Deities and Faith
If deities are already in the shrine, why face outward to receive them?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Besides welcoming the worshipped deities, facing outward also reports to heaven and respectfully invites divine attendance. Within this tradition, ceremonies and birthday celebrations announce what is happening and welcome other connected deities to participate.
A friend once asked why we faced outside when the Mother was already inside. This can be understood through reverence for heaven and earth. I used divided manifestations, students and subordinate troops as comparisons for relationships between an earthly centre and its deities. Reporting outward is a welcome and act of respect, not a statement that no deity was originally inside.
Temples differ. Some receptions involve spirit movement, ribbons and command flags. The Songshan Cihui Hall event included group worship, flowers and singing. Even without collective movement, deep feelings remained possible.
It also showed me the strength of orderly concentration on one shared activity. Learn the etiquette beforehand, observe, listen and participate on site. Personal involvement makes differing methods’ purposes easier to understand.