What does a Fu Mo practitioner do?

A Fu Mo practitioner does more than fight ghosts as in films. I adopted the name under the guidance of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva to explain our work of subduing inner demons and dispelling external ones. Attachment, mistaken thinking and imbalance within also need attention. A special title does not remove the need to learn sound principles.

Through divination we explore work, relationships and finances, and provide religious services including blessings, rites for the deceased, home purification, feng shui, settling deity altars, spirit interference, severing harmful interpersonal influences and ending unwanted romantic influences. In early descriptions of our principal deities, I mentioned Master Ji Gong, Lord Bao, and the Three Saints Who Subdue Demons: Xuantian Shangdi, Guan Sheng Di Jun and Zhong Kui. This is the faith and working context of Sheng Zhen Men. The focus of service remains understanding what someone needs and whether we can truly help.

After identifying a problem, offer clear direction. A teacher who says only “you have a problem” and stops there offers limited help. Consider whether the person can follow the method and whether alternatives exist if they cannot. I have observed that traditional Daoist masters often assist through corresponding rituals, while Buddhist approaches more often guide changes of mind. This is my observation of different approaches, not a claim that every school can use only one. In our services, ritual and inner cultivation cannot replace each other. Teach what can be taught rather than repeatedly doing things for people while leaving them unaware of how to change their lives.

Faith need not appear only in a traditional temple form. We have created songs and tried spirit-movement dance groups, bands and drumming. Through Podcasts, online formats and divination and character reading at creative markets, we introduce faith to different ages. Markets were a new attempt; existing religious services continued. Classes, scriptures and knowledge of the deities are also things we want to keep sharing.

I also value patience under insult and avoiding contention. It is not necessarily an inability to compete: winning or losing may create further entanglements. Avoid creating conflict where possible. Serving others requires discernment, fundamentals, faith and responsibility, not merely the pursuit of an unusual title. This is what I hope Sheng Zhen Men continues to do.

I often explain religious work through the deities’ compassion and great vows. For Dragon Boat Festival blessings, for example, we hope to seek the help of Xuantian Shangdi and the Three Saints Who Subdue Demons in supporting people’s safety and peace. Understanding the deities’ missions and using that faith to help those in need matters more to me than displaying how many deities we know or unusual things we can do.

Whether an ordinary person can become a Fu Mo practitioner first requires distinguishing the level being discussed. I have said that anyone willing to correct themselves and gradually transform negative thoughts and emotions can begin by subduing their own inner demons. Seeing spirits is not a prerequisite, nor does one need a title to qualify to begin.

Further responsibility for religious services requires more than good intentions. I have proposed five directions: a heart to help others, the strength to subdue demons, firm belief, adaptability and wisdom to distinguish right from wrong. Training at Sheng Zhen Men also includes Chinese chess divination, spiritual practice and learning to face situations. Willingness to help is a beginning; actual ability and judgment must develop alongside it.