The White Book
There is a total of 688 audio and video tapes of Xian Sheng recorded from 1985 to 2000 that we are able to convert to digital format. Most of these are converted from videotapes. Prior to 1985, most of the recordings were in audio cassette format but are not available to us. Furthermore, the conditions of these magnetic cassettes have deteriorated badly. There are many more recordings that are lost due to poor storage conditions of the magnetic tapes and some are lost as followers who kept them did not take proper care of them.
There have been some attempts by followers to transcribe these audio and video recordings over the years. I will not elaborate on this but merely to inform readers that attempts had been made. Their past attempts which have not borne foreseeable results have influenced the way I am undertaking the project to produce a compilation of Xian Sheng’s speeches that would eventually form part of what we would envision as the White Book.
I have decided not to transcribe Xian Sheng’s speeches as I believe a direct transcript will not benefit readers who do not know the historical background or have a good understanding of Xian Sheng’s teachings. I will therefore attempt to explain my interpretation of what Xian Sheng said by removing parts that are not relevant and adding my own explanation to improve the overall understanding of the subject without distorting the facts. It is not in any way the perfect approach as I may inadvertently omit parts of the speeches that may be relevant in contributing to a better understanding or added in my opinion that may distort the topic. I welcome any positive comments or criticism that can help me improve Xian Sheng’s teaching to all mankind.
Thank you.
Too Hing Yeap.
9 July 2022