Why mention formal membership when addressing unseen issues?

Besides learning and a connection through faith, the membership system also has a background in religious service. In some situations, someone has simply encountered an unseen being. In others, the person previously invited the being to help and a relationship already exists. In my religious understanding, intervening in the latter situation often requires first clarifying our position and the basis on which we are acting.

The member’s formal prayer document, ceremony of accepting a teacher and token allow a person to express a willingness to rely on the deities of Sheng Zhen Men, learn according to the teachings here and adjust their behaviour. This connection is more than asking someone else to clear up a problem. The person also needs to develop understanding and put it into action.

Members and students still differ in their way of participating. Under the arrangement described at the time, students were encouraged to attend group practice as much as possible. Membership was more flexible: people could come to learn when free and gradually understand the group. If they later wanted to study more deeply, we could discuss arrangements for becoming a student. This status represents a connection of faith and learning. It cannot guarantee the same outcome for every problem.