tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63095342090121127192023-11-15T07:04:31.989-08:00TAOISMMysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-13206488228564004682008-09-22T00:16:00.000-07:002008-09-22T00:20:45.168-07:00TAOIT DEITIES II<p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The 5th lunar day of Chinese New Year is the Welcome Day for the God of Wealth. Many families worship the God of Wealth in the early morning. After the ceremony, people explode firecrackers to invite the God of Wealth to enter the house. That's why we can keep continuously hearing the sparsely sound of firecrackers in the morning. </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Many stores open on this day after Chinese New Year holiday. Some religious store owners put a table in the front of company's main entry. They prepare fruit, flower, candy, tea, candles and animal sacrifices on the table to worship the God of Wealth. Some even invite the lion dance team to celebrate the opening ceremony. The mascot of the God of Wealth will appear and enter the store. The store owner will give the mascot a Red Envelope with money reward inside.</p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Who is the God of Wealth? The answer is more than one Gods of Wealth in the Chinese society. Some selected gods are from the novel of Feng-Shen Bang <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/FengShenBang.GIF" width="47" border="0" height="15" /> (The Bulletin Board of Delegated Gods), which is written in Ming Dynasty <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_Ming.GIF" width="13" border="0" height="16" /> (1368 to 1644 AD). The story of the Feng-Shen Bang is talking about the rise of Chou Dynasty <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/Chou.gif" width="14" border="0" height="16" /> (1045 BC to 256 BC). The characters are the historical figures mixing with religious gods, goddesses, devils, demons, immortals, fairy person and spirits from Chinese mythology. </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The main character in the Feng-Shen Bang is <b>Chiang Tze-Ya</b> <span lang="ZH-TW"> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_ChiangTzeYa.GIF" width="52" border="0" height="16" /> who was </span>a student of <b>Original Supreme God</b>. Mr. Chiang studied to become immortal at age 32 and failed after 40 years later. He went back to his home town and had trouble to make a living as a restaurant owner, businessman, fortuneteller until the founder of Chou Dynasty asked him as the premier when he was 83. He was rewarded the state of Chi <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_Chi.GIF" width="16" border="0" height="16" /> after Chou dynasty conquered the Shang Dynasty <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_Shang.GIF" width="13" border="0" height="16" /> (1600 BC to. 1046 BC). He lived up to 139 year old, severed for four emperors<b> </b>of Chou Dynasties and had 13 children.</p><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></p><p> <b>Chao Kung-Ming <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_ChaoGongMing.GIF" width="51" border="0" height="16" /></b></p> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="130"> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/ChaoGongMing.jpg" width="124" border="0" height="200" /></td> <td valign="top">The major God of Wealth is <b>Chao Kung-Ming</b>. Before the book of Feng-Shen Bang, Chao Kung-Ming had magic power and was in charge of wind, thunder and rain. Once he was also in charge of plague. That means he can save or take away people's lives. Later, he became a general of millions of ghosts. He had a black face, wore combat uniform with helmet, carried golden wheel and metal chain on the the back of a black tiger.<p>depree</p> <p>In the Feng-Shen Bang, Chiang Tze-Ya <span lang="ZH-TW"> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_ChiangTzeYa.GIF" width="52" border="0" height="16" /> delegated </span>Chao Kung-Ming<span lang="ZH-TW"> as the officer of Dragon-Tiger Black Hall by the </span> decree<span lang="ZH-TW"> of </span> <b> Original Supreme God</b>. From then, Chao Kung-Ming<span lang="ZH-TW"> was in charge of business of gold, sliver, and jewelry.</span></p> <p>Chao Kung-Ming<span lang="ZH-TW"> wasn't entitled as the God of Wealth by </span>Chiang Tze-Ya<span lang="ZH-TW">. But because of his position, </span>Chao Kung-Ming<span lang="ZH-TW"> became the God of Wealth in Chinese mind. People forgot about his ugly and fierce face and changed his image by adding golden treasure around him.</span></p> <p>Chao Kung-Ming was killed by the shooting arrows on this both eyes and heart. People said the God of Wealth is without eyes and heart, which means everyone has the chance to become millionaire from the blessing of the God of Wealth no matter you are rich or poor.</p> <p>Chao Kung-Ming was a gangster when he was young. He regret what he did in the late age. Once he took off his clothes and asked people to punish him by using firecrackers to bang his body on the Lantern Festival night. To injure himself is to atone the sin and to be responsible the coming disaster. The event of mass firecrackers is still held in the <b> Lantern Festival</b> night today.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></p><p> <b>Kuan Yu <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_QaungYu.GIF" width="33" border="0" height="16" /></b></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/KuanKunBlade.JPG" width="124" border="0" height="138" /></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></p><table width="986" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="197"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td valign="top" width="870" height="197">The mst poupluar God of Wealth is <b>Kuan Yu</b> who was a general in Three Kingdom period, (2211-263 AD), after late Han Dynasty. His trademark is the red face, long beard, long whiskers, green battle uniform and 40-kilogram long broad blade weapon.<p>He disguised himself with a red face because he killed a bad guy when young. He helped his friend and tried to restore the power of Han Dynasty. He won lots of battles and killed many enemy's generals. But he end with a beheaded general. After his death, his spirit wouldn't die and his divine image appeared on the sky several times. People remembered his brave and fighting skill, faith, righteousness, loyalty to friends, and act of justice. Chinese believe that his spirit can protect themselves and repel the bad luck. He was treated as the God of War before Ming Dynasty.</p> <p>After Ming Dynasty and Ching Dynasty, more business persons worship General Kuan, because they needs partners in business with righteous, trustful, loyally personality. Also, the business people would like to win the business deal all the time like a ever-win General Kuan. Therefore, Kuan Yu became the God of Wealth.</p> <p>Both Kuan Yu and Chao Kung-Ming are military officers. They are called The God of Sword Wealth.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></p><p><b>Bee Kan</b> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_PeeKan.GIF" width="35" border="0" height="16" /></p> <p>Bee Kan was a smart and loyal officer in Yin ( Late Shang) Dynasty, He was also an uncle of the emperor. Chiang Tze-Ya <span lang="ZH-TW"> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_ChiangTzeYa.GIF" width="52" border="0" height="16" /> left him a magic paper and told him to burn and eat it when he was in big emergency.</span></p> <p>The emperor's lovely queen was a nine-tail fox transformed into a beautiful woman. Bee Kan killed many foxes related to the queen. The queen wanted to revenge and pretended very sick and told the emperor that she needed the hear of Bee Kan to recover her health. The emperor called Bee Kan into the palace and Bee Kan took out his heart and then walked away.</p> <p>Bee Kan was without heart, but didn't die because he ate the Chiang Tze-Ya's magic paper before entering the palace. Bee Kan left the palace and donate money and treasure to many people. A person without heart must be fair to the money and business deal. Later Chiang Tze-Ya <span lang="ZH-TW"> entitled Bee Kan as the God of Wealth in the </span>Feng-Shen Bang<span lang="ZH-TW">.</span></p> <p><b>Fan li </b><img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_FanLi.GIF" width="36" border="0" height="17" /></p> <p>Fan Li helped the king of Yeuh to regain the state. He was out smarter than the king. He quitted his position and move the state of Chi to prevent to be killed later. </p> <p>He changed his name in Chi country and made lots of money in business. The king of Chi found his talent and invited him as the premier. But Fan Li gave away all his money to people, then run away again. Fan Li chose another business town to started the new business again. Not too many years later, he became a millionaire again</p> <p>Fan Li is a symbol of collection of money. He never treasure his money. He can give up the wealth, career, honor and prosperity. What he showed his wisdom and business management skill to people. That's why Fan Li was treated as the God of Wealth after his death.</p> <p>Bee Kan and \fan Li ware smart statesman. They are called The God of Pen Wealth.</p> <p><b>Yao Shaos <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_YaoShaos.GIF" width="53" border="0" height="17" /></b></p> <p>According to the Feng-Shen Bang, Mr. Yao had a position of Profit Growth Officers. He was a student of Chao Kung-Ming who was the God of Wealth. Chiang Tze-Ya entitled him Yao Shaos as the Auspicious God. Chinese treat him as the <b>God of Windfall</b>, because the business profit and lucky money from gift are easy money to make people rich faster.</p> <p>The God of Windfall usually will appear besides the God of Wealth, because people like something extra and easy.</p> <p><b>The God of Local Land</b> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_LandGod.GIF" width="54" border="0" height="16" /></p> <p>The God of Local Land is the lowest rank office in Taoism and very close to people. Many people fulfilled their wishes after they prayed and asked the God of Land for good luck. That's why there are many little roadside shines of the God of Land in the countryside. Therefore, for some people the God of Land is the God of Wealth to them.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Five Different Gods of Wealth</b> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/C_5MoneyGod.GIF" width="70" border="0" height="16" /></p> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="204"> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/5MoneyGods.PNG" width="200" border="0" height="150" /></td> <td valign="top">The God of Wealth brings people money. Five Gods of Wealth must make people much richer. One said that Five Gods of Wealth were five friends who had same birthday and met in a temple. Because they came to the temple for the same purpose to pray for money luck, so they became very close friends. Later, all of them became rich because of successful business. Five of them donated money to build a new temple. They are entitled Five Gods of Wealth after death.<p>The other popular saying that Five Gods of Wealth are <b>Chao Kung-Ming</b> with his four assistants who are in charge of receiving treasure, collecting jewelry, summoning money and raising profit. The picture on the left shows extra the Boy of Wealth. </p> <p>Five Different Gods of Wealth means the God of Wealth come from different directions - East, West, South, North and Center. No matter where you go, one of the God of Wealth will be there for you.</p> <p>Some people choose their own Five Gods of Wealth. two are Gods of Sword Wealth, two Gods of Pen Wealth and God of Windfall.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><b>Five Color Gods of Wealth</b> </p> <p> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/FiveColor-MoneyStar.JPG" width="516" border="0" height="125" /></p> <p>When people devote in the religious, they don't have time and place to pursuit wealth for the living. So religious people pray for their God of Wealth to increase their wealth easier and faster. Thus, the poor become rich and the rich become much richer.</p> <p>For example, In Tibetan Buddhism, there are Five different color of God of Wealth - Yellow Jamhhala, Red <span class="bigselect">Jambhala, White Jambhala, Black Jambhala and Green Jambhala. (Jambhala is the Buddhist form of the Hindu God of Wealth) The most popular one is Yellow </span>Jamhhala. He is one of the Four Heavenly Kings who protects the world in Buddhism. He is also a benevolent god who bestows wealth.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 128);font-size:100%;" ><b>The Stories of <u>God of Local Land</u> in Taoism</b></span></p> <p><img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/GodofLand.JPG" class="floatleft" width="86" border="0" height="97" /> In Chou dynasty, a government offices Mr. Fu-Der Chang was in charge of income tax. He did many good will and won the reputation of merits and virtues. He died at age 102. The next turn government officer increased the income tax a lot and many people became poor. One poor built a stone house to worship Mr. Fu-Der Chang. Later this poor guy became rich. So many people collected money to build a temple for Mr. Chang and gave him as new name <b>Fu-Der Rightness God </b> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/FuDerRightGod.GIF" width="62" border="0" height="15" />. Mr. Chang was born <u>2nd day of 2nd lunar month</u> in Chinese lunar calendar, which is one of birthdays of <b>Land of God</b> today.</p> <p>The other story about the God of Land is around Chou dynasty. a servant named Mr. Ming-Der Chang. His master was away home for a while. The daughter of the master was missing her father very much. Mr. Chang escorted her to find her father during the cold winter time. The daughter was cold and very sick. Mr. Chang gave his clothes for her to save her life. But Mr. Chang died cold finally. After he died, the sky showed <b>Fu-Der God</b> Chinese characters. His master built a temple in the name of Mr. Chang to show his appreciation to save her daughter life. The emperor of Chou dynasty gave the temple name as <b>Fu-Der Rightness God</b>.</p> <p>Another legend said <b>God of Land</b> taught people how to do farmer activity – specially in crop harvest. He was born on <u>15th day of 8th lunar month</u>. So every year people will worship the <b>God of Land</b> on his birthday and pray for a a plentiful harvest. This is why you will find two different birthdays of the God of Land from the Chinese Farmer Calendar.</p> <p>The book of Late Hang dynasty mentioned people called the <b> God of Stove</b> as the <b>God of Land</b> mistakenly. During the Sung dynasty, the image of <b>God of Land</b> was finally pictured as an old happy face, white-sliver gray bearded and hair man wearing in white with black hat. Today, we see more <b>God of Land</b> wearing golden hat and clothing. This is from people appreciate <b>God of Land</b> brought them luck and gave <b>God of Land</b> a golden outlook for return. (Note: Ancient China, only the emperor was allowed to wear golden and dragon clothing.)</p> <p><img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/SimpleGodofLand5.JPG" class="floatleft" width="96" border="0" height="112" />The God of Land is in charge of the local land. He is treated as a lowest rank office in Taoism and very close to people. He is popular is because that many people also think he can bring people good and money luck. Every family Buddhist altar should have a red paper written <b>Fu-Der Rightness God </b> <img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/FuDerRightGod.GIF" width="62" border="0" height="15" /> in Chinese. That means the family offers a place to the God of Land to stay. Every worship event for the God, the God of Land will be invited first as a guest and a guider during the ceremony.</p> <p>There are many little roadside shines for the God of Land in the countryside, which are for poor people unable to afford a worship place at home. Those people can bring their offerings or sacrifices on every 2nd and 16th lunar days or on the birthdays of God of Land to pray for their luck. In the Chinese traditional graveyard, every tomb has a simple stone statue of God of Land on the side to protect the land and keep the evil spirit away from the tomb.</p><p><br /></p><p align="left">One of Chinese Yearend events is the Farewell Day for <b>God of Stove</b> on the 24th lunar day of 12th month in Chinese calendar. On this day, <b>God of Stove </b>has return to the Heaven to report his duty to the <b>Jade Emperor, </b> Emperor of Gods. Who is the God of Stove?</p> <p><img src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/ChineseNewYear/Images/GodofStove50.PNG" class="floatleft" width="120" border="0" height="114" />In Chou Dynasty (1122 B.C.), Mr. Chang was born in a rich family. He was very wasteful and spend all the family money very quickly. After running out of money, he decided to do a small business, but without money. He sold his wife to someone as a maid. But he promised to buy her back. </p> <p>Unfortunately, he was a real prodigal and couldn't change his habit. He became a beggar after spending all his wife’s money. Finally, he woke up and was very regret and very sorry for his wife. But he couldn't do anything.</p> <p>One day he begged for food on the front of his ex-wife’s house. His ex-wife recognized him and brought him into kitchen for better food. Meanwhile, his ex-wife’s husband came back into kitchen. Mr. Chang hided in the stove very quickly and quietly. But the husband put the fire into the stove to prepare hot water for bath. Mr. Chang kept inside and didn’t make a sound to protect his ex-wife reputation. Certainly he was burnt to die.</p> <p>Later, his ex-wife prayed for Mr. Chang over the kitchen stove every day. People asked her what she was doing. She always answered she worshiped the <b>God of Stove</b>. The name of <b> God of Stove</b> was spread from there.</p>Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-80704486116565447732008-09-19T11:05:00.000-07:002008-09-19T11:13:09.961-07:00BRIEF INTRO TO GODDESS OF MERCY ( GUAN YIN )<img style="width: 314px; height: 460px;" src="http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o38/devi108/GuanYin.jpg" /><img style="width: 303px; height: 412px;" src="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh99/Ana_Zuca/Guanyin1.jpg" /><br /><img style="width: 365px; height: 455px;" src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p217/ivankhoo/Dsc01193.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 387px; height: 290px;" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q279/jkboardley/P2230074.jpg" /><img src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/aaabbbccc000/guanyin-1.jpg" /><br /><br /><h2><b>GUAN-YIN:</b> Goddess of Compassion and Caring, and one of the Four Supreme BODHISATTVAs of Chinese Buddhism.<br /><br /></h2>GUAN-YIN's mission is Victim Support. She supports the distressed and hungry, rescues the unfortunate from peril, and gives comfort and aid wherever it is needed. GUAN-YIN's work would put many a charity to shame — and she doesn't ask for donations.<br /><br />Otherwise known as AVALOKITESVARA in India, she had finally attained Enlightenment after much non-struggling with non-things. She was just about to enter Heaven to join the other BUDDHAS when she heard the cries of the poor unsaved souls back on Earth.<br /><br />Her heart touched by pity, she vowed never to rest until every single soul was brought to Buddhahood. The magnitude of contemplating this task made her head explode into a thousand pieces, but she was perfectly fine after BUDDHA gave her a few Aspirin Sutras.<br /><br />Turning aside from Heaven, GUAN-YIN went to the sacred island of Potuoshan and embarked on her new career. This selfless sacrifice brought her much credit, and reverence which persists to this day.<br /><br />As a deity often called upon to appear in the most unusual and difficult situations, GUAN-YIN has the ability to transform into any living thing. In fact she's better known in India as a male. But she often appears in female form to avoid gossip — and because she likes it. Like her Japanese equivalent KANNON, GUAN-YIN is known as a female deity, and has taken on a modest amount of fertility work. Childless women pray to her for offspring. In this respect she is also a Goddess of Rice, filling it with her own milk to give nourishing tit-bits.<br /><br />The Bodhisattva who saves us from the Three Calamities and the Eight Disasters, GUAN-YIN is always on call, and has appeared in many a Chinese tale to help the likes of MONKEY out of tricky situations. His — or her — peaceful benevolence has soothed many a worried brow. We are full of admiration.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="width: 447px; height: 592px;" src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd207/wursten/Dali%2020057/bbbe.jpg" /><img style="width: 341px; height: 453px;" src="http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l236/vianjyl/Family/DSCN3665.jpg" />Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-3734215439744416692008-09-19T10:43:00.000-07:002008-09-19T11:05:33.940-07:00TRIBUTE TO THE MONKEY GOD ( SUN WUKONG )<img style="width: 263px; height: 349px;" src="http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x146/Chads_album/Yokohama/P8020130.jpg" /><img style="width: 328px; height: 310px;" src="http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii173/Crimsondramon/SunWukongRender2.png" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 331px; height: 391px;" src="http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo241/brutality_projects/SunWukongGoku.jpg" /><img style="width: 326px; height: 228px;" src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d68/BaneWolfCT/Musou%20Orochi%20Maou%20Sairin/wukong1.jpg" /><br /><br />"><img src="http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/tomyam108/sunwukong1.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-size:11;"><i>Also known as SUN-WUKONG, SUN-WU-KONG, SUN-WU-K'UNG, SUN-HOU-ZI, SUN-HOU-TZE, PI-MA-WEN</i></span><br /><div><br /><h2><b>MONKEY:</b> The infamous irrepressible Monkey King, Trickster God, and Great Sage Equal Of Heaven.<br /><br /></h2>Star of stage, screen and scroll, MONKEY is the true hero of <i>Journey To The West (Xiyou Ji) </i> — the amazing novel of frivolity and profundity written by Wu Cheng'en in the Sixteenth Century. (It's one of China's Four Great Novels, and we highly recommend it to anyone seeking enlightenment or entertainment.)<br /><br />From the beginning of time, a certain rock on the Mountain of Fruit and Flowers had been soaking up the goodness of nature and QI energy. One day this pregnant rock released a stone egg, and from it hatched a Stone Ape, who solemnly bowed to the Four Corners of the Earth — then jumped off to have fun.<br /><br />This was MONKEY. He was high-spirited, egotistical and full of mischievous pranks. He was soon having a wonderful time as King of the Apes. But a niggling worry began to gnaw at him — one which would change his life. The Monkey King feared Death.<br /><br />To find immortality, MONKEY became the disciple of Father Subodhi, a rather dour DAOist sage. The sage, unimpressed with his simian tricks, gave the Monkey King a new title: 'Disciple Aware of Emptiness'. MONKEY was very pleased with this epithet, not realising it referred to the vacuum in his head.<br /><br />But after much haggling, Father Subodhi uttered the words of Illumination, explained the process of Cloud-Flying — and also revealed the secret of the Seventy-Two Transformations. Which, thought MONKEY, was extremely good value for money.<br /><br />Returning home to his monkey subjects, he discovered they were under seige by a fearsome monster. Magic tricks were no good — what he needed was a weapon. So he whizzed off to the Dragon King AO-KUANG and cajoled his way into the Treasury. There he found the great Magic Wishing Staff, a huge rod of black iron which Heaven had used to flatten the bed of the Milky Way. It weighed 13,000 pounds but could expand to fill the Universe or shrink to the size of a needle. MONKEY was delighted with this Weapon of Mass Destruction and used it to bludgeon many a demon thereafter.<br /><br />It wasn't long before reports of MONKEY's tricks started to reach the austere ears of the JADE-EMPEROR. First the DRAGON-KINGS complained of rudeness and theft. Then YEN-LO-WANG, the God of Death, lodged a formal protest. "That intolerable ape has just vandalised my filing system and made monkeys immortal. What are you going to do about it?"<br /><br />Not wishing to shed needless karma, the JADE-EMPEROR invited MONKEY to Heaven and gave him a job. Without pay, of course. This plan to keep the peace was amazingly successful for an entire day. Then MONKEY discovered that his post as Keeper of the Heavenly Stables was so lowly, even the horse manure ranked higher than him.<br /><br />Insulted beyond belief, MONKEY ran amok, burst into the JADE-EMPEROR's court and dared to threaten his august person. The Ruler of the Universe sighed, consulted his advisors and bestowed a new title upon him: Great Sage, Equal Of Heaven. "That's much better," said MONKEY, impressed.<br /><br />But by his very nature the Great Sage was irrepressibly naughty. He just couldn't help it. He gobbled up LAO-ZI's Longevity Pills, stuffed his face with the precious Peaches of Immortality, gatecrashed official parties and made insulting gestures to all and sundry. Finally he left Heaven in disgust, claiming it wasn't good enough for him.<br /><br />Now the JADE-EMPEROR finally lost his esteemed cool. He sent the Heavenly army to obliterate MONKEY once and for all. Nothing could withstand this mighty force... But the Great Stone Ape — immortal, spiritually illumined and filled with Heavenly essences — was not only indestructable but also pretty handy in a fight. The forces of Heaven made an embarrassing display and slunk off in defeat. There was nothing for it — the Ruler of Heaven called for BUDDHA.<br /><br />Now BUDDHA, in his infinite wisdom, knew better than to subdue MONKEY by force. Instead he offered him a wager. "If you're so clever, jump off the palm of my hand. If you can do that, I'll take the Emperor in as a lodger and give Heaven to you. But if you can't, I'll expect a full apology and penance."<br /><br />The Monkey King laughed to himself. He could travel thousands of miles in a single leap. The bet was on. BUDDHA stretched out his hand and MONKEY jumped...<br /><br />Several thousand miles later, the Great Sage landed in a desolate plain with great columns reaching up the sky. "These must be the Five Pillars of Wisdom at the end of the Universe", he thought. "That BUDDHA is just plain stupid to make such a silly bet." And, to show his disrespect, he pissed all over the nearest pillar and jumped back to claim his reward.<br /><br />"Is the Emperor packing his bags yet?" asked MONKEY as he landed. The Holy One raised a sublime eyebrow. "I don't know why you're grinning," he said, "you've been on my palm the whole time. Look." An astonished MONKEY rubbed his eyes and stared at the five familiar-looking pink pillars of BUDDHA's hand. Then he smelt the stench of monkey pee and trembled. The next thing he knew, he was lying on the ground with a mountain on top of him.<br /><br />And there he stayed for five hundred long years, being fed molten copper and iron pills by an attendent demon while the moss grew in his ears. By the time GUAN-YIN came along, the Great Sage Equal of Heaven was a thoroughly humble creature.<br /><br />As told in <i>Journey To The West</i>, GUAN-YIN enlisted MONKEY as chief disciple of the young Buddhist monk TRIPITAKA. Together with SANDY and PIGSY, he protected the boy on his quest to India, battling demons and righting wrongs along the way. His natural monkey trickery now had a holy purpose which he unleashed with much enthusiasm — and his uncontrollable ego was kept firmly in place by a little device of GUAN-YIN's devising: a head-band made of gold.<br /><br />The unsuspecting Great Sage was not prepared for the terrible torture of the Headache Sutra! Whenever MONKEY misbehaved, TRIPITAKA recited the Sutra and the golden fillet squeezed until his very eyeballs felt like bursting. Try as he might, he could not remove it. There was no defense except submission, and pretty soon MONKEY was the most humble disciple the world has ever known. Usually.<br /><br />After many many many many adventures, the travellers fulfilled their quest. MONKEY was rewarded for all his efforts with the title 'Buddha Victorious Against Disaster' and finally made his peace with Heaven. We don't know what the Great Sage gets up to nowadays, but presumably he keeps himself occupied.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h1>TRIPITAKA <img src="http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq90/1upus/mk-tripitaka.jpg" /></h1><br /><br /><span style="font-size:11;">ALSO KNOWN AS 'XUAN ZANG', 'SAN ZANG' 'HSUAN TSANG'<br /><br /></span><h2><b>TRIPITAKA:</b> The famous Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk who travelled to India to fetch scriptures in the company of MONKEY, PIGSY and SANDY.<br /><br /></h2>Although Buddhism had achieved a foothold in China, knowledge of its more profound mysteries was scarce. The minor (Little Vehicle) Scriptures were constantly consulted, but these were pretty tame and hardly anything to get excited about. Only the Big Vehicle Scriptures could truly save the damned.<br /><br />BUDDHA was well aware of this little problem, and asked GUAN-YIN to help. "I have three full baskets of Scripture on Earth, waiting at the Temple of the Thunderclap for someone to collect them," he said. "Could you find a pilgrim to travel the hundred thousand leagues from China to India and back?"<br /><br />"Of course," he mused thoughtfully, "I <i>could</i> just transport them there myself in an instant, but the Chinese people just wouldn't appreciate it."<br /><br />So GUAN-YIN travelled down to Earth, looking for a humble and pious Chinese monk. Preferably one with stout legs. And a young priest named Xuan Zang seemed to fit the bill perfectly, so with a modest display of holy fireworks, GUAN-YIN persuaded the Emperor to send him on the quest.<br /><br />In honor of his mission, Xuan adopted the name TRIPITAKA (which means 'Three Baskets' in Sanskrit). And off he went on the dangerous and incredibly long journey to India, taking only a horse, a change of underwear and a golden begging bowl.<br /><br />Now TRIPITAKA, being young and foolish, was probably the least likely hero imaginable. When faced with danger he was liable to fiddle with joss sticks and burst into tears. Luckily GUAN-YIN had provided backup in the form of MONKEY, PIGSY and SANDY. They were not a well-knit team, and argued constantly, but in the course of time TRIPITAKA's disciples became used to his silly human ways and fought tooth and nail to protect him.<br /><br />The four travellers (plus horse) negotiated their way through eighty-one disasters and many exciting adventures before arriving, many years later, at the Temple of the Thunderclap. Achieving enlightenment, TRIPITAKA passed into Buddhist Heaven with much ceremonial hoo-hah and prepared to fulfill his mission. So he was somewhat disconcerted when ANANDA and KASYAPA tried to fob him off with blank scrolls.<br /><br />BUDDHA was somewhat peeved. "Such knowledge is infinitely precious, and not to be given away lightly. Everything has its price, even in Heaven," he said. "Give them your golden begging bowl as payment and we'll call it a deal. Although," he added, "to be perfectly honest, those blank scrolls are actually far more illuminating than the real ones."<br /><br />Convincing BUDDHA that the Chinese people would much prefer scriptures with writing on, TRIPITAKA handed over his bowl, collected five thousand and forty-eight precious scrolls and headed back to China, taking the illuminated Buddhist Express which got him there in double-quick time.<br /><br />And so at last his mission was fulfilled. He now takes his place in Buddhist Heaven and is known as the 'Buddha of Precocious Merit'.<br /><span style="font-size:11;"><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">PIGSY<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">also known as zhu bajie<br /></span></span></span></span></span><img src="http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq90/1upus/DSC_0343.jpg" /><br /><h2><b>PIGSY:</b> A Pig Spirit, ex-Marshall of the Hosts of Heaven, and one of TRIPITAKA's disciples.<br /><br /></h2>As told in <i>Journey To The West</i>, the Marshall was by nature a sensual spirit, lusting after angels and stuffing his face with food at every opportunity. Being a good general, his indiscretions were generally overlooked, until one day he guzzled too much peach wine and misbehaved with CHANG-O, Goddess of the Moon.<br /><br />His drunken advances were very unwelcome to the chaste Goddess. She raised such a fuss that armed guards grabbed the drunken Captain and hauled him off to the JADE-EMPEROR. Punishment was swift, and the Marshall found himself kicked out of Heaven.<br /><br />Landing on Earth, he discovered he'd been turned into a monstrously ugly pig spirit, complete with snout, curly tail and boar-like tusks. This was supposed to teach him a lesson. But it didn't work. His lustful nature multiplied and soon he was revelling in troughs and chasing pretty ladies for all he was worth.<br /><br />Then along came GUAN-YIN, who offered him salvation — provided he become a Buddhist and help protect the young monk TRIPITAKA. The ex-Marshall of the Heavenly Hosts reluctantly agreed, and adopted the name of PIGSY.<br /><br />In the company of MONKEY and SANDY, PIGSY travelled to India, carrying TRIPITAKA's baggage and fighting demons along the way. His lustful nature caused many embarrassments, and he fell pray to many of MONKEY's little jokes.<br /><br />Finally their quest was fulfilled and PIGSY achieved enlightenment. Arriving at Buddhist Heaven, he was rewarded with the title Cleaner of the Holy Altar. That sounds like a very menial job for an ex-Marshall of the Heavenly Hosts, but as BUDDHA explained, thousands of worshippers send offerings to that altar every day.<br /><br />So now PIGSY gets all the best pickings — and even <i>his</i> enormous appetite is satisfied.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >sandy</span><br />also known as Sha Wujing<br /><br /><img src="http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq90/1upus/DSC_0348.jpg" alt="Sandy - large" border="0" /><br /><h2><b>SANDY:</b> A Fish Spirit, ex-Marshall of Heaven and disciple of TRIPITAKA.<br /><br /></h2>As told in <i>Journey To The West</i>, he was once the official in charge of Heavenly banners and ceremonial drapes. One day he accidentally broke the JADE-EMPEROR's favorite crystal dish. As punishment, he was chucked out of Heaven, transformed into an Earth-bound fish spirit, tormented with flying swords and generally made extremely miserable.<br /><br />Life wasn't easy for fish spirits in those days, particularly ones as monstrous and ugly as him. SANDY barely scraped a living in the River of Sands by munching the flesh of the occasional passing peasant. He became morose, philosophical and a frightful pessimist.<br /><br />A chance to redeem himself came when GUAN-YIN, looking for heroic candidates to assist TRIPITAKA, persuaded him to become a Buddhist. He embraced the faith and adopted the name Sandy Monk. Then it was adventures all the way to India in the company of MONKEY and PIGSY.<br /><br />SANDY's special jobs were leading the horse, which he did with much devotion, and fighting demons, which he did with much complaint. When at last the quest was over, he achieved enlightenment and was rewarded the title 'Golden Bodied Arhat'. He now spends his time in Buddhist Heaven practising austerities.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-90459685221735128212008-09-19T10:33:00.000-07:002008-09-19T10:37:48.873-07:00GOD AND GODDESS LEVEL STRUCTUREBELOW IS ONLY A SHORT LIST OF THE LEVEL STRUCTURE :<br /><br /><br /><br />Gods and Goddesses<br /><br /><br />Monotheist concept<br /><br />In Taoism, there are many Gods and Goddesses. For those who get used to the "monotheist god", this concept can be very confusing to them.<br />This differences is simply caused by different point of view, understanding and tradition. Basically speaking, the concept of God is Taoism is not far different from other "Monotheist religion".<br /><br />In Taoism there is a single highest, non-form, "Un-name-able God", that is located in VOID / nothingness. Has no form, entity of male/female, has no space or time. Because there no name that can be used to represent God, In book of Dao de Ching, therefore, the borrowed-word of TAO is used to represent. So TAO can be translated as "Origin of The creator of the universe", to make an easier understanding, sometime TAO is also called the universe itself.<br /><br />But polytheist.....<br /><br />This "Unnamable-TAO"; Tai Shang Lao Jun, created many Gods and Goddess to create the universe.<br />This is just like President doesn't have to go to the war, he has general and the general have military army to go to the war and so on.<br /><br />Thus, the position of Taoist Gods and Goddess is similar the concept of Angels, Prophets, Saints, Buddha /arahats, etc in different religion/belief.<br /><br />The "Great Tao" then appointed "Yu Wang Da Di / Jade Emperor" as Their Avatar to rule / lead / manage All Taoist Gods and Goddesses.<br /><br />Another name of "Yu Wang Da Di" is "Yu Wang Shang Di", aka: just "Shang Di" which is the term used in Christian referring as The God/Father in heaven.<br /><br />Note: In Taoism, Even though "Shang Di" is the God who is the King of all Deities, Angel, Minister, Official, etc, Yet, There are absolute spiritual forces higher than "Shang Di"/The God, known as "Tai Shang Lao Jun", "Yuan Shi Tian Zun", "Ling Bao Tian Zun".<br /><br /><br />Yi Huang Da Di / Shang Di- Jade emperor / Emperor of Heaven<br /><br /><br /><br />Celestial bureaucracy<br /><br />The Celestial Bureaucracy is organized similarly to a government administration, where the Jade Emperor / Yu Wang Da Di would be the highest President to whom other Deities must report.<br /><br />When a mortal have successfully cultivated 'Tao' and have the ability to transcend their "10 parts soul/spirit" from mortal realm to the Immortal realm, Then he/she will become a God or Goddess.<br />To create an illustration, Living in the world is University. When one pass the final exam, then will receive a degree. Therefore, Male/female that already "pass the education" become "Gods and Goddess"<br /><br />All Gods and Goddess have a duty / work. They govern certain aspect of our world, life, planet, galaxy and universe. For example, to save mankind, to educate mankind, to manage the rotation of certain planet/galaxy, etc.<br /><br />When they perform their duty and well done, Each will received recognition by the<br />Jade emperor. When they earn many awards and recognition from the Jade emperor, They can get a higher position/rank within the 32 level of Heaven.<br /><br /><br />Levels of Heaven<br /><br /><br />Level of Heaven God or Goddess Realm name Position Existence<br /><br />36th<br /> Celestial worthy of primordial beings<br />Yuan Shi Tian Zun / 元始天尊 Yu Qing<br />1st of 3 void Highest Wu Chi / Emptyness<br />35th Great Old Exalted One<br />Tai Sang Lao Jun (太上老君) Tai Qing<br />2nd of 3 void Highest Wu Chi / Emptyness<br />34th Celestial worthy of Numinous treasures<br />Ling Pao Tian Zun / 灵宝天尊 Shang Qing<br />3rd of 3 void Highest Wu Chi / Emptyness<br />33rd Jade Emperor / Yu Wang Da Di;<br />The avatar of 3 Void / pure Ones. Cing Tian / Heaven Avatar Tai Chi /<br />Existness<br />32nd All other Gods and Goddess<br />who are ruled under Jade Emperor Cing Tian / Heaven Deities Tai Chi /<br />Existness<br /><br /><br />San Qing (Pure palaces realm) is the palace of VOID/WU-CHI, where The TAO (Highest one) / "Un-nameable GOD" that exist before the universe, resides.<br /><br /><br /><br />These three are trinity means it's three but it is One.<br /><br />The palace of San Qing is divided by three; Yu Qing, Tai Qing and Shang Qing; which are the VOID realm where The Taoist Trinity resides<br /><br /><br />From 32nd level all the way down to the first level of heaven can be divided again by4 cardinal directions (North, West, South, North) and then distributed equally to another 6 directions (NE, SE, SW, NW, Above and below), therefore it makes 10 directions in totals.<br /><br />The names of all 32 level of heavens are<br />Heaven name Cardinal direction<br />Taihuang Huangceng Heaven East<br />Taiming Yuwan Heaven East<br />Qingming Hetong Heaven East<br />Xuantai Pingyu Heaven East<br />Yuanming Wenju Heaven East<br />Shangming Qiyao Moyi Heaven East<br />Xuwu Yueheng Heaven East<br />Taiji Mengyi Heaven East<br /> <br />Ciming Heyang Heaven South<br />Xuanming Gonghua Heaven South<br />Yaoming Zhongpiao Heaven South<br />Zhuluo Huangjia Heaven South<br />Xuming Tangliao Heaven South<br />Guanming Duanjing Heaven South<br />Xuanming Gongqing Heaven South<br />Taihuan Jiyao Heaven South<br /> <br />Yuanzai Kongshen Heaven West<br />Tai'an Wangya Heaven West<br />Xianding Jifeng Heaven West<br />Sihuang Xiaomang Heaven West<br />Taiji Weng Chongfu Rong Heaven West<br />Wusi Jiangyou Heaven West<br />Shangshe Ruanle Heaven West<br />Wuji Fangshi Heaven West<br /> <br />Haoting Xiaodu Heaven East<br />Yuantong Yuandong Heaven East<br />Taiwen Hanchong Miaocheng Heaven East<br />Taisu Xiule Jingshang Heaven East<br />Taisu Wushang Changrong Heaven East<br />Taishi Yulong Tengsheng Heaven East<br />Longbian Fandu Heaven East<br />Taiji Pingyu Jiayi Heaven East<br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />Brief explanations<br /><br />God and Goddess in the Tai Chi Realm (33rd to 1st level of Heaven)<br /><br />There are many other Gods/Goddesses outside the "San Qing" realm of Wu-Ci / VOID, called the realm of Tai Chi Yin Yang.<br /><br />All ruled under Jade emperor, the Avatar of three Pure Ones, who resides in 33th level of Heaven.<br /><br /><br /><br />Yi Huang Da Di - Jade emperor / Emperor of Heaven<br /><br /><br />Yi Huang Da Di is picked and chosen directly by the Tai Sang Lao Jun as the transcendence form of the primordial trinity / three pure ones (San Ching).<br /><br /><br /><br />Tai Sang Lao Jun - Exalted One<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Detail explanations<br /><br />In summary, all the Shen Sien (Gods) and Xian Nu (Goddess) can be categorized into 2 kinds;<br /><br />I. Xian Tian Zhen Shen (Ancient God and Goddess)<br />II. Hou Tian Shen Ming<br /> (God and Goddess that originated from a human who become immortal)<br /><br />I. Xian Tian Zhen Shen (Ancient God and Goddess)<br /> Meaning They will perform work within the universe / heaven scope.<br /><br /> There are at least 190 Gods in this category.<br /><br /><br /><br /> 1A. Highest GOD; Three pure ones of VOID<br /> 1B. Jade Emperor; Avatar of three pure ones.<br /> 2. Father heaven God and Mother earth Goddess<br /> 3. Queen mother Goddess of West heaven and Grandpa God of East heaven(YinYang)<br /> 4. Four heavenly minister / Si Yu Da Di< 四極大帝>;<br /> i. Emperor of the highest palace of Polaris<br /> ii. Emperor of North pole star of purple subtlety<br /> iii. Emperor of eternal South pole<br /> iv. Emperor of Earth.<br /> 5. Princes and Princesses of Heaven<br /> 6. Gods of The emperor of 3 world (Sky, Earth and water)<br /> 7. Celestial Emperor of Five direction<br /> 8. 32 Various Celestial emperor and generals<br /> 9. Celestial Lord of Supreme Oneness and Salvation from Misery that rules 5 Heavens<br /> 10. God of North and South side of Heaven<br /> 11. Gods & Goddesses of Stars / Planet / Constellations<br /> i. Mother of stars and her nine sons(9 stars of big dipper)<br /> ii. Five constellation star Gods <br /> iii. 28 constellation star / lunar mansion Gods and Goddess.<br /> iv. Gods of 9 planets;<br /> (Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Lunar&Solar eclipse)<br /> v. 3 Stars Gods of luck, fame and longevity / Orion Belt God<br /> 12. God of the guard in the border between Heaven and Earth.<br /> 13. Gods of Time / Grand Duke of Jupiter rotation - 60 years cycle Gods.<br /><br /><br />II. Hou Tian Shen Ming /<br /> (God and Goddess that originated from a human who become immortal)<br /> A. Heaven scope 天; Ruler of earth<br /> Meaning They perform work such as time, mountains, after death-<br /> realm, elements, temple/house/building, rains, crops, flood, snow, community and city,<br /> who is going to hell and heaven and other nature matter<br /> <br /> There are at least 152 Gods in this category.<br /><br /><br /> 1. Gods of Earth<br /> 2. Gods of 36 high-rank officer of Sky<br /> 3. Celestial officers<br /> 4. Nature Gods & Goddesses<br /> i. God of Wind<br /> ii. God of Rain<br /> iii. Father thunder God and mother lightning Goddess.<br /> iv. 5 supreme commander of thunder<br /> v. God of Cloud. <br /> 5. Gods of 5 Mountains<br /> 6. Gods of the guardian of mountains, oceans, rivers and water.<br /> 7. Gods of soil and earth-crops.<br /> 8. Gods of Guardian of Fire and water<br /> 9. Gods of house foundation, door, water pipe, kitchen and a well.<br /> 10. Gods of City protector and It's helper.<br /> 11. Gods of Protector of city river, temple, public safety & warehouse<br /> 12. 13 Great Guardians God.<br /><br /> B. Earth scope 地; Rule over fate and professions.<br /> Meaning They perform work on Humans, such as birth, death, sick, become old, luck,<br /> wealth, soul mate, job position, and other human matter<br /><br /> There are at least 160 Gods in this category.<br /><br /><br /><br /> 1. Gods of wealth; have 4 ambassadors;<br /> 2. Gods of Arts<br /> 3. Gods of education<br /> 4. Gods of Medicine<br /> 5. Gods of Love and Soul mate<br /> 6. Goddes of fertility<br /> 7. Goddesses of protection of pregnancy and birth.<br /> 8. Goddesses of guardian of beds.<br /> 9. Gods of longevity<br /> 10. Gods of War<br /> 11. Gods of Army and soldier protector<br /> 12. Goddesses of Sailor protector<br /> 13. Gods of Farms and Fields<br /> 14. Gods of carpentry and paper business<br /> 15. Gods of clothing, silk-worm, metal, gold-silver smith and other business<br /> 16. Gods of physic / shaman protection<br /> 17. Gods of local-government protector <br /> 18. Gods of protection from disaster<br /> 19. Gods of protection from disease.<br /> 20. Gods and Goddesses of protection for children.<br /> 21. Gods of protection of deceased spirit.<br /> 22. Gods of protector of some Chinese surname descendant<br /> 23. 8 Immortals<br /> 24. Local Taoist Gods and Goddesses in Southeast Asia (Taoist who became immortal)<br /> A. Immortals from Indonesia<br /> B. Immortals from Thailand<br /> C. Immortals from Malaysia<br /> D. Immortals from Singapore<br /> E. Immortals from Philippine<br /> 25. Local Taoist immortal from China.<br /> 26. Local Taoist immortal from Taiwan.<br /> 27. God of immigrant's protector.<br /> 28. Three Mao Brothers from Mount Mao.<br /> 29. Goddess of compassion; Guan Yin<br /><br /><br /> C. Underworld / Di Yu / ; Rule over death realm<br /> There are at least 18 Gods in this category.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> 1. King of Hell<br /> 2. 10 Gods of "after death realm"<br /> 3. Bai Wu Chang<br /> 4. Hei Wu Chang<br /> 5. Bull General<br /> 6. Horse General<br /> 7. Patrol god of Day and Night / Ri Ye Xun<br /> 8. Demon Emperor / Gui WangMysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-63077666102279399272008-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:002008-09-19T10:33:00.763-07:00TALISMAN<img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The history of Chinese Taoist talismans stretches back over 5000 years into the mists of time. The symbols that cover the talisman contain the secrets of the Universe.<br /><br />Although they were conceived thousands of years ago they are based on sound scientific principles of the creative and destructive processes of the<br /><br />universe and the psychological makeup of the human race. The symbols are pictorial representations, e.g. one stroke equals one heaven; one dot equals one universe.<br /><br />To explain how Talismans work, we must first explore the theories and concepts behind them:<br /><br />When the first caveman drew the first stick figure on a cave wall, he was using a symbol. He was using a symbol to represent part of his world. Ever since then, Man has used symbols not only to illustrate concepts, but to manipulate his reality. Because our world is constantly changing, we have used words and names to record what has happened. Every name is a symbol; your name written down symbolises you. Where and when your name is written has an effect on your life and reality.<br /><br />Everything on Earth is just like a symbol, for example the Tai Chi sign represents the whole Universe; One straight line represents Yang, the male energy of the Universe, and a Broken line represents Yin the female energy of the Universe.<br /><br />For instance the Pa Qua represents the 8 Directions, different people, parts of your body, elements, seasons, natural phenomenon (like Fire, wind, Earth, Forests, Sun, Moon, lake, thunder, Earth etc.), family relationships etc, it also represents change and non-change.<br /><br />The talisman uses the whole universal form, transformed into a symbol and changes the way things are.<br /><br />The Application of Talisman in Feng Shui<br />Original writer (Chinese Text): Mrs. Jia Yin Smith of San Francisco, California (USA). Translated and edited by Mr. K.C. Goh of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<br /><br />In ancient times, Talismans or Fu Zhou (magic figures or incantations) were objects for matching up. A bamboo board was typically broken into two pieces which were used for corroboration. Talisman or Fu Zhou originated during the period of the Three Kings and the Five Emperors. The first king was Fu Xi who observed the sky and surveyed the geographical features from the tracks of birds and animals and also invented Ba Gua, using Ba Gua to form the language in the talismans. These ancient talismans reflected how people use Ba Gua to make predictions in those days and these symbols were compiled to form the Book of Change or Yi Jing( I Ching). Talismans were associated with an Emperor by the name of Xuan Yuan or Huang Di.<br /><br />The mechanism of talismans or Fu Zhou are not based on the material used but on maneuvering the Chi. When writing symbols on the talisman, one is actually matching the Chi of the universe and using the strength of the reflecting stars. When I was in primary school, I had a classmate who suffered from a parotid gland infection named boar head skin disease by the common people. A stamp inscribed with the Chinese character tiger was dipped in blue-black ink and was used to stamp the infected area of the patient. Two weeks later the patient recovered. Isn that incredible? The Tiger character is supposed to be able to eat the boar, metaphorically. The ancient Chinese physicians used talismans to cure sickness. This branch of knowledge is called the discipline of Zhu You section. When writing talismans, one is supposed to chant holy words. These talismans can be consumed by burning the paper and drinking the ashes with water. Alternatively, one can just keep the talismans for protection to bring good fortune and to ward off evil spirits as well as people with evil intentions.<br /><br />Traditionally, feng shui masters have used talismans to help ward off bad luck or Sha. For example, when a house is directly facing the road, the master would place a stone inscribed with. Tai Shan stone dares to resist (the evil influences) in front of the house. Incidentally, Tai Shan is China most celebrated mountain range and it is believed that the stone from this mountain range has the ability to fend off Sha (noxious vapors) and Kuei (various kinds of demons). Houses that are facing temples and shrines are considered bad because it is believed that evil spirits normally gather outside the temple. Placing a piece of stone inscribed with Yu Qing (literally translation means pure jade which has the ability to fend off evil spirits) is an extension of the application of talisman.<br /><br />The Yang Chai Ten Book states to renovate a house and to relocate a door if one does not have resources, this could not be done. Even if one has resources, one still needs to select an auspicious day and time. If the omen of the house is bad and one could not wait for the appropriate day and time, one can use talismans to protect the house for peace and security. In terms of function, there are two kinds of talisman: The first one is direction talisman and the other one is time talisman. Examples of direction talisman are: (1) stone dares to resist (the evil influences), (2) mountain and water protection, (3) tai ji symbol, (4) ba gua talisman and (5) wording talisman. These talismans are normally placed in inauspicious locations of the house, for instance the main door or walkway or bridge leading to the main door, the corner of the house, the position directly facing the roof-top and places in front or at the back of the house which are considered to have bad feng shui.<br /><br />When performing renovation on a day that happens to be inauspicious according to the Chinese almanac, then time talisman could be used. Feng shui masters can use holy words and symbols to write talisman to change the bad omen into good luck.<br /><br />Using talisman in feng shui, removes the psychological barrier and deals with the taboos of the culture. With the application of talisman, the feng shui master can stay away from an awkward predicament where there are no other feng shui cures.<br /><br />Note: There were many versions concerning the name of the three Kings. Some regarded Fu Xi, Zhu Rong, and Shen Nong as the three Kings. Some textbook mentioned Sui Ren, Fu Xi, and Shen Nong. Some people considered Fu Xi, Nu Wa, and Shen Nong.<br /><br />The five emperors refer to Huang Di, ZhuanXu, Di Ku,Di Yao,Di Shun. Huang Di was born 5000 year ago during the New Stone Age. His family name is Gongsun and he is being called Xuan Yuan.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" /><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg257/Prajnametta/aizenamulet.jpg" />Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-15293079531489938792008-09-19T09:53:00.000-07:002008-09-19T10:11:20.279-07:00TAOIST DEITIESThe religious current of Taoism evolved its own pantheon of deities that were worshipped in temples by the various sects. These Taoist deities, like the Buddhist or Hindu pantheon, represented different qualities and attributes and various ceremonies, depending on circumstances were conducted to appeal to them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Damon/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.jpg" alt="" /></p><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Damon/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n230/Boo_Akitsu/laozi_pointing623.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>Laozi<br /></strong>According to Taoism, Laozi was the incarnation of Supreme Purity. It is said that he was once a historiographer of Zhou Dynasty (c. 1100-221 BC), who resigned his post to journey westward when he saw that the dynasty was in decline. At Hangu Pass, Yin X, the commander of the pass, aware that he was a sage, asked him to write a book to teach the "Tao". Laozi wrote a two-volume book, known to later generations as <em>Daodejing</em> (<em>Canon of Tao and Its Virtue</em>). The book is the foremost Taoist scripture, with Laozi being recognized as the originator of Taoism.</p><p><br /></p><h3><a name="yu-huang">Yu-huang -- The Jade Emperor</a></h3> Yu-huang is the great High God of the Taoists -- the Jade Emperor. He rules Heaven as the Emperor doe Earth. All other gods must report to him. His chief function is to distribute justice, which he does through the court system of Hell where evil deeds and thoughts are punished. Yu-huang is the Lord of the living and the dead and all the gods, all the spectres and all the demons.<p> According to legend he was the son of an emperor Ch'ing-te and his wife Pao Yueh-kuang who from his birth exhibited great compassion. When he had been a few years on the throne he abdicated and retired as a hermit spending his time dispensing medicine and knowledge of the Taoist texts. Some scholars see in this a myth of the sacred union of the sun and the moon, their son being the ruler of all Nature.</p><p> </p><blockquote> "The good who fulfill the doctrine of love, and who nourish Yu-huang with incense, flowers, candles and fruit; who praise his holy name with respect and propriety -- such people will receive thirty kinds of very wonderful rewards."<p> --<i>Folkways in China</i> L Holdus.</p><p> </p></blockquote> <h3><a name="yuan-shih">Yuan-shih T'ien-tsun -- The First Principal</a></h3> Although Yu-huang is the High God, there are other abstract deities above him. He rules; they simply exist and instruct. First and foremost is Yuan-shih T'ien-tsun - the First Principal.<p> He has no beginning and no end. He existed "before the void and the silence, before primordial chaos." He is self-existing, changeless, limitless, invisible, contains all virtues, is present in all places and is the source of all truth.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/three.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/three.gif" alt="San-ch'ing -- Three Pure Ones" align="right" border="0" /></a> </p><h3><a name="san-ching">San-ch'ing -- Three Pure Ones</a></h3> <p>These are the so-called <b>Three Pure Ones</b>. They are <b>Yu-ch'ing</b> (Jade Pure), <b>Shang-ch'ing</b> (Upper Pure) and <b>T'ai-ch'ing</b> (Great Pure). They are believed to be different manifestations of Lao Tzu. They are not rulers, but rather seek to save mankind by teaching and benevolence.</p><p> In a place with Yu-ch'ing lives Yuan-shih T'ien-tsun and the Holy Men (sheng-jen). With Shang-ch'ing lives Ling-pao T'ien-tsun (Spiritual Treasure Honoured by Heaven) and the Heroes. T'ai-ch'ing is the direct manifestation of Lao Tzu. He holds a fan, symbol of his powers, on which are written the yin-yang symbol and the Big Dipper.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/san-kuan.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/san-kuan.gif" alt="San-kuan -- Three Officials" align="top" border="0" /></a> </p><h3><a name="san-kuan">San-kuan -- Three Officials</a></h3> The San-kuan rule over all things in the three regions of the universe, keep a register of good and evil deeds and award good or bad fortune accordingly. <b>T'ien-kuan</b>, the Ruler of Heaven, grants happiness. <b>Ti-kuan</b>, Ruler of Earth, grants remissions of sins, and <b>Shui-kuan</b>, Ruler of Water, averts all evil. Their compassion for all people is unbounded. The San-kuan originated in a rite from the time of the Yellow-Turban Taoists. <blockquote> "You, poor miserable people, ill-clad and destitute of worldly comforts, weighted down beneath the burden of labour and affliction, keep abstinence, and having taken a purifying bath, recite a thousand times the prayer in honour of the Ruler of Heaven." --<i>Recherches sue les superstitions en Chine</i>, Henri Dore. </blockquote> <h3><a name="san-yuan">San-yuan -- Three Epochs (or Principals)</a></h3> The San-yuan originate from a time in the Eastern Chin Dynasty (317-420 A.D.) when the year was divided into three unequal periods. <b>Shang- yuan</b> ruled the first six moons (winter and spring); <b>Hsia-yuan</b> ruled the 7th and 8th moons (summer); and <b>Chung-yuan</b> ruled the 9th to 11th moons (fall). It was believed that they dwelled in the North Star (tzu-wei).<p> </p><h3><a name="tien-shih">T'ien-shih</a></h3> T'ien-shih was the title awarded to Chang Tao-ling (157-178 A.D.), the founder of the Yellow Turban Taoists (he is also claimed as founder by the <i>Cheng-I</i> and <i>Five Bushels of Rice</i> sects). It is believed that he received the Ling-pao (spiritual Treasure) Scripture written on golden tablets, from the Gods. He succeeded in finding the elixir of immortality, swallowed it, and ascended to Heaven, leaving his secrets, including his seals and demon-dispelling sword, with his son.<p> Since then the title T'ien-shih has passed through the family for generations. The current (63rd) Chang T'ien-shih lives in Taiwan and heads the <i>Five Bushels of Rice</i> Taoist sect. He continues to retain the sword and seals of Chang Tao-ling.</p><p> </p><h3><a name="pa-hsien">Pa-hsien -- Eight Immortals</a></h3> These are popular deities modeled on historical figures. They were believed to live in grottos in Heaven. They are:<p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/lu.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/lu.gif" alt="Lu Tung-pin" align="right" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Lu Tung-pin</b></p><p> Lu Tung-pin (755 - 805 A.D.) was a scholar, doctor and official. He became a Taoist after a long and distinguished life as an official which ended in disgrace. He was very popular in his life and after his death became venerated as the King of Medicine. He represents the wealthy and literacy.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/tsao.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/tsao.gif" alt="Ts'ao Kuo-chiu" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Ts'ao Kuo-chiu</b></p><p> Ts'ao Kuo-chiu represents the nobility for he was connected with the Imperial Sung Dynasty. His brother committed a crime for which he was ashamed and he retired and became a hermit who studied the Tao and learned the recipe for perfection. He holds in his hands the tablet that admits one to an audience with the emperor.</p><p> One day Han Ching-li and Lu Tung-pin found him and asked him what he was doing. He replied that he was studying the Tao. "What is that and where is it?" they asked. He pointed first to the sky and then to his heart. Then they realized that he understood and they gave him the recipe for perfection.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/chang2.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/chang2.gif" alt="Chang Kuo-lao" align="right" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Chang Kuo-lao</b></p><p> Chang Kuo-lao was once the head of the Imperial Academy but he retired to live as a hermit on Mt. Chung-t'iao in Shansi. He was summoned to court by the Empress Wu (684-705 A.D.) however, when he reached the Temple of the Jealous Woman he fell down dead. Shortly afterwards he came back to life.</p><p> He had a magic mule which could travel thousands of miles a day. When he reached his destination the mule would turn to paper and Chang Kuo-lao could fold it up and put it in his pocket. To revive it he unfolded it and spurted water on it with his mouth. He is often pictured riding the mule, facing the tail.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/li.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/li.gif" alt="Li T'ieh- kuai" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Li T'ieh-kuai</b></p><p> Li T'ieh-kuai has an iron crutch and a black face. He represents the crippled and deformed. He tries to alleviate human suffering. He was taught to be an immortal by Hsi-wang-mu, Queen of the Immortals.</p><p> One day, when his soul went to Mt. Hua he told his disciple to guard his body and cremate it after seven days if he had not returned. On the sixth day the disciple's mother fell ill and so leaving to take care of her he burnt the body a day early. Li T'ieh-kuai's soul on returning could find no body so it entered that of an old man who had just died. Only then did he discover that it was a cripple. At first he wanted to leave it but Lao Tzu persuaded him to stay and gave him a golden circlet and an iron crutch.</p><p> He carries a gourd with him in which he keeps medicine to help people. Some say that it contains the elixir of life made from the peaches of immortality that grow in Hsi-wang-mu's garden.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/ho.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/ho.gif" alt="Ho Hsien-ku" align="right" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Ho Hsien-ku</b></p><p> Ho Hsien-ku is represented holding a lotus blossom (a symbol of purity) and a peach. The legend is that she lived in the time of the Empress Wu (684-705 A.D.) in the Yun-mu (Cloud Mother) Mountains.</p><p> One night she had a dream that she should grind up a stone called Yun-mu and eat it. She did and vowed chastity at the same time. She then floated from mountain peak to peak gathering fruits which she gave to her mother (she having no need to eat). The Empress heard of her and summoned her to the court but on the way she disappeared. In this way she became an immortal.</p><p> She is a patron deity of women.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/han-h.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/han-h.gif" alt="Han Hsiang-tsu" align="left" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Han Hsiang-tsu</b></p><p> Han Hsiang-tsu represents youth. He was the grand nephew of Han Yu (768- 824 A.D.) who was a minister to Emperor Hsing-tung. He is reported to have accomplished all manner of remarkable feats including the production of extraordinary plants.</p><p> He became an immortal by eating one of the peaches of immortality. He carries with him a basket of fruit or flowers.</p><p> He was a disciple of Lu Tung-pin.</p><p> </p><p align="right"><a href="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/han-c.gif"><img src="http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/Images/han-c.gif" alt="Han Chung-li" align="right" border="0" /></a> </p><p><b>Han Chung-li</b></p><p> Han Chung-li represents military men. He lived during the Han dynasty when he was a Marshall of the Empire. In his old age he became a hermit and lived on Yang-chiu Mt. in Shansi where he met the Five Heroes who taught him how to be an immortal. This knowledge he taught to Lu Tung-pin.</p><p> During a famine he turned base metals into silver which he distributed to the poor people. He is recognized as a figure who holds a fan or a peach. </p><p> When he achieved immortality he was carried by a stork into the Heavens. Another legend has it that the wall of his hut burst open to reveal a casket in which were instructions on how to become an immortal.</p><p><br /></p>rain, who is the immortalized Yellow Emperor with the title "Thunder Patriarch". <p align="center"><br /></p><strong> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391121.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p></strong> <p align="center"><strong>The Great Emperor Zhenwu, the Perfect Warrior.</strong></p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391122.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The Three Star-gods of Happiness, Rank and Affluence, and Longevity.</strong> </p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391128.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The Old Man of Sothern Celestial Pole</strong></p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391123.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The God of the Town</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>Stellar Sovereigns of the Five Planets and Seven Stars</strong><br />The Stellar Sovereigns of the Five Planets and Seven Stars are seven Taoist deities. The Five Planets are the Year Star (Jupiter), the Sparkling Deluder (Mars), the Grand White Star (Venus), the Chronographic Star (Mercury), and the Quelling Star (Saturn). Together with the sun and moon, they are also called the Seven Stars. Taoism worships the Seven Stars as spirits and calls them Stellar Sovereigns. In early ancient times, people began to worship the sun, moon and stars. </p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391126.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>The Father of Thunder and the Mother of Lightning<br /></strong>The Father of Thunder, the spirit in charge of thunder, is called Father for it is masculine, and can also be called the Master of Thunder or the Thunder Spirit. The Mother of Lightning, the spirit in charge of lightning, is called Mother for it is feminine, and can also be called the Sacred Mother of Golden Light or Lady Lightning. The worship of thunder and lightening originated in ancient times.</p><strong> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391127.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p></strong> <p align="center"><strong>Dragon King</strong><br />The Dragon is one of the four spirits of ancient Chinese mythology. The "Dragon Kings of the Five Emperors" each correspond to one direction; the "Dragon Kings of the Four Seas" each correspond to one sea; and the Fifty-Four Dragon Kings and Sixty-Two Divine Dragon Kings are distinguished according to all things in Heaven and on Earth. </p> <p align="center"><br /></p><strong> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391129.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p></strong> <p align="center"><strong>Master of Rain</strong></p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391130.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The Earth Spirit<br /></strong>In ancient China, there existed ceremonial rites of worshiping the earth and village. The village was the smallest local administrative unit.</p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391131.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>Great Emperor of Fengdu</strong><br />The Great Emperor of Fengdu1 is the divinity controlling hell and the dead. </p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391132.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The Yamas of the Ten Halls</strong><br />The Yamas were also known as the Kings of Hell1 or Kings of Souls. </p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391133.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The Door Spirits are the spirits who guard the doors of houses.</strong></p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391134.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>The Kitchen Spirit</strong></p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391136.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><br /><strong>Eight Immortals</strong>: Zhongli Quan, Lv Dongbin, Zhang Guolao, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Han Xiangzi, Lan Caihe, and He Xiangu. They are models of achieving immortality through self-cultivation.</p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391137.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p align="center"><strong>Celestial Master Zhang</strong><br />Celestial Master Zhang, or Zhang Dongling, is one of the founders of Taoist religion.</p> <p align="center"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://images.china.cn/images1/200704/391138.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <strong>Perfect Man Qiu Changchun</strong><br />Perfect Man Qiu Changchun, also known as Qiu Chuji, is the founder of the Lonngmen Group of the Quanzhen Sect of Taoism.<br /><p><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);"><br /></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">THE ABOVE ARE JUST A BRIEF INTRO, THERE ARE MANY</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">MORE DEITIES WHICH WE WILL TRY OUR BEST TO INTRODUCE TO YOU.</span></span></span><br /></p><p><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Damon/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-5.jpg" alt="" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-22272215152644278592008-09-19T09:43:00.000-07:002008-10-01T12:27:32.838-07:00TAOISM<img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd145/sage1nib/poet-1.jpg" /><br /><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn113/KazumaShinichi/Taijitu.png" /><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn113/KazumaShinichi/Taijitu.png" /><br /><br /><a href="http://mystical-village.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >HOME </span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/meaning-of-tao-dao.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" > </span><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" > INTRO ON TAOISM</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/history-of-taoism.html"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/meaning-of-tao-dao.html"><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /></a><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/history-of-taoism.html"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> HISTORY OF TAOISM</span></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/yin-yang-symbol.html"> </a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/major-festivals-of-taoist-deities.html"> </a></span><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/meaning-of-tao-dao.html"><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/major-festivals-of-taoist-deities.html"> CALENDER OF MAJOR FESTIVAL FOR TAOIST DEITI</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/major-festivals-of-taoist-deities.html">ES</a><br /><br /></span><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/god-and-goddess-level-structure.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /> GOD AND GODDESS LEVEL STRUCTURE</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/taoist-deities.html"> </a></span><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/taoist-deities.html"><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/taoist-deities.html">TAOIST DEITIES ( AND THE LIST GOES ON )</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/5th-lunar-day-of-chinese-new-year-is.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" />TAOIST DEITIES II</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/tribute-to-monkey-god-sun-wukong.html"><span><span><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /></span></span> TRIBUTE TO MONKEY GOD ( SUN WU KONG )</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/brief-intro-to-goddess-of-mercy-guan.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span><span><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /></span></span></span></a><span><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/brief-intro-to-goddess-of-mercy-guan.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" > BRIEF INTRO TO GODDESS OF MERCY ( GUAN YIN )</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/talisman.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /> TALISMAN</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/meaning-of-tao-dao.html"><img src="http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm145/Jammintrav/spakua-taois.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/yin-yang-symbol.html"> THE YIN-YANG SYMBOL</a></span><br /><span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://mystical-village.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >HOME </span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/major-festivals-of-taoist-deities.html"><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn113/KazumaShinichi/Taijitu.png" /></a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://mvtao.blogspot.com/2008/09/major-festivals-of-taoist-deities.html"><img src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn113/KazumaShinichi/Taijitu.png" /></a><br /><img src="http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/Bigbadade/taoist_arts.jpg" />Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-47418464256113435912008-09-19T09:21:00.000-07:002008-09-19T09:39:24.991-07:00MAJOR FESTIVALS OF TAOIST DEITIES<p style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">The following festivals are celebrated in most Taoist temples:</p> <h3><b>First Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul><li style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">1st day. Tai-shang Lao-chun (Lao-tzu). Lao-tzu is the founder of Taoism; deified, he is seen as the embodiment of Tao – the origin of all of manifestation.<br /><br /></li><li style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">8th day. Yuan-shih Tien-tsun, or Wu-chi Tien-tsun -- the Jade Pure One. The first of the “Three Pure Ones” – emanations of Lao-tzu.<br /><br /></li><li style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">9th day. Yu-ti -- the Jade Emperor.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">15th day. Tien-kuan -- the Officer of the Celestial Realm. The Festival of Lanterns is also part of this celebration. </span><br /><br /></li></ul> <h3><b>Second Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul><li style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2nd day. Tu-ti -- the Earth Father.<br /><br /></li><li style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3rd day. Wen-chang Ti-chun. Patron of the arts & literature.<br /><br /></li><li style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">6th day. Tung-yueh Ti-chun -- the Emperor of the Eastern Mountain.<br /><br /></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">15th day. Tao-te Tien-tsun -- Shang-ching or High Pure One. The third of the “Three Pure Ones,” rules the realm of pa-kua. </span><br /><br /></li></ul> <h3><b>Third Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><li>15th day. Chiu-tien Hsuan-nu -- the Mysterious Lady of the Nine Celestial Domains.<br /><br /></li><li>18th day. Chung-yueh Ti-chun -- the Emperor of the Central Mountain. </li></ul> <h3><b>Fourth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>14th day. Immortal Lu tung-pin. The patriarch of Internal alchemy.<br /><br /></li><li>18th day. Tzu-wei Shing-chun -- Star Lord of the Star of Purple Light. The Lord of the North Star – ruler of all stars. </li></ul> <h3><b>Fifth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>5th day. Chu-Yuan. This feast day is known as the Dragon Boat Festival. </li></ul> <h3><b>Sixth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>1st day. Wen-ku and Wu-ku Stars -- the Lords of the Scholar and Warrior Stars of the Northern Bushel. Patron of scholars and warriors.<br /><br /></li><li>23rd day. Ling-pao Tien-tsun -- Tai-ching or Great Pure One. The second of the embodiments of Lao-tzu, ruler of the realm of Tai-chi. </li></ul> <h3><b>Seventh Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>7th day. His Wang-mu -- Mother Empress of the West. Keeper of the gateway to immortality.<br /><br /></li><li>15th day. Ti-kuan -- Officer of Earth. </li></ul> <h3><b>Eighth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>3rd day. Tsao-chun -- the Kitchen Lord. Guardian of the stove and the flame; records the deeds of people in their homes.<br /><br /></li><li>10th day. Pei-yueh Ti-chun -- the Emperor of the Northern Mountain. </li></ul> <h3><b>Ninth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>1st through 9th day. Descent of the Northern Bushel Star Lords to Earth. Each person is said to be born under one of the nine Star Lords of the Northern Bushel Constellation. On each of these nine days, one of these stars visits the mortal realm to bless those born under their guardianship.<br /><br /></li><li>1st day. Descent of the North Star Lord.<br /><br /></li><li>9th day. Tou-mu -- the mother of the Bushel of Stars. Patron of medicine, Internal Alchemy, and all healing arts. </li></ul> <h3><b>Tenth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>14th day. Fu Hsi. Patron of all forms of divination.<br /><br /></li><li>15th day. Shui-kuan -- the Officer of Water. </li></ul> <h3><b>Eleventh Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>6th day. His-yueh Ti-chun -- the Emperor of the Western Mountain.<br /><br /></li><li>11th day. Tai-i Tien-tsun -- Celestial Lord Tai-i. Reputed to have transmitted the Festival of Chung-yuan -- All Souls Festival -- to humanity. </li></ul> <h3><b>Twelfth Lunar Month</b></h3> <ul style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><li>16th day. Nan-yueh Ti-chun -- the Emperor of the Southern Mountain.<br /><br /></li><li>24th day. Kitchen Lord ascends to the celestial realm. At the end of the year, the Kitchen Lord reports the deeds of all humans to the Jade Emperor. </li></ul>Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-18340231977062774602008-09-19T09:18:00.000-07:002008-09-19T09:34:27.825-07:00SHORT INTRO TO TAOISM RELATED"><br /><br /><img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y1/greasyhippy48/Taoism.jpg" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><h3>About the name: Taoism or Daoism:</h3> <p>There are two commonly used systems for translating the Mandarin Chinese language into Roman letters:</p> <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <!--msthemelist--><tbody><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Wade-Giles: This system is commonly used i</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">n Taiwan and the U.S. The Chinese character for "Way" becomes "Tao," which leads to the English word "Taoism."<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Hanyu pinyin or Pinyin: This system was developed by the Chinese people and is now finding increased use worldwide. The "Way" becomes "Dao," which leads to the English word "Daoism." The "Dao" is pronounced like the "Dow" in "Dow-Jones Index."<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--></tbody></table><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"> <p>We have chosen to emphasize the "Taoism" spelling. A Google search for "Taoism" returned 245,000 hits, whereas a search for "Daoism" returned only 35,000.<span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/serhwee/design.jpg" /></span></span></p><p><br /></p></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><h3>Taoist concepts, beliefs and practices:</h3> <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <!--msthemelist--><tbody><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">"<em>The Tao surrounds everyone and therefore everyone must listen to find enlightenment.</em>" <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Each believer's goal is to harmonize themselves with the Tao.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Taoism has provided an alternative to the CONFUSION tradition in China. The two traditions have coexisted in the country, region, and generally within the same individual.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">The priesthood views the many gods as manifestations of the one Dao, "<i>which could not be represented as an image or a particular thing</i>." The concept of a personified deity is foreign to them, as is the concept of the creation of the universe. Thus, they do not pray as Christians do; there is no God to hear the prayers or to act upon them. They seek answers to life's problems through inner meditation and outer observation.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">In contrast with the beliefs and practices of the priesthood, most of the laity have "<i>believed that spirits pervaded nature...The gods in heaven acted like and were treated like the officials in the world of men; worshipping the gods was a kind of rehearsal of attitudes toward secular authorities. On the other hand, the demons and ghosts of hell acted like and were treated like the bullies, outlaws, and threatening strangers in the real world; they were bribed by the people and were ritually arrested by the martial forces of the spirit officials.</i>" <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Taoists strongly promote health and vitality.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Five main organs and orifices of the body correspond to the five parts of the sky: water, fire, wood, metal and earth.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Each person must nurture the <i>Ch'i</i> (air, breath) that has been given to them.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Development of virtue is one's chief task. The <i>Three Jewels</i> to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Taoists follow the art of "<i>wu wei,</i>" which is to let nature take its course. For example, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded; do not erect a dam which would interfere with its natural flow. <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">A Taoists is kind to other individuals, in part because such an action tends to be reciprocated.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /><br /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Taoists believe that "<em>people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices [they] will show this compassion without expecting a reward.</em>"<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><h3>Tai Chi :</h3><h3><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="%3Ca%20href=" com="" image="" taichi="" gabrielh_81="" 202="" o="20"" target="_blank"><img style="width: 342px; height: 228px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb293/gabrielh_81/Harcmuveszeti%20Fesztival%202/a567.jpg" /></a></h3><br /><br /><p>There is a long history of involvement by Taoists in various exercise and movement techniques. <b> <sub>6 </sub></b> Tai chi in particular works on all parts of the body. It "<em>stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, relieves stress and gently tones muscles without strain. It also enhances digestion, elimination of wastes and the circulation of blood. Moreover, tai chi's rhythmic movements massage the internal organs and improve their functionality.</em>" Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that illness is caused by blockages or lack of balance in the body's "chi" (intrinsic energy). Tai Chi is believed to balance this energy flow.</p></span><img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/EC_Johnson2000/Taoism.gif" /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><h3>Taoist Texts:</h3> <p>These include: </p> <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <!--msthemelist--><tbody><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><em>Tao-te-Ching</em> ("<em>The Way of Power</em>," or "<em>The Book of the Way</em>") is believed to have been written by Lao-Tse. It describes the nature of life, the way to peace and how a ruler should lead his life.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><em>Chuang-tzu</em> (named after its author) contains additional teachings.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><h3 align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">Quotations:</span></h3> <!--mstheme--><!--msthemelist--> <!--msthemelist--><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">"Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river<i>.</i>" Lao Tse.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">"Without going out of your door, You can know the ways of the world. Without peeping through your window, you can see the Way of Heaven. The farther you go, The less you know. Thus, the Sage knows without traveling, Sees without looking, And achieves without struggle." Lao Tse.<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">"Different Chinese philosophers, writing probably in 5-4 centuries B.C., presented some major ideas and a way of life that are nowadays known under the name of Taoism, the way of correspondence between man and the tendency or the course of natural world<i>.</i>" Alan Watts, from his book: "Tao: The Watercourse Way<i>.</i>"<!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;">"We believe in the formless and eternal Tao, and we recognize all personified deities as being mere human constructs. We reject hatred, intolerance, and unnecessary violence, and embrace harmony, love and learning, as we are taught by Nature. We place our trust and our lives in the Tao, that we may live in peace and balance with the Universe, both in this mortal life and beyond." Creed of the<i> Reform Taoist Congregation</i> <!--mstheme--></span><!--msthemelist--></td></tr> <!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="http://www.religioustolerance.org/_themes/topo/topbul1d.gif" alt="bullet" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" /></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><b>"</b></span>For more than two thousand years, Daoism has evolved in close interaction with the other major traditions of China--Confucianism, Buddhism, ethnic creeds, and popular religion--and adapted many of their features. To the present day, Daoism consists of a multiplicity of beliefs and practices, and continues to develop, as it has for the past millennia, through the interaction between differentiation and integration--the move to change in accordance with political, cultural, and economic developments versus the urge to create stability through belief systems, lineage lines, rituals, and myths.<span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><b>"</b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-22922128480005472052008-09-19T09:13:00.000-07:002008-09-19T09:18:25.498-07:00THE YIN-YANG SYMBOL<img src="http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/Ricohard1986/taoism.jpg" /><br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><p>This is a well known Taoist symbol. "<i>It represents the balance of opposites in the universe. When they are equally present, all is calm. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray.</i>"<b> </b>One source explains that it was derived from astronomical observations which recorded the shadow of the sun throughout a full year. </p><p>The two <span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms,arial,helvetica;"><img src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l79/oklahomalefty/tao.gif" /></span></span>swirling shapes inside the symbol give the impression of change -- the only constant factor in the universe. One tradition states that Yin (or Ying; the dark side) represents the breath that formed the earth. Yang (the light side) symbolizes the breath that formed the heavens. </p> <p>One source states: "<i>The most traditional view is that 'yin' represents aspects of the feminine: being soft, cool, calm, introspective, and healing... and "yang" the masculine: being hard, hot, energetic, moving, and sometimes aggressive. Another view has the 'yin' representing night and 'yang' day. </i></p> <p>Another source offers a different definition: A common misconception in the west is that "<i>...yin is soft and passive and yang is hard and energetic. Really it is yang that is soft and yin that is hard, this is because yang is energetic and yin is passive. Yin is like a rock and yang is like water or air, rock is heavy and hard and air is soft and energetic</i>." </p> <p>Allan Watts, describes the yin and yang as negative and positive energy poles: "<i>The ideograms indicate the sunny and shady sides of a hill....They are associated with the masculine and the feminine, the firm and the yielding, the strong and the weak, the light and the dark, the rising and the falling, heaven and earth, and they are even recognized in such everyday matters as cooking as the spicy and the bland</i>." <sub><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><b> </b></span></sub> </p> <p>However, since nothing in nature is purely black or purely white, the symbol includes a small black spot in the white swirl, and a corresponding white spot in the black swirl.</p> <p>Ultimately, the 'yin' and 'yang' can symbolize any two polarized forces in nature. Taosts believe that humans often intervene in nature and upset the balance of Yin and Yang. <br /></p></span> <img style="width: 295px; height: 160px;" src="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s186/shengie67/interesting%202008/taoism.jpg" />Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6309534209012112719.post-53722199571997865542008-09-19T09:04:00.000-07:002008-09-19T09:19:45.592-07:00HISTORY OF TAOISM<img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/EC_Johnson2000/Taoism.gif" /> <img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/EC_Johnson2000/Taoism.gif" /> <img src="http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d31/EC_Johnson2000/Taoism.gif" /><br /><img style="width: 216px; height: 162px;" src="http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff108/moondogny/taoism.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><p><b>Tao</b> (pronounced "<i>Dow</i>") can be roughly translated into English as <i>path, </i>or <i>the way</i>. It is basically indefinable. It has to be experienced. It "<i>refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)</i>" <b><sub>2</sub></b><sub> </sub></p> <p>The founder of Taoism is believed by many to be Lao-Tse (604-531 BCE), a contemporary of Confucius. (Alternative spellings: Lao Tze, Lao Tsu, Lao Tzu, Laozi, Laotze, etc.). He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted society during his lifetime. The result was his book:<em> Tao-te-Ching (a.k.a. Daodejing). </em>Others believe that he is a mythical character. </p> <p>Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but evolved into a religious faith in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state religion. At that time Lao-Tse became popularly venerated as a deity. Taoism, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, became one of the three great religions of China. With the end of the Ch'ing Dynasty in 1911, state support for Taoism ended. Much of the Taoist heritage was destroyed during the next period of warlordism. After the Communist victory in 1949, religious freedom was severely restricted. "<i>The new government put monks to manual labor, confiscated temples, and plundered treasures. Several million monks were reduced to fewer than 50,000</i>" by 1960. <b><sub>3</sub></b> During the cultural revolution in China from 1966 to 1976, much of the remaining Taoist heritage was destroyed. Some religious tolerance has been restored under Deng Xiao-ping from 1982 to the present time. </p> <p> Taoism currently has about 20 million followers, and is primarily centered in Taiwan. About 30,000 Taoists live in North America; 1,720 in Canada (1991 census). Taoism has had a significant impact on North American culture in areas of "<i>acupuncture, herbalism, holistic medicine, meditation and martial arts..</i></p><p><br /></p><p> <img style="width: 233px; height: 231px;" src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/DoubleJ2228/Taoism.jpg" /></p>Mysticalvillagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05757899373530727503noreply@blogger.com0