In here, you are able to see a Talisman dedicated to Jade Emperor of Heaven.
This is a rare Talisman to see in Singapore or in South-East Asia.
Usually such Talisman is issued out to devotees for protecting or blessing for good luck.
Friday, 4 January 2008
Old Talisman of Jade Emperor of Heaven (玉皇大天尊大符)
In here, you are able to see a Talisman dedicated to Jade Emperor of Heaven.
This is a rare Talisman to see in Singapore or in South-East Asia.
Usually such Talisman is issued out to devotees for protecting or blessing for good luck.
La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – Sending Off of Kitchen Deity (農曆臘月習俗之送灶神)
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After Wei Ya Celebration, the Chinese or Taoists will concentrate on the 24th Day of Lunar 12 Month or La Yue.
Reason, this is a Day that being considered as the Day for Kitchen Deity to return to the Celestial Palace for "Annually" Reporting of the Credits & Merits of Mortals to Jade Emperor and other Recording Officer in the Heavenly Realm and so, the Chinese & Taoists will have to prepare some Offerings for Kitchen Deity before Sending-Off.
In the Ancient Era (till about 150 years ago from now), Only the Kitchen Deity will be the "targeted Deity" that the Mortals will send off, whereas today, folks also Send Off the Home Deities (which is not an appropriate or accurate practice, this is why, a few of the other dialect groups don't have the practice of Sending Off Deities).
According to Chinese Custom Records, different Dates for Sending Off of Kitchen Deity are being allocated to different Group of People (according to the ranking, position, reputation, etc).
For Officer Rank and above (in today's term: White Collar Group), the Sending Off Date for the Kitchen Deity in their Premises was fixed on the 23rd Night before 11.00Pm.
For Rich-man and normal commoners (in today's term: Blue Collar Group), the Sending Off Date for the Kitchen Deity in their Premises was fixed on the 24th Day Morning.
Whereas the "un-reputable" groups, such as robbers, bandits, low-class-workers, etc, the Sending Off Date for the Kitchen Deity in their Premises was fixed on the 25th Day before Dawn (this was not known by much people cos in later part of the History, this was being strike off from the records).
So who will usually lead the Send Off Ceremony?
In the Ancient Era, Only the house owner or a Male-member in the family could do the Sending Off.
So, during the Sending Off, what must be prepared?
In order to allow Kitchen Deity to say Good things about you and you family during the Reporting, you must prepared sweet stuffs to offer to Kitchen Deity (a form of un-intensionally bribing). Such sweet stuffs can consist of Nian Gao (The Chinese Glutinous Rice Cake), Sesame Candies, Ji Hong (a type of Traditional Chinese Jelly-like Cake), Mandarins, etc.
For some families, they will prepare cooked cuisines such as whole chicken, fishes, seafood, etc, to offer to Kitchen Deity before the Sending Off.
Some will even offer Good-quanlity Wine to Kitchen Deity during the paying respect ceremony – to make him "drunk".
After about 15-30 minutes of offering, the house owner will have to seek permission from the Kitchen Deity by throwing of the Divination Block to see whether the Kitchen Deity is ready to set-off. If the Divination Block shows Yin-Yang sign, meaning that he is ready to travel back to Heaven, if not, Wine or Tea must be offered again till he’s willingly to set-off.
Once the Divination Block shows Yin-Yang sign, the house owner will have to burn off the incense-paper & Song Shen Ma for Kitchen Deity, and the whole Ceremony will consider to be completed.
So what is Song Shen Me (送神馬)?
Song Shen Ma aka Shen Ma (神馬) or Song Shen Jia Ma (送神甲馬) is a type of incense-paper that got picture of a Horse and an Assistant being printed.
During Sending Off, the Song Shen Ma will be used and for Inviting back of Kitchen Deity, Ying Shen Ma (迎神馬 with a Sedan Chair and 4 assistants) will be needed.
In the Ancient Era, folks believed that, when Kitchen Deity returned to the Celestial Palace, he needed to reach the Palace within a certain allocated-timing or so by riding a Horse, Kitchen Deity wouldn’t be delayed. And while he's returning to the Mortal World, he could sit inside a Sedan Chair to relax and allowed the 4 assistants to slowly-sway the Sedan around till they returned to the Mortal World (a joyous occasion to return to the Mortal World during the New Year period).
Today, due to lack of people giving advises to the usage of such incense-paper, a lot of people tend to use the same type of paper to do the Sending Off and Inviting Back.
So when is the Inviting Back?
According to Ancient Records, there were 2 Dates.
One of the Eve of Lunar New Year (年除夕), Kitchen Deity must be back on the Eve to join in the Celebration of Ushering in the New Year.
2nd, on the 4th Day of Lunar New Year (農曆正月初四日). This Day was being added into the custom much later.
So during the Inviting Back, what shall must prepared?
Usually simple offerings like Tea, a Set of Oranges, Incense-paper & Ying Shen Ma are prepared.
The Inviting Back will usually be done in the late noon. Some families will only do that after Sunset.
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Scroll Painting of The 12 Zodiac Star Lords of Taoism (黃道十二宮星君)
Far before the 12 Zodiacs of the English Culture came into the awareness of Chinese, in Taoism, we have already being paying respect to these 12 Lords.
In Taoism or Chinese Deity System, these 12 Lords are known as Huang Dao Shi Er Gong Xing Jun or Shi Er Gong Chen Xing Jun (a few minor differences in the 12 Lords).
And so, what is Huang Dao?
Huang Dao, a light beam that shown in the Heaven or Universe after Sunset or before Sun Rise, in English term known as Ecliptic. Usually this Ecliptic can be seen by using a Telescope.
So who are they?
Here's the Intro on them:
１摩羯宮(屬子年生人 Capricorn)
２寶瓶宮(屬丑年生人 Aquarius)
３雙魚宮(屬寅年生人 Pisces)
４白羊宮(屬卯年生人 Aries)
５金牛宮(屬辰年生人 Taurus)
６陰陽宮(屬巳年生人 Virgo)
７巨蟹宮(屬午年生人 Cancer)
８獅子宮(屬未年生人 Leo)
９雙女宮(屬申年生人 Gemini)
１０天秤宮(屬酉年生人 Libra)
１１天蝎宮(屬戌年生人 Scorpio)
１２人馬宮(屬亥年生人 Sagittarius)
In our Chinese Deity System, Virgo which means the Virgin Girl is being replaced with Yin-Yang – represent the Balance (just nice, the position is in the Center of the 12 Lords)
And for Gemini, 2 guys replaced by 2 girls, known as Shuai Nv.
So what are their tasks?
There are there to assist the 12 Chinese Horoscope Lords to look into issues of Personal Luck of each individual Mortal who born in the Year under their In-charge.
In Singapore, it is totally impossible to see any Temple/Altar or Ritual/Ceremony that will make any invitation for these 12 Lords.
Requesting of Blessing for Wealth for New Year (新春富貴旺財法) 之 4
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Money in Pocket (袋袋金銀)
According to Old Chinese Lunar Year Custom Records (古時新年習俗記載), there are a few methods that one self can prepare in-order to gain the blessing of Wealth by the Deities of Wealth before New Year and during the New Year Period.
Heres the 4th way to gain the Wealth Blessing.
So what shall be prepared?
In this method, nothing needed to prepare. One self just needed to get a set of new clothing with as much pockets as possible (for children, get those pajamas with 2 little pockets in front, etc).
On the night of Lunar New Year Eve, before Opening the main Door to usher in the Prosperity or Count down to usher in the New Year, put as many red packets (with at least 2 coins inside), sweets, peanuts in the pockets of the apparel.
This is to symbolize Fortune, Happiness and Longevity to be blessed on one self for the New Year.
Remember do not put any white items (tissues, papers, etc) inside the pockets while Opening of the Door or ushering in the Prosperity, cos white got the opposite meaning for red. Do keep in mind.
Just take out all the items before going to bed.
Heavenly Master Sa Shou Jian Xi He Sect 40 Lineages (薩真君西河派)
Here are the 40 Lineage Titles that Taoists seek Mastership under Xi He Sect of Heavenly Master Sa Shou Jian will used.
守道明仁德。全真復太和。
Shou Dao Ming Ren De. Quan Zhen Fu Tai He
志誠宣玉典。中正演金科。
Zhi Cheng Xuan Yu Dian. Zhong Zheng Yan Jin Ke
沖漢通圓滿。高宗居大羅。
Chong Han Tong Yuan
武當興法派。福海起洪波。
Wu Dang Xing Fa Pai. Fu Hai Qi Hong Bo
Heavenly Master Xu Xun Jing Ming Sect 40 Lineages (許真君忠孝淨明派)
Here are the 40 Lineage Titles that Taoists seek Mastership under Jing Ming Sect of Heavenly Master Xu Xun will used.
天德高無量。照明自古今。
Tian De Gao Wu Liang. Zhao Ming Zi Gu Jin
玄元聞見處。總合聖賢心。
Xuan Yuan Wen Jian Chu. Zong He Sheng Xian Xin
道德宏清靜。法源廣大成。
Dao De Hong Qing Jing. Fa Yuan Guang Da Cheng
東漢有章數。功果保忠禎。
Dong Han You Zhang Shu. Gong Guo Bao Zhong Zhen
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
Requesting of Blessing for Wealth for New Year (新春富貴旺財法) 之 3
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Ushering the Prosperity Inward (開門現富貴)
According to Old Chinese Lunar Year Custom Records (古時新年習俗記載), there are a few methods that one self can prepare in-order to gain the blessing of Wealth by the Deities of Wealth before New Year and during the New Year Period.
Heres the 3rd way to gain the Wealth Blessing.
So what shall be prepared?
This is the most simplest method to gain Prosperity.
One self just need to prepare a red paper with dimension of 8cm by 8cm, a Black Pen and a roll of double-sided tape.
So after preparing, what shall be done?
On the Eve of Lunar New Year, after paying respect to Deities and Ancestors, clean yourself up and then take out the items and put on a clean table.
Open up the red paper, fold it two times (into half) and then open up again.
After folding, you will see a Cross on the red paper.
At the center of the red paper, draw a circle (about the size of a 50 cent coin).
After drawing the circle, write these 2 Chinese Characters inside the circle – Fu Gui (富貴), meaning Prosperity & Fortune.
After writing, place the red paper on the Altar (if any), if not, just place it on a high area, don't let anyone touch it.
And so, after that?
After Reunion Dinner, close the main Door.
Use the double-sided tape to tape one side of the red paper on Door Frame and another side on the Door.
On Zi Shi (11Pm in Asia, 12Mn in Singapore), open the Door (make sure the red paper is being tear into half) and shout Fu Gui Jin Men Lai (富貴進門來), meaning Prosperity Enter into the Home.
From then, don't close the Door until everyone is ready to go to bed.
Introduction of Heavenly Master Ge Hong (四天師系列之抱朴仙公葛天師)
Ge Tian Shi (葛天師) aka Heavenly Master Ge, referring to 2 people, Ge Xuan (葛玄) aka Ge Xiao Xian (葛孝先) & Ge Hong (葛洪) aka Ge Ji Chuan (葛稚川). Ge Hong is the Grand-nephew of Ge Xuan (葛洪為葛玄從孫).
Ge Xuan, born in the Three Kingdom Period (生于三國時代), hometown in Jiang Xi Province, Ju Ku Area (家鄉於江西句窖).
Since young, Ge Xuan had been putting effort in doing self-cultivation and learning of Spiritual Skills. After growing up, Ge Xuan seek Mastership under the famous Taoist Priest Zuo Ci (左慈), from then, Ge Xuan was being imparted with the manuals on Internal-balancing of Energies, such as Jiu Ding Dan Jing (九鼎丹经), Tai Qing Dan Jing (太清丹经), Jin Yi Dan Jing (金液丹经), etc.
Besides learning Cultivation Skills from Zuo Ci, Ge Xuan also went to Jiang Xi Province Mountain Ge Zao (江西阁皂山) to learn Talisman Skills, etc. After mastering the Skills, Ge Xuan traveled around in the Country to assist the needy. Due to his compassionate and kindness, the folks respected him as an Immortal Priest, which later gave him the titles Ge Xian Gong (葛仙公) & Tai Ji Xian Gong (太極仙公).
Ge Hong, born in Western Jin Dynasty (CE284 生于西晉), hometown in Dan Yang Ju Rong Area (家鄉於丹阳句容).
Due to the influences from his family, Ge Hong started his learning and cultivation at a very young age. Due to his Granduncle Ge Xuan was a well-known Taoist Cultivated Person, Ge Hong got a lot of privileges while he was doing his self studying.
After growing up, besides learning the Spiritual Skills, doing self cultivation, Ge Hong also concentrate on knowledge of Taoism Theory, Taoism Preaching, Chinese Medicine and Elixir-producing.
As an "addicted" Elixir-producing person, Ge Hong always traveled around in the whole Country to look for special ingredients and objects for the producing process.
One year, while he knew that in Jiao Zhi Country (交趾國 today known as Vietnam 今越南) produced a type of stone-grains that could enhanced the energy of Elixirs, without consideration, Ge Hong traveled to Jiao Zhi Country to search for the substance.
After returning to China, Ge Hong shifted to Mountian Fu Luo (浮羅山) with his whole Family.
From then, he started his long term producing of Elixirs (main objective in assisting the poor and sick).
At an old age, Ge Hong compiled all his learning, knowledge and History into a book. Due to his title known as Bao Pu Zi (抱朴子), this book was named after him as Bao Pu Zi. Till today, this book can still be purchased in bookstores.
On CE364, while he was about to complete the final batch of Elixirs, Ge Hong got his Enlightenment in the Elixir Room. At the time, he was 80 years old.
On the moment of his Enlightenment, he was being summoned to the Celestial Palace to meet up with Jade Emperor (玉皇大天尊). Due to his Uprightness and willingness in assisting the infinite quantity of sufferings, Ge Hong was being bestowed with the Heavenly Master – Tian Shi (天師之職).
From then, Ge Hong and his Granduncle Ge Xuan were being honoured as the 2 Heavenly Master Ge in our Chinese Deity System.
For High Res Pics, please proceed to this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/taoism_deity_singapore_2007/photos/album/1912803398/pic/list
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
La Yue Customs (Lunar 12 Month Customs) – La Ba Day 農曆臘月習俗之臘八節
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Short Intro on La Yue (臘月簡介)
La Yue, a Month in the Lunar Calendar to mark the ending of an Old Year and a Period that the Chinese & Taoists will prepare to usher in the New Year.
La 臘, a Chinese Character evolve from another Chinese Character Lie 獵 (this 2nd Chinese Character got a meaning of hunting for animals or living stocks).
In the Ancient Era, due to Winter Season (冬季), all plantations were gone and so in order to stay alive, Mortals were had to go out into forested area or any deserted area to hunt for animals (in the Ancient Era, such hunting will only stopped just a few days before Spring arrived, excess hunted meats will be made into preserved-food items 臘制食品). Some of such animals were hunted not only for Human-consumption but also for the Paying Respect to Deities and Ancestors.
This is why the 1st Chinese Character La is strongly associated with the 2nd Chinese Character Lie.
So during the La Yue, what events are involved?
Due to La Yue is the last month of the Year, so a lot of preparations for the New Year are being done in this month and this is why, La Yue is consider as a very important month to the Chinese & Taoists.
Let's start with La Ba Day.
A lot of Chinese are being giving the wrong impression of La Ba Day (臘八日), falls on 8th Day of Lunar 12 Month (農曆十二月初八日), is actually a Day that only Buddhists will celebrate or this is a Day that evolve from Buddhist Culture, actually this is not correct.
According to Chinese History & Custom Records, La Ba Day (and La Yue) is Day that started by the Chinese and/or Taoist as Early as in Zhou Dynasty (最早記載與周朝文獻). Due to the far-away-Era, most of the records had been destroyed or lost. And so, things that we wanted to know like what preparations or what events are involved during the Zhou Dynasty are limited.
But in Han Dynasty (漢朝), tonnes of records on La Ba Day (La Yue) are being passed-down.
According to Records of Han, on La Ba Day, grand Ritual/Ceremony will be organized for Paying Respect to the Eight Important Deities that surround us (during Han, such Deities have yet to have a physical form).
So who are these 8 Deities?
They are,
Deity of Wheat Items – Shen Nong (Xian Se 先穡神農)
Shen Nong, the one who discovered the edible plants
Deity of In-charging of Wheat Items – Hou Ji (Si Se 司穡后稷)
Hou Ji, Deity being appointed to look after the Harvesting of plantations
Deity of Plantation/Farm – Nong Shen (農神)
Nong Shen, Deity being appointed to look after the fertility level of soils in farms
Deity of House/Road – You Biao Qi Shen (郵表畦神)
You Biao Qi Shen, Deities that built Houses, construct Roads for people of that area
Deity of Animals/Creatures – Mao Hu Shen (貓虎神)
Mao Hu Shen, Deities being appointed to control the animals and creatures, by paying respect to such Deities, farmers hope that the Deities will control the animals or creatures from coming into the farms to do damages
Deity of Farm Borders – Fang Shen (坊神)
Fang Shen, Deity that in-charge of protecting the borders of the farms
Deity of Waterway – Shui Yong Cheng Huang (水庸城隍)
Shui Yong Cheng Huang, Deity that being appointed to look after the water-passage around the farms, make sure that the water is not being contaminated with diseases, etc
Deity of Pest – Kun Chong Shen (昆蟲神)
Kun Cong Shen, Deities being appointed to control the pests, insects, etc (in later part of the History, real Historical Characters will being appointed as Kun Cong Shen, such as General Liu Meng 劉孟將軍)
Folks in the Ancient Era believed that, by paying respect to these 8 groups of Deities, all plantations and harvesting will be blessed throughout the year and in the coming New Year, these 8 groups of Deities will still look after their plantations.
Besides paying respect to these 8 groups of Deities, folks will also have to pay respect to Ancestors on this La Ba Day. This is to show the gratitude of the descendants towards the Ancestors and also, to make a brief report to the Ancestors that, New Year will be coming soon.
In the Imperial Court (朝廷), Emperor (君主) will select an auspicious timing and then, he will led the Officers (朝臣) to a destinated venue to pay respect to the 8 groups of Deities (by doing so, Emperors hope that these 8 groups of Deities will blessed the Kingdom with Prosperity and Good Wealth).
Eating of La Ba Zhou aka Porridge of La Ba Day (臘八粥簡介)
Due to the influences on Buddhism, a lot of Chinese tend to treat this La Ba Porridge as a type of Buddhist Cuisine, which actually, is another misconception.
La Ba Porridge, a type of Chinese Cuisine evolve from an Ancient Cuisine known as Bai Jia Zhou aka Bai Jia Porridge (臘八粥最早原與百家粥), meaning using un-cooked rice from many homes to make a pot of white porridge without any ingredients.
Why is there a must for such Porridge?
According to records, such Porridge will only be prepared during big occasions, such as La Ba Day. Hoping that by combining the rice from different homes, Good Luck can be spread to different people from the area, etc.
Besides that, such Bai Jia Porridge will also be prepared while a new born baby is celebrating the First Month of Birth.
Last, after this Day, Chinese or Taoists will prepared for the Ritual/Ceremony for the 16th Day of Lunar 12 Month, known as Wei Ya (尾牙日).
Introduction of Heavenly Master Sa Shou Jian (四天師系列之西河龍興薩天師)
Sa Tian Shi (薩天師) aka Heavenly Master Sa, real name known as Sa Shou Jian (薩守堅), born in Song Dynasty (生於宋朝), hometown in Xi Shu (屬西蜀人). In some contexts, he was only recorded as a Song Dynasty Taoist Priest with no birthday recorded (據傳是宋代時一名道士).
Since young, Sa Shou Jian was also strongly connected with Taoism, after growing up, he seek Mastership under the 30th Generation Heavenly Master Zhang aka Xu Jing Zhen Ren (第三十代天師虛靖真人), Master Lin Ling Su (林靈素) & Wang Shi Chen (王恃辰).
After doing training under the 3 Masters, Sa Shou Jian mastered the Skills in Spiritual Skills, Chinese Medical Skills, etc. Just before Sa Shou Jian got his Enlightenment, one of his Masters, Master Lin Ling Su gave him as Palm Leave shape Fan (芭蕉寶扇), advised him that in the future, when he’s doing his salvation, the Fan would assist him. And this is why, till today, a lot of Sa Shou Jian’s painting, you can see him holding on to a Palm Leave Fan.
One year, while Sa Shou Jian doing his salvation around the Country, he reached a City known as Tan Zhou (潭州), due to the time was getting late, Sa Shou Jian had to look for a place to stay for the night. As a wandering Spiritual Person, usually there wouldn’t be choices for Sa Shou Jian to stay in good quanlity Inn and so, he had to look for a Free venue to rest.
After searching, finally he saw a vacant Cheng Huang Temple (城隍廟 City Deity Temple) and so, without any second thoughts, he went in to stay for a night.
Soon, the Indicating Houring Watchman (更夫) hit the gong to indicate it’s 3am in the morning, suddenly the Magistrate Officer of Tan Zhou (潭州縣令) dashed out of his bedroom, calling for his subordinates. One of his subordinates were shocked and asked the Officer what had happened. Immediately, the Officer ordered the subordinate to go to Cheng Huang Temple to invite back the person resting under the Altar. Without any choices of asking further, the subordinate had to perform the task according (actually the subordinate thought that the Officer was having just a nightmare).
Upon reaching the Temple, the subordinate was shocked to see there's a person resting under the Altar. He was amazed and due to he was being ordered to perform the task, he had to wake Sa Shou Jian up.
After being woke-up by the subordinate, Sa Shou Jian was blurred with the situation, but with no choice, Sa Shou Jian had to follow the subordinate to the Magistrate Court (縣府).
Just about to reach the Magistrate Court, the Officer was there outside waiting to usher Sa Shou Jian in. Sa Shou Jian was getting even more blurred with the situation. Just before Sa Shou Jian got a choice to ask, the Officer reported the whole incident of Lord Cheng Huang came into his dream to tell him that a future high ranking Deity was having a rest in the humble Temple, Lord Cheng Huang hope that the Officer could entertain the Deity on behalf of him. And this was why the Officer was shocked and dashed out of his bedroom in the middle of the night.
After that incident, forever where Sa Shou Jian went, there would sure be someone waiting to entertain him.
Soon, Sa Shou Jian had completed all his appointed tasks in this Mortal World. Upon approaching one of the popular lake in one of the City, Sa Shou Jian got his Enlightenment on the bay of the Long Xing Lake (龍興湖).
Immediate after his Enlightenment, Sa Shou Jian was being summoned to the Celestial Palace (天庭) to meet up with Jade Emperor (玉皇大天尊). Due to his Determination in Promoting the Upright Culture of Taoism, salvaging the needy, he was being bestowed with the title Heavenly Master – Tian Shi (天師之職) and also, the title of Chong En Zhen Jun (崇恩真君).
According to records, after Sa Shou Jian got his Enlightenment, one year while he was doing his regular inspection, he came to a mountainous area and noticed that some entities were hiding around the area. Immediately, he landed on one of the peak and summoned the entity out.
After summoning the entity out, then Sa Shou Jian realized that this entity was actually a Fire Spirit (火精) in the Thunderial Department (雷部) in the Heavenly Realm (天界). So with his advises and support, the entity was being brought to Heaven and after going thru the records of this entity, Jade Emperor bestowed the entity as a Marshal in looking after the Heavenly Armies.
This entity was known as Wang Ling Guan (王靈官). Due to Sa Shou Jian was the one who gave him the advises, Sa Shou Jian was known as the Master of Wang Ling Guan.
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