The Dabotap Theory: Unity in the Variety of Spiritual Paths

The ways to achieve completion are diverse. In Christianity, one goes through the process of sanctification (聖化, Sanctification) to resemble Jesus, and the ultimate completion is expressed as glorification (榮化, Glorification), signifying the attainment of perfect holiness and eternal life. In Buddhism, one goes through the process of attaining Buddhahood (成佛, Buddhahood) to resemble the Buddha, and the ultimate completion is liberation (解脫, Moksha) and Nirvana (涅槃, Nirvana), a peaceful state of being completely free from all bondage and suffering, realizing the essence of existence and no longer reincarnating. In Seokmun Breathing, a Korean Taoist practice, completion is expressed as Dotong (道通), or the union of human and divine (神人合一), where after becoming one with the true self, one takes on the role of Jiro-sa (地老師) at the source of the Tao realm, diligently practicing and guiding fellow practitioners.

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My senior mentor who connected me to the spiritual practice (Doyeon, 道緣) of Seokmun Breathing told me about the Dabotap Pagoda.

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Just as the Dabotap Pagoda has multiple entrances, and all paths lead to the top, the path to completion is not singular but diverse, he said. The core is not to blindly believe only in oneself, but that you are right, and I am right. To respect each other’s thoughts and paths to completion, and to silently cultivate oneself on one’s own path to completion. That was the Dabotap theory of my senior who opened my Doyeon.

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Any path is fine.

What is your completion?

You must be able to answer this question.

It is the direction and purpose of life

It becomes the reason for living and a source of will.

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We were born into this world in the state of Spirit (神) → Energy (氣) → Essence (精).

Our body and energy originated from our Spirit. Knowing the purpose of this Spirit is like finding the meaning of life. Merely pursuing the comfort of my physical body, the health of my family, and the happiness of the state of Essence is not enough. Beyond that, my soul (Spirit) and my energy (氣) transcend the recognition of my own existence, lead me to the very life I aspire to, and I found meaning in taking on the role of Jiro-sa, walking these paths together with others.

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You, a universe. Within you,

I bless and support your process of completion.