1. The Philosophy of Chá Shì
At the Sanshanjiao level, the practitioner acts as a Spiritual Physician. Diagnosis (Chá Shì) is the process of asking the Altar to reveal the true spiritual root of a client's problem—whether it is a ghost, a curse, a burial issue, or a mundane obstacle. Without accurate diagnosis, ritual intervention is ineffective.
2. The Three Pillars of Altar Inquiry
A Sanshanjiao practitioner uses a synthesis of methods to confirm the nature of a case:
| Method | Metaphysical Action | Information Gained |
|---|---|---|
| Moon Blocks (筊杯 - Jiao Bei) | Direct binary verification from the Altar. | Yes/No confirmation, negotiating offerings, and ritual clearance. |
| Spiritual Pulse Reading (摸脈) | Physical contact with the patient's radial pulse while holding the "Sword Finger". | Detecting "Yin-Qi" blockages, identifying whether an entity is internal (possession) or external (attachment). |
| Qian Lots (求籤) | Drawing numbered bamboo sticks linked to poetic lineage texts. | Strategic advice on complex cases where a simple Yes/No is insufficient. |
| Water Bowl Scrying (看水筆) | Reading the patterns of burned talisman ash in a bowl of Fa Shui. | Tracing the origin direction of a curse or identifying the nature of a Sha. |
3. Professional Diagnostic Protocol
When a client presents a case, the practitioner follows this established lineage sequence:
- Invitation: Formally light incense and invite the Liuren Xianshi to preside over the inquiry.
- Case Statement: State the client's name, birth data, and the nature of the suffering clearly to the Altar.
- Suspected Causes: Use Sheng Bei to test for common roots: "Is it a haunting?" "Is it a curse?" "Is it a family burial issue?"
- Remedy Verification: Once the cause is found, ask the Altar for the appropriate ritual.
- Authorization: Seek the final "YES" to proceed with the intervention.
4. Conclusion: Seeing the Root
Accuracy in Chá Shì is the foundation of a successful ritual practice. By relying on the direct guidance of the Altar rather than personal guesswork, the practitioner ensures that their work is both safe and effective. This diagnostic mastery is the prerequisite for all advanced Sanshanjiao ritual interventions.