Why does Sheng Zhen Men’s Seventh Lord statue not have an extended tongue?

Our Seventh Lord statue does not extend a long tongue, unlike many familiar images. When we found this pair of Seventh and Eighth Lords, we felt affinity and thought they suited standing with Lord Bao, so we invited them back. Why we found this particular form became clearer only later through contact.

During consecration and invitation, I felt the Seventh Lord’s energy as warm. Later religious experience led me to understand our two Lords as heavenly troops, yang divine generals. That origin informs my understanding of the tongue’s absence in this image.

I also regard Seventh and Eighth Lord as offices. People called bodyguards can still have different backgrounds and training. Likewise, I understand differing origins here: some heavenly troops, others deceased spirits incorporated by deities. Incorporated spirits may never have done wrong and cannot all be judged bad.

Inviting a statue is only a beginning. Continue learning the deity’s virtue, ways of helping, and intended teaching. Faith’s most important work is learning divine virtue and applying the principles in life.