Video on Taoist Ritual - Rising of Heavenly Lanterns (道教揚幡天燈科儀短片)

In here, you all will be watching the Video on Taoist Ritual of Rising the Heavenly Lanterns conducted by the Senior High Priest in Taiwan.

In the Video, you will see how the Taoist Priests performed the Reporting and then slowly Rise the Lanterns & Flags up to the Tall-pole. This is to indicate that this Premises is having Ritual/Ceremony and also to Invite or Usher in the Deities.

In Taoism, there are a few types of such Rituals, mostly meant for Deities, Salvation & Blessing-requesting Rituals.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Shang Qing Sect Mao Shan School Ancestor - Wei Hua Cun (上清宗茅山派祖師魏華存)

 

Alot of People have been mistaken that the Founder of Shang Qing Sect Mao Shan School, is a Guy. To be correct, the Founder shall be a Lady, known as Wei Hua Cun.

In here, I will like to do a quick Introduction on High Priestess Wei Hua Cun to all of you.

Priestess Wei Hua Cun aka Wei Xian An (魏贤安), born in Jin Dynasty at AD 251 (晉朝公元二五一年). Hometown in China Shan Dong Province Ji Ning City Ren Cheng Area (中國山东省济宁市任城).

Since young, Wei Hua Cun had been reading Taoist Texts, Articles & chanting of Scriptures, by the age of 12, she was able to memorize & recite ALL the Phrases & Sentences out without looking at Books. With her indepth Knowledge of Taoist Skills & Information, Wei Hua Cun started to make Vows & Promises in assisting People & doing Preaching on the Teaching of Taoism.

By the time she reached 20 years old, Wei Hua Cun was able to go around the Forested Areas to collect Herbs & Plants to make them into Pills & Chinese Medicine. Whenever she's invented a New Pill or Medicine, she would first do trying on consuming them and if no side-effects appeared, she would shared the Pill or Medicine with the People that she knew.

Due to her long period of consuming such Herbs & Plants, Wei Hua Cun's Physical Body started to have changes, such as, she No need to consume much Physical Food Stuffs, such as Grains, Vegetables or Fruits.

By the time she reached 24 years old, her Father forced her to marry to a Scholar known as Liu Wen (刘文). Her Father's objective was to stop her Cultivation and also, to disconnect her from the Day-dreaming of becoming Immortal.

After her Marriage, Wei Hua Cun had to stop her Cultivation and inventing of Pills & Medicine. During the 1st & 2nd year of her Marriage, she gave birth to 2 Sons, both known as Liu Pu (刘璞) & Liu Xia (刘瑕) - which later both of them became Leaders of Shang Qing Sect.

In AD288, at the age of 37, one day while Wei Hua Cun was staying at home doing her reading, suddenly she saw a Group of Immortals & Deities decending from the Heavenly Realm. At the moment, she was shocked, but knowing that they were Spiritual Beings, Wei Hua Cun immediately prepared the Altar & Incenses to usher them into her house.

After entering into her house, one of the Deities took out a bundle of Books & Spiritual Objects and then pass to her. Upon receiving the items, Wei Hua Cun was in a puzzled and just as she was about to start asking, an Immortal known as Immortal Qing Xu Wang Bao (清虚真人王褒) approached her and told her that, they were here to impart her the necessary Training & Skills in-order for her to do her Preaching in the future.

Knowing that, Wei Hua Cun was moved and immdiately kneeled down infront of Immortal Wang Bao to acknowledge him as the Master. From then, at certain period of the Month, the various Deities would descend into her house to guide on her in the Learning.

After years of Training, after mastering the Hidden Secret of the Spiritual Skills, Wei Hua Cun recorded them in the very 1st Scripture of Shang Qing Sect, which was known as Shang Qing Jing (上清经). From then, ALL the descendants had to master it without fail in-order to promote the Culture of Taoist Shang Qing Sect's Teaching.

In her Late Years, Wei Hua Cun spent most of her time performing re-arranging & editing for the Ancient Taoist Scripture Huang Ting Jing (黄庭经).

AD 334 (晉朝公元三三四年), Wei Hua Cun got her gaining of Immortal-hood and on the Day of her departure, many People witnessed her ascending into the Heavenly Realm. After her Immortal-hood, she was being bestowed with an Official Title known as Zi Xu Yuan Jun Nan Yue Wei Fu Ren (紫虚元君南岳魏夫人).

Due to Shang Qing Sect 9th Leader Tao Hong Jin (九代宗师陶弘景) stationed at Mt Mao aka Mao Shan (茅山), so in Taoist Records, Shang Qing Sect also being addressed as Mao Shan School (茅山派). This is also the Period that Shang Qing Sect merge in the San Mao Ancestors (三茅真君) into their Honouring.

After Mao Shan School started to "walk" into Commoners' Society, different Off-spring Lineage started to Pop-up.

Till today, some of the Major Sub-Groups are still operating, such as,

1) Feng Yang School (鳳陽分派) - Founder Jiang Yun (鳳陽開山祖師姜芸)
2) Liu Ren School (六壬分派) - Founder Li Bo (六壬開山祖師李播)
3) Jin Ying School (金英分派) - Founder Jin Ying (金英開山祖師金英)
4) Bai Lian School (白蓮分派) - Founder Wang Sen (白蓮開山祖師王森)
5) Bai Lian School (百連分派) - Founder Bao Sheng (百連開山祖師寶生)

But due the Skills that being Imparted to these Sub-Groups are being mix with Folks Skills, so the Original Shang Qing Sect's Spiritual Skills are no longer able to be seen in them.

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/164017948/pic/list

Video on Introducing of the Honouring of Northern Dipper (道教禮斗介紹短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Video on the Introduction of the Taoist Ritual Li Dou aka Honouring of the Northern Dipper (禮斗).

In this Video, you will see the various Items that needed for the Ritual and also, the Dates that this Ritual will be conducted.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Jurong East Feng Shan Si Celebration (裕廊東鳳山寺慶典)

Start:	Oct 8, '09 8:00p
End:	Oct 10, '09 10:00p
Location:	Singapore, Jurong East, West

Jurong East Feng Shan Si (裕廊東鳳山寺 an Old Taoist Group of about 60 years) will be having a Taoist Celebration, dedicating to Guang Ze Zun Wang (廣澤尊王), on 08 Oct to 10 Oct at the Event Space located at Jurong East Street 31 (Jurong East Ave 1), near to Block 319 & 320.

For those who are interested in Participating in their Taoist Ritual, please be there on 09 Oct & 10 Oct.

On 08 Oct will be the Settling & Summoning of Spiritual Armies (安營).

Timing from Morning 9.00Am onwards.

Map at: http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_3462/travel_site_111339/

Video on Honouring the Northern Dipper & Changing of Luck (道教禮斗及改運科儀短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Video Clip on the Honouring of Northern Dipper & Changing of Luck Ritual.

This is a Rarely seen Grand Ritual in South East Asia. In the Ritual, the Taoist Priests will recite a few Mantras & Sentences and then advise the Taoists to burn off the Paper Offerings & Talismans in-order to Eliminate the Negative Lucks.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Hidden Obstacles & Issues that Sintuas have (道教神壇隱危多)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

As most of our local Taoists & Chinese know that, recently, Sintuas (神壇 Folks Taoist Religious Groups) in Singapore are facing quite a lot of un-expected Issues, such as Political Issues & also, arguements among Main Stream Taoism & them.

While I was being engaged to visit to such Sintuas to do some advising and observing, I realised quite a number of Hidden Obstacles & Issues that lead to Human & Spiritual Factors.

Such Obstacles & Issues are as followed:

1) Engaging Non-Taoist Priests/Masters/Teachers to perform the necessary Rituals/Ceremonies during their Main Celebration/Important Dates.

If such will be continued, First Issue that the Sintua will faced will be, Deities leaving the Statues and then, encountering Spiritual Armies to go into a Chaotic Situation.

2) Did Engaged Taoist Priests/Masters to perform the Full-Cycle Enhancing Ritual/Ceremony (十二年輪補法事). This is a Rare Taoist Ritual/Ceremony, for the moment, only left with very Senior Taoist Priests knowing of the Methods & Skills in performing it.

If this Full-Cycle Enhancing Ritual/Ceremony is not being conducted, then the Annual Taoist Ritual/Ceremony conducted at the Sintua/Temple is considered as Useless.

3) Honouring Five Directional Spiritual Armies (五營神兵), but yet, using the Non-Taoist Ways of giving Offering.

This is one of the Serious Issues. Many Sintuas tend to Skip-steps or being Lazy, whenever the Honouring of Spiritual Armies is needed, they will just use Vegetarian Dishes or worst, just using Fruits to honour them. This is actually bringing DISASTER to the Sintua.

Another issue is that, DO NOT play Non-Taoist Music/Chanting on the Main Altar & Five Directional Spiritual Armies' Altar, this will cause alot of Un-necessary Distraction and might End-up, Arguement & Dis-agreement.

4) Blindly-followed what the Upper Generation pass-down to them. Especially ways of Conducting Spiritual Skills & Chanting.

This can also considered as One of the Worst Thing in some Sintuas. Chanting without knowing the Actual meaning or Performing the Spiritual Skills without knowing Why or When is needed, etc.

5) Engaging Non-recognised or Un-official People to guide on the New Mediums or Committee Members in the Sintua.

This will somehow create Future Arguements & Fightings in the Sintuas. Worst, it will cause the Sintua to Break-up and end up the Sintua's Name disappear from our Local History.

According to the Ancient Mediumship Records (for Human serving Deities as in Medium-form), there are 3 Things that A Master/Teacher shall know:

5.1) Decree from Heaven aka Tian Ling (天令), if the Person who you Engaged is not able to perform this Inviting of Heavenly Decree and show it to you All, then this Person is not being Officially Trained or is a Con-man

5.2) Hand-symbol aka Mudra of Meng Wei (盟威訣), a Trained Mediumship Master or Teacher must at least go thru the Official Taoism Training. If the Person is not able to show you the Mudra, then he is just a Folks Con-man that use the Name of Master to go around making Trouble for the Mediums, so do be careful

5.3) The Taoist Six Mantras aka Liu Shen Zhou (六神咒), this is again the Basic Mantras that the a Mediumship Master/Teacher MUST know in-order to issue Talismans to a New Medium or a Medium who has not being getting In-trance for years. If the Person is not able to tell you what are the 6 Mantras, then it is a Con-man again

Summarizing:

For those who are Interested in Opening Up of Sintuas or Maintaining of Sintuas, my Advise is that, get the Correct Person & Official Person to get Advises. Do not think that ALL these are Troublesome or Un-necessary.

Some People will only Regret & Put-blames on Others when things happened and why, dont such People do their Best to Prevent it.

Last of ALL, ALL the BEST to ALL Sintuas.

Video on Taiwan Pu Du Ceremony 02 (台灣小普法事短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Video Clips on the 7th Month Salvation Ritual aka Xiao Pu (小普), coducted on 22nd of Aug 2009.

In Video 1, you will see the Taoist Priests conducting the Simple Scale Salvation Ritual for a Temple and also the Sending Off of the Wanderings.

In Video 2, you will see the Taoist Priests returning back to the Temple to do Reporting and Round-up the Salvation Ritual.

Video on Taiwan Pu Du Ceremony 01 (台灣小普法事短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Video Clips on the 7th Month Salvation Ritual aka Xiao Pu (小普), coducted on 22nd of Aug 2009.

In Video 1, you will see the Taoist Priests conducting the Simple Scale Salvation Ritual for a Temple and also the Sending Off of the Wanderings.

In Video 2, you will see the Taoist Priests returning back to the Temple to do Reporting and Round-up the Salvation Ritual.

Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Lord Pu Hua (普化天尊千秋聖誕)

5th Day of Lunar 8 Month is considered as the Official Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Lord Pu Hua aka Pu Hua Tian Zun (普化天尊).

On this Day, Taoists will chant the Taoist Scripture Yu Su Bao Jing (玉樞寶經) that dedicated to Pu Hua Tian Zun.

Besides that, this is also a Day that Taoists will request for Eliminating of Sins & Debts from Pu Hua Tian Zun.

In Singapore, Oneself can visit Wan Shou Shan Guan Yin Tang (萬壽山觀音堂) located at Telok Blangah Height, infront of Blk 54, to honour Pu Hua Tian Zun.

Sintua Aid School SAS (道教神壇文化質詢院)

Start:	Sep 20, '09
End:	Dec 31, '09
Location:	All Over Singapore

Dear All,

Due to the recent Unpleasant Comments made on Sintua's Culture, many Sintuas in Singapore & Malaysia are being affected seriously and now, some of the Sintuas in Singapore are being forced to Stop Operating and faces House Unit being confiscated.

In here, with the Encouragement & Supports by various Sintuas, Temples & Taoist Elders, Long Shan Men had decided to Set-up a Long-term Sintua Aid School aka SAS.

In SAS, various Taoist Priests, Masters & Teachers will be sent out to assist existing Sintuas to do some necessary Arrangements in-order to avoid breaking the Laws & also to protect the Rights of the Sintua Culture. Besides that, SAS will also assist New Sintuas in Setting-up and also to train Newly Mediums with the necessary Basic Taoist Knowledge & also the Religious Ceremonies' Culture & Teaching.

Currently, SAS has started to assist quite a few Sintuas in doing some necessary arrangements.

For those who wished to know more, please PM me or Email me at javecxwu@gmail.com

Video on Lv Shan Xiao Fa Requesting of New Spiritual Armies (閭山小法開營短片)

In here, you all will be watching on a Video on Taoist Lv Shan Sect Xiao Fa Group's Requesting of New Spiritual Armies for a Newly Opened Temple.

In here, you will be seeing the Leading Spiritual Teacher using the Endorsed Flags to gather the Spiritual Armies and by using the Spiritual Objects & Talismans, the Spiritual Armies will be appointed to the Temple or the Spiritual People.

Hope you all enjoy.

First Day of Lunar 8 Month (農曆八月初一日)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Today (19 Sep 2009), is the 1st Day of Lunar 8 Month (農曆八月初一日). And for sure, this Day will rain.

According to Old Records of Chinese Customs, it is a Must for to Rain on the 1st Day of Lunar 8 Month. Reasons for the Raining are:

1) Doing Physicial Cleaning for the Country, City or Area
2) Doing Spiritual Cleansing for the Roads & Dark Corners
3) Doing Salvation for the Remaining Wanderings that are not being Salvaged during the 7th Month Celebration

Besides that, on the 1st Day of Lunar 8 Month, Taoists & Chinese will tend to visit Temples (not because of 1st Day of every Lunar Month), but to visit Temples to request for Enhanced/Blessed Flowers for Showering, request Water that being used to Honour Deities for Drinking and last, to at least eat a Meal in the Temple to request for Health-blessing for the Next Few Months before Lunar New Year arrived.

Reason for the Health Blessing is that, cos Winter will be arriving soon, if Oneself is not Healthy enough, then Oneself will tend to get Sick easily, which can be a Fatal issue when Winter falls.

Usually after getting Home, Taoists & Chinese will tend to use the Enhanced Flower to do Cleansing for the Home too. If not, they will use the Fuming of Sandal Wood & Chinese Herbs to do Spiritual Cleansing for the House & also the People living in it.

PS: For the method of Using the Sandal Wood & Chinese Herbs, please proceed to this link: http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/198

Last of ALL, wishes ALL of you having a Nice Lunar 8 Month.

Report of MyPaper on Mediumship (我報之乩童報導)

In the following is a News Article published by MyPaper, a local Sub-newspaper of SPH.

This Article was published on 18 Sep 2009 (Friday).

For Higher Res Picture of the Article, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/689536178/pic/list

Ending of 7th Month Celebration 2009 (己丑年七月普度圓滿日)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

18 Sep 2009 (Friday), 30th Day of Lunar 7 Month, is considered as the Last Day of the 7th Month Celebration and in Folks Culture, this is the Day where the Spirits that being release-out to the Mortal Realm to go back reporting to the Nether World.

In Singapore now, it is also a Day to cease Religions-conflict & Dis-tolerance.

This Year, while I was being invited to visit a few Sintuas & 7th Month Celebrations, I got quite a number of "Sorrows" from the Committee & Members, "Sorrows" such as People calling the Town Council complaining on the Burning of Papers, Sound Pollution caused by the Entertainment Performances (such as Operas, Getai & Auction-shouting) and last, the Rituals conducted by the Priests or other Religious Masters.

To me, I can said that this is quite common cos to some of the other People in the Community, they still cant accept what our Chinese Culture is and also, Bonding among different Religions & Races still not yet meet up with the necessary Understanding & Tolerance.

Recently Years, our Local Government has been doing strong promotion on Religious Harmony & Understanding, including this Year's National Day Rally, our PM Lee had been encouraging our Nation to be more Tolerance on the different Culture of our Local different Races, but again, this type of Understanding & Tolerance only applied to a Small Group of People in our Country and to the Large Number of our Local People, they are still Lack of Education on the Accepting of other Races' Culture & Belief.

And so, while I got their "Sorrows", I can only encouraged them by, being more Open-minded & Acceptive. As Taoists, we shall start the Ball-rolling, we shall be more Acceptive such as when the other Races or Religions needed our Assistances, we try to be the 1st to reach out our Helping Hands and also, participate in any other Religions' Ceremonies or Rituals.

As Taoists, we shall not complaint or look down on other People's Faith or Belief. We accept them by accepting with Respect and do not need to promote them un-necessarily. This is a very Important Point that ALL Taoists must take note.

After knowing of the "Sorrows" that our Local Taoists & Chinese are facing, I was being direct to another Serious Issue on the Naming of the 7th Month Celebration.

Till today, alot of Folks Groups still used the Term Hungry Ghost Festival for the 7th Month Celebration, which I can said that, this is a very Serious Mistake made since after Tang Dynasty (唐朝).

In Taoism, we do not have the Term Hungry Ghost Festival, cos in Taoism, we do not have such Practise as Salvaging the Narrow-neck & Bloated-stomach Spirits. This Term Hungry Ghost comes from Non-Taoist Religion and of cos, this is their Mistake of Introducing such a Wrong Idea of Hungry Ghost, but we must accept that, this is being annouced to the World due to their Compassionate for the Hungry Ghosts.

In Taoism, 7th Month Celebration is a Period where we Taoists & Chinese show our Gratitude to the Ancestors & also the Pass-on Credit Holders, such as Pioneers of the Country or Warriors who fight for us during Wars. This type of Gratitude Returning actually started since Zhou Dynasty (周朝), which is few thousand years ago from now. And in Taoism, we shall address this Period as Xiao Si Jie (孝思節) or Xiao Qin Jie (孝親節).

Recently, the most ridiculous thing I encountered was, I over heard a group of Followers from a Non-Taoist Religion telling the other members that, actually Hungry Ghost's Theory started from Taoism, in there Religion, there isnt any Hungry Ghosts, they just follow the Teaching of the One who got Enlighted after Openingf up his Wisdom on the Live & Death Issues.

Immediately after hearing what they said, I was a bit Upset on, why nowadays, this Religion keep wanting to Degrade Taoism? Arent they being taught to Put-down ALL un-necessary Thoughts & Desire? With such Un-realistic Comments, wont they add on their Verbal Debts? I think our Religious Society shall really put in more Effort in Educating their Followers, if not, I'm sure sooner or later, another Religious War will be encountered.

Ok, back to the Topic of the Last Day of the 7th Month Celebration.

On this Day, actually for the Taoists or Chinese, we need not need to prepare much Offerings, cos we are ALL sure that these Good Brothers & Sisters have already had their FULL Meal since the Day when they were being released out.

For those who are doing the Honouring, just prepared some simple Kuehs or Cookies Stuffs & Paper Offerings for the Wanderings will do.

After Sunset, just Offered the Offerings to the Wanderings and once the Offerings are being made, this will Round-up the whole Month's Celebration.

I'm sure to some of those who are Timid or being affected by the Un-realistic Myths, after 18 Sep, this will considered as a form of Relief for them.

In here, I got some advises to ALL:

1) Wanderings do not only appeared in 7th Month Period, but almost everyday & everywhere

2) Do not get afraid of them, cos they are just like us Mortals, they just need assistance from us in-order for them to leave this Realm Peacefully & Faster

3) Do no have the intention that such Wanderings will harm you, cos they wont even want to bother Mortals when Mortals didnt take Initiation of harming them. In this Mortal Realm, the most scary being is Mortal and not the Other Beings

4) For sure, Wanderings wont come near to you un-necessary unless you delibrately Open-up yourself for them

Last of ALL, wishes everyone a Good Month ahead.

Video on Taoist Ritual - Xiu Qi Ke Yi 02 (道教宿啟科儀短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Videos on the Xiu Qi Ke Yi (宿啟科儀).

In Xiu Qi Ke Yi, it consists of a few Smaller Scale Ritual, such as Juan Lian Ke Yi (捲廉科儀) - meaning Up-rise the Imperial Curtain to Seek Requesting from Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊), Jing Tan Ke Yi (淨壇科儀) - meaning doing Spiritual Cleansing & last, Jie Jie Ke Yi (結界科儀) - meaning to Set Spiritual Territory for the Ritual Premises.

In these 2 Videos, you will be seeing how the Leading Taoist Priest doing conducting the 3 types of Ritual.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Video on Taoist Ritual - Xiu Qi Ke Yi 01 (道教宿啟科儀短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Videos on the Xiu Qi Ke Yi (宿啟科儀).

In Xiu Qi Ke Yi, it consists of a few Smaller Scale Ritual, such as Juan Lian Ke Yi (捲廉科儀) - meaning Up-rise the Imperial Curtain to Seek Requesting from Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊), Jing Tan Ke Yi (淨壇科儀) - meaning doing Spiritual Cleansing & last, Jie Jie Ke Yi (結界科儀) - meaning to Set Spiritual Territory for the Ritual Premises.

In these 2 Videos, you will be seeing how the Leading Taoist Priest doing conducting the 3 types of Ritual.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Video on Taoist Ritual - Fen Deng aka Inviting of Light 02 (道教分燈科儀短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Videos on the Taoist Ritual known as Fen Deng (分燈), translated as Inviting of Light or Ushering of Spiritual Fire or in some other Areas, known as Qing Huo (請火).

Usually this Ritual is being conducted a Day before the Main Ceremony/Celebration started.

Taoist Priests will be there to ask for Permission and then invite the Fire from the Southern Hemisphere (南方丙丁火) into the Mortal Realm. Once after the Inviting of the Light, the 1st Fire will be offered to Yuan Shi Tian Zun (元始天尊) or some said, Yuan Shi Tian Wang (元始天王).

This is to symbolize Brightness Blessing for the Three Realms (三界), etc.

In the 2nd Video, you all will be seeing the Priests using the Light to enhance on the Tablets of the Pass-on/Ancestors.

Video on Taoist Ritual - Fen Deng aka Inviting of Light 01 (道教分燈科儀短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Videos on the Taoist Ritual known as Fen Deng (分燈), translated as Inviting of Light or Ushering of Spiritual Fire or in some other Areas, known as Qing Huo (請火).

Usually this Ritual is being conducted a Day before the Main Ceremony/Celebration started.

Taoist Priests will be there to ask for Permission and then invite the Fire from the Southern Hemisphere (南方丙丁火) into the Mortal Realm. Once after the Inviting of the Light, the 1st Fire will be offered to Yuan Shi Tian Zun (元始天尊) or some said, Yuan Shi Tian Wang (元始天王).

This is to symbolize Brightness Blessing for the Three Realms (三界), etc.

In the 2nd Video, you all will be seeing the Priests using the Light to enhance on the Tablets of the Pass-on/Ancestors.

Video on Taiwan 7th Month Salvation Ritual 02 (台灣中元大普度儀式短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Videos on Taiwan 7th Month Taoist Salvation Ritual.

In the Videos, you will be seeing the Offerings that being prepared by the Devotees staying in the Area for the Wanderings and also the Taoist Priests ascending to a High-rise Platform to perform the Taoist Salvation Ritual.

A rarely-seen Taoist Salvation Ritual in South East Asia.

Hope you all enjoy.

Video on Taiwan 7th Month Salvation Ritual 01 (台灣中元大普度儀式短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 2 Videos on Taiwan 7th Month Taoist Salvation Ritual.

In the Videos, you will be seeing the Offerings that being prepared by the Devotees staying in the Area for the Wanderings and also the Taoist Priests ascending to a High-rise Platform to perform the Taoist Salvation Ritual.

A rarely-seen Taoist Salvation Ritual in South East Asia.

Hope you all enjoy.

Video on Hong Kong Taoist Ritual - Tai Ping Qing Jiao 02 (香港道教太平清醮短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 3 Video Clips on the Hong Kong Taoist Ritual/Ceremony known as Tai Ping Qing Jiao (太平清醮).

These Videos were taken in Year 2008.

The Ritual was being conducted by the Hong Kong Zheng Yi Taoist Priests.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Video on Hong Kong Taoist Ritual - Tai Ping Qing Jiao 01 (香港道教太平清醮短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 3 Video Clips on the Hong Kong Taoist Ritual/Ceremony known as Tai Ping Qing Jiao (太平清醮).

These Videos were taken in Year 2008.

The Ritual was being conducted by the Hong Kong Zheng Yi Taoist Priests.

Hope you all Enjoy.

Fu Yi Gong Jian 7th Month Celebration (福邑公建普度社中元會)

On 11 Sep Evening, while waiting for the Opening of the Official Seal of Du Cheng Huang, Vabien & I went to the nearby Tentage, set-up by the Fu Yi Gong Jian 7th Month Celebration Association to take some Pictures.

Upon reaching at the Tentage, we found out that the Display & layout were quite Professional, especially the Table & Chair Covers.

Walking around the Tentage, I found out that this Association is using the Three Religions Theme to perform the 7th Month Celebration.

For those who are interested to find out more on this Association 7th Month Celebration, you may drop by on this Weekend to find out more.

Du Cheng Huang Temple Salvation Day (都城隍廟救度法會及開印大典)

11 Sep 2009, 23rd Day of Lunar 7 Month (農曆七月廿三日), was considered as the Promotion Anniversary of Du Cheng Huang of Singapore (赫封威靈公) and also the Salvation Day of Du Cheng Huang Temple (都城隍廟), located at Tanjong Pagar.

In the Evening at about 9.00 Pm, Vabien & I arrived at the Temple, in-order to observe the Salvation Ritual that being conducted to salvage the Wanderings & also to observe on the Annual Opening of the Official Seal of Du Cheng Huang of Singapore.

By the time we reached the Temple, the Temple was already filled with Devotees.

At the Main Entrance, a Row of Altars were being set-up for the Buddhist Monks to conduct the Salvation Ceremony. Just as we stepped into the Temple, the Leading Monk was there preparing to throw the Enhanced Spiritual Items for the Wandering Souls, as usual, the Enhanced Items were being snatched off by Mortals rather than the Wandering Souls.

While the Monks were doing the Throwing of Items, I went around the Temple to take some Photos (this is the only Time that I can take photo of this Temple), to take a few pictures on the Spiritual Notices & the Altar dedicating to the Wandering Souls (Pics 03/04/05).

Just as I was taking Photos, Bro Victor & Aaron arrived at the Temple. After a quick catch-up, it was time for the Opening of the Official Seal, so we gathered at the Entrance to the Main Hall to wait for the Seal to be brought down from the High-level Altar.

Soon after the Seal was being Open-up, Devotees started to gather at the Temple Counter waiting for their Old Yellow Cloth to be Endorsed. And so Vabien was one of them to go for the Re-endorsement (Pic 07).

This Year, a bit Special for Vabien, cos he brought along Vabien's Cheng Huang Scroll and so, while he queue-ing up for the Endorsement, he asked me whether could he bring out the Scroll for the Chopping of Seal and of cos, I agreed with his Brilliant Suggestion. And so, Vabien proceed with the Endorsement of the Scroll.

By his turn, the Lady Temple-keeper was shocked to see that such a Young Man presented a Scroll of Cheng Huang to her for Endorsement. Even though she was shocked, she happily & willingly made an Endorsement on the Cheng Huang Scroll (Pic 06).

After the Endorsement, and looking at the Watch, it was getting late and so, we left the Temple and headed home.

PS: The Seal reads like this: Chi Feng Xin Jia Po Cheng Huang Wei Ling Gong Zhi Yin (敕封新加坡城隍威靈公之印)

Manifestation Anniversary of Premier Zhu Ge (諸葛武侯聖誕吉慶)

23rd Day of Lunar 7 Month is also considered as the Birthday Anniversary of Premier Zhu Ge Kong Ming (諸葛武侯), one of the Famous Advisors in Chinese History.

For those who practice Taoist Spiritual Skills such as Prediction, Fortune Reading, etc, his is one of the Masters that the Followers shall honoured.

More info on Premier Zhu Ge, please proceed to this link: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/185

Manifestation Anniversary of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun (張公聖君聖誕吉慶)

23rd Day of Lunar 7 Month is considered as the Manifestation Anniversary of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun (張公聖君) aka Fa Zhu Gong (法主公), one of the Spiritual Protectors of Taoist Lv Shan Sect (閭山派).

On this Day, the Followers of Lv Shan Sect will conduct Rituals/Ceremonies to honour Zhang Gong Sheng Jun as a form of Returning Gratitude & also, requesting Blessing for the next coming Year.

In Singapore & Malaysia, quite a number of Temples (including Heng Hwa Temples) will organise Grand Celebration for Zhang Gong Sheng Jun.

Video on Taoist Ritual - Dotting of Paper Deities (道教開光紙雜神像短片)

In here, you all will be watching the Taoist Ritual conducted for the Dotting or Enhancing of the Paper Deities in Grand Celebration.

In the Video, the Priest is doing the Dotting for the Heavenly Marshal & Earth Deity. This is to invite them to Guard the Venue for the Celebration.

Hope you all Enjoyed.

A Visit to Long Feng Temple & Wu Lei Gong Temple (一訪龍鳳廟及五雷公宮)

Yesterday, 08 Sep 2009, after paying our Respect to the Deities in the Combined Temple located at Bukit Batok Street 23, Vabien & I proceed our way to the Combined Temple located at Bukit Batok Street 21.

Upon reaching the Temple, we went into Long Feng Temple (龍鳳廟) to pay our Respect to Immortal Wu aka Bao Sheng Da Di (吳真人保生大帝) and Yunnan Da Bo Gong (云南大伯公).

Once our Honouring completed, we went around the Temple to take some Photos on some of the New Statues.

Soon after that, we went over to Wu Lei Gong Temple (五雷公宮) and pay our respect.

When we entered into the Rear Hall, Vabien was susprised by the Honouring of the Qi Xian Nv aka The Seven Maidens (七仙女), so he took 2 pictures on the Statues and reminded me to post them up for the Public to view them.

After then, we proceed to the Tai Yang Gong Temple (太陽公宮) to pay our respect to the Lord of the Sun (太陽星君) and after the honouring, we headed for our Late Lunch.

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1233582552/pic/list

A Visit to Ong Clan Temple (一訪王氏宗祠大廟)

Yesterday, 08 Sep 2009, after paying our Respect to the Deities in the Combined Temple located at Bukit Batok Street 23, Vabien & I continued our journey to the Ong Clan Temple located at the walking distance from the Combined Temple.

This was one of the few very Rare Temple that I wanted to visit too and on 08 Sep, my wish was fulfilled.

After stepping into the compound of the Ong Clan Temple, a Peaceful feeling was surrounding us. Due to this was also the Columborium for the Ong Clan, so it seems to be a bit Quiet.

Soon, after walking around to enjoy the Scenery, we came to the Main Hall where the Altars dedicated to the Ancestors of Ong Clan were. After we took off our shoes (as a form of Respect), we proceed with our Offering of Incenses to the Ong Ancestors and last, Photo Taking Time.

The whole Hall was brightly lit-up and for sure was that, the Hall look superb Grand & Official.

Outside the Main Hall, there was a Plaque stated that our Ex-President Mr Ong Teng Cheong was there to declare the Official Opening of the Temple.

This is a Temple that worth Taoists & Chinese to visit.

For more info on the Ong Clan Ancestors, please proceed to this link: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/474/474

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/540177861/pic/list

A Visit to Jurong Feng Shan Temple (一訪裕廊鳳山寺)

Yesterday, 08 Sep 2009, seeing that it is a Fine Day, so I decided to ask Vabien to go Temple Visiting with me.

First stop, we went to the Combined Temple located at Bukit Batok Street 23.

Upon reaching the Combined Temple, we went to Xi Tian Fo Temple (西天佛) to pay our respect. Due to the scale of the Temple is not that Big, so within minutes, we had completed our Honouring and then proceed to the next few Temples.

And again, due to the other 2 Temples belong to The Emptiness Sect (真空教), so Not much Honouring could be done and so, we proceed to the Last Temple located at the Back of the Combined Temple, which was Jurong Feng Shan Temple.

This was the Temple that I had been waiting to visit, but whenever I'm ready to visit the Temple, some issues were sure to happen. Yesterday, finally I got the chance to pay my respect to Guang Ze Zun Wang (廣澤尊王) & Miao Ying Xian Fei (妙應仙妃) in the Temple.

Upon reaching, due to it was the Working Hour, so the whole Temple was quite quiet, only Vabien & I were going around busily doing our honouring.

After our Honouring Completed, we took a quick rest and then, start our Photo Taking.

First starting from the Heaven Altar and then slowly proceed into the Temple.

Just as we were about to leave the Temple, we saw that the Tiny Room that dedicated to the Dragon Bed (龍床) was opened, so we went into the Room to take a Picture on the Bed and also, try out sitting on the Bed to get Blessing. It did feel Good.

Soon, we made our leave and just nice, it was Lunch Time, so some Working Adults from the surrounding Offices started to come into the Temple to pay their respect.

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1164090152/pic/list

Du Cheng Huang Temple Salvation Day (都城隍廟救度法會及開印大典)

Start:	Sep 11, '09 11:00a
End:	Sep 12, '09 11:00p
Location:	Singapore, CBD, Tanjong Pagar

Thanks to Bro Slimcat for reminding me on this Interesting Event.

On this coming Friday 11 Sep 2009 (23rd Day of Lunar 7 Month), Du Cheng Huang Temple, located besides Tanjong Pagar MRT, will be conducting the Annual Salvation Ritual for the Wandering Spirits.

At Night, at about 9.00 - 10.00 Pm, the Temple will invite out the Ancient Cheng Huang Seal (開印儀式) for Endorsing on the Talismans for distribution. For those who are interested in getting the Endorsement, please be early, in-order not to miss this Opportunity, this is to Celebrate the Cheng Huang in the Temple of getting the Promotion Title of Wei Ling Gong (敕封威靈公)

And on the Saturday 12 Sep 2009 (24th Day of Lunar 7 Month), the Temple will conducted the Annual Blessing Ritual.

Hope to see you all there.

Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Tai Sui (值年太歲聖誕吉慶)

19th Day of Lunar 7 Month is considered as the Manifestation Anniversary of the Lord Tai Sui of the Year.

For those who have pay respect to Lord Tai Sui before or during the Lunar New Year Period, on this Day, Oneself or the Family must visit the Temple again to do another round of Honouring, in-order to return the necessary Gratitude to Lord Tai Sui for the past 6 Month's Blessing.

For those who havent pay their respect, do not worry, cos the Honouring can be done in between these 3 Days - 19th - 21st.

For more info on Lord Tai Sui, you may wish to visit the following links:

Lord Tai Sui's Pictures: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/116

Manifestation Anniversary Info: http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/210

Lord Tai Sui for Year 2009: http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/256

The Movie Preview Talks at GV Plaza Singapura (電影"還魂"小型座談會)

Last Friday (04 Sep 2009), after the Dotting Ritual for Lord Pu Du (普度公爺) at Yin Fu Gong (陰福宮), Vabien, Davis & I went straight to Golden Village Plaza Singapura to participate in the Movie Preview Talks on the Theme Returning of Souls (還魂).

Upon the Invitation of API & Golden Village, I was chosen to give a Brief Intro on the Theory of Souls & Spirits (魂魄) in Taoism and also, on the Idea of Taoist Returning of Spirits on the 7 Days.

Due to time restriction, the Talks was really a Brief one, but, it was an Interesting one.

Besides me, another Group of Muslim Ghosts Hunters was also invited to give a rough Idea on what is Ghost is the Muslim Culture.

For those who have miss this Talks, maybe you all can proceed to API's Website for more Info.

Thanks to Vabien & Davis for taking the Photos.

Last Picture was taken a Week again in GV Plaza Singapura with the Interesting Members of API & Muslim Ghosts Hunters.

Long Shan Men Honouring Di Guan Da Di 2009 (地官赦罪期)

Its a year again for the Inspection for Di Guan Da Di (地官大帝) aka Lord Emperor of Earthly Realm.

Today, at about 10Am, Vabien and I went to Yu Huang Dian (玉皇殿), located at Havelock Road, to honour Di Guan Da Di and also, to seek the Permission & Blessing for the Certificates that were be distributed out to the Disciples of Long Shan Men (龍山門入門證書).

Upon reaching the Temple, devotees had been going around to offer their Incenses to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊), after a short rest and getting out Offerings, we started to go round the Temple to do our Honouring. Just as I was about to pay my respect to Jade Emperor of Heaven, I saw Vernon, one of our Good Old Friends, in the Temple doing his honouring too. So happy to see him after our last meeting at one of the Sintua in Choa Chu Kang.

After a quick catch-up, I continued with my Honouring. Due to today was the 15th Day of the Lunar Month, so the Platform (天台) that situated behind the Main Altar was opened to devotees to perform communication with the Heaven. And so, after my round of Honouring, I took the Long Shan Men's Certificates to the Platform for Enhancement & Endorsement.

Upon completion on the Honouring at Yu Huang Dian, we went to Lei Yin Temple (雷音寺), located at Bukit Merah View, to pay respect to the Di Guan Da Di in the Temple. Due to this was the Temple that I visited since Primary School, so till Today, it has become a Routine for me to visit the Temple on the San Yuan Festival (三元節).

While Vabien was doing his Requesting of Blessings for the Beings, I went around the Temple to take some Pictures. Till today, this Temple still keep Living Roosters & Hens, so it was really interesting to get such a close distance contact with Living Poultry.

With a quick round of Honouring, we headed to do the Sending-off of the Paper Offerings, just before we burnt off the Paper, Vabien took a Picture with the Paper Robe (紙袍) dedicated for Di Guan Da Di (specially wrap-up with Ribbons).

After the Honouring, we went for our Lunch and the Honouring of Di Guan for Year 2009 is considered Completed.

For High Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/47482571/pic/list

Introduction on Mount Tai General Wu Dao (東嶽五道將軍簡介)

General Wu Dao aka Wu Dao Jiang Jun (五道將軍), a Taoist Deity that In-charge of Witholding the Order of the Souls & Spirits while the Souls & Spirits Enter-into or Exit-out from the Nether Realm (冥府) aka Negative Dimension (陰司).

According to Ancient Records, Wu Dao Jiang Jun was the Subordinate or Assistant of Dong Yue Da Di aka Lord Mount Tai (泰山東嶽大帝). Besides that, Wu Dao Jiang Jun was also the Assistant of Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊), while Lord Tai Yi travelled around to carry the Task of Salvations.

In Nether Realm, Wu Dao Jiang Jun would Assist the Lords of the Ten Court (十殿冥王 the 10 Manifestations of Lord Tai Yi 十方化身救苦天尊) in Creating Recording for the Newly Pass-on Souls, Eliminate the Old Records of Reborn Souls & also, Fixing Good or Bad Reborn for a Reborning Soul.

While Wu Dao Jiang Jun being invited into the Mortal Realm, he would be In-charge of Ensuring that the Souls & Spirits that being Release-out were in Order and not Creating any Mischievous Actions to the Mortals. When Wu Dao Jiang Jun arrived in the Mortal Realm, he would Change his Face-color from Brown to Green, in-order to Withold the Authorities that Heaven appointed to him in Maintaining the Order for the Souls & Spirits.

In the Mortal Realm, Wu Dao Jiang Jun would carried a Fan (幡) aka Banner Flag with Five Colors-cloth on it, the Five Colors were Gold (金), Silver (銀), Green (綠), Brown (褐) & Black (皂) and also a Spiritual Whisk (拂塵) to lead the Souls or Spirits to the assigned or destinated Venues.

These Five Colors were there to represent the Five Bridges that existed in the Nether Realm or Negative Dimension. The Five Bridges were:

1) Golden Bridge (金橋), to lead to Positive Realm or Heavenly Realm
2) Silver Bridge (銀橋), to lead to Mortal Realm with Good & Prosperity Reborn
3) Jaden Bridge (玉橋), to lead to Mortal Realm with Good but Normal Reborn
4) Wooden Bridge (木橋), to lead to Mortal Realm with Normal but Hardship Reborn
5) Nether World Suffering Bridge (奈何橋), to lead to Nether Realm for Sins & Debts Hearing and maybe Punishments

While Wu Dao Jiang Jun was being appointed to Stand-guard in the Nether Realm, he would usually hold onto the Five Color Fan (五色幡) and also a Spear (槍) in-order to maintain the Order in the Chaotic Realm.

In Taoist Salvation Rituals/Ceremonies, Wu Dao Jiang Jun will be invited to the Salvation Venue to assist in the High Priests to maintain the Order. In certain cases, Wu Dao Jiang Jun's Paper-figurine will be made dedicated to him and being placed near to the Main Altar of Salvation.

In Asia now, due to the Mixture-culture and Non-relevant Teachings, alot of Taoists & Chinese had stopped inviting Wu Dao Jiang Jun but Da Shi Ye aka The Buddhist Ghostly King. Now, in some Areas in Asia, the Buddhists even Claimed that Wu Dao Jiang Jun is the General that In-charge of the Liu Dao Lun Hui (六道輪迴) aka the Six Realms Reborning Cycle. I can said that, this is NOT Accurate & Official.

In some Taoist Contexts, Wu Dao Jiang Jun is also being illustrated as the Deity of Opening of the Path in the Five-directions. Which I cant said that this is totally Wrong but Not very Accurate. Worst is that, Folks tend to relate him with the Robbery or Theif Deities (五盜神) - due to the Same Pronouciation on the Official Titles.

Manifestation Anniversary of General Wu Dao falls on 12th Day of Lunar 3 Month (五道將軍化身聖誕為農曆三月十二日).

Summary

In here, I will like to use this Opportunity to advise Official Temples & Taoists in changing the Invitation of Wu Dao Jiang Jun while Temples or any Taoists conducting the Rituals/Ceremonies for Salvation. Cos in Taoism, Only Wu Dao Jiang Jun is able to perform the Necessary Tasks for the Salvation.

Hope that after Returning Wu Dao Jiang Jun his True Identity in this Mortal Realm, he is able to bless All the Mortals with Good Future and Good Reborn.

 

Video Series on Taoist Salvation Ritual 04 (道教登臺說法普度短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 4 Videos on the Taoist Salvation Ritual.

In Taoism, this type of Salvation is known as Deng Tai Shuo Fa (登臺說法) aka Ascending the Salvation Platform for Preaching the Wandering Souls or Zhen Ji Gu Hun (賑濟孤魂) aka Salvaging the Suffering Wanderings, some known as Ling Bao Shi Shi Ke Yi (靈寶施食科儀).

In the Videos, you will see how the Leading Taoist Priest transformed himself into Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊) after wearing the Five Elders Headgear for the Salvaging of the Souls.

After the Transformation, he will start to enhance the Items and then throw down the Platform for the Wanderings to grab it and then Ascend to the Spiritual Realm for enjoying Eternal Blessing (東極長樂界).

Video Series on Taoist Salvation Ritual 03 (道教登臺說法普度短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 4 Videos on the Taoist Salvation Ritual.

In Taoism, this type of Salvation is known as Deng Tai Shuo Fa (登臺說法) aka Ascending the Salvation Platform for Preaching the Wandering Souls or Zhen Ji Gu Hun (賑濟孤魂) aka Salvaging the Suffering Wanderings, some known as Ling Bao Shi Shi Ke Yi (靈寶施食科儀).

In the Videos, you will see how the Leading Taoist Priest transformed himself into Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊) after wearing the Five Elders Headgear for the Salvaging of the Souls.

After the Transformation, he will start to enhance the Items and then throw down the Platform for the Wanderings to grab it and then Ascend to the Spiritual Realm for enjoying Eternal Blessing (東極長樂界).

Video Series on Taoist Salvation Ritual 02 (道教登臺說法普度短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 4 Videos on the Taoist Salvation Ritual.

In Taoism, this type of Salvation is known as Deng Tai Shuo Fa (登臺說法) aka Ascending the Salvation Platform for Preaching the Wandering Souls or Zhen Ji Gu Hun (賑濟孤魂) aka Salvaging the Suffering Wanderings, some known as Ling Bao Shi Shi Ke Yi (靈寶施食科儀).

In the Videos, you will see how the Leading Taoist Priest transformed himself into Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊) after wearing the Five Elders Headgear for the Salvaging of the Souls.

After the Transformation, he will start to enhance the Items and then throw down the Platform for the Wanderings to grab it and then Ascend to the Spiritual Realm for enjoying Eternal Blessing (東極長樂界).

Video Series on Taoist Salvation Ritual 01 (道教登臺說法普度短片)

In here, you all will be watching a Series of 4 Videos on the Taoist Salvation Ritual.

In Taoism, this type of Salvation is known as Deng Tai Shuo Fa (登臺說法) aka Ascending the Salvation Platform for Preaching the Wandering Souls or Zhen Ji Gu Hun (賑濟孤魂) aka Salvaging the Suffering Wanderings, some known as Ling Bao Shi Shi Ke Yi (靈寶施食科儀).

In the Videos, you will see how the Leading Taoist Priest transformed himself into Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊) after wearing the Five Elders Headgear for the Salvaging of the Souls.

After the Transformation, he will start to enhance the Items and then throw down the Platform for the Wanderings to grab it and then Ascend to the Spiritual Realm for enjoying Eternal Blessing (東極長樂界).

Inspection Anniversary of Lord Di Guan (地官大帝千秋聖誕)

On the 15th Day of Lunar 7 Month, falls on 03 Sep 2009, is considered as the Inspection Day of Heavenly Lord Di Guan (地官大帝考校日).

In Folks Term, it is also known as the Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Di Guan.

On this Day, Taoists & Chinese shall visit Temples to pay respect to Lord Di Guan in-order to request for the Elimination of Sins & Debts and then request for Good Blessing. During the Requesting, remember, do not request un-necessary Stuffs.

This Year, while Oneself is honouring Lord Di Guan, you may also wish to request Blessing for the Sufferings of South Taiwan Disaster.

For more Info, please proceed to this link:

http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/209

Video of San Guan Da Di (you may wish to Play this at home on the 15th Day):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTBpnUj_PQo