Deities and Faith
What should spirit-paper bags say for collective burning, and are handprints required?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
For collective burning, clearly write who makes the offering and which ancestor receives it on the outer bag. Complete relevant petition information too, clarifying both recipient and giver’s intention.
I have also discussed handprints as assistance. Through energy, they establish connection. Placing paper in a clearly labeled bag with that intention supports completion. Without an ink pad, an intangible handprint is possible; lacking a physical mark does not make the act impossible.
Burned quantities do not directly equal received quantities. In service, some people who burned much still had undelivered offerings. Our faith considers actual delivery and divine or troop help. Written details and handprints clarify connection, but quantity alone cannot confirm receipt.