As the Western Religion advanced eastward to spread its teachings, it toned down its rhetoric of Greatly Prosper the West.
Instead, it raised the banner of Universal Salvation of all beings and preached reincarnation: endure hardship in this life and pray for happiness in the next.
In the Primordial Wilderness, accumulating Merit could indeed make one's next life go somewhat more smoothly.
But the way to accumulate Merit was not through vegetarianism and chanting Buddhist prayers.
Nor did suffering through hardship in this life mean one would enjoy blessings in the next.
Yet how could ordinary people understand their previous and present lives?
The destitute merely sought comfort;
those walking on thin ice deceived themselves.
The ideas of the various Mystic Gate sects were absorbed, dissected, integrated, and then localized by the Hundred Schools of Thought.
They were not Spokespersons for some Saint's sect, but philosophies that originated from the Human Race.
Confucius synthesized the Chan Sect's reverence for rites, the Jie Sect's Teach All Without Discrimination, and the Literary Sect's pursuit of World peace, integrating them into his own thinking to establish Confucianism.
He advocated "rites, music, benevolence, and righteousness," promoting the way of "The Doctrine of the Mean";
he esteemed "Rule of Virtue" and "Benevolent governance," placing importance on ethical relationships;
he transformed "learning in government offices" into "Teach All Without Discrimination";
Mozi, the founder of Mohism, traveled among the various countries in plain clothing.
He often lectured in marketplaces and workshops, unconstrained by location and unconcerned with ceremony.
Before his disciples and the common people, he put forth ten doctrines:
Honoring the Worthy, Unity of Will, Universal Love, Non-aggression, Frugality, Simplified Funerals, Will of Heaven, Understanding Ghosts, Against Music, and Against Fate.
Mohism wielded enormous influence, and its disciples possessed much of the spirit of wandering