My Diary

The famous mother temple of Zhang Gong Sheng Jun, also known as Fazhugong, is located on Mount Shiniu in Dehua County. The temple is situated in a cave approximately 1700 meters above sea level, known as Shihudong. According to folk tales, the cave was once inhabited by five ghosts who were eventually captured by Fazhugong and his two brothers. This deity is depicted with unkempt long hair, holding a sword in one hand and entangled with a snake in the other. The air at Shihudong remains fresh throughout the year. Standing outside the cave and admiring the beauty of the vast clouds gives one a feeling of heaven on earth and comfort. During temple celebrations, numerous devotees from China, Taiwan, and Malaysia gather. They wake up early to trek up to the cave, hoping to catch the sunrise at Shihudong. On the auspicious annual thanksgiving day, our Taoist priest initiates the ceremony by beating a drum, followed by the crackle of gunfire, symbolizing hopes for prosperity and good fortune

Ancestor worship in Chinese tradition is a deeply rooted practice aimed at honoring ancestors, seeking their guidance, and ensuring their continued spiritual well-being in the afterlife. It reflects cultural values of filial piety, respect for elders, and the importance of familial connections across generations. In Chinese tradition, bereaved family members of a deceased will set up a home altar for the purpose of ancestor worship after the funeral. The altar normally includes a photograph of the deceased, an inscription of its name on a memorial tablet, and an urn for offerings. Daily or twice-daily offerings are made to ensure the deceased has a good start in the afterlife. Necessities such as the deceased's favorite food and drink are placed on the altar. After 49 days, the altar is usually taken down, which marks the period during which the deceased is believed to undergo judgment in the netherworld. Following this, the deceased is worshipped alongside all other ancestors of t

Last year, I was asked to conduct a funeral ceremony for a relative of my friend in Jakarta City, Indonesia. Among the Chinese, filial piety is a core moral value, and worshiping ancestors from generation to generation has been practiced since childhood. Chinese descendants generally believe that honoring ancestors and continuing their good deeds will ensure prosperity for future generations, while neglecting this responsibility may bring about adverse consequences. The concept of salvation for ancestors is rooted in the belief that deceased family members continue to exist in some form and can influence the fortunes of the living. This belief underscores the importance of maintaining familial ties and honoring ancestors through rituals and offerings. The deceased was an elderly lady who hailed from Putian County in Fujian Province, China. Inside the mourning hall, it was customary to place two incense urns for prayer purposes: one set for immediate family members and another set for f