The Dragon's Head Blog

Participants of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism around the world chanted together on September 29 to celebrate the festival of Wong Dai Sin. He was a simple shepherd who displayed great virtue and is said to have cultivated immortality by practising the Taoist Arts. His story tells us that with a good heart anyone […]

Liseth W. of our Costa Rica affiliate brushes knees at Manuel Antonio Beach on the Central Pacific Coast in Costa Rica. Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We cannot guarantee publication, but […]

On September 21 participants of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism chanted in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The autumn moon is a time when families and friends come together to appreciate what we received over the past year. Together, while enjoying mooncakes, we wish each other good health and longevity.

Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism wishes peace and harmony to all peoples of the world on this International Day of Peace.  

My arthritis is called ankylosing spondylitis and it affects my spine. When the inflammation is happening, it’s very painful.  
 I’ve been doing Taoist Tai Chi® arts ever since I was first diagnosed, and that’s what I mostly use to manage the pain.  It keeps me moving … and if I don’t move, I seize up. My […]

When I prepare meals, I apply the principles taught in the Taoist Tai Chi® practice. I keep my posture aligned, allowing my chest to be open and my shoulders to be relaxed. This simple detail makes my back pain disappear.  ~Christine

“Wherever you are, you can find a danyu bar.” – Rich P. of Dunedin, FL, doing assisted danyus at Lobster Buoy campsite in South Thomaston, Maine Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We […]

I have been practicing Taoist Tai Chi® arts consistently since I turned 28. Now 22 years later and through many years of competing nationally and internationally as an Olympic-style weightlifter and powerlifter, I find that Taoist Tai Chi® practice is an integral part of my physical, mental and spiritual health. I am proud of my history as an […]

Brendan F. of Buffalo, NY, takes Taoist Tai Chi® arts to new heights at the Grand Canyon.  Please send images of your self practice—ideally with a local landmark or other indication of your location —along with your name, branch, location, and permission to publish to blog.usa@taoist.org. We cannot guarantee publication, but we will try our […]

I take prescription medication that suppresses central nervous system activity, making it hard for me to get up in the morning. In BC, the online chanting and Board of Directors discussions take place on Saturday mornings at 6:30 am. When the suspension of in-person activities happened, I was excited to have the opportunity to chant […]

“When I’m playing, everything is working in harmony. Mind, body, music. Harmony and dissonance are so important in music. Taoist Tai Chi® practice has enriched my idea of harmony and everything working together. I can feel when it’s all coming together.” ~Oren, NYC  

Throughout the vast world  May there be no anxiety and no hindrance. The cycles of death and life go on; What else could there be? If you go when you must go, How could you not be at ease? Turn your mind to the Tao And deliverance will quickly come! Chant encouraging souls of the departed to let go of attachments and […]

The last day of All Souls Festival brought together the caring intention of a thousand people chanting for the world and for those who have passed away. The ceremony leader reads a notice to the multitude of gathered souls, marked with a loud crash of cymbals!

In traditional Taoist belief, souls of the dead continue to need care from those in the world of living. Offerings to them include items for daily use such as food, shelter, clothing and money.

There is a Chinese saying that “When the dead are at peace, then the living shall prosper.” By honoring and aiding the dead during the All Souls Festival, we hope to reduce suffering and to bring blessings in the worlds of the living and the dead.  Incense offerings during the All Souls Festival comfort the […]

As we prepare for All Souls Festival we compose ourselves We approach the tasks with respectful intention Carefully, and with reverence we place items on the altar Flowers, fruit, Jai, tea, wine We light incense It is muted, quiet We chant At closing it is joyful. Can I approach my life with the same respectful […]

All Souls Festival is a chance to bring peace to the countless souls through the ages who have died in circumstances of great suffering and have no one to care for them.

Goon Yam, Deity of Compassion, cares for all. “She seeks out and responds to the cries of the worldMoving her spirit and revealing her compassionHer enlightened virtue towers over allAnd her power is deep beyond measureThe netherworld awakens to receive the gift of deliveranceAll beings come to health and receive the gift of life” From […]

All Souls Festival gives souls a chance to listen to the wisdom of the sutras chanted during the days of the festival and become free by resolving any attachments, entanglements, or conflicts they had during their lifetimes.

Caring is at the heart of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. It was deeply felt on day one of All Souls Festival when a thousand people from 26 countries brought their intention together chanting for the world and for those who have passed away.