chinese culture, originating six thousand years ago (beginning with Fu Xi) passing on from sages to sages – the cultivation of “Unity of Heaven and Man” (天人合一). The establishment of Li-ism teaching is founded on one universal truth from the essence of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism as well as congregation of all sages’ and saints’ teachings. Thus, it is both very broad and deep, like river streams eventually joining back to the ocean of knowledge.

　Li-ism was founded by Yang Ze (Surname Yang, Given name Ze, also Yan Xian, spiritual name Lai Ru), otherwise also known as Yang Zu. (To avoid being pursued by the Qing dynasty’s new emperors, Yang Zu changed his surname to the Chinese character ‘goat’ as both shared the same sound).

　In the 16th year of the reign of (late Ming Dynasty) Emperor Chongzhen , Yang Zu founded Li-Jiao or Li-ism, which is about four hundred years ago. Li-ism blends the essence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism schools into one integrated teaching, and a school unto itself. It is inspired by the principle that Heaven and Earth teaches all selflessly. With selflessness as its core, Li-ism promotes the Way of the Unity of Heaven and Man (天人合一).

　It is within the fabric of daily life that the teachings of the sages are actualized, and as such, it is a religion that is very suitable for all times. It affirms that all beings have Buddha nature, and all beings can become Buddhas. Li-ism integrates the teachings into the various lessons for spiritual growth, and coupled with practices within daily life, is very suitable for modern people to learn and join.

Li-ism’s core values are best encapsulated in the following line: 

為天地立心        To instill compassion within Heaven & Earth, 
為生民立命        To drive inspirations into the lives of the people, 
為往聖繼絶學    To learn the ways of sages for well-being continuity,
為萬世開太平     And to achieve peace and prosperity for generations. 

　The future goal is to build a healthy and happy “Joyous Co-Living Community”, one that truly builds on the ideals of society, where the young can grow, the able can use their talents, and the old can retire happily. The vision is to promote various mind, body & spiritual education and activities, to build a culture where everyone helps one another, providing ample opportunities for volunteering, and to fulfil aspirations for charity. 

　The long-term goal is to expand the community, covering the six major stages of life ~ “Living, Old Age, Sickness, Death, Nurture and Leisure.” Through this the community aims to expand globally and strive to achieve a universal harmonious world imbued with truth, goodness, beauty, uprightness, and love!