Deities and Faith
Must a spirit medium obey a demand to get a tattoo in order to survive?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Do not immediately comply simply because someone says a deity requires a tattoo to preserve your life. The person can still think, ask questions and understand whether it is necessary and whether alternatives exist. Strong advice differs from using threats to force acceptance.
A listener asked whether it was reasonable that a friend serving as a medium was required to get a tattoo for protection. The question did not clearly describe the circumstances, so I did not determine whether that case was genuine. Within faith, I can understand the possibility that some deities use such protection. But understanding that possibility does not leave tattooing as the only way to survive.
In my religious understanding, words and designs carry meaning. Tattooing them also connects them with your body and life. Do not proceed merely because a divine image looks impressive or powerful. Understand the design, your own condition and suitability. Some think omitting a deity’s eyes prevents influence. I remind them that an incomplete design does not remove the need for consideration.
I have also heard a friend describe a teacher drawing a talisman on the body for protection. This was the friend’s reported religious experience, not advice for everyone to imitate or proof that talisman drawing and tattoos preserve life. The point is that methods can be explored further. One claim that this is the only way should not close off choice. When unsure, ask people who can clearly explain the principles before deciding.
Regarding scripture or deity-image tattoos, I neither oppose them all nor claim they necessarily benefit people. My first reminders concerned safety and hygiene. Religiously, I also consider whether the practitioner understands the scripture and method, and whether the recipient is suited to the symbolised energy. These conditions need investigation. One image cannot guarantee protection for everyone, and religious explanations cannot bypass safety and hygiene.