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    Taoist Rituals and Ceremonies

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    Taoist Rituals and Ceremonies

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    16 views2 pages

    Taoist Rituals and Ceremonies

    Uploaded by

    moviezx143

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    Taoist Rituals and Ceremonies: Exploring the Traditions and

    Customs of Taoism
    In every religion, there are some rites and rituals. People of those religions and of that belief
    follow the traditions and conduct several ceremonies to perform that. Our ancestors mainly
    design these rituals to connect the body with the mind easily by dancing, singing, chanting,
    and performing rituals. In this article, we will discuss and explore the traditions and customs
    of some significant rituals and ceremonies that believers of Taoism perform. We will know
    what exactly is making them so enthusiastic for them.
    Every ritual has rules meant to be followed, as in Taoism.
    Rituals
    The Taoist calendar defines an amalgamation of various sources and varies according to
    region and temple. More prominent festivals last for days. Few major festivals also last for 6-
    7 days. A celebration over two days consists of more than 15 rites and corresponding texts.
    Each ritual lasts for one to several hours. However, each ceremony consists of critical stages
    at every level of its performance. Some stages: purification, invocation of the deities, prayers,
    concentration, dances, and many more things.
    There are two major types of rituals and ceremonies followed.

    How many types of rituals are there mainly?


    • Funeral Rites
    • Rites on behalf of local communities
     Funeral Rites: these kinds of rites are performed on behalf of ancestors by some sects,
    sometimes in tandem with Buddhist priests.
     Rites on behalf of local communities: In this type of rite, tens or even hundreds of
    villages are involved. They could last up to 12 days or more. They can be costly and
    conducted through donations from the households of those participant villages. They also
    consist of gatherings, a military parade, and everyday meals for all the villagers and
    participants.
    Importance of rightly performed rituals
    When performing the rituals, it's essential to avoid making mistakes. Every step and
    recitation should be done correctly and without problems. Apprenticed Taoshi are musicians.
    More experienced trainees help by lighting incense and saying specific parts.
    The central part of the ritual is done by five Taoshi: A leader and four helpers. One of these
    assistants leads the complicated and elaborate processions and dances and knows the whole
    order of ceremonies that make up the complete ritual. Another person gets ready beforehand
    for every communication with the heavenly government that is used throughout the entire
    ceremony. They say all the prayers, blessings, and texts for cleaning, uplifting, and admitting
    wrongdoing.
    During many activities, the Great Master gets ready for his job, speaking softly to himself
    and gesturing with his hands hidden in his sleeves. Sometimes, he picks up the incense burner
    and holds it while taking deep breaths. He faces different directions and also burns special
    symbols or essential documents. Firstly, he performs the actions described in the texts his
    assistant reads aloud but does it inside himself.
    Taoist rituals are very colorful, filled with music, stylish, and incense at the same time.

    conclusion
    Rituals of Taoism focus on one feeling the connection of the mind with the body to master
    Taoism. Every tradition or belief deserves the utmost respect. Taoism has been followed
    since the 4th century BC. Many of the sages in China preached to people over there for this
    philosophy.

    "Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure, it is in decay."
    ― J. Krishnamurthy
    In China, Taoists follow their rituals sincerely and perform every rite with their heart.
    Few Chinese dramas also follow Taoist rituals as their drama content. They made this festival
    more stylish than it had ever been. Lastly, Taoist philosophy is one of the world's most
    ancient and essential.

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