The Dragon's Head Blog

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 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 Everyone Welcome Friday, August 25 to Monday, August 28th  Learn more at https://www.taoist.org/all-souls/

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 […]

In March, eighty participants traveled from all over New Zealand to take part in a one-day Retreat hosted by the Wellington branch, which was also a celebration marking 30 years of Taoist TaiChi™ arts for their Branch. A cake-cutting ceremony was held, with bubbles for a toast. Thefestivities continued in the evening with a formal […]

Recognizing the powerful effect of Taoist Tai Chi® practice on mental health.

Wishing prosperity and blessings to all in the Year of the Rabbit!

Volunteers have been busy at the Fung Loy Kok International Centre hanging beautiful lanterns and blessings.

新年快樂 身體健康！ Sharing good wishes near and far for health and harmony in the Year of the Rabbit!

One night during the recent five-day December retreat at the International Center in Dunedin,Florida, local branches—from Dunedin, Greater Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg—gatheredto do a demo of the Taoist Tai Chi® arts at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, Florida,during their Holiday Lights celebration. The gardens were aglow with more than a milliontwinkling LED lights […]

New Zealand held its first one-day National Retreat since the pandemic at the Bay of Plenty Branch’s new premises at the Tauranga Racecourse in the middle of October. There was a buzz of excitement as participants from across New Zealand arrived and friends greeted one another face to face for the first time in two […]

During the All Souls Festival I saw respect and caring for the souls who have passed over and the love and caring that was given through the acts of chanting and the many pledges.  Seeing the altars carefully prepared was beautifully sacred and inspired me to set up my own altar in my home.  This […]

A few days ago we, at the Greater Miami Branch, had a very special celebration. Felicia Ponzano, a participant of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA for the past 28 years, reached her 100th birthday! Not only that, but the week prior to her birthday, she had successfully renewed her precious driver’s license—precious […]

On July 16, 2022, members of the Portland Taoist Tai Chi® branch held an all-day demo at TeaFestPDX.  The branch has participated in this event since its inception six years ago and has enjoyed a very positive relationship with the organizers. The event returned this year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. 70 vendors […]

Many participants have reflected on their experiences during the recent All Souls Festival celebrations. Below are some of the comments received on Facebook. I feel the All Souls Festival is a time of special connection for us with our ancestors and ALL souls. And feeling it so strongly now, that the connection carries on throughout the […]

Throughout the vast worldMay 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 TaoAnd deliverance will quickly come! Chanting encouraging souls of the departed to let go of attachments and […]

There is a Chinese saying “When the dead are at peace, then the living shall prosper.” All Souls Festival gives the living an opportunity to express filial piety, harmony and dedication.  In honouring and aiding the dead during All Souls Festival, we reduce suffering and bring blessings to the worlds of the living and the […]

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.