Communication and Boundaries
Why does Master Shengyuan keep certificates of appreciation received after talks?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
A certificate of appreciation represents someone's recognition of me and preserves the intention behind their invitation. With so many teachers in a field, choosing to invite you to share and treating you with courtesy shows that they value your expertise. That respect deserves to be cherished.
After speaking at different organizations, I keep the certificates, framing some and laminating others. After visiting many places, memory alone really does fail. Rotary, for example, has different local clubs. Looking back at the certificates reminds me where I went and whom I shared with. They are also a record of this part of my journey.
The same applies to souvenirs. What is precious to me is the intention exchanged between people. If you receive something you cannot use, you do not have to force yourself to act excited, but you can still respect the giver. Besides asking whether you need it, consider how the other person feels when offering that gesture to you.