Deities and Faith
Do spiritual perceptions and goodwill qualify someone to lead a Pudu ceremony?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Having perceptions and good intentions differs from being able to bear responsibility for a Pudu ceremony. We need to consider whether the leader understands the work, has sufficient preparation and ability, and can care for the setting properly. Feeling able to perceive something does not qualify someone simply to accept responsibility for a ceremony.
In our religious understanding of Pudu, inviting unseen beings to receive offerings and deliverance requires corresponding protection. I have discussed the symbolism of banners and guarding divine soldiers, and explained that Sheng Zhen Men arranges ritual implements and command flags. These serve the whole occasion. More objects do not necessarily mean more power, and copying their appearance does not provide the same ability.
People’s condition matters as well. I reminded everyone that organizers, leaders, participants, and scripture-reciting ritual masters all affect the occasion. Ordinary practice, intentions, and preparation cannot all be skipped when holding a ceremony. Recognized deviations require willingness to correct them.
If you want to help, first learn and understand your own capacities rather than equating goodwill with completed preparation. We are cautious about this ourselves. Discussing risks reminds those willing to take responsibility to prepare properly, not that ordinary people necessarily encounter trouble merely by passing a Pudu ceremony.