Chapter Three: The Beginning
Continuing from where we left off, we began preparing for Grandpa’s burial the next day. That night, none of us slept. I confided in my aunt about how difficult life had been these past few years living away from home with my father. My aunt cared for me deeply. We sat quietly beside Grandpa’s coffin; I would occasionally glance at him but dared not look for too long, afraid I might break down. When burning incense and paper offerings for Grandpa, I often accidentally burned myself. The family said it was Grandpa’s way of showing his love; others said it was as if the departed had something to say. Regardless, Grandpa still loved our family.
After Grandpa was laid to rest, family members gradually returned home. My second aunt was kind and gentle. I remember when she left, she gave me five hundred yuan. During the pandemic, many had lost their source of income, and her family was no exception. So, I was very happy with my second aunt’s kindness. Every time I saw her, she’d call me “my dear,” and it was the first time I felt truly comforted. I sincerely wished for her happiness and health.
That night, as darkness fell, I had to return to Hebei for some matters. Along the way, we found ourselves going back and forth several times; every route we tried to take was blocked for various reasons. In the end, we had no choice but to take a rough, difficult path. On the highway, I dreamed we were hit head-on by a large truck. I woke up inside the dream, saw that we were unharmed, and asked my father, “Dad, do you believe in dreams?” He replied, “What are you trying to say?” I said, “Nothing, just had a nightmare.” Thankfully, we arrived safely. Our journeys went smoothly after that, perhaps because Grandma’s house was filled with many deities—a kind of spiritual support.
At that time, I still called my teacher “Sister.” Later, in the group where we learned the healing arts, she said not to call her sister but “Master,” as it was more appropriate since she was our instructor. Our first lesson was to understand the healing arts. We were told that for seven days before practicing or performing rituals, we must abstain from sexual activity. That marked the end of the first lesson. We needed to wake early the next day to practice, so we all logged off. I never imagined I would learn such things, especially online. I wasn’t sure if it was real or not.
Early the next morning, I rose to practice. After completing 49 repetitions, I sent my progress to the Master. We shared our experiences and feelings during practice, and the Master patiently guided us. Our healing arts practice was structured in seven-day cycles, though the longer the better. That night, we confirmed our practice times and began learning the water ritual. We drew symbols for each other, and besides chanting the incantations, there was nothing else—pure and clear divine water, golden light extending a thousand miles... After everything was complete, we drank the water. It was surprisingly enjoyable! Some said it tasted sweet, others said like spicy strips, some even said like plastic—truly extraordinary!
A few days later, the Master posted a list of rituals in the group: the Heavenly Canopy Ritual and the Green Bamboo Ritual. The Heavenly Canopy was powerful for exorcism, while the Green Bamboo was gentle, suited for blessing and disaster relief. Due to special circumstances, we didn’t learn the Green Bamboo at that time. Finally, I mustered the courage to ask the Master, “Master, do you still accept disciples? I see everyone else has a teacher, but I don’t, and it feels awkward.” She replied, “I do. What would you like to learn?” I thought the Heavenly Canopy had fewer techniques but was more potent, and since I was still studying, it suited my schedule better. The Green Bamboo, with its many techniques, I could learn later.
In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The Master gave me a name: “One who practices all virtues diligently, destined to receive lasting blessings. Let it be ‘Law Practitioner.’” I was overjoyed—I finally had a Patriarch and a Master!
Thus, I formally entered this path. I’ve encountered many interesting and amusing experiences since then, but those will have to wait until next time. Living in the world, I sit quietly, my heart like the bright moon shining in the sky.