Tian She Day (天赦日), translated as The Reparation & Eliminating Sins Day (赦罪消災).
In Taoist Culture, every Lunar Year, there are at least Six Tian She Day, each Season with at least Two Tian She Days fall on Two Special Days.
For Year 2012, the Dragon Year, the 1st Tian She Day of Summer falls on the 13rd Day of Leap Lunar 4 Month, which is on 2nd June, a Saturday. Honouring needed to be conducted facing the South Direction (面南而行大禮之).
The other Tian She Days of Lunar 2012 falls on the Dates as followed:
Spring: 26th Day of Lunar 2 Month (18 March, a Sunday) – face South East
春季天赦日為農曆二月廿六日﹐面東南之。
Summer: 14th Day of Lunar 6 Month (01 Aug, a Wednesday) – face West
夏季第二天赦日為農曆六月十四日﹐面西之。
Autumn: 28th Day of Lunar 6 Month (15 Aug, a Wednesday) – in the Central
秋季第一天赦日為農曆六月廿八日﹐於中祭祀之。
Autumn: 29th Day of Lunar 8 Month (14 Oct, a Sunday) – face South
秋季第二天赦日為農曆八月廿九日﹐面南之。
Winter: 17th Day of Lunar 11 Month (29 Dec, a Saturday) – face North West
冬季第一天赦日為農曆十一月十七日﹐面西北之。
So when Tian She Day started?
According to Ancient Records, Tian She Day started far in Shang Dynasty (商朝) and had reached its peak in Song Dynasty (宋朝).
So what to do on Tian She Day?
As recorded and advised, on these Days, conducting of Official Taoist Chanting to Yu Huang Da Tian Zun (玉皇大天尊), San Guan Da Di (三官大帝), Dou Mu Yuan Jun & the Dippers (斗姆元君及眾星斗星君) or requesting for Forgiveness for the Pass-ons to Heavenly Lord Tai Yi (太乙救苦天尊), will be recommended.
Besides that, for those who are suffering for long-term illnesses and had yet to get cured, by making trips to Official Temples to pay respect to the various Deities and sincerely requesting for Forgiveness will help too.
For example of Honouring of San Guan Da Di, please refer to the individual write up in the following link:
http://javewu.multiply.com/tag/%E4%B8%89%E5%AE%98%E5%A4%A7%E5%B8%9D
So where can Oneself visit on Tian She Day?
In Singapore, there are a few Official Temples that conduct Tian She Day Honouring for Devotees:
1 – Yue Hai Qing Temple (粵海清廟) located at Phillip Street, CBD
2 – Tanjong Pagar Du Cheng Huang Temple (都城隍廟), located besides Tanjong Pagar MRT, CBD
Some people are asking me why recently I was doing posting on the various issues that were closely associated with the Building of a New Temple rather than I had neglected posting on Taoism or Deities.
In here, I will like to apologise to those who are concerned in this issue.
One reason is that, recently Jave was being engaged as one of the Consultants for the New Temple that will be Opening in next year, before Lunar New Year, so on hand, I got a few interesting information to share on.
Secondly, all these are also part of the Taoist Culture that All of you here shall know or understand.
Ok, not to delay further, here’s the new write up for today.
After interacting and finding out from many of the new constructors of Temples recently, many of them do not really concerned on the Traditional Construction of the Temple neither they will do accordingly to the Instructions that had been pass-down by our Masters in the past. This is really a very sad thing to know and also, disappointment of how our Chinese Culture or Taoist Skills had deteriorated.
Ok, last week, Jave had mentioned about the Ground Breaking & Enhancing, besides that, on the Door. Today Jave will like to touch on the 10 Important Features that a lot of our local Temples had neglected.
So what are these 10 Features?
Usually these 10 Features are constructed using the 10 Significant/Symbolism of the 10 Nature Items that we can see in these 3 Realms (三界) with auspicious meaning.
They are as followed:
1 – One (一): 元始萬物.
Usually there will be a Round Mirror (圓鏡) or Ball on top of the Temple Roof or Main Door to represent the NULL in Taoism. Some people will construct this together with the Fiery Ball (火龍珠) of the Dragons on the Roof-top.
2 – Two (二/雙): 陰陽相互.
The Yin Yang signs must be obvious on the Left & Right of the Temple. Some people might used the paintings of the Sun & Moon (日月) to represent or some will just get the 2 Sun & Moon Lords (太陰太陽星君) porcelain statues to be installed at the Roof top of the Temple, this is more commonly seen in Taiwan.
For Yin Yang here, it is not referring to the Yin Yang as in the Ba Gua (八卦).
3 – Three (三): 三陽開泰/三星入戶.
Many people will tend to use the statues of the Three Star Lords Fu Lu Shou (福祿壽三星) to represent the 三星 and installed them on top of the Roof. I cant commented that this is wrong, but in Taoism, these 三星 is actually referring to San Tai (三台星) – the combination group of Star Lords that are in-charge of our Life & Death.
This shall be constructed at the Main Door or above the Main Entrance of the Temple (山門). Need not to have any physical statues of any Deities, just by painting the Three Stars in the San Tai Formation will be good enough.
4 – Four (四): 四靈座鎮/四方聚鼎.
Newly constructed Temple nowadays usually neglected the四方聚鼎. This is actually referring to the 4 Main Pillars around the Temple. Some Temples will only have 2 obvious Pillars at the front of the Main Door but at the back, there isn’t any, which this is a very inaccurate construction for a Temple.
四靈座鎮 referring to a few methods:
4.1 – the Enhancing of the Four Corners by burying the Four Spiritual Animals Talismans and Spiritual Items
4.2 – the Installation of the Four Spiritual Animals Talismans inside the Temple
4.3 – the Installation of the Enhanced Flags/Banners of the Four Spiritual Animals Talismans outside the Temple
5 – Five (五): 五方聚氣/五世其昌.
This is to usher in the Five Elements’ Energy into the Temple by correctly placing the Enhanced Spiritual Objects in the Five Directions around the Temple (including the Main Ba Gua Mirror in the Temple).
Another features to mention is that, the五世其昌 plaque (with Five Lions’ carving) is gone from many newly constructed Temples. These plaques shall be installed along the pathway directly outside the Main Hall as to request for the Long-lasting Operation Blessing for the Temple (according to the 60 years cycle).
Please refer to the pictures attached in here.
6 – Six (六): 六星順運.
Again, many Temples had not included the Six Stars of the Southern Dipper in the construction of the Temple. This will be needed to be place on the South Direction of the Temple.
7 – Seven (七): 七星護命.
Another feature of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper is gone. Some Temples might have it, but not in the correct position.
In other contexts, this may also refers to 七氣聚頂. This is to construct the different levels of Colored Energies in the various point of the Temple to gather the positive energies to secure the Temple. But to some people, this might sounds like Tibetian Buddhism.
8/9 – Eight (八) & Nine (九): 八卦九宮.
The Ba Gua (八卦) here is not referring to any normal painting Ba Gua in or outside the Temple, but referring to the Ba Gua that is being buried in some point of the Temple to gather the Positive Energy and also, to assist the Mediums (if any) in the Temple while conducting their regular consultation task.
Jiu Gong (九宮) referring to a Special Mirror that being used together with the Ba Gua Plate while being buried into the Ground inside the Temple.
10 – Ten (十): 十合圓融.
For Ten, this is the most difficult one to construct as the Temple will need to have 10 Sharp-pointed Angles & 10 Rounded Features to be placed together to represent the 10 Spiritual Directions in the Three Realms (三界).
The most Significant one that we can see is only in China, inside the Imperial City (北京紫禁城).
Last of all, when you are on your next visit to Temples in Singapore, do look out for the various features mentioned here, see how many of them you can find in a Temple. The more of such features can be found, meaning that, the oldest the Temple will be.
Some people are asking me why recently I was doing posting on the various issues that were closely associated with the Building of a New Temple rather than I had neglected posting on Taoism or Deities.
In here, I will like to apologise to those who are concerned in this issue.
One reason is that, recently Jave was being engaged as one of the Consultants for the New Temple that will be Opening in next year, before Lunar New Year, so on hand, I got a few interesting information to share on.
Secondly, all these are also part of the Taoist Culture that All of you here shall know or understand.
Ok, not to delay further, here’s the new write up for today.
After interacting and finding out from many of the new constructors of Temples recently, many of them do not really concerned on the Traditional Construction of the Temple neither they will do accordingly to the Instructions that had been pass-down by our Masters in the past. This is really a very sad thing to know and also, disappointment of how our Chinese Culture or Taoist Skills had deteriorated.
Ok, last week, Jave had mentioned about the Ground Breaking & Enhancing, besides that, on the Door. Today Jave will like to touch on the 10 Important Features that a lot of our local Temples had neglected.
So what are these 10 Features?
Usually these 10 Features are constructed using the 10 Significant/Symbolism of the 10 Nature Items that we can see in these 3 Realms (三界) with auspicious meaning.
They are as followed:
1 – One (一): 元始萬物.
Usually there will be a Round Mirror (圓鏡) or Ball on top of the Temple Roof or Main Door to represent the NULL in Taoism. Some people will construct this together with the Fiery Ball (火龍珠) of the Dragons on the Roof-top.
2 – Two (二/雙): 陰陽相互.
The Yin Yang signs must be obvious on the Left & Right of the Temple. Some people might used the paintings of the Sun & Moon (日月) to represent or some will just get the 2 Sun & Moon Lords (太陰太陽星君) porcelain statues to be installed at the Roof top of the Temple, this is more commonly seen in Taiwan.
For Yin Yang here, it is not referring to the Yin Yang as in the Ba Gua (八卦).
3 – Three (三): 三陽開泰/三星入戶.
Many people will tend to use the statues of the Three Star Lords Fu Lu Shou (福祿壽三星) to represent the 三星 and installed them on top of the Roof. I cant commented that this is wrong, but in Taoism, these 三星 is actually referring to San Tai (三台星) – the combination group of Star Lords that are in-charge of our Life & Death.
This shall be constructed at the Main Door or above the Main Entrance of the Temple (山門). Need not to have any physical statues of any Deities, just by painting the Three Stars in the San Tai Formation will be good enough.
4 – Four (四): 四靈座鎮/四方聚鼎.
Newly constructed Temple nowadays usually neglected the四方聚鼎. This is actually referring to the 4 Main Pillars around the Temple. Some Temples will only have 2 obvious Pillars at the front of the Main Door but at the back, there isn’t any, which this is a very inaccurate construction for a Temple.
四靈座鎮 referring to a few methods:
4.1 – the Enhancing of the Four Corners by burying the Four Spiritual Animals Talismans and Spiritual Items
4.2 – the Installation of the Four Spiritual Animals Talismans inside the Temple
4.3 – the Installation of the Enhanced Flags/Banners of the Four Spiritual Animals Talismans outside the Temple
5 – Five (五): 五方聚氣/五世其昌.
This is to usher in the Five Elements’ Energy into the Temple by correctly placing the Enhanced Spiritual Objects in the Five Directions around the Temple (including the Main Ba Gua Mirror in the Temple).
Another features to mention is that, the五世其昌 plaque (with Five Lions’ carving) is gone from many newly constructed Temples. These plaques shall be installed along the pathway directly outside the Main Hall as to request for the Long-lasting Operation Blessing for the Temple (according to the 60 years cycle).
Please refer to the pictures attached in here.
6 – Six (六): 六星順運.
Again, many Temples had not included the Six Stars of the Southern Dipper in the construction of the Temple. This will be needed to be place on the South Direction of the Temple.
7 – Seven (七): 七星護命.
Another feature of the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper is gone. Some Temples might have it, but not in the correct position.
In other contexts, this may also refers to 七氣聚頂. This is to construct the different levels of Colored Energies in the various point of the Temple to gather the positive energies to secure the Temple. But to some people, this might sounds like Tibetian Buddhism.
8/9 – Eight (八) & Nine (九): 八卦九宮.
The Ba Gua (八卦) here is not referring to any normal painting Ba Gua in or outside the Temple, but referring to the Ba Gua that is being buried in some point of the Temple to gather the Positive Energy and also, to assist the Mediums (if any) in the Temple while conducting their regular consultation task.
Jiu Gong (九宮) referring to a Special Mirror that being used together with the Ba Gua Plate while being buried into the Ground inside the Temple.
10 – Ten (十): 十合圓融.
For Ten, this is the most difficult one to construct as the Temple will need to have 10 Sharp-pointed Angles & 10 Rounded Features to be placed together to represent the 10 Spiritual Directions in the Three Realms (三界).
The most Significant one that we can see is only in China, inside the Imperial City (北京紫禁城).
Last of all, when you are on your next visit to Temples in Singapore, do look out for the various features mentioned here, see how many of them you can find in a Temple. The more of such features can be found, meaning that, the oldest the Temple will be.
Its honourable to be able to get involved in the new task of Editing, Compiling & Doing-simple Translation/Providing Brief Introduction on the various Chapters/Sections in the various Taoist Canons/Encyclopedia (道藏/藏外道書/道藏輯要) - for one of the International Taoist Associations.
First phase of the admin-work must be completed before End-of-Year (2012) when Jave going to China for the Taoist Study Tour.
Second phase will be opened to interested parties/Taoists to take part in providing comments & suggestions.
And so, this means that, within the next 4 Months, Jave will need to go thru 101 Books, which each Book is about 850 pages thick. I think by then, my Short-sighted Degree will add on.
Lastly, All editorial works will be uploaded to LSM Official Web lately for all to download.
Good Luck to Jave and also LSM.
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Education |
Dear All,
For those who like Earth Deity (土地神) aka Fu De Zheng Shen (福德正神), in the following are 5 links to the uploaded Video of the Drama Series.
Do feel free to visit the links & enjoy the show and also, share with the others if you wish to.
Part 1: http://youtu.be/fvO3b4EjH68
Part 2: http://youtu.be/bSEKs7hMIBo
Part 3: http://youtu.be/zKI8ERzgQIM
Part 4: http://youtu.be/MOrkFPdswsE
Part 5: http://youtu.be/I4ncLonvxJw
Due to Modernization & Commercialization, new Temples in the current Era usually dont pay much attention to the Doors, which Jave can says that, it is a very Wrong & Unforgiveable Mistake/Sin.
Before the Frame of the Main Temple Door is ready/up, the Temple Committee shall proceed with the Choosing of the Best Material for making of the Temple Door.
Besides that, the Designs (by Ranking of the Main Deities in the Temple 宮廟主神之神格來選定廟門上之圖樣) shall be out and allowed the Carving Masters to do the necessary adjustment or editing before the Auspicious Date is due for the Carving of the Door.
Lastly, after the Temple Doors are done with the Carving, Coloring and Coating with Protecting Shield-layer, another Auspicious Date must be chosen for the Installation.
Upon Installation, the Enhancing of the Doors (not Dotting the Door Deities yet) must be conducted and Reporting to the Main Deities (上告主神), Earth Deity (下祝土地) & Dragon Deities (遣使龍神) must be carried-out.
With all these necessary procedures being carried-out, then the Final Preparation will be the Official Opening of the Temple.
Either of the above mentioned-step is not being carried-out, the Energies of the Temple will be affected, which later may encountered in several un-necessary issues.
PS: Million Thanks to Master Lin from Taiwan for the sharing of the Pictures.
In the past, on every Leap Lunar 4th Month (any day in the whole month 潤四月的其中一天), married Daughters would have to prepare Braised Pork Trotter with Soup-vermicelli (豬腳面線) from the In-law’s home (備於婆家) and then carried back to the Parent’s home (送返娘家), offered to the Parent for giving them the Blessing of Good Health & Longevity (祝愿父母長壽健康).
After certain period, this practise was being Open-up to All Children and on the Leap Lunar 4th Month, Sons & Daughters would prepare the Traditional Dish for the Parent.
So upon getting the Dish, what the Parent shall do?
Usually, the Parent cannot reject the Offered and secondly, the Parent Must consume the Dish while it is hot.
By doing so, the Parent will get the Blessing that the Children had requested and also, the Children will be Blessed-in-return with Good Luck & Prosperity.
So for those who have yet to try/practise this, do it this Year, you might have something interesting in-return in the next 30 Days.
PS: For Year 2012, Leap 4th Month starts on 21 May & ends on 18 Jun.
In here, I will like to do a brief intro on the Bridging of our Singapore Seh Ong Sua aka The Ong Clan Hill with the Hokkien Ong Clan.
A lot of people might be wondering why Seh Ong Sua is also known as Tai Yuan Shan (太原山), in Hokkien Thai Whan Sua?
This we will have to trace back to Late Zhou Dynasty, where the Patron Ancestor of the Ong Clan – Prince Jin (太子晉) aka Wang Zi Qiao (王子喬/姬晉), was being demoted into a Commoner by his Father King Zhou Ling (周靈王) in BC 551 (周靈王廿二年).
Prince Jin, born in BC 565 also known as the descendant of Yellow Emperor (黃帝). Since young, he was a brilliant child of King Zhou Ling, but due to his Father’s stubbornness and unwise, Prince Jin tends to offend his Father since his young age.
At the age of 14/15, during the Morning Meeting at the Court, King Zhou Ling suggested an unwise method to avoid the Flooding Disaster that occurred frequently. Upon listening to the suggestion, Prince Jin objected his Father’s suggestion, which had landed King Zhou Ling in an awkward situation in front of the other Officials. Immediately, he was being demoted into a Commoner.
Upon the demotion, Prince Jin was disappointed and foresees the Collapsing of the Empire.
BC 549, after 3 years of suffering from his depression, Prince Jin pass-on at the age of 17, leaving behind his Wife & a young Son – Ji Zong Jing (姬宗敬).
Soon after Prince Jin pass-on, his Father King Zhou Ling also departed the Mortal World and Prince Jin’s younger brother – Prince Gui (太子貴), had to ascend the Throne as King Zhou Jing (周景王).
At a young age, Ji Zong Jing was being appointed the “Prime Minister” by his Uncle King Zhou Jing (大司徒 – 相等丞相之職).
Knowing that his Uncle King Zhou Jing was like his Grandfather – King Zhou Ling, an unwise Emperor and seeing that the Empire was collapsing, Zong Jing had to resign from his post and left the Imperial Court, escaping to Shan Xi Province (山西省), Tai Yuan City (太原市) to take refuge. In order not to be recognised by anyone, he had to change his Surname & Name, in order from attracting disaster.
Due to his was the descendant of the King or Imperial Family, he used the Chinese Character Wang (王) as in King, to replace his actual surname Ji (姬). And his name Zong Ji (宗敬) to Rong (榮). From then, he was known as Wang Rong (王榮) – symbolising the Royal Lineage will be Prosperous & Continuing.
Soon, the surname Wang rooted in Tai Yuan City and the Offspring was multiplying. By Tang Dynasty, the descendant from this surname Wang was huge and spread all over the Middle Kingdom (中原). And later part in the Chinese History, the Wang Clan will refer Tai Yuan as the place where the surname Wang originated. (And this is how Tai Yuan Shan in Singapore was founded)
Since AD 615 - 755, after the Revolution started by An Lu Shan (安祿山), Southern China (especially the Fujian area), had been landed in chaotic situation where internal Wars/Battles had arise, making commoners suffered.
In AD 885, after a mass recruiting of volunteered Armies by 3 brothers – Wang Chao (王朝), Wang Shen Zhi (王審知) & Wang Sheng Gui (王審邽), the Armies drove into the Southern China to defeat the Rivals and those who created the internal Wars. In order to protect the commoners from further suffering, the 3 Brothers stayed in the Southern China to rebuild the State and soon, the Southern Kingdom was built, in Chinese History known as Min Guo (閩國).
From then, the strength of the Ong Clan in Southern China expanded and expected-to-be, this surname became the First Surname in the Southern State of China.
In Late Ming Dynasty & Early Qing Dynasty, many Hokkien Ong Descendants started to leave their Homeland in the Southern China to other parts of South East Asia.
By Late Qing Dynasty, many Countries in South East Asia were occupied by the Hokkien Ong Descendants, this included Singapore.
In 1872, the long staying Hokkien Ong Descendants in Singapore decided to have a piece of Own-owed land for staying and also, for a Well-long-resting place for the Ancestors, 3 Hokkien Ong Descendants (Wang You Hai 王友海, Wang Qiu Li 王求理 & Wang Zong Zhou 王宗周) came out with a large sum of money to buy over a plot of land somewhere off Lornie Road, where later known as Seh Ong Hill (姓王山), which later changed to Thai Whan Sua (太原山).
Soon after the land was being developed, the 3 Good Friends suggested building a Temple in the area to honour the Patron Ancestor of the Hokkien Ong Clan. With the assistance of the other Hokkien Ong Descendants, the Temple was built and was known as Min Wang Temple (閩王祠). Upon completion of the construction, Wang You Hai (王友海) set off to China, Fu Jian Province, Fu Zhou City, Qing Cheng Si Street, Zhong Yi Wang Temple (中國福建省福州市慶城寺街忠懿王廟) to bring back the Ancestor Urn & Painting of the 3 Brothers of the Tang Dynasty (唐朝開閩三王香火及聖像) – Wang Chao, Wang Shen Zhi & Wang Shen Gui, for honouring.
In 1875, a Hokkien Ong Clan Association known as Min Wang Ci (閩王祠) was being set-up to assist and look into the issues that the Hokkien Ong Clan Descendants encountered which later in 1944, the Association changed the name to Min Wang Ci Gong Hui (閩王祠公會) and in 1970, the final-change of the name for the Association to Singapore Kai Min Wang Shi Zong Hui (開閩王氏總會).
In Year 1982 – 1990, Singapore Land Authority started to develop the land around Seh Ong Hill and those remaining vacant land around the Hill was being “bought” back by the Official Authority. By using the sum that the land was sold from (approx of S$9,000,000.00), the Hokkien Ong Descendants bought over another piece of land in Bukit Batok Street 23, to rebuild the Hokkien Ong Clan Temple.
In 1999, the construction for the Temple was completed. On 2 May of 1999, Late President Sir Ong Teng Cheong was invited to be the Officiating Officer for the Grand Opening of the Temple & the new premises for the Hokkien Ong Clan Association of Singapore.
Till today, the Hokkien Ong still conduct their Annually Spring & Autumn Honouring of the Ancestors in Singapore and also, back in China. This is a form of respect the Hokkien Ong Descendants had for towards their Ancestors and also, to remember the Credit & Merit that the Ancestors had accumulated while building the “Hokkien Ong Empire”.
Written by Jave on 18 May 2012, 0400 hours.
Dedicating to the Ong Clan & Ong Ancestors
References:
http://bukitbrowntomb.blogspot.com/2011/11/blog-post.html
Recent years, with the promoting of the Official Taoist Rites & Rituals, many people had come to know of what are the Post Taoist Ceremonies that shall be engaged after a New Temple is being built & Opened. Such Rites & Rituals are as example of An Long Dian Tu (安龍奠土) aka Settling of the Dragon Spirits of the Temple Compound, Ji Song Bai Hu (祭送白虎) aka Taming of the White Tiger Spirits of the Temple Compound, Pu Shi Ji Gu (普施祭孤) aka Salvaging of the Wandering Souls and so.
But little people will come to know that, far before the Temple’s foundation is being built, an Official & Grand Ceremony must be carried out. This is an Important Ceremony to be conducted for an Official Temple and especially, those Temples that are engaged in Mediumship.
Due to little knowledge & skills are being imparted to the Modern Day Taoist Priests, such Ceremonies had “Lost” and somehow being treated like an “Alien Show” to many Taoists/Chinese.
In here, Jave must really thank High Priest He Yong Long (何永隆大道長) from Taiwan for sharing with us his Ritual’s Pictures on the Pre-Ritual of the Constructing of the Temple.
Do go thru the pictures here and see what are the necessary Procedure that are involved.
Look forward to more discussion and comments on it.
On 28th Day of Lunar 4 Month (農曆四月廿八日), some said it falls on 25th Day or 26th Day of Lunar 4 Month. It is considered as the Manifestation Anniversary of Emperor Lord Shen Nong aka Founder of Grains & Plants.
Shen Nong is part of the San Huang (三皇) Group, the Three Ancient Emperors.
To know more, you may wish to proceed to following links:
Pictures: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/118
Video Clip: http://javewu.multiply.com/video/item/172/172
Description:For those who have trouble falling asleep in the Night or having Insomnia problem, do try Massaging the 2 acupoints as shown in the picture here, it does help.
PS: these 2 acupoints are known as Shen Men Xue (神门), translated as "Heavenly Gate Points" in Chinese Physiology.
More info -
Location:
at the wrist joint, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris, in the depression at the proximal border of the pisiform bone.
note; the location of this point is usually given in relation to the wrist crease, ie. at the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis.
Actions:
Calms the spirit
Regulates and tonifies the heart.
Signs and Symptoms:
cardiac pain, irritability, palpitation, hysteria, amnesia, insomnia, mania, epilepsy, dementia, pain in the hyopchondriac region, feverish sensation in the palm,
Commentary:
Shenmen is the Yuan Source point of the Heart Channel. It is also the Shu - Stream point of the Heart channel according to 5 elements theory.
Yuan source points are where the Yuan or Original Qi, normally stored in the Kidneys surfaces and gathers on each channel.
According to ancient sources, both Yuan Source and Shu Stream points are recommended for disorders of the Zang organs... ie heart,liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs.
Shenmen is the point of choice to treat virtually any disorder of the Heart. Disorders of the Heart are divided into two main categories. 1.) disorders of the organ itself and 2.) disorders of the Spirit.
According to TCM theory, the Heart houses the Spirit. Shenmen is the pre-eminent point to 'calm the spirit.' Disturbance of the spirit is divided into two main categories; 1.) those arising out of deficiency (of qi, blood or yin) and 2.) those arising out of excess (mainly heart fire, phlegm or phlegm-fire.)
When there is blood or yin deficiency, the Heart is unable to anchor the spirit and it becomes restless giving rise to such symptoms as anxiety, fearfulness, poor memory, insomnia and disturbed sleep. Qi deficiency gives rise to sadness, apprehension and fright.
Excess of fire, phlegm or phlegm fire, gives rise to such symptoms as severe insomnia, mental hyperactivity, talking during sleep, disorientation, restlessness, dementia, mad laughter, insulting behaviour and other such symptoms. Qi excess gives rise to ceaseless laughter.
In all these cases, Shenmen is the point of choice to bring calm to the spirit.
Shenmen is often used by students, to enhance mental acuity, and calm exam-time jitters.
Palpitations are a common sign of almost any heart disorder, at the physical level. Because it has a strong action on calming and tonifying the heart organ, it is recommended for any kind of palpitation, including those arising out of Fear or Fright.
The Heart and the Kidneys have a unique relationship. It is said that heart fire warms the Kidneys, which are water and by nature cool, while Kidney water, by its cool nature restrains heart fire. In this way, the natural balance of the body and spirit is maintained. If there is deficiency or excess in either the other is affected.
By this understanding of the relationship between these two organs, as well as the relationship between the heart, small intestine and urinary bladder channels, Shenmen's inclusion in many classic treatments of enuresis (bed-wetting), is explained and supports the modern idea that there is a strong psycho-emotional component to this common childhood ailment.
Ingredients:More info -
Location:
at the wrist joint, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris, in the depression at the proximal border of the pisiform bone.
note; the location of this point is usually given in relation to the wrist crease, ie. at the ulnar end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis.
Actions:
Calms the spirit
Regulates and tonifies the heart.
Signs and Symptoms:
cardiac pain, irritability, palpitation, hysteria, amnesia, insomnia, mania, epilepsy, dementia, pain in the hyopchondriac region, feverish sensation in the palm,
Commentary:
Shenmen is the Yuan Source point of the Heart Channel. It is also the Shu - Stream point of the Heart channel according to 5 elements theory.
Yuan source points are where the Yuan or Original Qi, normally stored in the Kidneys surfaces and gathers on each channel.
According to ancient sources, both Yuan Source and Shu Stream points are recommended for disorders of the Zang organs... ie heart,liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs.
Shenmen is the point of choice to treat virtually any disorder of the Heart. Disorders of the Heart are divided into two main categories. 1.) disorders of the organ itself and 2.) disorders of the Spirit.
According to TCM theory, the Heart houses the Spirit. Shenmen is the pre-eminent point to 'calm the spirit.' Disturbance of the spirit is divided into two main categories; 1.) those arising out of deficiency (of qi, blood or yin) and 2.) those arising out of excess (mainly heart fire, phlegm or phlegm-fire.)
When there is blood or yin deficiency, the Heart is unable to anchor the spirit and it becomes restless giving rise to such symptoms as anxiety, fearfulness, poor memory, insomnia and disturbed sleep. Qi deficiency gives rise to sadness, apprehension and fright.
Excess of fire, phlegm or phlegm fire, gives rise to such symptoms as severe insomnia, mental hyperactivity, talking during sleep, disorientation, restlessness, dementia, mad laughter, insulting behaviour and other such symptoms. Qi excess gives rise to ceaseless laughter.
In all these cases, Shenmen is the point of choice to bring calm to the spirit.
Shenmen is often used by students, to enhance mental acuity, and calm exam-time jitters.
Palpitations are a common sign of almost any heart disorder, at the physical level. Because it has a strong action on calming and tonifying the heart organ, it is recommended for any kind of palpitation, including those arising out of Fear or Fright.
The Heart and the Kidneys have a unique relationship. It is said that heart fire warms the Kidneys, which are water and by nature cool, while Kidney water, by its cool nature restrains heart fire. In this way, the natural balance of the body and spirit is maintained. If there is deficiency or excess in either the other is affected.
By this understanding of the relationship between these two organs, as well as the relationship between the heart, small intestine and urinary bladder channels, Shenmen's inclusion in many classic treatments of enuresis (bed-wetting), is explained and supports the modern idea that there is a strong psycho-emotional component to this common childhood ailment.Directions:Actions:
Calms the spirit
Regulates and tonifies the heart.
Signs and Symptoms:
cardiac pain, irritability, palpitation, hysteria, amnesia, insomnia, mania, epilepsy, dementia, pain in the hyopchondriac region, feverish sensation in the palm,
Commentary:
Shenmen is the Yuan Source point of the Heart Channel. It is also the Shu - Stream point of the Heart channel according to 5 elements theory.
Yuan source points are where the Yuan or Original Qi, normally stored in the Kidneys surfaces and gathers on each channel.
According to ancient sources, both Yuan Source and Shu Stream points are recommended for disorders of the Zang organs... ie heart,liver, kidney, spleen, and lungs.
Shenmen is the point of choice to treat virtually any disorder of the Heart. Disorders of the Heart are divided into two main categories. 1.) disorders of the organ itself and 2.) disorders of the Spirit.
According to TCM theory, the Heart houses the Spirit. Shenmen is the pre-eminent point to 'calm the spirit.' Disturbance of the spirit is divided into two main categories; 1.) those arising out of deficiency (of qi, blood or yin) and 2.) those arising out of excess (mainly heart fire, phlegm or phlegm-fire.)
When there is blood or yin deficiency, the Heart is unable to anchor the spirit and it becomes restless giving rise to such symptoms as anxiety, fearfulness, poor memory, insomnia and disturbed sleep. Qi deficiency gives rise to sadness, apprehension and fright.
Excess of fire, phlegm or phlegm fire, gives rise to such symptoms as severe insomnia, mental hyperactivity, talking during sleep, disorientation, restlessness, dementia, mad laughter, insulting behaviour and other such symptoms. Qi excess gives rise to ceaseless laughter.
In all these cases, Shenmen is the point of choice to bring calm to the spirit.
Shenmen is often used by students, to enhance mental acuity, and calm exam-time jitters.
Palpitations are a common sign of almost any heart disorder, at the physical level. Because it has a strong action on calming and tonifying the heart organ, it is recommended for any kind of palpitation, including those arising out of Fear or Fright.
The Heart and the Kidneys have a unique relationship. It is said that heart fire warms the Kidneys, which are water and by nature cool, while Kidney water, by its cool nature restrains heart fire. In this way, the natural balance of the body and spirit is maintained. If there is deficiency or excess in either the other is affected.
By this understanding of the relationship between these two organs, as well as the relationship between the heart, small intestine and urinary bladder channels, Shenmen's inclusion in many classic treatments of enuresis (bed-wetting), is explained and supports the modern idea that there is a strong psycho-emotional component to this common childhood ailment.
In here, you all will be seeing & reciting a very rare Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra/Incantation (寶誥) dedicated toMadam Lin Shui Chen Jing Gu (臨水夫人陳靖姑).
To know more about Madam Lin Shui, feel free to visit the following links:
Pictures: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/79/79
Poster of Madam Lin Shui's Anniversary:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/924/924
And in the following is the Bao Gao:
臨水夫人陳靖姑寶誥 Lin Shui Fu Ren Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)
至心皈命禮
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li
閭山學法。
Lv Shan Xue Fa
道果超倫。
Dao Guo Chao Lun
妙奧精通。
Miao Ao Jing Tong
手持寶劍而滅怪。
Shou Chi Bao Jian Er Mie Guai
玄機洞徹。
Xuan Ji Dong Che
腳踏白蛇以成神。
Jiao Ta Bai She Yi Cheng Shen
忠貞沖日月。
Zhong Zhen Chong Ri Yue
義氣貫風雲。
Yi Qi Guan Feng Yun
扶社稷。
Fu She Ji
德佩乾坤。
De Pei Qian Kun
保蒼黎。功參造化。
Bao Cang Li, Gong Can Zhao Hua
孝行克守。
Xiao Xing Ke Shou
消世上之災殃。
Xiao Shi Shang Zhi Zhai Yang
仁愛長存。
Ren Ai Chang Cun
施人間之雨露。
Shi Ren Jian Zhi Yu Lu
名登紫府。果證瑤閽。
Ming Deng Zi Fu, Guo Zheng Yao Hun
大悲大願。至靜至仁。
Da Bei Da Yuan, Zhi Jing Zhi Ren
臨水宮陳奶夫人。
Lin Shui Gong Chen Nai Fu Ren
昭惠崇福護國救世元君。
Zhao Hui Chong Fu Hu Guo Jiu Shi Yuan Jun
Million Thanks to Royce for sharing with us the Picture.
Today (08 May 2012), the 18th Day of Lunar 4 Month (農曆四月十八日), in Taoism, it is considered as the Manifestation Anniversary of Heavenly Emperor Zi Wei (紫微大帝千秋).
Royce had represented the whole of LSM to pay our Respect at Singapore Taoist Mission Yu Huang Gong (新加坡道教協會玉皇宮), located at Telok Ayer Street.
Besides that, Jave had also advised Royce to take a Special Photo on the Plaque that is hung at the Top Level of the Temple (仰彌高).
This is a very Special Plaque that is dedicated to Jade Emperor of Heaven aka Heavenly Emperor Yu Huang (玉皇大天尊).
For those who wished to learn more on Yu Huang's Bao Gao/Incantation, please proceed to the following link:
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/126
http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/photo/301/1
For those who wished 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/
In here, you all will be seeing another Banner on the Bao Gao/Incantation of Lord San Guan aka San Guan Da Di (三官大帝).
More Pictures & Info on San Guan, feel free to visit the following links:
Bao Gao of Individual San Guan: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/144
Pictures of San Guan: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/91
Video Clip on San Guan Scripture - Eliminating All Sufferings: http://javewu.multiply.com/video/item/82/82
三官大帝寶誥
San Guan Da Di Bao Gao (Praise Mantra/Incantation)
至心皈命禮
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li
唯三聖人
Wei San Sheng Ren
乃一太極
Nai Yi Tai Ji
晉受浩劫家之命
Jin Shou Hao Jie Jia Zhi Ming
鼎膺無量品之褒
Ding Ying Wu Liang Pin Zhi Bao
紫微清虛洞陰
Zi Wei Qing Xu Dong Yin
總領功過
Zong Ling Gong Guo
賜福赦罪解厄
Ci Fu She Zui Jie E
普濟存亡
Pu Ji Cun Wang
道冠諸天
Dao Guan Zhu Tian
恩覃三界
En Tan San Jie
大悲大願
Da Bei Da Yuan
大聖大慈
Da Sheng Da Ci
三元三品三官大帝
San Yuan San Pin San Guan Da Di
三官九府
San Guan Jiu Fu
三百六十應感天尊
San Bai Liu Shi Ying Gan Tian Zun
In Taoism, on the 15th Day of Lunar 1 Month (農曆正月十五日), it is believed to be the Most Important Day of the whole Lunar Year.
Why? Due to the Inspection of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官紫微大帝) – in some Contexts, this Day is also known as the Manifestation Anniversary of Lord Tian Guan.
On this Day, while Lord Tian Guan performed his Inspection, he will also performed the Bestowing of Prosperity and Luck to those who deserve it (from ALL the previous Recordings & Inspection).
And so, in Taoism, on this Day, Taoists & Chinese will have to perform the Honouring dedicating to Lord Tian Guan. While performing the Honouring, Oneself shall Sincerely & Faithfully make Reprimanding, make Vows to make Changes – Eliminate the Wrong Doings, etc.
But in other Taoist Contexts, Lord Tian Guan's Anniversary also falls on 18th Day of Lunar 4 Month.
For Year 2012, it falls on 08 May, a Tuesday.
So what can Oneself Prepare for the Honouring?
For Honouring of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan, for Official Taoist, we try to keep it Simple & Official.
For Official Taoists, Oneself can just use Taoist Five Offerings (道教五供) for the Honouring (link at http://javewu.multiply.com/journal/item/131).
For Layman Taoists, Oneself can add in Longevity Buns (壽桃包), Longevity Noodles (壽麵), Huat Kueh (發糕), Ang Ku Kueh (紅龜粿) and Five Oranges (五粒桔子).
So when is the Best Timing to Do the Honouring?
Usually the Honouring can be Done on the Eve after 11.00Pm.
For those who cant, the Honouring can be Done between 9.00Am –5.00Pm on the Actual Day.
So what shall Oneself do during the Honouring?
Before the Honouring starts, remember to place ALL the Offerings on the Main Altar at Home or Temple.
For those who wish to do the Honouring at Home but do not have an Altar, then Oneself can prepare a Table facing outdoor or Heaven.
After everything is being put in Place. Sincerely light 3 Long Incenses and make 3 Bows.
After the 3 Bows, kneel down and start to report Oneself’s Name (for those who wish to do the Honouring on Behalf of the Others, remember to recite their Names too), Residing Address and then Call-upon the Official Title of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官紫微大帝聖號) and last, Recite the Praise Mantra aka Bao Gao of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官紫微大帝寶誥).
Official Title of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官大帝聖號):
Shang Yuan Yi Pin Jiu Qi Tian Guan Ci Fu Zi Wei Da Di (上元－品九氣天官賜福紫微大帝)
Praise Mantra aka Bao Gao of Heavenly Lord Tian Guan (天官大帝寶誥):
Refer to this link: http://javewu.multiply.com/photos/album/144
Upon Completion of the Recitation of the Bao Gao, make 3 Bows and then start to do Oneself’s Requesting.
Once the Requesting is Done, make 1 Bow and then slowly stand up and leave the Altar.
The whole Honouring will End here.
Master Hua Tuo (華佗仙師), one of the few famous Chinese Physicians that was being bestowed as a Deity after their passing-on from this Mortal Realm.
Till today, on his Birthday, which falls on 18th Day of Lunar 4 Month (農曆四月十八日), many Taoist Devotees will proceed to Temples to pay their respect to Hua Tuo.
For those who wished to know more about Master Hua Tuo, feel free to visit this link:
http://javewutaoismplace.blogspot.sg/2007/11/the-chinese-physician-deities-series-1_1045.html
In the following is the Bao Gao of Master Hua Tuo:
華佗仙師寶誥
Master Hua Tuo Bao Gao (Praise Incantation)
至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li
千秋高士。三國名醫。
Qian Qiu Gao Shi. San Guo Ming Yi
學貫歧黃之術。
Xue Guan Qi Huang Zhi Shu
刀圭蓋世。
Dao Gui Gai Shi
心懷蒼赤之仁。
Xin Huai Cang Chi Zhi Ren
藥物濟人。
Yao Wu Ji Ren
明八卦之真機。
Ming Ba Gua Zhi Zhen Ji
通三才之妙義。
Tong San Cai Zhi Miao Yi
遭奸曹之害。
Zhao Jian Cao Zhi Hai
靈歸神仙之府。
Ling Gui Shen Xian Zhi Fu
盡忠漢之思。
Jin Zhong Han Zhi Si
位列閬苑之班。
Wei Lie Lang Yuan Zhi Ban
古今稱羨。世代尊崇。
Gu Jin Cheng Xian. Shi Dai Zun Chong
佐三期之普度。
Zuo San Qi Zhi Pu Du
拯萬劫之沉淪。
Zhen Wan Jie Zhi Chen Lun
大悲大願。大智大仁。
Da Bei Da Yuan. Da Zhi Da Ren
玄都仙客三界醫王。
Xuan Du Xian Ke San Jie Yi Wang
濟生渡苦仁術華佗天尊。
Ji Sheng Du Ku Ren Shu Hua Tuo Tian Zun
In here, you all will be seeing & reciting a very rare Bao Gao aka Praise Mantra/Incantation (寶誥) dedicated to Madam Jin Hua (金花夫人).
Madam Jin Hua, born in Ming Dynasty, Hong Wu Period (生于明朝洪武年間), 17th Day of Lunar 4 Month (農曆四月十七日) or 7th Day of Lunar 7 Month (又說農曆七月初七日).
After she got her Immortal-hood, she was being given the task of looking after Infants & Pregnant Ladies (護胎育兒), quite similar to the task of Madam Zhu Sheng (註生娘娘).
And in the following is the Bao Gao:
惠福金花夫人寶誥
Hui Fu Jin Hua Fu Ren Bao Gao (Praise Mantra/Incantation)
至心皈命禮。
Zhi Xin Gui Ming Li
洪武下生。投籍粵州。
Hong Wu Xia Sheng. Tou Ji Yue Zhou
榆地金崖。化身閨貞。
Yu Di Jin Ya. Hua Shen Gui Zhen
母夢食光。日月齊明。
Mu Shi Jin Guang. Ri Yue Qi Ming
神呼入幻。賜諱仙普。
Shen Hu Ru Huan. Ci Hui Xian Pu
二九登仙。御封金花。
Er Jiu Deng Xian. Yu Feng Jin Hua
護胎育兒。保產顧生。
Hu Tai Yu Er. Bao Chan Gu Sheng
清時顯聖。指點左公。
Qing Shi Xian Sheng. Zhi Dian Zuo Gong
代天降雨。欽授皇恩。
Dai Tian Jiang Yu. Qin Shou Huang En
大仁大慈。大悲大願。
Da Ren Da Ci. Da Bei Da Yuan
保嬰育兒。閨貞惠福。
Bao Ying Yu Er. Gui Zhen Hui Fu
皇恩靈感賜雨慈悲仙普金花元君。
Huang En Ling Gan Ci Yu Ci Bei Xian Pu Jin Hua Yuan Jun
On 17th Day of Lunar 4 Month (農曆梅月十七日), it is also considered as the Manifestation Anniversary of Madam Jin Hua aka The Patron of the Infants, Madam Golden Flower (金花娘娘).
Madam Jin Hua, a Patron Deity for the Infants & Pregnant Ladies in the Cantonese & Hakka Dialects Groups. In Cantonese Dialect, she was being addressed as Kam Fah Foo Yan (金花夫人).
Her duty was quite similar to Madam Zhu Sheng (注生娘娘) in the Hokkien Taoist Culture.
In Hongkong (香港) & some Rural Villages in Guang Zhou (廣州市), on this day, Special & Grand Celebration will be conducted dedicated to Madam Jin Hua.
Special Thanks to Bro Victor Yue of Taoism Singapore Group for sharing with us this great news.
Celebration starts today, 04 May till 09 May, a Tuesday.
There will be free shutter-ferry from Changi Jetty to the Island.
For those who are interested in joining in this Joyous Celebration, do pay them a visit.
