Q: Is it all right for elderly people
to practice the Quan Yin Method?
A: Age has no definite
effect on the results of spiritual practice. However, in order to
practice the Quan Yin Method, one must receive transmission of the
Method by being initiated by Master. At the time of initiation, Master
will erase all the accumulated karma of many lifetimes. If an elderly
person's karma changes too quickly, one's behavior, speech, and thoughts
may be unable to withstand the sudden impact of Master's blessing
power.
Furthermore,
it may be difficult for an elderly person to pacify the mind in order
to practice because of having eaten a purely vegetarian diet for only
a very short period of time, or never before. Also, an older person's
body may tire easily or he may not be able to concentrate well enough
to do the required meditation, causing frustration. Therefore, people
who start their practice at an older age indeed do have more difficulties
than younger people.
However,
this doesn't mean that elderly people cannot practice. The merciful
Master has provided us with the Convenient Method to satisfy the needs
of those who sincerely long for liberation in this lifetime, but are
unable to receive initiation. Master takes care of all who truly believe
in Her omnipresent power whether or not they are fully initiated.
In fact, some non-initiated persons have better experiences than initiated
ones because their minds are kind and pure, and they completely trust
in Master. For instance, a non-initiated person in Mainland China
witnessed the soul elevation of his five generations just by sincerely
practicing the Convenient Method. Master once said, "Sometimes,
a person with great faith can be liberated just by reciting my name."
Therefore, elderly people should not be disheartened. Faith is the
foundation of all meritorious methods!