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.
Dear All,
ReplyDeleteAs upon request, here is the list of Temples that you all can visit to Pay Respect to Lord Zi Wei:
1) Taoist Mission Yu Huang Gong located at Telok Ayer Street (新加坡道教協會玉皇宮)
2) He Bi Shan Gong located at Yishun Ring Road, Opps Blk 111 (新加坡何碧山宮)
3) Du Cheng Huang Temple located beside Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (新加坡都城隍廟)
4) Lei Yin Si located at Bukit Merah View (新加坡雷音寺)