Sunday 30 October 2011

Exploring Taoism in China 2011 - Visiting to Wan Shou Gong (探索中華道教之敬禮萬壽宮)





In China Nan Chang City, there are 2 Wan Shou Gong, 1 known as Xi Shan Wan Shou Gong (西山萬壽宮) – which is the main HQ dedicated to Heavenly Master Xu Xun (淨明忠孝道許遜天師) and the 2nd 1 is known as Nan Chang Wan Shou Gong (南昌萬壽宮) – being built by the Commoners for remembering of the Merit of Subduing of the Jiao Demon in the Nan Chang River.

On this Trip to China to explore on Taoism, Jave and the others visited Nan Chang Wan Shou Gong to pay our respect to Heavenly Master Xu and also, to bring back the “Spiritual Lineage” aka Xiang Huo (香火).

In the whole Nan Chang Wan Shou Gong, it is being divided into 4 Main Halls and 2 Sub-Halls.

The Halls are as followed:

1 – Main Gate Hall known as Shan Men (山門) or Cai Shen Hall (財神殿)
2 – Zhen Jun Ge aka Main Hall of Heavenly Master Xu & his 12 Assistants (真君閣)
3 – Yu Huang Hall dedicating to Jade Emperor of Heaven & the 4 Heavenly Masters (玉皇殿)
4 – Yu Ce Ge dedicating to Lord Supreme Lao Jun and the various Taoist Scriptures (玉冊閣)
5 – Sub-Hall One dedicated to Dou Mu Yuan Jun (斗姆元君), known as Dou Mu Hall (斗姆殿)
6 – Sub-Hall Two dedicated to Chen Mu Yuan Jun (諶姆元君), known as Chen Mu Hall (諶姆殿) – which was the Master of Heavenly Master Xu

After paying respect to All the Deities in Wan Shou Gong, Big Bro Chee Seng and Sis-in-law Cherie bought a bundle of Fire-crackers to be lighted in the Temple and within moment, the whole Temple was being surrounded by the Joyous Cracking Sound. Everyone was so delighted, cos after a long long time, finally we were able to hear the Fire-cracker crackering sound again.

With the completion of the honouring, we proceed to have a chat with the Taoist Priests of Wan Shou Gong.

Staying in Wan Shou Gong for a few hours, finally we proceed to the Main River where the Huge Stone Carving of Heavenly Master Xu was being placed.

After taking a few pictures, we proceed to have our Dinner.

PS: All the Chinese Calligraphy shown in Wan Shou Gong were being written by Famous Poets – Wang Xi Zhi (王羲之), Su Dong Po (蘇東坡) & Huang Ting Jian (黄庭坚).

China Trip 2011 - Visiting to Shi Fo Dong (中國宗教行之朝禮石佛洞)





Shi Fo Dong aka The Stone Buddha Cave Temple (石佛洞), located at Quan Zhou City Nan Tian Road (泉州市南天路), on top of a Mountian in a Rural Village.

This Temple was famous due to the Statues of the Buddha & Guan Yin were being carved out from a Big Mountian and stand at the height of 3 Storey high.

Besides that, there are few new and old temples surrounding this Stone Buddha Cave Temple, one of them is dedicated to the 12 Lords of Quan Zhou City Dai Shan Area (泉州岱山十二巡案大人).

While we were in the Temple, we felt that some very strange "Beings" following us and while we were taking photos, certain Spiritual Encounters happened.

China Trip 2011 - Visiting to Nan Pu Tuo Temple (中國宗教行之朝禮南普陀)





Nan Pu Tuo Temple (南普陀), built in Tang Dynasty, which was about 1200 years ago (建于唐朝年間﹐距今一千兩百余年).

This Temple located in Hokkien Province, Xia Men Area, can considered as the oldest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Part of China (南普陀座落於中國福建省厦门市﹐可說是閩南最久老之佛寺之一).

In this Temple, we are able to see the oldest 3 Storey High Statues of Lord Buddha, Guan Yin and the Four Heavenly Kings.

Besides that, the Land that Nan Pu Tuo sitting on was known as the Best Feng Shui Land in Xia Men, cos behind the Temple was Wu Lao Feng aka The Mountian of the Five Elders (五老峰) and in front of the Temple was Taiwan Strait Sea (台灣海峽).

China Trip 2011 - Visiting to Teng Wang Ge (中國宗教行之一訪滕王閣)





In here, you all will be seeing the pictures took at Teng Wang Ge, a River-side Mansion built by Lord Teng, the 22nd Younger Brother of Emperor Li Shi Ming (唐太宗李世民之廿二弟李元婴) in the Tang Dynasty, Zhen Guan Period (建于唐朝貞觀年間).

This Mansion was built by Lord Teng in-order for him to invite all the Officials all over the whole China in Tang Dynasty to watch the Performances that being arranged by him.

Lord Teng was a Talented Person whom engaged in writing of Poems, Songs, etc.

Even though he was being born with such a Great Talent but his Life was short, he was drowned one of his trip and at that time, he was only 20odd years old.

Thursday 13 October 2011

The Auspicious 19th Day of the Lunar 9 Month of Year 2011 (辛卯年菊月十九黃道吉日)

Start:     Oct 15, '11
Location:     All Over the World

Dear All,

Please be informed that on the 19 Day of Lunar 9 Mth (15 Oct - Saturday) is considered a Good Day for crossing of the Sea (out for Holiday).

This Day, while on the trip to any place, remember to bring along the following 4 items – a book, a pen/Chinese brush, a ruler and a chinese black ink-pad.

These 4 items will be able to lead the Blessings of the 4 Spiritual Prime Ministers (天府四相).

Besides that, from 7.00pm till 9.00pm, Oneself can request Prosperity Blessing from any Deity of Wealth or Earth Deity.

致各方同道:

農曆九月十九日(辰時及午時)為黃道吉日。

此日有玉兔獻寶及四相六合之象。

如若有人在此日出游﹐可隨身攜帶此四物 – 宣紙﹐毛筆﹐木尺及墨條。

此四物將納取四相之氣﹐助事業亨通及學業猛進。

眾人也可在戌時(晚間七至九時)﹐祭祀財神土地﹐以祝愿六合進寶。

Wednesday 12 October 2011

64th Heavenly Master Zhang Yuan Xian 3rd Anniversary 2011 (六十四代張源先天師得道三週年)





On this coming Saturday (15 Oct), which is 19th Day of Lunar 9 Month (農曆九月十九日), it is known as the Immortal-hood Attaining Anniversary of the 64th Heavenly Master Zhang Yuan Xian (六十四代張源先天師).

This is the 3rd Year after he had left us and attaining his Immortal-hood.

Monday 10 October 2011

Long Guan Dian receiving of Edict at Dong Yue Temple 2011 (新加坡龍觀殿辛卯年菊月東嶽廟請令儀式)





On the 8 Oct (a Saturday), the Auspicious Day of the Lunar 9 Month, Long Guan Dian (新加坡龍觀殿) had conducted a simple Ceremony at Dong Yue Temple (東嶽廟), located at Bukit Purmei, on the Receiving of the Dong Yue Edict (東嶽令).

At 7.30Am, we arrived at the Temple and after a quick preparation on the laying out of the Offerings and Spiritual Items, we seek permission from Lord Dong Yue (東嶽大帝) and then, the Ceremony started.

With the chanting of the Taoist Scriptures and the Ushering in of the Deities for the witnessing of the Ceremony, Jerry had to represent the whole of his Taoist Shrine to follow in the Honouring of the Deities.

At about 9.00Am, the whole Ceremony was ended and we left the Temple for other appointments.

Million Thanks to Royce for sharing with us the pictures.

Thursday 6 October 2011

The Auspicious Day of the Lunar 9 Month of Year 2011 (辛卯年菊月金龍降駕日)

Start:     Oct 8, '11
Location:     All Over the World

Dear All,

Please be informed that on the 12 Day of Lunar 9 Mth (08 Oct - Saturday), from Morning 7.00Am till 9.00Am & 11.00Am till 1.00Pm, is considered the Best Timing for this Month.

The Golden Dragon Star will be shining on the Mortal Realm and for those who are requesting for Good Business and Good Future ahead,this will be the best timing to conduct the honouring.

Even though it is an Auspicious Day, but the White Tiger Star will be there to do nasty actions to people who are Spiritual & Physically Weak.

For those who need to attend Funerals, Wedding or Full-month Celebration, please remember to wear a Jade/Gem Stone in-order to block the Negative Entities.

For those who wished to Celebrate his/her Birthday on this Day, it is confirm to be a Good Timing and do remember to honour Lord Bei Dou before going for the Celebration,as Lord Bei Dou will lead the Yi Ma Energy out from One’s Physical Body to get the Enhancement for the future.

致各方同道:

農曆九月十二日(辰時及午時)為該月之良辰吉日。

金龍星將臨照人間。

此日向北祭祀紫微帝星/北斗星君/三台星君﹐可求前程光明/萬事順遂。雖是吉日﹐但西極白虎星卻會隨其左右。

若氣虛神弱者﹐在前往參加紅白喜事時﹐須佩戴玉石等﹐以擋遊煞。

此日慶祝生辰者﹐可冥心望北斗或設壇祝禱九皇。驛馬星將會於身中提昇﹐以助個人消災保命。

Tuesday 4 October 2011

He Bi Shan Temple 9th Mth Honouring of Dipper Lords Ritual 2011 (何碧山宮辛卯年菊月朝禮九皇儀式)





On the Evening of the 7th Day of Lunar 9 Month (農曆菊月初七日), He Bi Shan Temple had conducted a Ritual on the Honouring of the Dipper Lords for the Devotees & Members.

At 6.30Pm, Jave arrived at the Temple to do the necessary preparation and by 7.00Pm, most of the Devotees and Members were there waiting for the Ritual to be conducted.

By 8.00Pm, upon the arrival of All Members, the Ritual started.

With the Ushering-in of the Deities, Reporting, Chanting of Bei Dou Scripture and the Burning of the 24 Talismans for the Eliminating of Sins & Debts, the Ritual ended successfully an hour later.

Million Thanks to Royce for sharing with us the Pictures.

Monday 3 October 2011

Fei Jie Fu conducting LSM 9th Mth Honouring 2011 - (龍山飛捷府啟建辛卯年龍山門朝禮九皇祝燈儀式)





After a week’s preparation, on the 6th Day of Lunar 9 Month (2nd Oct 2011), the Honouring of the Dipper Lords of the North (中天北斗九皇星君) was being conducted Fei Jie Fu on behalf of LSM.

Million Thanks to Vabien for initiating this Honouring and also, for all the efforts that he had put in.

At about 1.00Pm in the Noon, Jave arrived at Vabien’s Home and upon reaching, Royce was already there assisting Vabien in doing the final setting up before the Honouring of the Dipper Lords starts.

At about 2.00Pm, after some minor washing up and cleansing, the Chanting of Qing Jing Jing (清靜經) was being conducted by Vabien and Royce, followed by Chanting of the Scripture dedicating to the Dipper Lords of the South aka Nan Dou Jing (南斗經).

At 3.00Pm, after changing into the Official Taoist Robes, Vabien and Royce join-in with the Chanting of Bei Dou Jing (北斗經) and the whole honouring last for about 2 hours.

By 4.30Pm, all of us proceed with the Sending –off of the Paper Offerings.

This Year, Vabien had prepared the Official Taoist 20 Offerings (道教廿供) for the Honouring.

The 20 Offerings consist-of:

1 – Incenses (香)
2 – Flowers (花)
3 – Lamp (燈)
4 – Water (水)
5 – Fruit (果)
6 – Chinese Tea (茶)
7 – Food (食)
8 – Gems (寶)
9 – Pearls (珠)
10 – Cloth (衣)
11 – Taoist Musical Instrument (樂)
12 – Taoist Scripture (經)
13 – Taoist Classic (典)
14 – Taoist Headgear (冠)
15 – Taoist Spiritual Weapon (令)
16 – Chinese Brush (筆)
17 – Taoist Spiritual Seal (印)
18 – Elixir (丹)
19 – Chinese Herbs (草)
20 – Preserve Fruits (津)

Besides that, Vabien had also put in effort to decorate the Dipper Seats (中天斗府星君座) for the Ushering in of the Dipper Lords.

Last, will like to thank Royce and Vabien for the taking the photos.

Sunday 2 October 2011

Tian Gong Temple 9th Mth Honouring of Dipper Ritual 2011 - (新加坡天公廟辛卯年朝禮九皇祝燈法會)





After 2 weeks of intensive training and preparation, on the 5th Day of Lunar 9 Month (1st Oct 2011), the Honouring of the Dipper Lords of the North (中天北斗九皇星君) was being conducted at Tian Gong Temple by LSM and the various Taoists.

At 8.00Am, Ruihe, Royce and Jave arrived at the Temple and Uncle Tan was already there doing the last minute preparation for the Main Ceremony to be conducted.

By 8.30Am, Jave was ready and just as Jave was about to initial the starting of the Ceremony, the Filming Crews arrived at the Temple. With a short introducing of each other, Jave proceed with the Ritual on the Cleansing of the Ritual Premises (禁封淨壇).

With the completion of the Cleansing of the Ritual Premises, the Dotting of the Statues of the Three Lords of San Tai was being conducted (中天三公三台星君開光儀式) and by then, Jave proceed with the Ritual of the Ushering in of the High Level Deities (恭迎三界). And also, after the arrival of the High Level Deities, Jave conducted the Luck-blessing Ceremony for a Mother and Daughter – being instructed by Uncle Tan.

At 11.30Am, the 2 Initial Rituals ended and this was the time that Producer Wendy from the Production Group requested Jave for a short Interview on Taoism and the History behind the 9th Month Celebration.

At about 12.30Noon, the Interview completed and so, LSM proceed with the chanting of the Qing Jing Jing aka Scripture of the Supreme Lord explaining the Purity & Serenity of Taoism (太上清靜經). This chanting was being chanted by Donnie Tay, Vabien Lee, Lin Ruihe, Royce Tan and Jave.

After the chanting of Qing Jing Jing, it was time for Jave to conduct the various enhancing of Spiritual Objects for Jia Fu Jing (新加坡嘉福境), Long Shan Zhi De Fu (龍山至德府), Long Shan Fei Jie Fu (龍山飛捷府) and also, Long Shan Wei Ling Fu (龍山威靈府).

By 2.00Pm, the Major Ritual began.

With the Reporting of to Dou Mu Yuan Jun (斗姆元君), Dou Fu Tian Zun (斗父天尊) and the various Dipper Lords (中天斗府諸斗星君), the Honouring of the Dipper Lords for the Eliminating of Sins & Debts and requesting for Health-blessing was being conducted (禮斗消災延壽朝禮法會).

In this Honouring, Donnie Tay, Vabien Lee, Lin Ruihe, Royce Tan, Gerald Lim and Uncle Tan were being involved.

Upon the completion of the Honouring, each individual Devotees were being called forward to get the Initiation Blessing from the Dipper Lords.

By 3.30Pm, the whole Honouring Ritual was completed and followed by All the Disciples making respect to the Founder of LSM – due to it was also LSM Founding Anniversary for 1136th Year (正一龍山門開山一一三六週年紀念).

By 4.00Pm, Royce Tan was there to offer Tea to Jave for the Entering into LSM (正一龍山門入門拜師儀式) and by 4.30Pm, the Reporting and Accepting of Royce was Disciple’s Ceremony was being conducted by Vabien and Ruihe.

At about 5.00Pm, a mini Celebration for Jave’s Birthday was carried-out, million thanks to Bro Chee Seng and Sis-in-law Cherie for getting the Wonderful Fruit-cake for Jave. Jave was really really very touch with All my Family Members celebrating my 31st Birthday with me.

At 6.00Pm, we left the Temple and headed back for preparation for LSM’s own Honouring of Dou Mu on the 6th Day of Lunar 9 Month.

This Year, LSM had achieved a lot of Special Tasks, million thanks to All for providing LSM your fullest support (in mentally, physically, financially, etc).

Last, will like to thank Royce and Jerry for the taking the photos.

Documentary Filming for National Geographic on 9th Month History (參與國家地理頻道錄影 – 發覺九皇聖會之秘密)





Million Thanks to Producer Wendy Loh of Infinite Entertainment (for National Geographic & other Documentary Channels) for selecting LSM as the Filming Target for the Exploring of Ninth Month History and Culture.

At 8.30Am, Producer Wendy and her Crew arrived at Tian Gong Temple (新加坡天公廟) to do the necessary set up for the Filming and by 9.00Am, the 1st Ritual Started.

Upon completing the 2nd Ritual, Producer Wendy requested for a 30 minutes interview before the major Ceremony of the Honouring of the Dipper Lords started.

It was a great experience for the interview and also, learnt quite a lot during the Conversation with Wendy and the other crews.

Last, will like to thank Royce and Jerry for the taking the photos.