Today was a day of reflection. A day to discuss and consolidate my learnings, both religious and economic. Especially, a time to reflect on the way in which religion and business interact and interweave.
On that note, I came to realize that religion here in Taiwan is very much present in the spaces where people do business.
Many local businesses have small altars set up, often featuring a god, such as the God of Business, or other deities they worship.
They do this to bring prosperity to their business. The process usually involves praying or burning offerings, such as spirit money, on specific days of the lunar calendar.
Another thing I learned was the use of objects that embody meaning, objects that, when placed in a certain context, become spiritually significant to those praying.
One of those objects I came into contact with was a bag of chips called Kuai Kuai.
These chips were given to us at the Taiwan Trade Show, and I learned from our beloved Professor Chen that we received them because they symbolize prosperity and success.
This means that anything these chips accompany will naturally enjoy smooth success.
These chips are a food object that carries spiritual meaning beyond their physical form. When placed in context, especially in this trade show setting, they are seen as the ultimate commemorative item in the history of the trade show exhibition, making them deeply meaningful to both the presenters and the guest.
For professionals and esteemed visitors, Kuai Kuai represents not only smooth success, but also the blessing of being able to effortlessly handle the challenges of work and life that may come their way.
Learning about this, how even simple objects or food like a bag of chips can carry deep spiritual meaning, really showed me something valuable.
It reminded me not to limit my thinking. As the saying goes, “think outside the box.”
As long as our intentions are sincere, and we are being intentional with what we’re doing, then we don’t have to restrict ourselves to a specific place or object for our prayers.As long as we know it in our hearts, it is enough.
That’s all I have to say, and I’ll talk to you all later.
Bye!