Q: Master Lu, I often walk under trees when I walk home at night. I have been feeling scared recently, so I started to recite the Great Compassion Mantra while walking. I do not know the reason for this.
A:
- Trees belong to Yin energy (as opposed to Yang). Therefore, there is a saying, “green trees form a good shade”. When the heat from the sun is strong, people seek the shade of trees to avoid the sun. In fact, they are avoiding Yang (the sun) by hiding under a Yin object. It would be fine to seek shade under trees when exposed to the sun.
- At night, however, it would be best not to stay under trees, since night time belongs to Yin energy.
- Generally, Buddhist practitioners would not be affected much by this situation.
- When you walk under trees at night, you may recite the Great Compassion Mantra. It is best to recite it silently, otherwise it may attract trouble.