Friday 30 November 2012

Banner of 30th Heavenly Master Zhang Xu Jing Bao Gao (三十代張天師虛靖大真人寶誥)



In here, you all will be seeing the Praise Incantation dedicated to the 30th Heavenly Master Zhang Xu Jing aka Zhang Ji Xian.

More info on Zhang Xu Jing

The 30th Generation Heavenly Master Zhang Ji Xian (张继先) was born in Song Dynasty (CE1092) on 20th Day of Lunar 10 Month (生辰為宋朝元佑七年壬申﹐農曆十月廿日), others name known as Zhang Zun Zheng (張遵正) or Zhang Dao Zheng (張道正).

At the age of 9, he got the Heavenly Master Title from his Father and ascended the Heavenly Master Throne.

After growing up, due to the assistances that Heavenly Master Zhang Ji Xian provided for the Song Emperor, Song Emperor Hui Zong respected him so much that, at a young age, Heavenly Master Zhang Ji Xian was being summoned to the Imperial Courts to perform the Grand Taoist Ritual 4 times (this is very rare to happen in our Chinese Custom and also the Culture of Taoism).

Once, while the Song Emperor consulted Heavenly Master Zhang Ji Xian about the Empire’s fortune & luck, Heavenly Master Zhang Ji Xian reveal that the Song Empire might encounter some obstacles in near future and within a short period, the obstacles really happened. Due to the prediction and preparation, Song Empire was being saved, from then, the Song Emperor respected him more.

CE1127, Heavenly Master Zhang Ji Xian got his Enlightenment. At that time, he was only 36 years old.


張虛靖天師寶誥
Zhang Xu Jing Tian Shi Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

白雪丹霄。黃芽曲積。
Bai Xue Dan Xiao. Huang Ya Qu Ji

文章星鬥老君授。
Wen Zhang Xing Dou Lao Jun Shou

三五飛步之玄機。
San Wu Fei Bu Zhi Xuan Ji

玉局箓符漢祖傳。
Yu Ju Lu Fu Han Zu Chuan

正一斬邪之秘旨。
Zheng Yi Zhan Xie Zhi Mi Zhi

於一登名於紫府。
Yu Yi Deng Ming Yu Zi Fu

於一掌握於雷霆。
Yu Yi Zhang Wo Yu Lei Ting

伐疵痢於青城。
Fa Ci Li Yu Qing Cheng

滅妖氛於下界。
Mie Yao Fen Yu Xia Jie

巍巍蕩蕩。渺渺玄玄。
Wei Wei Dang Dang. Miao Miao Xuan Xuan

位太極登紫微。
Wei Tai Ji Feng Zi Wei

聚三華朝五氣。
Ju San Hua Chao Wu Qi

隨機格物。
Sui Ji Ge Wu

閒邪存神。
Xian Xie Cun Shen.


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

祖師三十代天師。
Zu Shi San Shi Dai Tian Shi

虛靖宏悟妙道張真人。
Xu Jing Hong Wu Miao Dao Zhang Zhen Ren

玄風演化天尊。
Xuan Feng Yan Hua Tian Zun

Brief Introduction on The Maiden Immortal of the Incense Urn (金爐聖姑簡介)



In here, I will do a brief introduction on the background of The Maiden Immortal of the Incense Urn, in Chinese known as Jin Lu Sheng Gu (金爐聖姑) or Jin Lu Yuan Jun (金爐元君). 

Jin Lu Sheng Gu, was first recorded/appeared in the Spring Autumn Warring State Era (春秋戰國時期) records/texts.  

So what’s her primary task? 

Back in the Spring Autumn Warring State Era, she was one of the few Deities to look after the Burning Urn that used to melt Metals for making of weapons (燽鐵爐台) & also, big Wok that used to “cook” little boys & girls, for the honouring of certain “Deities or Spiritual Beings”. 

After then, the culture of Offering of living Boys & Girls had ceased and so, her primary task was being “re-appointed” to look after the Incense Urn that we had in Temples or Homes. 

Besides maintaining the “Order” of the Urns at home, Jin Lu Sheng Gu would also looked into the “Cleanliness” of the Urn; eg Negative Energies invading the Urn, etc, and also, to direct the Messages of the Devotees to the Recording Officers (四值功曹) in the Celestial Realm for the reporting to Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊). 

So people still honour her now? 

It’s quite impossible to see Taoists or Chinese honoured her in today’s Taoist Society. But in China Beijing Museum, we are still able to see records/painting & plaques dedicated to Jin Lu Sheng Gu.

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Comic on San Guan Da Di (三元三官大帝漫畫輯)

Dear All,

For those who are interested in taking a look at the comic, please do click on the following link to proceed;

有興趣閱覽三元三官大帝漫畫輯﹐請點擊以下連接﹕

Proceed to Comic <前往欣賞漫畫>

Saturday 24 November 2012

Parent of Empress Lin Shui (臨水夫人聖父聖母)



In here, you all will be seeing 2 pictures of the Parent of Empress Lin Shui (臨水陳太后) aka Madam Chen Jing Gu (陳靖姑).

It's quite rare to see that Temples in South East Asia dedicate statues to the Parent of Madam Chen Jing Gu.

Poster to Commemorate the Death of Lord Guan Yu (關羽得道日紀念對聯海報)


In here, you all will be seeing a Poster with a Couplet composed dedicated to Lord Guan Yu in-order to commemorate his Death or Attaining of Immortal-hood Anniversary on the 12th Day of Lunar 10 Month.


關關斬將。有勇有謀堪稱大英雄。顯其威而護良民。於青史留名千秋稱聖。
 

帝帝輪替。守忠守義誓死保漢基。存丹心而行孝悌。入經典封號萬載為君。

Banner of Grand Supreme Lord Yuan Shi Tian Wang Bao Gao (道教元始大天王寶誥)


In here, you all will be seeing the another very rare Taoist Bao Gao aka Praise Incantation dedicated to the Grand Supreme Lord Yuan Shi Tian Wang (元始大天王), which was considered the "Father" of the Taoist Three Pure Ones aka San Qing (三清大天尊).

Due to Yuan Shi Tian Wang was the very Initial Gust of Energy that existed in the Multiple Universes, this was why, he did not have a "Physical form".

In Taoism, usually we will only use pictures of "Energies" to represent him and/or during Rituals/Ceremonies, we will only write his Full-title out for honouring.

紫虛無上元皇元始天王寶誥
Zi Xu Wu Shang Yuan Huang Yuan Shi Tian Wang Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

無為有為。混沌元始。
Wu Wei You Wei. Hun Dun Yuan Shi

育陰陽而成乾坤。
Yu Yin Yang Er Cheng Qian Kun

化乾坤辨明光晦。
Hua Qian Kun Bian Ming Guang Hui

無極兩極。乾坤定位。
Wu Ji Liang Ji. Qian Kun Ding Wei

為開宇宙之始尊。
Wei Kai Yu Zhou Zhi Shi Zun

道統乾坤之鼻祖。
Dao Tong Qian Kun Zhi Bi Zu

常行遊歷太虛境內。
Chang Xing You Li Tai Xu Jing Nei

行蹤遍於玉京山中。
Xing Zong Bian Yu Yu Jing Shang Zhong

遇太元兩炁結合。
Yu Tai Yuan Liang Qi Jie He

為大道三宮育化。
Wei Da Dao San Gong Yu Hua

定萬物萬靈之繁衍。
Ding Wan Wu Wan Ling Zhi Fan Yan

成萬帝萬人之父師。
Cheng Wan Di Wan Ren Zhi Fu Shi

歷劫億萬。總炁三分。
Li Jie Yi Wan. Zong Qi San Fen

分玉清元始。
Fen Yu Qing Yuan Shi

分上清靈寶。
Fen Shang Qing Ling Bao

分太清道德。
Fen Tai Qing Dao De

一炁微化。萬法皈真。
Yi Qi Wei Hua. Wan Fa Gui Zhen

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

紫虛無上元皇上帝。
Zi Xu Wu Shang Yuan Huang Shang Di

太上太皇大道皇君。
Tai Shang Tai Huang Da Dao Huang Jun

無為玉清元始大天王。
Wu Wei Yu Qing Yuan Shi Da Tian Wang

Friday 23 November 2012

Banner of Supreme Lord San Qing Bao Gao (道教三清大天尊寶誥)




In here, you all will be seeing the individual Praise Incantation dedicated to individual Supreme Lord San Qing aka The Three Pure Ones (三清大天尊).

In Daily Chanting Ceremony for Priests & Taoists, these 3 Bao Gao must be recited and Oneself must accord his/her highest respect to San Qing after the recitation.

For more pictures on San Qing, feel free to visit the following link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1392120403/pic/list

玉清元始天尊寶誥
Yu Qing Yuan Shi Tian Zun Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

玉清聖境。清微天宮。
Yu Qing Sheng Jing. Qing Wei Tian Gong

鬱羅蕭臺之中。
Yu Luo Xiao Tai Zhi Zhong

森羅淨泓之上。
Sen Luo Jing Hong Zhi Shang

現有為之聖相。
Xian You Wei Zhi Sheng Xiang

具無極之神通。
Ju Wu Ji Zhi Shen Tong

敷演真玄。
Fu Yan Zhen Xuan

破無有色空之礙。
Po Wu You Se Kong Zhi Ai

拯提趣類。
Zheng Ti Qu Lei

絕智愚高下之分。
Jue Zhi Yu Gao Xia Zhi Fen

妙用難窺。靈機罔測。
Miao Yong Nan Kui. Ling Ji Wang Ce

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

無量度人。
Wu Liang Du Ren

元始大天尊。 
Yuan Shi Da Tian Zun

~~~~~~~~

上清靈寶天尊寶誥
Shang Qing Ling Bao Tian Zun Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

上清真境。禹餘天宮。
Shang Qing Zhen Jing. Yu Yu Tian Gong

紫微瓊臺之中。
Zi Wei Qiong Tai Zhi Zhong

玄都玉京之上。
Xuan Du Yu Jing Zhi Shang

接元始虛皇之統系。
Jie Yuan Shi Xu Huang Zhi Tong Xi

超西那玉國之根苗。
Chao Xi Na Yu Guo Zhi Gen Miao

入黍米珠。
Ru Li Mi Zhu

盡挹真玄之精粹。
Jin Yi Zhen Xuan Zhi Jing Cui

在香林苑。
Zai Xiang Lin Yuan

屢談秘要之筌諦。
Lv Tan Mi Yao Zhi Quan Di

妙德難思。神通莫議。
Miao De Nan Si. Shen Tong Mo Yi

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

無量度人。
Wu Liang Du Ren

靈寶大天尊。
Ling Bao Da Tian Zun


~~~~~~~~

太清道德天尊寶誥
Tai Qing Dao De Tian Zun Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

太清仙境。大赤天宮。
Tai Qing Xian Jing. Da Chi Tian Gong

巍巍金闕之高。
Wei Wei Jin Que Zhi Gao

渺渺瓊霄之上。
Miao Miao Qiong Xiao Zhi Shang

降生於無量數劫。
Jiang Sheng Yu Wu Liang Shu Jie

說法於萬二千天。
Shuo Fa Yu Wan Er Qian Tian

五千秘言。
Wu Qian Mi Yan

融三才之妙道。
Rong San Cai Zhi Miao Dao

八十餘度。
Ba Shi Yu Du

接六趣之眾生。
Jie Liu Qu Zhi Zhong Sheng

聖德崇高。玄功廣博。
Sheng De Chong Gao. Xuan Gong Guang Bo

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

無量度人。
Wu Liang Du Ren

道德大天尊。
Dao De Da Tian Zun

Thursday 22 November 2012

Ancient Symbols represent San Guan Da Di (三元號)


In here, you all will be seeing the Ancient Symbols (三元號) that represent San Guan Da Di (三官大帝). According to records, these symbols were first seen in Han Dynasty (漢朝) far before Heavenly Master Zhang Dao Ling (張祖道陵天師) promote the culture of Honouring San Guan or San Yuan (三元大帝).

Due to Cultural Revolution & lack of knowledge, these symbols were lost till lately, in 1950s, after a group of researchers went digging of relics and discovered these symbols on one of the altar that was once used in a San Guan Temple (三官廟) in the Ancient Era.

Singapore Taoist Mission Celebration Xia Yuan 2012 (新加坡道教協會下元慶典)


Singapore Taoist Mission (新加坡道教協會), located at Telok Ayer Street, next to Thian Hock Kheng (天福宮旁), will be conducting a simple Taoist Ceremony dedicated to Emperor Lord of Watery Realm aka Shui Guan Da Di (下元解厄水官大帝), on 28 Nov (15th Day of Lunar 10 Month).

For those who wish to accord your respect to Shui Guan Da Di, please do drop by Singapore Taoist Mission.

And those who wish to contribute to Taoist Mission for "Saving & Preserving of our Singapore Historical & Heritage Building", feel free to visit the following link to approach Taoist Mission:
 
http://www.taoism.org.sg/

新加坡道教協會﹐位於新加坡市區直落亞逸街天福宮旁﹐將假本月廿八日(即農曆十月十五日)﹐啟建[下元解厄水官大帝] 千秋聖誕慶典。

有心獻香者﹐請務必前往該宮。

目前﹐新加坡道教協會也正在為維修”玉皇宮”籌款﹐有意捐款者﹐請與該協會服務人員聯繫﹐以下是聯繫網址:

http://www.taoism.org.sg/


In here is a picture of Taoist Bei Dou Scripture & CDs (道教北斗經) produced by Taoist Mission (新加坡道教協會).

For those who are interested in getting this set of Scripture & CDs, please do visit Taoist Mission at Telok Ayer Street and feel free to make a small contribution to the Renovation & Restoration, for more details on the contribution, you all may wish to approach or talk to any of the members of Taoist Mission.

Your small contribution will make a big difference in preserving our Chinese Heritage & Religion.

Banner of Tai Yi Tian Zun Bao Gao (太乙救苦天尊寶誥)



Tai Yi Tian Zun (太乙天尊) aka Tai Yi Xun Sheng Jiu Tian Zun (太乙尋聲救苦天尊) or Tai Yi Zhen Ren (太乙真人).

In Taoism, he is the main key-person who is being appointed to take charge of the task of doing salvation for all the suffering souls, whether is to salvage them out of the suffering Realms or salvage them and bring them to the Eastern Palace for enjoying of eternal joyous.

During Taoist funeral wakes' rituals/ceremonies, Tai Yi Tian Zun will be invited and the Priests that conduct the Ritual/Ceremony must recite scriptures that are dedicated or associated with Tai Yi Tian Zun.

Different mantras are being recited too, in-order to assists the passed-on person to get the necessary blessing from Tai Yi Tian Zun.

In Big Salvation Ritual/Ceremony, the Taoist Priest will have to recite the Official Title of Tai Yi Tian Zun and also to visualize one self turning into Tai Yi Tian Zun while releasing the Positive Energy or Light Ray to do the salvation of the suffering souls.

Today, such Ritual/Ceremony can still be seen, but due to the engagement of Taoist Priest to conduct Funeral Ritual/Ceremony has dropped and so, not much people will be able to understand or see a Good "transformation" being done.

For Higher Res Pictures, feel free to visit this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1526460477/pic/list

More info on Tai Yi:

Here's the 10 Direction Salvation Lords that Tai Yi Tian Zun manifest or transform to:

東方玉寶皇上天尊。
Dong Fang Yu Bao Huang Shang Tian Zun (East)

南方玄真萬福天尊。
Nan Fang Xuan Zhen Wan Fu Tian Zun (South)

西方太妙至極天尊。
Xi Fang Tai Miao Zhi Ji Tian Zun (West)

北方玄上玉宸天尊。
Bei Fang Xuan Shang Yu Chen Tian Zun (North)

東北方度仙上聖天尊。
Dong Bei Fang Du Xian Shang Sheng Tian Zun (North-East)

東南方好生度命天尊。
Dong Nan Fang Hao Sheng Du Ming Tian Zun (South-East)

西南方太靈虛皇天尊。
Xi Nan Fang Tai Ling Xu Huang Tian Zun (South-West)

西北方無量太華天尊。
Xi Bei Fang Wu Liang Tai Hua Tian Zun (North-West)

上方玉虛明皇天尊。
Shang Fang Yu Xu Ming Huang Tian Zun (Upper)

下方真皇洞神天尊。
Xia Fang Zhen Huang Dong Shen Tian Zun (Lower)

In total, we address them as Shi Fang Jiu Ku Tian Zun.

In Taoism, we also believed that, the 10 Courts of Yama Kings are the manifestation of these 10 Directional Salvation Lords.

救苦天尊寶誥 (Jiu Ku Tian Zun Bao Gao) 

至心皈命禮
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

青華長樂界 東極妙嚴宮
Qing Hua Chang Le Jie, Dong Ji Miao Yan Gong 

七寶芳騫林 九色蓮花座 
Qi Bao Fang Qian Lin, Jiu Se Liu Hua Zuo

萬真環拱內 百億瑞光中 
Wan Zhen Huan Gong Nei, Bai Yi Rui Guang Zhong

玉清靈寶尊 應化玄元始 
Yu Qing Ling Bao Zun, Ying Hua Xuan Yuan Shi

浩劫垂慈濟 大千甘露門
Hao Jie Chui Ci Ji, Da Qian Gan Lu Men

妙道真身 紫金瑞相 
Miao Dao Zhen Shen, Zi Jin Rui Xiang

隨機赴感 誓願無邊
Sui Ji Fu Gan, Shi Yuan Wu Bian

大聖大慈 大悲大願 
Da Sheng Da Ci, Da Bei Da Yuan

十方化號 普度眾生
Shi Fang Hua Hao, Pu Du Zhong Sheng

億億劫中 度人無量 
Yi Yi Jie Zhong, Du Ren Wu Liang

尋聲赴感
Xun Sheng Fu Gan

太乙救苦天尊青玄九晹上帝
Tai Yi Jiu Ku Tian Zun Qing Xuan Jiu Yang Shang Di

Banner of Pu Hua Tian Zun Bao Gao (雷聲普化天尊寶誥)


Lei Sheng Pu Hua Tian Zun (雷聲普化天尊) or Lei Zu (雷祖), another very important Deity in Taoism.

In some Taoist Contexts shown, Pu Hua Tian Zun is the 1st Thunder Roar that occur during the Creation of Universe (宇宙第一雷).

In Taoism, there is a scripture named as "Yu Shu Bao Jing (玉樞寶經)", which is dedicated to Pu Hua Tian Zun.

In the scripture, it says, whenever a mortal recite his title on any request of salvation, he will appear.

And so, if you are sincere to getting his salvation, do recite his title whenever his image appear infront of you.

"九天應元雷聲普化天尊" -> Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Lei Sheng Pu Hua Tian Zun.

普化天尊寶誥 (Pu Hua Tian Zun Mantra - Praise)    

至心皈命禮
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

九天應元府 無上玉清王
Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Fu, Wu Shang Yu Qing Wang 

化形而滿十方 談道而趺九鳳 
Hua Xing Er Man Shi Fang, Tan Dao Er Fu Jiu Feng

三十六天之上
San Shi Liu Tian Zhi Shang 

閱寶笈考瓊書
Yue Bao Ji Kao Qiong Shu

千五百劫之先 
Qian Wu Bai Jie Zhi Xian

位上真權大化
Wei Shang Zhen Quan Da Hua 

手舉金光如意
Shou Ju Jin Guang Ru Yi

宣說玉樞寶經 
Xuan Shuo Yu Shu Bao Jing

不順化作微塵 
Bu Shun Hua Zuo Wei Chen

發號疾如風火 
Fa Hao Ji Ru Feng Huo

以清靜心而弘大願 
Yi Qing Jing Xin Er Hong Da Yuan

以智慧力而伏諸魔
Yi Zhi Hui Li Er Fu Zhu Mo 

總司五雷 運心三界
Zong Si Wu Lei, Yun Xin San Jie

群生父 萬靈師
Qun Sheng Fu, Wan Ling Shi

大聖大慈 至皇至道
Da Sheng Da Ci, Zhi Huang Zhi Dao

九天應元雷聲普化天尊
Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Lei Sheng Pu Hua Tian Zun

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heavenly Lord Pu Hua Praise Poem (雷聲普化天尊朝禮偈)

普化顯身轉十方。

Pu Hua Xian Shen Zhuan Shi Fang

玉清上真無上王。

Yu Qing Shang Zhen Wu Shang Wang

常談寶經曰玉樞。

Chang Tan Bao Jing Yue Yu Shu

九鳳趺座應元堂。

Jiu Feng Fu Zuo Ying Yuan Tang

身化金光映乾坤。

Shen Hua Jin Guang Ying Qian Kun

心運三界萬靈尊。

Xin Yun San Jie Wan Ling Zun

徹開智慧降諸魔。

Che Kai Zhi Hui Xiang Zhu Mo

心魘一閃化塵炃。

Xin Yan Yi Shan Hua Chen Fen

三界聖真仙神祗。

San Jie Sheng Zhen Xian Shen Zhi

夫世男女老少孺。

Fu Shi Nan Nv Lao Shao Ru

四海魂魄精靈魅。

Si Hai Hun Po Jing Ling Mei

五嶽妖獸禽魈貙。

Wu Yue Yao Shao Qin Xiao Chu

仰尊發願皈命禮。

Yang Zun Fa Yuan Gui Ming Li

誠心稱頌誦一遍。

Cheng Xin Cheng Song Song Yi Bian

九天雷聲普化尊。

Jiu Tian Lei Sheng Pu Hua Zun

應聲顯化度昇輪。

Ying Sheng Xian Hua Du Sheng Lun

Note: This is a Rare Praise Poem to be recited by the Taoists & Chinese in the Modern-day now.

For those who are sincerely and faithfully wanted to honour Pu Hua Tian Zun, beside reciting the Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra, can recite this Praise Poem first.

Banner of Tian Yi Gui Ren Bao Gao (天乙貴人紫皇天尊寶誥)


Introduction of Tian Yi Gui Ren (天乙貴人簡介)

Tian Yi Gui Ren (天乙貴人), a rare but yet important Deity in Taoism. For the past few decades, Tian Yi Gui Ren had been neglected and was not being properly promoted or introduced to the public.

Tian Yi Gui Ren, full title known as Tian Yi Gui Ren Yu Heng Da Di Zhu Fu Lu Rong Zi Huang Tian Zun (天乙貴人玉衡大帝註富錄榮紫皇天尊), which is a very high authority Taoist Deity in the Taoist Deity System. In Taoist Contexts, he was the partner of Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊), whom is in-charge of the Salvation of Living Beings & the distribution of Positive Blessing & Prosperity.

During Grand Celebration, such as San Yuan (三元), while all the Taoists are paying their respect to San Guan Da Di aka The Three Heavenly Emperors of the Three Realms (三官大帝), Tian Yi Gui Ren will be honoured too, in-order to get the necessary Prosperity Blessing from him.

If we will to check on the Chinese Astrology Star Chart known as Xing Guan Tu (星官圖), you will be able to see Tian Yi Gui Ren Star (天乙貴人星) located side-by-side with Tai Yi Tian Zun Star (太乙天尊星), both the Stars are located at the Eastern Gate (東天門) of the Northern Hemisphere – which in Taoism, this Eastern Gate is known as the Entrance to the Heavenly Realm.

In the following is the Bao Gao (寶誥) aka Praising Incantation dedicated to Tian Yi Gui Ren. For those who are devotees of San Guan Da Di, while you are honouring San Guan, do recite Tian Yi Gui Ren’s Bao Gao too.

Last but not least, may Tian Yi Gui Ren blessed the World with Peace & Harmony.

天乙貴人紫皇天尊寶誥

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

中天紫微垣。東方阊阖门。
Zhong Tian Zi Wei Huan. Dong Fang Chang He Men

遊行三天界。考察三辰境。
You Xing San Tian Jie. Kao Cha San Chen Jing

萬靈上祈願。千瑞下佑民。
Wan Ling Shang Qi Yuan. Qian Rui Xia You Min

玉清真氣化。輔佐天皇尊。
Yu Qing Zhen Qi Hua. Fu Zuo Tian Huang Zun

玉衡较量。天人昇仙。
Yu Heng Jiao Liang. Tian Ren Sheng Xian

靛光皓照。凶煞隐然。
Dian Guang Hao Zhao. Xiong Sha Yin Rang

三界顯蹤。降榮入命。
San Jie Xian Zong. Jiang Rong Ru Ming

普渡凡生。證道登仙。
Pu Du Fan Sheng. Zheng Dao Deng Xian

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

天乙貴人玉衡大帝。
Tian Yi Gui Ren Yu Heng Da Di

註富錄榮紫皇天尊。 
Zhu Fu Lu Rong Zi Huang Tian Zun

Ancient Carving Printing of San Guan Scripture (古本三官妙經彫刻畫)

One of my fave picture on the Ancient Taoist San Guan Scripture (古本三官妙經).

In this picture, you all can see Lord San Guan (三官大帝) paying their respect to Supreme Lord Yuan Shi (元始天尊) before they hand-over the San Guan Scriptures to the Four Heavenly Masters (四大天師), standing at the left hand side of Supreme Lord Yuan Shi.

Besides all the High Authority Deities, you all can also see the 360 Assistants Heavenly Lords of San Guan (三百六十應感天尊) being included at the background of this picture.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Banner of Huo Guan Da Di Bao Gao aka Lord Emperor of Fire (火官大帝寶誥)


Huo Guan Da Di aka Lord Emperor of Fire (火官大帝), in some contexts, being known as Huo Di (火帝) or Huo Shen (火神), which is part of the San Guan Da Di Group (與三官大帝並齊).

He's the Lord who is being appointed as the Overall-in-charge for all the Deities that are associated with the Element of Fire or the movements that involved Fire, etc.

Usually under his control, you can find Huo De Xing Jun (火德星君), Huo Yao Xing Jun (火耀星君), Huo Shen Zhu Rong (火神祝融), etc.

The mantra in the Banner is usually recited during Rituals/Ceremonies together with the San Guan Da Di Incantation.


火官大帝寶誥
Huo Guan Da Di Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

乾元四品。考較火官。
Qian Yuan Si Pin, Kao Jiao Huo Guan

運扶乾健。德合離明。
Yun Fu Qian Jian, De He Li Ming

居太陽丹天之中。
Ju Tai Yang Dan Tian Zhi Zhong

統左府注生之籍。
Tong Zuo Fu Zhu Sheng Zhi Ji

盛德在火。炎帝持衡。
Sheng De Zai Huo, Yan Di Chi Heng

功參佐於三元。
Gong Can Zuo Yu San Yuan

炁運行於四月。
Qi Yun Xing Yu Si Yue

駕赤龍而行南陸。
Jia Chi Long Er Xing Nan Ling

照明熒惑之宮。
Zhao Ming Ying Huo Zhi Gong

燭朱陵而顯丹臺。
Zhu Zhu Ling Er Xian Dan Tai

煥赫文昌之運。
Huan He Wen Chang Zhi Yun

輝輝朗耀。炳炳照臨。
Hui Hui Lang Yao, Bing Bing Zhao Ling

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

赤皇上品。三炁火官。
Chi Huang Shang Pin, San Qi Huo Guan

炎帝真君。洞陽大帝。
Yan Di Zhen Jun, Dong Yang Da Di

南丹紀壽天尊。
Nan Dan Ji Shou Tian Zun

Merit Inspection of Heavenly Lord Shui Guan 2012 (壬辰年水官大帝考校天下日-下元)


15th Day of Lunar 10 Month aka Xia Yuan Day (下元), in Taoism, this Day is known as the Merit Inspection (考校天下) of Heavenly Lord Shui Guan aka Shui Guan Da Di (水官大帝), the Heavenly Lord in-charging of the Ceasing of Misfortune & Obstacles for ALL Beings (眾生解厄).

This Year, Xia Yuan Day falls on 28 Nov, a Wednesday.

On this Day, Taoists will also conduct Official & Grand Rituals/Ceremonies dedicating to Heavenly Lord Shui Guan for the requesting of Ceasing of Misfortune & Obstacles for Oneself, Ancestors, Pass-on Love Ones and also, ALL Beings.

Besides that, Taoists will also performed a special Ceremony of Sending-off/Sinking-into-Sea/River/Stream of a Spiritual Petition directing to Heavenly Lord Shui Guan for the begging of Ceasing of Misfortune & Obstacles that Oneself or the People around oneself had faced or Encountered (including Spirits/Souls).

In the Rituals/Ceremonies, One of the most Important Honouring Respect that needed to be conducted will be the Chanting of Shui Guan Bao Chan (水官寶懺) or full title known as Yuan Shi Tian Zun Shuo Xia Yuan San Pin Shui Guan Jie E Bao Chan (元始天尊說下元三品水官解厄寶懺), some context recorded as Ling Bao Tian Zun Shuo Xia Yuan San Pin Shui Guan Jie E Bao Chan (靈寶天尊說下元三品水官解厄寶懺).

This Spiritual Petition is known as San Guan Shou Shu (三官手書) or Shui Guan Shou Shu (水官手書). In the modern Era now, this Spiritual Petition can considered as an Unknown to a lot of Taoists & Organisations.

Besides that Sinking-into-Sea/River/Stream of the Spiritual Petition, the Taoists will also burn a type of Paper Offerings known as Shui Guan Ku Qian (水官庫錢) or San Jie Ku Qian (三界庫錢) aka The Coffer Money of the Three Realms, for the Ceasing of Misfortune & Obstacles that Oneself had faced or Encountered.

On this Day, for Taoists who are showing the Compassionate & Care for the Other Beings in this Realm, they will also light 49 Lamps/Candles (七七之燈) for at least 3 Days to gain the Blessing from Lord Shui Guan. Hoping by the emitting of the Light Energy and Fire Element, ALL Minor Misfortunes & Obstacles of the other Beings can be Ceased or Prevented.

In Singapore, for those who are keen in Paying your Respect to Heavenly Lord Shui Guan, you may proceed to the following few Temples:

1 –Yishun He Bi Shan Temple (義順何碧山宮)

2 - Havelock Yu Huang Temple (合樂路玉皇殿)

3 – Bukit Merah View Lei Yin Temple (紅山景雷音寺)

More info on Lord Shui Guan:

Lord Emperor of Water Realm, known as Shui Guan Da Di (水官大帝) or full Official Title as Yang Gu Dong Yuan San Pin Xia Yuan Wu Qi Jie E Shui Guan Jin Ling Dong Yin Da Di (陽穀洞元三品下元五氣解厄水官金靈洞陰大帝).

In some Taoist contexts, San Guan Da Di (including Shui Guan 三官大帝), were the manifestation of Yuan Shi Tian Zun and in other Folks contexts, San Guan were the sons of Chen Zi Du (陳子櫝) and the Third Dragon Princess (龍王三公主).

In our Taoist Records, on the 15th Day of Lunar 10 Month (農曆十月十五日) is consider as the Birthday of Shui Guan Da Di and also the day for him and his assistants to visit the Mortal World to do inspections and releasing of blessing.

And according to records of Chinese Deity System, Shui Guan Da Di was being appointed to look after all movements and issues that involved the Seas, Rivers, Streams, Rain, etc, besides that, he was also being appointed to look into the task of eliminating un-necessary sins or debts of the Mortals.

Due to the task that he's being appointed, on the 15th Day of Lunar 10 Month, Taoists will pay respect to Shui Guan Da Di, hoping by doing so, any un-necessary sins, debts and misfortune (解厄消災) can be deleted from the "Spiritual Records" (but only if a person is sincerely, willingly and remorsefully to turn-over-a-new-leaf).

For those who are keen in getting connected with and get the blessing from Lord Emperor of Water Realm – Shui Guan Da Di, can recite his mantra below:

水官大帝寶誥
Shui Guan Da Di Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

暘谷洞元。青華宮中。
Yang Gu Dong Yuan, Qing Hua Gong Zhong

部四十二曹。
Bu Si Shi Er Cao

偕九千萬眾。
Jie Jiu Qian Wan Zhong

掌管江河水。
Zhang Guan Jiang He Shui

帝萬靈之事。
Di Wan Ling Zhi Shi

水災大會劫數之期。
Shui Zai Da Hui Jie Shu Zhi Qi

正一法王。
Zheng Yi Fa Wang

掌長夜死魂鬼神之籍。
Zhang Chang Ye Si Hun Gui Shen Zhi Ji

無為教主。
Wu Wei Jiao Zhu

錄眾生功過罪福之由。
Lu Zhong Sheng Gong Guo Zhui Fu Zhi You

上解天災。
Shang Jie Tian Zai

度業滿之靈。
Du Ye Man Zhi Ling

下濟幽扃。
Xia Ji You Ju

分人鬼之道。
Fen Ren Gui Zhi Dao

存亡皆泰。力濟無窮。
Cun Wang Jie Tai, Li Ji Wu Qiong

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

下元五氣。解厄水官。
Xia Yuan Wu Qi, Jie E Shui Guan

金靈洞陰大帝。
Jin Ling Dong Yin Da Di

暘谷帝君
Yang Gu Di Jun

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Introduction of the Taoist Twenty Offerings (道教二十供簡介)


Here, I will be doing the last 5 Offerings to complete the Official Taoist 20 Offerings.

In the previous introduction, the Official Taoist Fifteen Offerings had been introduced (Incense, Flowers, Lamp/Candles, Water, Fruit, Tea, Food, Gems, Beads, Cloth/Clothing, Music, Taoist Scriptures, Taoist Classics, Taoist Headgear & Taoist Spiritual Command Objects).
...

In here, the last Five Offerings will be introduced and with the previous Official Taoist Fifteen Offerings, these 20 items are known as the Official Twenty Offerings of Taoism (道教二十供).

So, what are other Five Offerings?

Here they are:

Writing Apparatus, Taoist Seals, Natural Mineral, Herbs & Preserved Food Items.

So what are the meanings behind these Five Offerings?

Here're the brief intros on the meanings:

Writing Apparatus represents Accumulating of Wisdom or Opening of Knowledge. (筆代表智慧)

Taoist Seals represents Self Recognition or Taking Refuge-under. (印代表皈依)

Natural Mineral represents Physically/Health Cultivation (內丹修煉). For some extend, such Natural Mineral will be used in Taoist Rituals for certain Spiritual Task, such as Cinnabar (硃砂) used for Dotting of new statues. (丹代表修精)

Herbs represents Healing of Physical Health & to main the Balance of Energies in one’s Physical Body. (草代表煉氣)

Preserved Food Items represents Awaking of the Inner hindrance energy of Oneself. In Taoism, the most simplest way of maintaining a Well-balanced Physical Health is thru the “producing” of Saliva - 生津提神. (津代表盈神)

So when can we do the Twenty Offerings?

Usually only used in Big Festivals, Anniversary Celebrations & Grand Ceremonies.
 

Singapore He Bi Shan Gong Annual Celebration 2012 (新加坡何碧山宮壬辰年水官大帝聖誕慶典)

Singapore He Bi Shan Gong aka Ho Peck Shan Temple (新加坡何碧山宮), located at Yishun Ring Road, Opps Blk 111, will be conducting a Celebration dedicated to Emperor Lord of Watery Realm aka Shui Guan Da Di (下元解厄水官大帝), starting on next Tuesday – 27 Nov (14th Day of Lunar 10 Month) till next Thursday – 29 Dec (16th Day of Lunar 10 Month).

In Singapore, He Bi Shan Gong is the only Temple that is dedicated to San Guan Da Di aka The Three Emperor Lords of the Three Realms (三元三品三官大帝).

新加坡何碧山宮﹐位於新加坡北區義順環路大牌111對面﹐將假本月廿七至廿九(即農曆十月十四至十六日)﹐啟建[下元解厄水官大帝] 千秋聖誕慶典。

該宮是新加坡唯一以三元三品三官大帝為主神之道教廟宇。

有心獻香者﹐請務必前往該宮。

Singapore Zhen Ren Gong Annual Celebration 2012 (新加坡真人宮壬辰年保生大帝聖誕慶典)


Singapore Zhen Ren Gong aka Zhen Long Gong (新加坡真人宮/真龍宮), located at Redhill Close besides Blk 75, will be conducting a 9 Days Celebration dedicated to Taoist Medical Patron Lord Bao Sheng (保生大帝), starting from this coming Friday – 23 Nov (10th Day of Lunar 10 Month) till next Saturday – 01 Dec (18th Day of Lunar 10 Month).

In this 9 Days Celebration, there will be various Events/Performances going on, including Exhibition on Lord Bao Sheng Culture & Multi-racial Harmony Promotion Programme.

On 26 Nov (13th Day of Lunar 10 Month), Taoist Ceremony will be conducted and Devotees & Public are encouraged to participate.

Special Thanks to Dr Richard Wong, the Legal Advisor of Zhen Ren Gong, in sharing with us this Joyous news.

新加坡真人宮/真龍宮﹐位於新加坡南區紅山弄大牌75旁﹐將假本月廿三至十二月一日(即農曆十月初十至十八日)﹐為期九天啟建[保生大帝] 千秋聖誕慶典。

其間﹐該宮也會安排一系列活動﹐供有興趣者參與。

有心獻香者﹐請務必前往該宮。

與此﹐特別感謝該宮法律顧問黃明傑博士與大家分享此訊息。

Singapore Cheow Leng Temple Annual Celebration 2012 (新加坡昭靈廟壬辰年柳金聖侯聖誕慶典)

 
 
Singapore Cheow Leng Temple (新加坡昭靈廟), located at 525 Yishun Industrial Park A (S)768769, will be conducting a 2 Days Celebration dedicated to Duke Liu Jin (柳金聖侯), on this coming Friday till Saturday, 23 & 24 Nov – 10th & 11th Day of Lunar 10 Month.

For those who are interested in paying your respect to Duke Liu Jin and observe on the Traditional Putien way of Honouring, please do visit the Temple.

新加坡昭靈廟﹐位於新加坡北區義順A工業區﹐將假本月廿三及廿四日(即農曆十月初十及十一日)﹐啟建[柳金聖侯]聖誕慶典。有心獻香者﹐請務必前往該廟。


Sunday 18 November 2012

Intro on Hong Fu Yuan Shuai (洪府元帅簡介)




Hong Fu Yuan Shuai, actual name known as Hong Jin (洪錦) also known as Hong De (洪德), was born in Shang Dynasty (商朝) which later was being subdued by Prime Minister Jiang Zi Ya (周相姜子牙) and was being bestowed as One of the important Deities that In-charge of distributing of Prosperity and Good Relationship. 
 
Since young, Hong Jin was being imparted with Spiritual Skills and Warring Strategies. By the age of 20, he was being appointed as Main General that trained Armies in the Shang Army Camp.
 
While the Shang Empire was having battle with Zhou Kingdom, Hong Jin was being subdued by Prime Minister Jiang Zi Ya and by then, Zhou Kingdom was ready to fight in the big battle. 
 
In the last battle with Shang Empire, Hong Jin was being misled into a trap and when he realised that he was being trapped, it was too late.  
 
After he had gained his Immortal-hood, his soul was being summoned to the Celestial Realm and being bestowed with an Official Title of Bei Ji Shen Yong Long De Xing Jun (北極神勇龙德星君).
 
In some contexts, he was also being recognised as the Assistant General of Xuan Tian Shang Di (玄天上帝). 
 
His Manifestation Anniversary falls on 22nd Day of Lunar 4 Month (農曆四月廿二日生辰).




Saturday 17 November 2012

Introduction of the Taoist Fifteen Offerings (道教十五供簡介)


In the previous introduction, the Official Taoist Ten Offerings had been introduced (Incense, Flowers, Lamp/Candles, Water, Fruit, Tea, Food, Gems, Beads & Cloth/Clothing).

In here, another Five Offerings will be introduced and with the previous Official Taoist Ten Offerings, these 15 items are known as the Official Fifteen Offerings of Taoism (道教十五供).

So, what are other Five Offerings?

Here they are:

Music or Music Instruments, Taoist Scriptures, Taoist Classics or Texts, Taoist Headgear & Taoist Command Objects.

So what are the meanings behind these Five Offerings?

Here're the brief intros on the meanings:

Music or Music Instruments represents Happiness & Joyous. (樂代表歡愉)

Taoist Scriptures represents Cultivation. By practising regular chanting & learning of Taoist Scriptures, Oneself will be able to understand the Miracle of the Big Dao. Upon understanding, Oneself will be able to merge Oneself into the Big Dao in-order to attain a higher level of Cultivation and finally, to promote the Upright Teaching of Taoism. (經代表悟真)

Taoist Classics or Texts represents Gaining Knowledge for Self Reflection & Discipline. Using the Preaching & Teaching of the Forefathers & Ancestors to gauge Oneself’s performance & progress. Eliminate the Negative attitude & Usher-in the Positive thoughts for Oneself’s Cultivation. Final Objective; to be a Good & Upright Person. (典代表戒性)

Taoist Headgear represents Respecting the Nature & Understand the Cycle of Changes. (冠代表敬天)

Taoist Command Objects represents Authority to Eliminate the Negative in-order to maintain a Balance. (令代表法地)

So when can we do the Fifteen Offerings?

Usually only used in Big Festivals, Anniversary Celebrations & Grand Ceremonies.

Introduction of the Taoist Ten Offerings (道教十供簡介)



In the previous introduction, the Official Taoist Five Offerings had been introduced (Incense, Flowers, Lamp/Candles, Water & Fruit).  

In here, another Five Offerings will be introduced and with the previous Five Official Taoist Offerings, these 10 items are known as the Official Ten Offerings of Taoism (道教十供).

So, what are other Five Offerings?

Here they are:

Chinese Tea, Food or Rice, Gems or Paper Offerings, Chanting Beads or Pearl & Cloth or Clothing.

So what are the meanings behind these Five Offerings?

Here're the brief intros on the meanings:

Chinese Tea represents Determination & Firm or in other contexts as Awake. (茶代表堅定/清醒)

Food or Rice represents Gratitude. Showing Gratitude to Dao for providing the harvesting of any form of Food, can be Living Animals or Plants for consuming. And also, showing Gratitude to the people whom had put in effort in the Harvesting. (食代表知恩)

Gems or Paper Offerings represents Treasuring. Oneself needed to learn to Treasure any form of thing that being given to you and also, Relationship that occurred for Oneself. (寶代表珍惜)

Chanting Beads or Pearl represents Self Discipline or Self-reflection. (珠代表自律)

Cloth of Clothing represents Never Restrict by the Unnecessary & Unrealistic facts or thoughts that obstruct Oneself from attaining a higher level of Cultivation. For example; never afraid of Death as what the majority is afraid of. Understand the meaning of Death and see thru the fear of Death, once Oneself is able to jump out from the restricting-fear, Oneself will be able to live more happily and able to assist more needy. (衣代表離俗)

So when can we do the Five/Ten Offerings?

On the First & Fifteen Day of the Lunar Month or on any Big Festivals & Anniversary Celebrations.

Can we add more Offerings besides these Five/Ten Offerings?

Of cos you can. You can add any other Fruits Offerings or Traditional Cookies Offerings, as long as one self is comfortable with.

Friday 16 November 2012

Introduction of the Taoist Five Offerings (道教五供簡介)


In Taoism, while paying respects and doing offerings for Deities, the Five Offerings will be presented.

And so, when are the Five Offerings started to be used in Taoism?

A lot of people might be wondering, are these Five Offerings a "duplicate product" from the other Religions?

To be honest and true, our Taoist Five Offerings can consider as the oldest set of Offerings invented for the Offerings for Deities far before any other Religions being imported into China.

So, what are consists in the Five Offerings?

Here they are:

Incense, Flowers, Lamp/Candles, Water & Fruit.

So any meaning behind these Five Offerings?

Of cos there're meaning behind, here's the brief intro on the meanings:

Incense represents Non-action or Action beyond Actions, in brief, All things are created or formed from Nothing or so-called Null. (香代表無為)

Flower represents Nature. Dao is a form of Nature and Nature is Dao. By offering Flowers to the Deities, one self will learn to appreciate how the Nature can change one self and affect the others. (花代表自然)

Lamp/Candle represents Accommodating & Respecting. By learning to accommodate things, one self will see the Light of Truth and by giving the necessary respecting to the others, one self will gain the respects and likes from the others. (燭代表順化)

Water represents Pureness, Calm & Peacefulness. Stillness of the Water is a form of silent cultivation. By reminding one self to stay calmness like Water, one self will always be blessed with the essence of Water – Peace & Pure. (水代表清靜)

Fruit represents Fullest or Successful. By withholding the Upright Teachings and promote the Correct Culture, one self will be able to see the "Fruits" of his/her efforts and hardship. By offering Fruits, one self will be able to bless with Successful and Fullest in everything he/she does or request. (果代表圓滿)

So when can we do the Five Offerings?

On the First & Fifteen Day of the Lunar Month or on any Big Festivals & Anniversary Celebrations.

Can we add more Offerings besides these Five Offerings?

Of cos you can. You can add any other Fruits Offerings or Traditional Cookies Offerings, as long as one self is comfortable with.

Attaining Immortal-hood Anniversary of Lord Guan Yu 2012 (壬辰年關聖帝君飛昇得道祭)


On 12th Day of Lunar 10 Month (農曆十月十二日) is considered as the Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Guan Yu (關聖帝君飛昇得道祭).

For Year 2012, it falls on 25 Nov (a Sunday).

More Info on Lord Guan Yu:

Guan Gong (關公), initial name known as Guan Chang Sheng (關長生) or Guan Yu (關羽), which later changed to Guan Yun Chang (關雲長). He was born in Han Dynasty, birthday recorded as AD160, 24th Day of Lunar 6 Month (生于漢朝農曆六月二十四日) and hometown in Shan Xi Province, Yun Cheng City, Chang Ping Village (家鄉於山西省雲城市常平村).

In some Religious Records, Guan Gong was believed to be the reincarnation of a Red Dragon Deity (A Taoist Dragon Deity of the South), after getting the help from a Priest, he was given a chance to get his reborn in the Mortal World (相傳關公為天界紅龍神所下降﹐即為道教之南方龍神).

Guan Gong got married at quite an young age, his wife was known as Madam Hu, at the age of 18, on AD178 13th Day of Lunar 5 Month, they got their 1st son, known as Guan Ping 關平 (in some contexts, Guan Ping was the foster son, but in some other contexts, Guan Yun 關雲 was the foster son).

AD183, due to killing a big bully in his hometown, Guan Gong had to leave his family and escaped to a faraway land without anyone knowing.

AD188, after 5 years of fleeing, he reached Hei Bei Province (河北省). This was the how he met up with his other 2 sworn Brothers – Liu Bei (劉備) and Zhang Fei (張飛).

After the ceremony of being sworn brother-hood, Guan Gong suggested to Liu Bei to start recruiting volunteers to fight against the rebellious armies. After going thru serious consideration and planning, Liu Bei agreed to start doing the recruiting.

AD190, Guan Gong and his 2 brothers went to Shan Dong Province to assist General White Horse Gong Sun Zan (白馬將軍公孫瓚), immediately, Liu Bei was being appointed as the Magistrate Officer and Guan Gong & Zhang Fei was being appointed as the Overall In-charge for the Armies.

AD200, Guan Gong was being bestowed with the title of Han Shou Ting Hou (漢壽亭侯) by Cao Cao (曹操), after defeating the Yuan Shao's armies, due to Guan Gong was in the urge of going back to serve his brother Liu Bei, he rejected Cao Cao's offer as a high ranking Officer in the Cao Territory. Without any acknowledgement made to Cao Cao, Guan Gong left all the valuable items that Cao Cao bestowed to him in the camp and left Cao Territory (this is the reason for him to become the Military Wealth Deity in later part of the Chinese History 掛印巡兄而被後世奉為武財神).

AD207, Guan Gong followed his brother Liu Bei to Long Zhong Area to invte Zhu Ge Liang to assist them in the planning of strategies (隆中迎孔明).

AD219, Guan Gong's armies were being defeated by Sun Quan's armies (孫權) and they were being trapped in City Fan (樊城). Within months, Guan Gong, Guan Ping and his assistant Zhou Cang (周倉) were being captured. After they were being captured, Sun Quan commanded his armies to kill Guan Gong on the spot. At that time, Guan Gong was only 59 years old.

After his death, in AD219 Lunar 10th Month, people saw Guan Gong's spirit returned to City Fan and this was the well-known part in the Classic of Three Kingdoms (樊城顯聖).

Due to his uprightness, loyalty, not willingly to betray brother-hood and treated wealth as an un-important object, he was being respected as a Deity by the folks.

In Chinese Deity System, Guan Gong was being known as a Lord Duke that being given the Spiritual Authority in looking after the Heavenly Army Troops. Whereas in other contexts, he was being bestowed with an Official Title by Jade Emperor as the Spiritual Minister in the Celestial Palace (玉皇大帝敕封為駕前聖相).

In other non-Chinese Religions (非中原本土所傳之教學), Guan Gong was being imported into their Culture much later, at late Tang Dynasty, as a Protector for the so-called withholding their upright Religious Teaching.

關聖帝君歷代封號
Different Bestowed Titles for Guan Gong (over the different eras)

漢后主(260年)追謚關公為「壯繆侯」
CE260 (Late Han Dynasty): Zhuang Miao Hou aka Duke Zhuang Miao

北宋徽宗崇寧元年(1102年)追封關公為「忠惠公」
CE1102 (Song Dynasty): Zhong Hui Gong aka Duke Zhong Hui

徽宗崇寧三年(1104年)進封關公為「崇寧真君」
CE1104 (Song Dynasty): Chong Ning Zhen Jun aka Sage Chong Ning

大觀二年(1108年)复封關公為「武安王」
CE1108 (Song Dynasty): Wu An Wang aka Lord Wu An

宣和五年(1123年)再封關公為「義勇武安王」
CE1123 (Song Dynasty): Yi Yong Wu An Wang aka Lord Yi Yong Wu An

南宋高宗建炎二年(1128年)封關公為「壯繆義勇武安王」
CE1128 (Song Dynasty): Zhuang Miao Yi Yong Wu An Wang

南宗孝宗淳熙十四年(1187)封關公為「壯繆義勇武安英濟王」
CE1187 (Song Dynasty): Zhuang Miao Yi Yong Wu An Ying Ji Wang

元文宗天曆元年(1328年)封關公為「顯靈義勇武安英濟王」
CE1328 (Yuan Dynasty): Xian Ling Yi Yong Wu An Ying Ji Wang

明神宗萬曆十年(1528年)封關公為「協天護國忠義帝」
CE1528 (Ming Dynasty): Xie Tian Hu Guo Zhong Yi Di aka Lord Emperor Xie Tian Hu Guo

明神宗萬曆四十二年(1614)封關公為「三界伏魔大帝威遠震天尊關聖帝君」
CE1614 (Ming Dynasty):
San Jie Fu Mo Da Di Wei Yuan Zhen Tian Zun Guan Sheng Di Jun

~~~~~~~~~~~~

任陸秀夫、張世杰為關公左右丞相
At the same time, Ming Emperor appointed the 2 Song Dynasty Loyal Officers Lu Xiu Fu & Zhang Shi Jie as the Prime Minister of Guan Gong

岳飛為元帥,尉遲恭為護法
Yue Fei as the Marshal in Charge & Wei Chi Gong as the Protector of Guan Gong

封關公夫人為九靈懿德武肅英皇后
Guan Gongs wife with the title of Empress Jiu Ling Yi De Wu Xiao Ying

長子關平為竭忠王
Guan Ping as Xie Zhong Wang

次子關興為顯忠王
Guan Xing as Xian Zhong Wang

周倉為威靈惠勇公
Zhou Cang as Wei Ling Hui Yong Gong

~~~~~~~~~~~~

清世祖順治元年(1644年)封關公為「忠義神武關聖大帝」
CE1644 (Qing Dynasty): Zhong Yi Shen Wu Guan Sheng Da Di

清乾隆五十三年,加封「忠義神武靈佑關聖大帝」
CE1788 (Qing Dynasty): Zhong Yi Shen Wu Ling You Guan Sheng Da Di

~~~~~~~~~~~~

關聖帝君寶誥
Guan Sheng Di Jun Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)


  
至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

太上神威。英文雄武。
Tai Shang Shen Wei, Ying Wen Xiong Wu


 
精忠大義。高節清廉。 
Jing Zhong Da Yi, Gao Jie Qing Lian

協運皇圖。德崇演正。 
Xie Yun Huang Tu, De Chong Yan Zheng

掌混元三教之權。 
Zhang Hun Yuan San Jiao Zhi Quan

管宇宙三才之柄。 
Guan Yu Zhou San Cai Zhi Bing

上司三十六天。
Shang Si San Shi Liu Tian
 
星辰雲漢。 
Xing Chen Yun Han

下轄七十二地。
Xia Xia Qi Shi Er Di


 
冥壘幽酆。 
Ming Lei You Feng

秉注人生功德。 
Bing Zhu Ren Sheng Gong De

延壽丹書。 
Yan Shou Dan Shu

執定生死罪過。 
Zhi Ding Sheng Si Zhui Guo

奪命黑籍。 
Duo Ming Hei Ji

考察諸聖諸神。 
Kao Cha Zhu Sheng Zhu Shen

監制群仙群職。 
Jian Zhi Qun Xian Qun Zhi

德圓妙果。無量度人。 
De Yuan Miao Guo, Wu Liang Du Ren

萬靈萬聖。至上至尊。 
Wan Ling Wan Sheng, Zhi Shang Zhi Zun

忠孝祖師。伏魔大帝。
Zhong Xiao Zu Shi, Fu Mo Da Di


 
關聖帝君。 
Guan Sheng Di Jun

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

南天主宰。 
Nan Tian Zhu Zai

玉帝殿前首相。
Yu Di Dian Qian Shou Xiang


 
執掌雷部。真元顯應。 
Zhi Zhang Lei Bu, Zhen Yuan Xian Ying

昭明翊漢天尊。
Zhao Ming Yi Han Tian Zun

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Banner of Dong Yue Heavenly Marshal Zhu Bao Gao (東嶽太保朱天君寶誥)


In here, you all will be seeing another rare Bao Gao dedicated to the Heavenly Marshal Zhu Tian Jun (東嶽太保朱天君), The Overall In-charge of Armies for Lord Emperor Dong Yue aka Eastern Mountain Tai (泰山東嶽大帝).

In some contexts, Heavenly Marshal Zhu was known as Marshal Zhu Fan Zhi (朱梵之元帥) or Zhu Yan Fu (朱彥夫元帥). Mainly his task was to maintain order of the Wanderings.

During the Ritual to honour Lord Dong Yue, the Scripture of Dong Yue Chan (東嶽寶懺) will be chanted. In this Scripture, the various Bao Gao dedicated to Empress Dong Yue, the Children & also the Assistants were being recited. It is considered quite rare to be seen in South East Asia.

嶽府朱太保統兵元帥寶誥
Yue Fu Zhu Tai Bao Tong Bing Yuan Shuai Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

嶽庭猛將。都副統兵。
Yue Ting Meng Jiang. Du Fu Tong Bing

朱髮青顏。
Zhu Fa Qing Yan

冠三山之鐵帽。
Guan San Shan Zhi Tie Mao

皂袍束帶。
Zao Pao Shu Dai

提九節之鋼鞭。
Ti Jiu Jie Zhi Gang Bian
 
攝魄追魂。捉生落死。
She Po Zhui Hun. Zhuo Sheng Luo Si

掌善罰惡。察過糾非。
Zhang Shan Fa E. Cha Guo Jiu Fei

大悲大願。大顯大靈。 
Da Bei Da Yuan. Da Xian Da Ling

嶽府顯應太保攝魂朱將軍。
Yue Fu Xian Ying Tai Bao She Hun Zhu Jiang Jun

火犀雷府。
Huo Xi Lei Fu

管打不通道朱都副統兵大元帥。
Guan Da Bu Tong Dao Zhu Du Fu Tong Bing Da Yuan Shuai

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Banner of Two Dong Yue Recording Officers Bao Gao (東嶽增福略福二司寶誥)


In here, you all will be seeing another rare Bao Gao dedicated to the Two Major Dong Yue Recording Officers (東嶽增福略福二司) aka The Administration Official Assistants of Lord Emperor Dong Yue aka Eastern Mountain Tai (泰山東嶽大帝) that In-charge of Distribution & Elimination of Luck & Prosperity Blessing.

In some contexts, they are known as Zeng Fu Sun Fu Xian Li (增福損福仙吏) or Shang Shan Fa E Xian Guan (賞善罰惡仙官).

During the Ritual to honour Lord Dong Yue, the Scripture of Dong Yue Chan (東嶽寶懺) will be chanted. In this Scripture, the various Bao Gao dedicated to Empress Dong Yue, the Children & also the Assistants were being recited. It is considered quite rare to be seen in South East Asia.

東嶽岱府增福略福二司寶誥
Dong Yue Dai Fu Zeng Fu Lue Fu Er Si Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

唯二神真。
Wei Er Shen Zhen

乃一統屬。
Nai Yi Tong Shu

善膺其福賜金珠。
Shan Ying Qi Fu Ci Jin Zhu

書略福之篇。
Shu Lue Fu Zhi Pian

忠註其祥加厚祿。
Zhong Zhu Qi Xiang Jia Hou Lu

集增福之字。
Ji Zeng Fu Zhi Zi

丹篇紀善。
Dan Pian Ji Shan

玉府登庸。
Yu Fu Deng Yong

大悲大願。
Da Bei Da Yuan

大聖大慈。
Da Sheng Da Ci
 
東嶽岱府掌增福略福二司尊神。
Dong Yue Dai Fu Zhang Zeng Fu Lue Fu Er Si Zun Shen

Monday 12 November 2012

Banner of Dong Yue Department Officers Bao Gao (東嶽諸司府曹寶誥)


In here, you all will be seeing another rare Bao Gao dedicated to the various Dong Yue Departments' Officers (東嶽諸司府曹) aka The Administration & Military Assistants of Lord Emperor Dong Yue aka Eastern Mountain Tai (泰山東嶽大帝).

During the Ritual to honour Lord Dong Yue, the Scripture of Dong Yue Chan (東嶽寶懺) will be chanted. In this Scripture, the various Bao Gao dedicated to Empress Dong Yue, the Children & also the Assistants were being recited. It is considered quite rare to be seen in South East Asia.

東嶽府曹寶誥
Dong Yue Fu Cao Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)

至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

七十五司案。
Qi Shi Wu Si An

東廊西廡神。
Dong Lang Xi Wu Shen

十大太保。
Shi Da Tai Bao

聽令於殿前。
Ting Ling Yu Dian Qian

龍虎神君。
Long Hu Shen Jun

鎮護於左右。
Zhen Hu Yu Zuo You

速報見報。
Su Bao Jian Bao

分善惡於兩途。
Fen Shan E Yu Liang Tu

陽曹陰曹。
Yang Cao Yin Cao

判之三教。
Pan Zhi San Jiao

註宰官將相之功勳。
Zhu Zhai Guan Jiang Xiang Zhi Gong Xun

斷生老病死之苦趣。
Duan Sheng Lao Bing Si Zhi Ku Qu

人鬼精邪之異類。
Ren Gui Jing Xie Zhi Yi Lei

胎卵濕化之生靈。
Tai Luan Si Hua Zhi Sheng Ling

事事悉歸於案椽。
Shi Shi Xi Gui Yu An Chuan

般般各屬於冥官。
Ban Ban Ge Shu Yu Ming Guan

考對無停。詮量不息。
Kao Dui Wu Ting. Quan Liang Bu Xi

大悲大願。大寬大仁。
Da Bei Da Yuan. Da Kuan Da Ren

嶽庭州職曹僚。
Yue Ting Zhou Zhi Bao Liao

岱嶽諸司官典。
Dai Yue Zhu Si Guan Dian

Friday 9 November 2012

Banner of Princess Dong Yue Bao Gao (東嶽公主碧霞元君寶誥)


In here, you all will be seeing another rare Bao Gao dedicated to Princess Dong Yue (東嶽公主碧霞元君) aka The Daughter of Lord Emperor Dong Yue aka Eastern Mountain Tai (泰山東嶽大帝).

During the Ritual to honour Lord Dong Yue, the Scripture of Dong Yue Chan (東嶽寶懺) will be chanted. In this Scripture, the various Bao Gao dedicated to Empress Dong Yue and the Children; Immortal Bi Xia were being recited. It is considered quite rare to be seen in South East Asia.

More info on Immortal Bi Xia:

Bi Xia Yuan Jun (碧霞元君) aka Jade Maiden of the Heavenly (天仙玉女) or Empress of Mt Tai Shan (泰山娘娘).

In Records, there are a few versions of her origin, here they are (碧霞元君來由):

1 - Bi Xia Yuan Jun was a Pre-Heavenly-Formed Deity (先天神祇) that assisted Yellow Emperor (黃帝) while he went for Inspection at Mt Tai Shan (東獄泰山) and later Yellow Emperor bestowed her as one of the Deity of Mt Tai Shan (泰山之神).

2 - Bi Xia Yuan Jun was the only Daughter of Dong Yu Da Di - 東獄大帝 (Emperor Lord of Mt Tai Shan)

3 - Bi Xia Yuan Jun was one of the manifestations of Dong Yu Da Di (東獄大帝之化身) to assist him in looking after the movements and issues that were associated with Mt Tai Shan.

4 - Bi Xia Yuan Jun was born in Han Dynasty (漢朝), after she grew-up, she did her self-cultivation and later was being bestowed by Mother Queen of the West (西王母) to become a Lady Immortal in the Heavenly Realm (天界女真).

Till today, in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, there's still a large number of devotees pay respect to her for blessings. The blessings are as follow:

A – Requesting for babies (求嗣)
B – Requesting for Good luck (祈福)
C – Requesting for Illness/Sicknesses to be cured (解災化厄除病)

In Singapore, it's quite rare to see her or even heard of her.

For Higher Rec Pictures, please proceed to this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/65101679/pic/list

碧霞元君寶誥
Bi Xia Yuan Jun Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)
  
至心皈命禮
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li

泰山頂上 東嶽內宮 
Tai Shan Ding Shang, Dong Yu Nei Gong

曩時現玉女之身 
Xiang Shi Xian Yu Nv Zhi Shen

根本即帝真之相 
Gen Ben Ji Di Zhen Zhi Xiang

應九炁而垂慈示相
Ying Jiu Qi Chui Ci Shi Xiang
 
冠百靈而智惠圓融 
Guan Bai Ling Er Zhi Hui Yuan Rong

行滿十方 恩周億劫 
Xing Man Shi Fang, En Zhou Yi Jie

位正天仙之號 
Wei Zheng Tian Xian Zhi Hao

冊顯碧霞之封 
Ce Xian Bi Xia Zhi Feng

掌嶽府之神兵 
Zhang Yu Fu Zhi Shen Bing

管人間之善惡 
Guan Ren Jian Zhi Shan E

尋聲赴感 護國安民 
Xun Sheng Fu Gan, Hu Guo An Min

大聖大慈 至仁至孝 
Da Sheng Da Ci, Zhi Ren Zhi Xiao

天仙玉女 廣靈慈惠 
Tian Xian Yu Nv, Guang Ling Ci Hui

恭順普濟 保生真人 
Gong Shun Pu Ji, Bao Sheng Zhen Ren

佑國庇民宏德碧霞元君 
You Guo Bi Min Hong De Bi Xia Yuan Jun