The Dragon's Head Blog
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 […]
Sibling Harmony
Reflections on the 8 Virtues: Sibling Harmony To live at peace as brothers and sisters – Respectful of others The Confucian virtue of Sibling Harmony counsels us to live in peace with our brothers and sisters and to be respectful. Following the death of my older brother, this virtue was of key importance for me. Despite my grief […]
Filial Piety
Reflections on the 8 Virtues: Filial Piety Reverence and loving care of our parents – teachers – elders The practice of working together and taking care of others, a core element of our training, has helped me enormously. I came from a dysfunctional background and for as long as I can remember, I […]
Motions of the Tao
Have a look at this documentary examining the practices taught by Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. It explores how Taoist spirituality is rooted in the cultivation of health through the transformation of body, mind and spirit. Click to watch full video
Tin Hau Festival
Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism celebrates the Festival of Tin Hau (Empress of Heaven) today with chanting for the world. Tin Hau represents devotion, sincerity, care and protection and is known for rescuing people in distress, especially those at sea. She is particularly venerated in the coastal areas of China and by Chinese communities worldwide.
The Power of Softness
A 7-day Taoist Retreat in the European Centre helped us see a way to live our lives more peacefully, developing healthier habits through daily practise; not rushing, not worrying, but taking the time to be soft, feel the inside, balance and improve step by step. We were helped to see the importance of a strong […]
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