Why does Master Shengyuan say spiritual practice cannot simply follow office hours?

People who need help do not encounter difficulties only during the daytime. On the path I have chosen, spiritual practice does not mean helping living beings while on duty and shutting all their suffering outside the door when work ends. The reminder that 'demons do not take holidays, and neither do deities' helps me remember my aspiration and responsibility at critical moments.

There was once a client in an urgent situation late at night. The family was too worried to sleep and feared the person might harm themselves. If I have the ability to help at such a moment, I am willing to do my best rather than say to come back tomorrow simply because it is late. This describes my choice when facing an emergency. Compassion through shared being is not only a principle to understand; it also concerns whether we can offer help in the situation before us.

But this does not mean abandoning family. During a retreat, the Bodhisattva asked which was more important, living beings or my own children. From the perspective of the soul, I answered that both were important. At critical moments I hope my family understands this work, while in ordinary life there is still love, interaction, filial care, and attention. I cannot focus only on my own needs, nor can I use 'benefiting living beings' as a reason never to face my family again.

I later also discussed how, in earlier years, I had indeed worked almost all year without a break. Only after more fellow practitioners and students helped did I gradually arrange regular days off. Even if I am willing to work, I also need to remember that others have laundry and lives to take care of. As I grow older, I too need rest and time to replenish my energy. Willingness to help at critical moments and arrangements for everyday recovery need to be considered together.