Mediums and Spirit Communication
Whether it is the Wuji Celestial Spirit or the Taiji Celestial Spirit, both have received a heavenly mandate to come to the mortal realm. The medium or spirit communicator is merely one of the ways they fulfill their mission~
Mediums
When the deities from the Taiji Celestial Realm descend to the mortal world, they often choose a Taiji Celestial Spirit with a more sensitive magnetic field as a medium, directly borrowing their physical body to manifest in this world. At temple fairs, you can see mediums with their faces painted in vibrant colors, wielding shark swords,
wolf teeth clubs, and spiked balls… fiercely striking their backs and stabbing themselves, creating a bloody spectacle that frightens onlookers; these mediums serve as their [amplifiers]. After being selected as mediums, they undergo [training] known as “exercising the Five Treasures.”
This is because if a medium does not have a strong physique, they may be unable to withstand injuries when the deity descends. This process of exercising the Five Treasures was also experienced by Grandma in her early days; later on, she worked with divine beings—accumulating merits until she gradually transitioned into being a spiritual medium!
Spirit Communication
In contrast to the Wuji Celestial Realm’s high-level Holy Ancestors, whose methods are more refined due to their elevated status, they mostly communicate through spiritual means. They will first convey what needs to be communicated to the Wuji Celestial Spirit residing in the physical body,
and then that spirit will express the Holy Ancestor’s intentions in [vernacular] or [classical Chinese], while those who communicate with spirits act as a spiritual [language translator]!
Certainly, under some special circumstances—such as healing wounds or exorcising evil—they still need to demonstrate power through mediums; however, they maintain an elegant demeanor during these actions.
When deities descend, it becomes apparent how well-trained mediums or spirit communicators are in their daily cultivation and spiritual practice. Those who have put in effort can receive deities within just 1-2 minutes without any [grand gestures], and after descending can clearly and accurately convey divine messages.
On the other hand, those who are lazy in their practice or harbor impure thoughts may take longer during such encounters or exhibit larger movements. After descending, there might also be instances where messages are miscommunicated or even distorted (unstable mediums).
Whether it’s through mediums or spirit communication, since they possess sensitive magnetic fields,
is it possible that they might attract demons, evils, or external spirits?
The answer is affirmative because ghosts and demons share similar magnetic fields;
So how can one avoid being possessed by ghosts or demons?
The answer lies in what has been mentioned earlier: [cultivation] and [spiritual practice]. When one diligently practices regularly, ghosts and demons will see your aura of [righteousness] along with your surrounding protective deities,
and they won’t even dare approach you for possession! “Without virtue but with knowledge invites demons; with virtue but without knowledge makes truth hard to prove.”
Is it possible to escape being designated as a medium or spirit communicator? Aren’t divine beings compassionate? Would they force someone’s physical body into doing something undesirable?
This question really boils down to whether you can escape from your physical body’s [original spirit].
The vows and karmic debts you made cannot be escaped because it is your [original spirit] that needs to become a medium or communicate spiritually; your physical body is merely dragged along.
If your original spirit had already received [heavenly decrees and duties] before descending into this mortal realm—to act as a [medium], engage in [spirit communication], and assist others—
if now your physical body opposes cooperation with your original spirit preventing its mission from being fulfilled, this has nothing to do with divine compassion;
It’s akin to working for a company where your boss instructs the manager that restrooms must be cleaned thoroughly using scrubbing pads. The manager assigns this task to you,
and if you feel cleaning restrooms is too dirty and smelly so you refuse, the manager cannot complete what was instructed by the boss; does this relate at all to whether the boss is compassionate? Shouldn’t you stand aside watching while your boss cleans?
If you argue with the manager about this task, how do you think he would treat you? Of course he would use various methods to compel compliance; if you stubbornly refuse, in the end either you’ll concede defeat or both sides will suffer.
Perhaps some might say I resist compliance outright but eventually gods let me go! Moreover I live leisurely without worries—yes indeed on surface level you’ve won this battle between mortals and deities,
but behind scenes you’ve lost because gods have already let you “grazing cattle” (demoted back into an ordinary spirit). If it’s karma of one’s own making then one must face it!
In this mortal realm there are billions of sentient beings while there are only dozens or hundreds of gods; although Buddhist teachings are boundless,
to guide so many stubborn sentient beings still presents challenges. Yet divine beings tirelessly strive without reservation; should we not contribute our humble efforts instead of evading responsibility? Moreover this itself constitutes merit!
In order to guide sentient beings and alleviate their suffering, they must keep up with rapidly changing technological advancements (breast cancer, cervical cancer, AIDS, SARS, glass children syndrome, stroke victims, vegetative states, internet usage, online communication, offline communication, typing skills, driving skills, Taiwanese language, Hakka language, English language, Taiwanese slang and even Martian script… all matters pertaining within mortal realms) so as better assist them.
Isn’t it rather difficult for them using brains honed over millennia? Yet have we ever heard them complain?
Or refuse learning? “[Phoenix Mountain Range’s Compassionate Phoenix Palace Master—Guanyin Bodhisattva attained enlightenment three thousand years ago!]”
Today we pray for help from divine beings while simultaneously refusing service for sentient beings—isn’t our physical body too selfish? How fair is that towards divine beings?
Furthermore as mere mortals what virtues do we possess that warrant gods bearing all karmic burdens created by sentient beings?
In unavoidable circumstances some mediums or spirit communicators may give up entirely living like walking corpses,
living day-to-day without purpose unaware that it’s an opportunity for serious cultivation. When it’s time for withdrawal from spiritual duties they’ll find themselves empty-handed (not referring specifically material possessions).
Some mediums or communicators believe themselves representatives of deities incarnate thus become arrogant disregarding everything,
leading them astray from true cultivation principles ultimately inviting demonic possession instead of helping others.
Others may think they’ve acquired supernatural abilities using these powers deceitfully for financial gain engaging illicit affairs… which squandered hard-earned merits leading ultimately towards tragic ends.
Some mediums see urgent needs among sentient beings thus develop greed exaggerating fabricated karmic tales demanding exorbitant fees
which deviates significantly from divine intentions further contradicting original spirits’ purposes coming down here.
There are also those who lack any mission yet see potential profit thus spend money,time,and energy desperately learning about spiritual communication,
solely motivated by greed; once they’ve learned enough it’ll coincide perfectly when they’re ready for exploitation.
Mediums represent divine entities why do some engage in numerous immoral acts yet remain unpunished?
These bad apples still hold utility value hence temporarily allowed leeway serving as cautionary examples for other practitioners whether they’ll fall similarly.
Once conditions align these morally bankrupt mediums will face severe punishments along with tragic fates!
Many believe carrying heavenly mandates means establishing temples everywhere hence Taiwan now has temples every few steps.
This misconception arises from misunderstanding due diligence regarding cultivation practices each celestial entity carries distinct missions: spreading teachings,
imparting wisdom,dissolving doubts,curing ailments,reducing obstacles,publishing texts,promoting righteous paths,… If erroneous decisions arise due misunderstanding only adverse effects follow.
Perhaps someone might say “I’m already fulfilling heavenly mandates establishing temples why am I still facing difficulties?” The reason lies here—you’ve taken wrong turns!
Do mediums bear others’ karmic burdens when assisting sentient beings? Will enemies pursue them seeking revenge? Wouldn’t it be unfair if gods allow one person saving others yet burdening them simultaneously?
Each celestial entity descending has responsibilities & authorities within limits acting freely within those confines poses no issues;
however exceeding authority requires consulting higher powers before proceeding otherwise consequences fall upon oneself unless prior approval obtained from superiors.
If granted assistance will follow suit while consequences shall rest upon superiors’ shoulders!
Naturally while handling matters on behalf of others mediums inevitably interact frequently within “yin” realms where distinctions exist between yin-yang worlds.
Though intentions may not involve harming mediums impacts could occur requiring reliance upon personal cultivation practices;
advanced practitioners know how heal themselves report injuries seeking assistance from superiors granting protective blessings instead remaining silent suffering silently.
Conversely novices fearing confrontations might seek refuge abandoning cultivation altogether—this emphasizes importance placed upon diligent training (refining essence transforming qi refining qi into divinity refining divinity returning void merging unity).
Should mediums charge fees when executing heavenly mandates? This question lacks definitive answers since deities never accept payment money holds no significance
nor utility (however donations supporting temple operations yield immeasurable merits), what matters most remains genuine sincerity among practitioners!
Generally large temples receive sponsorships allowing collection incense offerings hence often voluntary contributions suffice;if you’re employed financially secure serving others accumulates merit doesn’t require further considerations.
However if tasked under orders needing sustenance then discretion applies starving hinders performance;
expenditures should focus solely on temple operations living necessities maintaining selflessness avoiding greed ensuring mutual consent handling affairs fairly.ps.because seekers invariably carry burdens unresolved how could unmeritorious individuals resolve karmic debts?
Why assert supernatural abilities cannot surpass karmic forces? Because individual karma necessitates personal resolution charitable acts merit-based offerings yield immeasurable rewards consider instances involving past lives taking three lives
now those three souls haunt current individual demanding retribution how could deities possibly intervene?
What actions should individuals undertake cultivating virtues enabling release grievances held against them by vengeful spirits?
Mediums merely provide opportunities generating merits~offering support towards teachings,sutras,and masters aiding temple sustainability directing accrued merits towards personal essence-spirit treasures,
deities primarily facilitate communications coordinating efforts cannot shoulder entire karmic burdens! However initiating sacred endeavors shouldn’t breach ethical guidelines otherwise accumulated merits risk nullification!
Upon comprehending deeply roles assigned mediators/spirit communicators truly nothing warrants fear trepidation instead embrace joy serving fellow sentients,
prior commencing services earnest dedication towards cultivating oneself preparing thoroughly broadening knowledge base enhancing insights enabling becoming competent representatives delivering messages effectively rather than soulless puppets!!! The saying goes ten years cultivate shared boat crossing hundred years cultivate shared pillow sleeping implies lacking sufficient depth ten-year training renders impossible achieving enlightenment together;
ask yourself honestly how long have dedicated sincere efforts studying alone without guidance truly attain self-realization?
Regardless devoted practitioners representing heaven proclaiming truths navigating paths remain individuals burdened responsibilities differing yet deserving respect collectively fostering harmony! Let us encourage each other!
Worldly disturbances arise solely from mind’s creations disturbances stemmed solely through desires dragging souls downwards purity resides within virtue.
Attachment breeds craving ignorance leads confusion dispelling desires clears heart/mind.
Transform confusion into clarity focus remains paramount tranquility nurtures soul’s essence.
Throughout day-night cycles observe carefully scrutinizing thoughts arising gently guiding heart’s impulses toward righteousness.
By adhering diligently desires dissipate naturally leaving tranquility intact allowing true nature emerge unperturbed amidst distractions around us preserving sanctity undisturbed by external influences nurturing purity throughout existence refining hearts cleansing spirits transcending essence merging unity preserving primordial vitality intact.
by-Phoenix Mountain Range Compassionate Phoenix Palace