In this post, I want to share some important etiquettes that everyone should keep in mind. Let's dive in and learn together!
Greetings to all who follow my lineage and seek my guidance! I am Jee Sifu from Tin Yat Dragon YouTube, Podcast, TikTok, and other platforms. I'm making this official post to kindly request that you refrain from addressing me as "Sir," and here's why.
While I understand that using "Sir" is meant as a sign of respect, it actually bothers me more than it pleases me. The term "Sir" carries different meanings, such as a reference to a person of high social status or the acronym "Slave I Remain." Neither of these accurately represents my position. Instead, you can address me as Jee Sifu 紫師傅. "Jee" is my name, and "Sifu" is the title given to a knowledgeable professional teacher in Taoism and Taoist Magic, which are my areas of expertise. As a teacher, I accept disciples and impart my knowledge to them.
Once someone is initiated or ordained into our lineage, they refer to me as Ju Cia Juan 紫師尊, a term used in Saamlawnese. In Cantonese, it translates to Si Juen, meaning the highest teacher. In our lineage, there are three individuals holding the title of Cia Juan, representing the highest authority in our lineage. You can find more information about the lineage structure in our book. The word "尊" in Ju Cia Juan denotes a person in charge, setting rules within a system. While there are many Sifu 師父 (teachers) within our lineage, only the three Cia Juans have the authority to establish rules. Therefore, if you are not part of the lineage, the title of Cia Juan does not apply to you.
Addressing others correctly shows respect and cultivates virtue, as it helps establish a proper order in our hearts. By acknowledging the higher authority, we open ourselves to receive their guidance, just as water always flows downward. When you address me as Cia Juan, you acknowledge my role as the rule-setter and leader of the lineage, and you commit to following the rules as a devoted disciple. This alignment between mindset and reality signifies your virtue and adherence to the teachings.
In both physical and online interactions, it's customary to initiate a conversation with a greeting. Just as you would wave or say hi to someone in person, it's important to establish a connection before delving into the conversation when communicating online.
Begin by saying "Cia Juan Gi Jiang" 師尊，吉祥! This phrase means "Cia Juan, auspicious!" The word "吉祥" (Gi Jiang) signifies something positive and good happening. This greeting serves a similar purpose to saying "good morning" or "good evening" and sets a positive tone for the interaction. By using "Cia Juan, Gi Jiang," you capture my attention and create an inviting atmosphere.
So, what's next? Let's make your content truly positive and engaging!
I feel delighted when you ask questions, demonstrating your eagerness to learn and your love for knowledge.
Your feedback on my blog posts or videos brings me joy as it shows that you have learned and benefited from them.
Sharing stories of how magic has helped you, strengthened your faith, or witnessed its power brings me happiness.
Some individuals only greet with "Gi Jiang" and then disappear, or they remain unresponsive when I engage in conversation. Such behavior is disappointing rather than auspicious. It's akin to the story of the three little pigs and the wolf blowing down their house. If you consistently use empty greetings without contributing positively or bringing auspicious energy, it indicates a lack of honesty, truthfulness, and respect. Consider this scenario: if you greeted your boss at work with a smile and said, "Good morning, boss! Here's my resignation letter!" with another smile, that would be an unusual and inappropriate start to the day. Let's strive for genuine and meaningful interactions.
It's disheartening when people abruptly end a conversation after they have expressed their thoughts, as if I no longer hold any value to them. Imagine talking to someone on the phone, and they suddenly hang up once they've finished speaking. You'd likely be taken aback, right? Similarly, when conversing on platforms like LINE or Zoom, it's essential to learn how to conclude and end the conversation properly by reaching an agreement. Remember, your Cia Juan is the one who sets the rules within the lineage, so it's crucial to be mindful of your words and actions.
Instead of saying, "Cia Juan, see you tomorrow; I got to go!" and expecting an immediate end to the conversation, it's more polite to say something like, "Cia Juan, I will have to eat dinner soon." Your Cia Juan will understand and respond appropriately, saying, "Sure, we'll talk again next time." Then, you can continue by acknowledging and accepting my decision, saying, "Okay! Let's continue the conversation on LINE. Thank you for the teaching, Cia Juan! I'll take my leave now!" When you express your willingness to abide by my rules and give a respectful farewell, I can dismiss you accordingly. This demonstrates common sense and respect by allowing the higher authority to dismiss you rather than taking that role upon yourself. This approach is particularly crucial in the workplace, where disregarding your boss's authority and setting your own rules can lead to serious consequences. Let's preserve the integrity of the system and maintain a respectful attitude.
Unfortunately, some individuals simply disappear without any concluding remarks or vanish after receiving answers, which is both annoying and discourteous. Even a brief "thanks!" would be much nicer than a complete and sudden departure.
While I appreciate receiving questions from disciples and enjoy teaching them, it's important to remember that disciples should exercise caution in their choice of words to avoid disregarding the feelings of their Cia Juan.
Sometimes, disciples bring up their own theories or ideas from external sources and engage in discussions with me. However, I've previously made it clear that my purpose is to teach rather than engage in debates. If you wish to have a discussion, it's best to seek like-minded individuals on forums. Additionally, you should be aware of your Cia Juan's preferences to maintain a healthy relationship and a promising future within the lineage. Consider this analogy: if your boss dislikes video games, would you approach them to discuss gaming and attempt to convince them to try it? Such an approach wouldn't yield positive outcomes.
How can you understand your Cia Juan's preferences? Observe! By asking questions, learning through observation, and engaging in conversations, you can gain insights into my preferences and dislikes. Building a strong relationship requires active participation and genuine interest.
Statements like "I am new to this!" or "I'm a newbie, so I don't know..." are unnecessary. Rest assured, I am aware when someone is new, and there is no need to constantly remind me. It's similar to a baby continuously telling their parents, "I'm just a baby, I need time, this is all new to me." Babies don't communicate in such a way; they have faith in their parents and adapt to their environment. Likewise, have faith in your Cia Juan to understand your position as a newbie and guide you accordingly. Instead of focusing on being a "newbie" and making excuses, maintain faith that I will understand and know how to teach you. Trust in the process, and let go of the unnecessary labels.
While these guidelines may seem like common sense, having a clear set of guidelines can help newcomers align their behavior and maximize their learning experience. Applying these principles to your professional life can greatly improve your interpersonal relationships and career prospects. Good luck with your learning journey within the lineage!
