What are the disciple guidelines of the fourteen chess pieces, and how can they be practiced in daily life?

The disciple guidelines here are reminders for Sheng Zhen Men students and disciples that I organized from the meanings of the fourteen red and black chess-piece types. I also explain them as Fu Mo practitioners' inner principles. They are not only for interpreting others' readings. They give us a direction for examining our own thinking, actions, and attitudes when situations arise.

For example, humbly seeking instruction does not mean saying you want to learn but trying only to prove yourself right whenever someone offers a different view. Spiritual practice may bring perceptions and insights, but these should not make us increasingly arrogant or constantly compare powers. Doing our own work well and being willing to learn and examine ourselves applies the guidelines to ourselves.

I wrote these principles in accessible language so people could understand how to approach complex ideas. With little experience, one can begin with a piece's basic meaning. Further learning still requires returning to actual questions and building experience, rather than fitting everyone's circumstances into the same sentence.

Dao Shun also said clear chess-piece definitions can first be explained to clients, rather than leaving everything to the teacher's authority. I hope everyone understands these principles and practices them. Examining whether we fulfill them in everyday encounters is closer to their purpose than memorizing names but using them only to judge others.

For the black pawn, my reminder is 'first look to yourself in all matters.' In relationships, do what you can well rather than always centering attention on others. Instead of continually pointing at others' faults, examine whether you are putting energy into what you should do. This brings a piece's meaning into everyday self-reminders, rather than merely passing judgment on people.

The following reminders can begin an understanding of the fourteen piece types in daily life. They describe directions for cultivation discussed in different conversations, not every divinatory definition of each piece, nor guarantees that following one sentence produces a particular result.

Red marshal: lead by example and fulfill your responsibilities. Begin with yourself, do what you should, and take responsibility for decisions rather than constantly demanding others change.

Red advisor: consider others more. Do not act only from your own position; recognize others' needs. When results are good, remember everyone's shared effort rather than claiming all the credit.

Red elephant: think clearly before acting. Do not decide impulsively. Allow time for thought so your judgment becomes clearer.

Red chariot: give proactively and build positive connections. With colleagues and classmates, do not only wait for help. Consider what you can initiate to improve mutual interaction.

Red horse: remain rational and willing to share. Share achievements with others, and exercise reason rather than following emotion alone when situations arise.

Red cannon: treat people warmly. Show sincere enthusiasm and get along well with others, while maintaining the work of cultivating body and mind and respecting deities and Buddhas.

Red soldier: human effort matters. Do not merely wait for a favorable or unfavorable answer. What you do next remains important.

Black general: hold your direction and remember your original intention. Recall why you began, return judgment and responsibility to yourself, and do not completely lose direction amid outside voices.

Black advisor: settle yourself and see clearly before judging. When matters are unclear, do not be led by immediate feelings and imagination. Remaining peaceful and relaxing a little can help you see more clearly.

Black elephant: retain a child's pure heart. Smile and ease up when you can, rather than magnifying everything and continually dwelling on it. If you cannot smile for now, begin by caring a little less excessively.

Black chariot: avoid excessive attachment and accept teaching humbly. When you cannot let go, loosen your heart a little. You do not need to grip everything so tightly.

Black horse: face necessary work with less repeated complaint and respond to actual circumstances. I use working willingly without resentment as a reminder. The point is how to meet the present, rather than remain stuck in dissatisfaction.

Black cannon: speak carefully and do not casually discuss others. There is no need to rush into gossip or disputes with little connection to you. Protect yourself first and create less conflict.

Black pawn: return attention to yourself. Handle your own affairs well rather than continually comparing with others or only demanding things of them.