Can I immediately conduct services after taking over my family’s temple? What must I learn first?

Taking over a family temple does not by itself provide the ability to conduct services. Principles and foundational practice still need learning, along with knowing the limits of your strength.

A female fellow practitioner in southern Taiwan took over a temple after her mother died. Earlier, she had not done much practice alongside her mother. After beginning spiritual cultivation and movement, she asked what to attend to. I reminded her to open her mind, clarify what she meant by spirituality, original spirit and soul, then continue developing ability and judgment.

Spiritual inspiration does not mean complete attainment. Performing spirit-movement actions does not mean being able to shoulder everyone’s problems. To answer questions and conduct services, examine why you wish to help and whether compassion and aspiration are present, while continuing to learn and gain experience. Learning through doing is possible, but not accepting others’ problems while understanding nothing.