Does participating in temple processions and handling ritual implements mean someone can perform exorcisms?

No. Taking part in temple processions and being able to hold ritual implements are different from actually having the ability to perform exorcisms for others. A child can wear a doctor’s coat while playing make-believe and look like a doctor, but that does not give the child a doctor’s abilities.

In religious belief, the Jiajiang are divine officers and soldiers whose purpose includes helping living beings. I have great respect for this culture. Moving their ritual implements expresses that bearing and circulates energy. It does not mean striking someone you dislike with an implement and calling it an exorcism. The wrongdoing of some individuals should not cause the whole Jiajiang tradition to be misunderstood. Nor can a title or a prop justify hurting people.

If you want to become a demon-subduing practitioner, you still need to learn step by step. You must practice focusing and directing your own strength, understand each case, think through each step, and know how to respond to different situations. We have been very careful throughout this process and do not dare assume that we are particularly powerful or capable. There is still a great deal to learn between being able to pick up a ritual implement and having the ability to handle a situation and bear its risks.