Starting Spiritual Practice
What must you consider before becoming a Fu Mo practitioner?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
To become a Fu Mo practitioner, first ask whether you truly enjoy helping and remain willing to seek solutions through difficulty. This is more than proving you are unafraid of ghosts. I have described five basic requirements: a wish to help, the strength to subdue demons, firm faith, flexibility in responding naturally to circumstances, and wisdom to distinguish right from wrong. Enthusiasm alone cannot replace any missing aspect.
Consider whether you believe in higher powers, believe righteousness can overcome evil, and are willing to understand cause and effect and circumstances beyond appearances. Can you remain steady before the unknown, avoid impulsiveness, accept guidance, and share tasks? Think seriously about these questions and recognize the risk of being affected by negative energy in this work.
Professional service requires actual learning, developing abilities, and understanding your responsibilities. Even if you do not intend to pursue it professionally, use these reminders in everyday life to examine where your intentions, judgments, and actions need adjustment.
Accepting guidance and retaining judgment are compatible. Facing an unfamiliar situation as a team requires experienced teachers' direction, rather than rushing ahead before understanding. Continue studying principles and forming sound views instead of repeating others. Learning only obedience and assuming someone else carries all responsibility does not teach discernment.
My own journey from meditation and spontaneous spiritual movement to handling matters for others took about ten years. That was my process, not a rule that everyone gains ability after ten years. Starting at thirty or forty need not be considered too late. What matters is actual development and whether you can responsibly help people.
Learning also occurs while handling each situation. We discuss whether our approach is suitable and afterward consider better methods. YOYO shared that, though willing to try initially, there was still concern about doing poorly, so uncertainties were discussed with the teacher. Cultivate confidence and caution together. Team members complement each other; no one needs to force themselves through alone.