Heavenly Lord Tian Guan Inspection Day (正月十五上元日天官大帝考校巡天下)

On 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月廿四日), Kitchen Deity aka Zao Jun (灶君) return back to Heavenly Realm to perform his Annual Reporting to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊).

On 25th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月廿五日), Jade Emperor of Heaven made his Inspection on ALL Beings before the Lunar Year ended.

On 29th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月廿九日), Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗星君) performed their Inspection for the Beings and performed their Recordings in-order for the processing of Blessing Bestowing for the Beings for the New Lunar Year.

On 7th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月初七日), Lord Nan Bei Dou performed their very 1st round of Inspection on ALL Beings for the New Lunar Year and take note of who to Bestow the Blessing to.

On 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月初九日), while Taoists & Chinese celebrating the Manifestation Anniversary of Jade Emperor of Heaven, our dearest Tian Gong was there to perform his very 1st round of Inspection on the Mortal Realm too. During the Inspection, from there, the various different Departments will take note of where, who & what to Bestow upon while the next important Inspection is being carried out.

And in Taoism, on the 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月十五日), it is believed to be the Most Important Day of the whole Lunar Year. Why? Due to the Inspection of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官大帝) – in some Contexts, this Day is also known as the Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Tian Guan.

On this Day, while Lord Tian Guan performed his Inspection, he will also performed the Bestowing of Prosperity and Luck to those who deserve it (from ALL the previous Recordings & Inspection).

And so, in Taoism, on this Day, Taoists & Chinese will have to perform the Honouring dedicating to Lord Tian Guan. While performing the Honouring, Oneself shall Sincerely & Faithfully make Reprimanding, make Vows to make Changes – Eliminate the Wrong Doings, etc.

So what can Oneself Prepare for the Honouring?

For Honouring of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan, for Official Taoist, we try to keep it Simple & Official.

For Official Taoists, Oneself can just use Taoist Five Offerings (道教五供) for the Honouring (link at http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2012/11/introduction-of-taoist-five-offerings.html).

For Layman Taoists, Oneself can add in Longevity Buns (壽桃包), Longevity Noodles (壽麵), Huat Kueh (發糕), Ang Ku Kueh (紅龜粿) and Five Oranges (五粒桔子).

So when is the Best Timing to Do the Honouring?

Usually the Honouring can be Done on the Eve of 14th Day after 11.00Pm.

For those who cant, the Honouring can be Done between 9.00Am –5.00Pm on the Actual Day.

So what shall Oneself do during the Honouring?

Before the Honouring starts, remember to place ALL the Offerings on the Main Altar at Home or Temple.

For those who wish to do the Honouring at Home but do not have an Altar, then Oneself can prepare a Table facing outdoor or Heaven.

After everything is being put in Place. Sincerely light 3 Long Incenses and make 3 Bows.

After the 3 Bows, kneel down and start to report Oneself’s Name (for those who wish to do the Honouring on Behalf of the Others, remember to recite their Names too), Residing Address and then Call-upon the Official Title of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官大帝聖號) and last, Recite the Praise Mantra aka Bao Gao of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官大帝寶誥).

Official Title of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官大帝聖號):

Shang Yuan Yi Pin Jiu Qi Tian Guan Ci Fu Zi Wei Da Di (上元－品九氣天官賜福紫微大帝)

Praise Incantation (天官大帝寶誥):

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.408286525858080.92521.100000302071316&type=3

Upon Completion of the Recitation of the Bao Gao, make 3 Bows and then start to do Oneself’s Requesting.

Once the Requesting is Done, make 1 Bow and then slowly stand up and leave the Altar.
The whole Honouring will End here.

For the Offerings, they can be left on the Altar until the 16th Day of Lunar 1 Month.

Additional Info

In the Ancient Era, on this Day, besides engaging Official Zheng Yi Priests (正一道長) to conduct the Sending of San Guan Shou Shu (三官手書), translated as The Reprimanding Petition for the Changing of Bad-doing and Requesting of Prosperity Blessing, the Layman Taoists would also Burn a type of Paper Offering that got 100 Chinese Fu Character being printed on it.

This type of Paper Offering is known as Na Bai Fu Fu (納百福符) aka 100 Prosperity Talisman.

Yue Hai Qing Temple Annual Honouring Day (粵海清廟農曆正月十四祭祀活動)

Start:	Feb 27, '10 8:00p
Location:	Singapore, CBD, Phillip Street

Dear All,

Today is the 14th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月十四日 - falls on 27 Feb 2010), Yue Hai Qing Temple will be opening for 24 Hours for the Cantonese & Teochew Dialect Groups to honour Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝) & Ma Zu (媽祖).

For those who are interested in joining in the Joyous Celebration & Honouring, please do visit the Temple after 10.00Pm tonight.

Last of ALL, wishes ALL Happy Yuan Xiao Jie (元宵節快樂).

Map at http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_3127/travel_site_403/

Honouring of Tiger Deity on Jing Zhe Day (庚寅驚螫日之安奉虎神)

Start:	Mar 6, '10 08:00a
End:	Mar 6, '10 6:00p
Location:	Singapore, South, Telok Blangah Height

On the 6 Mar (Saturday), which is known as Jing Zhe Ri (驚螫日) in Taoist Context.

Telok Blangah Tee Kong Temple (萬壽山天公廟 - located at Telok Blangah Height next to Block 45) will be conducting a Ceremony for the Honouring of Tiger Deity (虎神).

For those who are interested, please do drop by after 8.00Am in the Morning.

At around 8.00Am sharp, the Invitation of Tiger Deity will be conducted, for those who are weak or got crushes with Tiger Deity, please try to avoid.

Zheng Yi Long Shan Men honouring Tian Gong 2010 (正一龍山門之庚寅年玉皇聖誕)

On the 9th Day Early Morning, Long Shan Men (正一龍山門) had conducted a Simple Honouring dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) at the Main Branch of Long Shan Men in Singapore.

This Year, Jave Wu decided to conduct the Honouring at own Place, 1st reason was, to continue the Traditional Practise that my Ancestors had Pass-down, 2ndly, to do reporting for Jave Wu’s 3rd Round of Taoist Promotion taking place in the upcoming Month and last, to initial the Celebrating of 1135th Anniversary of Long Shan Men that taking place this Year.

At 11.45Pm, Jave Wu and my Mum Offered the 1st Round of Incenses and Beverage. During the Break, Jave Wu and Mum were there to do the Folding of Tian Gong Paper (天公金).

At 0000 Hour, 2nd Round of Incenses and Beverage were being Offered.

At 3rd Round of Offering (三巡茶酒香), which was about 0015 Hour, the whole Honouring considered Successfully Done.

After packing up, at 0030 Hour, Sending Off of the Paper Offerings was being conducted.

Upon completion of the Sending Off of the Paper, the Offerings were being transferred to the Main Altar for the Honouring & Rewarding of the other Deities & Heavenly Marshals.

In the Afternoon of 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month, at about 3.00Pm, Jave Wu and Mum proceed to Telok Blangah Tee Kong Temple (萬壽山天公廟) to conduct the 2nd Round of Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang.

This time round, the Honouring was being conducted on behalf of the Members of Long Shan Men and for those who had sign-up for the Honouring.

As you all can see that the sets of Paper Offerings prepared by the Temple, for those who had sign-up, the set of Paper Offerings were the Items that included in the package.

After 3 rounds of Honouring, some of the Paper Offerings were being retrieved for Sending Off.

The whole of Long Shan Men’s Honouring dedicating to Yu Huang was Successfully conducted and we are looking forward to Next Year’s Honouring.

On the 21st Day of Lunar 1 Month (正月廿一驚螫日), Long Shan Men is being engaged to conduct the Honouring of Tiger Deity (虎神) at Telok Blangah Tee Kong Temple, for those who are interested in taking part, do drop by on that Morning after 8.00Am.

Philippines Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian honouring Tian Gong 2010 (菲律濱正一閭山白軍殿之庚寅年玉皇聖誕)

On the 8th Day Evening of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月初八晚), Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian (菲律濱正一閭山白軍殿) located in Philippines had started to prepare for the Honouring of Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) for the Manifestation Anniversary in Geng Yin Year (庚寅年).

At about 8.30Pm, the Members there had started the spreading out of the Offerings and by the time of 11.00Pm plus, the Honouring Officially started.

By the Time the Paper Offerings being Send-off, it was already 2.00Am in the Morning.

Really appreciate the Effort and Sincerity that Members of Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian had put.

May Yu Huang bestowed the necessary Blessing for Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian and also ALL the People in Philippines.

Video Clip on Yu Huang Scripture – The Praising of Yu Huang (玉皇真經之玉皇讚)

In here, you all will be watching a Video Clip on the Scripture dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven aka Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊).

For this Scripture, it can be played on every 1st & 15th Day of the Lunar Month and also on various Major Celebration such as the Manifestation Anniversary of Yu Huang, that falls on the 9th Day of Lunar 1 Month.

In the following is the Hokkien Translation of this Scripture, hope you all Enjoy it:

玉皇大天尊聖讚
Giok Hong Dai Thian Zhun Seng Zhan

靈霄寶殿鎮天上。
Hkk: Lhing Shiao Poh Dhian Dhing Thian Shiang

昊天金闕大至尊。
Hkk: Hor Thian Khim Khua Dai Jhee Zhun

玉京祥雲煙香清。
Hkk: Giok Khia Shiang Hoon Yhan Hiang Cheng

三十三天上自然。
Hkk: Sam Sip Sam Thian Shiang Choo Lhian

萬物元始化神靈。
Hkk: Ban Bhoo Wan Shoo Hua Shin Lheng

一統大道天地人。
Hkk: Yee Thong Dai Dhor Thian Thay Lhin

歷代帝王皆授命。
Hkk: Lhiek Dhai Dhay Ong Ghai Shiew Bheng

至上神威在高天。
Hkk: Jhee Shiong Shin Wee Zhai Khor Thian
　

Lord Nan Bei Dou descending to Mortal Realm (大年初七日南北斗新春降人間)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

In Taoism, on every 7th Day of the Lunar Month, it is believed that Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗星君) will descend to the Mortal Realm for Inspection & Recording.

On the 1st 7th Day of New Lunar Year (新春首個初七日), it is considered as the Most Important Day for the Honouring of Lord Nan Bei Dou.

In the Ancient Era, besides Celebrating “Mortals’ Birthday aka Ren Ri (人日)”, Taoists will also honoured Lord Nan Bei Dou for the requesting of Longevity Blessing and also for the Eliminating of Sins & Debts.

So what can Oneself Prepare for the Honouring?

For Honouring of Lord Nan Bei Dou, try to keep it Simple & Official.

For Official Taoists, Oneself can just use Taoist Five Offerings (道教五供) for the Honouring (link at http://javewu.multiply.com/journal/item/131).

For Layman Taoists, Oneself can add in Longevity Buns (壽桃包), Longevity Noodles (壽麵), Huat Kueh (發糕), Ang Ku Kueh (紅龜粿) and Five Oranges (五粒桔子).

So when is the Best Timing to Do the Honouring?

Usually the Honouring can be Done on the Eve of 7th Day after 11.00Pm.

For those who cant, the Honouring can be Done between 9.00 – 11.00 Am on the Actual Day.

So what shall Oneself do during the Honouring?

Before the Honouring starts, remember to place ALL the Offerings on the Main Altar at Home or Temple.

For those who wish to do the Honouring at Home but do not have an Altar, then Oneself can prepare a Table facing outdoor or Heaven.

After everything is being put in Place. Sincerely light 3 Long Incenses and make 3 Bows.

After the 3 Bows, kneel down and start to report Oneself’s Name (for those who wish to do the Honouring on Behalf of the Others, remember to recite their Names too), Residing Address and then Call-upon the Official Title of Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗聖號) and last, Recite the Praise Mantra aka Bao Gao of Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗星君寶誥).

Official Title of Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗聖號):

Bei Dou Jiu Jiu Huang Ci Fu Xing Jun (北斗九皇賜福星君)
Nan Dou Liu Si Yan Shou Xing Jun (南斗六司延壽星君)

Praise Mantra aka Bao Gao of Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗星君寶誥):

Refer to this link: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/161


Upon Completion of the Recitation of the Bao Gao, make 3 Bows and then start to do Oneself’s Requesting.

Once the Requesting is Done, make 1 Bow and then slowly stand up and leave the Altar.
The whole Honouring will End here.

For the Offerings, they can be left on the Altar until the 8th Day of Lunar 1 Month.

Video Clip on San Guan Official Title Scripture (太上三官寶號經)

In here, you all will be watching a Video Clip on the Singing Recitation of the Scripture of San Guan Bao Hao Jing aka Scripture of the Official Titles of the Three Heavenly Lords of the Three Realms (三元三官大帝). In Taoism, usually this Scripture is chant together with San Guan Miao Jing (三官妙經) aka San Guan Gan Ying Miao Jing (三官感應妙經) or Tai Shang San Yuan Ci Fu She Zui Jie E Xiao Zai Yan Sheng Bao Ming Miao Jing (太上三元賜福赦罪解厄消災延生保命妙經).

In Taoism, San Guan Miao Jing is a Basic Scripture that ALL Taoists must Understand & Practise. Besides that, on the 1st Day or 15th Day of the Lunar Month, this Scripture Must be chanted in-order to request for Blessing from San Guan Da Di for the World.

For those who always felt that Oneself easily feel tense or things are not getting smooth, Oneself can recite this Scripture in the Morning in front of an Altar or while Oneself visit Temples. By doing the Recitation, it does Help.

In the following is the Hokkien Translation of this Scripture (Last Part of the Whole Scripture), hope you all Enjoy it:

三官寶號經
Sam Khuan Poh Hoe Kheng

北极玄穹。紫微帝庭。
Hkk: Pok Kip Hian Khiong. Zee Bee Thay Theng

泰山岱嶽。水国清泠。　
Hkk: Thai San Dhai Ghar. Chwee Kok Cheng Lheng

纲维三界。统御万灵。
Hkk: Khong Wee Sam Ghai. Thong Ghee Ban Lheng

三元校籍。善恶攸分。　
Hkk: Sam Wan Khow Kip. Sian Orh Yew Hoon

斋戒礼诵。无愿不成。
Hkk: Zhai Kiat Lhay Siong. Boo Wan Phoo Seng

消灾释罪。降福延生。　
Hkk: Shiao Zhai Seet Zhui. Ghang Hock Yan Seng

至真妙道。功德无边。
Hkk: Zee Jin Meow Dhor. Kong Teck Boon Bhian

大悲大愿。大圣大慈。　
Hkk: Dai Phee Dai Wan. Dai Seng Dai Choo

至心朝禮。上元一品。
Hkk: Zee Sim Dhiao Lhay. Shiong Wan Yit Pin

赐福天官。紫微大帝。　
Hkk: Soo Hock Thian Ghuan. Jee Bee Dai Thay

至心朝禮。中元二品。
Hkk:
Zee Sim Dhiao Lhay. Thiong Wan Lee Pin

赦罪地官。清虚大帝。　
Hkk: Siak Zui Dhay Ghuan. Cheng Hee Dai Thay

至心朝禮。下元三品。
Hkk: Zee Sim Dhiao Lhay. Hak Wan Sam Pin

解厄水官。洞阴大帝。　
Hkk: Ghai E’ Shwee Ghuan. Dhong Yim Dai Thay

至心朝禮。乾元四品。
Hkk: Zee Sim Dhiao Lhay. Khian Wan Soo Pin

考校火官。洞阳大帝。　
Hkk: Khor Khow Hor Ghuan. Dhong Yong Dai Thay

至心朝禮。三元主宰。
Hkk: Zee Sim Dhiao Lhay. Sam Wan Choo Zhai

三百六十。应感天尊。　
Hkk: Sam Pak Liok Sip. Yim Gham Thian Zhun

至心朝禮。女青真人。
Hkk: Zee Sim Dhiao Lhay. Lhoo Cheng Jin Lin

一百二十。考校曹官。　
Hkk: Jit Pak Lee Sip. Khor Khow Chor Ghuan

Ushering of Deity of Wealth on the 5th Day of Lunar 1 Month (大年初五迎財神)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Time really files, with a Blink, it’s already the 5th Day of Lunar 1 Month (大年初五日).

In Chinese Culture and Taoist Practise, this is the Day for Taoists to perform the Ushering of Deity of Wealth into One’s Home (迎接財神) – in some Context, this is the Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming & his other 4 Assistants (五路財神).

On this Day, Taoists will visit Temples that dedicate to Deity of Wealth or Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong (趙公明天君) to do requesting of Wealth Blessing.

In most of the Countries in Asia, Taoists still continue to do that, except Singapore & Malaysia, which will perform the Ushering in of Deity of Wealth on the Eve of Lunar New Year – due to Commercialization and Money Making Issues.

So where can our Singapore Taoists go to for the Ushering of Deity of Wealth?

In Singapore, for those interested parties, you may wish to visit Sembawang Cai Shen Temple (三巴旺財神廟) to pay respect to the various Deities of Wealth and then invite the Incenses back for burning, as a significant of inviting Deity of Wealth into One’s Home.

If not, Oneself can engage Official or Trained Taoist Priests to perform such a Ceremony at Home on the Early Morning of the 5th Day. Usually such Ceremonies will bring in some Joyous result within a short period.

For those who cant visit Temples or engage Priests, Oneself or the Family can do some simple Preparation for the Ushering in of Deity of Wealth.

So what to prepare for the Ushering?


Here are the Offerings that Oneself can prepare:

1 Oranges of 5 (大桔五粒)

2 Huat Kueh of 1 (發糕一個)

3 Nian Gao of 1 (年糕一個)

4 Traditional 12 Bowls (十二齋碗)

5 Chinese Lettuce 1 Bundle (生菜一把)

6 Long Incenses of a Set of 3 (長壽香三支)

7 Red Candles 1 pair that can last for 24 Hours (紅斗燭一對)

8 Chinese Tea & Rice Wine of 3 cups each (茶酒各三杯)

9 Tian Gong Jin 3 Stacks (天公金三疊)

10 San Bao Jin 3 Stacks (三寶金三疊)

11 Da Xiao Gui Ren Paper 3 Stacks each (大小貴人紙各三份)

12 Raw Rice, Green Bean, Yellow Bean, Red Bean & Rice Glutinous Rice - a Teaspoon each (生白米/綠荳/紅豆/黃荳/糯米各一茶匙) – mix ALL the Grains in a RED bowl (將所有穀類拌勻﹐放入紅碗中)

What to do after Preparing ALL the necessary Offerings?

Place them out nicely on the Main Altar at Home.

Between 9-11Am, using the Long Incenses, make 3 Bows to the Heaven 1st and then proceed into the Home and Call-upon the Deity of Wealth.

Report who you are and where you stay. After then, report the Date of the Day and follow by your Request.

After finishing, make 3 Bows in front of the Main Altar and then Offer the Incenses into the Main Urn.

After 15minutes, retrieve the Paper Offerings for Burning.

Remember not to retrieve the other Offerings until the 6th Day Morning. As for the Mix-grains, do not keep them, Pour them into a Glass bottle and then place it on the Main Altar. These Grains are actually the Spiritual Items for Ushering in the Wealth from ALL Directions.

Some People may want to cook the Grains, remember not to cook all, must at least leave 50% for the Placing on the Main Altar.

On the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆臘月廿四日), then retrieve the Mix-grains and Burn them off with San Bao Jin (三寶金).

Last of ALL, wishes ALL of you, having a Prosperity & Wealthy Year.

Sembawang Cai Shen Temple Ushering in the Lunar New Year (三巴旺財神廟迎春接福)

On the Early Morning of Lunar New Year’s 1st Day, with the accompany of Bro Kevin & Sis Geraldine, my Mum and I went to Sembawang Cai Shen Temple to offer our Incenses to the Main Deities there.

Upon completing of the Offering of Incenses, we went around the Temple to look at the Set-up of the Tentage specially for the Lunar New Year Period and with our Delights, we saw that the Temple had import in the Biggest Dou Mu (斗姆元君), Nan Bei Dou (南北斗星君) & 60 Tai Suis’ (六十太歲) Statues (Biggest in Singapore Pic 03-08).

After then, we went to Sembawang Tian Hou Temple (三巴旺天后宮) to pay our respect to Ma Zu (媽祖) and then, off to Telok Blangah Tee Kong Temple (萬壽山天公廟) to offer our Incenses to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊).

Reached Home at about 5.00Am in the Morning, even though was quite tired, but everyone enjoyed the Joyous Mood of the Arrival of the Lunar New Year.

Long Shan Men Lunar Geng Yin Year Greeting (正一龍山門庚寅賀新年)

Dear All,

On behalf of Zheng Yi Long Shan Men Taoist Sect (正一龍山門) & Various different Departments, Jave Wu (正一大孝/孝華君) here will like to express my Sincerely & Truely Thanks to those who have given Long Shan Men Taoist Sect & Me the fullest Support for the past few Years.

Here, I will like to send the New Year Greeting to all of you.

Wishes All, All the best and Successful in whatever you do in the Year of Geng Yin.

Here's a Greeting Banner dedicated to All:

Ushering in of Lord Fu Lu Shou on the 1st Day of Lunar New Year 2010 (恭迎福祿壽三星臨門)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

 

Last Year, Jave Wu had do some simple introduction on the Ushering of Lord Fu Lu Shou to One’s Home on the 1st Day of Lunar 1 Month aka Lunar New Year Day (大年初一/新正日). This Year, Jave Wu will like to enhance more on the last year introduction, in-order for those who have miss the posting, to have another chance in knowing more on this Official & Accurate Practice in Taoist Culture.

So what shall Oneself prepare for the Ushering of Lord Fu Lu Shou?

For those who prefer Easy and Simple honouring, you can just prepare a set of 3 Good Long Incenses, 3 cups of warm Chinese Tea or Wine and a set of 5 Oranges for the Ushering.

For those prefer more Grand Honouring, you can add on the Five Taoist Offerings (道教五供, Huat Kueh (發糕一個), a Set of 5 Longevity Buns (壽桃包五粒), a packet of Longevity Noodle (長壽面一包), a Set of 12 Traditional Sweet Stuffs (十二齋碗), 3 Sets of Tian Gong Paper (天公金三疊) & 3 Sets of San Bao Jin (三寶金三疊).

After setting up the Offerings on a small Desk, which must face the Heaven in any Direction, Oneself shall Recite the Offering Incense Incantation (祝香神咒) and then call upon the Official Title of Lord Fu Lu Shou (福祿壽三星君).

The Official Title can be just Fu Lu Shou San Xing Jun (福祿壽三星君) or Zhong Tian Bei Ji Zi Wei Di Jun (中天北極紫微帝君), Jiu Tian Si Lu Wen Chang Di Jun (九天司祿文昌帝君) & Nan Tian Yan Shou Chang Sheng Di Jun (南天延壽長生帝君).

After calling upon the Official Title, Recite the Praise Mantra aka Bao Gao (寶誥) of Lord Fu Lu Shou:

福祿壽三星天尊寶誥
Fu Lu Shou Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

中樞紫微。南方長庚。
Zhong Shu Zi Wei. Nan Fang Chang Geng

北斗文曲。三星列照。
Bei Dou Wen Qu. San Xing Lie Zhao

注冊乾坤福氣。
Zhu Ce Qian Kun Fu Qi

書錄人間祿運。
Shu Lu Ren Jian Lu Yun

察訪生靈壽生。
Cha Fang Sheng Ling Shou Sheng

賜福注祿延壽。
Ci Fu Zhu Lu Yan Shou

星移中天。歲時更新。
Xing Yi Zhong Tian. Sui Shi Geng Xin

心誠三敬。萬事致成。
Xin Cheng San Jing. Wan Shi Zhi Cheng

喜財隨行。行督人間。
Xi Cai Sui Xing. Xing Du Ren Jian

不賜歹心惡蠻人。
Bu Ci Dai Xin E Man Ren

光照隨意丹誠身。
Guang Zhao Sui Yi Dan Cheng Shen

大悲大願。大聖大慈。
Da Bei Da Yuan. Da Sheng Da Ci

中天北極紫微帝君。
Zhong Tian Bei Ji Zi Wei Di Jun

九天司祿文昌帝君。
Jiu Tian Si Lu Wen Chang Di Jun

南天延壽長生帝君。
Nan Tian Yan Shou Chang Sheng Di Jun

福祿壽三星大天尊。
Fu Lu Shou San Xing Da Tian Zun

Upon completion, Report Oneself’s Name and Residing Address and then make your Requesting.

Once the requesting is Done, make 3 Sincere Bows and then return back into the House.

After entering into the House, leave the Door open (with Gate locked for safety) until the whole family going to rest.

Once All these are being done, Lord Fu Lu Shou will be there to bestow the Blessing for the whole Family.

Do also look up into the Sky, cos Tonight, Fu Lu Shou Stars (Orion Stars) are usually the Brightest in the whole Year (check out on the Posting at http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/02/pictures-of-fu-lu-shou-aka-three_8987.html).

Info on Orion Stars: http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/02/introduction-on-orion-star-aka-hunter_1164.html

Do remember, do not go to any Un-official Temples or Organisation to join in any such Ceremonies, especially those that required Big Sum of Money. They are just trying to use the Name of Deities to gain the Un-necessary Money.

In here, Jave Wu had also created a Poster dedicating to Lord Fu Lu Shou according to the Traditional Scroll that Taoists used in the Past. Oneself just needed to download the Poster and print it onto a Red or Pink A4 Size Paper. During the Honouring, place the Poster in front of the Urn and after Honouring, Retrieve the Poster and Paste it on the Wall where One’s Home Altar is. For those without Altar, just Paste it in the Living Room where everyone can see it everyday.

Download this picture:




Last of All, wishes All:

福到祿到壽星到。
Fu Dao Lu Dao Shou Xing Dao

財旺運旺富貴旺。
Cai Wang Yun Wang Fu Gui Wang

Annual Inspection of Lord Nan Bei Dou before New Year (南北斗星君察巡天下)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

In Taoism Culture, 1 Day before the Lunar New Year’s Eve, is considered as the Inspection Day of Lord Nan Bei Dou (南北斗星君).

On this Day, Taoists will visit Temples or Set-up Altar at Home to usher in Lord Nan Bei Dou in-order to request for the Necessary Blessing for the Lunar New Year.

For Year 2010, it falls on 12 Feb, a Friday.
For Year 2013, it falls on 08 Feb, a Friday.

So what is the Main Purpose of this Inspection?


On the 25th Day of Lunar 12 Month, Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) had made his Inspection on the Mortal World to check on the on-going activities that Mortals are involved in and during this Inspection, Jade Emperor of Heaven will definitely be there to check on the Good & Evil Doings of Mortals. And so, after this Inspection, Jade Emperor of Heaven will need a Follow-up Inspection by the Associated Officers to do the Recording and so, before a New Lunar Year arrives, Lord Nan Bei Dou will be appointed to do the Inspection in-order for them to do the necessary Recording on the Credits, Merits, Sins & Debts of Mortals and from there, the equality-blessing will be bestowed upon the Mortal accordingly.

After the necessary Recordings are being made and being reported to Jade Emperor of Heaven, on the 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月十五日), Heavenly Lord of Heavenly Realm aka Tian Guan Da Di (天官大帝) will be there to perform the Inspection and Distributing of Fortune & Prosperity to the Mortals (賜福人間) who have gained the necessary Blessing according to their Accumulated Credits & Merits.

Before that, On the Eve of Lunar New Year (大年除夕), Fu Lu Shou (福祿壽) – the Three Prosperity Stars will be there to distribute the necessary Blessing to the Mortals for the Lunar New Year. Due to this piece of Info is not being widely share among the Taoists & Chinese, a lot of People tend to mistaken that on the Eve of Lunar New Year is a Day to usher in the Deity of Wealth (財神), which is Wrong and this is just a Commercial Trick that Modern People had planned.

So what to do on this Day?


For Lord Nan Bei Dou’s Inspection Day, usually some simple Honouring being done will do.

Main Purpose of this Honouring is to Sincerely & Faithfully making Self-reflection & Reprimanding of One’s Wrong Doing for the past 1 Year and hoping by doing so, Lord Nan Bei Dou will be there to provide the necessary Guidance for Oneself and Oneself will be able to be Blessed by the Heaven for the next 12 Months.

Besides that, this is also to remind Oneself that from this Day onwards, Oneself shall be more Kind, Compassionate and Caring towards the others and also, Oneself must be responsible in ALL Physical & Verbal actions that Oneself has made.

So what to Prepare for the Honouring?


For the Offerings, Oneself can prepare the following:

1 – 3 cups of Chinese Tea or Water (三杯清茶/水)

2 – 5 Longevity Buns (五個壽桃包)

3 – 1 packet of Longevity Noodles (一份長壽面)

4 – 1 Huat Kueh (一個發糕)

5 – 1 Nian Gao (一個年糕)

6 – 1 set of Red Candles (一對紅燭)

7 – 3 Long Incenses (三支長壽香)

Once all the Offerings are Ready, just proceed to any nearby Temples to do the Honouring.

So what to Say during the Honouring?


Before Oneself make any form of Requests, remember to make 3 Sincere Bow and then Kneel down.

Upon Kneeling down, report Oneself’s Name, DOB, Residing Address, Today’s Date and the Request that Oneself making. After the Requesting, make 3 Bows and then stand up.

Remember, do not make any form of Un-realistic Requesting, especially to Lord Nan Bei Dou, San Guan Da Di (三官大帝), etc.

南北斗星君在上。
Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun Zai Shang

道門弟子XXX。
Dao Men Di Zi XXX

生于X年X月X日X時。
Sheng Yu X Nian X Yue X Ri X Shi

凡居XXXXXXX。
Fan Ju XXXXXXX

今己丑年臘月廿九日。
Jin Ji Chou Nian La Yue Nian Jiu Ri

喜逢南北斗星君巡查天下。
Xi Feng Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun Xun Cha Tian Xia

道門弟子XXX與此祈求XXXXXXXX。
Dao Men Di Zi XXX Yu Ci Qi Qiu XXXXXXXX

在此獻上三拜敬禮。
Zai Ci Xian Shang San Bai Jing Li

以答謝南北斗星君庇佑之恩。
Yi Da Xie Nan Bei Dou Xing Jun Bi You Zhi En (三拜 Three Bows)


After the Honouring, what to do with the Offerings?


Do remember to bring back the Offerings, if Oneself got Altar at Home, place them on the Altar, if not, the Offerings can be shared among the Family Members.

Last of ALL, wishes ALL of You having a Nice Communication with Lord Nan Bei Dou before Lunar New Year arrives.


南北星斗巡天下。
造冊記錄奏玉駕。
一心顯誠千惡滅。
三叩九敬萬福來。

Spring Cleaning before the New Lunar Year arrives (清囤淨神好過年)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Sending Off of Kitchen Deity (送灶) and Ushering in of Jade Emperor of Heaven’s (玉皇出巡) Inspection of the Mortal Realm are completed, now it’s the time for us, the Taoists & Chinese to do necessary Cleaning up for the Home before a New Lunar Year arrives. In English term, this is known as Spring Cleaning, in Chinese & Dialect, we address this Event as Qing Tun (清囤) – you may wish to read more on Qing Tun at http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/01/la-yue-customs-lunar-12-month-customs_8985.html

Cleansing using Herbs: http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2008/07/cleansing-of-ones-home-with-chinese.html

In here, I will like to concentrate on the Cleaning of Home Altar & Statues (upon request by most of the Members here).

A lot of People had been asking Jave on how to do the Cleaning of Home Altar in-order not to Offend the Deities and usually my reply is that, Deities wont get Offended unless Oneself has done something really nasty to the Home Altar or Statues.

In here, I will share some simple Procedure on the Cleaning of Home Altars & Statues. Here it goes:

Step 1: Choose a Good Day & remember to do it before 11.00Am. For those who are working, then no choice, you have to do it before 9.00Pm.

Step 2: Prepare a Basin of Yin-Yang Water (50% Hot & 50% Cold Water 陰陽清淨水), add in 5-colored Flowers (exclude White 五色花) & some Pomelo (柚子葉) or Pomengranate Leaves (石榴葉). Remember to Prepare a New Cleaning Towel too, White & Black are Not Usable (these 2 are only mend for Cleaning the Body of Pass-ons).

Step 3: Once the Water is Ready, Light 3 Incenses, after then, report to the Home Deities on What is Today’s Date & What are you going to Do, once after Reporting, Place the Incenses into the Urn.

Step 4: For Layman Taoists/Chinese, Life One of the Pomelo Leave out from the Yin-Yang Water, Sprinkle on the Altar surrounding, after doing so, Use the Leave to slighting push the Statues side-way, do not use too much Strength, if not, you will damage the Statues by knocking onto somewhere.

This Pushing is a Symbolisation of Moving and Respectful request the Energies in the Statues to leave for a while, while the Cleaning is taking Place.

Step 5: Upon Reporting & Cleansing the surrounding, its time to Invite the Statues down onto a Clean Table (spread a piece of Red Cloth/Paper on the surface), allowing the Statues to temporary rest on the Table while Cleaning take process.

Step 6: Rinse the Towel with Yin-Yang Water, start cleaning the Statues from Head, then Ears, Body, Arms, Hands, Legs, Weapons and last, the Face. Do not scrub the face, just Gently use the Rinsed Towel to clean the surface, as long as the Face look Clean, the Cleaning can stop. Remember not to bring the whole Statues to rinse under Running Tap, this is one of the most Disrespectful action to take.

Step 7: Once all the Statues are Cleaned, then slowly retrieve the Urn down from the Altar to do polishing or cleaning. Remember, the Incenses in the Urn will still be Burning, do not Throw it away, just Respectfully retrieve it out and Place on a flat surface or some people will place the Incenses onto a Huat Kueh (發糕). During the whole Cleaning, the Incenses that use for Reporting must stay burning, so try to use Long Incenses.

Upon completing the Polishing & Cleaning of the Urn, place the Incenses back into the Urn.

Step 8: Using the remaining Yin-Yang Water, Clean the whole Altar and the Back-wall of the Altar. Make sure that ALL Spider-web & other Insects’ remaining are being Clear-off.

Step 9: Once ALL the Cleaning are Ready, Place the Urn back onto the Altar 1st, follow by Inviting the Lowest Ranking Deity onto the Altar, following by the Highest Ranking, etc.

Before allowing the Statues to sit on the Statue Seat, the Statues must go Across the Burning Incenses, this is a Symbolisation of Requesting the Deities to come back. Once all Statues are In-place, then place back ALL the cleaned Items onto the Altar to their respective position.

Step 10: Once everything is In-place, place 1 set of 5 Oranges (桔子五粒), 1 Huat Kueh (發糕一個), 1 Nian Gao (年糕一個) & 3 cups of Freshly brew Chinese Tea (清茶三杯) onto the Altar. Respectfully light 3 Incenses and report to the Deities that ALL cleaning have been done and request them to return back to their seats.

You can follow this Simple Phrase:

諸位神明在上。
Zhu Wei Shen Ming Zai Shang

現今清台淨神之事宜已經圓滿。
Xian Jin Qing Tai Jing Shen Zhi Shi Yi Yi Jing Yuan Man

敬請諸位神明回歸寶座。
Jing Qing Zhu Wei Shen Ming Hui Gui Bao Zuo

待受弟子供奉。
Dai Shou Di Zi Gong Yang

Then make 3 Bows and place the Incenses into the Urn. Once this is Done, everything is consider Successfully completed.

Long Shan Men ushering of Jade Emperor of Heaven for New Spring 2010 (龍山門之臘月廿五日恭迎玉皇御駕)

Last Night, at 11.30Pm (30 minutes before 25th Day of Lunar 12 Month arrives), Long Shan Men had made the necessary preparation for the ushering in of Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) for the Annual Inspection Day (玉皇出巡行天下).

Upon completing the necessary spreading out of the Offerings, Incenses were being offered in-order to make the necessary report to Jade Emperor of Heaven while he’s making his Inspection around the whole Mortal World.

After 5 minutes, the Paper Offerings were being retrieved and send for Burning Off.

For those who have yet to pay your respect, please do so before Temple closed today.

Taoist Custom – Jade Emperor Inspecting the Mortal World (臘月廿五之玉皇出巡)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

After Kitchen Deity returned to Celestial Palace on the 24th Day to do the reporting on the credits & merits of the Mortals, Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) will personal make an Inspection on the 25th Day of Lunar 12 Month on the Mortal World (for Year 2010 will be 08 Feb Monday).

In the Old Days, on the 25th Day, the folks will wake up extremely early to do some preparations before Jade Emperor starts he's inspection.

So what are the preparations?

On the 25th Day early morning, the Ladies will tidy up the home, retrieve back any hanging clothing outside the house, prepare the Offerings for entertaining the Deities that pass by their homes, whereas the Men will wash the corridor & any pathways outside their house, making sure that the floor is clean and dustless, in case of any Deities that walk pass, etc.

After all these, the folks will shower and change into new clothing. This is to show the Deities that they are sincere and giving the highest respect to the Deities.

Besides that, the house will be brightly-lit, this is to symbolize the getting rid of any Negative Forces and allowing the Positive Energies that released by the Deities to be enhanced into the house.

So what offerings must prepare?

Usually will be the normal offerings, such as Oranges, Teas, Traditional Cookies.

Due to this is the period that the Chinese doing preparation for the New Year, so Nian Gao and some auspicious food items will also be used as offering for the Deities.

After all cleaning & preparations, the folks will start to pay respect to Jade Emperor and the other Deities.

On this day, no one is to make any arguments or quarrelling, no killing of animals, no washing of any stuff after the morning preparation, etc.

All such actions (including arguments & conflicts) will only resume after 11Pm in the night.

Taoist Culture - Sending Off of Kitchen Deity (臘月廿四送灶神)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

After the Thanksgiving Honouring on the 16th Day of Lunar 12 Month (臘月之答謝神恩), the Chinese or Taoists will concentrate on the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month (for Year 2010 will be 07 Feb Sunday).

Why is it so Important?

Cos according to Ancient Records, this is the Day that, that our Beloved Kitchen Deity to return to the Celestial Palace for "Annually" Reporting of the Credits & Merits of Mortals to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊) and other Recording Officer in the Heavenly Realm and so, the Chinese & Taoists will have to prepare some Offerings for Kitchen Deity before Sending-Off.

In the Ancient Era (till about 150 years ago from now), only the Kitchen Deity will be the "targeted Deity" that the Mortals will send off, whereas today, folks also Send Off the Home Deities (which is not an appropriate or accurate practice, this is why, a few of the other dialect groups don't have the practice of Sending Off Deities).

According to some of our other Chinese Custom Records, different Dates for Sending Off of Kitchen Deity are being allocated to different Group of People (according to the ranking, position, reputation, etc).

For Officer Rank and above (in today's term: White Collar Group 皇親國戚), the Sending Off Date for the Kitchen Deity in their Premises was fixed on the 23rd Night before 11.00Pm.

For Rich-man and normal commoners (in today's term: Blue Collar Group 達官貴人/平民百姓), the Sending Off Date for the Kitchen Deity in their Premises was fixed on the 24th Day Morning.

Whereas the "un-reputable" groups, such as robbers, bandits, low-class-workers, etc, the Sending Off Date for the Kitchen Deity in their Premises was fixed on the 25th Day before Dawn (this was not known by much people cos in later part of the History, this was being strike off from the records).

So who will usually lead the Send Off Ceremony?

In the Ancient Era, Only the house owner or a Male-member in the family could do the Sending Off (一家之主/當家).

So, during the Sending Off, what must be prepared?

In order to allow the Kitchen Deity to report Good things about you and the family to Jade Emperor of Heaven, you must prepared sweet stuffs to offer to Kitchen Deity (a form of un-intensionally bribing). Such sweet stuffs can consist of Nian Gao (The Chinese Glutinous Rice Cake 年糕), Sesame Candies, Ji Hong (a type of Traditional Chinese Jelly-like Cake 吉紅), Mandarins, etc.

For some families, they will prepare cooked cuisines such as whole chicken, fishes, seafood, etc, to offer to Kitchen Deity before the Sending Off.

Some will even offer Good-quanlity Wine to Kitchen Deity during the paying respect ceremony – to make him "drunk".

After about 15-30 minutes of offering, the house owner will have to seek permission from the Kitchen Deity by throwing of the Divination Block to see whether the Kitchen Deity is ready to set-off. If the Divination Block shows Yin-Yang sign, meaning that he is ready to travel back to Heaven, if not, Wine or Tea must be offered again till he’s willingly to set-off.

Once the Divination Block shows Yin-Yang sign, the house owner will have to burn off the incense-paper & Song Shen Ma for Kitchen Deity, and the whole Ceremony will consider to be completed.

So what is Song Shen Me (送神馬)?







Song Shen Ma aka Shen Ma (神馬) or Song Shen Jia Ma (送神甲馬) is a type of incense-paper that got picture of a Horse and an Assistant being printed.

During Sending Off, the Song Shen Ma will be used and for Inviting back of Kitchen Deity, Ying Shen Ma (迎神馬 with a Sedan Chair and 4 assistants) will be needed.

In the Ancient Era, folks believed that, when Kitchen Deity returned to the Celestial Palace, he needed to reach the Palace within a certain allocated-timing or so by riding a Horse, Kitchen Deity wouldn’t be delayed (送神快). And while he's returning to the Mortal World, he could sit inside a Sedan Chair to relax and allowed the 4 assistants to slowly-sway the Sedan around till they returned to the Mortal World (a joyous occasion to return to the Mortal World during the New Year period 迎神慢).

Today, due to lack of people giving advises to the usage of such incense-paper, a lot of people tend to use the same type of paper to do the Sending Off and Inviting Back.

So when is the Inviting Back?

According to Ancient Records, there were 2 Dates.

One of the Eve of Lunar New Year (年除夕), Kitchen Deity must be back on the Eve to join in the Celebration of Ushering in the New Year (for Year 2010 will be 13 Feb Saturday).

2nd, on the 4th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月初四日). This Day was being added into the custom much later (for Year 2010 will be 17 Feb Wednesday).

So during the Inviting Back, what shall must prepared?

Usually simple offerings like Tea, a Set of Oranges, Incense-paper & Ying Shen Ma are prepared.

The Inviting Back will usually be done in the late noon. Some families will only do that after Sunset.

Long Shan Men Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer’s Offerings (正一龍山門祈安補庫之供品)

In here, Jave Wu will like to do a simple introduction on the Offerings that being used during the Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer before Lunar New Year arrives (during Li Chun Period till Lunar New Year Eve 立春至農曆除夕).

Usually Long Shan Men will do the preparation of the following Offerings for own Members, Family Members and also Devotees who have requested us to perform the Replenishing for them.

Due to Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer is an Important Ceremony, so certain Paper Offerings must be Specially ordered or requested in-order for a Successful Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer can achieved. The Preparation for such a Ceremony can be tiring, but when the Person’s Spiritual Coffer is being Replenished successfully and he/she get a Positive Result, this is the time that Jave Wu felt Good & Happy despite the Tiredness.

This Year, due to Jave Wu is busy with assisting the other Taoist Groups and setting of Branches, I have to take in lesser engagements on the Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer, for those who I have rejected your engagement, please do forgive me for the tight schedule I have.

In the following, you will be seeing the Pictures of the Offerings that being Prepared for the Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer before Lunar New Year arrives:

1 Red & Blue Robes for the Spiritual Coffer Officer & Star Lord (紅與藍紙袍) – Pic 01

2 Huang Qian Jia Ma of 1 Set each - rewarding of the Heavenly Armies (黃錢甲馬各一份) – Pic 02

3 Gai Nian Paper 1 Set – Paper for the Elimination of the Negative Issues (改年紙一份) – Pic 03

Or, using She Zui Paper 1 Set – Paper for the Elimination of Sins & Debts (赦罪紙一份)

4 Spiritual Petition for Lord Tai Sui of the Year 1 Set (安奉太歲疏文一份) – Pic 04

5 Spiritual Coffer Paper few Sets to a Big Box – this is the Official & Correct type of Coffer Paper, do not get the Wrong type which is mend for Pass-on or Wanderings (補庫受生錢幾疊/一整箱) – Pic 05

6 Tian Gong Paper few Sets to a Big Bundle (天公金幾份/一整捆) – Pic 06

7 San Bao Paper few Sets to a Big Bundle (三寶金幾份/一整捆) – Pic 07

Once the items (Pic 01 - 04) are ready, place them ALL together and then bundle them up before proceeding to any Temple for the Honouring (Place them accordingly as shown in Pic 08).

Proceed to the Temple with Heavenly & High Position Deities (such as Jade Emperor of Heaven 玉皇大天尊, etc) for the Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer. If Oneself can engaged a Taoist Priest or Taoist Master to perform the Reporting, that will be more better & safe.

So who will Benefit (other than those being mentioned in Taoist Scriptures) from such Replenishing of Spiritual Coffer?

1 Those who are in Conflict with Lord Tai Sui of the Year

2 Those who Seriously Ill

3 Those who have just Recovered from Sickness

4 Those who have very Low Luck or being pestered by Negative Entities

5 Those who are starting a New Business

6 Those who have their own Business

7 Children who Sincerely request for the Replenishing of the Spiritual Coffer for the Parents

8 Those who “Return back Alive” from some Major Incidents

9 Those who are Cured after being “Possessed”

Long Shan Men Honouring of Lord Tai Sui’s Offerings (正一龍山門安奉值年太歲之供品)

  In here, Jave Wu will like to do a simple introduction on the Offerings that being used during the Honouring of Lord Tai Sui of the Year.

Usually Long Shan Men will do the preparation of the following Offerings for own Members, Family Members and also Devotees who have requested us to perform the Honouring of Lord Tai Sui of the Year for them.

Our Offerings are consider Simple but yet needed sometimes to prepare (such as getting the correct types of Paper for that Particular Year, which Lord Tai Sui prefer which type of Paper, Enhancing on the Spiritual Petition and also, doing Reporting while the Petition is being Initially Stamped with the Official Taoist Seal, etc).

In the following, you will be seeing the Pictures of the Offerings that being Prepared for Lord Tai Sui of the Year:

1 Blue Lord Tai Sui Robes of 1 Piece – remember to fold it into 3 portion (太歲紙袍一件﹐請記得三對折) – Pic 01-02

 

 

 

2 Da Gui Ren of 1 Set - remember to fold it into Half (大貴人紙一份﹐請記得對折) – Pic 03

3 Xiao Gui Ren of 1 Set (小貴人紙一份) – Pic 04

4 Lord Tai Sui Paper of 12 Pieces – to represent the Lunar Month of that Year, remember to fold them into Half (太歲金十二張 – 代表當年農曆月份﹐請記得對折) – Pic 05

5 Huang Qian Jia Ma of 1 Set each - rewarding of the Heavenly Armies (黃錢甲馬各一份) – Pic 06

6 Gai Nian Paper 1 Set – Paper for the Elimination of the Negative Issues (改年紙一份) – Pic 07

Or, using She Zui Paper 1 Set – Paper for the Elimination of Sins & Debts (赦罪紙一份)

7 Spiritual Petition for Lord Tai Sui of the Year (安奉太歲疏文一份) – Pic 08

Once everything is ready, place them ALL together and then bundle them up before proceeding to any Temple for the Honouring (Place them accordingly as shown in Pic 09).

Usually some Temples will have already prepare the Offerings for the Honouring of Lord Tai Sui, but if you think that by adding this Set of Offerings will make it better, please do so.

And do remember to add in a Red Packet with Coins (10 cents or S$1.00) of the number of the Lunar Months of that Year. After Honouring, remember to put the Red Packet into the Donation Box (添油箱) besides that Altar of Lord Tai Sui.

Philippines Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian Thanksgiving Ceremony (菲律濱正一閭山白軍殿之己丑年答謝神恩)

In here, you all will be seeing a set of Photos taken on last week during the Thanksgiving Ceremony conducted at Philippines Lv Shan Bai Jun Dian.

As you all can see that, various important Offerings were being prepared for this Year's Thanksgiving.

Must really thanks Lotus for putting in the effort in the Preparation.

Ceremony of Invitation of Lord Tai Sui of the Year (安奉值年太歲儀式)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Lord Tai Sui, a Taoist Deity that look into issues that are associated with Year (值年), Age (領歲), Life (注生) & Death (統死).

In Taoism, each Lunar Year, a new Tai Sui will be appointed to “stand on Guard” (a total of 61 Lord Tai Sui including 1 main In-charge of the other 60 Lord Tai Sui). While the Tai Sui is on Duty, he will be the Only Deity that leads the other Deities to provide the necessary Blessings for the Living Beings and look into the requests of different beings.

This is why, in our Chinese Deity Records, Lord Tai Sui is always being treated as a highly respected Deity.

Nowadays, due to the commercial value that honouring of Tai Sui can gain, a lot of Non-Taoist Religions also try to conduct Rituals/Ceremony that Pay Respect to Lord Tai Sui, which this is not appropriate and can be useless.

For those who really wish to get the blessing from our Lord Tai Sui on Duty, must visit any Taoist Temples or engaged any Authorized Taoist Spiritual Masters to conduct the honouring session (not Mediums or Geomancy Masters).

So what is the invitation of Lord Tai Sui about?

Invitation of Lord Tai Sui, in Chinese known as An Tai Sui (安太歲) or Feng Tai Sui (奉太歲), meaning inviting Lord Tai Sui into one’s home.

Bu doing so, Lord Tai Sui will be able to provide the necessary blessings for the family in that Year and also allowed Lord Tai Sui to receive the direct-offerings from the family.

How these invitations of Lord Tai Sui come about?

This will have to trace back to the far Ancient Era in China.

According to records, Invitation of Tai Sui or An Tai Sui is a very old Practice that the Chinese or Taoists will perform after Li Chun Day (立春日后) to invite in Lord Tai Sui to one’s home.

In the Ancient Era, Temples don’t really dedicate Altars to Lord Tai Sui, for those who wished to pay respect or honour Lord Tai Sui will have to think of ways to attain the direct connection with him and so, after certain era, the practice of Inviting of Lord Tai Sui to one’s home was being spread around among the Chinese & Taoists. And this Practice was being passed-down till today.

So how shall one go about with the Invitation?

Usually by engaging an Authorized Taoist Spiritual Master or visit any Taoist Temples to get the Invitation done.

Upon engaging the Taoist Master, after the necessary chanting and reporting (with the Taoist Spiritual Petition 安奉太歲疏文), he will pass one Lord Tai Sui Talisman (正統道教值年太歲符) to one self. Once this Lord Tai Sui Talisman is being enhanced and passed to one self, one self will need to set up an Altar for the Talisman at home. After putting up the Talisman, this means that Lord Tai Sui is being invited into ones home for blessing. This is what we called An Tai Sui in Chinese.

A few things to take note while setting up the Altar:

1 – Position for the Lord Tai Sui Talisman must be higher than the Deities at home. Unless the Deities being honour at home are San Qing (三清), Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇), Dou Mu (斗姆), Si Yu (四御) or San Guan (三官)

2 – After bringing the Talisman home, one self shall offer incenses immediately while setting up the Altar, no delaying is allowed.

3 – Non-stop offering of incenses, teas and simple offerings for the next three days after setting the Altar.

4 – After the Altar is being set-up, report to Lord Tai Sui that you are inviting him to “sit” on the “Main Seat”, invite him onto the Seat and start offering the necessary offerings.

5 – After inviting Lord Tai Sui onto the seat, do make a simple report to the other Deities at home.

Due to the mix-&-match Culture, most of the Lord Tai Sui Talismans that being used nowadays are not the correct one. Once a wrong Lord Tai Sui Talisman is being used, how powerful the enhancement made is also consider no use. So do be beware of this, do not just blindly follow the trend.

So what shall be prepared while doing the Invitation?

Here are some recommended items for one self to prepare:

1 – A new Table (新桌案)

2 – A new set of Table-banner (usually with Auspicious Embroidery sewed on it 紅桌圍)

3 – A new Urn (新爐)

4 – A set of Candle-holder or A set of Electric Light (一對新燭臺/電燭臺)

5 – An Oil-lamp (consistent lighting 油燈一盞)

6 – 6 Traditional Candies/Cookies & 6 Vegetarian Items 十二齋碗)

7 – A set of 5 Mandarin Oranges (大吉五粒)

8 – A Nian Gao (年糕一個)

9 – A Huat Kueh (發糕一個)

10 – A set of 5 Ang Bao (this refers to the Buns that being painted Red 紅包子五個)

11 – A set of 5 Ang Ku Kueh (紅龜粿五個)

12 – 3 cups of Chinese Tea & 3 Cups of Rice White (三杯茶酒)

13 – Incense-paper (3 Tian Gong Paper 天公金三份, 3 San Bao Paper 三寶金三份, Tai Sui Robe 太歲紙袍一份)

After the preparation, Invite in the Tai Sui and Place the Tai Sui Talisman and paste onto the Wall or Holding-object in front of the Altar.

After the Talisman is being put up, light the Incenses and pay respect to Lord Tai Sui, report the name of one self and the name of other members of the family. Once the report is being made, do the necessary requesting and then make 3 bows and leave the spot.

For the First 3 Days, the Incenses cannot be stopped. In-order to make things easy, one self can prepare the Coil-incenses (塔香) that can go-on for 24 hours, this is much safer.

So when to do offering to Lord Tai Sui that being invited to ones home?

On every 1st & 15th Day (每月之農曆初一及十五日).

On every Big Festival and also, the Birthday of Lord Tai Sui, which fall on the 19th Day of Lunar 7 Month (just need to prepare the same offerings that being mentioned above).

So when to send off Lord Tai Sui?

Usually this will be done on the Day while the family send-off the Kitchen Deity, which means the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆十二月二十四日).

Due to Folks Culture, some will do it before Dong Zhi aka Winter Solstice (冬至).

On the day of the sending-off, simple offerings must be prepared. 3 sets of Tian Gong incense-paper (天公金 the big size one), 3 sets of Shou Jin incense-paper (壽金 the normal size one), a set of Lord Tai Sui paper-robe (太歲袍), a set of Gui Ren incense-paper (貴人紙 the red-color paper-offering will a lot of Officer-figurines being printed) and some Sending-off Jia Ma (送神甲馬 Horse offering-paper).

After the preparation, make a short report to Lord Tai Sui that the New Year is coming, the family will be making invitation for the New Lord Tai Sui in for the New Year and will sincerely invite the current Lord Tai Sui back to the Heaven, thank him for the blessing of the Year.

Once the report is being made, one self can take down the old Lord Tai Sui Talisman and then together, bring the incense-papers and burn them off.

After the burning, clear the Altar and then prepared for the next invitation of Lord Tai Sui.

Long Shan Men Local & Overseas Branches Plaque (正一龍山門門下本地及海外分壇匾額)

In here, you all will be seeing the Official Plaque for the various Local & Overseas Branches of Long Shan Men.

All the Branches below have aleady got their Official Authority from the 64th Generation Descendant of Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling (張道陵天師). After 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month of Geng Yin Year (庚寅年正月十五日), the various Branches will be Officially operating to assist ALL Taoists in South East Asia.

Hope that by then, Long Shan Men and other Branches can promote our Taoist Culture all over the World in-order not to let our Precious Taoist Culture ended in this Modernise & Commercialize Era.

Lighting of Blessing Lantern on Li Chun Day (立春點燈添富貴)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Finally, the Spring had arrived in the Mortal World, while the everyone is enjoying the Joyous of the Arrival of Spring, in Taoism/Chinese Culture, we have a practise of Lighting the Blessing Lantern on Li Chun Day.

So what is Blessing Lantern?

In Chinese, we address it as Ping An Deng (requesting for Blessing thru-out the Year平安燈), Fu Gui Deng (requesting for Prosperity富貴燈), Guang Ming Deng (requesting for Smoothness & Brightness光明燈) or Chang Shou Deng (request for Healthy & Longevity長壽燈), such titles are being addressed according to what Oneself requested or wish to request. Usually such Lanterns come in Red Rounded form with Nice pattern being printed on it, after hanging up onto the Roof of the Temple, the Lantern will stay there for a Year. In some Temples, there will use Candles (斗燭) to act as the Blessing Lantern, usually such Candles can only light for 3-9 Days, after then, the Devotees will need to return to the Temple during Big Occasions or Festivals to relight the Candles, this is also acceptable and Blessing will still be “valid”.

During the Lighting of the Blessing Lantern, a Priest or the Person-in-charge will write the Name of Oneself or the whole Family onto the Lantern and upon completion, the Lantern will be bring forward to the Main Altar of the Temple and the Priest or Person-in-charge will assist the Devotees in making the Reporting & Requesting.

So for such Lighting of Blessing Lantern, does it really help?

Frequently speaking, Yes, it does help certain People, especially for those who didn’t make any form of Un-necessary & Realistic requests.

And of cos, the Temple/place that Oneself choose to light the Blessing Lantern also play a part in the making of the Requesting/Wish comes True.

So what type of Temple/Place Oneself can go for the Lighting of such Blessing Lanterns?

In Singapore, there are quite a number of Temples/Places that provide such services, but due to the Energies & Activities that take place in the Temples/Places, for some people, after they lighted the Blessing Lanterns, more issues happen rather then Blessings being bestowed upon them.

1 Oneself shall try to avoid Temples/Places that conduct Consultation Sessions by Mediums

2 Temples/Places with Main Deities which are Heavenly Deities and not Nether World Deities

3 Oneself shall try to avoid Temples/Places with Ancestral Halls being set-up

4 Oneself shall try to avoid Temples/Places that don’t allow Devotees to be present while the Lantern is being hang-up

5 Temples/Places with Priest or Person-in-charge doing the Reporting & Requesting while hanging of the Lantern

So what are the items that needed to prepare before going for the Lighting of Blessing Lantern?

Oneself need not worry on the items to prepare or buy. Usually when you are at the Temple/Place, they will prepare the Necessary Offerings for you to do the Honouring to the Deities.

Best is, remember to wear RED while going for such Lighting of Blessing Lanterns.

So usually how much does such Blessing Lanterns cost?

Normally such Blessing Lanterns’ cost can be range from S$10 – S$38 per Lantern, if the cost of the Lantern goes beyond S$50, then I will advise you all not to purchase it, cos usually such Temples/Places are using the Lantern to earn extra Commercial Value/Money.

So in Singapore, where can Oneself Light the Blessing Lantern?

As mentioned above, there are quite a number of Temples/Places that perform such Lighting of Blessing Lanterns for Devotees, but remember not to get Con.

Look for Temples with Main Deities which are Heavenly Deities.

Here are a few that Oneself can consider for the Lighting of the Blessing Lanterns for the Lunar Year:

Sembawang Tian Hou Temple (三巴旺天后宮) – Admiralty Street (Woodlands Ave 10)

Last of ALL, Long Shan Men will like to wish ALL of you, having a Joyous Lunar New Year ahead, everything is Smooth & everyone is enjoying Brightness in their Life.

春始花開顯富貴。
點燈求福樂連年。
光明長映消災厄。
處處平安貴人協。

Long Shan Men Li Chun Day Honouring 2010 (正一龍山門之立春祈福祭祀)

Spring had arrived. It’s a new season and in here, Long Shan Men will like to wish ALL of You Happy Geng Yin Year (庚寅年).

Today, in our Lunar Calendar is known as Li Chun Day, which means that Spring of Geng Yin Year starts from this moment onwards.

As usual, Long Shan Men will perform the ushering in of the Spring by performing Honouring on this Day in-order to request Blessing from the Deities for the Members, Families & our Homeland – Singapore.

At 6.30Am, Long Shan Men had started to prepare the necessary Offerings for the ushering in of the Spring and by the time of 6.42Am, Long Shan Men offered the 1st round of Spring Incenses (祈福富貴迎春香) to the Deities and by 6.44Am, Paper Offerings were being Send-off for the Deities.

For those who have yet to usher in the Spring, please do so within the Day, it will be Great if Oneself can visit Temples (at least 3) to perform Honouring & Blessing Requesting.

Last of ALL, may Heaven bless ALL of you and may Dao bring Peace to the World.

Paying Respect to Lord Tai Sui Of Geng Yin Year 庚寅年 (Year 2010 – Tiger Year)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Dear All,

After Dong Zhi (冬至) aka Winter Solstice of Year 2009, all Paying of Gratitude to Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year (己丑年太歲) will end (for those who miss this, usually will do it before 16th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Ji Chou Year or the Day of Thanksgiving Ceremony 答謝神恩).

And after sending off of Deities on the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Ji Chou Year (己丑年), all those who got the Effect of Conflict with Lord Tai Sui of Geng Yin Year (庚寅年), can prepared to pay their respect to Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year - known as General Wu Huan (鄔桓).

So when is the Best timing or Accurate Day to pay respect to General Wu Huan?

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

So when is Li Chun Day for Geng Yin Year?

Li Chun Day for Geng Yin Year falls on 21st Day of Lunar 12 Month, 04 Feb 2010, after 06:42Am.

So for those who needed to pay respect to Lord Tai Sui of Geng Yin Year, you can do it in Morning of the 22nd Day of Lunar 12 Month, 05 Feb 2010.

Where can we pay respect to Lord Tai Sui of Ji Chou Year?

Here’re a few recommended Official Temples that oneself can visit (remember, while Paying Respect to Lord Tai Sui of a New Year, do not go to any Temples that got the Nether World Deities as the Main Deity):

Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟) at Philip Road (in CBD, they got the oldest set of 60 Tai Sui in Singapore 六十太歲)

Yu Huang Temple (玉皇殿) at Havelock Road (with temporary tablet for Lord Tai Sui)

Jade Emperor Temple (天公廟) at Telok Blangah Road (2 Temples there, with Old statues of Dang Nian Tai Sui 當年太歲)

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

An Ji Sheng Wang Temple (安濟聖王廟) at West Coast (with 60 Tai Sui 六十太歲)

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

Jin Lan Temple (金蘭廟) at Kim Tian Road Tiong Bahru (with the Biggest & Oldest Tai Sui)

& more…

So what are the Offerings that needed to prepare?

Usually the Temples that dedicate Altars to Lord Tai Sui will have set of offerings prepared for Devotees, but if you needed to get extra shares, here are the suggested items:

1 - One set of Mandarins (5 quantities 大吉)

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

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

4 - One set of Lord Tai Sui Robe (in Blue Color 藍色太歲袍)

5 - One set of Lord Tai Sui Talisman (optional, beware that, only choose the Taoism one, not those mix with other Religions Wordings/Charms on it 正統道教太歲符)

6 - One set of Incense (not to short, medium length will be best - more than 48cm 富貴長命香)

7 - An Ang Bao with an amount of S$1.20 or S$12.00 (for Geng Yin Year, there are only 12 Lunar Months)

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

PS: For those who need the Spiritual Petition, please PM or email me at javecxwu@gmail.com

Protection & Blessing Items for Oneself

Recently, many People had approached me for the enquiry of what Items to be bought in-order to do Self-protection for the Conflict-issue against the Lord Tai Sui.

Here are a few items that oneself can get:

1) Wu Di Qian aka The Five Emperors Coin (五帝錢)

Pls refer to link: http://javewu.multiply.com/reviews/item/70

2) Wooden Pendant (木制墜子)

For example, Wooden Ru Yi Pendant from Zhen Ren Temple (真人宮木如意)

3) Golden Jewelry (金飾)

For example, Gold Chain with a Chinese Character of Fu aka Prosperity

4) Tai Sui Coin (太歲錢)

This can be bought from All Feng Shui Stores.

5) A Copy of Lord Tai Sui Praise Mantra (太歲寶誥)

Remember, the Tai Sui Mantra must be written by oneself, do not ask anyone to do the copying or writing on behalf of you. This Mantra can be written or copy after 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month.

The Mantra can be found in:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/116

Copy it on a Red or Yellow Paper with the dimension of 10cm by 10cm.

After complete writing, on the Day of Paying Respect to Lord Tai Sui, bring it along and then before burning off the Paper Offerings, bring out the Mantra and bring it on top of the Urn, go 3 rounds on top of the Incense Fume and then keep it in the Wallet.

Whenever Oneself feels uneasy or frustrated, take it out and recite once, the Issues that you faced will somehow be solved.

Last of All, wish everyone after paying respect to General Wu Huan, All necessary blessings will be bestowed to you and your family.

Wu Liang Shou 無量壽
Wu Liang Fu 無量福
Wu Liang Guang 無量光

Brief introduction on Li Chun Day 2010 (歲始立春之簡介)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

A Year is about to End and a New Year is around the corner to allow us to usher in.

Time flashes like Lighting. Now we are already in Year 2010 and for Lunar Year is Geng Yin Year (庚寅年).

So what is Li Chun Day?

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

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

Usually after Li Chun Day, most of the plants will start to grow again, snow will slowly cease and accumulated-ice will start to melt, etc.

So how to know when is Li Chun Day?

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

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

For Year 2010, it falls on 04 Feb, a Thursday (農曆臘月廿一日), starts at 0644 Hr.

So what are the events that will happen on Li Chun Day?

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

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

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

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

Besides the above mentioned Events, Li Chun Day is also a Day to usher in Lord Tai Sui of the New Lunar Year (值年太歲星君).

For those who are being affected by the Confliction of Lord Tai Sui, Oneself or the Family can visit Old Temples with Proper Altar set-up dedicating to Lord Tai Sui to pay their respect. After the paying respect to Lord Tai Sui, everything will be fine and if Oneself is Sincere & Upright, that Year will usually turn out Good & Peaceful.

So when is the Best Timing to visit Temple to pay respect to Lord Tai Sui?

For those who are Not working, you can start to visit Temple to honour Lord Tai Sui after Li Chun Day (next day), for those who are working, then you can choose to visit the Temple on Weekends, but remember to do it before the Lunar New Year arrives.

Last of All, an Advise for ALL. For those who are able to visit 3 Temples on Li Chun Day, it will be Great. This action is to eliminate ALL un-necessary Negative Energies that have pestered Oneself for the past 1 Year. As for those who cant make it, Family Members or Friends can assist in paying respect to the Deities on-behalf of them.

For those who needed to Replenish their Spiritual Coffer (消災改運添補庫), Li Chun Day is also a Good Day to perform this Ceremony.

Thanksgiving of Long Shan Fei Jie Fu for Ji Chou Year 2010 (正一龍山飛捷府之己丑年答謝神恩)

On the 16th Day of Lunar 12 Month of Ji Chou Year, a Thanksgiving Honouring was being conducted at Long Shan Men’s 9th Disciple’s (Vabien Lee) Home dedicating to the Main Deities – Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙天尊) & Heavenly Marshal Jiang Fei Jie (江飛捷仙官).

At about 11.00Am, Jave Wu arrived at the Home of Vabien and most of the Offerings were already ready for the Ceremony to start. So without any delay, Jave Wu initiate the Ceremony by making a simple report to the Three Realms & the Main Deities of Fei Jie Fu (飛捷府).

With the assistance of Vabien, the Ceremony started with the paying respect to the Three Pure Ones (三清道祖), following by inviting Guest Deities to the Banquet and then, making Tea & Wine Offering and last, inviting the Armies to enjoy the Cuisines (see Pic 07 – meat stuffs for Generals & Armies) and also not forgetting the Horses (see Pic 19 – Beans & Veges, Water for Horses) .

Special Kueh known as Gui Hua Gao or Osmanthus Cake (桂花糕) was being prepared by Vabien for the Main Deity Marshal Jiang. This was being recorded as one of the favourite sweet desserts of the Song Dynasty Era (宋朝年間) – Marshal Jiang was born in Song Dynasty (see Pic 13 – Beans & Veges, Water for Horses) .

After 2 rounds of Chanting of Taoist Scriptures, Sending Off of Invited Deities was being conducted after Vabien got a Positive reply from the throwing of the Divination Block (聖筊).

By then, it was already 2.00Pm plus.

With some simple packing up, we headed to Jurong East Feng Shan Si (裕廊東鳳山寺) to conduct the Thanksgiving Ceremony dedicating to Guang Ze Zun Wang (廣澤尊王).