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.
Care Offerings
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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.
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.
Deep, and still light
The ability to let go, that we train, extends to letting go of having – there, somewhere – a goal to achieve: in fact, you finally find out that the goal is the path itself, where we commit to keep walking, along with so many (and so much different) others and with his wise teachings as a guide.
A sudden lightness emerges from this great deal of “trust you can trust”, powerfully based on experience.
No theories, nothing to believe in, nothing to agree with: so restful!
Nothing to study and a lot to learn just from practicing, keeping connected and following with confidence.
P.T Italy
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. Volunteers prepare paper offerings for the souls of the departed in the Realm of Yin.
Goon Yam Festival
Yesterday Fung Loy Kok participants from around the world chanted to celebrate and be inspired by Goon Yam (Guanyin), the bodhisattva of compassion. Through chanting together our intention is to bring greater peace and harmony to the world.
Self Practice
I have gained a deeper understanding of the organization and Master Moy’s teachings after attending the virtual sessions for the last two years. A simple message has guided us: self practice. Although the message is simple, to carry it out requires diligent practice.
When I first started to practice on my own, it was hard to concentrate. It was difficult to find time when there were always tasks to do at home. However, it became easier with time. I now feel calm when I do the movements. Self practice helps me to gain physical health, and the feeling allows me to connect to the stillness inside. Although the focus of his teachings has never changed, it has taken me a long time to understand it.
As my understanding of his teachings grows, the word “balance” takes on a new meaning. I now realize that balance applies to everything that I do.
~Rita
The Journey
In the early fall I noticed a delicate pink lily was peeking out of a potentilla bush. I realized that the lily had embarked on a difficult journey to reach the light, persevering through dense foliage. With commitment and time, it succeeded.
That lily prompted me to reflect on my own journey on the path as a practitioner of the Taoist Tai Chi® arts, and of Master Moy’s teachings.
Although I have been practicing for a number of years, it has been the past twenty months that have had the greatest impact on my learning. The opportunity and privilege to attend weekly virtual gatherings are invaluable. Hearing the stories and learning more about his teachings from the directors are enabling me to develop a deeper understanding of his simple messages: the dan yu, the tor yu, balance, practice, relax and just let go. I am reaping the rewards of regular chanting as a spiritual benefit. It also contributes to my physical, emotional and mental well-being.
A better understanding of his teachings has allowed me to integrate them into other areas of my life. It has taken a while, but I now comprehend the true meaning of the 24/7, and ‘everything is everything’ concepts in this journey. His teachings are simple but not easy. Sometimes I struggle, find it challenging and falter, but just like the lily my path is defined and my journey continues.
Barbara
The Key
Being stuck in a traffic jam, witnessing an animated conversation, waiting in a long line are some situations that have long exasperated me. Now I take advantage of these opportunities to cultivate my compassion, my patience, and my sensitivity. I am learning to be mindful of my own reactions and those of others. I appreciate the tranquility that, over time, settles into my being. The regular practice of Taoist Tai Chi® arts has become the key for me to find peace, balance and harmony in my daily life.
~Frédéric
Moving in Harmony in Florida
More than 40 participants gathered over Memorial Day Weekend at the International Center in Dunedin, Florida, for the first national retreat of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA since the pandemic began. Among those in the group were most of the members of the USA Board of Directors, members of Regional Management Committees, local Branch Councils, and other participants, who traveled from across the country for the in-person gathering. With more than 10,000 square feet of space in the center’s practice hall, it was easy for the small group to keep socially distant while doing sets, working on coiling, expansion and contraction, reviewing concepts of Chinese medicine, discussing administrative topics, and reflecting on Master Moy’s teachings. Together the group also tuned into the Saturday morning discussion broadcast over Zoom. The USA Annual Meeting was conducted during the weekend.
Following the CDC guidelines for Pinellas County, in which Dunedin is located, it was recommended that retreat participants wear masks indoors at all times. Unlike at previous retreats, meals were not made or consumed on site. Instead, participants were encouraged to eat outdoors at restaurants, order take out or delivery, or otherwise provision themselves safely from the town’s offerings.
On the last morning the group reflected on their experience and what they would bring back with them to their local branches. “The feeling was really intimate, and at the same time collective,” said one participant from New York City. Another from Chicago added, “I would like to bring back with me to my sessions at home the feeling of working individually together that we experienced here.”
Due to rising coronavirus infection numbers for the county and the potentially spike that often follows holiday weekends, the board made the prudent, if difficult, decision to postpone the two subsequent retreats scheduled for the following weeks. These will be rescheduled when the local infection rate returns to an acceptable level.