Compilation of Local Temples Visiting 04 (廟宇參訪小結論)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Today, 31 Dec 2008, the last Day of the Physical Year of 2008, we decided to visit Temples that are located in the West Singapore and so, at 7.30Am, we started our Journey of visiting Temples.

First, we meet up at Chinese Garden Area and then we went to

1) Nan Tian Men Tong Huai Miao (南天門通淮廟), located at Jurong East Street 32

to pay respect to Guan Gong (關公) and other Taoist Deities.

Upon reaching at the Temple, we see the same old layout and the same Temple Keepers, due to its still very early in the Morning, there were only us and a Uncle making respect to Guan Gong.

Soon we reach Jurong West Street 41. Upon reaching, we decided to go into the Combined-Temple to pay respect to the respective Deities.

In the Combined-Temple, we saw

2) Tian Gong Miao Zhao Ling Temple (天公廟昭靈宮)
3) Xi Hai An Fu De Ci (西海岸福德祠)
4) Yu Lang Xi Xian Long Gong (裕廊西顯龍宮)

Upon reaching at the Temple, we were being attracted by the nicely-carved Altars and Frames.

Due to we had to rush to another places, so we could only stayed for awhile and then get on to the Journey to the other Temples.

After Breakfast, we arrived at Jurong West Street 76 to visit

5) Dou Tian Gong (斗天宮) &
6) Yu Huang Dian Combined-Temple (玉皇殿聯合宮)

In Yu Huang Dian, we stayed for a while to take a look at the various Big Statues and enjoyed the Breeze. As we went to the Complimentary Books Corner, we were delighted to find some Taoist related Old Books. Immediately, we took it, so that we could add them into our future Taoist Museum.

After Yu Huang Dian, we proceed to Jurong West Street 92 to pay respect to Da Bo Gong in

7) Zheng Hua Cun Jin Fu Gong (正華村金福宮).

Upon arriving at the Temple, we saw the Temple Keepers were doing Spring-cleaning for the Altars. Quite a tedious task to be carried out while there were many devotees walking around.

In Jin Fu Gong, we found a lot of Rare and Official Taoist Deities. We were delighted and we promised to try to Promote this Temple to more Chinese & Taoists in the future.

Last Temple that we visited was

8) Gui Lin Combined-Temple (桂林聯合廟),

located at Bukit Batok West Ave 8. As usually, I would represent Long Shan Men (龍山門) to pay respect to the various Deities every year during this Period.

Upon reaching the Temple, we didnt see much changes. As usual, old and nice statues found sitting on the Altars.

In Total, we had visited 43 Temples in the Last Month of Year 2008.

Last of All, wishes Everyone a Happy New Year 2009.

The Taoist 10 Not-to-Do-issues 道教十忌

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

In Taoism, as a Taoist or a Trained-Taoist-Spiritual-Person, there are a certain loads of Cultivation Skills that oneself needed to follow, understand and practice.

In here, I will do a quick introduction on the 10 Daily Not-to-Do-issues that we needed to follow.

1) Not to Kowtow straight after getting out of Bed (忌早起磕頭)

For us as the Official Taoists, we tend to do Chanting and Kowtow in the Morning during the Morning Ritual/Ceremony (道教早課), but many of us tend to forget that oneself shall not do this action immediately after waking-up.

Reason: Straight after waking-up, the Blood-pressure in our Physical Body might not have yet return to it's normal rate. If oneself will to do some tedious action, such as Kowtow, etc, oneself might hurt one's Blood-pressure and will end-up getting dizzy or end-up vomitting.

2) Not to Fan oneself while oneself is Sweating heavily (忌出汗扇風)

Do not Fan oneself or go under a Strong Fan while Sweating heavily.

Reason: While oneself is sweating, the Heat in our Physical Body will be released. If oneself will tend to obstruct the releasing of the Heat and end-up the Heat being trapped inside our Physical Body, our Internal Organs will be affected and in some Physician Terms, this will be addressed as Heat Demon attacking the Internal Organs (熱魔侵體).

3) Not to enter a Cold Room while onself is Sweating heavily (忌陰室貪涼)

This point does have the same reason as Point 2.

4) Not to Direct the shining of Lamps, Candles or Light while oneself is Sleeping (忌燈燭照睡)

Due to alot of Personally reason, alot of the people tend to keep the Light-on while Sleeping and some, will tend to shine the Light onto oneself, this type of practice is not Good.

Reason: While oneself is Sleeping (heavy rate of Resting), oneself's Physical Body will tend to release All the Stress that oneself had gained in the Day. If the Light (especially Strong Shining) will tend to disturb the Sleeping of oneself and end-up adding certain form of Stresses onto the Physical Body.

For Strong Shining issue, the Heat of the Surrounding will increase and oneself will tend to have more Bad-dreams while sleeping and end-up Restless in the Morning or during Work.

5) Not to Sit on Wet Ground for Long (忌濕地久坐)

Alot of People tend to light to sit on Wet Ground, which this is really a Bad issue.

Reason: Once the Water touches the Ground (while the Ground is still heat-up), the Water will turn into Vapour and entered into one's Physical Body. If oneself is normally Weak or suffering from Sicknesses, the Physical Body might not be able to detect/block the Virus that stayed in such Vapour and so, the Virus might followed stuck onto the Physical Body or entered into one's Body which caused more Sicknesses.

6) Not to have Intimate Action in the Mid-night (忌子時房事)

Mid-night in Chinese Lunar Hour is 11.00Pm to 1.00Am (in Singapore refering to 00.00 - 2.00Am).

During this Hours, one's Physical Body is entering into a Heavy Resting state. If oneself will to engage into a Serious & Heavy Intimate Action, oneself will tend to hurt the Internal Organs and so, in-order not to have oneself hurt because of the lust, oneself shall need to know of how to control the emotion.

So when is the Best timing for a Intimate Action for Normal Being? According to Custom-records, best timing will be from 5.00Am to 7.00Am.

7) Not to wear Soak Clothing (忌冷著汗衣)

Soak Clothing as in Wet, Sweaty Clothing.

Reason: Heat of one's Physical Body will be trapped and Soak Clothing tend to have more Virus sticking to it. Long Period of wearing will end-up one's Physical Body being affected by the External Negative Elements.

8) Not to use Cold Water to Cool-down Warm Bed or Used Fire to Heat-up Cold Clothing(忌夏月涼水抹簟、冬月熱火烘衣)

These are 2 methods used in the Ancient Era, which now, no longer in used. So in here, I wont be doing an introduction on this.

9) Not to Wear Clothing that just being Dried under the Sun (忌熱著曬衣)

People tend to wear Clothing that just being retrieved back from the Drying under the Sun, which this is Not a good practice.

Reason: While the Clothing is being retrieved back, the Heat is still being accumulated on the Clothing and if oneself will to wear the Clothing immediately, the Heat will be transmitted onto one's Physical Body and end-up "Heat Demon attacking".

10) Not to Sit-down to watch a Show for too-long (忌久觀場演劇)

This is a Common-sense Practice.

Reason: Oneself shall not be too engross into watching a Show and neglect the movement of our Physical Body. Some people tend to sit at the same posture for quite sometime while watching Shows, this is a Very Dangerous issue to be engaged in. As time goes by, the Joints, Muscles, Arms and Legs will be affected and end-up Pains-appearing.

CD from Taiwan Official Taoist Organisation - Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Fu (台灣正統道教組織-九天應元府)

In here, I will like to express my Fullest Gratitude to Taoist Leader Master Zhang Li Jie (張理傑掌門) of Taiwan Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Fu (台灣道教九天應元府), for sending a Precious Taoist Hokkien Chanting CD to Singapore for Zheng Yi Long Shan Men (正一龍山門).

Hope that in the future, both our Schools can assist in Taoism to spread the Upright Taoist Culture to more Taoists, Chinese and Interested Parties.

Wu Liang Guan (無量關)
Wu Liang Shou (無量壽)
Wu Liang Fu (無量福)

Compilation of Local Temples Visiting 03 (廟宇參訪小結論)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

On Sunday (28 Dec 2008), we decided to pay a visit to a few Old Temples that I usually visit with my Grandmother when I was very young.

That Morning, most of us woke up very early (at around 5.30Am) to prepare for the visiting.

We reached Queenstown at about 7.00Am, and without any further delayed, we went to

1) Zhong Yi Temple (忠義廟), located at Stirling Road beside Blk 171

to pay respect to Guan Gong (關公) and other Taoist Deities.



Upon reaching the Temple, was shocked that it changed alot. Remember when I was very young, the Temple seems to be a bit dark and not so-big-in-size, but now, the Temple seems to be very clean and an extension part of the Temple was under construction.



After getting the Incenses from the Temple-keeper, we went around the Temple to pay our respect to the Deities. In this Temple, the Deity that got my Most Attention was the Nan Yue Da Di (南嶽大帝) aka Mountain Lord of the Southern Mountain, at the Rear Hall. It is totally rare to see Temples dedicate Altar to him.

We always had an impression of China Priest performing the Morning Ritual (道教早課) in the Temple, but to our disappointment, there wasnt any.

Soon after the Paper was burnt, we proceed to have our Breakfast at ABC Hawker Center and then, we proceed to the one of the Oldest Temples in Redhill/Bukit Merah Area,

2) Qi Tian Tan (齊天壇), located at Depot Road, opposite of Central Man-Power Base (CMPB).

Upon reaching at the Temple, was "welcomed" by the Old and Huge statue of Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝). After getting the Offerings from the Counter, we went around the Temple to pay respect to the Deities.

While we were paying our Respect to the Deities, we also found out there were alot of Antique and Rare Deities on the Altar. Most of them were really wonderful.
Just as we were Offering our Incenses at the Main Altar, a very strong Heat (Positive Energy) approached us. I was not sure whether the Energy was from the Xuan Tian Shang Di or the Chanting being done at the Rear Hall by a Devotee, but 1 thing for sure, the Energy was not a bad one.

Soon after the respect being done, we proceed our Journey to CBD area, to pay respect to our Dearest Da Bo Gong (大伯公) at

3) Wang Hai Fu De Ci (望海福德祠), located at Palmer Road.



As usual, upon reaching, we were being welcomed by the Uncle Temple-keeper.



Getting a set of Offerings from the Counter and making our contribution into the Box, we proceed with the Respect-making.



While we were going around the Temple, we were delighted to see many new changes made in the Temple, such as the Tiger Deities seemed to have Grow-Big.

After the respect-making, we went to chit-chat with the Uncle and got a set of Agate-Bracelet from the Temple.



Now, the Temple had the Da Bo Gong traditional Gold Medal on Sale, each at S$30 (as shown in the Pic), for those who are interested in getting it, do act fast, limited stock.

Due to we have some other appointments to attend in the later part of the Day, the visiting ended after the 3rd Temple.

In Total, we had visited 35 Temples.

Important Dates in Chinese Custom for Ji Chou Year 2009 (己丑年農曆習俗相關日期)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Jan - Feb 2009

03 Jan 2009 (8 Day of Lunar 8 Month 農曆十二月初八):

Taoist La Ba Festival (Consuming of Eight Treasure Congee)
道教臘八聖節

11 Jan 2009 (16 Day of Lunar 12 Month 農曆十二月十六):

Thanksgiving Day aka Wei Ya
尾牙﹐又稱答謝神恩日

18 Jan 2009 (23 Day of Lunar 12 Month 農曆十二月廿三):

Sending off Kitchen Deity for Official or Royal Families
官戶送灶神

19 Jan 2009 (24 Day of Lunar 12 Month 農曆十二月廿四):

Sending off Kitchen Deity for Normal Families
民戶送灶神

20 Jan 2009 (25 Day of Lunar 12 Month 農曆十二月廿五):

Jade Emperor of Heaven doing Inspection on the Mortal Realm
玉皇大天尊巡視人間

21 Jan 2009 (26 Day of Lunar 12 Month 農曆十二月廿六):

Spring Cleaning starts
清屯掃除開始

24 Jan 2009 (29 Day of Lunar 12 Month 農曆十二月廿九):

Star Lord Nan Bei Dou descend into the Mortal Realm for Inspection on Individual Credits & Merits. A Day for All Taoists & Chinese to do Self-reflection and Making Good New-year Resolution.
南北斗星君下凡注福厄

Spring Cleaning Ends
清屯掃除結束

25 Jan 2009 (Eve of Lunar New Year 農曆十二月三十):

Reunion for the Family
大年夜﹐慶團員

Paying Respect to Deities & Ancestors
奉神祭祖保平安

Request Blessing for Elderly at Home
求壽祈福父母恩

Request Blessing for the Country
國泰民安樂安康

Ushering in the Star Lord of Prosperity, Fortune & Longevity
恭迎福祿壽三星

26 Jan 2009 (農曆正月元旦):

First Day of Ji Chou Lunar Year
己丑年

29 Jan 2009 (4 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月初四):

Usher Back the Kitchen Deity
恭迎灶神返家宅

30 Jan 2009 (5 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月初五):

Inviting or Ushering the Deity of Wealth
恭迎財神到我家

02 Feb 2009 (8 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月初八):

Hokkien Preparing to Celebrate the Manifestation Anniversary of Jade Emperor of Heaven (starts at 11.00Pm)
天公聖誕拜天公

03 Feb 2009 (9 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月初九):

Manifestation Anniversary of Jade Emperor of Heaven
玉皇大天尊萬壽

04 Feb 2009 (10 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月初十):

Li Chun Day of Ji Chou Year - Spring Arrival
己丑年立春日

07 Feb 2009 (13 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月十三):

Hokkien to consume Preserve-vege with Congee after 9.00Pm, to request for Good Health and Luck
福建籍﹐吃夜糜配鹹菜

08 Feb 2009 (14 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月十四):

Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka will Celebrate Yuan Xiao Festival after 8.00Pm.
These 3 Clans will visit Temples to request for Blessing.
潮﹐粵及客籍慶元宵

09 Feb 2009 (15 Day of Lunar 1 Month 農曆正月十五):

Yuan Xiao Festival
元宵節

The Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Lord of Heavenly Realm
上元天官大帝千秋

Or being known as the Inspection Day of Heavenly Lord of Heavenly Realm
上元天官大帝校查日

26 Feb 2009 (2 Day of Lunar 2 Month 農曆二月初二):

First Ya of Ji Chou Year
頭牙祭

Manifestation Anniversary of Earth Deity
福德正神聖誕

27 Feb 2009 (3 Day of Lunar 2 Month 農曆二月初三):

Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Wen Chang - The Academic Deity of Taoism
道教文昌帝君聖誕

Links to Pre-Lunar New Year Customs (農曆年前看習俗)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

Its time for us to do some quick recall on the Customs, here are the links that you may visit to find out more:

Brief introduction on Li Chun Day (立春簡介):

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/67

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

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/69

La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – La Ba Day 農曆臘月習俗之臘八節:

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/78

La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – Sending Off of Kitchen Deity (農曆臘月習俗之送灶神):

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/82

La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – Jade Emperor Inspecting the Mortal World (農曆臘月習俗之玉皇出巡):

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/83

La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – Spring Cleaning (農曆臘月習俗之清屯掃除):

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/84

La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – Lunar New Year Eve (臘月習俗之大年夜除夕):

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/112

Lunar New Year Chinese Custom Sharing-Gathering (農曆年習俗分享)

Start:	Jan 3, '09 7:30p
End:	Jan 3, '09 10:00p
Location:	Singapore, Chinatown, CBD

Dear All,

I'll be organising a Gathering on the 3 Jan 2009, a Saturday, at Chinatown Tea-chapter Tea-house (茶淵).

Timing at 7.30Pm to 10.00Pm.

During this Gathering, I will touch on topics on Lunar New Year, Sending off of Kitchen Deity and also the Customs of Lunar New Year.

Please make yourself free on this Day.

PS: Basic Consuming-Tea-Fee will be S$6.00 per head, you can bring along your friends or family members who wished to find out more.

Entering the Last Portion of Winter (入冬尾﹐待新歲)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Tomorrow, the 27 Dec 2008, will be the First Day of the Last Lunar Month for Wu Zi Year (戊子年年終初一日). Once we entered into the Last Lunar Month, the New Lunar Year will be 29 Days away from us.

So what does the Ancient Era People do on this Day?

According to Chinese Custom and Taoist Practice, on this Day, Chinese or Taoists will visit Temples to pay respect to Deities and also Ancestors.

Inform the Deities and Ancestors that this was the last Chu Yi Day (初一) for the Lunar Year and at the same time, People were also request for Blessing for the New Lunar Year.

Besides the normal visiting to Temples, Chinese or Taoists would also eat some Nourishes Dishes (進補), such as Herbal Soup, etc, on this Day. Reason, to get the Physical-bodies Warm and Energised, in-order to work more and do more preparation for the New Lunar Year.

In Chinese Customs, on Li Dong Day (立冬日 in 2008, it falls on 07 Nov 2008), Chinese or Taoists were start to consume a lot of Nourishes Items to get their Physical Bodies prepared for the Cold Winter. This consuming would usually last for 3 Months till Li Chun Day (立春日) arrived.

In Singapore, due to we have only Spring & Summer weather (春夏二季), so nowadays, Chinese or Taoists tend to neglect this practice, but if we will to observe our older generation elders, some of them still follow the practice as on every week, they will tend to buy some Herbal Soup to eat at least once.

So what can a Modern Me do on this Day?

Very simple, just get yourself a Good, Healthy & Balance Meal on this Day, I’m sure you will be Blessed with a Good Health in the coming Year.

Lunar 12 Month in Chinese Context is also a Month of Thanksgiving or Showing of One’s Gratitude. If your time permits and your Parent is free on the Day, bring them out for a Good and Healthy Meal (such as Mushroom Meal, Vegetarian Healthy Meal, etc). I’m sure they will not only be Blessed with Good Health in the Lunar New Year but also, touched by your Filial Piety.

Try it this Year, you will find a very Different Year ahead (this is a form of Taoist Health Cultivation Method).

Compilation of Local Temples Visiting 02 (廟宇參訪小結論)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

Today, we continue to do our Temple Visiting in Singapore. Due to today's weather was quite good, so we went to Temples that located at the far extreme corner of Singapore - Punggol & Sengkang.
First, we start somewhere near to Woodlands - Admiralty Road, which were:
1) Sembawang Tian Hou Gong (天后宮)
2) Peng Lai Si (蓬萊寺)
3) Sembawang Cai Shen Temple (三巴旺財神廟)

After visiting the Temples in Admiralty, we proceed to Yishun Area for the paying respect to Deities in the respective Old Temples which located at Yishun Ring Road, they were:
4) Cheng Bang Da Bo Gong Temple (成邦大伯公宮)
5) He Bi Shan Gong (何碧山宮)
6) Nan Feng Shan Tang (南鳳善堂) - The Blue-cross Group
After visiting the Temples at Yishun Ring Road, we proceed to the other corners of Yishun to visit:
7) Yishun Tian Gong Tan (義順天公壇)
8) Jing Shui Dou Mu Gong (凊水斗母宮)
9) Yishun Feng Shan Si (義順鳳山寺)
10) Yishun Combined Temple (義順聯合廟)
After Yishun's visiting, we decided to pay respect to Guang Ze Zun Wang at his Ancient Temple in Singapore, which was located at River Valley Road:
11) Feng Shan Si (鳳山寺)
Upon reaching Feng Shan Si, we saw the Old Temple was still under renovation, so we can only see him being stationed in the Temporary Zinc Altar.
After River Valley, we decided to have a rest and had our Dinner, so we proceed to Chinatown to have a quick meal and then continued our Journey North-east ward to Punggol & Sengkang.
Upon reaching, we went to pay our respect to Guan Gong at:
12) Chong Yi Temple (崇義廟)
Due to time was getting late, we decided to call for a day. Just as we about to left Punggol, we saw a Big Tentage was being set-up somewhere near-by the Temple, so we proceed to the Tentage and saw Guan Shan Gong (關善宮) was having a Celebration dedicating to Guan Gong (關公) and also Huang Lao Xian Shi (黃老仙師).
Knowing what was going on, we headed back to our Home-sweet-Home.
In total, we had visited 32 Temples.

Deities Birthday & Celebration of Wu Zi Year Lunar 12 Month (戊子年十二月神誕及慶典)

According to Chinese Deity Systems Record, here are the Birthdays of the various Taoist Deities, Patrons, Sages & Immortals in the Lunar Twelve Month.

08th Day of Lunar 12 Month: Taoist La Ba Festival
農曆十二月初八日道教臘八聖節

16th Day of Lunar 12 Month: Wei Ya Day, Paying Respect to Earth Deity
農曆十二月十六日尾牙祭祀土地

24th Day of Lunar 12 Month: Kitchen Deity returning to Heaven
農曆十二月廿四日灶君會朝奏章

25th Day of Lunar 12 Month: Jade Emperor of Heaven Inspection
農曆十二月廿五日玉皇天尊出巡

29th Day of Lunar 12 Month: Lord Nan Bei Dou Inspection
農曆十二月廿九日南北斗下降日

30th Day of Lunar 12 Month: Eve of Lunar New Year
農曆十二月三十日新春除夕佳慶

Compilation of Local Temples Visiting 01 (廟宇參訪小結論)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

During the last week of Year 2008, a few of us are out in the Field to do some Temple-visiting, Spiritual-Training and also Info-collecting.

These few days, really being very busy, tired but very Fruitful, cos we are able to meet up with lots of People and also, learn a lot of new stuffs by chit-chatting with the others (Taoists and Non-Taoists).

In here, I will do a quick compilation of the Temples that we have visited in the past 7 Days:

Pu Tuo Temple (普陀寺)
Du Cheng Huang Temple (都城隍廟)
Xian Zu Gong (仙祖宮)
Tian Fu Gong (天福宮)
Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟)
Bao Chi Gong (保赤宮)
An Ji Sheng Wang Temple (安濟聖王廟)
Wu Tai Shan Temple (五台山)
Zhun Ti Yuan (準提院)
Yu Huang Dian (玉皇殿)
Gui Yu Da Bo Gong Temple (龜嶼大伯公廟)
Guang Fu Gong (廣福宮)
Jin Lan Temple (金蘭廟)
Kai Shan Temple (開山廟)
Zhen Ren Gong (真人宮)
Lei Yin Temple (雷音寺)
Tai Yang Gong (太陽宮)
Zheng Long Gong (正龍宮)
Chong Xing Gu Miao (重興古廟)
Joochiat Guan Yin Temple (如切觀音堂)

This is the 1st time that in a go visiting 20 Temples in a Week.

For the next few Days, our visiting will still continue, hope that by the end of Year 2008, we can visit at least 40 Temples to gather information, meet up with the Temple Members and last, requesting Blessing for our Country for the next coming New Year.

A Visit to Kai Shan Temple (一訪開山廟)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

Besides visiting Jin Lan Temple in Tiong Bahru Area, we also proceed to visit Kai Shan Temple (located along Jalan Bukit Merah Road).

Upon reaching the Temple, we were welcomed by the Uncle Temple Keeper. After a few chats, we proceed to get the Offerings and start our Paying Respect.

In the whole process of the Paying Respect, the Uncle Temple Keeper was by our side to guide on us of which Urn to place the Incenses and what Deities could be seen on the Altar etc.

Just as we were about to make our respect, a Young Guy walked into the Temple to pay his respect to Kai Shan Sheng Hou Jie Zi Tui (開山聖侯介子推) too.

While we were standing at the Lamp area to light our Incenses, we tried to catch a quick chat with the Young Guy and were delighted to know that the Young Guy was a Thai whom grow-up in Vancouver.

As usual, after the paying respect, we were have a good chat with the Temple Keeper, while the Uncle Temple Keeper do the intro on the 105 years old Temple, he also advised and inviting us to join in their Celebrations on the following Dates:

A) Ushering of Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year on the 4th Day of Lunar 1 Month (29 Jan 2009)

B) Celebrating Yuan Xiao Festival (元宵節) with Teochew Custom on the 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month (09 Feb 2009)

C) Vesak Day Great Vegetarian Feast sponsored by All Devotees (9 May 2009)

D) Kai Shan Sheng Hou Anniversary on 1st Day of Lunar 7 Month (20 Aug 2009)

Before we leave the Temple, we were surprised to know that the Uncle Temple Keeper was the Financial Director of Kai Shan Temple and now, he was the 3rd Generation descendant looking after the Temple.

Other Temples that we visited Today:

Zhen Ren Gong at Redhill Close (真人宮)
Lei Yin Temple at Bukit Merah View (雷音寺)
Tai Yang Gong at Gui Zai Hill (太陽宮)
Zheng Long Gong at Gui Zai Hill (正龍宮)
Chong Xing Gu Miao at Eunos (重興古廟)
Joochiat Guan Yin Temple (如切觀音堂)

Ushering of Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year at Jin Lan Temple (金蘭廟)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

Just back from Today’s Temple visiting, happened to drop by Jin Lan Temple (located at Tiong Bahru Kim Tian Road) and made a quick chat with the Ah Yee (Old Aunty Temple Keeper) and found out the following details:

A) Ushering of Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year will be conducted at the end of Lunar 12 Month and Lunar New Year Period

B) Da Bo Gong Anniversary Celebration on the 2nd Day of Lunar 2 Month (26 Feb 2009)

C) Temple Celebration on the 12th Day of Lunar 8 Month (30 Sep 2009)

In Jin Lan Temple, you will be able to see the Oldest Cantonese Style Lord Tai Sui statue.

And in this Temple, the Paying Respect to Lord Tai Sui Ritual will be conducted in Traditional Hokkien and Cantonese way (upon request).

For those who are interested in assisting our Local Old Temples, please do give Jin Lan Temple your fullest Support.

Video on Huang Da Xian Temple Ritual - Dou Mu Ritual (黃大仙廟斗姆心經法會)

This Video was taken in Huang Da Xian Temple in Hong Kong while the Taoist Priests conducting the Dou Mu Ritual for the Anniversary.

Hope you all enjoy it.

Taoist Deities Calendar for Year 2009 (2009道教神明日曆)

This is the newly created Taoist Deities Calendar for Year 2009.

For those who are interested, can download it and print it on A4 size papers.

Hope you all like it.

Pictures of Peranakan Museum Visit (一訪土生華人博物館)

Yesterday (19 Dec 2008), with one of the 36th Generation students, we went to pay our visit to the Peranakan (Baba & Nonya) Museum.

Reached the Museum at about 10.30Am in the Morning and while we were in the Museum, there were already some Locals doing their observation and researches inside there. Was quite delightful to see that.

First, we went to the Exhibit Hall at the 1st Level to see the Origin of Peranakan. The History when they arrived in Singapore.

Second, we went to the 2nd Level to see the Marriage Ceremony, the Customs, the Furniture that the Baba & Nonya used and also the Nonya Clothing (still can recalled the type of Baju that my Grandaunt wearing).

Last, we went to the 3rd Level to see the Food Culture & Religious-related Topic.

In side the Exhibition Hall, you will be able to see the Kitchen & Dining Hall being set-up exactly like what you can see in the Olden Days. You will also be able to see the Old Objects used for cooking (recall the days when my Grandma using such Objects to cook meals for us).

And then, we went to the Religious-related Exhibition Hall to take a look.

When you entered into the Hall, you will be disturbed by the crying sound, cos in the side Hall, you will see the Funeral Wake being set-up. In the Funeral Wake section, sound-tape was being played to resemble the mourning period of the Family while the elder pass-on.

Then, we proceed to the Ancestral Hall and Deities Altar section (was paying a close look on the Deities Altar, cos I was involved in the last-stage preparation/translation for the Exhibition of setting-up on the Altar).

In the Ancestral Hall & Deities Altar section, was very delighted to see the set-up and traditional furniture used, but at the introduction on the Deities, there were some mistakes and so, will bring this issue up to the Person-in-charge soon.

After visiting the 3 Levels, we left the Museum and went for our Lunch.

Video on Huang Da Xian Temple Ritual - The Great Offerings (黃大仙廟大獻供)

This is a Video taken during a Taoist Ritual/Ceremony conducted as Hong Kong Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Introduction on Winter Solstice Festival (冬至年節簡介)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Time flies and Time passes, its again the end period of a Lunar Year and so, All Taoists and Chinese will be preparing to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival aka Dong Zhi Day.

For Year 2008, Dong Zhi Day falls on 21 Dec, a Sunday (戊子年農曆十一月廿四日).

For Year 2009, Dong Zhi Day falls on 22 Dec, a Tuesday (己丑年農曆十一月初七日).

For Year 2010, Dong Zhi Day falls on 22 Dec, a Wedensday (庚寅年年農曆十一月十七日).

For Year 2011, Dong Zhi Day falls on 22 Dec, a Thursday (辛卯年年農曆十一月廿八日).

So what is Winter Solstice?

According to Scientific Explanation, Winter Solstice is a Day of the starting of the change of the Weather and also the Sun-shining duration for both the North & South Hemisphere (南北半球).

And so, from this Day onwards, the Sun-shine Duration for the North Hemisphere will be shorter and vice-versa for the South Hemisphere.

And this is why, in one of our Old Hokkien Saying, for those Lazy Ladies who are not able to wake up early in the Morning, she wont be able to finish her chores in A Day.

So what Winter Solstice means in Chinese Custom?

In Chinese Custom, Winter Solstice Festival will be the Day for the Chinese to Celebrate their Harvesting of the Year and also to have a Reunion Gathering with the Family Members.

Besides that, Taoists and Chinese will have to pay respect to Deities & Ancestors, returning the Gratitude to them for the necessary Blessings for the Year.

In Taoist Records, this is a Day that Taoists will visit Temples to pay respect to Deities in-order to request for Blessings and also, the eliminating of debts and sins. In some Big Taoist Temples, Priests will conduct Rituals/Ceremonies for Taoists and other Followers to participate in.

So what are the Traditional Items that are associated with Winter Solstice Festival?

In Ancient Era, the Chinese will prepared Buns, Pastry, etc, to celebrate whereas in Summer Period, Chinese will prepare Noodles for the Celebration.

After a certain period, Chinese changed they habit of eating Buns & Pastry to eating of Sweet Dumplings aka Tang Yuan (湯圓).

Tang Yuan, shape in Round or Ball, represent Reunion, Happiness and Full. This does not only represent Reunion for the Family but also, represent having a Nice Round-off for the Years’ Harvesting.

Till today, the Chinese still practice the consuming of Tang Yuan to get the Blessing of Reunion and Happiness.

So how to prepare for the Honouring of Deities and Ancestors?

For those who have Altars, dedicating to Deities and Ancestors, at home, remember to wake up early in the Morning to prepare the Tang Yuan aka Ee.

Nowadays, due to busy working life of the Modern Adults, Tang Yuan can be brought from Supermarket in Ready-made packing. Oneself just need to get a little bundle of Pandan Leaves and a pack of Red/Brown sugar and the cooking of Tang Yuan will be able to take place.

After the cooking is ready, scoop the Tang Yuan into 3 Bowls for offering to the Deities and at least 2 Bowls for the Ancestors (1 bowl for Male Ancestors and other for Female Ancestors).

Remember to prepare some Paper Offerings such as Tian Gong Jin (天公金) and Shou Jin (壽金) for Deities, Gold & Silver Papers (金銀紙) for Ancestors.

Wait for about 15 minutes, send off the Paper Offerings for the Deities and after 3 rounds of Offering Incenses to Ancestors, the Gold & Silver Papers can be sent off.

Usually after the Offering, the Tang Yuan can be retrieved back and distributed out to the Family Members for eating. Do not throw them away, cos All consuming items on Dong Zhi Day can not be waste.

In order not to left the Altar empty, after retrieving the Tang Yuan from the Altar, oneself can prepared a set of Five Oranges to replace the Tang Yuan.

Dong Zhi Da Guo Nian (冬至大過年)

In Chinese, we have a Saying of Dong Zhi Da Guo Nian, meaning that, Dong Zhi Day is a Day that worth Celebrating and this Celebrating must be as Grand as the Celebration of Lunar New Year.

Why is there such a practice?

According to Chinese Belief, Winter Solstice is a Day of Changes not only in the Weather and Sun-shining Duration, but also the Luck and the Natural Element in the 3 Realms.

During this Changes, certain Elements in one’s Spiritual & Physical Body will also be changed. For those who encountered Negative Issues in the Year, after this Day, the Negative Issues will be eliminated and by doing Requesting of Blessings, hoping that the following Days of the Year will be Blessed with Good Luck.

And this is why, on this Day, Taoists and Chinese will have to prepare for a Grand Celebration, such as wearing new Clothing, consuming of Good Items, visit Temples, etc, to gain the Happiness and Good Blessing from the Deities and Big Dao.

Music Score & lyrics of Huang Da Xian Taoist Song (黃大仙聖歌)

Dear All,

This Music Score and Lyrics of Huang Da Xian Taoist Song was composed by the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong (the famous Temple dedicated to Huang Da Xian).

For those who are able to play the music, you may try to play it and sing out the Song in Cantonese, it's really nice.

Old Pictures of Zhang Liang Temple (廟台子張良廟)

All these pictures were taken by Ernst Boerschmann, a Germany Architecture, around Year 1906 – 1909 and was published in his Record Book of Antique Buildings in 1923.

In the pictures, you are able to see the Temple dedicated to Zhang Liang (張良), the Ancestor of Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling (正一天師張道陵).

According to reports of researchers who went to the do observation on the Zhang Liang Temple in recent years, now, the Temple was badly destroyed and no longer open to the Public.

Old Pictures of Feng Shen Bang Story Book (封神榜古畫一覽)

Dear All,

For those who are Fans of Feng Shen Bang, in the attachment are some Old pictures taken from the Story Books.

Hope you all enjoy.

Pictures of He Ming Mountain – The Source of where Taoism started (道教源城鶴鳴山)

He Ming Mountain aka He Ming Shan (鶴鳴山), a well-known Taoist Immortal Spot of where our Taoism is being founded and also originated.

According to Taoist History and Records, Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling (正一張道陵天師) was here to performed his Cultivation and also, to promote the Upright Culture of Taoism.

Today, other than visiting Tian Shi Fu (天師府), All Taoists will also visit He Ming Mountain to pay respect to Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling and Dao De Tian Zun aka Tai Shang Lao Jun (道德天尊太上老君).

He Ming Mountain, a place that All Taoists shall visit once in his/her Life Time.

Address of He Ming Mountain:

China Sichuan Province, Cheng Du City, Da Yi County (四川省成都市大邑县鹤鸣山).

Long Shan Men Thanksgiving to Lord Tai Sui (龍山門答謝太歲儀式)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Today, with a cool & wet weather, one of the 36th Generation students, followed me to Bao Chi Gong (保赤宮) to pay respect to Lord Tai Sui of Wu Zi Year (戊子年太歲星君).

Even though this was not an Official Ritual, but this was an Annual Event that all Long Shan Men disciples & students had to perform.

Upon assisting my Family and Taoist Classmate, the Thanksgiving Ceremony was being carried at the Rear-hall at Bao Chi Gong. Within an hour, with 3 rounds of offering the Incenses and Kowtow, the Ceremony was considered as completed and after the sending-off of the Spiritual Petition, I brought the student to go around the Temple to look at the building and some stone-carving.

As usual, I would walk towards the Plaque where my Great-grandfather’s name was being carved. This was the only way for my, as the Great-grandson and descendant of Long Shan Men, to keep in-memory of my Great-grandfather and his kind contribution.

After a quick chat with the Ah Yi and Uncle Tan of Bao Chi Gong, we proceed to have out meal and then proceed to Bugis to look-up for another student.

Again, rain pouring and we were not very wet (Tian Gong got Blessing 天公有保祐).

Due to today was a good day and almost every corner in Singapore got some events going on, so me and my student decided to go to West Coast Blk 519 to take a look at the Celebration of Yin Fu Dian (陰府殿). Upon reaching, we saw there were only a few members in the Tentage and so, after a short discussion on the layout, we proceed to An Ji Sheng Wang Temple (安濟聖王廟) to pay our respect to Qing Long Ye (青龍爺).

Due to there was an Elderly Visiting Group coming to pay respect to Qing Long Ye, we made a quick observation around the Temple and then made our leave to proceed to Bukit Panjang to visit Tian Yun Temple (天雲廟) to observe on the Rituals.

Reaching Tian Yun Temple at about 6.00Pm and were surprise to see only the Members & a Resident Priest left in the Tentage. So with quick going around the Tentage, we decided to make our leave, just at the moment of our leaving, then I saw the 3 statues that I’m been looking for quite sometime (the 3 big Nether World Deities at Sembawang Temple 三巴旺財神廟 were there in the Tentage).

Stepping in the rain, we proceed home.

Next round, we will be gathering to have our Dong Zhi Festival Visiting (冬至進香游) on the 21 Dec 2008.

Video Clip on Hokkien Jing Tian Di Shen Zhou (道教八大神咒之淨天地神咒)

Jing Di Tian Shen Zhou (淨天地神咒) aka Mantra of Cleansing or Purifying the Surrounding.

This is one of the Eight Spiritual Mantras that a Taoist needed to learn and master-it.

During Taoist Rituals/Ceremonies, this is a Must-recite Mantra before any other actions are being taken.

For different Rituals/Ceremonies, a few characters in the Mantras will be changed.

The one that you all see here is mend for Normal Celebrations or Chanting at Home or Temples.

International Investigation on our Local Taoist Organisations (國際道教調查)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

Last evening, was call-upon to attend an urgent International Conference Call made by a few of Overseas Taoist Organisations.

Upon arriving at the Conference Area, I was told that, these few Overseas Taoist Organisations decided to arrange for this urgent Conference Call, after getting Complain-made against one of our Local Taoist Organisation.

The details of the Complain goes like that:

1) Abusing the Authority, (as one of the Taoist Organisation) to force the Members to take part in certain events (may in Entertainment/Shows/Performance/etc) that do not have direct association with the promoting of Taoist Culture

2) Conducting events and forced Members to contribute funds to the Organisation

3) Forced Members to join-in, in-order to get enough support from the Public and among Members

4) Forced Members to agree on Boycotting other Local Taoist Groups and Important Taoist People from promoting the Taoist Culture

5) Using the name of Taoism to make business with other Unauthorised Taoist Groups inside and outside of Singapore

6) Using the name of Taoism to persuade/force Public to make contributions to the Organisation

7) Using donations and contribution made by the Public for Charity to invest in other Projects that Up-bring the name of the Members inside the Committee, which resulted in neglecting the need of the poor and needy

8) Using bribes (& other in-direct bribe-actions) to strengthen the Power of Members in the Committee

For the moment, the Overseas Taoist Organisations are making serious-investigation against this Organisation.

Within the next 2 Weeks, these Overseas Taoist Organisations will be in Singapore. During their stay, they will be going around to do researches (investigation) on this issue.

If you (or your Temple/Group) known about any details, you are encourage to speak-up when these Overseas Taoist Organisations approach you.

Please do something for our Local Taoism, your contribution of the details will assist our Local Taoist Culture to have a Brighter Future.

Million Thanks.

PS: Sorry for the delaying for this Email, cos needed the approval before releasing out the Mail.

Pictures of Yi Lan Miao Yan Gong – Official Taoist Temple dedicated to Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (台灣宜蘭妙嚴宮)

Yi Lan Miao Yan Gong, located in Taiwan Yi Lan County, No 24 Xuan Liu Road, Unit Number 50 (宜蘭縣旋流路24之50號).

This is an Official Taoist Temple that is being built dedicated to Heavenly Lord Tai Yi aka Tai Yi Jiu Ku Tian Zun (太乙救苦天尊).

Miao Yan Gong, an Official Taoist Term to address the Heavenly Palace of where Heavenly Lord Tai Yi stay-in or perform his tasks.

For those who wished to contact the Temple before visiting them, here’s the contact number: 03-933444603-9329686

Pictures of Lou Guan Tai Yao Wang Gong – The Temples honouring the Deities of Chinese Medicines (樓觀台藥王宮)

Lou Guan Tai Yao Wang Gong, a Temple built dedicating to all the Deities and Sages that had contributed their parts in Chinese Medicine History.

According to Chinese History Records, Yao Wang Gong was built in AD1626 by the Chinese Physicians and Scholars.

In this Temple, you will be able to see more than 10 Deities or Sages that are closely related with Chinese Medicine and Physician Skills.

Address of this Yao Wang Gong is:

China Shan Xi Province, Zhou Zhi County, Lou Tai Guan Area (中國陕西省周至县楼观台).

Pictures of Lord Chen Wen Long (水部尚書陳文龍)

Chen Wen Long (陳文龍), actual name known as Chen Zi Long (陳子龍). The name Wen Long was given to him by Song Emperor after Zi Long got the first position in the Imperial Examination.

Chen Wen Long, born in AD1232 (Southern Song Dynasty Period 生于南宋時期) on the 16th Day of Lunar 2 Month (農曆二月十六日). Hometown in China Hokkien Province, Fu Zhou City, Pu Tian Area, Yu Hu Village (中國福建莆田玉湖村人).

Since young, with the Upright Teaching from his father, Chen Wen Long had learnt about the importance of Loyalty and Forgiving. And with his knowledge of the Good Teachings, Chen Wen Long was being selected as the First Position in the Imperial Examination.

After Chen Wen Long got the appointment, he was being bestowed with another higher Position of Jian Cha Yu Shi (監察御史) aka Officer of Recording the Tasks and Behavior of all other Officers in the Imperial Court.

Due to his Position and Task, one year after he was being bestowed, Chen Wen Long was being framed by one of the Evil Officer known as Jia Shi Dao (賈似道) and was being sent to Fu Zhou (撫州) by the Song Emperor.

Soon after Chen Wen Long being sent to Fu Zhou, the Yuan Armies invaded Song Empire and within a short period, the whole Song Empire entered a chaotic situation.

After one of the close-related-Officers of the Song Emperor surrendered to the Yuan Armies (元軍), the Song Emperor regretted of sending Chen Wen Long off after listening to Jia Shi Dao’s unrealistic comments, and so, while General Zhang Shi Jie (張世杰) & Lu Xiu Fu (陸秀夫) requested to form a new batch of Battling Force, Song Emperor asked Zhang Shi Jie & Lu Xiu Fu to summon Chen Wen Long back.

AD1276, Chen Wen Long was being summoned back and immediately after he returned to the Battling Force of Song Empire, Chen Wen Long was being appointed to fight in the first round and with his trained Battling Skill, he returned with Victory.

Upon defeated by the Song Empire, Yuan Armies started to recruit more manpower, within weeks, Yuan Armies’ strength was added. In order not to get captured by the Yuan Armies, Zhang Shi Jie & Lu Xiu Fu had to protect the Song Emperor to another area and Chen Wen Long was being ordered to stay guard at Fu Zhou City (福州市).

Soon after the Yuan Armies arrived at Fu Zhou, the Yuan Armies surround Fu Zhou City for quite a long period. With the long period of surrounding, the food supply in Fu Zhou City ran-out and so, the Armies that were in Fu Zhou City had to suffer from hunger. In order to keep the Unity of the Armies going, Chen Wen Long wrote a Couplet and hung it up on the City Gate.

The Couplet goes like this:

生為宋朝臣。死為宋朝鬼。
Born as an Officer of Song Imperial and Die as a Soul of Song Empire

After Chen Wen Long raised the Couplet onto the City Gate, his subordinates were moved and more respect was given to Chen Wen Long. This applies to the Yuan Armies too.

Soon, the Yuan Armies broke into Fu Zhou City, Chen Wen Long and his family was captured by the Yuan Armies. Upon the captured, Chen Wen Long was forced to surrender to the Yuan Empire, with his Loyalty, Chen Wen Long rejected.

Due to his stubborn-ness, the Yuan Commander suggested to send Chen Wen Long and his family back to the Yuan Imperial Court for the Yuan Emperor to persuade him surrendered.

On the way to the Yuan Empire, the sending troop pass-by the Temple of General Yue Fei (岳飛 after Yue Fei being executed, the commoners built a Temple for him). Just at the moment where Chen Wen Long reached the main entrance of the Temple, Chen Wen Long requested to pay a respect to Yue Fei in the Temple and the Yuan Armies accepted his request.

Upon entering into the Temple, Chen Wen Long wrote a Poem on the Wall of the Temple hinting that he would be going on hunger till he died (as not to surrender to the Yuan Empire). After knowing the Strong-will of Chen Wen Long, his family followed will.

AD1277, on the 12th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆十二月十二日), before Chen Wen Long and his family arrived at the territory of Yuan Empire, Chen Wen Long pass-away of hunger. And at that time, he was only 46 years old.

Soon, this piece of tragic news was being sent to the Song Emperor. Upon getting the news, Song Emperor bestowed Chen Wen Long with the title of Zhong Su Gong (忠肅公).

After years of Battling, Yuan Empire took over the ruling of China. During the Yuan Period, a few Temples dedicating to Chen Wen Long were built to memory the Credits and Merits of him.

AD1368, after Ming Emperor Zhu Yuan Zhang (明朝太祖朱元璋) ascended the throne, Emperor Zhu bestowed Chen Wen Long with an Official title of Shui Bu Shang Shu (水部尚書) aka Lord Officer of the Waterly Department.

After the bestowing of the title, Ming Empire started to honour Chen Wen Long as the Deity of Waterly Realm, whenever the Imperial Court sent someone out to sea, the person or the group were needed to pay respect to Lord Chen Wen Long before they set off.

Pictures of Bai Jiao Ci Ji Temple – The Ancestral Temple of Bao Sheng Da Di (白礁慈濟宮 – 保生大帝祖廟)

Bai Jiao Ci Ji Temple (白礁慈濟宮), located in China Hokkien Province, Long Hai City, Jiao Mei Town, Bai Jiao Area (the location of the City is in between Xia Men & Zhang Zhou 中國福建省龍海市角美鎮白礁村).

This Temple was built in AD1150 (建于公元一一五零年﹐宋朝年間), in this Temple, the Main Deity was Bao Sheng Da Di aka Wu Tao - the Lord Deity of Chinese Medicine & Physician (供奉宋朝名醫保生大帝).

According to the Chinese History Record, this Temple was being constructed with the Imperial Order of Song Emperor Song Gao Zong (宋高宗).

Till today, all Temples around the World will still returned to Bai Jiao Ci Ji Temple on the Lunar 3 Month Period to pay respect to Bao Sheng Da Di.

And in the whole World, Bai Jiao Ci Ji Temple was being known as the Ancestral Temple (First Temple 祖廟) of Bao Sheng Da Di.

Banner of Heavenly Master Zhang Bao Gao 02 (張祖天師寶誥)

Zhang Tian Shi aka Heavenly Master Zhang, the founder of Taoism Zheng Yi Sect and also the Religious Practice in Taoist Culture.

This 2nd Praise Mantra is also a MUST Mantra for all Taoists to know, recite and mastering.

During Taoist Grand or Official Rituals/Ceremonies, this is one of the many Mantras that needed to be recited by the Leading Priests.

Banner of Wen Qiong Bao Gao - Praise Mantra (溫瓊元帥寶誥)

In here, is the Banner of Heavenly Marshal Wen Qiong's Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra.

This Mantra is not widely used in Local Rituals/Ceremonies, but in Taiwan & China, before the invitation of other Deities, Wen Qiong and other 4 Heavenly Marshals' Bao Gao will needed to recite as a form of inviting them to do guarding and protecting of the Event Venue.

For more info on Wen Qiong, you can proceed to:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/160

Manifestation Anniversary (Birthday) of Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙天尊千秋聖誕)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Heavenly Lord Tai Yi aka Lord Tai Yi, the high ranking Taoist Deity that take charge of Salvations for the Sufferings and also the Pity-Souls.

According to Taoist History, Lord Tai Yi was being honoured by the Taoists far before any other Taoist Deities were being known and pay respect. From there, we were able to know that Lord Tai Yi was a highly-respect Deity in the whole Culture and Practice.

Due to the misunderstandings and certain mixture of belief, in Taoist Culture, there are 2 Manifestation Anniversaries for Lord Tai Yi, 1 in the Seventh Month and 1 in the Eleventh Month.

If we will to track back the Records of our Upright Taoist Culture, the actual Anniversary shall fall on the 11th Day of Lunar 11 Month.

Okay, back to the main Topic.

Lord Tai Yi Manifestation Anniversary falls on the 8 November in Year 2008, which is a Monday and a Public Holiday in Singapore.

In Singapore, it is totally impossible to find a Temple or Altar that honoured Lord Tai Yi and so, for those who are keen and interested in paying your respect to him, you can visit any Chinese Temples, just prepare the necessary offerings as shown below and then place them on the Main Altar of the Temple, you will be able to pay your respect to Lord Tai Yi.

If you wish to pay respect at home, that will be more encourage-able.

More info here: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/71

And so, what to prepare?

According to our Chinese Custom & Folks Practice, here are some recommended items to be prepared for the paying respect:

1 Five Oranges (桔子)
2 Longevity Noodles (壽麵)
3 Longevity Peaches (壽桃)
4 Ang Ku Kueh (紅龜粿)
5 Huat Kueh (發糕)
6 Rice Wine (米酒)
7 Chinese Tea (茶)
8 Paper Offerings (紙料)
9 Candles (蠟燭)
10 Flowers or Lotus (鮮花或蓮花)

Once all these stuffs are prepared and ready, placed them on the Main Altar in the Temple.

1st, pay respect to the Heaven & the Main Deities in the Temple/House, then proceed to the Main Altar where the Offerings are being placed.

Make a Bow in front of the Offerings and then sincerely kneel down and proceed with the following Passage (for those who know how to recite the Bao Gao of Lord Tai Yi):

今逢。
Jin Feng.

太乙尋聲救苦天尊。(拜)
Tai Yi Xun Sheng Jiu Ku Tian Zun (Bow)

千秋聖誕之期。
Qian Qiu Sheng Dan Zhi Qi.

南洋新加坡共和國。 (你的住址) 。
Nan Yang Xin Jia Po Gong He Guo. (Your Address)

信士 (你的名字) 。及闔家同人。
Xin Shi (Your Name). Ji He Jia Tong Ren.

於此。
Yu Ci

虔備薄禮酒儀。
Qian Bei Bo Li Jiu Yi.

敬向。
Jing Xiang.

太乙尋聲救苦天尊。(拜)
Tai Yi Xun Sheng Jiu Ku Tian Zun (Bow)

虔誠請安。慶賀聖誕。
Qian Cheng Qing An. Qing He Sheng Dan.

於此虔祈。
Yu Ci Qian Qi.

太乙尋聲救苦天尊。(拜)
Tai Yi Xun Sheng Jiu Ku Tian Zun (Bow)

太平護世萬年寧。乙丁千載福無礙。
Tai Ping Hu Shi Wan Nian Ning. Yi Ding QianZai Fu Wu Ai

天降庇佑四季春。尊駕案前叩謝安。
Tian Jiang Bi You Si Ji Chun. Zun Jia An Qian Kou Xie An

以佑。
Yi You.

信士 (你的名字) 。及闔家同人。
Xin Shi (Your Name). Ji He Jia Tong Ren.

一年平安常在。月月福佑不怠。
Yi Nian Ping An Chang Zai. Yue Yue Fu You Bu Dai.

四季神光普照。萬事遂心安在。
Si Ji Shen Guang Pu Zhao. Wan Shi Sui Xin An Zai.

於此。
Yu Ci.

信士 (你的名字) 。及闔家同人。
Xin Shi (Your Name). Ji He Jia Tong Ren.

敬向。
Jing Xiang.

太乙尋聲救苦天尊。(拜)
Tai Yi Xun Sheng Jiu Ku Tian Zun (Bow)

獻三拜三叩禮。
Xian San Bai Li.

一拜。再拜。三拜。禮成。(起立)
Yi Bai. Zai Bai. San Bai. Li Cheng (Raise)

After rising, make another sincere Bow and then left the spot.

After about 15 minutes, retrieve the Paper-offerings and then burn them off.

And so, the whole Paying Respect to Lord Tai Yi is considered end.

Reading from Choon Ghoo Thor (Spring Cow Diagram) 己丑年春牛圖分析

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

In here, I will do a quick review on the Luck and Fortune for Ji Chou Year (己丑年 Year 2009).

In the 2 pictures shown here, 1 is known as Spring Cow Diagram aka Chun Niu Tu aka Choon Ghoo Thor (春牛圖) and another is the picture of the Lord Tai Sui (己丑年太歲) of Ji Chou Year (2009).

According to the records of Chun Niu Tu of Ji Chou Year, Ji Chou Year is a good year of harvesting for All plantation but not good in business that are related with weaving (such as clothing, outfit, etc).

Besides that, Ji Chou Year is also a Year full of Conflicts and also Riots (protests, etc).

If we will to look into the picture of Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year, the reading of the Conflicts and Riots do match.

How do we know? From the Objects that the Lord Tai Sui holding - a Sabre.

As we have discuss before in the past, the Object that a Lord Tai Sui holding on-to will determine the luck and future for the Year.

In here, I will like to advise that those who work in Big Organisations or assisting High-ranking Position "Bosses", do beware of yourself, cos in some of the days or events, you might be Pull-into-the-Whirl of Politics.

As for those who invest in Shares and spend alot in Marketing, etc, do be aware of your investments, cos the Market might be affected by the Chain-effect of Riots.

Long Shan Men Winter Solstice Respect to Deities (龍山門冬至祭祀活動)

Start:	Dec 21, '08 1:00p
End:	Dec 21, '08 5:00p
Location:	Singapore, Town, CBD

Winter Solstice aka Dong Zhi, a Day to pay respect to Deities and also Ancestors.

This Year, Long Shan Men will be visiting various Taoist (Chinese) Temples located in Town Area to pay our Respect to the various Deities.

For those who are interested in joining us for the paying of respect, you can PM or Email me (javecxwu@gmail.com) for arrangement.

Million Thanks.

Pictures of Chao Yuan Painting (萬聖朝元圖)

Chao Yuan Painting (朝元圖), a Taoist Painting painted in Yuan Dynasty (AD1325 元朝), in Yong Le Court (永樂宮).

Yong Le Court, located in China Shan Xi Province, Yong Ji County, Yong Le Town (中國山西永济县永乐镇). Yong Le Court was believed to be the old residential venue of Priest Lv Dong Bin (相传吕洞宾的故宅).

In this Painting, you will be able to see the various different Taoist Deities, Heavenly Marshals & Heavenly Beings gathered together to pay their respect to San Qing Dao Zu (三清道祖) aka The Three Pure One in the Highest Heavenly Realm.

Till today, Taoists and Artists are still able to see this Painting in Yong Le Court in China.

In here, I will post up the partial Chao Yuan Painting painted by a Taoist Artist in China.

Pictures of Deng You Guang of 36 Heavenly Generals (三十六天將之鄧侑光元帥)

Deng Yuan Shuai (鄧元帥) aka Deng Tian Jun (鄧天君) or Heavenly Marshal Deng, one of the 36 Heavenly Generals (三十六天將) which being appointed with the task of subduing of demons & warding-off of negative entities and also, to protect Pregnant Ladies and newly born infants.

Deng Yuan Shuai, real name known as Deng You Guang (鄧侑光), Born Year and Hometown unknown. Due to the Born Year & Date unknown (生年與家鄉不詳), today, Taoists can only celebrate his Manifestation Anniversary during the Lunar New Year period or during the End-of-Year Thanksgiving Ceremony period.

According to the Records of Taoist Deity System, Deng Yuan Shuai was actually the Manifestation of a Gust of Positiove Energy in the Heavenly Realm. One year after his Manifestation, Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) found out that, in the Mortal Realm, a lot of Negative Energies and Forces appeared to affect the Birth-rate of the Commoners and so, after making selection of the suitable Deities to descend into the Mortal World, Deng Yuan Shuai was being appointed.

Upon getting the Celestial Edict, Deng Yuan Shuai descended into the Mortal World to for his Mortal-reborn.

On the day of his Reborn, Deng Yuan Shuai transformed himself into a Bright White Ray and after reaching at the destinated family, Deng Yuan Shuai dashed into the tummy of his Mortal Mother and within minutes, he was born.

After his born, his Mortal Father was shocked by the appearance of Deng Yuan Shuai and so, his Mortal Father sent him to a Priest in the nearby Temple.

Upon getting the new born baby, the Priest was amazed by the Power that this new born baby was giving out and so, without any hesitation, the Priest agreed to keep the baby in the Temple.

Years passed, by then, Deng Yuan Shuai was already a Young man. With the training that the Priest had given to Deng Yuan Shuai, Deng Yuan Shuai had become a very sensible and Spiritual person. Whenever there were any disasters happening, Deng Yuan Shuai was able to predict it and then overcome it with his Super-nature Power.

One year, after many years of training, the Priest allowed Deng Yuan Shuai to leave the Temple in-order to travel around in the Country to perform his Spiritual Tasks. After bidding farewell with the Priest, Deng Yuan Shuai left the Temple and start on his Spiritual Task.

One day, Deng Yuan Shuai arrived in a Town, just as he stepped into the Town, a gust of Nasty Negative Force appeared in front of him. Immediately, Deng Yuan Shuai sensed certain issues happening and so, without consideration, he went to the Magistrate Office aka Yamen (衙門) to make a notice to the Officer.

As a new comer in the Town, the Officer didn’t believed in his words and so, Deng Yuan Shuai was being thrown out of the Office. Without any other possible assistances, Deng Yuan Shuai made his Spiritual Report to the local Earth Deities and City Deities (土地與城隍) in-order to get their Spiritual assistances.

Without seconds, the Earth Deities and City Deities appeared infront of him in-order to wait for Deng Yuan Shuai’s command & order.

With the appearing of the Deities, Deng Yuan Shuai released a Spiritual Talisman into the Air and with a short moment of chanting, a Gust of Dark Gas emitted into the Air from a Well.

Immediately, Deng Yuan Shuai dashed to the Well and was within minutes, an Umbrella appeared infront of him. At first, Deng Yuan Shuai was shocked by what he saw but after a while, Deng Yuan Shuai released that there was something hiding under the Umbrella and so, with the opening of his Heavenly Eye, Deng Yuan Shuai saw a Female Soul hiding inside it.

With Compassionate, Deng Yuan Shuai communicated with the Female Soul, saying that the reason of his actions. Upon knowing that Deng Yuan Shuai was not here to eliminate her, the Female Soul appeared from the Umbrella.

After stepping out from the Umbrella, the Female Soul made her kowtows and then she spilled her sorrows to Deng Yuan Shuai.

Upon knowing that this Female Soul was being appointed in this Town to capture the souls of the new born babies and Pregnant Ladies, Deng Yuan Shuai was shocked and felt sorry for the innocent lives. So with a short discussion with the Earth and City Deities, Deng Yuan Shuai decided to send a Spiritual Request to the Heavenly Realm.

Just as Deng Yuan Shuai sent out the Spiritual Request, the Deity-in-Charge of the Day & Time pass-by and the request of Deng Yuan Shuai was being delivered to the attention of Jade Emperor of Heaven.

Knowing that Deng Yuan Shuai had started to perform his Spiritual Task, Jade Emperor of Heaven nodded his head with approval and within seconds, the Request was being answered and a Spiritual Edict was sent to Deng Yuan Shuai.

In the Spiritual Edict, the Female Soul was being appointed to be one of the Soul Protectors in the Nether World of the died Pregnant Ladies and Baby Souls.

After Deng Yuan Shuai announced the Edict to the Female Soul, Deng Yuan Shuai was being summoned to the Celestial Palace (天庭).

Upon reaching the Celestial Palace, Deng Yuan Shuai got a chance to meet up with Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊). After a few complimentary, Deng Yuan Shuai was being bestowed with the title Bao Tai Zhu Chang Xie Hu Zhu Zhai En Wei Zhen Yue Deng Yuan Shuai (保胎助產血湖主宰
恩威鎮嶽鄧元帥).

From then, he was being appointed to follow Shun Tian Sheng Mu Madam Lin Shui (順天聖母臨水夫人) to take charge of the task of Protecting the Pregnant Ladies and new born Babies.

Taoist Talisman of Dragon Scripture (道教符文之雲龍文字符)

This is a very special Taoist Talisman that cannot be seen that often.

Till today, not much Taoist Priests had used this Talisman.

In the past, a small Group of Lv Shan Sect Taoist Priests or Spiritual Masters will enhanced this Talisman in-order to send the requested Messages to the Heavenly Realm or Deities.

In some Areas or some Schools, this Talisman was being enhanced in-order to cure diseases & illnesses and also to cease disasters.

Visiting of Taoist Elders and Seniors from Overseas (道教長老及同道之訪新)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Two weeks ago, after attending the Sending Off Ceremony for the 64th Generation Heavenly Master Zhang Yuan Xian (六十四代張源先天師登座儀式), some of our Taoist Elders and Seniors made their trip to Malaysia and Singapore to visit some of the local Taoist Organisations and Groups.

With the introducing and recommendation, Long Shan Men was being appointed to meet up with the Elders and Seniors from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.

Upon getting the news, 2 of the Official Students of Long Shan Men’s 36th Generation Disciples were being asked to accompany me to attend the Meeting-up (Gathering).

For the first 3 Days of their arrival, due to some personal issues, I was not able to meet up with them and so, one of my Taoist Seniors asked for some addresses from me, so that they can visit some of the Groups and Celebrations that taken place during that period and so, I gave them some.

With the addresses and the information on the Groups and Celebrations, the Elders and Seniors made their trips to the various venue to make their observations on the way such Groups and Celebrations took place.

First, they made their trip to one of the Local Folks Group’s Celebration conducted at Paya Lebar Area. Upon reaching the Venue, they took a quick round of observing and discussion and sad to say, they were a bit disappointed with the setting-up and the Rituals/Ceremonies that being conducted during the Celebrations.

Secondly, they made a trip to one of the Local claimed Taoist Temple. Upon stepping into the Temple, within minutes, they made their leave, reasons that they gave were: Is this a Taoist Temple?

Thirdly, they made a trip to a Hundred-over-Years Temple located in our CBD Area. With the ushering and the explanation gave by the Temple-keepers, the Elders and Seniors were much more happier to see that at least, there were still a very little Group of Chinese preserving and following the Traditional Practice of our Upright Taoist Culture.

After the 3 visitings, the Elders and Seniors decided to cancel the rest of the visitings, as they found out that, some of the places were really not up to “standard”.

On the last night (28 Nov 2008) before they depart Singapore, a Dinner Gathering was being arranged and the 2 Official Disciples of Long Shan Men accompanied me to attend.

During the Dinner, a lot of questioning was being “shooted” to me and of cos, with me, I were sure to reply them with a satisfaction reply, just that One reply that I always used to tell the others was that – A lot of the Local Practices that you seen are not the Actual Practices of our Upright Taoist Culture, they are just Local Folks Practices and so, do not mistaken that what you see are what our Taoist Practices are in Singapore.