Deities and Faith
Does the paper figure in the ritual for cutting off harmful people's influence represent the person being targeted?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
No. In this Sheng Zhen Men ritual, the paper figure represents the participant, not someone to attack. It symbolizes connection with the participant's energy for religious purification.
Dao Xuan explained that the deities are first informed, then the figure's connection is used to address negative energy around the person. It is not treated as a colleague or neighbor to harm. Nor must participants first list named people to be cut down.
Understanding this prevents mistaking the figure and the word 'cut' for revenge. The aim is freedom from harmful disputes and influences while continuing to adjust how you relate to others.