The Dragon's Head Blog
International Day of Peace
Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism wishes peace and harmony to all peoples of the world on this International Day of Peace.
Arthritis Awareness
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 […]
Posture
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
Finding Harmony 2
“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 […]
Taoist Tai Chi® practice and weightlifting
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 […]
Finding Harmony
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 […]
Increased Energy
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 […]
Working in Harmony
“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
All Souls Festival 15 – Synopsis
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 […]
All Souls Festival 14 – Cymbals
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!
All Soul’s Festival 13-Memorial Altar Offerings
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.
All Souls Festival 12 – Incense
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 […]
All Souls Festival 11 – Preparing
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 10 – Bringing Peace
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.
All Souls Festival 9 – Goon Yam, Deity of Compassion
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 8 – Chanting
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.
All Souls Festival 7 – Caring
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.
All Souls Festival 6 – Fruit
Getting ready for the All Souls Festival, volunteers wash fruit and prepare jai vegetarian food as offerings. They also get ready to film the ceremony so participants around the world can join together to chant virtually.
All Souls Festival 5 – Ancestors
We all have a relationship with our ancestors. All Souls Festival provides a way to care for & maintain harmony with them, which extends to our lives & communities. At the FLK International Centre the Columbarium, along with the cemetery and Memorial Hall, are permanent places to care for people after they have died.
All Souls Festival 4 – Volunteers
At this time of year the temples bustle with activity. Volunteers at D’arcy Street Temple in Toronto prepare for the All Souls Festival. FLK All Souls Festival chanting ceremonies will take place virtually this year.
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