Friday, December 19, 2008

International Inter-religious Conference on Faith in Human Rights

International Inter-religious Conference on Faith in Human Rights
at The Peace Palace in The Hague, 10 December 2008


Rev Master Lee Zhi-Wang presented a copy of The Tao Inspiration- Tao Te Ching to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.


Address by Reverend Master LEE Zhi-Wang representing Taoism:

Your Majesty The Queen, very esteemed religious leaders, distinguished statesman and dignitaries, I extend you my warm greetings:

“Fu Sheng Wu Liang Tian Zun” May Heavenly Blessings Be With You. Humbly, I share my Taoist support today.

The approach to peaceful coexistence can be achieved – a guidance given by our Supreme Patriarch of Taoism, Lao Zi in his classic Tao Te Ching Chapter 79, “Reconciliations are pledged but resentments always remain; how can this be made good? Practice humility give without taking and do not exploit. Tao of Heaven is impartial, and it often helps those with virtues.”

Taoist teaching in Tao Te Ching Chapter 25 also states that “Besides the Great Tao, Heaven and Earth, Man is one of the great things in the universe.” Man and the Great Tao, Heaven and Earth are one harmony entity. This harmonious entity is achievable when one respects the equality and right of existence of all other living entities. A person is not the centre of the universe rather he is just a member of the universe.

Our Taoist community is constantly reminded to “Conduct one’s life with the Sage’s three most precious treasures, the first is Compassion; the second is Frugality and the third is Humility” of Tao Te Ching Chapter 67. These three commendable qualities are fast diminishing in human, which onsets loss of integrity, trust, respect, filial piety and justice amongst men; thus disharmony, disputes and dominance are the eventualities.

I am happy to be here today as a member of the World Council of Religions for Peace who has deeply supported the importance of freedom of religious belief and practice. The organization is built on respect for each religious tradition, and our structure, based on the principle of representativity, allows equal opportunity of participation for our broad and quite diverse membership, spanning six continents and including the world’s major religious communities.

Religious leaders and their communities with their unparalleled ability have to continuously and strongly deepen the culture of education of goodness of man and virtues. Emphasis has to be made on understanding human right needs to simultaneously promote values and commitment to a complementary spirit of responsibility; strengthen and harness the potential and energies of justice, forgiveness, respect, hope and reconciliation.

In Tao Te Ching’s final Chapter 81 it indicates clearly “The Tao of Heaven benefits but does not injure. The man of Tao acts but does not content.” The Tao guiding principle to survival of humanity is: Peace is the man; Harmony comes from the man who gives without contention. This is exactly the crowning code of human conduct and dignity.

Fellow esteemed religious leaders, as we come joined hands to support this Statement Faith in Human Rights, we symbolize the harmonious relationships that exist and the mutual respect we have for one another. And, I respectfully appeal to people of faith to join in the common work of building peace for mankind as a whole with equality and sincerity to provide a ‘peaceful global world’ for all of us.

“Wu Liang Shou Fu” With Heavenly Blessings and May Peace Be With You.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Released at:
The Peace Palace,
The Hague, The Netherlands
Justitia Et Pax
10 December 2008

Rev Master Lee Zhi-Wang
Co-President of World Council of Religions for Peace
President of Taoist Mission (Singapore)

PS: For Chinese version of speech please refer to our main website at http://www.taoism.org.sg/

Thursday, December 4, 2008

2008戊子年道教节庆典回顾

2008戊子年道教节庆典回顾












Monday, December 1, 2008

INVITATION TO TAKE UP ADVERTISEMENT SPACE

INVITATION TO TAKE UP ADVERTISEMENT SPACE in
“Taoist Day 2009” 1st Joint Celebration Commemorative Handbook


Dear Commonpaths and Friends,


Taoist Mission (Singapore) and Tek Hay Bio, Semarang Indonesia will jointly organised the Taoist Day 2009, 05 to 12 March 2009. The Opening Ceremony will be held on 05 March in Semarang Indonesia while the Closing Ceremony will be held on 12 March in Singapore.
Our mission of education on Taoism and Chinese practices has now carried us to Semarang Indonesia where we established the Quanzhen Tradition of Taoism lineage and conducted Taoism studies.

We seek your support in publishing the “Taoist Day 2009” Commemorative Handbook by signing up for the advertisement space. Commemorative Handbook comes in 3 languages, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia and English. Relevant and useful information on Taoism will be printed in the handbook.

The handbook will be given out to our attendees and guests throughout the Taoist Day 2009 Celebration, in both countries, Singapore and Indonesia (Semarang). In addition, it will be presented to overseas guests and international associates during visits and exchange programmes. Hence, awareness of your organisation will be brought globally and not just restricted to Singapore.

We are appealing to yourself and would like to invite your organisation in taking up the advertisement space. Your enthusiastic participation is a deed of kindness - merit ‘gongde’ which will assist us tremendously in our endeavours.

Should you require any further information and clarifications, please call us at 65-6295 6112 or 6295 6113 or email us at info@taoism.org.sg

福生无量天尊 “Fu Sheng Wu Liang Tian Zun” May Heavenly Blessings Be With You.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

2008戊子年九皇法会 2008 Nine Emperor Festival

2008戊子年九皇法会 2008 Nine Emperor Festival



道协茶话会- 礼斗拜九皇与提升您的运气
TM's Tea Session on How Li Dou Ritual and Nine Emperor worship enhances you luck
李至旺道长向信徒解释科仪的意义
Rev Master Lee explaining the significance of the ritual


上香礼拜
Offering of incense
礼斗科仪- 诚心朝拜北斗九皇星君
Li Dou Ritual - Worship of the North Dipper (Nine Emperors)

Sunday, September 7, 2008

道教资讯环球联系 TAOISM INFO Global Connection


道教资讯环球联系 之友
Friends of TAOISM INFO Global Connection


在现代物质文明与现代化宗教的冲击下,多元而且组织散漫的道教呈现出无可避免的弱化与消颓倾向,道法日益流失,传承制度日益不全,道学隐而不彰,到处富丽堂皇的宫庙道观,多走向民俗信仰'有庙无教的'不成熟的拟似宗教局面,深深令人叹惋与痛惜! 其中关键之一,系长久以来,道教界一直缺少一个被广泛接受的刊物,使得道教界处于一种闭塞的落伍情况,有以致之。 … 摘自《道教月刊》发行刊社评

《道教月刊》从2008年7月开始,正式委托新加坡道教协会在新加坡设立联络处,做为它在东南亚的代理,负责东南亚 (新加坡'马来西亚'印度尼西亚) 地区之发行及新闻采访。新加坡道教协会本着成立的宗旨,一为强化弘道阐教及联系工作,二为支持该刊物得以扩大在东南亚的发展,欣然接受此委托,于本会所设立办事处,让此刊物从今日起正式于本区域发行。为更好的推动联系工作,今特成立 道教资讯环球联系 TAOISM INFO Global Connection,招募本地区之宫庙及道教人士加入成为道教资讯环球联系之友。我们熱烈欢迎您的加入!
更多详情请游览主页:http://www.taoism.org.sg/

INTRODUCING the Taoist magazine linking commonpaths and friends on
Taoist news & happenings;
Taoism traditions & practices;
Tao teachings and philosophy …
be it cultural, religious or philosophical ….. be in touch with us!!!

"TAOISM NEWS" Magazine

A quote from TAOISM NEWS Publication Editorial:
“With our contemporary society becoming increasingly materialistic and religions shifting from traditions to modernity, Taoism with its diverse practices and fragile establishment dramatically withered is facing great challenges ahead. The teaching of Tao is fast diminishing, its lineage of transmission is inadequate and the philosophy of Tao is neglected.
Grand and majestic Taoist temples and shrines are walking the path of folklore beliefs. Taoist places of worship basically lack proper religious education and propagation; religious events and activities are immaturely held. To see Taoism in this state is really lamentable. One of the main causes is that for a very long time, Taoism lacks a religious publication that is widely read and accepted. Hence, the Taoist community is ignorant to news and updates outside their local community.”


In July 2008, TAOISM NEWS Head Office (Taiwan) officially appointed TAOIST MISSION (SINGAPORE) as their SOUTH-EAST ASIA CIRCULATION & EDITORIAL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVE. The South-East Asia Liaison Office is located in Singapore which will oversee the TAOISM NEWS circulation, distribution and editorial desk for the region currently covering Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Taoist Mission (Singapore) with its key objective, propagating Taoist religion and teachings, takes privilege in accepting the undertaking of promoting TAOISM NEWS in South-East Asia. For the purpose of co-ordinating effective communication, Taoist Mission (Singapore) has launched a network “TAOISM INFO Global Connection” to link interested persons and commonpaths in this region to be friends of this meaningful undertaking.

We cordially invite you to be a Friend of ‘TAOISM INFO Global Connection’. Your noble aid will support the publication’s continuity. All are welcome.
More info at our mainpage: http://www.taoism.org.sg/