Manifestation Anniversary of Lord of Sun 2010 (庚寅年日宮太陽星君千秋聖誕)

Tai Yang Xing Jun aka Lord of Sun or Lord of Sun (日宮太陽星君), one of the Important Deities in the Heavenly Realm that provide the direct Blessings for All Beings in the Mortal World.

According to Taoist Records, there are 2 Manifestation Anniversarys for Tai Yang Xing Jun, one of them is on 19th Day of Lunar 8 Month.

On this Day, the Taoists or Chinese will tend to visit Temples that being dedicated to Tai Yang Xing Jun to pay respect in early Morning, usually during the timing of Sun-rise.

In Ming Dynasty, the belief on Tai Yang Xing Jun became more popular, cos in some contexts, the folks believed that Ming Empire was somehow closely connected with him.

And so, what to prepare?

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

1 Five Oranges (桔子)
2 Longevity Noodles (壽麵)
3 Longevity Peaches (壽桃)
4 Ang Ku Kueh (紅龜粿)
5 Huat Kueh (發糕)
6 Pong Phia (大碰餅)
7 Rice Wine (米酒)
8 Chinese Tea (茶)
9 Paper Offerings (紙料)
10 Candles (蠟燭)

Once all these stuffs are prepared and ready, then one self can proceed to the Temple.

1st, pay respect to the Heaven & Main Deities in the Temple and then last, proceed to the Altar that honoured Tai Yang Xing Jun.

Make a Bow in front of the Altar and then sincerely kneel down and proceed with the following Passage (for those who know how to recite the Bao Gao of Tai Yang Xing Jun, can recite it first before reciting the following Passage or recite the following Praising Phrases):

太陽太陽。去陰現陽。
Tai Yang Tai Yang.Qu Yin Xian Yang

寒不侵心。邪不擾身。
Han Bu Qin Xin.Xie Bu Rao Shen

剛以伏柔。柔中生剛。
Gang Yi Fu Rou.Rou Zhong Sheng Gang

陰陽相互。百福臻生。
Yin Yang Xiang Hu.Bai Fu Zhen Sheng

志心皈禮。太陽聖真。
Zhi Xin Gui Li.Tai Yang Sheng Zhen

今逢。
Jin Feng.

太陽星君。(拜)
Tai Yang Xing Jun (Bow)

千秋聖誕之期。
Qian Qiu Sheng Dan Zhi Qi.

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

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

於此。
Yu Ci

虔備薄禮酒儀。
Qian Bei Bo Li Jiu Yi.

敬向。
Jing Xiang.

太陽星君。(拜)
Tai Yang Xing Jun (Bow)

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

於此虔祈。
Yu Ci Qian Qi.

太陽星君。(拜)
Tai Yang Xing Jun (Bow)

太康太健太安天。陽光普照九重地。
Tai Kang Tai Jian Tai An Tian.Yang Guang Pu Zhao Jiu Chong Di

星宿移動又一春。君誕案前祝壽綿。
Xing Xiu Yi Dong You Yi Chun.Jun Dan An Qian Zhu Shou Mian

以佑。
Yi You.

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

一年貴助常在。月月陽極陰埋。
Yi Nian Gui Zhu Chang Zai. Yue Yue Yang Ji Yin Mai.

四季神光普照。萬事遂心平安。
Si Ji Shen Guang Pu Zhao. Wan Shi Sui Xin Ping An.

於此。
Yu Ci.

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

敬向。
Jing Xiang.

太陽星君。(拜)
Tai Yang Xing Jun (Bow)

獻三拜三叩禮。
Xian San Bai Li.

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

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

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

Once the Paper-offerings are being burnt, go back to the Altar, make another sincere Bow and then retrieve back the Offerings, bring them back home and share with the other members in the Family.

And so, the whole Paying Respect to Tai Yang Xing Jun is considered end.

So where can we find Tai Yang Xing Jun in Singapore?

Here are a few Temples that Oneself can visit to honour Tai Yang Xing Jun:

1 Tai Yang Gong (龜仔山太陽宮) at Silat Road (along Bukit Merah Road)

2 Wan Shou Shan Guan Yin Tang (萬壽山觀音堂) at Telok Blangah Height infront of Blk 54 (Biggest Statue in Singapore)

3 Tai Yang Gong (太陽宮) at Bedok North Ave 4

4 Dong Tian Gong (東天宮) at Bukit Batok Street 21

In the following are some extra information related to Tai Yang Xing Jun:

PS: Tai Yang Xing Jun Bao Gao:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/268

Poster of Tai Yang Xing Jun:

http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/46

Tai Yang Xing Jun Taoist Scripture:

http://javewu.multiply.com/journal/item/143

Introduction on the White & Red Rites & Rituals (紅白囍事簡介)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Recently, our Local TV Station had come out with a new Drama Series on the White & Red Rites & Rituals – known as The New Beginnings. After watching, a lot of people had approached me on whether the Rites & Rituals being introduced in the Drama Series are “True” or not. After getting their enquiries, I was quite surprised to know that a lot of our own Chinese Fellow Friends actually don’t really know much of our own Root Culture & Customs. This really makes a lot of people “heart-shake with pain”.

First of all, I must said that our Local TV Station had done a great job on the producing of such a Drama Series on the theme of White & Red Rites & Rituals (showing the Difficulties that the People faces in the Job and also during the assisting of the related Families of the Pass-on or New Married Couples, etc) and another thing is that, the Title of this Show is really Wonderful and Straight to the Point – the New Beginnings. Cos in Taoism, there aren’t any Ending instead a lot of New Beginnings.

Till now, for those who have yet to make yourself clear on what are White & Red Rites & Rituals, in here, Jave will like to explain to you on what they are:

1 White Rites & Rituals, meaning the Pre-preparation for Pass-on (Death), Funeral Wakes & also the Post Events after Funerals (in Taoism will be until 3 Years)

2 Red Rites & Rituals, meaning Giving Birth, Wedding, Birthday Celebration, etc.

Due to Drama Series had a lot of Restrictions & Constraints, so from what know on the Drama Series - The New Beginnings, the Show won’t be going in-depth into the Individual types of Rites & Rituals and so in here, Jave had to be a nosey-poker to do the Brief intro on them.

Why in Chinese, we address White Rites & Rituals is also considered as Happiness Occasion?

For those who don’t know, actually in Taoism or Chinese Culture, Passing-on is a form of Ceasing or Ending of Suffering in the Mortal Realm. Besides that, in Taoism, we believed that being Born into this Mortal Realm, it is just a Temporary Stop for our Souls. And so, after Passing-on (crude word to use will be Death), actually we are Proceeding to the Next Stage or into the Other Realms and so, it is indeed a Joyous Event to Celebration – which is known as Happiness.

And this is also why, in Taoism, we tend to use the Term Passing-on (過往) and not Dying for a Taoist, cos what we facing is just a form of Transition, if the Passing-on to the Next Stage is a Good one, it shall not be known as Death or Dying.

PS: In the Show, many times, the Storyline actually teaches us not to be too afraid/stress while facing the Passing-on, which this is a very Good & Positive. Even though at sometimes, it is hard for us to suppress our Sadness towards the departure of our Love Ones, but still, we need to learn to accept it, if not, more issues will arise in the future, such as Physically Weak, Mentally Disorder, etc.

So in Taoism & Chinese Culture, what are the White Rites & Rituals involved?

A lot of People had mistaken that the White Rites & Rituals are only mend for the Passing-on, actually this is Wrong.

White Rites & Rituals usually started after a person celebrate his/her 60 Lunar Years Old Birthday (甲子花年).

After 60 Years Old, a person will start to look for the Best fitting Shou Yi (Shroud Clothing 壽衣), Best Location for the Burying/Ash-placing After Passing-on. For some People, they will also immediately buy an Ash-placing Position for him/herself as a form of Symbolising of the Prolonging of Life (長生祿位).

And on the Day of the Passing-on, Descendants will need to do preparation for the Funeral Wakes, such as getting the Pass-on to rest well in the chosen Coffin aka Shou Ban (壽板), engaging Religious Masters to conduct the Salvation Rituals or the Leading of Soul to the Source Ceremonies, etc.

On the 1st 7th Day after the Funeral Wake, Descendants had to observe on the Returning of the Soul of the Pass-on. And on the 49 Days/100 Days, Religious Masters had to be engaged to usher the Soul to Ascend onto the Main Altar at Home for the Life-time Honouring by the Descendants.

For some Families, on the 1st Year after the Passing-on, the Descendants will engaged Religious Masters to conduct an Official Ritual for the Pass-on as in to replenish whatever is being left out during the Funeral Wakes. After then, on the 3rd Year, another Ritual will be conducted to initialise that the 3 Years Mourning is completed (三年解孝).

For Chinese, due to Thoughts & Practise of Filial Piety and Returning Gratitude, honouring of Ancestors is a very Important & a MUST-DO action. This does not only show how much we Love our Love-Ones, this is also a form of Cultivation for Oneself on Patience, Caring & Sensitiveness.

In Chinese, how many Types of Red Rites & Rituals are there?

Due to Time has changed and everyone seems to drift off from our Own Root, many such Practises had been forgotten by a lot of People.

In the Past, when we talked about Red Issues, Old People were be able to list out a long list for you but nowadays, People will only remember those Red Issues that needed them to come out with Red Packet aka Ang Bao (賀禮紅包).

In here, Jave will list out the Major Five Red Issues that we celebrate in the Modern Era:

1 Giving Birth (誕)
2 Getting Married (婚)
3 Lunar Birthday Celebration (壽)
4 Moving into New House (遷)
5 Getting Promoted, Opening of own Business or Graduated (昇)

During the Birth Red Rites & Rituals (誕), for Taoists, after a Lady is being confirmed with Pregnancy, Honouring of the Bedroom Deities must be carried out every Month/certain Occasions. This is to request for the Blessing for the Baby and also the Safety of the Pregnant Woman. After the Baby is born, for the 1st month, the Baby shall not leave the room un-necessarily, this is not only to prevent the Baby from contacting any un-necessary Entities around, but also due to Health-issue (new born Babies tend to be weaker and easily be affected by the surrounding germs & viruses). On the Full Month (30 Days 滿月), Parent will invite Relatives & Friends to home/etc for the Celebration of the Arrival of the New Born Baby (in the past, people only celebrate on the 40th Day). On the Full Month Day, the New Born Baby must honoured the Ancestors, this is to inform the Ancestors that there is another new Member in the Family and also, to request Blessing from them for the Baby. After 1 year, Parent will also invite Relatives & Friends to home/etc for the celebration of the Baby 1st Birthday in this Mortal Realm. The purpose of doing so is to allow the Baby to get the Blessing from the Big Crowd, in-order to Prolong the Age and also, to train the Braveness of the Baby. Taboo for New Born Babies will be, going into Temples before the Age of 3.

For Wedding Rites & Rituals, for those who are interested, actually you all can refer to Jave’s Old postings (in multiply web) or watch the Drama Series of The New Beginnings, I’m sure you will be able to learn something from there.

During the Celebration of Lunar Birthdays, People shall avoid wearing Black & Blue. Try to wear Bright colors like Red, Orange, Purple, Yellow or Flowery apparel. This will assist in boosting the Prosperity Luck for the Next 1 Year and also, this will assist in gaining the necessary attention of the Deities in the other Spiritual Realms. On the Day of the Lunar Birthday, Oneself shall honoured the Deities & Ancestors 1st, especially those whose Mother had pass-on. This is an Important Day for the Remembrance of One’s Mother and also, to return One’s Gratitude to her.

For Moving in New House Pre & Post Rites & Rituals, for those who are interested, you all can also refer to my Old postings.

Last, the Rites & Rituals for Promoted, Opening of own Business or Graduated, this can considered Rare but in the Ancient Era, this can considered as One of the Most Important Practises. On the Day of Oneself’s Promotion, Opening of New Business or Graduated – this represent a New Life of a Person (the 2nd Reborn), Oneself will need to do a Spiritual Reporting at Cheng Huang Temple (City Deity 城隍尊神). Why this is needed to be done? This action is to make sure that in the Spiritual Realms, your Name is being recorded and in the future, if any mishaps will to happen, Cheng Huang will be able to assist you in doing the tracking on the mishaps like who caused it, who are involved, etc. For People who have Graduated, besides Honouring Cheng Huang, Oneself shall also honoured Wen Chang (文昌帝君) & Kui Xing (魁星帝君). This is to Thank them for the Blessing and looking-after through-out the Study Years.

Last of ALL, just an Advise. Do treasure our Own Root Culture and possible, practice them before they are Gone. Preserve such Cultures are easy, need not need much Energy, just do it when the Time needed them. Slowly, such Cultures will exist with you in & out in Everyday Life. Remember this, once these Cultures are gone, it is the same as losing our Love-Ones, forever no choice of meeting them anymore.

Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming (庚寅年趙公明天君之聖誕吉慶)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

A year had passed so fast and soon again, the Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming (趙公明天君) aka Deity of Military Wealth, will be here again.

On next Wednesday, which will be 28 Apr 2010 - 15th Day of Lunar 3 Month (農曆三月十五日), it will be the Celebration for the Manifestation of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming.

For those who are interested in Paying your Respect to him, you can visit any Temples (all over the World) that dedicate Altars to him.

Remember, do not request any Un-necessary stuffs from him, cos even though Heavenly Marshal Zhao is considered as Deity of Military Wealth, he is not a Deity that will distribute the Wealth Un-necessarily if Oneself’s Credits or Merits are not Enough, etc.

So what to prepare for the Honouring?

Oneself can just prepare 1 set of Taoist Five Offerings (道教五供 Link: http://javewu.multiply.com/journal/item/131), 3 stacks of Tian Gong Jin (天公金), 3 stacks of San Bao Jin/Shou Jin (三寶金/壽金), 3 pieces of Black Paper Robes (黑紙袍) and 1 piece of Hu Qian (虎錢).

In here, this is the 1st Time that Jave is introducing this Hu Qian to all.

Hu Qian aka Tiger Money Paper, a type of Traditional Paper Offering used in the Southern China aka Min Nan Area (中國閩南地區) for the honouring of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming. It can come in Triangular form (as shown below) or in Long Rectangular form like those Da Gui Ren Paper (大貴人紙).

And so coincidence that this Year is the Year of Tiger (虎年), you all can try to download it and print it on a Yellow Paper for the Day of Honouring.

So what does Hu Qian represent?

In Hokkien Dialect, Tiger aka Hu got the same Pronouciation as Giving, which is Hor (給) and so, in the Southern Part of the China, the Taoists/Chinese hoping that by Offering this Tiger Money to Heavenly Marshal Zhao, in return, Zhao Gong Ming will be able to HOR the Money back to them after the paying respect.

And this was how Hu Qian came about and being pass-down Generation by Generation.

Last of All, during the Honouring, be Sincere & Faithful, once your Luck-period is right, your Blessing from Heavenly Zhao Gong Ming will be there.

Hometown & Tomb of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming (趙公明天君故鄉與陵墓)

In here, you all will be seeing a series of 5 pictures of the Hometown & Tomb of Heavenly Marshal Zhao Gong Ming aka Deity of Military Wealth (武財神).

Due to Zhao Gong Ming appeared in the Classic Feng Shen Bang (封神榜) aka Creation of Deities, a lot of People tend to mistaken that he was just a Myth-made Character, to be more accurate, he was not.

According to Records, Zhao Gong Ming was born in the Western Zhou Dynasty (西周), hometown in Shan Xi Province Xi An City Zhou Zhi County Ji Xiang Area Zhao Da Village (出生和羽化均在陕西省西安市周至县集贤镇赵大村). Which was about 50km from the Central of Xi An City (near Mountain Zhong Nan 近終南山).

In Ming Dynasty, an Ancestral Temple was built in the Village dedicating to Zhao Gong Ming and after then, went thru several Wars & Revolution and now, the Temple was renovated and open to the Public.

Inside the Ancestral Temple, Oneself can see a Big Statue dedicated to Zhao Gong Ming on the Main Hall and at the back of the Temple, you will see a Big Tomb where Zhao Gong Ming was buried.

For those who wished to pay your respect to Zhao Gong Ming, next round when you are in Xi An, remember to travel to Zhao Da Village, you might find something Special in there.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/752760236/pic/list

Introduction on the Dipper Lamp aka Dou Deng/Shou (道教斗燈/斗首之簡介)

In here, Jave will like to make a brief introduction on the Dipper Lamp, in Chinese known as Dou Deng (斗燈) or Dou Shou (斗首).

I’m sure that many People have come across this but in actual fact, not much People know about the Major Purpose of the Usage of Dou Deng.

In Taoist Rituals/Ceremonies, usually such Dou Deng will be Enhanced or Lighted during the Major Ritual on the Honouring of Dou Mu (斗母元君) & Lords of the Northern Dippers (北斗九皇賜福星君). The Main Purpose of the Enhancing & Lighting of the Dou Deng was to request for Eliminating of Excess Sins & Debts (消災解厄) and also, to request for the Prolonging of One’s Parents’ Life (延生長壽).

In Taoism, there are also quite a few different Rituals/Ceremonies that needed such Dou Deng, such Rituals are known as

1 Lunar New Year Luck Blessing (新春祈福禮斗)
2 Scholar Knowledge Blessing (文昌長智禮斗)
3 Business Enhancing Blessing (生意通順禮斗)
4 etc

During the Enhancing or Lighting of such Dou Deng, Official & Trained Taoist Priests/Masters must be engaged. Before the Dou Deng was being Enhanced or Lighted, the Priests/Masters were requested for One’s Chinese Name, DOB & Residential Address, in-order for them to do the Official Spiritual Reporting to the Celestial Realms and Deities for Inspection.

Due to Commercialization & Money-making-factors, many other Non Taoist Groups or Faiths are performing such Rituals/Ceremonies for Devotees, which I can said that, this is a form of Distorting our Taoist Culture. For those who understand the Real Origin of such Dipper Lamps, please do not get conned by those Non Taoist People whom performed the Blessing for you. Cos usually, the result that in-return can be serious or fatal.

Ok, back to the Ritual/Ceremony on the Enhancing of the Dou Deng. Once the Particulars were being recorded, the Priests/Masters were found a good Day to perform the Ritual. On the Day, a 30 minutes Taoist Ritual known as Kai Dou (開斗科儀) will be conducted. In the Ritual, the Priests/Masters were Invite the Necessary Associated Deities to witness the Ritual and also, Reports will be made to them in-order for the Requesting of Blessing.

Due to nowadays, many People are not aware of this Kai Dou and lesser Trained Priests are being trained on such a Ritual, during Temple Celebrations, seldom Priests/Masters will performed the Kai Dou for them. So for those who know, please do request for the Ritual to be conducted, as a Dou Deng can considered very Important to a Temple or Group and if this is not being conducted well, the next 3 years, a lot of issues will be affected.

In the Ritual, the various Spiritual Items that can be found on the Dou Deng will be enhanced and after enhancing, the Spiritual Items will be used to bless on Individual Devotees before it is being placed into the Dipper Lamp Holder. Just before the Ritual ends, the Priests/Masters will invite/enhance the Last Item in the Dou Deng – which is the Spiritual Fire (丙丁火), for the Blessing of Brightness & also Requesting for Longevity (光明延壽).

Once this is done, the whole Ritual will considered as Smoothly Conducted.

Remember, once the Dipper Lamp is being Enhanced or Lighted, it shall not be Blown-off or Kept. This Dipper Lamp must be well maintained as long as possible.

Last of All, hope that more People can aware of such Culture & Practises and do not get conned.

Pictures of Hokkien Province Pu Tian City Tong Shan Temple (中國莆田市銅山宮)

In here, you all will be seeing a group of 11 photos taken on the Tong Shan Temple – dedicated to Bao Sheng Da Di Wu Tao (保生大帝吳本) – the Medical Deity (道教醫神).

This Temple was situated in China Hokkien Pu Tian City Yue Tang County Pan Village (莆田月塘乡东潘村).

As you can see in the pictures, most of the Deities are closely related to the ”Heng Hwa” Culture.

Hope you all enjoyed the Pictures.

For Higher Res Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/379876681/pic/list

Reference Book Recommendation: Right Way of Honouring (拜對真靈:拜拜入門)

Category:	Books
Price:	S$12.70 - S$20.00

For those who are interested in knowing more on the ways of Taoist Honouring, in here, you will find a good guide on the methods of how to do preparation for an Official Honouring.

In this Book, you will be able to see Clear, Simple and Easy ways of doing preparation for various Celebrations & Festivals, besides that, different types of Paper Offerings are being introduced too.

This Book was published in Taiwan by Classic Publisher (京典出版).

In Singapore, this Book is almost out of stock, for those who are keen in getting it, you may wished approach any Kinokuniya Bookstore to make your order.

The Cost of the Book is S$12.70 - S$20.00.

Honouring of Xuan Tian Shang Di at Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟玄天上帝聖壽祭祀)

On 3rd Day of Lunar 3 Month, Vabien Lee, Donnie Tay and I visited Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟) to pay respect to Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝) after the Anniversary Ceremony conducted at Donnie's House.

In here, are some casual Pictures that we took outside the Temple while waiting for the Teochew Opera to start.

Sembawang Tian Ho Keng Ma Zu Celebration 2010 (新加坡三巴旺天后宫媽祖華誕祭祀活動)

Start:	May 4, '10 11:00p
End:	May 9, '10 11:00p
Location:	Singapore, Sembawang

Dear All,

Sembawang Tian Hou Temple, dedicating to Ma Zu (天上聖母媽祖), will be having a 6 Days Celebration at the Temple compound starting from 04 May till 09 May (Address: No.24 ADMIRALTY STREET SINGAPORE 757612).

For those who are interested, please do drop by to join in this Joyous Celebration dedicating to our Dearest Lady Immortal in Taoism.

Itinerary:

04 May - 11.00Pm Priests conducting Ushering Ceremony for Deities

05 May - Honouring of Ma Zu & Hokkien Opera Performance

06 May - Actual Day of the Honouring of Ma Zu (Whole Day Event)

07 May - Honouring of Ma Zu & Hokkien Opera Performance

08 May - Honouring of Ma Zu & Hokkien Opera Performance

09 May - - Honouring of Ma Zu & Ge Tai Entertainment Program

More info, please proceed to Tian Hou Temple website: http://sbwthk.blogspot.com/

Yue Hai Qing Temple Annual Celebration for Xuan Tian (粵海清廟玄天上帝聖誕祭祀活動)

Start:	Apr 16, '10 08:00a
End:	Apr 16, '10 10:00p
Location:	Singapore, CBD, Phillip Street

Dear All,

Yue Hai Qing Temple located at Singapore CBD area will be having Celebration dedicating to Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝) on this coming Friday (16 Apr) & Saturday (17 Apr).

For those who wished to pay your respect to Xuan Tian Shang Di, remember to drop by the Temple when you are free.

Donnie Tay, the 7th Disciple of Long Shan Men (正一龍山門) will be contributing 120 copies of the Xuan Tian Shang Di Pictorial Story Book to Yue Hai Qing Temple, for those who are interested, can drop by to get a copy.

Hope to see you there.

Report 02: Cemetery Tour in Bukit Brown on Sat 10 Apr 2010 (安樂山之福地遊)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Thanks again to Bro Victor of Taoism-Singapore Online Group for sharing with us on the Report.

~~~~~~

Hi folks,
Especially those of you who braved the soggy ground for our second tour. Look at the members of today's tour, raring to go, not knowing what to expect. (^^) Billy and Charles will send us their professional group photo to share with you. This one below was taken when everyone was preparing to pose. (^^)



The next time when we organise, we must give more "warnings" as some came in slippers or slip-in shoes. Not a problem but for "po-tuey lang" (city guys) this might be a challenge. Ask the Nepali porters, it was no problem. (^^) The first stop was the same as the last one, except that the coloured papers seemed somewhat faded. All were ears and eyes with their hands busy taking notes as Raymond and Jave share about the tomb - how to read the information on the tomb, what does the shape of the tomb represents or remind you of, and why the coloured papers. According to the story, it was to be 7 colourerd papers. Someone checked out the coloured paper and counted 6. So, we have some research to do. (^^)

The Tua Pek Kong temple, where one should "report" to and pay their respects before going to their ancestors' grave, looked a tad worse. Over the week, apparently, with the rain, the roof could be caving in. It will take a while for everyone to sink in the information that Raymond shot like like rapid machine gun. (^^) The linkage between this temple and that possibly in Selat Rd where the original Temple was and where once upon a time there was a cemetery there.





If you look at the pictures below, see how the colour papers were so lovingly arranged. Might give Gilles some idea about art in the cemetery. (^^) As Jennel observed, you could see the sparkles in Raymond as he talked about pioneers of Singapore. How History came alive as he talked about Khoo Teck Puat's father and the tomb. This tomb is a treasure of information, poems and even stories. Ah, I think someone (Raymond?) must map out and record every picture and word of this tomb. But some of the words could have faded.





Wow, this freshly recoated grave of Tan Boo Liat stood out amongst the ancient looking tombs. And probably the only "surviving" largest tomb of Ong Sam Leong was the "climax" of the tour. We were late, probably, by minutes to observe what was going on there. There were lighted candles, joss sticks and burning joss papers. And many "Lor Ji" (will need Jave to give us the actual name, meaning money for the road, probably as kind of toll fee) were strewn all over. By common understanding, the descendants would not throw such Lor Ji (but correct me if I am wrong) and if so, could these recent offering be from the descendants or someone else? A call for the investigators. (^^)



Every tomb tells a story, or perhaps a long story. That's what Raymond is trying to piece them together. And here, he shares yet another tale of yet another tomb. Gosh, I have to stick close to him to be able to get all the valuable information. I have suggested to him that we strap a tape recorder to his body to record his presentations. In time to come this could be an oral archive in its own rights. (^^) How he deduce which tomb was connected to which, through the names of the sons and daughters. For many in the old days, their names on the tombstone could be posthumous names. You will not see Tan Tock Seng's name on his tombstone.



Darren and I noticed some interesting sights. On one tomb, it was all flowers (orchids) strewn all over the tomb with some orchids and jasmine placed on the tombstone. And in front of the tombstone, a lotus candle. Must be Buddhist.The other has an additional pillar at the back. Maybe, Raymond can tell us more. (^^)



Yet another one was only orchids all over the tomb and crysanthemum by the side of the tombstone. Could this be offered by the Christian descendants? What was sad was looking at offerings place on a site that I supposed was thought to be where the tomb was to be, or somewhere. In the old days, the descendants could only recognise the tombs from certain landmarks. From the early days when I came here only to do birdwatching, it was still like a plain. Now it is a forest! A number of the tombstones were covered by plants. For the earlier descendants who could not read, it was a challenge.



I am sure you have more interesting pictures or tales learnt from Raymond, Charles and Jave to share. Do drop some notes of your observations and impressions to share with us.

Some of you were asking about temple tours. Ah, this is in our planning board. And if you are keen to start sharing information about Chinese Temples and Taoist Heritage, you are most welcomed to join our now international forum.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism-singapore

Or you can just send a blank email to: taoism-singapore-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

For general heritage, you could join our Singapore Heritage List at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/singaporeheritage

And if you are interested in the activities of API (Asian Paranormal Investigators)

http://api.sg

Those of you present today, thanks for coming and I hope you have had an enjoyable experience.

Three cheers to our leaders who share their knowledge so willingly:

Raymond, Charles and Jave

Victor
Singapore

Introduction on Taoist Spiritual Item – Tai Ji Fan (太極日月陰陽寶扇簡介)

In here, Jave will be doing a simple introduction on one of the Common Taoist Spiritual Item, known as The Fan of Universe with the Enhancement Energies of Yin & Yang. In Chinese, we address this Fan as Tai Ji Ri Yue Yin Yang Bao Shan (太極日月陰陽寶扇).

According to Records, this Spiritual Fan was being imitated according to the Fan that Dao De Tian Zun aka The Supreme Lord (道德天尊), holding on to.

This Fan does not only represent the Universe, it does also represent the Balancing of the Yin Yang Energies and also, the Natural Energies that emitted out from the Sun & Moon – Part of the San Guang Group (三光).

In Taoism, this Fan can be commonly seen while Grand & Official Ceremonies are being conducted. Usually one of the High Priests will hold on to it to represent Authorities & also Permission from San Qing aka The Three Pure Ones (三清道祖).

In Long Shan Men (正一龍山門), the usage of this Fan was being impart by our Ancestors & Fore-fathers to assist the Needy.

So when we usually use it in Long Shan Men?

Usually in Grand Ceremonies or Official Rituals.

So what is the purpose of using this Fan?

There are a few purposes:

1 to perform Cleansing on the Ritual Ground

2 to perform Spiritual Protection during Rituals are being conducted

3 to enhance the Balancing of Yin & Yang Energies that being emitted out during Chanting & Practical Skills being conducted during Rituals

4 to assist Devotees in getting rid of Excess Negative Energies or while the Devotees are being pestered by un-necessary Entities

5 to Open the Path for Deities & other Celestial Beings during Ceremonies/Rituals

Is this Fan the same as the Folding Fan that Taoists used?

Officially, it is Different. Folk-ly, people tend to mix them up due to misconception & misunderstanding.

How can this Fan be enhanced?

Usually after getting such a Fan, an Auspicious Date shall be chosen for the Enhancing, followed by making Reporting to the Celestial Realm and last, performing the Enhancing of the Fan by going thru rounds of Chanting, Dotting & Ushering in of the Natural Energies.

During the Dotting & Ushering in of the Natural Energies, the Energies from Sun & Moon will be evoked and then, the Four Directional Energies will also be commanded in-order for the Enhancing into the Fan.

At the end of the whole Ceremony, the Four Spiritual “Animals (四靈獸)” will be called upon to guard on the Fan in-order for it to reach its Possible Highest Power or Authority.

Last, by placing it on the Main Altar for 49 Days before using for the Enhancing by the receiving of Offerings of Incenses (敬受香火).

It is possible to get this Fan in the Market?

I can say that its quite impossible due to the Enhancement needed a lot of efforts & strength.

For those who are willing to do for you, it will sure to cost you a “Diamond” and so, for those who are interested in getting the Fan, please do aware of getting CON.

Summary:

A lot of Spiritual Items are Nice to see and Good to get, but remember this, ALL of them come with a Purpose & each of them had to perform a Task. Do not get it just because you feel that it is a form of Authority to get One.

For those who wished to get any of the Spiritual Items, please do considered carefully on whether do you really need them or will you used them after getting it. Do not just place them on the Altar for Nice, cos this is not a form of Promoting the Culture or Respecting your Deities, but actually, distorting it and damaging the Reputation of Taoism.

Last of ALL, may ALL be blessed by our dearest Taoism.

PS: Thanks to Vabien for sharing with us the Pictures.

Dotting Ceremony at Long Shan Men Disciple Alvin's Home – Actual Day Dotting (龍山門八弟子宅中開光安座法事)

After 2 years of waiting, finally the Day had arrived.

Alvin’s (正一龍山門第八弟子) Home Altar was being installed on the 22nd Day of Lunar 2 Month (庚寅年農曆二月廿二日), an Auspicious Day for the ushering in of Long Shan Men’s Main Deities and Spiritual Protector of Alvin – Heavenly Marshal Gao Yuan Shuai (監生送子高元帥).

Upon arriving at Alvin’s Home at about 10.00am plus, most of the Items were being nicely spread out on the Altar for the ushering in of the Deities and at about 11.00am, the Dotting Officially started with the Reporting to Heaven and the Main Deities.

After the Spiritual Petition was being sent off (see pic 17), ushering in the Deities by Offering Wine to them (see pic 18), the Peak of the Dotting took place.

First by performing the Enhancing of the Dotting Items (see pic 19-23) and then, ushering in the Positive Energies from the Heaven & Sun into the Cleaned Statues (see pic 24-40).

After ALL the Statues were being Dotted, a quick Enhancing of the Poster of Earth Deity & City (城隍與土地) was being conducted for the various Disciples of Long Shan Men (see pic 41-44).

With the completion of the Dotting, the Statues were being invited to sit on the Main Altar and with the seeking of Permission from the Deities on whether the Positioning was alright, Alvin was being granted with a Positive Answer (see pic 45).

Another round of Sending Off of Spiritual Petition to mark the Successful of the Dotting and then, a round of Scripture Chanting was being conducted before the Sending Off of Deities was being conducted (see pic 47-48).

Upon completion of the Chanting, An Shen & An Lu (安神與安爐) – being translated as Settling the Positive Energies on the Altar and Urn, was being carried. Once this was done, it marked that the Whole Dotting Ceremony had completed (see pic 50).

In Pic 55, you will see Beans & Vegetable being prepared for the Rewarding to the Heavenly Armies & Horses of Heavenly Marshal Gao.

In Pic 59 & 60, Vabien was being advised to do the Recitation of the Final Mantra of Transforming the Paper Offerings into the “Real Offerings” and Sending Off of the Deities.

Finally, the Altar was being Set-up.

PS: Thanks to Vabien for sharing with us the Photos.

For Larger Pictures, feel free to proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/205229323/pic/list

Dotting Ceremony at Long Shan Men Disciple Alvin's Home - Preparation (龍山門八弟子宅中開光安座法事)

After 2 years of waiting, Finally Alvin’s Home is able to install with an Altar for the Honouring of Long Shan Men’s Major Deities (正一龍山門主神) and also, the Spiritual Protector of himself.

On the 21st Day of Lunar 2 Month, Vabien Lee & I went up to Alvin’s Home to prepare for the Dotting that took place on the next Day. Upon arriving at Alvin’s Home, certain items were already in Place and ready for the setting up. This was really great and much appreciated.

After a quick unpacking, the 1st Ceremony to be conducted for the Dotting was the Enhancing of Urn for the Main Altar (開爐).

With the assistances of Vabien, the Urn was ready to be enhanced after I made a short reporting to the Heaven, Deities and Ancestors of Long Shan Men.

Starting with the Cleansing of the Urn using Cleansing Water & Spiritual Fire, followed by Enhancing the Spiritual Gems for Urn (安爐寶 – Special Items that used by Long Shan Men) and last, adding in the Ashes.

Upon completion of the Enhancing of Urn, Red Ribbon (紅彩球) & Golden Flower (金花) must be placed onto the Urn for Prosperity Blessing.

The whole Enhancing Ceremony took about 1 hour to complete and last, asking Alvin to personally invite the Urn onto the Main Altar to signify the Altar was being Set up with his own Effort and also, to make request for Blessing for his own Future and Family.

PS: Thanks to Vabien for sharing with us the Photos.

For Larger Pictures, feel free to proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1245260808/pic/list

Report: Cemetery Tour in Bukit Brown on Sat 3 Apr 2010 (安樂山之福地遊)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

Thanks to Bro Victor of Taoism-Singapore Online Group for sharing with us on the Report.

~~~~~~

Hi folks,
What a wet and humid day it was today. But I suppose it made all the more interesting and gets one to appreciate and reflect better after a hot bath and relaxing at home. (^^)

The thunder was roaring as I stepped out of my apartment this afternoon at 12.45pm. Ah, I thought to myself, would it be a repeat of the last time when a similar tour was abandoned halfway when it poured. I hoped not, all raising all the excitement. Just as Terry and I [we met along the path from Newton Circus MRT Station - and Terry told me he could recognise me from the ST photo, I was wondering if was my pouch (^^)] were getting to the Newton Circus Food Centre, tiny drops of rain came. As more participants came, the fine rain started.





We thought that it would stop, as in most cases in Singapore. And so, after the P stop for some, we took off. The drizzle continued, on and off, as we made our first walk along the PIE expressway (from the Kheam Hock Rd underpass). The Aljazeera TV team caught up to capture some scenes of Qing Ming in Singapore.



What would have been open space with the tombs facing the vast valley below, this was secondary forest. It made locating the tombs all the more difficult for the descendants, but it did not stop them. The first big tomb we came across was covered with multi-coloured papers. Jave gave a brief explanation on the coloured papers and the joss papers used. He brought alot some to show to the participants.



The next stop was the Tua Pek Kong temple, the main guardian of the Cemetery here. This was the temple that Raymond and Charles stumbled onto looking for other tombs. While it was a find for us, to the regulars, it was the temple that they would go to offer their respects, and I suppose to seek permission or inform that they are going to the tombs. In fact, in our recce tour with Yen Feng, we came across this 70+ old lady who came with her son and brother to offer their final respect to her father-in-law. She was explaining to us that on the tombs, you can see the sons, daughters and grandchildren's names, but not the daughter-in-laws. She said that it was assumed that the sons would have wives. (^^) Today, when we passed that tomb, the resident of the tomb has been exhumed. She was telling us that they would come one night to have it exhumed. In the Chinese belief, the dead must not meet the sun, and so, it is better to do it in the middle of the night.



With the ground wet and our group being pretty big, it took us a while to move. And at times, I think we could be a few hundred metres long. (^^) We have members coming from all walks of lives and so, while listening to the three leaders' explanation, they also got to know each other. We have foreigners living in Singapore as well. And we have professors to architects to students to some even looking for long lost tombs. One found her grandaunt's tomb!



For Singaporeans who know a little about our short history and the Chinese pioneers, many of their graves are here in Bukit Brown. Khoo Teck Puat's father's tomb was there with elaborated but faded stories and poems. I wonder if the experts could help restore and read the contents before they are gone forever. Or has it? And yes, there was Boon Lay's grave (most of us might know the road name or the MRT station, and not much about the person!) And Mrs Lim Nee Soon? Ong Sam Leong's grave must be the biggest in Bukit Brown! The saddest story must be the relocation of the graves of Hong Lim from Alexandra to Bukit Brown, from his own land where it was acquired by the government for urban renewal. The request from the affected family was that he be given a good fengshui spot, which was granted, but the other graves of his family did not get as good. The Chinese believe that a good fengshui of the tomb will bestow prosperity (which could wealth and health) to the descendants. It is kind of investing in the future. In those days, as in a few graves, they were built while the intended resident was still alive. He not only think about catering for his future generations by providing properties and money, but also a tomb that could ensure continuity in that sense!



My bnef report, as always, does not do justice to what Charles, Raymond and Jave had shared. It is just a glimpse of what I caught, hoping from place to place, and from person to person. (^^) And if you have more to add, or correct, please do. we all learn more in the process.

We had a wonderful group which were all ears and eyes, with hands busy making notes, even when their notebooks were wet. There's so much to absorb that I think we will need to attend the same lesson many more times! (^^) Ah, maybe, we should video tape the guides each and every time and edit them into a series. The guides are normally prompted by questions from the tour members.

Bravo for braving the rain and for being such great participants! Kudos to you and our three leaders who shared their knowledge with us. Along the way, some participants also shared their knowledge with us.

Victor
Singapore

Reference Book Recommendation: Astrology in History (星象學書籍 - 12宮與28宿)

Category:	Books
Price:	S$29.00 - S$32.00

For those who are interested in knowing more on Ancient Astrology Studies & Names of Stars, here is a Book that you can look out for.

In this Book, you will be able to see Ancient Writings & Explanation on Astrology. Besides that, it will also touch on Astrology in various Religions, such as Taoism, Christian and other more Faiths.

This Book was published in China.

In Singapore, this Book is almost out of stock, for those who are keen in getting it, you may wished approach any Popular Bookstore to make your order.

The Cost of the Book is S$29.00 - 32.00.

You may wish to check Online with this ISBN: 7-5382-7184-8/B.57.

For larger Pictures, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/865367451/pic/list

API Cemetery Tour 02 on 10 Apr 2010 (清明暢游集福地)

Start:	Apr 10, '10 2:00p
End:	Apr 10, '10 6:00p
Location:	Singapore

Dear All,

API & Taoism-Singapore-Online-Forum will be organising a 2nd Cemetery Tour on 10 April (Saturday) - due to Over-whelming respone.

Timing from 2.00Pm - 6.00Pm.

We will gather at Newton Food Center at 1.45Pm.

For those who are interested in joining the fun, please do let me know by posting a reply here.

Transport will be arranged for bringing us to the Cemetery and so, a little contribution will be needed - S$5.00.

Do act fast before ALL the Seats are being taken up.

See you there.

Straits Time Report: Cemetery walk for Qingming Festival (海峽時報報導之清明福地遊)

Dear All,

Today, 02 Apr 2010, Straits Time Newspaper had come out with the Report on Taoist Online Group's Visiting to Cemetery on Qing Ming Report, for those who have yet to see the report, in the following is what being published:

"
The Straits Times, 2 Apr 2010

Cemetery walk for Qingming festival
Online group to lead English-speaking tour
By Yen Feng

A MOTLEY crew of English-speaking professionals with a shared interest in traditional Chinese practices has come together to run a walking tour through Bukit Brown Cemetery off Lornie Road.

The guided tour through one of Singapore's oldest burial grounds, the first the group will conduct, is from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, two days ahead of the start of this year's Qingming festival, when the Chinese visit the tombs of their ancestors to make offerings and to spring clean them.

The group, brought together online in 2004 via a Yahoo forum group, taoism-singapore, includes a National University of Singapore (NUS) professor of history and architecture; two brothers with a bent for the supernatural; a Taoist priest; and an NUS adjunct associate professor of accountancy.

Drawing on their combined knowledge, they hope to explain to participants Chinese traditions such as ancestor worship and burial rites, and the meaning behind tomb symbols - knowledge once held by Chinese immigrants, but which may be to the current generation little more than a cipher of burning incense, coloured buns and mock meat.

Group founder Victor Yue, 57, said the idea for the walking tour came about when he received several questions last month from people wanting to know more about Qingming.

'Rather than talk about it, I thought, why not show them?' said the technical engineer, who also runs two blogs on Chinese temples and sin tua, Hokkien for 'deity-shrines'.

The tour will be led by the group's tomb-exploring brothers, Mr Raymond Goh, 57, and Mr Charles Goh, 41, who are licensed guides.

Last Saturday, the group gave The Straits Times a preview of the tour through Bukit Brown, starting with a good hike from Kheam Hock Road into Lorong Halwa.

Of Bukit Brown's 80,000 tombstones dotting the grassy hill, many were modest, chipped and weather-worn, or lost in the undergrowth. Some commanded immediate attention, such as a large, womb-shaped one nestled amid its artificial 'lake' and a miniature 'mountain'.

The Taoist priest in the group, Master Jave Wu, 30, said the tomb, built for good fengshui, likely belonged to a rich man.

The Goh brothers then led the group to a dilapidated temple with a partially caved-in roof, which they said they discovered only in January.

Mr Raymond Goh, a pharmacist by day, explained that the temple was the area's main tu di gong, or 'earth deity', where believers stopped to pray before visiting the graves.

He said it was built in the 1970s, but Dr Lai Chee Kien, the NUS history and architecture professor, noted that its style was that of late 19th-century Hokkien temples.

Accountancy professor Tan Wee Cheng, 39, said it was this kind of collaborative sleuth work that first drew him to the group.

Group members send e-mail messages - ranging from questions about, for example, the identity of a mysterious shrine in a Geylang back alley, to links to news reports about Chinese cultural practices, Taoism or other religions - to Mr Yue, who compiles them every day into an e-mail message which he sends back out to the entire group.

In the last five years, the membership of the group has grown from a handful to more than 500. The group counts veteran actress and theatre studies lecturer Margaret Chan and scholars from Malaysia, Ireland and Canada as members.
The use of English and their passion for the arcane subject are what unites them, said Mr Yue.

Another is nostalgia. 'With rapid urbanisation, many youths have lost the connections with their heritage, and parents may not understand it themselves,' he said.

'If we can offer our professional skills and knowledge to create a better understanding of our cultural heritage, that would be great.'

Members of the public interested in the tour can e-mail Mr Yue at tao.victor@gmail.com. There is a $5 fee to cover transport and refreshments.
"