Requesting of Blessing for Wealth for New Year (新春富貴旺財法) 之 2

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Category:	Other

Five Direction Wealth Formation (五方亨通)

According to Old Chinese Lunar Year Custom Records (古時新年習俗記載), there are a few methods that one self can prepare in-order to gain the blessing of Wealth by the Deities of Wealth before New Year and during the New Year Period.

Heres another way to gain the Wealth Blessing.

So what shall be prepared?


First, prepare a Red Paper with dimension of 48cm by 48cm. (If you cant get those red paper that used for Rituals/Ceremonies, just get any normal red construction paper from bookshop).


Second, prepare pens of the following 5 color, Green, Red, Yellow, White (can replace with white-paint or liquid-paper) & Black.


Third, prepare 5 Ancient Coins, if cant get the Ancient Coins, prepare 5 Singapore One Dollar Coins.


Forth, get a tube of UHU glue.

Once all these are ready, here we go with the preparation of the Formation.

So after preparing, what shall be done?

Choose a good day (according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar).

Place everything on a clean table and wait for the clock to hit 9.00Am (must be within 9.00 – 11.00Am in the morning).


Once the clock shown 9.00Am, open up the red paper, draw a circle using the Green Pen first then follow by Red, Yellow, White and last Black (dimension of the circle, about the size of a 50cent Coin).


After drawing the circles, in the center of the circle, draw a Yin-Yang sign (white on left and black on right).


After drawing the Yin-Yang sign, glue the Ancient or One Dollar Coin on top of the Yin-Yang sign.

After all the coins are being glued to the red paper, this is more or less considered complete for the first stage.

Now, bring the red paper with all the glued-coins to the window where you can get sunshine. Leave the red-paper under the tanning of the sun for about 45 minutes (remember, must be within 9.00 – 11.00Am).

After retrieving back from the tanning, the second stage is considered complete.

The most important stage, placing of the Wealth Formation.

If one self is requesting for Self-Prosperity, place the Formation near to the Door-way, where one self can see when he/she exit and enter.

If one self is requesting the Prosperity for the whole Family, place the Formation under the Dining Table (not necessary to glue it to the Table, just place somewhere that is visible).

Once the Formation is being placed, try not to let anyone touch it or shift it.

Only after the 16th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Next Year, then the Formation can be taken down and discard away.

Pictures of Heavenly Master Xu Xun (四天師系列之感天大帝許天師)

Xu Tian Shi (許天師) aka Heavenly Master Xu, real name known as Xu Xun (許遜), Xu Jing Yang (許旌陽) or Xu Jing Zhi (許敬之), Taoist Name known as Ling Jian Zi (靈劍子), born in Wu Chi Wu Second Year (CE239 吳赤烏二年), 28th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月二十八日). Hometown in Nan Chang, now known as Jiang Xi Province (家鄉於南昌今為江西).

Since young, Xu Xun was an intelligent boy who was strongly connected with Spiritual Skills & stuffs.

At the age of 20 (弱冠之年), he seek Mastership under Wu Meng Zhen Ren (師承吳猛真人), from then, he started to do researches on Spiritual Skills, the Nature Changes, Prediction Skills, etc.

CE280, after certain obstacles Xu Xun encountered, he decided to stop his cultivation and went for the Imperial Examination. Due to his knowledge and wisdom, he passed the exam and was appointed as the Magistrate Officer of Jing Yang Area (旌陽縣 this was how the folks addressed him as Xu Jing Yang later part in the History), at that time, he was 42 years old.

During his serving of the Nation Service in Jing Yang Area, he was being highly respected by the commoners. And due to his Uprightness and Non-bias-attitude, after he left the Area, the commoners dedicated statues for him as a form of gratitude.

Soon, Jin Dynasty (晉朝) was in a chaotic status. Knowing that Jin Dynasty wouldn’t be able to last forever, Xu Xun resigned from his post and returned to his Master’s premises to regain his self-cultivation again.

After returning to his Master side, his Master brought him along to travel around the whole Country to do necessary salvation for the sufferings. During the travling, Xu Xun subdued a few demons and Deities, such as Tiger Demon, etc.

Besides doing salvations & subduing, Xu Xun was being imparted with a few Manuals with Spiritual Skills known as Tai Shang Ling Bao Jing Ming Fa (太上靈寶淨明法), which later Xu Xun used the title Jing Ming while he set-up his Sect - Jing Ming Sect (淨明道).

CE374, 25th Day of Lunar 10 Month (農曆十月廿五日), Xu Xun got his Enlightenment. At the moment of his Enlightenment, he was being summoned to the Celestial Palace (天庭) to meet up with Jade Emperor (玉皇大天尊). Due to his Uprightness and Faithfulness in continuing the Preaching of Taoism Teaching, he was being bestowed with the title Heavenly Master – Tian Shi (天師之職).

After he got the bestowed title, Xu Xun’s whole family, of about 120 members, were also being summoned to the Celestial Palace to gain a position in the Celestial Court System. In Chinese, there is a saying for Xu Xun’s family – Yi Ren De Dao, Quan Jia Sheng Tian (一人得道, 全家昇天). Meaning one person got Enlightenment, the whole family was also being granted to gain Immortality.

From then, he was being group with the other 3 Heavenly Masters to form the Four Heavenly Masters to assist the Three Realms (三界) in doing preaching for Dao.

In Taoism Culture or Chinese Deity System, Xu Xun was also being addressed as Gan Tian Da Di (感天大帝).

Till today, the Hock Chew (福州), Hock Cheng (福清) and Teochew (潮州) Clans still honoured Xu Xun as their Protector (守護神).

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1115996715/pic/list

Requesting of Blessing for Wealth for New Year (新春富貴旺財法) 之 1

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Multiplying Nine Formation (九九生財)

According to Old Chinese Lunar Year Custom Records (古時新年習俗記載), there are a few methods that one self can prepare in-order to gain the blessing of Wealth by the Deities of Wealth before New Year and during the New Year Period, some will do it on the 18th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月十八日-請貴求富補財庫).

So what shall be prepared?

According to the records, one self shall prepare the following items:


9 Fa Gao aka Huat Kuey (九個發糕)


9 Nian Gao aka Dee Kuey (九個年糕)


9 Hong Gui Guo aka Ang Ku Kuey (九個紅龜粿)


9 sticks of Incenses (九支香)


3 stacks of Incense-papers (三千/疊金紙)

So after preparing, what shall be done?

After all these items are being prepared, one self (the person who wished to request for the blessing of Wealth) shall bring them to a Temple (which is convenient for one self) to pay respect to the Deities in the Temple (main Deity inside the Temple not necessary to be Deity of Wealth).

After placing the offerings on the Main Altar, sincerely light the 9 Incenses and then kneel down in front the Altar to make request.

During the making of request, one self shall be sincere and do not be greedy. Only request whatever is possible. Then, sincerely place the Incenses into the urn and step 3 steps backward and leave the Altar.

After 15 minutes, retrieve the Incense-papers from the Altar and burn them off.

After burning, retrieve back the offerings and bring home. Do not throw any of the items away. If one self cant finish all, distribute out to the others, by sharing of the fortune, one self will get in-return of more fortune.

If one selfs request is being answered, do remember to visit the Temple again within 49 Days. Prepare the same quantity of offerings and leave them in the Temple, allow the others to share the joyous of fortune with you.

So when is the Best time to make this offering?

Best is before Li Chun Day (立春) or Lunar New Year Eve (年除夕).

Reason for doing so:

To request for Good Luck for the Next Year.

Scroll Painting of Heavenly Recording Officers of Mortally-Prosperity (天府掌祿主算曹官)

In the scroll, you can see 2 main Officers holding on to the Petition Tablet, they are the 2 Officers that in-charge of the recording of one's Prosperity, Career and Personal Luck (掌祿/主算). Those Officers standing at the back and on top are the assistants of the 2 main Officers.

During Big Rituals/Ceremonies such as changing of luck and enhancing of one's Prosperity, such Officers will be invited.

The Eight Don't in Taoism Cultivation (道教養生八勿)

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Category:	Other

Extract from the Records of Importance of Self-cultivation written by Zhang Zhan of Han Dynasty (漢。張湛《養生要集》)

已勞勿食。
While one self is tired, dont make any consumption.

已食勿動。
While one self make consumption, dont get involve in any form of heavy actions.

已汗勿食。
While one self perspire, dont make any consumption.

已食勿汗。
While one self make consumption, dont perspire un-necessary.

已怒勿食。
While one self is in an anger mood, dont make any consumption.

已食勿怒。
While one self is making consumption, dont be provoked.

已悲勿食。
While one self is in a low mood, dont make any consumption.

已食勿悲。
While one self is making consumption, dont be affected by the mood-changes that surround you.

After reading the whole thing, people might realize that, the 8 dont are all involve with the consumption issue. And why only consumption issue is involved?

Every simple, consumption is a form of action that assist one self in retrieving and gaining energies from the external supports, such as fruits, food and other mineral contains.

While one self is having consumption, one self must always stay calm and relax. This will help one self to have fast and good digestion and once good digestion is involved, stomach and gastric of the physical body wont be affected and once they are not affected, the organs will be able to function well and one self will stay healthy.

For example, while one self is having consumption and also sweating non-stop, the blood flow in the body will be concentrating on the heart and if one self keep on eating, the food that goes into the stomach wont be digested immediately and also, this will add pressure to the heart while the blood flow needed to take care of the blood-transfering and the digestion work, etc.

Sooner or later, one self will fall sick with heart-beat increase and indigestion due to accumulating of too much undigested items, etc.

And so, in the future while you are doing your own self cultivation and while you are doing your consumption, remember the above 8 phrases, I’m sure it will assist you in maintaining a more healthy and strong physical body.

Taoist Er Lu Yuan Shuai (道教二路元帥)

Upon request, here's the brief intro on the Taoist Er Lu Yuan Shuai.

 

In our Chinese Deity System, there are 3 sets of Er Lu Yuan Shuai being recorded.

 

1^st Set – Wen Wu Cai Shen aka Scholarly & Military Deity of Wealth (文武二路財神). These Wu Wen Cai Shen consists of Wen Cai Shen Bi Gan 比干 (the one who dug his heart out for King Zou) and Wu Cai Shen Zhao Gong Ming 趙公明 (the one riding on a Black Tiger)

 

2^nd Set – Xue Ding Shan (薛丁山), son of Xue Ren Gui (薛仁貴之子), born in Tang Dynasty (生于唐朝). While Xue Ren Gui was battling with the invaders, Xue Ren Gui and the Tang Emperor were being trapped in one of the City. In order to defeat the invaders, Duke Lu Guo Cheng Yao Jin (魯國公程咬金) had to sneak back to choose the next Commander-In-Charge to lead the Armies and so, Xue Ding Shan was being appointed and Duke Lu Guo bestowed him with the Official Title Er Lu Yuan Shuai on behalf of the Tang Emperor (代賜封二路元帥).

 

3^rd Set – Zhao Kuang Yin (趙匡胤), the First Emperor of Song Dynasty (宋朝開國君主). Usually Zhao Kuang Yin Er Lu Yuan Shuai will be placed together with Ma Zu and in the Lin Clan, Zhao Kuang Yin will be addressed as Zhao Er Lu Yuan Shuai (Theo Li Lor Wan Shui 趙二路元帥) and Ma Zu will be addressed as Lin Gu Ma aka Lim Khor Ma (林姑嬤).

Pictures of Wu Fu Da Di (止瘟之神五福大帝)

Wu Fu Da Di (五福大帝) aka Wu Fu Ling Gong (五福靈公), according to records, they were scholars from Hokkien Province, Fu Zhou City (原為福建省福州市應考秀才).

The real names of these 5 Deities were, Zhang Yuan Bo (張元伯), Zhong Shi Xiu (鍾士秀), Liu Yuan Da (劉元達), Shi Wen Ye (史文業) and Zhao Hong Ming (趙鴻明).

One year, while they were on the way to the Capital to join in the Imperial Examination, the 5 of them passed by a village. Upon stepping in the village, the 5 of them saw 5 dark figures pouring some powder form material into the 5 main wells in the village.

With horror, the 5 of them dashed towards each well, trying to capture the dark figures. While they reached the well, the 5 dark figures vanished in front of them, leaving the packets that contained the powder dropping on the floor.

Zhang Yuan Bo, the eldest of the 5, picked up the packet and realized that, it was the Plague Disease (瘟疫). Without consideration, he advised the other 4 scholars to seal the well up. But how they tried to block the well, the objects that covered the well were being moved away by a gust of strong wind.

Without any choices, Zhang Yuan Bo sacrificed himself by jumping into the well. The other 4 scholars were shocked but in-order to save the villagers, the 4 scholars jumped into the well too.

After the 5 of them jumped into the wells, the water from the wells shot out and soon, the water was being purified.

At the moment of the water being purified, the 5 scholars were being summoned to the Celestial Palace (天庭) to meet up with Jade Emperor (玉皇大天尊). After knowing their uprightness and braveness, Jade Emperor bestowed them as the Deities that ceased the Plague & other communicate diseases (止瘟之神).

From then, folks dedicate Temples and Altars for them as a form of gratitude, especially those in Hokkien Province.

How the 5 Deities got the title Wu Fu Da Di?

According to the records in Hokkien Province, due to the 5 of them were from Fu Zhou City, after they got the Enlightenment, the folks addressed them as Wu Fu Da Di as a form of respect and gratitude. This was how the 5 Deities got the title of Wu Fu.

Are they Wu Xian Da Di (五顯大帝)?

Due to the mis-conceptions and some other mix-&-match information, Wu Fu Da Di was also being addressed as Wu Xian Da Di, which Wu Xian Da Di was the Official title of Hua Guang Ma Yuan Shuai (華光馬元帥).

This was why, till today, a lot of folks mistaken Hua Guang as one of the Plague Deities.

The History of Puay aka Bei or Divination Block (筊杯的由来)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

What is Puay (筊杯)?

Puay is a set of object made of wood (木), bamboo (竹) or plants-root (植物根類) that used to seek advises from Deities while a devotee made a request or enquiry in front of the Deities.

In the past, Puay is treated as a very Holy & Spiritual Object, not everyone can just take and use it, usually have to go according to situation and the permission of the Deities, etc.

Nowadays, due to the Modernization, a lot of people tend to ignore the importance of the Puay and some, even change the outlook of the Puay to some interesting forms.

So how Puay come about?

According to myths and records, the Puay was invented in the Ming Dynasty (原至明朝), so the story goes like that:

Liu Bo Wen 劉伯溫 (the Advisor of Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang 朱元漳之軍師), Chang Yu Chun 常遇春 & He Da Hai 何大海 (the 2 sworn brothers of Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang 朱之異姓兄弟) were on the way to look out for a good location for Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang to start his Empire-building Base.

In order not to let the others recognized who they were, the 3 of them disguised themselves as Chinese Physician (醫師).

One day, while they were passing-by one village, an old rich man approached them. After communication, the 3 of them realized that the old rich man was actually looking for Physicians to cure his daughter's unknown disease. With no choice, the 3 of them were had to follow the old rich man to his place to take a look.

After examining the daughter's situation, Liu Bo Wen realized that the daughter was not ill but was being affected by some negative entities (Liu Bo Wen is a Taoist Cultivated Person who know Medical Skills & Spiritual Power).

Soon, Liu Bo Wen asked the old rich man to leave the room. After the old rich man left, Liu Bo Wen took out a small pack of herbs for the daughter to consume and soon, the daughter seems to be able to communicate. And so, Liu Bo Wen asked her a few questions and then the 3 of them left the room.

1.00Am in the morning, Liu Bo Wen and the other 2, came to the garden where was located near the room of the daughter. After wandering around, Liu Bo Wen started to mumble to himself, soon after he mumbled, 3 demons appeared in front of him. Without hesitation, Liu Bo Wen took out his Imperial Sword to fight with the 3 demons. Due to Liu Bo Wen’s highly cultivated power, the 3 demons were being subdued.

After a gust of fume, Liu Bo Wen went to take a look at the 3 demons, the 3 of them turned back to their original form, a Thousand Years Wooden Lock (千年木精所化之門栓), an Antique Bamboo Hand-stick (千年竹子精) and a Cultivated Frog Spirit (青蛙精).

After cleaning the Frog away, Liu Bo Wen handed the Lock to the old rich man for keeping and requested to have the Hand-stick as a return, the old rich man was delighted and accepted the request.

On the next day, the daughter recovered and was able to get off from bed.

Soon, the Liu Bo Wen had to make a leave.

After the leaving the premises, the 3 of them started their journey again.

One day, while the 3 of them were in the forest, they came to a 2 ways exit, didn’t know which way to go, suddenly the Hand-stick stood up and pointed to one direction. The 3 of them were shocked, with no choice, they had to follow the instruction and soon, they met up with the other groups of sworn brothers.

From then, the 3 of them used the Hand-stick as a form of Leading Guide while they were out to do searching or Battling.

One year, while they were out in the forest to do their inspection, a group of bandits approached them, after several rounds of fighting, the bandits ran off, but to their horror, the Hand-stick that Liu Bo Wen used as weapon to fight the bandits was being cut into pieces.

With disappointment, Liu Bo Wen had to pack them up and keep with him as a form of gratitude.

Soon they met with choices making at a 2 way exit again. This time round, no more Hand-stick could be used and so, Chang Yu Chun suggested how about taking 2 pieces of the cut Hand-stick to do the leading.

After consideration, Liu Bo Wen communicated with the 2 pieces and told the pieces, if they agreed that the 2 of them to go by the left road, the 2 pieces would show 1 face facing up (正面) and the other facing down (反面).

After 1st try, the left road was being rejected and so the 3 of them tried the right road, immediately after Liu Bo Wen threw the pieces out, the pieces showed a Yin & Yang sign (正反雙面).

From then, Liu Bo Wen started to use the 2 pieces as a form of Prediction Object.

After Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang got his Empire, in order to show the gratitude of the Prediction Block, Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang ordered Temples in the whole Countries to place 2 pieces of Bamboo Blocks on the Altar for the devotees to communicate with Deities.

From then till now, this practice is still being passed-down.

Scroll Painting of Nether World Recording Officers (冥府六曹四司官)

The Nether World Recording Officers, in the Nether World, in different Courts, there are different number of Recording Officers.

Each different Recording Officer is being allocated in different Departments in-order to able to perform the tasks correctly and effectively.

In the Nether World, similar to the Mortal World, in the Nether World Imperial System, there are 6 Main Departments (Ming Fu Liu Cao 冥府六曹) that in-charge of the issues that associated with the Souls.

So what are the 6 Main Departments?

Here they are:

Shi Cao – In-charge of the allocation of Spiritual Officers & Official Personnel
士曹(官吏調遣)

Hu Cao – In-charge of the Recording & Changing of the Physical Addresses
戶曹(戶籍更新)

Cang Cao – In-charge of issues that are associated with Financial
倉曹(財政貴富)

Ke Cao – In-charge of the Public Relation, such as Inviting & Ushering of Deities from the other Realms, meeting of Deities of important ranking, etc
客曹(禮賓迎神)

Bing Cao – In-charge of the Military issues in Spiritual World, etc
兵曹(靈界軍事)

Xing Cao – In-charge of the different Punishments in the Nether World
刑曹(處份刑法)

In the scrolls, the 6 Main Officers of the Departments are dressed in Green, Pink & Red standing at the lower part of the Painting.

As for the 4 Officers standing on top of the Painting, wearing Black, are known as the Si Guan, meaning the assistants of the 6 Main Departments.

To be more accurate, each Department will have 4 Si Guan (四司官), meaning, in total, there will be 24 Si Guan, which what we address them as Ming Fu Er Shi Si Si (冥府二十四司).

Pictures of San Shan Guo Wang aka The Three Mountian Dukes (護宋三侯三山國王)

San Shan Guo Wang (三山國王), translated as the Three Dukes of Mountain Du, Ming & Jin (the 3 major Mountains in Guang Dong Province 廣東省中三座名山).

According to records, these 3 Dukes were born in Nan Bei Period (Pre-Sui Dynasty, Around CE 420 – 450 南北朝), birthday on 15th Day of Lunar 2 Month (生于農曆二月十五日), hometown in Guang Dong Province, Chao Zhou City, Jie Yang Area (家鄉於廣東省潮州揭陽).

The eldest Duke, name as Lian Jie aka Lian Qing Hua
(大王: 連傑字清華).

The second Duke, name as Zhao Xuan aka Zhao Zhu Zheng
(二王: 趙軒字助政).

The third Duke, name as Qiao Jun aka Qiao Hui Wei
(三王: 喬俊字惠威).

CE468, the 3 Dukes gathered together to fight against the invaders that attacked their hometown, after defeating the invaders, the 3 Dukes made vows to become sworn brothers (三位王爺結拜為異姓兄弟).

Due to their constant contribution to the needy in their hometown and assisting the Imperial Court to fight against the invaders, after they passed away, the three of them were being honoured as Deities.

In Song Dynasty (宋朝), after the 3 Dukes appeared to assist Emperor Zhao Kuang Yin (三王顯靈相助趙匡胤退敵﹐而後趙帝賜封) in defeating the invaders, Emperor Zhao bestowed the 3 Dukes with the following Official Titles:

Duke Lian as Duke Wei De Bao Guo 連清化鎮守巾山－為威德報國王。

Duke Zhao as Duke Ming Su Ning Guo
趙助政鎮守明山－為明肅寧國王。

Duke Qiao as Duke Hong Ying Feng Guo
喬惠威鎮守獨山－為弘應豐國王。

With the Imperial bestowed titles, the 3 Dukes were officially being accepted by the Spiritual World as 3 Immortal Dukes.

Today, the Hakka (客家) and Teochew (潮州) Clans still honoured them as their Protection Patrons.

Every year, on the 15th Day of Lunar 2 Month, both the Clans will organize grand-celebration, in-order to show their gratitude towards the 3 Dukes.

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1575926816/pic/list

Scroll Painting of Spirits of Spreading Plague (主瘟病使者)

In the scroll, you are able to see the Five Spirits that are being appointed to spread plague (瘟疫) or other acute communicable diseases (急性疾病) to Mortals in the Mortal Realm (人界).

During Rituals/Ceremonies, this scroll is being hung to usher out such Spirits.

In Taoism, there are quite a number of Rituals that are being conducted to send off such Spirits. The most common one will be the one sending off of Spiritual Boats (送王船).

New Moon (Shuo), Full Moon (Wang) & Moon-hiding Period (Hui) in Chinese Custom (朔望晦三日之簡介)

Upon request, heres the explanation on the above mentioned periods.

 

New Moon, in Chinese known as Shuo Ri (朔日), meaning a new start of a Month, definitely will be on the 1^st Day.

 

Full Moon, in Chinese known as Wang Ri (望日), meaning the mid of a Month, usually falls on 15^th Day or sometime, on the 16^th Day.

 

Moon-hiding Period, in Chinese known as Hui Ri (晦日), meaning the ending of a Month or the Moon wont be seen for the next 8-10days, etc (Hui Ri can also meant the Lunar Eclispe 月蝕日).

 

In the Ancient Era (Chinese History), on Shuo Wang Days, the Officers or the Imperial Court would stop operation/handling of cases, meaning these 2 days were considered as the weekends for the Official Departments (古時,朔望二日為朝廷不辦公之日).

 

While having the break, Officers would do whatever they wanted to do or settled issues that they wish to settle, such as showering (according to the calculation of Ancient Auspicious Dates, a person only shower at an average of 90++ days in a year, meaning 4 days 1 shower, but if the day that they planned to shower is not an auspicious day, the showering will need to be postponed), getting necessities, visiting of friends or paying respect to Deities at home or in the Temples.

 

Due to practices being passed down by our Ancestors, today on Shuo & Wang Ri, folks still follow the custom of paying respect to the Deities at home or visit Temples (and of cos, due to different influences on Religious Teaching, Shou Wang Day become very Religious, etc).

 

Whereas on the Hui Ri, in the Ancient Era, folks would stop working or have a rest and they would stayed at home to pay respect to Ancestors, Di Ji Zhu (地基主) or Hou Fang Gong (后方公).

 

So what is Di Ji Zhu & Hou Fang Gong?

 

Di Ji Zhu, the Protecting Spirits that stayed in one home to protect the people staying inside the physical house.

 

Hou Fang Gong, the wandering Souls that do not have offerings from families or relatives.

 

Why Only on Hui Ri, then the folks pay respect to Di Ji Zhu, Hou Fang Gong or Ancestors?

 

According to folks belief, Hui Ri is the day that mark an end of the whole month, which is consider as the Extreme Yin Day before it turn to a new start for a New Month – the Extreme Yang Day. And so, due to such saying, folks will tend to pay respect to the Yin Element Spirits or Deities on the Month-end (different contexts will have different explanation on the paying respect to the Yin Element Spirits or Deities, such as because they are low-ranking Spirits, they can only get offerings on the last day, etc).

 

Today, in Hokkien Custom, some of the Hokkiens still practice that, we address this Ceremony as Bai Yue Wei aka Pai Ghuey Buey (拜月尾/作月尾).

 

So during the Bai Yue Wei, what shall one self/family prepare?

 

Usually for Bai Yue Wei, simple dishes or offerings needed to be prepared.

 

Such as cooked rice, 2 dishes – usually are vegetables & cooked chicken (not necessary to be in a whole), one set of fruits and some quantity of incense-papers.

 

Set up a temporary Altar in the kitchen or backyard, placed all the Offerings on the Altar and then start to ask the Di Ji Zhu & Hou Fang Gong to come and have their offerings. Usually for such paying of respect, no requests are to be made. Just simply offer incenses and then, after 15 minutes, burn off the Incense-papers and its consider end.

 

 

Temple Info: Wu Lei Gong Temple (五雷公廟)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Wu Lei Gong Temple aka Ghor Lui Kong Beo, located at Bukit Batok St 21 (Ave 6).

Main Deity that this Temple honoured is Wu Lei Gong/Wu Lei Xian Shi (五雷仙師) aka Five Thunder Lord. In the main Hall, that's the only statue that you can find.

But once you go into the rear hall, you will be able to see quite a number of Deities being placed on 3 separate Altars. On the 1 that is nearer to the entrance from the main Hall is dedicated to Xi Fang San Sheng (西方三聖) - Amitabha (阿彌陀佛), Guan Shi Yin (觀世音) & Da Shi Zhi (大勢至), Di Zang Wang (地藏王), Cheng Huang (城隍) and some Thai Deities.

The 1 next to the Buddhist Altar is being dedicated to Yu Huang San Tai Zi (玉皇三太子), Wu Lu Niang Niang (五路娘娘 the same statue that you can see in Ling Yun Dian 凌雲殿 in Geylang Lor 27A), Zhang Tian Shi (張天師), Ma Zu (媽祖), Li Na Zha (李哪吒), etc.

On the last Altar, you will be able to see a very RARE & Unique set of statues that dedicated to Qi Xian Nv aka The 7 Maidens of Xi Wang Mu (七仙女).

For those who like to see and find out more on RARE Deities & statues, this is one of the Temples that you shall visit.

Scroll Painting of Sha Shen - Deities or Spirits of Obstacles (三界中之煞神眾)

In the following 4 Scrolls, they showed the Deities & Spirits that are being appointed to look into the issues of giving obstacles & testing for the Mortals.

In Chinese, we addressed them as Sha Shen (煞神), meaning Deities or Spirits of Mis-fortune or Bad-luck.

In Chinese Religions, there are some Rituals/Ceremonies (such as Taoism) which are being planned and practiced to invite such Deities or Spirits away, in-order to allow the Deities of Prosperity & Luck to give blessings on the Mortals.

In Big Rituals/Ceremonies, such scrolls are being used to show the existence of such Deities or Spirits.

In Scroll 1 (shashen_01), you can see Deities or Spirits that are appointed to give obstacles on Yearly & Monthly basis. Besides that, some other Earth Deities are also included. such Earth Deities are there to prevent things from happened normally (年月禁神/岁煞官符/土侯土伯).

In Scroll 2 (shashen_02), you can see Deities or Spirits that are appointed to give sicknesses and diseases or even, grabbing of one’s soul. Besides that, some Dragon Deities are included. Such Dragon Deities are there to give blessings on the people living in the area or in one particular house (吊客丧门/大耗小耗/鎮宅龙神).

In Scroll 3 (shashen_03), you can see the 8 Deities or Spirits that are appointed to avoid good lucks from getting near to one self (鶴神及七煞神众).

In Scroll 4 (shashen_04), you can see the different Generals that are appointed to create un-necessary chaotic for the Mortals, such Generals are White Tiger, Black Crow, Yellow Leopard, etc (黄幡/豹尾/白虎/青羊/乌鸦将军等).

Last of all, usually such Deities or Spirits names can be seen in Fortune Telling Manuals or Yearly Luck Divination Explanations.

Scroll Painting of The Five Lord Emperors of The Five Mountians (五方五岳大帝)

Here are 3 Scrolls Paintings of Wu Yue Da Di aka Wu Yu Da Di.

Each of the Lord Emperor is being bestowed with different appointments to look into issues that associated with Mountians, Streams, Rivers, Cliffs, Earth, etc.

Here are the Titles of the Different Lords:

Dong Yue Da Di - Tai Shan Da Qi Ren Sheng Da Di
(in Pic wuyue_01)
東嶽泰山大齊仁聖大帝。

Nan Yue Da Di - Heng Shan Si Tian Zhao Sheng Da Di
(in Pic wuyue_02)
南嶽衡山司天昭聖大帝。

Zhong Yue Da Di - Song Shan Zhong Tian Chong Sheng Da Di
(in Pic wuyue_03)
中嶽嵩山中天崇聖大帝。

Xi Yue Da Di - Hua Shan Jin Tian Shun Sheng Da Di
(in Pic wuyue_03)
西嶽華山金天順聖大帝。

Bei Yue Da Di - Heng Shan An Tian Xuan Sheng Da Di
(in Pic wuyue_03)
北嶽恆山安天玄聖大帝。

Such Scrolls are being used in Grand Rituals/Ceremonies.

Pictures of Sage of Chinese Tea Lu Yu (大唐茶聖陸羽)

Lu Yu (陸羽) aka Lu Hong Jian (陸鴻漸), born in Tang Dynasty (CE733 生于唐朝). Hometown in Hu Bei Province, Tian Men City (家鄉於湖北省天門市). In some other contexts, he was also known as Lu Ji (陸疾), Lu Ji Ci (陸季疵), Dong Gang Zi (東岡子), etc.

Overall, he was known as Sage of Chinese Tea aka Cha Sheng (茶聖).

At the age of 3, Lu Yu was being ditched by his parent. One day while little Lu Yu was wandering around at Xi Hu river-side (西湖河畔), a Senior Monk known as Zhi Ji (智積禪師) from Long Gai Monastery (龍蓋寺) discovered him and so, Monk Zhi Ji brought him back to the Monastery.

Due to Lu Yu was still young and afraid of strangers, he refused to shave his hair to become a Monk and so, Monk Zhi Ji didn’t force him.

During the stay in the Monastery, Lu Yu tried his best to study and read up as many books and records as possible.

At the age of 12, Lu Yu sneaked out from the Monastery at one night without anyone knowing.

After escaping from the Monastery, Lu Yu joined an Opera Troupe – in-order to survive, so from then, he started to learn how to act. After tedious training from the seniors, Lu Yu was granted the opportunity to step onto the stage.

Soon, he became popular in the Opera Society, one day, a high rank Officer of Tang Imperial Court came to watch Opera, at first sight, the Officer spotted Lu Yu and found out that, Lu Yu should be someone in the future, he should not stay in such Opera Troupe. And so, the Officer decided to bring him to one of the Teachers that he knew to coach on Lu Yu on academic study. Lu Yu agreed.

Under the influences of the Officer and his Teacher, Lu Yu started to gain interest in Chinese Tea, from then, he started to put in effort in doing researches on different type of Teas.

CE758, Lu Yu went to Nanking (南京) to look out for special Tea Types. From there, he collated all different types of tea and the ways of making tea, etc.

CE760, Lu Yu decided to move into a deserted area in the Mountainous Area to continue his study on the Tea Culture. From then, seldom people saw him in town.

During the stay in the Mountainous Area, Lu Yu started to compile all his study, researches, experiments and experiences on Chinese Tea. Soon he wrote a book on Chinese Tea, which was known as Cha Jing (茶經) – The Scripture of Chinese Tea.

CE804, Lu Yu passed away.

Due to his contribution in the Knowledge of Chinese Tea and discovering of more types of Chinese Tea, he was being honoured as the Deity of Chinese Tea besides Shen Nong (神農).

Due to some contexts, Shen Nong was being respected as Deity of Chinese Tea, in order not to over-ride the Title that was being given to Shen Nong, later part in the History, folks addressed Lu Yu as Cha Sheng, meaning Sage of Chinese Tea.

Wu Di Qian aka The Five Ancient Coins of the Five Qing Emperors (五帝錢簡介)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

A lot of people might be wondering, why these Five Coins are widely being used in Feng Shui aka Geomancy Practices (風水), Spiritual Ceremonies and some Religious Rituals (華族宗教儀式), etc.

Reasons, cos these Five Coins are being bestowed and enhanced by the Five Qing Emperors in the Qing Dynasty.

Besides that, these Coins are made according to the Rules of Spiritual Skills (Taoist Theory) – Tian Yuan Di Fang (天圓地方). The Round shape of the external of the Coin represent Heaven and the Square shape of the internal of the Coin represent Earth.

And so, without any additional enhancement, these Coins can be used as a Charm to ward off Negative Entities, etc. So when one self is buying the Coins, remember to look out for the above description, do not just buy any form of Coins to represent the Wu Di Qian.

Nowadays, a lot of such Spiritual People have being invented other Coin Formation such as Liu Di Qian (六帝錢), Qi Di Qian (七帝錢), Ba Di Qian (八帝錢) or Jiu Di Qian (九帝錢), actually all these wont help in changing the Luck, but may result in bringing in more un-necessary issues.

Why in the Past, Spiritual People only used the Five Emperors' Coins, reasons as followed:

Firstly, who are the Five Qing Emperors?

The First Emperor of Qing Dynasty: Emperor Shun Zhi (清朝開朝皇帝順治)

The Second Emperor of Qing Dynasty: Emperor Kang Xi (康熙皇帝)

The Third Emperor of Qing Dynasty: Emperor Yong Zheng (雍正皇帝)

The Fourth Emperor of Qing Dynasty: Emperor Qian Long (乾隆皇帝)

The Fifth Emperor of Qing Dynasty: Emperor Jia Qing (嘉慶皇帝)

Secondly, why only these Five Qing Emperors are being chosen?

There are a few sayings, but after referring back to the real History, the most relevant reasons are like that:



Shun Zhi, the First Initial Emperor who so-called starts the Empire (even though, his Mother was the one who hold the Authorities). As the initial Emperor of a Dynasty, the Emperor will be blessed with the highest authorities and strong abilities and so, his Coin is being included in the Five Coin Formation.

Represent: Initial, Changing, a New Start (象征: 原先,開始,變化).



Kang Xi, the Second Emperor who fight against his Grandmother (Shun Zhi's mother) to get back the Authorities for making Decisions. Under Kang Xi, the Empire started to grow, the Society started to get stable and commoners were able to live normally, etc. Due to such reasons, his Coin is being included in the Five Coin Formation.

Represent: Prosperity, Wealth (象征: 富貴, 榮華, 財富).



Yong Zheng, the Third Emperor who strengthen the Empire by doing serious and firm decisions & planning. Besides that, Yong Zheng also forced the impossible to become possible. Due to such reasons, his Coin is being included in the Five Coin Formation.

Represent: Strength, Strong & Power (象征: 力量, 堅強, 權力).



Qian Long, the Fourth Emperor who bring in Wealth and more stable life-style for the Emperor. Qian Long, young and intelligent Emperor who willingly to accept changes and willingly accept all kinds of good suggestions in-order to make the Empire Strong and more stable. Due to such reasons, his Coin is being included in the Five Coin Formation.

Represent: Wisdom, Intelligent and Stability (象征: 智慧, 穩定, 才智).



Jia Qing, the Fifth Emperor who tried his best to maintain the Stability and Wealth-prospect of the Empire, many commoners were still be able to enjoy and lead a stable life, but after Jia Qing's Era, the Prosperity of the Empire started to decline.

Due to Qian Long's determination and believe in making the Empire Stable and Wealthy, his Coin is being included in the Five Coin Formation.

Represent: Hardship, Determination and Striving (象征: 努力, 堅定).

Because of all these reasons, the Five Coins representing the Five Qing Emperors are being used to make such Formations to ward off Negative Entities, etc.

Must such Coins be enhanced?

Like what I have mentioned earlier, due to the way the Coins are being made, such Coins are already being enhanced with the Natural Energies of the Universe. But if one self wanted to enhance the Coins with more Positive Energies, of cos it is encouraged.

Even though no enhancement is needed, but cleansing (淨化) of the new coins must be made.

Wei Ya - Thanksgiving to Earth Deity & Employees (一年終末又尾牙)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Wei Ya (尾牙) aka Thanksgiving Day for Employees and also, Deities.

On this day, most of the Companies, Organisations, etc, will engage Banquet Dinner to reward the Employees. And before the Dinner, Bosses or Leaders will need to pay respect to Deities (諸位神明), especially Deity of Earth (土地神), for the blessing and protection for that Year.

So Wei Ya is which day in the Lunar Calendar?

Wei Ya is on the 16 Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆十二月十六日).

After Wei Ya, most of the Companies or Organisations will stop operation. In the past, after this day, Emperor would officially announced National Holiday for all Officers and each individual Officer would need to choose an auspicious day to wrap up the seal and Imperial Sword (封官印與官劍), These actions were to represent that the Yamen (衙門) wouldn't be operating until after the 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month (Yuan Xiao 元宵).

So what are the Offerings for this Occasion?

Usually people will prepare a Whole Cooked Chicken, a Fish, a piece of Roast-Pork, Rice, 6 other side Dishes, 3 sets of Fruits, Wine, Tea and some other Traditional Cookies.

In the past, after paying respect to the Deities, the Boss of the company would gather all the employees around for an eating-session. Usually the other dishes would be heated up and chopped into smaller portion only the chicken would remain untouched.

Why?

Cos the chicken would be used as a signal for sacking an employee.

So how does go about?

The Boss would ask all the employees to sit around a big table with all dishes placed on the table except the chicken. The chicken would only be carried out by the Boss after all employees settled down. Once the timing was right, the Boss would place the chicken on the table. The Boss would point the head of the chicken to the employee that he/she wanted to sack.

Due to this day was a joyous day, the employee that got the signal, could not made any appealing or fight back, but silently and willingly accept the fact. And so, usually the chicken that being used for such "signal" wouldn't be eaten – cos its symbolize "cruelty" & "feeling-less" (無情雞).

So besides paying respect to Earth Deities, what other Deities must be honoured on this day?

Usually will be the Home Deities (家神).

Folks will need to pay respect to them as a form of gratitude for protecting the whole family thru out that year.

For Home Deities, usually simple offerings such as 3 sets of Fruits and some incense-papers will be enough.

After this Thanksgiving Ceremony, the Folks will prepare to send off the Deities on the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆十二月二十四日之送神儀式).

Priestess Zhang Yu Lan (張天師之孫張玉蘭)

 

 

Priestess Zhang Yu Lan aka Spiritual Mother Maiden of Scriptures.

 

Zhang Yu Lan (張玉蘭), the granddaughter of Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling (張道陵天師), daughter of the 2^nd Generation Heavenly Master Zhang Heng (嗣師張衡天師之女) & 3rd Generation Heavenly Master Zhang Lu's sister (系師張魯天師之姐妹).

 

She was born in Late Han Dynasty, on 9th Day of Lunar 3 Month AD 217 (建生於東漢末年農曆三月初九日).

 

Since young, Zhang Yu Lan was an intelligent girl who could memorized all Scriptures, Mantras and Spiritual Records passed down by her Grandfather and other Spiritual Sages.

 

At the age of 17, one night, she dreamt of a Red Light Ray shined onto her, in the Red Light Ray, she could see some golden wordings, but as she tried to read the characters, she woke up. After woke up, she felt that something was going to happen and soon, she found out that she was pregnant.

 

In the past, when a girl was pregnant without a marriage, the girl could be sentenced to death and so, Zhang Yu Lan kept quiet of this issue and tried to cover-up, but soon, her mother noticed that and her mother reprimanded her for dishonesty.

 

Upon disappointment, Zhang Yu Lan summoned her maid to the room and told her that, she would be leaving this Mortal World soon and after her departure someone in the family would have to cut open her tummy to allow the "baby" in her tummy to reveal to the Mortal World. Soon after she made her advises, she left.

 

In order to know that truth of Zhang Yu Lan's pregnancy, her body was being carried to the main hall for examination. Just before the point of the cutting-up, a lotus-like ray emitted out from her tummy and within seconds, the lotus-like ray turned into a Scripture – Ben Ji Jing (本際經). 

 

After 100 days of Zhang Yu Lan’s departure, the Scripture was lost and out of sudden, a Thunder strike onto Zhang Yu Lan's tomb. When people rushed to the tomb, they found out that the tomb was emptied.

 

From then, people knew that Zhang Yu Lan had got her Enlightenment. By giving birth to the Scripture, she was addressed as the Spiritual Mother Maiden of Scripture.

 

Today, in China Yi Zhou Area (益州), Zhang Yu Lan's tomb can still be found and a Temple is dedicated to her around that area.

Ceremony of Exiting the Spiritual Garden (Chu Hua Yuan 出花園)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

Upon request, this is the brief write-up on the Ceremony:

A lot of people might not be able to understand, what do I mean by Ceremony of Exiting the Spiritual Garden? Actually this is a Ceremony conducted for Teenagers who reach the age of 16 (Chinese Age).

In Hokkien Religious Customs, the Ceremony is known as Chu Huey Hng or in Chinese known as Chu Hua Yuan. And this Ceremony is usually being conducted on the 7th Day of Lunar 7th Month (農曆七月初七日), known as Qi Xi (七夕).

Why the Hokkien called the Spiritual Garden as Garden (Hua Yuan)?

Cos according to Hokkien Religious Customs, all Children under the Chinese Age 16 are known as Kids staying in the Spiritual Garden (花園) under the Protection of Zhu Sheng Niang Niang (注生娘娘) and Chuang Mu (床母 Mother Maiden of the Children).

PS: Why the Custom called it Garden, cos in Folks Belief, Children are being represented by 2 types of Flowers – Red & White, and so, Flowers will stay in a Garden in-order to allow the "Flower-Protectors" to look after, etc.

Once a child reached the Chinese Age of 16, he/she will be considered as an Young Adult which no need anymore Protection from the "Baby-sitters Deities (嬰孩守護神)" and so, a Ceremony will be conducted for the family of the Child and the Child him/herself to pay their gratitude to Zhu Sheng Niang Niang and Chuang Mu.

So how shall the Ceremony go about?

Before the Child reached the Chinese Age 16, the family will needed to search for a Temple (廟宇) or Taoist Sect (道壇或法壇) that know how to perform the Ceremony, once the Priest or the Spiritual Master agreed to perform the Ceremony, the Spiritual Person will advise on the family on what to prepare, etc.

Usually on the Chinese 16th Birthday, the family and the child will need to report to the Temple or the Taoist Sect where the Spiritual Person conducting the Ceremony.

During the Ceremony, the Spiritual Person will do a short report to the Deities on what event is going on, why the event is needed and who are involved in the event, once the reporting is done, the Spiritual Person will lead the child to walk in certain formation – to symbolize the Exiting of the Spiritual Garden, once the Ceremony is done, the whole thing will consider completed and the child will be a Young Adult from the day onwards.

After the Ceremony, parent of the child will need to engage banquet dinner for the whole family and relatives, officially announced that the child is no long a kid but a Young Adult.

As a form of blessing, Grandma (外婆 mother side), will need to buy a set of new clothing, prepared a couple of red eggs, a watch for grandson, a necklace for granddaughter, chicken, duck and other auspicious items for the child. This is to symbolize that the child is an Adult now and can prepared him/herself to be part of the Adult World, etc.

Introduction of Master Chen Tuan (希夷先生陳摶老祖)

 
More pictures at this link (相關照片連接): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1954596293/pic/list

Master Chen Tuan (陳摶老祖) aka Fu Yao Zi (扶搖子) or Mister Xi Yi (希夷先生), born in Tang Dynasty Emperor Yi Zong Period (CE871 生于唐朝懿宗年間). Hometown in Si Chuan Province, An Yue Area (家鄉於四川省安岳縣).

Since young, Chen Tuan was being taught with all the Teachings of different Sages from different Era, besides that, Chen Tuan was also being imparted with the knowledge of Chinese Medical Skills.

After understanding and mastering of all such Skills, Chen Tuan divert his learning attention on Spiritual Skills such as Prediction, Force Changes, Energies Flow, etc.

Due to the ambition and enthusiastic in assisting the needy, Chen Tuan gave up a lot of chances of being an Officer in the Imperial Court of Tang Empire.

After several trial & error, experiments, exchanging of ideas, etc, Chen Tuan invented a set of Theory on Sleeping (睡功圖) – How to sleep well in-order to assist one self in the self cultivation and balancing of one self physical health. Due to the great influences and the helps that this Theory had on the Mortals, the Theory was being widely spread around for those who were interested to learn. Till today, this Theory is still being widely recommended for those who practice Qi Gong (氣功) or Tai Ji (太極).

CE956, Chen Tuan was being summoned to the Imperial Court to receive the bestowing of Official Title by the Emperor, but he rejected.

After that, he got chances to meet up with the famous Taoist Priests of that Era – Master Lv (呂洞賓祖師), Master Li (李琪真人), etc. With their influences and knowledge in the Three Religions (三教), the 3 of them invented a lot of new theories for Taoism.

CE989, 22nd Day of Lunar7 Month, Chen Tuan passed away with an age of 118 years old.

Brief introduction on Li Chun Day (立春簡介)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

In the previous posting, I have mentioned about Li Chun Day.

So what is Li Chun Day?

A lot of people might not know that, in our Lunar Calendar, Lunar New Year will only start after Li Chun Day or Lunar New Year will only be consider as Officially Arrived only after Li Chun Day.

Li Chun Day is a day to mark the start of a New Lunar Year and also, to mark the Arrival of the Spring Season.

Usually after this day, all plants will start to grow back again, all other events such as snow will slowly cease and accumulated ice will start to melt, etc.

So how to know when is Li Chun Day?

According to the Ancient Calculation, Li Chun Day will be within 49days after Dong Zhi (冬至) aka Winter Solstice or +/- 9 days from Lunar New Year (except for special Lunar Calendar Year).

In Solar Calendar (陽曆), usually Li Chun Day will fall within 3rd, 4th or 5th of every February.

So what are the events on this Li Chun Day?

In the past, on this day, Emperor would led the Officers of the Imperial Court to the Eastern Field (東郊 out from the Capital City) to usher the Spring or Deity of Spring (迎春神), this represent the Spring Deity was there to perform his task, etc.

As for commoners, they would visit Temples to pay respect to Deities for blessing for the New Year.

Some Folks Organisations would organize Traditional performances, Lion Dances, Guessing-games, etc.

For the modern day now, due to works, education, etc, a lot of such Traditional Dates/Festivals are being forgotten. This is indeed a pity sad thing.

Manifestation Anniversary of Jade Emperor (農曆正月初九-天公誕)

Start:	Feb 14, '08 11:00p
End:	Feb 15, '08 12:00a

The 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month is consider as the Manifestation Anniversary aka Birthday of Jade Emperor of Heaven - Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊).

This is one of the most important for the Hokkien Clan (閩南人) and also, the Taoists.

On the night of the 8th Day, the Hokkiens will start to prepare the offerings for Jade Emperor of Heaven, once the clock hit 11.00Pm (子時), the Paying Respect Ritual/Ceremony will start.

Due to certain restrictions in HDB or Private Housing Estate, nowadays, most of the Hokkiens or Taoists will choose to go to Temples, this is also encouraged.

As long as one self is sincere, Jade Emperor of Heaven will get your request.

Wu Liang Shou 無量壽

The Yuan Xiao Festival (農曆正月十五-元宵節)

Start:	Feb 21, '08 12:00a
End:	Feb 21, '08 12:00a

The 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month is consider as Yuan Xiao Festival, this day will mark an end to the Lunar New Year Celebration.

In the past, after this day, all business will resume and all Official Departments will operate normally.

In Taoism, this is an important day, cos this day is consider as the Birthday or Manifestation Anniversary of Tian Guan Da Di (天官大帝千秋) - Lord Emperor of Heavenly Realm, known as Shang Yuan Jie (上元節).

This is the day that All Taoists can go thru the Official Spiritual Registration to become an Official Taoist or Future-to-be-Spiritual-Person.

The Birthday of All Mortals - Ren Ri (農曆正月初七-人日)

Start:	Feb 13, '07 12:00a
End:	Feb 13, '07 12:00a

The 7th Day of Lunar 1 Month is consider as the Birthday of All Mortals.

On this day, the Chinese will celebrate Ren Ri with Yu Sheng (魚生) - a dish invented by the Cantonese - known as Loh Hei (撈起).

Besides eating Yu Sheng, All Taoists are encouraged to visit Temples with Altars dedicated to Nv Wa (女媧), cos in myth, Nv Wa was the one who created All Mortals.

And so, during this joyous occasion, remember to pay gratitude to our "Ancient Mother" :P

Lunar New Year of Wu Zi Year (戊子年新農曆年)

Start:	Feb 7, '08 11:00p
End:	Feb 21, '08 11:00p
Location:	All over the World

Lunar New Year of Wu Zi Year - Year of Rat 2008 will start from 7 Feb 2008 - 21 Feb 2008.

During the Lunar New Year period, All Chinese are encouraged to visit Temples to pay respect to All Deities.

Besides that, remember to make offerings to the Ancestors, cos Filial Piety is a must for all Chinese hor :P

Li Chun Day - Arrival of Spring Season (立春日)

Start:	Feb 4, '08 7:15p
Location:	All over the World

Li Chun Day, a Day in the Ancient Lunar Calendar to mark the Arrival of Spring Season.

Usually after this Day, then consider as Lunar New Year started.

Li Chun Day is another very important day in Chinese Culture.

After Li Chun Day, all Rituals/Ceremonies for Paying Respect to Lord Tai Sui of the Lunar New Year will begin.

For Year 2008, Li Chun Day fall on 04 Feb 2008 (28th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Ding Hai Year)

Paying Respect to Lord Tai Sui Of Wu Zi Year 戊子年 (Year 2008 – Rat Year 鼠年)

Dear All,

 

After Dong Zhi (冬至) aka Winter Solstice of Year 2007, all Paying of Gratitude to Lord Tai Sui of Ding Hai Year (丁亥年太歲) will end (for those who miss this, can do it before 16^th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Ding Hai Year).

 

And after sending off of Deities on the 24^th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Ding Hai Year, all people who got into conflict with Lord Tai Sui of Wu Zi Year will have to prepare to pay their respect to Lord Tai Sui of Wu Zi Year – known as General Zou Dang (鄒鐺) or General Ying Bang (郢邦).

 

So when is the best time or day to pay respect to General Zou Dang or General Ying Bang?

 

According to Chinese Custom Records, paying respect to a New Year Lord Tai Sui starts on Li Chun Day (立春) – which means that, the start of a Lunar New Year (a lot of people may think that the 1^st Day of Lunar 1 Month is the start of a New Lunar Year, but actually is not, if we are to go according to the Old Ancient Calendar, Li Chun shall be the actual day of the arrival of Spring Season).

 

And so, not necessary to wait till the 4^th Day of Lunar 1 Month, after the returning of Deities from the Celestial Palace.

 

So when is Li Chun Day for Wu Zi Year?

 

Li Chun Day for Wu Zi Year falls on 28 Day of Lunar 12 Month, 04 Feb 2008, after 19:03Pm.

 

So for those who needed to pay respect to Lord Tai Sui of Wu Zi Year, you all can do it on the 29 Day of Lunar 12 Month, 05 Feb 2008.

 

Where can we pay respect to Lord Tai Sui of Wu Zi Year?

 

Here’re a few Temples that you can visit:

 

Bao Chi Temple (保赤宮) at Magazine Road (near to Subordinate Court at Chinatown, with 60 Tai Sui)

 

Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟) at Philip Road (in CBD, they got the oldest set of 60 Tai Sui in Singapore)

 

Jade Emperor Temple (玉皇殿) at Havelock Road (with temporary tablet for Wu Zi Year Tai Sui)

 

Jade Emperor Temple (天公廟) at Telok Blangah Road (2 Temples there, with One statue for Dang Nian Tai Sui)

 

Tian Fu Gong aka Ma Zu Temple (天福宮) at Telok Ayer Street (with One statue for Dang Nian Tai Sui)

 

An Ji Sheng Wang Temple (安濟聖王廟) at West Coast (with 60 Tai Sui)

 

Lei Yin Temple (雷音寺) at Bukit Merah View (with One statue for Dang Nian Tai Sui)

 

& more…

 

So what must be prepared?

 

Usually the Temples that dedicate Altars for the Tai Sui will have set of offerings prepared for Devotees, but if you all need to prepare extra or on individual share, here’s the suggested items:

 

1 – One set of Mandarins (5 quantities)

 

2 – One set of Chinese Tea Leaves & Traditional Cookies (Jian He)

 

3 – One set of Lord Tai Sui Incense-paper (optional)

 

4 – One set of Lord Tai Sui Talisman (optional, beware that, only choose the Taoism one, not those mix with other Religions Wordings/Charms on it)

 

5 – One set of Incense (not to short, medium length will be best – more than 48cm)

 

6 – An Ang Bao with an amount of S$1.20 or S$12.00

 

7 – A Spiritual Petition to report on the name, age, DOB and address of the person who paying respect to Lord Tai Sui (some Temples will prepare for the devotees, if not, can always look for any Taoist Spiritual People for one)

 

Hope that by paying respect to General Zou Dang or General Ying Bang, necessary blessings will be bestowed to one self and the family.

 

Wu Liang Shou 無量壽

Introduction of Huang Da Xian (金華赤松黃大仙)

 
Huang Da Xian (黃大仙) aka Immortal Wong, born in Jin Dynasty (生于晉朝 CE328). Hometown in Zhe Jiang Province Jin Hua Area (家鄉於浙江省金華).

Huang Da Xian's real name was known as Huang Chu Ping (黃初平), since young, he was strongly & closely associated with Taoism and soon, he started his own cultivation in learning the Culture & Skills of Taoism.

At the age of 15, on the way back home from his rearing of sheeps, a Taoist Priest approached him and later, the Priest brought him to a cave in Mt Jin Hua (金華山), from then, Huang Da Xian stayed in the cave to continue his Taoist Cultivation.

40 years of not returning home, Huang Da Xian’s family was anxiously worried about him, after searching around for some many years, finally, his brother Huang Chu Qi (黃初起) found him in the cave at Mt Jin Hua. After seeing his brother, Huang Da Xian turned white stones that he could find from the cave into millions of sheeps in front of his brother Chu Qi to prove to him that by doing self cultivation, one self can achieve a certain level of Spirituality.

From then, Huang Chu Qi started his own self cultivation.

After Huang Chu Qi mastered his skills, both the brothers returned home. After returning home, they were surprised to find out that, actually most of their family members had passed away. And so, both of them decided to return to Mt Jin Hua to continue their cultivation and learning.

Not long after they returned to Mt Jin Hua, both the brothers got their Enlightenment.

Huang Da Xian was known later as Chi Song Zi (赤松子).

Every year on the 23rd Day of Lunar 8 Month (八月廿三日), in Hong Kong, folks will visit the temple that is dedicated to Huang Da Xian to celebrate Huang Da Xian's birthday.