The Dragon's Head Blog

More than 1600 bags of offerings are prepared for the deceased. They are filled with over 220,000 pieces of paper money folded by many volunteers. In the temple’s memorial hall 1,300 plaques are installed to commemorate loved ones who have passed.

Today Fung Loy Kok participants from around the world chanted to celebrate and be inspired by Goon Yam (Guanyin), the bodhisattva of compassion. Our intention is to bring greater peace and harmony to the world.

In traditional Taoist belief, souls of the dead continue to need care from those in the world of the living. Offerings to them include items for daily use such as food, shelter, clothing and money.

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 […]

Today we celebrate the Southern Dipper Festival. The Southern Dipper, together with the Northern Dipper, grants longevity.

Have a look at this documentary examining the practices taught by Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. It explores how Taoist spirituality is rooted in the cultivation of health through the transformation of body, mind and spirit.  Click to watch full video

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 […]

The Bodhisattva Goon Yam (Guanyin) inspires us to take to heart her example of compassion. Fung Loy Kok participants from many countries chant to pay respect to Goon Yam and to express our intention to bring peace and harmony to the world.  

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 […]