Want to visit a temple or Buddhist shrine to seek divine guidance but unsure what to ask or how to prepare? This article introduces the three main types of Divination Consultations, the necessary preparations, and common questions. It will help you understand what people typically ask during a consultation, as well as walk you through the process and taboos. With this knowledge, you can avoid mistakes and successfully receive guidance from deities to find your life’s direction and courageously step onto a new path.
What Do People Usually Ask? Current Life Troubles
In life, setbacks are common—whether in physical and mental health, family relations, parenting, education, career, interpersonal issues, or overall luck. Often, these challenges can’t be easily resolved by human efforts. In such moments, those with faith would turn to deities for guidance, as deities operate on a higher dimension and can perceive the causes and consequences of life events more clearly.
You may ask the deities about any obstacles or concerns, such as:
– “My child is deciding between two job offers. Which one should they choose?”
– “I’m facing great difficulties at work. Should I resign and find a new job?”
– “My spouse and I have been married for years but remain childless. Is there hope for pregnancy?”
– “Is there a chance to reconcile with my ex-partner?”
The more specific the question, the more accurate and relevant the guidance will be.
How Should You Ask? The 3 Main Types of Divination Consultations
You might now wonder how exactly to ask a question during consultation. There are three common methods: drawing divination lots (籤), casting moon blocks (擲筊), and divine possession (起乩). Let’s explore each method in detail.
Type 1: Drawing Divination Lots Before the Buddha
This is the most widely practiced form of consultation. It is simple and respectful: kneel, place your palms together, and sincerely present your current problem to the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, clearly stating your question. Important note: only one question should be asked at a time, and only one lot should be drawn for each question. Even if you’re asking a follow-up about the same issue, it must be treated as a separate question. This helps the deities give more precise answers.
Type 2: Casting Moon Blocks (Jiao Bei / 筊杯)
This method involves communicating with the deities by tossing crescent-shaped blocks. First, hold the blocks with both hands and respectfully report your name, age, and address to the deity. Then ask a single, clear “yes or no” question. Unlike lot-drawing, there are no written explanations unless the temple offers both methods.
After asking, slightly bow your head and raise the blocks to your forehead, then toss them. The result will be one of the following:
- Sacred Response (聖筊 / Sheng Jiao): One convex and one flat side. Means “yes,” “approved,” or “good.”
- Negative Response (陰筊 / Yin Jiao): Both convex sides. Means “no,” “not good,” or “not allowed.”
- Laughing Response (笑筊 / Xiao Jiao): Both flat sides. This could mean the deity finds the question unclear, already sees the answer in your heart, or chooses not to answer. Try rephrasing the question and toss again.
Type 3: Divine Possession (Qi Ji / 起乩)
This refers to a deity possessing a spirit medium (乩童) to answer devotees’ questions. The medium may speak or write messages, while a helper (桌頭) assists in interpreting the message for clarity. Since not all temples have spirit mediums, most people begin with divination lot-drawing or moon block-casting. Divine possession is usually reserved for complicated matters—such as spiritual disturbances, unknown illnesses, or bad luck that persists without cause.
What to Prepare Before a Divination Consultation? Practice Vegetarian Diet, Take a Purifying Bath, Wear Clean Clothing
Consultation should be performed personally. It is recommended to eat vegetarian the day before, bathe to purify yourself, and wear clean clothes to the temple. You may also prepare offerings, such as lightly fragrant fruits or pastries, depending on the temple’s guidelines.
However, the most important preparation is your mindset. You should remain respectful, sincere, calm, and focused when explaining your issue. This enables the deity to understand your problem and feel your devotion. Regardless of the outcome, keep an open heart, accept the guidance with humility, and reflect on the advice to make appropriate decisions for a smoother future.
Consultation Procedure at Bodhi Meditation: Medicine Buddha’s Divine Oracle
If you’re visiting a temple or Buddhist shrine for consultation and are unsure of the steps, here’s a guide based on Bodhi Meditation’s Medicine Buddha’s Divine Oracle process:
- Kneel before the Buddha, place your palms together, and offer your prayers.
- Think clearly about your question—ask only one specific question at a time.
- After praying, stand up and draw a divination lot.
- Seek a divination interpreter (解籤師) to explain the meaning of the lot and help you understand the Buddha’s guidance.
Note: These steps apply to Bodhi Meditation Centers. Other temples may have different procedures, so always follow local temple rules.
What Are the Taboos When Asking Questions? Be Aware to Avoid Mistakes
You might have followed all procedures, but still received unsatisfactory results. You may have unknowingly violated some common taboos. Below are important things to avoid:
- Only ask one question at a time. Don’t mix in unrelated topics.
- Be specific. Instead of “Will my future go well?”, ask “Within the next 3 years, can I successfully change careers to become an engineer?”
- Don’t keep tossing moon blocks just to get a “yes,” or keep redrawing divination lots to confirm answers. This may lead to inaccurate guidance and show disrespect.
- Once you’ve received an answer, do not ask the same question again on the same day. Wait some time before asking again.
- Some temples require passing the moon blocks through incense smoke three times to clear outside energies. Ask the temple about this in advance.
- After asking your question, wait a moment before tossing the moon blocks. Allow the deity time to consider. You may also ask, “Has the deity finished reviewing my question?” before tossing. If you get a sacred response, proceed with further inquiry.
- Always be sincere and emotionally stable. Avoid approaching the consultation with impatience or disrespect.
- Regardless of the result, accept it with gratitude and humility, rather than stubbornness.
Divination Recommendation: Professional Divination Interpreters at Bodhi Meditation to Help You Find Direction
Life has its ups and downs, and everyone faces confusion at times. If you’re standing at a crossroads, consider visiting one of Bodhi Meditation’s centers to draw a divination lot and consult with professional interpreters. You can also watch Grandmaster JinBodhi’s livestreams on fortune reading to understand how Grandmaster interprets divination lots. Then, visit a center in person to seek divine direction and discover your new path.
Further Reading:
Exploring Fate: Is Destiny Predetermined? Can We Change Our Fate?