Why is training spiritual students about more than having as many students as possible?

I care more about why students want to learn and whether we share the same principles. Having many students is different from students truly taking the teachings to heart and putting them into practice. I hope to cultivate people who first work on themselves, then gradually have a positive influence on those around them.

In the early years, there were fewer assessments when accepting students. We encountered people who came simply because their boyfriend or girlfriend attended. Later, when the couple broke up, both left. This showed me that if someone is merely following a relationship rather than truly wanting to practice, it is difficult to keep learning. However, that was an experience from that time. It does not mean that everyone who accompanies a partner is insincere.

I therefore hope to focus my energy on people who share our aspirations and are willing to do the work seriously. When I use Confucius’s students as an example, the point is that people who genuinely learn and practice can go on to influence many others. Both we as individuals and our group are still learning. Having fewer people is not necessarily better, and having a particular identity does not mean someone’s spiritual practice is already complete.