Chapter 6: Conclusion  

Does the path described in this handbook guarantee absolute deliverance for the religious individual? Let us conclude with this ponderance. Is there a surefire promise of success for those who embark on the journey we have outlined?

Religion, fundamentally, serves as a conduit, a means to help humanity cast off the constraints of earthly existence and strive for the ultimate goal — complete deliverance.

Yet, it is crucial to understand that no one can bestow upon us absolute deliverance if we do not contribute our own internal efforts.

The Supreme Being, or God, provides the guidance to attain this goal, but the realization of success or failure in reaching it hinges upon each individual.

In the teachings of CaoDai doctrine, it is affirmed that unless we earnestly endeavor to perfect ourselves, God alone cannot usher us into Heaven.

Decisive declarations from preachers about guaranteed success when converting others to a religion serve to fortify faith, a necessary condition for success.

However, actual success must emerge from our sustained personal endeavors, aided by external sources, including mystical powers.

The path of a Caodaist disciple, or that of any religious adherent, must adhere to this principle.

Religion, in its essence, is not an obstacle to societal progress; instead, it serves as a catalyst for the evolution of all living beings.

In the relentless struggle for survival on Earth's surface, elements are lost as advantages materialize. The ever-evolving Creator's nature exerts its influence on all, whether they embrace religion or not.

When faced with a choice between regression and progression, religion represents a path toward cumulative and progressive outcomes, yielding more gains and fewer losses.

It was conceived by the supernatural minds of our predecessors and brought to life through divine miracles, offering society a swifter advancement and a higher quantity and quality of happiness than humanity has ever known.

Regrettably, because humans tend to prioritize the present, past, or future over eternity, they often opt for scenarios where they agree to two losses and three gains to yield a net gain of one, rather than choosing one loss and two gains to result in a net gain of one.

The ratio of losses to gains at 2:3 (.667) surpasses the 1:2 (.500) ratio that follows the religious path.

Conversely, the ratio of gains to losses at 3:2 (1.5) falls short of the 2:1 (2.00) ratio achieved through the religious journey.

As a result, society remains burdened with suffering, inequality, and irrationality.

Thus, the path is merely a conduit, and the traveler is the true pilgrim (sojourner). Deliverance commences with each step on the path, and the ultimate destination lies at its conclusion.