Starting Spiritual Practice
If someone says my spirit is as exalted as a deity, may I skip practice?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
No. Others praising your spirit does not complete present lessons. Living in this world still involves learning and correction. An impressive origin or title alone cannot mean practice is unnecessary.
A practitioner relayed a client claiming a spirit as exalted as Jiutian Xuannü and therefore little need for practice. I replied that specialness should not come first: live human life well now. Past abilities or connections do not establish restoration to that state in this lifetime.
In my faith understanding, even an originally capable spirit is now learning again. Cultivation, meditation, and exercises gradually develop us. Recognizing original nature does not mean becoming a Buddha upon remembering, nor can practice stop at “I used to be exalted.”
If someone constantly calls you a great deity incarnate or equal to one, consider whether this clarifies needed learning or merely makes you feel impressive. Present actions, virtues, and practice remain the real tasks. Even a deity’s medium is still human and must keep learning.