Pictures of Lord Kui Xing (大成夫子魁星帝君)

Kui Xing aka Lord Kui, in Chinese, we address him as Kui Xing Ye (魁星爺) or Kui Xing Di Jun (魁星帝君) or Da Cheng Kui Xing (大成魁星).

Kui (魁) - meaning the First 4 Stars ("鬼斗" / "鬼勺" / "鬼權" / "鬼行") in the Great Dipper of the North (北斗星).

In Taoism, he is known as one of the few Deities that are put in-charge of Academic Study.

In the Ancient Era, scholars who wished to score high marks in their examinations or becoming the Top Scholar, they would need to go to Temples that dedicated to Kui Xing to pay respect before any examinations.

Today, in certain areas in Asia, there still some very traditional ceremonies of "Dotting of Students' Eyes and Brain" by Lord Kui Xing (thru the help of Priests or Mediums).

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1662744406/pic/list

Pictures of Taoist Objects (Weapons) that made of Peach-wood (桃木道教法器)

Peach Wood, in chinese we call it as Tao Mu (桃木). It can consider as a very Spiritual type of Wood in our Chinese Religion.

Since the Ancient Era, Peach Wood had been chosen as a type of Wood to be used for the making of Spiritual Weapons or Objects, cos, the people believed that, Peach Wood (by itself, without any enhancement) can used to ward-off any form of negative entities.

Introduction of Xi Wang Mu - Wang Mu Niang Niang (瑤池元君西王母)

 
Xi Wang Mu (西王母) aka Wang Mu Niang Niang (王母娘娘) or Yao Chi Jin Mu (瑤池金母), in certain context of Taoism, she's also being address as Xi Hua Di Jun (西華帝君) or Xi Hua Yuan Jun (西華元君).

In Taoism, she's consider the First Lady Deity among the whole Deities System. Whenever a new Lady Deity or Immortal being accepted or gets enlightenment, the Lady Deity or Immortal will have to approach her for her acceptance and also the "official registration" approved by her (為三界眾女仙之主).

Due to she's the First form of "Negative - Yin" energy of the Universe, she's being created in a form of Lady (which shows/represents Motherly-Love, Caring, etc)

Usually the Taoists or Folks will celebrate her Birthday on the 3rd Day of Lunar 3rd Month or 18th Day of 7th Month (一般相信﹐王母華誕為農曆七月十八日。三月初三日則是王母蟠桃會).

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1479514897/pic/list

Pictures of Tian Du Yuan Shuai (南音祖師田都元帥)

 
Tian Du Yuan Shuai aka General/Marshal Tian Du, in Chinese known as 田都元帥 or 三田都元帥.

A real historical character that born in Tang Dynasty. During that Era, he's one of the Traditional Min Nan (Hokkien) Musician of Emperor Tang Ming Huang. Real name known as Lei Hai Qing (雷海青).

Till today, the Hokkien Traditional Art performers or Troupes still pay respect to him in-order to get blessing by him during performances, etc.

Some features of Tian Du that you will like to know:

1) Fingers pointing up and down - meaning "Heaven born me, Earth survived me (天生吾, 地育吾)", to be more accurate, this posture is a form of Traditional Dance that created by him during the Tang Dynasty, this dance is known as Tian Du Wu (田都舞).

2) Crab on the forehead - in myth, Lei Hai Qing was being fed by crabs in the plantation (before he's being found by his foster-parent).

3) Chicken and Dog beside him - his child-hood mate. After he got his position as a Officer (some said Deity), he promised to get his little friends to go together with him (as his gratitude towards the animals).

For High Res Pics, please proceed to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/700745379/pic/list

Pictures of Guang Ze Zun Wang (忠孝首屈廣澤尊王)

Guang Ze Zun Wang aka Guo Sheng Wang, in Chinese we address him as 廣澤尊王 or 郭聖王 or 聖王公. At some time, we also address him as 孝子公 (meaning Lord of Filial Piety).

He is one of the Hokkien Deities that Hokkien Clan still pay respect to (especially the Nan An Group).

In Singapore or S.E.A., Lord Guang Ze can consider as a common and popular Deity among the Chinese race.

Pictures of Wen Chang Di Jun (博學才智文昌帝君)

Wen Chang Di Jun aka Wen Chang Xing aka Lord Star Wen Chang, in chinese, we address him as 文昌帝君 or 文昌星.

In Taoism, he's well-known in giving blessings to people who are attending any form of examinations or testings.

Today, in the Taoist Society, there are quite a number of Rituals being practised or performed on Wen Chang's Manifestation Anniversary - Blessing for little kids who going to start their initial schooling or those who are not that good in their studies, etc.

Besides paying respect to Wen Chang, actually Taoists also pay respect to the other 4 Deities that are closely related to Wen Chang, they are:

1) Zhu Yi (朱衣)
2) Kui Xing (魁星)
3) Guan Di (關帝)
4) Lu Dong Bin (呂洞賓)

Officially, these 5 Deities are address as Wu Wen Chang (五文昌).

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1377734140/pic/list

Pictures of Kang Miao Wei (三十六天將之康妙威元帥)

 
Heavenly Marshal Kang Miao Wei (康妙威) aka Kang Xi (康席), One of the Ten Spiritual Assistants of Dong Yue Da Di (東嶽十太保).

Kang Xi, born in Ren Huang Yan De Period (生于仁皇炎德年間), at Geng Shen Year, Wu Yin Month, Geng Cheng Day & Wu Yin Hour (庚申年戊寅月庚辰日戊寅時). A very Special Day of Birth and this is why, he was destinated to go on a Cultivation Path after he grown up.

Since young, Kang Xi's father, Master Kang Qu (康衢), had been imparting the Upright and Official Teachings of Taoism to Kang Xi, besides that, Kang Xi's mother, Madam Jin (金氏), also taught Kang Ki of the Real Meaning of Compassionate and Kind.

After getting the Teachings and Imparting of Knowledge & Skills from his parent, from 8 years old, Kang Xi started to only eat herbs and plants that he plucked from the bank of Yellow River (黃河). Due to the long timing of consuming such Herbs & Plants, Kang Xi started to gain the necessary Positive Energies from the Herbs and Plants, with so, he started to perform his Spiritual Cultivation and hoping that by mastering the Skills, he could go around assisting the needys.

One Year, while he was on his journey to other Cities to provide the necessary assistances to the needys, a Bird (which is the manifestation of Dong Yue Da Di's Assistant 東嶽大帝之將領) approached Kang Xi. Upon meeting up with Kang Xi, the Bird threw a stick of Golden Leaves (金仙草) at Kang Xi and told him that, this was a stick of Immortal Leaves, any Cultivators would to consume this, the person would be entitled to get Immortal-hood immediately, if a normal Mortal would to consume it, any form of illnesses would be cure within moments, etc.

Looking at the Leaves and listening to the conversation that the Bird had, Kang Xi was delighted and said to the Bird that he would make used of this Immortal Leaves to release the sufferings of the Mortals. The Bird nodded it's head and flew off.

Upon returning to Palace of Mountain Tai (泰山), Dong Yue Da Di summoned the Assistant (whom turned into the Bird) to ask on the reaction on how Kang Xi reacted after getting the Leaves, the Assistant replied and Dong Yue Da Di was delighted and smiled at the Assistant and said that, Kang Xi would get his rewarding soon.

After Kang Xi got the Leaves, he continued his journey. One Day, he reached a town and upon stepping into the town, Kang Xi was horrored by the situation of the town - died people all around and the scent in the air was un-bearable. Immediately, he approached a beggar sitting by the City Gate to check on what had happened.

Slowly and painfully lifting the head, the beggar looked at Kang Xi, with first glance, the beggar advised Kang Xi to leave this City, as the Plague (瘟疫) had actually taken almost all the lives in this City and soon, this City would become a Ghost City.

Upon hearing this, Kang Xi shed his tears and started to comfort the beggar that he would try his best to save this City. The beggar turned to Kang Xi and said, if you were really willing to assist the City, the Well in front of the Side City was the main source of the Plague, you could go there and study on the water.

Without any further hesitation, Kang Xi bid farewell to the beggar and dashed towards the Well. Upon reaching, Kang Xi saw a gust of Greenish Gas releasing from the Well and immediately, he took out the Immortal Leaves and threw them into the Well. After a few moments, Kang Xi started to smell a great fragrance releasing from the Well. Due to curiosity, Kang Xi stepped forward to peek down into the Well and suddenly, a gust of extreme high heat rushed out from the Well.

Without noticing, Kang Xi was being attacked by the high heat and without any others' assistances, Kang Xi fainted at the side of the Well.

After a long period of in-coma, Kang Xi woke up, realising that his face was in great pain, but he insist of fetching the water from the Well and pass-it to those City Commoners who were still alive.

With his limited Physical Energies, Kang Xi used 3 Days & 3 Nights to complete the task. After 3 Days, the City gained back its Life again and All the Commoners went to thank Kang Xi for his kind assistance.

As the Commoners approached Kang Xi, to their horror, most of them were being scared off by his face - Extra Red and with Golden Mark on his fore-head.

Just before Kang Xi returned his bow to the last Commoner of the City, he collasped onto the floor and within seconds, Kang Xi's Soul departed from his Physical Body and flew off to the Eastern Direction.

Upon knowing that Kang Xi had pass-on due to the Poisoning & Over-exhausted, the Commoners were so sad and grateful to him and so, from then, Kang Xi's Temple was built in the City.

At this moment, Kang Xi floated around for an infinite period of time and finally, he reached at the door-step of a hugh Palace Gate, he was surprised, thought that he might had reached the Nether World Gate (冥界), but by looking at the surrounding, this place didnt seem to be like the Cold & Nasty Realm and so, he walked thru the Gate and go into one of the Halls.

Just as Kang Xi stepped into the Hall, the Bird that he saw in the past appeared in front of him again, Kang Xi was happy to see the Bird and just as Kang Xi was about to touch the Bird, the Bird turned into a General's form and bow at him. Kang Xi was shocked and only after a while, he returned to his normal state and followed the General inside.

By walking up the Stairs, Kang Xi reached the Main Hall, as he lift his head, he saw the Plaque above main hall, saying Tong Ming Bao Dian (通明寶殿), immediately he knew that he was in Ling Xiao Bao Dian (靈霄寶殿), where Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) performed the Spiritual Task.

Without hesitation, Kang Xi kneeled down in front of the Altar and made his kowtows.

At the moment, of his kowtows, Kang Xi heard that Jade Emperor of Heaven made his comments on him and just before Jade Emperor of Heaven bestowed the Official Title of Kang Xi, Dong Yue Da Di appeared in front of the Altar and suggested that Kang Xi to go under his Department, assisting him to look after the 75 Departments of Souls' Credits & Merits and also maintaining the Peace in the Nether Realm.

Jade Emperor of Heaven agreed on the suggestion and immediately bestowed Kang Xi as Guang Ling Zhao Hui Da Shi An You Hou Ren Sheng Kang Yuan Shuai (廣靈昭惠大使安佑侯仁聖康元帥).

At the same time, Kang Xi was also appointed to assist Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝) to perform the task of Eliminating of Devils and Demons that resided in the Three Realms (三界除魔之職).

Kang Yuan Shuai's Manifestation Anniversary falls on 10th Day of Lunar 4 Month (康元帥聖誕為農曆四月初十日) and Enlightenment Anniversary on 9th Day of Lunar 9 Month (得道之日為農曆九月初九日).

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1794053659/pic/list

Pictures of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming of 36 Heavenly Generals (三十六天將之趙公明元帥)

Zhao Gong Ming aka General Zhao or Marshal Zhao.

In Taoism, he's one of the 4 important Heavenly Generals that assists high ranking Deities in protecting the teaching of Taoism and slay any demons and negative entities.

In Folks Belief, he is one of the Deities that send out Wealth according to one's behaviour and credits.

Besides that, he's one of the important assistants of Xuan Tian Shang Di (Shiong Teh Kong) in the slaying of Demons and keeping the Spiritual Armies in order.

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/354664434/pic/list

Tomb of Liu Ren Zu Shi (六壬祖師墓)

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Here's a picture on the tomb of Master Liu Ren Li Chun Feng (六壬祖師李淳風).

Master Liu Ren was born in Tang Dynasty and was once the key-person in Tang Imperial Court (put in-charge of the Spiritual Rituals and Skills).

Till today, in Singapore, there are still a number of people practising Liu Ren skills under Master Li's Sect.

Pictures of The 12 Lords of Lunar Horoscope (十二元辰真君)

The 12 Lords of Lunar Horoscope aka The 12 Lords of the Lunar Hours, in Chinese we addressed them as 十二元辰真君 (Shi Er Yuan Chen Zhen Jun) or 十二元辰星君 (Shi Er Yuan Chen Xing Jun).

They are appointed as the Celestial Inspectors of the different Lunar Hours and also look into the Luck & Future of each individual Lunar Zodiac.

In Taoism, besides paying respect to the Seven Northern Dippers (北斗七元君) or the Nine Emperors (九皇賜福星君) for Protection for the different Lunar Horoscopes, Taoists will also pay respect to these 12 Lords for protection/blessings.

Introduction of San Guan Da Di (三元三品三官大帝)

 
San Guan Da Di aka The Three Emperor Lords of the Three Realms (Heaven, Earth and Water), in Chinese, we address them as 三官大帝 or 三界公 (San Jie Gong).

On the 15th Day of Lunar 1st Month (農曆正月十五日/上元), this is the day that The Heaven Lord perform him inspection on the Mortal World (according to individual well-being, the Heaven Lord will distribute Prosperity accordingly 賜福), which later, the folks consider it as the Birthday for him.

On the 15th Day of Lunar 7th Month (農曆七月十五日/中元), this is the day that The Earth Lord perform his inspection on the Mortal World (according to individual well-being, the Earth Lord will record their credits/merits and delete the bad-doing accordingly 赦罪), which later, the folks consider it as the Birthday for him.

On the 15th Day of Lunar 10th Month (農曆十月十五日/下元), this is the day that The Water Lord perform his inspection on the Mortal World (according to individual well-being, the Water Lord will record their credits/merits and delete the mis-fortune accordingly 解厄), which later, the folks consider it as the Birthday for him.

For Higher Res Pictures, feel free to proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1126555624/pic/list

Di Guan Da Di (三界公之地官大帝)

 

三界公之地官大帝

(Di Guan Da Di – One of the Three Lords of the Three Realms)

 

地官總稱為中元二品赦罪地官清虛大帝，隸屬上清境。地官由元洞混靈之氣和極黃之精結成，總主五帝五嶽諸地神仙。

 

Di Guan Da Di aka Zhong Yuan Er Pin She Zhui Di Guan Qing Xu Da Di, which is one of the high-ranking Deities among all the other Taoist Deities in the Deities System.

 

Di Guan Da Di will performe his tasks under the supervision of Shang Qing Palace, which is under Ling Bao Tian Zun.

 

Main task of him will be, to look after the issues that are associated with all the movements of Mountains/Hills/Earth, Immortals and of course, the Mortals that are being involved.

 

每逢七月十五日，即來人間，校戒罪福，為人赦罪。

 

On every 15^th Day of the Lunar 7^th Month, Di Guan Da Di will visit the Mortal World to do inspection on the Mortals’ Good and Bad doings.

 

For Mortals who have done a lot of credits, they will usually be rewarded by Di Guan Da Di by clearing-off their minor bad-doings that they had done in the past and the names of the Evil-doing Mortals will be recorded and they will be punished accordingly to their sins after they had left this World.

 

舜帝為地官所化身。

 

And according to some records, the Di Guan that we seen today is actually the manifestation of the initial Di Guan as Da Shun – one of Five Ancient Emperors in our Ancient Chinese History.

 

Emperor Da Shun, the main character that appeared in the first story of the 24 Filial Piety Record.

 

Emperor Da Shun is also known as the Ancestor of the Tan Clan.

 

 

Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Tai Sui (值年太歲星君誕辰)

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Dear All, this coming Friday (31/08/2007), 19th of Lunar 7th Month is consider as the Birthday (Manifestation Anniversary) for the Tai Sui In-charge.

For those who are being "affected" by the Conflicting/Crashing against Tai Sui of Ding Hai Nian (Year of Pig), you will need to go to any Temple that dedicated Statues or Altars to Tai Sui to pay your respect.

Things to prepare, just simple offerings will do, for those who know how to prepare the Taoist Birthday Petition for Tai Sui, you can prepared it and send-off after the paying respect ceremony.

During the paying of your respect to Tai Sui, remember to say your name, your Birthday Day (according to Chinese Calendar) and the place/address of your home/place where you stay-in.

Temples that you can go to pay your respect tot Tai Suis:

1)Bao Chi Gong aka Poh Chiak Kheng at Magazine Road
2)Tian Fu Gong aka Thian Hock Kheng at Telok Ayer Street (the Tai Sui is being placed together with Bao Sheng Da Di)
3)Yue Hai Qing Miao aka Watt Hai Cheng Beo at Philip Street
4)Du Cheng Huang Miao aka Dho Sheng Hong Beo at Tanjong Pagar
5)Pu Tuo Si aka Phor Tho See at Tanjong Pagar
6)Yu Huang Dian aka Geok Hong Dian at Bukit Ho Swee
7)Jin Lan Miao aka Kim Lan Beo at Kim Tian Road
8)Or, the temple that you pay respect to during the Lunar New Year period

Pictures of Ba Gua Master Fu Xi (八卦祖師伏羲大帝)

Ba Gua Master aka Master of the Trigram, in Chinese he was being addressed as 八卦祖師/伏羲大帝/天皇氏.

He is one of the Three Ancient Era Emperor, known as San Huang (三皇) in the Chinese History (the other 2 are Shen Nong - the one who test-out all herbs and vegetables and Yellow Emperor - the Ancestor of all Chinese).

How he got the title Master Ba Gua?

Cos, in the Ancient Era, he's the one who created the Heavenly Ba Gua or Pre-heavenly Ba Gua aka Trigram (in now, we called it the Xian Tian Ba Gua - 先天八卦).

In folks belief, he's the Deity that in-charge Spiritual Skills.

For High Res PIctures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1298771143/pic/list

Tai Yi Tian Zun and Me - Jave (太乙天尊與我)

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Category:	Other

Today, 24 Aug 2007, Lunar Calendar of 12th Day of 7th Month (some will celebrate on the 11th Day of 7 Month) is consider as the Birthday of Lord Tai Yi aka Tai Yi Tian Zun (太乙天尊), the Lord of Salvation of the Souls in Taoism.

Today, is considered as an important day for me because of him.

Tai Yi Tian Zun, a Spiritual Master for me since before I'm born into this Mortal World, after born into this Suffering World, grow-up in this Cruel World and get into Taoist Cultivation for the Future of this Un-realistic World.

Since young, Tai Yi Tian Zun had been with me wherever I was, which later I found out that, he’s one Deity that I can't let go or vice-versa.

After entering into my Taoist Cultivation period/time, Tai Yi Tian Zun had always being the one that attracted my attention a lot, no matter on what occasions or ceremonies, I would always go near to him painting or statue.

Just by standing besides his painting or statue, I felt comfortable and warm (just like getting a hug from my parent or the love one).

Since then, he's always the one that I would look out whenever I go to such places. Till today, a lot of my friends are un-aware of that, cos once they know that, they will be like.. wow wow.. where got someone being attracted to a Deity who does the salvaging jobs for the suffering souls, etc. And this is the main reason I keep mum to all friends.

But today, out of sudden, I have such a feeling of sharing this with all of you, cos I know that my dear Spiritual Master is there "inspecting" on my movements and actions... just wanted to use this opportunity to wish him a Great Thousand Years Birthday aka Manifestation Anniversary. :P

Hope that, Tai Yi Tian Zun will be there to salvage all poor suffering souls and enlightened us, the "lost" mortals.

Pictures of Feng Zi aka Hong Ji (奉旨)

Feng Zi aka Fa Zi or Announcement Block, in hokkien, we called it Hong Ji or Huat Ji, in Chinese will be 奉旨/法旨.

Usage for Feng Zhi:

There are a few ways of using such a Spiritual Object:

1st: controlling of certain groups of Deities and most Spirits - as in asking them to work accordingly to the commands that one self give.

2nd: used to appoint tasks to certain groups of Deities or most Spirits.

3rd: used to make Spiritual Announcement to the various Deities and Spirits around one Area or, by informing the Reporting Officers of the Three Realms to send certain messages to the Celestial Palace.

Once this Annoucement Block is in one person's hand, he is authorised with the Celestial Power of summoning Deities and Spirits to work for him/her.

In Taoism, the Three Tan aka Dao Jiao San Tan (道教三壇) will use this piece of Spiritual Object very frequently.

Pictures of Taoist Spiritual Bell (帝鐘)

Taoist Spiritual Bell aka Di Zhong, in Chinese, we called it 帝鐘/三清鈴/三山鐘.

For Taoist Bell, there's a difference as compare to the Buddhist one.

For Taoist Bell, the top part of the handle shall be in a form of 3 Sharp Pointed tips, whereas Buddhist one shall be in a Ring-connect-Ring top.

Till today, quite a number of Taoist Priests still couldn't get this correct.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uses of Taoist Spiritual Bell:

To summon Deities or to inform the Deities that certain issues are going on, etc.

To gather Souls from afar.

While chanting, the rythme of the Bell can help to control the speed of the chanting in-order to reach a state of Self-controling or mind-calming, etc.

Wallpaper of Bao Fu Mu En Zhong Scripture (太上報父母恩重經)

Bao Fu Mu En Zhong Jing aka Repaying Parents' Debt of Gratitude.

This is a rare Scripture that Priests will recite during Rituals/Ceremonies.

In the Scripture, Yuan Shi Tian Zun explains on the importance of respecting Parent, because of their effort in bringing up children, etc.

In the scripture, Yuan Shi Tian Zun also explain that, when our Parents are down with sicknesses or meet with any un-fortune issues, as the children, we can engaged in Rituals or request blessings for our Parents, in-order to help them to over-come with the difficulties, etc.

This is a scripture to promote Filial Piety.



Bao Fu Mu En Zhong Jing aka Repaying Parents' Debt of Gratitude.

This is a rare Scripture that Priests will recite during Rituals/Ceremonies.

In the Scripture, Yuan Shi Tian Zun explains on the importance of respecting Parent, because of their effort in bringing up children, etc.

In the scripture, Yuan Shi Tian Zun also explain that, when our Parents are down with sicknesses or meet with any un-fortune issues, as the children, we can engaged in Rituals or request blessings for our Parents, in-order to help them to over-come with the difficulties, etc.

This is a scripture to promote Filial Piety.

Wallpaper of San Guan Bao Hao Jing (三官寶號經)

This scripture can be found in San Guan Miao Jing (a scripture dedicated to the Three Emperor Lords of Heaven, Earth and Water Realms).

In this scripture, Yuan Shi Tian Zun explain on how Mortals can get saved/salvage from sufferings of any mis-fortune by reciting the Official Titles of San Guan (The Three Emperor Lords of Heaven, Earth and Water Realms).

So when is the best time to recite this scripture?

The best timing will be on the 15th Day of every Lunar Month or on the 15th of 1st Lunar Month, which is the Birthday of Tian Guan, 15th of 7th Month, which is the Birthday of Di Guan and last, 15th of 10th Month, the Birthday of Shui Guan.



This scripture can be found in San Guan Miao Jing (a scripture dedicated to the Three Emperor Lords of Heaven, Earth and Water Realms).

In this scripture, Yuan Shi Tian Zun explain on how Mortals can get saved/salvage from sufferings of any mis-fortune by reciting the Official Titles of San Guan (The Three Emperor Lords of Heaven, Earth and Water Realms).

So when is the best time to recite this scripture?

The best timing will be on the 15th Day of every Lunar Month or on the 15th of 1st Lunar Month, which is the Birthday of Tian Guan, 15th of 7th Month, which is the Birthday of Di Guan and last, 15th of 10th Month, the Birthday of Shui Guan.

Pictures of Di Mu - Empress Mother Earth (虛空慈尊地姆元君)

Di Mu aka Mother Lord of the Earth or Mother Earth, in chinese, we address her as 地母元君 (Di Mu Yuan Jun), 地母娘娘 (Di Mu Niang Niang), etc.

In Taoism Context, she can be considered as an important Female Deity.

So when was Di Mu being Manifested?

According to Scientific Calculation, Di Mu was being Manifested about 91,000,000,000 years ago when our Planet Earth being created or formed.

Why she's known as Di Mu?

In Taoism, Heaven (Tian) is consider as Positive aka Yang, which represent Male and Strong, so when the people set the image of Tian, they set it in the way of a male form which later transform into Jade Emperor of Heaven (Fatherly like) and, vice-versa, Earth (Di) is consider as Negative (not in the term of bad, but the oppose energy of Positive) aka Yin, which represent gentle and motherly-love, and so the people set it into a female form, which later transform into Mother Earth.

In the initial period when Di Mu was being honoured, she got no physical form or appearance.

So when Mortals look for her blessing?

When an area met with disasters, such as no harvest, living-stocks died of diseases, besides paying respect to the Earth Deity of that area, the next one they look for would be Di Mu.

Alot of people tend to mix-up Di Mu and Nv Wa together, to be more accurate, they are of different Deities.

More Info on Di Mu: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/590

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1144545882/pic/list

People don't know who is Zhang Tian Shi? (我不知道誰是張天師)

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Category:	Other

People don't know who is Zhang Tian Shi?

Been doing quite some follow-ups on how many people know about Zhang Tian Shi aka Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling. And to my HORROR, actually not much people/Chinese/Taoists know about who he is.

According to some of the write-up and brief interviews on people that I come across, mostly they will give you reply like, "he is a very powerful deity", "he is good in catching ghosts", "he is a Hell Deity", etc.

Ha ha, from the answers above, you can simply know that how many of our "claimed Taoists" are so ignorance on our own Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling.

To me, I'm not feeling very sad but extremely disappointed on the results I got.

How can a Chinese or a claimed-to-be-Taoist don't know about his/her own Taoist Master? Are they really that ignorance or are they following blindly on what they are being taught? Hmmm, this is an unknown answer or an answer that a lot of Taoists don't wish to know.

One reason that I know why such group of people tend to claim that Zhang Tian Shi is a Nether World Deity - because of his appearance – black face, poppy eyes and big red mouth. And so just because of such appearance, our Heavenly Master Zhang Tian Shi is being classified as Nether World Deity? Its really a sad situation to see and know and feel...

Here, I can only silently request for a turn in such a situation and may our Heavenly Master Zhang Tian Shi don't put blames on such innocent and ignorance group of people.

Video on Tai Yi Tian Zun (太乙天尊號)

Dear all, here's a video on the Paying Respect Mantra/Praise of Tai Yi Tian Zun.

Usually this mantra is being recited during the Ritual/Ceremony for the salvation of souls.

This mantra can be found in the Taoist Night Homework too.

Pictures of Paper Items of Lunar 7th Month (中元節紙扎)

Dear all, in this series, you'll be able to see pictures of paper-crafts that are associated with our Chinese 7th Month Rituals/Ceremonies.

The most common one will be Da Shi Ye, in hokkien will be Dai Su Yah. Da Shi Ye, in Buddhist Context will be the transformation of Guan Yin to a Ugly and scary Ghostly Lord, in-order to keep all the wandering souls in order, etc.

Whereas in Taoism, Da Shi Ye is consider as a Ghostly General who's there to keep order, preventing any wandering souls from making troubles, etc.

Besides that, some paper houses are made for the souls too.

Paperhouse_1: Separate rooms for the male and female souls.

Paperhouse_2: Name as Han Lin Yuan, this is a room that are dedicated to scholars who passed-away with no-one giving offerings to them.

Paperhouse_3: Wash-room for the souls. Usually the Priests will guide the souls into this wash-room for cleaning themselves up, change clothin, etc, before Rituals start, etc (different places will have different uses).

Banner of Respect Praise Mantra for Tai Yi Tian Zun (太乙誥/號)

Here's a banner of Respect Praise Mantra for Tai Yi Tian Zun.

Usually this mantra is being recite during Rituals for salvation of Souls or while inviting Tai Yi Tian Zun, etc.

This mantra can be found in the Taoist Night Homework.

Pictures of Ritual Lanterns (燈槁/引燈/迎燈/天燈)

Ritual Lanterns, a very important Taoist Ritual Object that needed during Rituals/Ceremonies/Celebration.

During different occasions, different type of lanterns will be used.

For instance: Festive Celebration, Ying Deng (迎燈) will be used to guide the invited Deities to where the celebrations are being held.

Salvation of Souls' Rituals, Yin Deng (引燈) will be used to guide the souls from the surrounding areas to where the chanting areas are. Usually the number of souls being attracted will depend on the height of the lanterns being raised, the higher, the more souls will be attracted.

Besides lanterns, Banners (with Deities titles) are also being placed or raised. Usually the titles are fixed (not like the one we see in Singapore, any Deities names/titles are being hung).

The fixed title will be title for Tai Yi Tian Zun -> salvation of Souls and also, salvation for the mortals.

Other than that, only high rank/position deities are "eligable" for such banners.

While raising such lanterns/banners, a ritual will be needed. The Priests will first report to Heaven, follow by invitation and then raise the flag, then "settle" the energies onto the pole and invite the Pole Officer to station at the Pole. (sequence may vary).

Pictures of Huat Soh (法索)

Huat Soh aka The Cleansing Whip (法索/淨鞭/法鞭/聖者/金鞭聖者), which is being used during Taoist Rituals/Celebrations/Ceremonies.

As what the name of this object tells you, this whip is being used to do cleansing for the area of where the events are being held or performed, etc.

In myth and belief, this whip was the transformation of the Snake Demon that Zhang Gong Sheng Jun aka Fa Zhu Gong subdue.

Besides doing cleansing, such whip can also be used to give commands to Spiritual Armies, etc.

Features to look into when getting a Spiritual Whip:

1 Ba Gua at the Head or Forehead of the Snake - represents Ba Gua Ya Ding (八卦壓頂)

2 Seven Stars at the Throat - represents Qi Xing Feng Hou (七星封喉)

Without these Features, then the Spiritual Whip is consider as a normal Whip, but when these Features are present, the Spiritual Power of the Whip will increase tremedously.

Pictures of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun (張公聖君法主公)

Zhang Gong Sheng Jun aka Fa Zhu Gong (張公聖君又稱法主公).

Born in Song Dynasty, hometown at Hokkien Province, China (生于宋朝年間﹐祖籍與中國福建省).

In stories, folks believed that Zhang Gong Sheng Jun got another 2 sworn brothers (name as Xiao Gong Sheng Jun and Hong Gong Sheng Jun 與臨水夫人相同﹐張公亦有兩位結拜兄弟﹐個別稱之為肖公聖君及洪公聖君。民間又有以章公聖君取代肖公).

Due to the battle with the Thousand years old Snake Demon, Zhang Gong sacrifice himself. After Heaven knew about his braveness, he was being appointed as a Deity which holds quite an important role in the Celestial Court.

And according to Taoist records, he was known as the disciple of Xu Zhen Ren aka Gan Tian Da Di -> which later being addressed as Lv Shan Fa Zhu Zhang Sheng Jun (Lv Shan is the Sect that Zhang Gong belongs to 張公聖君亦傳之為許遜天師之高足﹐乃閭山法主派之始祖).

Introduction of Madam Lin Shui Chen Jing Gu (臨水夫人陳靖姑)

 

Lin Shui Fu Ren aka Madam Lin Shui (臨水夫人), original name known as Chen Jing Gu (陳靖姑), born in Tang Dynasty, 15day of Lunar 1st Month (生于唐朝年間正月十五日).

Hometown of her's was at Hokkien Province, Foo Chew Area (祖籍為中國福建省福州市).

She's also one of the disciples of Xu Zhen Ren aka Gan Tian Da Di (相傳臨水夫人為許遜天師之高足).

In Taoism, Madam Lin Shui will always be accompany by her 2 sworn Sisters, which are known as Madam Lin & Madam Li (臨水夫人與林李二夫人合稱三奶夫人﹐為道教三奶派之始祖).

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/300323136/pic/list

Pictures of Zao Jun aka Kitchen Deity (九天司命定福灶君)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zao Jun aka Kitchen Deity, is an important Deity in the whole household.

On 3rd Day of Lunar 8 Month (農曆八月初三日), it is known as the Manifestation Anniversary of Zao Jun.

And on the 23rd/24th day of Lunar 12 month (歲末臘月廿三/廿四日), all Taoists will have to send Zao Jun back to the Heaven to make an Annual report.

Upon making the report, on 25th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月廿五日), Jade Emperor of Heaven will make an Inspection in the Mortal Realm.