Work and Money
Which matters more: achievement and reputation, or doing things properly?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Doing something well and genuinely helping someone can itself bring fulfillment. You do not need substantial wealth, fame, or universal applause before feeling valuable. In Chinese chess divination, feng shui, and Fu Mo services, seeing people gradually move away from negative circumstances, find direction, and experience positive change is what satisfies me.
Do not look only at others' apparent success and assume life is easy for them. I remember an interview with Terry Gou describing traveling with a suitcase to promote business when young, and continuing to work long hours after success, sometimes discussing business even while playing golf. Many achievements involve effort and pressure outsiders do not see. Different results still require examining what we are willing to contribute, rather than hoping to obtain them easily.
Practice is similar. Wearing a center's clothing and having a practitioner's identity leaves actual conduct visible to others. When we do poorly, teachers, the center, and the deities may all be blamed too. A title gives more reason to fulfill our duties and keep learning, rather than caring only about appearing impressive.
Sheng Zhen Men's rules for disciples remind us to fulfill our duties and first ask what we can do ourselves, becoming examples others can learn from. The deities' teaching and responsibilities call for greater care so our behavior can match those responsibilities.