Deities and Faith
How can I draw close to Mazu without frequent temple visits?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
You can recite Mazu’s sacred name while thinking of her. Saying ‘Heavenly Holy Mother’ or ‘Mother Mazu’ is a very simple way to draw close to her. You do not have to visit a temple in person to have an opportunity to express your faith.
If you have a familiar temple or image of Mazu in mind, you can also hold that image clearly while reciting. I gave examples of Mazu worshipped in different places to help people form a clearer connection. I was not requiring everyone to visit the same temple, nor prescribing a fixed number of repetitions.
It is good to visit and worship when you have time. When you do not, you can still draw close by reciting her sacred name. At the same time, remember to learn Mazu’s virtues: observe, listen and be willing to help people. This faith is more than joining one annual procession. Remember her in everyday life too, and gradually put what you learn into practice.