Deities and Faith
Can I stand inside a temple and ask divination whether its deity is good?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
To divine whether a temple or deity suits you, ask before departure, or afterward once you have left. Avoid standing inside and judging its deity on site. This expresses basic respect for the place and faith.
Imagine visiting a friend while asking in their presence whether they are good or bad. It would feel strange. In our religious understanding, entering a temple enters another’s space and boundary, where worship calls for courtesy.
Concerns about suitability or precautions can be clarified beforehand as reference. Later perceptions can be explored after leaving. Learning divination still requires restraint, not publicly judging others’ deities everywhere.