Deities and Faith
What can I learn from a religious association besides socialising?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Besides socialising, you can observe, listen, learn and work with like-minded people for faith. I attended activities of a Xuantian Shangdi research association formed by related temples, with exploration, sharing and exchange. Seeing many still seriously promoting religion, Daoism and cultivation moved me.
The association hoped people would genuinely contribute and produce constructive results. I agree. Making friends at activities is good, but if only meals, drinking and conversation remain without advancing shared faith and learning, an important purpose is lost.
The practitioner who recommended me was a friend met at an activity more than ten years earlier. He also helped at Jietian Temple in Yilan, where visits gradually introduced me to the association. Looking back, I felt it a good arrangement and welcomed another chance to learn from seniors. Foundation years and term numbers mentioned then belong to that activity’s background and must be understood with the recording’s date.