Liuren Magic Sanctuary
When the people do not fear your authority, a greater authority will arrive.
Do not oppress their dwellings; do not grow weary of their lives.
Because you do not weary of them, they will not grow weary of you.
Therefore the Sage knows himself but does not show himself;
He respects himself but does not value himself (ego).
He discards that and chooses this.
In Liuren Fajiao, true Authority (威) is internal. If a master tries to "oppress" or force others through fear, they will lose their connection to the Great Authority of the Dao. We do not "meddle" (狎) in the lives of those we help, nor do we "grow weary" of the service we provide.
The master "Knows himself but does not show himself" (自知不自見). This means having full awareness of one's magical power, but keeping it hidden from public display. "Self-respect without ego" (自愛不自貴) is the key to maintaining Fa-dignity. We respect the Immortal Master within us, but we do not consider ourselves "noble" compared to others.
By "choosing this" (internal dignity) over "that" (external show of authority), the practitioner ensures that their magic remains a stable and respected force in the world.