Diamond: Rule the universe? I think you are mistaken, I have the power necessary to rule the universe, and to modify as I see fit. However, I don't like the idea of being a tyrant, so I allow those in what is by right, my territory, to choose whether they want to accept me as their ruler, try to do it themselves, or find a different ruler. I generally stay out of it unless someone requests my aid.
Allow me to clarify for you. The outer kingdom belongs to mortals, you may do with it as you see fit. I have given guidelines, appointed representatives for myself from amongst mortals, and sent messengers and guides, but whether you follow my guidelines or listen to my representatives, messengers and the guides I send is entirely up to you.
To be blunt, you are more likely to get in trouble with the servants of the law in your city than you are with mine. (Especially if you continually take unnecessary risks.) Honestly, how much attention have you personally paid to people who claim they are my representatives? Yet, have any of my officials or soldiers come knocking on your door recently? Has a form of secret service loyal to me kidnapped you from your bed and brought you to me for judgment? A long time ago, some claiming to be my representatives did such things, some had noble aims, some wicked, but none had my endorsement, for though I may decree what you ought to do and ought not do, I do not force my decrees upon you. Even amongst nations in the outer kingdom, one may give advice to another without actually ruling that other nation. I do the same.
My decrees to the outer kingdom can be considered similar to a road signs that warn you when a bridge is out. You can ignore them, but you may find that doing so results in unfortunate consequences. Be careful, wandering near the Void makes you prone to fall in.
As for your second question, my father has been called Yuanshi Tianzun. I will keep secret whether he is the Absolute, some aspect of It, or unrelated to It.
"He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."
23-Aug-2010 04:10:08