Starting Spiritual Practice
Why must spiritual guidance vary by person rather than be applied universally?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Advice in practice depends on the individual's situation. One answer cannot simply be applied to everyone. Qualities, abilities, and present lessons differ, so suitable guidance differs too.
Sharing experience assisting during a deity's descent, Miao Yuan found that attentiveness and quick reactions suited looking after matters nearby. This work deepened self-understanding and brought an appreciation that the deities assign responsibilities according to what each can do.
Ming Fen also described guidance in which the teacher considered different individual situations and offered different suggestions, clarifying where effort could go. Teachers should help students understand present problems and ways to think and judge. Whether to act and how to proceed remain the person's decisions.