Which Dreams Shouldn't Be Shared?

"Three years without speaking of dreams, and even gods and ghosts dare not move." Someone once asked Dr. Zheng if this is true. Indeed, there is such a saying.

A friend mentioned: My wife is six months pregnant and has been reading the Earth Store Sutra or the Diamond Sutra daily. A few nights ago, she dreamed that she was in a temple, holding three incense sticks, worshipping the Bodhisattva. During her worship, the three Bodhisattvas in front suddenly asked her, "What is your wish?"

In that moment, my wife wanted to see clearly who was speaking: the Bodhisattva in front was Amitabha, the one next to him was slightly blurry and was Guanyin Bodhisattva, while the other Bodhisattva's face was completely unclear. My wife made three wishes: First, that our unborn child be a boy; second, that our family remains safe and healthy; third, that her husband's career progresses smoothly.

After making her wishes, the Bodhisattvas remained silent, and suddenly my wife awoke. Later, she asked me if dreams should be shared, even with relatives. Then she read Dr. Zheng's words: "Three years without speaking of dreams, and even gods and ghosts dare not move." I felt embarrassed and couldn't provide an answer, so I turned to Dr. Zheng for guidance.

This saying, "Three years without speaking of dreams, and even gods and ghosts dare not move," is actually a folk belief and wasn't originated by Dr. Zheng. Nevertheless, it suggests a few principles of metaphysics. Dr. Zheng has also advised that if you have a bad dream, you can resolve it with these steps:

• Upon waking, immediately blow three breaths onto your pillow, pat it three times, and then flip the pillow over before going back to sleep.
• On the next morning, rise early (as the sun rises), and face the west wall (where the sun shines). Recite the incantation: "Night dreams are ominous, drawn on the west wall, as the sun rises, may it turn auspicious." Simultaneously, draw a circle on the wall and repeat this seven times. The bad dream will be resolved, but remember to never divulge the content of your nightmare to others. For other types of dreams, it’s acceptable to discuss them.

Previously, a popular slang term, "fangkuai," covered dreams, tigers, wolves, teeth, clouds, bridges, fog, and towers! Many more exist, but Dr. Zheng won’t delve into all of them here. When it comes to nightmares, remember: don't mention them early in the morning; they can only be shared after the sun has risen. Once daylight comes, follow Dr. Zheng's steps above, and there should be no problem.

Below is an article Dr. Zheng has reprinted, also mentioned in his Feng Shui stories, shared again for your reference:

1. My Grandfather's Grandfather

My grandfather's grandfather, whom we called the Great Eighty, was the most famous Yin-Yang master within a 200-mile radius. It's said that at his peak, he had 30 disciples. Even today, those who work in spirit exorcism in our area acknowledge they are his disciples.

In the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920), a major earthquake struck the northwest. Nearly every family in our area suffered losses. (At that time, the houses were made of mud bricks, which were hard to escape from when they collapsed.) The earthquake hit around 9 PM. Earlier at 6 PM, my Great Eighty told our whole family there would be an earthquake that night (which we referred to as "ground movement"), so everyone stayed awake talking. After the earthquake, not a single member of our family perished. At that time, my grandfather's father (my great-grandfather) was merely 11 years old. He ran a bit slow, broke his leg, and was left crippled. Ten days post-earthquake, my Great Eighty suddenly died at age 42. Everyone suspected it was due to his knowledge of heavenly secrets.

My grandfather's grandmother was also proficient in divination. During that era, the northwest often faced riots by the Hui people, leading to entire Han villages being devastated. Consequently, travelers to Gansu would often see fortresses made of yellow earth on bare mountain tops, built since the Tongzhi era to defend against the Hui. (Those knowledgeable in history know that Zuo Zongtang addressed the rebellion then). When the Hui attacked, everyone ran to these fortresses. In our family, casting divination every morning was common practice to foresee bandit attacks, determining if they were violent (killing everyone) or not (just robbing). One morning, my grandfather's grandmother warned the family of impending bandits, urging them to flee. As a result, the young and able ran to the village fortress (4 kilometers from our ancestral home), leaving only some elderly women and young girls at home. They hid behind a mountain ridge. That day, the bandits came and found my grandfather's grandmother and others. Tragically, they were all killed, except for one young girl who survived but had her mouth cut off, living until she was over 80.

2. The Story of My Great-Grandfather

My great-grandfather was left crippled from the earthquake, but the abilities of the disabled or blind are often superior. My great-grandfather's expertise was in exorcising ghosts, as my grandmother recounted. Whenever anyone summoned him for a ritual, he would say, "You go back first; I’ll have a cup of tea and come." Often, by the time they returned home, my great-grandfather was already sitting on their kang waiting.

One night, while returning from a ritual, my great-grandfather was carried by the ghost he had exorcised, yet managed to recite incantations (otherwise, the ghost could carry you higher into dangerous heights). As they neared home, a rooster crowed suddenly, causing the ghost to flee, dropping my great-grandfather onto a stack of wheat, injuring his waist. Generally, to successfully exorcise ghosts, extensive skill is required; failing could mean the ghost takes you instead. Thus, many Yin-Yang masters today fear practicing. Exorcising requires knowing how to send spirits back because summoning them without the ability to send them away could endanger one's life. While summoning is simple, sending them off is challenging, and the complete incantation must be mastered over 49 days, with numerous life-related taboos involved. Beef is especially forbidden; once, my great-grandfather ate beef at someone's home (deceived to believe it was lamb) and barely survived the failed ritual that day. Consequently, he ceased exorcising. In a neighboring village, a possessed young woman was near death. Despite the futility from many Yin-Yang masters, they sought my great-grandfather's aid. Reluctantly, although ill, he exorcised the spirit, saving the woman, but he coughed up blood and died at 48.

3. My Grandfather

My grandfather was an atheist. He studied for a year with the landlord's son, excelling at arithmetic. During the 1960s Cultural Revolution (by then, my great-grandfather was deceased), he actively participated. All our ancient books, reportedly filling four large wooden boxes, were burned in the kang hole. I found it odd that such a poor lineage possessed so many books; it eluded my comprehension. In retrospect, it is a genuine pity. My grandfather only knew how to calculate auspicious dates. He never believed in deities or spirits, displaying boldness. He enjoyed night walks. At over sixty, he visited town relatives, and when told it was too late to return and suggested to stay the night, he refused, citing obligations the next day.

Traveling from town required crossing a large mountain and passing through a desolate, eerie fork where an elm-surrounded temple stood. Even in daylight, it felt unnerving alone, let alone at night. My grandfather later recounted that although the moon shone brightly that night, upon reaching the fork, darkness descended, and he couldn't see his hand before his face. Dismissing supernatural fears, he cursed to no avail. Eventually, he sat down, removed his hat, and combed his hair vigorously with his hands. Soon, the surroundings brightened again, allowing him safe passage home.

Growing up in a family of Yin-Yang and Feng Shui masters, they always imparted some advice for us, which I will list here for everyone's benefit:

• My great-grandfather often said: "Three years without speaking of dreams, and even gods and ghosts dare not move."
• If you experience a nightmare, I’ll tell you how to resolve it: Upon waking, immediately blow three breaths onto your pillow, pat it three times, flip it over, and go back to sleep. The next morning, rise early (at sunrise), face the west wall (where the sun shines), and say, "Night dreams are ominous, drawn on the west wall, as the sun rises, may it turn auspicious," while drawing a circle on the wall repeated seven times. This will clear the bad dream. Remember not to tell anyone about it.
• We've all been pooped on by a bird while out and about. If this happens, gently remove the clothing and step on it at a crossroads; it’s best not to wear it again.
• Cities might be safer due to their strong Yang energy, but while traveling or in rural areas, be cautious of sleeping outdoors at noon, as it may invite possession by ghosts. It's best to remain indoors or find shelter during midday.
• If you unexpectedly witness a couple engaged in sexual activity, immediately tear your pants; failing to do so signals a dangerous omen. If unresolved, calamity may strike within 100 days. When near places where people meet secretly, consider coughing to announce your presence.
• Whether at night or in dreams, if someone calls your name, do not respond immediately. Observe carefully before speaking.
• On long journeys, if camping in the outdoors, ancient temples are the best lodging. Historical dramas often depict impoverished scholars staying in temples; the next best option is a cemetery, but avoid urination there. Refrain from staying in abandoned ancient homes.
• When passing through unsettling and eerie places, use your right hand to comb your hair upwards three times to activate your body's natural protective force. Alternatively, light a match or lighter; electric lights are ineffective, but smoking or singing songs praising Chairman Mao, considered a supreme figure, can also suffice.
• Avoid crawling under a woman's legs or under their drying clothes.
• Never take anything from temples.
• In the face of calamity, kneel immediately and pray aloud to the empty air: "Guanyin Bodhisattva, who saves those in suffering, save me." However, this is ineffective against malicious individuals.

Dr. Zheng Weijian's Note:

Regarding various methods of warding off evil, Dr. Zheng has authored several articles that you can reference to seek benefits and ward off evil, especially when traveling or on business. This can help avoid misfortunes. If you’ve lately found your luck dwindling, remember Dr. Zheng's advice: Adjustments are key; Feng Shui is an omnipresent force in our lives.