Deities and Faith
When water dries up, do the water ghosts disappear?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Less water and exposed banks do not mean every earlier influence disappears. In our religious understanding, conditions associated with water and energy remaining at the location require distinction.
Water was the original carrier, so reduced water might theoretically weaken related influences. If truly none remains, the water ghosts previously discussed should no longer be there. Yet that does not mean the land has no residual energy. Changes in the water differ from disappearance of influences left at the place.
When discussing Sun Moon Lake drying, water actually remained in the center; the entire lake was not dry. Exposed ground where someone stood did not establish identical conditions across the water area. Consider actual changes and distinguish conditions within water from residual influences at the site.