The Dragon's Head Blog
All Souls Festival #6 Beautiful Bags
All Souls Festival gives the living an opportunity to express filial piety, harmony and dedication by honouring ancestors, relatives and friends who have passed away.
All Souls Festival #5 Volunteers
At this time of year the temples bustle with activity. Volunteers at the Fung Loy Kok International Centre prepare for the All Souls Festival. They wash fruit, prepare jai vegetarian food as offerings and fill bags with paper offerings.
Wong Ling Goon Festival
As a powerful deity, Wong Ling Goon used the teachings to transform himself so that his strength would protect the path of Taoism. Today Fung Loy Kok participants from around the world chanted to celebrate Wong Ling Goon, the Guardian of the Tao.
All Souls Festival #4 Commemorating Loved Ones
More than 1600 bags of offerings are prepared for the deceased. They are filled with over 220,000 pieces of paper money folded by many volunteers. In the temple’s memorial hall 1,300 plaques are installed to commemorate loved ones who have passed.
Goon Yam Festival
Today Fung Loy Kok participants from around the world chanted to celebrate and be inspired by Goon Yam (Guanyin), the bodhisattva of compassion. Our intention is to bring greater peace and harmony to the world.
All Souls Festival #3 Care Offerings
In traditional Taoist belief, souls of the dead continue to need care from those in the world of the living. Offerings to them include items for daily use such as food, shelter, clothing and money.
All Souls Festival #2 Paper Offerings
Buddhist and Taoist temples around the world observe All Souls Festival during the first half of the 7th lunar month when the gates of the realm of the dead are opened and the souls of the deceased can receive offerings. Paper offerings help the souls.
All Souls Festival #1 Paper Money
All Souls Festival is one of the most important times of year in the Taoist calendar. It provides an opportunity for the living to honor those who have passed away.
All Souls Festival – August 25-28
All Souls Festival Everyone Welcome Friday, August 25 to Monday, August 28th Learn more at https://www.taoist.org/all-souls/
A Special Moment
A special moment: view through the Chi Wo Tan Temple window at the International Centre near Orangeville, Ontario.
Sense of Shame
Conscious of the impact of actions and having the humility to rectify them. Part 8 of the series: Reflections on the 8 Virtues.
Transmission
While watching a film by Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism about the All Souls Festival, a scene caught my eye: a woman preparing to burn a bag of offerings. She is moved, her voice shakes, you can hear the paper of the bag crumpling and the fire roaring in the background. Our personal lives connect […]
Honor
Having integrity, incorruptibility, and taking only what is deserved. Part 7 of the series: Reflections on the 8 Virtues.
Sacrifice
Courage to do what is right. Purity of heart and purpose. Part 6 of the series: Reflections on the 8 Virtues.
Propriety
Courtesy, politeness, decorum, and manners promote harmony. Part 5 of the series: Reflections on the 8 Virtues.
Stop cart and ask directions
On arrival, the Centre atmosphere was full of a quiet energy; clean and fresh with nothing out of place; the garden was a joy. The kitchen was ready. The volunteers from the sessions had been busy caring for our home in preparation for the arrival of visiting members. Built on the foundation of the Saturday […]
Southern Dipper Festival
Today we celebrate the Southern Dipper Festival. The Southern Dipper, together with the Northern Dipper, grants longevity.
Trustworthiness
The sincere and honest intention to keep one’s promises. Part 4 of the series: Reflections on the 8 Virtues.
Dedication
Reflections on the 8 Virtues: DedicationLoyalty – Faithfulness – Commitment Every day I get up early in the morning to practice Taoist Tai Chi® arts in the alleyway, behind my home. During these early hours, I rarely see anyone. One person that I do occasionally see, is a practitioner of Orthodox Judaism. Dressed in a long black […]
Applying His Teachings as I Age
Aging is giving me perspective on why we are encouraged to practice the Taoist Tai Chi® arts daily. It takes ongoing perseverance to prevent worry from taking up space in my mind and blocking the path forward. Whatever I need to face life’s challenges has been gifted to me through his teachings. I only need to be […]
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