Taoist Altar
[Enlarge and look around.]
The Chinese community in the north-east of Tasmania during the 1880s were largely followers of Shen, or the Taoist religion, and their elaborately decorated temples were lovingly cared for. Europeans referred to them as "Joss Houses". This name possibly derives from an Anglicised form of "deus", a Portuguese word for God (originally derived from Latin). This would most likely have come from the Portuguese colony of Macau. "Joss-sticks" referred to the incense sticks that were prominent in temple worship.
The Guan Di Temple, or Guan Di Miào, refers to a place where the Tao is observed and cultivated. "Tao" means the Way of virtuous conduct which leads to enlightenment and prosperity. Taoists have absolute reverence for life because all life is sacred. Living in harmony with nature is essential for the Tao. And since Taoism believes in the eternal spirit it involves not just the current generation of people, but in fact all the ancestors as well. This is why respect and prayers for one's ancestors is so vital in the practice of this religion. Taoism, like all the perennial religions, is essentially Traditionalist in its outlook.
Taoism has been connected to the philosopher Lao Tzu, who around 500 BCE wrote the main sacred text of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2EAPTlGCyc
Taoist Altar
[Enlarge and look around.]
The Chinese community in the north-east of Tasmania during the 1880s were largely followers of Shen, or the Taoist religion, and their elaborately decorated temples were lovingly cared for. Europeans referred to them as "Joss Houses". This name possibly derives from an Anglicised form of "deus", a Portuguese word for God (originally derived from Latin). This would most likely have come from the Portuguese colony of Macau. "Joss-sticks" referred to the incense sticks that were prominent in temple worship.
The Guan Di Temple, or Guan Di Miào, refers to a place where the Tao is observed and cultivated. "Tao" means the Way of virtuous conduct which leads to enlightenment and prosperity. Taoists have absolute reverence for life because all life is sacred. Living in harmony with nature is essential for the Tao. And since Taoism believes in the eternal spirit it involves not just the current generation of people, but in fact all the ancestors as well. This is why respect and prayers for one's ancestors is so vital in the practice of this religion. Taoism, like all the perennial religions, is essentially Traditionalist in its outlook.
Taoism has been connected to the philosopher Lao Tzu, who around 500 BCE wrote the main sacred text of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2EAPTlGCyc