Wednesday 31 October 2007

Introduction of Taoist Er Lang Shen (道教二郎神簡介)

Er Lang Shen (二郎神), a Celestial Official Title (道教神名) for Deities who is strongly connected with the element of water & slaying of demons or Negative Entities.

 

In the whole Chinese Deity System, there are a total of 3 Er Lang Shen.

 

Each of them is recorded in different era.

 

Here, I will do some brief introduction on the individual one:

 

1 – Li Er Lang (李二郎), son of Li Bing (李冰), a Shu General (蜀將) during the Warring Period 戰國時代 (around BC250).

 

During that era, due to lack of facilities in opening of new farms, directing of new canals, etc. Li Bing and his son Li Er Lang volunteered to assist the commoners in performing the tasks. Soon the tasks were completed.

 

And in one year in that era, snake demons appeared in the canal where they had opened, in-order to get rid of the disasters, Li Bing and his son Li Er Lang went to the canal side to fight with the snake demons and soon, the demons were subdued.

 

From then, the commoners respect them as Deities and after they passed-away, the commoners/folks dedicated Temples to them.

 

In later era, Li Bing was given an Official title of Guang Ji Wang (廣濟王) and his son Li Er Lang with the title of Hui Ling Hou (惠靈侯).

 

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2 – Priest of Mt Qing Cheng Zhao Yu (青城道士趙昱) aka Zhao Zhong Ming (趙仲明), born before Sui Dynasty 隋朝 (AD581 - 618), was once an Area Magistrate Officer.

 

After seeking Master-ship under Master Li Yu (李), Zhao Yu went to Mt Qing Cheng to do his self-cultivation.

 

One year, in Jia State, a gigantic water demon appeared in one of the country side river, upon knowing the existing of such a demon, Zhao Yu came out from Mt Qing Cheng to Jia State to do the slaying of the demon.

 

After several rounds of battling with the demon, Zhao Yu managed to subdue the demon.

 

From then, the folks dedicated a temple to him near to the mouth of the river, which later the folks addressed him as Guan Kou Er Lang Shen Zhao Yu (灌口二郎神趙昱)

 

Now in China Si Chuan Province (四川省), you are still able to find the temple dedicated to Guan Kou Er Lang Shen.

 

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3 – Er Lang Shen Yang Jian (二郎神楊戩).

 

This is a newly known Deity after the classic Feng Shen Bang (封神榜) appeared during the Late Ming Dynasty (晚明年間).

 

In Feng Shen Bang, he was known as the Leading person of Mt Mei (梅山首領), which later subdue the 6 demons to be his assistants – later people addressed them as Mei Shan Qi Sheng (梅山七聖).

 

In some myths, Yang Jian was known as the nephew of Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝之姪).

 

 

Pictures of Ming Dynasty Magistrate Hai Rui (大明廉臣海瑞公)





Hai Rui (海瑞) aka Hai Ru Xian (海汝賢) or Hai Guo Kai (海國開), born in Ming Dynasty AD 1514 (明朝), hometown at Guang Dong Province Qiong Shan Area 廣東省瓊山 (today known as Hainan 今為海南).

According to his family's belief, Hai Rui was being brought up as a follower of Islam, meaning he was a Chinese Muslim (回教人).

At the age of 4, his father passed away.

In Ming Dynasty Jia Jing Period AD1549 (明朝嘉靖年間), at the age of 37 and after years of studying and struggling, Hai Rui managed to pass the Imperial Examination, from then he got an official title from the Imperial Court and commerce his service for the Nation (科舉中舉).

AD1566, immediately after Hai Rui made couple of strong comments against Emperor Jia Jing, he was sentenced to death and because of his loyalty and upright attitude, the Premier of Emperor Jia Jing (Xu Jie 徐階) saved him by explaining to Emperor Jia Jing that actually Hai Rui was right and the comments that he made were some good advises for the Emperor. After listening to Premier Xu, Emperor Jia Jing released him.

AD1587, the 10 Month, Hai Rui dead in his Office, aged 74 (享年74).

Due to his clean reputation and the ways he handled cases, he was being respect by the folks as Deity after he passed-away. In order to keep him in memory, the folks addressed him as Hai Qing Tian – meaning Upright and Non-bias (公正無私海青天).

In Singapore, you are able to find his statue and altar dedicated to him at Telok Blangah Tian Gong Temple (beside Blk 45). According to the temple history, the statue shall be more than 80 years old.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/154707869/pic/list

Tuesday 30 October 2007

Xia Yuan Day (下元節) - An Important Day in Taoism

Start:     Nov 24, '07 09:00a
End:     Nov 24, '07 5:00p

Xia Yuan Jie aka Xia Yuan Ri (下元日), the day of Xia Yuan Shui Guan Da Di's Birthday (下元水官大帝千秋日).

In Taoism this is an important day. Besides paying respect to Shui Guan Da Di for blessing and getting rid of other mishaps and unfortune, this is also the day for Taoists to register as a formal Taoist and for students who wanted to be Spiritual Masters/Leaders/Priests to make registration with the Three Realms.

This Year (2007), Long Shan Men (龍山門) will be doing the First Registration for those who have joined and who wanted to join. Once the Petitions are being sent, the people will officially be accepted as the students (disciples) of Long Shan Men.

And our Main Objective: To promote the Culture of Taoism and withhold the right attitude of our Sect - Zheng Yi Sect (天師正一教).

Let's together promote the Culture of Taoism.

Wu Liang Shou

Pictures of Premier Di Ren Jie (大唐良丞狄仁杰)





Di Ren Jie (狄仁杰), in hokkien we address him as Teck Lin Kiat, a very famous Premier (著名丞相) during the Tang Dynasty (Empress Wu Ze Tian's Era).

Di Ren Jie was born in Tang Dynasty Zhen Guan Period AD630 貞觀年間 (Emperor Li Shi Ming period). Due to his knowledge and wisdom, he got the 1st Official Scholar Position in the Tang Dynasty Imperial Examination (and his the 1st Scholar of the whole Tang Dynasty 唐朝首科第一狀元).

After he got the Official Title of the Scholar, he was being bestowed with other important ranking titles and assist Emperor Li Shi Ming (唐太宗李世明) in withholding of the order of the Tang Empire.

After Emperor Li Shi Ming and his son passed-away, Empress Wu Ze Tian (武則天) took over the Empire and changed the Tang Dynasty to Zhou Dynasty (國號由唐至周) but Di Ren Jie didn't leave the Imperial Court, cos he knew that, one day, he would be needed to restore the Empire of the Li Clan.

And before Di Ren Jie passed away, he assisted the young Emperor to restore the Tang Empire back.

But before he succeeds, Di Ren Jie passed away on AD700, at the age of 70 years old (享年70).

Due to his loyalty, sincerity, wisdom and creativity, the folks respect him as Deity after he passed away.

In some Religious context, he was being address as Di Wang Ye (狄王爺) or Di Qian Sui (狄千歲), meaning Duke Di.

Due to his quick promotion in the Tang Imperial Court, he was also being known as the Deity of Promotion or Career Prosperity. And today, in Chinese Opera, we can still see actors put on a white mask before and after the opera performances, the white mask actor represent Di Ren Jie (Di Qian Sui) – meaning to bless the audiences with good luck and good career.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/562530757/pic/list

Pictures of Ancestors (Masters) of Geomancy (風水玄學祖師爺)





According to Geomancy Study (Schools), here are some famous Ancestors (Masters) that the students of the Geomancy students needed to pay respect to.

Here are the brief intro on them:

上古時期伏羲氏(後世稱之為八卦祖師)

Pre-historical Era:

Master Fu Xi, who created the Trigram according to the natural carvings from animals, Heaven and Earth.

In some contexts, he is being address as the Master of Trigram.

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唐朝玄宗年間楊筠松(又稱楊救貧)天文官(後世又稱之為楊公真人)。祖籍為客家人。根據記載﹐福建客家土樓便是由楊公精心設計。

Tang Dynasty:

Master Yang Jun Song or Yang Jiu Pin aka Official of Astrology in the Tang Imperial Court (his descendants continue his title till the Qing Dynasty).

According to record, the Tumble Building that belongs to the Hakka Clan in Hokkien Province were the design created by him.

In Taoism, we address him as Yang Gong Zhen Ren.

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宋朝風水宗師賴布衣

Song Dynasty:

Master Lai Bu Yi.

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明末清初風水宗師蔣大鵬(三元派是由64卦看風水)

Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasty:

Master Jiang Da Peng (Founder of Geomancy San Yuan Sect – using the 64 symbols of Yi Jing in the Geomancy Study)

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清末光緒年間沈紹勳(沈氏玄宮學玄空九宮飛星)

Late Qing Dynasty:

Master Shen Shao Xun (Founder of Shen Clan Xuan Gong Theory)

Monday 29 October 2007

The 12 Disciples of Yuan Shi Tian Zun (元始天尊十二弟子)

According to myth, legend and some Religious records, Yuan Shi Tian Zun (the main person in the Three Pure One) has 12 Disciples, which all of them are highly-cultivated Priests/Masters.

 

Till today, some Taoist Groups/Sects still paying respect to the 12 of them.

 

In Singapore, one of the Spiritual Master still invite them for Special Ritual/Ceremony (eg: Salvation for Souls, etc)

 

Here are the 12 Disciples:

 

九仙山桃源洞廣成子

Mt Jiu Xian, Tao Yuan Cave Master Guang Cheng Zi

 

太華山雲霄洞赤精子

Mt Tai Hua, Yun Xiao Cave Master Chi Jing Zi

 

二仙山麻姑洞黃龍真人

Mt Er Xian, Ma Gu Cave Master Huang Long

 

夾龍山飛雲洞懼留孫(後化身為懼留孫佛)

Mt Jia Long, Fei Yun Cave Master Ju Liu Sun

(which later manifest into one Buddha of another Chinese Religion)

 

乾元山金光洞太乙真人

Mt Qian Yuan, Jin Guang Cave Master Tai Yi

 

崆峒山元陽洞靈寶大法師

Mt Kong Dong, Yuan Yang Cave Master Ling Bao

(This Master Ling Bao is not Ling Bao Tai Zun)

 

五龍山雲霄洞文殊廣法天尊(後化身為文殊菩薩)

Mt Wu Long, Yun Xiao Cave Master Wen Shu

(which later manifest into Manjushri of another Chinese Religion)

 

九宮山白鶴洞普賢真人(後化身為普賢菩薩)

Mt Jiu Gong, Bai He Cave Master Pu Xian

(which later manifest into Vajradhara of another Chinese Religion)

 

普陀山落伽洞慈航道人(後化身為觀音菩薩)

Mt Pu Tuo, Luo Qie Cave Master Ci Hang

(which later manifest into Avalokitesvara of another Chinese Religion)

 

玉泉山金霞洞玉鼎真人

Mt Yu Quan, Jin Xia Cave Master Yu Ding

 

金庭山玉屋洞道行天尊

Mt Jin Ting, Yu Wu Cave Master Dao Xing

 

青峰山紫陽洞清虛道德真君

Mt Qing Feng, Zi Yang Cave Master Qing Xu Dao De

Pictures of Wen Tian Xiang (大宋忠賢文天祥)





Wen Tian Xiang (文天祥) aka Wen Yun Sun (文雲孫), born in Year AD1236 (南宋寶祐四年), hometown at Ji Zhou Lu Ling 吉州廬陵 (today: Jiang Xi Ji An Area 今江西吉安).

AD1256, he got the Official Title from the Imperial Court after scoring the 1st Position in the Imperial Examination.

AD 1275 Lunar 1st Month, Yuan Army invaded China, Wen Tian Xiang was the 1st Imperial Officer to donate out all his private properties to the Imperial Court as the fee for Warring. Due to Yuan Army were being well trained in the battling strategies, Song Army lost in the initial round of battle.
  
AD 1276, the Yuan Army entered the Capital of Song Dynasty, in-order to withhold the Unity of the Song Army, Empress Xie 謝太后 (Mother of the Emperor) appointed Wen Tian Xiang as the 2nd-Position-Premier (右丞相), and on the very day, Wen Tian Xiang was ordered to go for a negotiation session with the Yuan Army.

Immediately after Wen Tian Xiang entered the Yuan Army compound, he was captured by the Marshal-in-charge.
  
AD 1276 Lunar 5th Month, Wen Tian Xiang managed to escape from the Yuan Army compound and went to Hokkien Province Fu Zhou area (福州市).

AD 1279, after another round of lost battle, Wen Tian Xiang was again being captured by the Yuan Army, this time, he was being jailed at the Yuan Army compound for 3 years.

AD 1282 9th Day of Lunar 12th Month, Wen Tian Xiang was being executed, at the time of his death, he was only 47 years old.

From then, the folks respect him as a Deity due to his loyalty and willingness of protecting his uprightness till his last breath.

Together with the other 2 loyalty Officers Zhang Shi Jie and Lu Xiu Fu, the folks address them as Da Song San Zhong Gong (大宋三忠公), Song Mo San Jie (宋末三杰) or in S.E.A., Da Song San Zhong Wang (東南亞一帶: 大宋三忠王).

Birthday Celebration of Da Song San Zhong Wang (大宋三忠王壽誕)

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Other
Ack to Mr Victor Yue of Taoism Singapore eGroup


Dai Song Sam Tiong Ong 大宋三忠王
San Zhong Wang
Poh Tiong Beo (Pu Zhong Miao) 普忠庙
Shui Xian Gong 水顯宫
Fri 26 Oct 07 9M16 (2100-2200H at Poh Tiong Beo)
Sat 27 Oct 07 9M17 (1300-1400H at Shui Xian Gong)

Hi folks,
If only my greying cells could hold the memory longer. (^^) Ah, I will depend on the younger and stronger cells of Jave and Aaron.

When I was at the Poh Tiong Beo, wow, I saw one of the most sexy puppet! Alas, there was only one old man sitting and watching the show, which was kind of interesting as this widow was talking with her servant who was "off stage". (^^) And since it was in the layman Hokkien, it was easy to understand. But I wonder if the kids who stopped by to look while on their way home (from tuition classes?) understood. What was a cheeky lor-chai (servant) trying to do to propose being the god-son of the matriarch of the house? (^^)

As I was trying to capture the nice dragons on the temple roof, a temple member (probably a leading temple official) came to watch me. Ah, he must have been curious as to my mission there. (^^) A quick explanation put him at ease (of course) that I am into research. Of course, such statements often got the people wondering if I was nuts or not. Unlike the angmohs. (^^) With the arrival of Jave and Aaron, there were more question marks in his mind (I am sure) but at the same time, he was beginning to open up since we knew a little more about Sam Tiong Ong. (^^) Of course, by now, most temples could have heard of a forum on Local Sintuas.





This temple is an especially temple to me as it has links to the original temple at Nankin Rd where my grandpa used to bring me and my brother there to see his friends and of course, the most exciting part was to drink the world's best kopi (meaning with milk) from a plate and taking trishaw rides there and back. That must be in the mid-50s till 1960, when he died, drowned after being knocked out cold by the massive canvas cover of the tongkang (tua-kow) while attempting to cover the goods on one stormy night in the outer-roads (sea off Singapore River)

I had mistaken the road to be China St. From the photo report at the Poh Tiong Beo poster (very well done to illustrate the history of the temple), it was No.8 Nankin St. From the poster, it was Poh Tiong Dian (Pu Zhong Dian). It seems that this temple originated somewhere at Ang-Ting-Beh-Tau (Clifford Pier?) housed in a stilted bungalow (anyone knows how the buildings were like in the 1920s? Apparently, the temple at Nankin St was already the third place. If my memory is still good, this place at Nankin St was the coolie-keng (meaning the clubhouse of the coolies). From bits of information I gathered from various elders, this temple seems to be the "ancestral" temple of the Tan Clan from Tang-Wha (Tong An). And their ancestral Deity seems to be Por Am Pu Chor. I learnt from my Mum that when I was born, grandpa (Mum's father) suggested that I should be the godson of Sam Tiong Ong. So was my second brother. Interestingly, my sister was the god-daughter of Por Am Put Chor.





In those days, coolie-kengs are also the "club house" of the secret societies. Ah, we will have to ask Leon to share with us on that. (^^)

Por Tiong Dian at Nankin St had another temple built in Toa Payoh, probably in the 70s? This part is a little hazy and so, I will need to get more details. From the pictures on the board, there was a temple in Toa Payoh in the 70s and apparently, in the urban renewal, that temple was "surrounded" by mud being brought in to raise the ground level in preparation of what we could see as one of the oldest HDB (Housing Development Board) estates. I learnt that only the two corners of the roof of the temple could be seen. And on rainy days (probably during the monsoon period), they needed the help of the fire brigade to help pump out the water. Later they moved across the road where another temple was built. That temple is where it is now, nestled and dwarfed by the HDB flats. In 1994, the temple at Nankin St moved to this temple. I also learnt that originally at this place the temple was more of a Tng (Tang), meaning that it would be dispensing aids to the needy and society. But after the elders had passed on, and a couple (or many?) of the descendants have become Christians, the philanthropic activities dwindled to a stop. And now, the temple is just called Por Tiong Beo.

In the past two-three years when I visited the temple, it was quiet with only a temple keeper and I learnt that on most days, it could be closed, saved 2nd and 16th of the lunar month when they do the "Koh-kun" (feasting the celestial armies). I think they also offer consultations (kiu say) on the evenings of these days.

9M16 is the day in celebrations of Sam Tiong Ong. Ah, my mother's generations still have the lunar calendars in their mind and she could rattle out the "tua-li-chi" (Da Re Zi) of the temples. She just told me that on 11M27, it is the "big day" of Por Am Put Chor!

From what I know so far, apart from the homes of many of the Tan family from Tang-Wha, there are two temples and one sintua dedicated to Sam Tiong Ong. And it seems that the Nankin St could well be the main temple, having brought the deities all the way from Tung-Wha (Tong An) in Fujian, China). From Nankin St, it seems that there was an offspring. And so, another temple was started in now what is called the Zion Rd, Shui Xian Gong. It was decided that one of the three Sam Tiong Ong will go to this temple. Throught "pua-puay" - throwing of the divining blocks - it was decided that Wen Tian Xiang will go to "preside" over that temple. This temple must have been in that area, where tua-kow building was also one of the flourishing trade then, for decades. Once, there was a big fire (I am not sure if they are related to the famous Bukit Ho Swee fire) and again, it seemed that all the surrounding houses (attap? zinc roofed) were burnt down, save that temple! There was a photo at the Shui Xian Gong to show it!

Sam Tiong Ong are the three faithful officials very well known in the Chinese history, where they were protecting the child-emperor. The said story is finally all of them died. I think I had posted this story some time back. Will see if I could retrieve them out. Or you could google the stories out from the internet. (^^) The officials were: Wen Tian Xiang, Lu Xiu Fu and Zhang Shi Jie.



And yet another group was said to venture up to Malacca. And so, another one of Sam Tiong Ong was to go and preside over the temple at Malacca. It was Lu Xiu Fu. Anyone knows the said temple in Malacca? I am not sure if there is more than one. Jave, was the name of the temple published in the temple's advertisement? (^^)

Tang Chao Fu also celebrates in honour of Sam Tiong Ong. The relationship to Nankin St seems somewhat unclear. This needs further tracking. (^^)

It seems (there's too many seems here, apologies) that Ku Guan Shuei is also part of the entourage of Deities from Tang-Wha. Anyone knows more about this guan-shuei? His tua-li-chi seems to be sometime in 6M16 or there about.

Por Tiong Beo is now undergoing massive renovations and it is almost two third done with the outside of the temple buildings repainted. The main gate has two interesting Ao (fish with dragon heads). I learnt that Sam Tiong Ong in this temple discourage any auctioning of items during the grand dinner celebrations. But, there are three chai (red banner) that would be put for auction. The chai is said to be placed from the Ao (top of the gate to a container of water(?) to the temple building, supposedly undergoing some ritualistic process. Not too clear on this part. The chai is then cut into three pieces for auction. In a bid to ensure continuity of the temple and traditions, in the recent big days, the diners - mainly descendants from the early migrants from Tang-Wha - were invited to donate towards the maintenance and expansion of activities of the temple. The fact that much has been done shows that many have com forward. I heard that the statues of two horses, life size, will be the next addition.

Por Tiong Beo is a temple of traditions. And so, on this night, we observed something that we have not seen elsewhere. Two long benches were placed on both sides in the main hall, lined with food, cups, chopsticks .. 108 of them! The place is labelled as Tian Ong Hu (Tian Wang Fu). Jave, or anyone, could you expand on the Tian Ong Hu? Could this be the 108 warriors supporting Sam Tiong Ong? In this celebrations, every five hours, the dishes and the entire cutlery sets have to be changed. Members of the temples volunteered their services for shift-duties.





While Por Tiong Beo is moving towards further stabilisation and expansion of activities, Shui Xian Gong seems to be heading for an unsure future. It is said that the place has been put for enbloc (I could not establish this as the people at the temple were busy with their yewkeng when I was there). If so, a landmark that saw a phoenix rising from the ashes of the great fire may no longer be there. A temple that has seen its kampung community disappeared, the water rescinding in the canals of Singapore River (used to be marshy and that's where the living legacy of tuakow builders (whose ancestors made the huge ships of Admiral Cheng Ho - Zheng He?) used to build the tua-kows for the flourishing entreport trade at the Singapore River mouth. From what I observed, the craftsmen did not seem to use any blueprints when cutting the wood out of the logs and bending them to build the tuakow. Hmm ..





It would be great to find how many of the Chinese in SIngapore are descendants of Tang Wah. (^^)

Victor
Singapore

Sunday 28 October 2007

Banners of Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun Bao Gao (南北斗星君寶誥)





Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun Bao Gao aka Praise/Invitation Mantras for Lord Nan Bei Dou (The Star Lords that look into the Life & Death issues of the Living Beings).

During Rituals on Paying Respect to Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun, these 2 mantras will be recited at the beginning of the rituals.

Usually for those who wanted to stay connected with these 2 Lords, they can recite the mantras on every 7th Day of the Lunar Month (The Lords arriving in the Mortal World for inspection day) or 1st/15th of the Lunar Month.

Upon knowing that the Mortals are reciting their mantras, the 2 Lords will blessed on the Mortals accordingly.

Saturday 27 October 2007

The Ten Madams of Lin Shui Palace (臨水宮十夫人)

臨水宮十夫人

 

臨水宮十夫人乃是臨水夫人陳靖姑志同道合所結拜的十為姐妹。

 

根據記載,其中的幾位原為魔精﹐而後被陳夫人所點化﹐因此跟隨陳夫人游遍十方以拯救天下蒼生。

 

那十夫人為何人矣?

 

在此就為您一一介紹:

 

十宮第一夫人 - 羅源林淑靖夫人

十宮第二夫人 - 連江李三靖夫人

十宮第三夫人 - 西河虎婆奶江夫人

十宮第四夫人 - 珠媽劉夫人

十宮第五夫人 - 烏石山石夾大夫人

十宮第六夫人 - 烏石山石夾二夫人

十宮第七夫人 - 福清鄒鐵鸞夫人

十宮第八夫人 - 福州高雪梅夫人

十宮第九夫人 - 竹林歐夫人

十宮第十夫人 - 歐陽宮歐陽公主

 

The Ten Madams of Lin Shui Palace

 

Ten Madams of Lin Shui Palace are the Ten sworn sisters of Madam Lin Shui Chen Jing Gu.

 

According to some contexts, few of these Ten Madams, some of them are actually demons that being subdued by Madam Chen, after giving them the right direction on self-cultivation, they followed Madam Chen to do the salvation for the sufferings.

 

Here are the list of names of these Ten Madams:

 

1st Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Luo Yuan Area Madam Lin Shu Jing

2nd Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Lian Jiang Area Madam Li San Jing

3rd Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Xi Hu Area Tigeress Madam Jiang

4th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Madam Liu (Maiden Zhu)

5th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Mt Wu Shi 1st Madam of Shi Jia

6th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Mt Wu Shi 2nd Madam of Shi Jia

7th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Fu Qing Area Madam Zou

8th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Fu Zhou Area Madam Gao

9th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Zhu Lin Area Madam Ou

10th Madam of Lin Shui Palace: Princess Ou Yang of Ou Yang Palace

 

十宮夫人寶誥

Shi Gong Fu Ren Bao Gao (Praise Mantra)

 

志心皈命禮。

Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

 

珠闕標名。瓊台留跡。

Zhu Que Biao Ming, Yao Tai Liu Ji

 

彩鸞為駕。青鳥傳言。

Cai Luan Wei Jia, Qing Niao Chuan Yan

 

蘭質惠心。

Lan Zhi Hui Xin

 

大法同扶元后。

Da Fa Tong Fu Yuan Hou

 

花顏玉貌。

Hua Yan Yu Mao

 

香風布滿三山。

Xiang Feng Bu Man San Shan

 

保赤衛房。

Bao Chi Wei Fang

 

喜見寧馨降世。

Xi Jian Ning Xin Jiang Shi

 

救胎助剷。

Jiu Tai Zhu Chan

 

欣看賢淑臨風。

Xin Kan Xian Shu Lin Feng

 

雲鬢霓裳。

Yun Bing Ni Shang

 

袖里青蛇斬妖。

Xiu Li Qing She Zhan Yao

 

星裾霞披。

Xing Ju Xia Pi

 

空中紫鳳迎仙。

Kong Zhong Zi Feng Ying Xian

 

懿德高超。

Yi De Gao Chao

 

品立瑤池正果。

Pin Li Yao Chi Zheng Guo

 

賢明遠播。

Xian Ming Yuan Bo

 

丹成碧落飛昇。

Dan Cheng Bi Luo Fei Sheng

 

崇德報功。

Chong De Bao Gong

 

輝耀十宮香火。

Hui Yao Shi Gong Xiang Huo

 

度人濟世。

Du Ren Ji Shi

 

散飄萬朵金蓮。

San Piao Wan Duo Jin Lian

 

大悲大願。至德至仁。

Da Bei Da Yuan, Zhi De Zhi Ren

 

順天聖母。

Shun Tian Sheng Mu

 

臨水太后鸞前。

Lin Shui Tai Hou Luan Qian

 

十宮夫人。

Shi Gong Fu Ren

 

貞。敏。

Zhen, Min

 

文。靜。

Wen, Jing

 

賢。慧。

Xian, Hui

 

淑。庄。

Shu, Zhuang

 

端。儀。

Duan, Yi

 

十元君。

Shi Yuan Jun

三十六天將之地祗太保溫瓊元帥 Introduction of Marshal Wen Qiong



 

Wen Qiong (溫瓊) aka Marshal Wen Qiong or Wen Yuan Shuai (溫元帥), one of the Four Main Heavenly Marshals of Taoism (四大元帥/六大天君).

According to records, Marshal Wen was born in Late Han Dynasty (漢朝末年), hometown in Wen Zhou 溫州 (Zhe Jiang 浙江), father known as Wen Wang (溫望), a well-known academic scholar.

During the early stage of his life, Marshal Wen learnt a lot of Spiritual Skills and able to use the skills freely to assist the mortals.

Due to he's a Deity reborn onto the Mortal World, so after several tries on the Imperial Examinations, he still couldn't get the Official Title (金榜題名) of the Imperial Court (predestinated of not giving him the physical-enjoyment in the Mortal World). And so upon disappointment, he made a great vow of – By assisting the Mortals after he left this World (using his Spiritual Power).

Soon after he made such a vow, a dragon from the Heaven landed onto the Mortal World and spit out a fire ball into his face, immediately Marshal Wen opened him mouth and swallow the fire ball, within seconds, Marshal changed from a normal face into a blue face and a third eye pop out from his forehead (藍面紅髯三只眼).

After turning into such an appearance, Dong Yu Da Di 東岳大帝 (Lord Dong Yue) noticed that, so he summoned him to Mt Tai to accept him as one of his assistants.

One year, when a village did something wrong and after Heaven notice that, Heaven sent an officer down to spread the disease into the whole village, upon knowing that, Marshal Wen stopped the officer by swallowing the whole bottle of disease down his throat, immediately he was being poisoned and his soul was being summoned to the Celestial Palace (天庭), due to his compassionate action, Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) bestowed him with an Official Title of Wei Ling Wen Yuan Shuai (威靈溫元帥) and appoint him to be an assistant of Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝部將). He was also known as Di Zhi Tai Bao Wen Yuan Shuai (地祗太保溫元帥).

From then, Marshal Wen become of the important Assistants of Xuan Tian Shang Di and also the Celestial Palace.

For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/297731285/pic/list

Friday 26 October 2007

Pictures of Zhong Kui aka The Ghost Catcher (鐘馗)





Zhong Kui aka Ghost Catcher Zhong Kui or Master Zhong Kui (鐘馗), according to myth, he was born in early Tang Dynasty (生于唐初年間).

According to research and records, in Tang Dynasty, there's no such a character known as Zhong Kui, but a type of root-plant (根類植物) with the name Zhong Kui (仲葵). During that Era, such a type of root-plant is being dig-out, dry and then use as a form of Spiritual Object to ward-off negative entities, etc (驅魔避邪之用).

From there, the folks started to create stories and myth on such a root-plant and in-order for the story to reach all other places in the whole China, one of the Taoist Priest "humanize (人格化)" it into a human form, which later known as Master Zhong Kui.

In myth, Zhong Kui was a scholar who join-in the Imperial Examination in the Imperial Court (唐年間京師會考), but due to his appearance, his Office Title of Top Scholar was being taken-off, upon the humiliation and bias-ness, he killed himself in the Palace - just in front of the Emperor.

After passing-on, his soul was being summoned to Heaven and knowing that he's innocent, Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) bestowed him with the title of "Capturing of all Negative Entities and Uphold the Rights of Justice" (it is a form of opposing force against the Imperial Ruling at that Era).

From then, Zhong Kui necame an Official Ghost Catcher (驅魔天師鐘馗).

Thursday 25 October 2007

Banner of Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝神龕像)



Here is a banner specially created upon request for Altar.






Here is a banner specially created upon request for Altar.

Wednesday 24 October 2007

Picture of Taoist Five Marshal Talisman (道教五元帥符)



This is a very unique Talisman that invited the Taoist Five Marshals to do the enhancement.

On top of the Talisman, you are able to see the Five Thunder Generals and the Five Mystery Codes that only used in special occasions or usage.






This is a very unique Talisman that invited the Taoist Five Marshals to do the enhancement.

On top of the Talisman, you are able to see the Five Thunder Generals and the Five Mystery Codes that only used in special occasions or usage.

Tuesday 23 October 2007

Banner of Jiu Tian Xuan Nv Bao Gao (九天玄女寶誥)



Jiu Tian Xuan Nv Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra. A mantra that seldom or rarely being recited.

Usually only when followers of Jiu Tian Xuan Nv do the chanting on the Scripture then this mantra will be recited.






Jiu Tian Xuan Nv Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra. A mantra that seldom or rarely being recited.

Usually only when followers of Jiu Tian Xuan Nv do the chanting on the Scripture then this mantra will be recited.

Introduction on Master Chun Yang Lv Dong Bin (純陽祖師呂洞賓)


Above is the picture of the Tomb of Master Chun Yang.

 

Lv Chun Yan (呂純陽) aka Master Lv (純陽祖師), real name known as Lv Yan (呂嚴) or Lv Dong Bin (呂洞賓), born in Tang Dynasty, 14th Day of Lunar 4 Month (生于唐貞觀年農曆四月十四日).

According to records, Master Lv was the reincarnation of an Ancient Deity known as Huang Tan Shi (古聖皇覃氏化身).

At 46 years old, he managed to meet up with his master, Master Zhong Li Quan (鐘離權), from then, he followed Master Zhong Li Quan to Mountian Zhong Nan (終南山) to do his self-cultivation.

64 years old, he got his enlightenment, from then, he got an official title of Premier of Yu Qing aka Yu Qing Shang Xiang (玉清上相) or Fu You Di Jun (孚佑帝君).

And according to Chinese History, due to the chaotic Religions Society in late Tang Dynasty, Master Lv had to start (founded) a new Religion or Teaching of combining of the Three Chinese Religions together, and this Teaching was later known as San Jiao 三教 - 儒釋道合一 (The Three Religions).

He is also one of the popular character in The Eight Immortals aka Ba Xian (八仙).


More pictures of Lv Dong Bin at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1147814970/pic/list