Starting Spiritual Practice
Are more spiritual-mountain visits and spiritual encounters always better?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Spiritual encounters have meaning, but more journeys do not guarantee faster awakening. First understand your condition, affinity with deities, and why participation is needed. Do not keep going simply because someone tells you to, or assume every temple must be visited.
Travel requires time and money, may affect work, and can be hard for family to understand. First establish your practice at a center with which you have affinity, then arrange encounters according to feelings, conditions, and needs. This clarifies why you go without giving every available moment to it.
For formal spiritual encounters, I recommend a teacher or experienced guide. They differ from simply walking somewhere beautiful. Groups have different methods, and your time, money, and ability still need consideration. Annual frequencies mentioned before reflected circumstances then, not a requirement that everyone follow them today.