Everyday Life
Why do spirit-board and spirit-pen games require hands to touch them?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
According to the spiritual experiences Dao Xuan and I discussed, in spirit-board and spirit-pen games, an unseen influence first affects participants and then moves objects through their hands. The plate or pen does not move by itself. That is why hands must rest on the plate or hold the pen.
Having 'immortal' in their Chinese names does not establish that the summoned being is a deity. Unlike worship at a temple where its name and deity are known, the source of these invocations is unclear and warrants attention to risk. Their past use as casual folk activities does not mean curiosity makes them suitable to try today.