The Dragon's Head Blog

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. Volunteers prepare paper offerings for the souls of the departed in the Realm of Yin.

Throughout the vast world  May there be no anxiety and no hindrance. The cycles of death and life go on; What else could there be? If you go when you must go, How could you not be at ease? Turn your mind to the Tao And deliverance will quickly come! Chant encouraging souls of the departed to let go of attachments and […]

The last day of All Souls Festival brought together the caring intention of a thousand people chanting for the world and for those who have passed away. The ceremony leader reads a notice to the multitude of gathered souls, marked with a loud crash of cymbals!

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

There is a Chinese saying that “When the dead are at peace, then the living shall prosper.” By honoring and aiding the dead during the All Souls Festival, we hope to reduce suffering and to bring blessings in the worlds of the living and the dead.  Incense offerings during the All Souls Festival comfort the […]

As we prepare for All Souls Festival we compose ourselves We approach the tasks with respectful intention Carefully, and with reverence we place items on the altar Flowers, fruit, Jai, tea, wine We light incense It is muted, quiet We chant At closing it is joyful. Can I approach my life with the same respectful […]

All Souls Festival is a chance to bring peace to the countless souls through the ages who have died in circumstances of great suffering and have no one to care for them.

Goon Yam, Deity of Compassion, cares for all. “She seeks out and responds to the cries of the worldMoving her spirit and revealing her compassionHer enlightened virtue towers over allAnd her power is deep beyond measureThe netherworld awakens to receive the gift of deliveranceAll beings come to health and receive the gift of life” From […]

All Souls Festival gives souls a chance to listen to the wisdom of the sutras chanted during the days of the festival and become free by resolving any attachments, entanglements, or conflicts they had during their lifetimes.

Caring is at the heart of Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. It was deeply felt on day one of All Souls Festival when a thousand people from 26 countries brought their intention together chanting for the world and for those who have passed away.

Getting ready for the All Souls Festival, volunteers wash fruit and prepare jai vegetarian food as offerings. They also get ready to film the ceremony so participants around the world can join together to chant virtually.

We all have a relationship with our ancestors. All Souls Festival provides a way to care for & maintain harmony with them, which extends to our lives & communities. At the FLK International Centre the Columbarium, along with the cemetery and Memorial Hall, are permanent places to care for people after they have died.

At this time of year the temples bustle with activity. Volunteers at D’arcy Street Temple in Toronto prepare for the All Souls Festival. FLK All Souls Festival chanting ceremonies will take place virtually this year. 

All Souls Festival gives the living an opportunity to express filial piety, harmony and dedication by honouring ancestors, relatives and friends who have passed away.  Beautiful paper bags decorated with symbols of longevity, balance and comfort in the afterlife hold paper offerings to be burnt. FLK All Souls Festival chanting ceremonies will take place virtually this year. 

Paper offerings help the souls.  FLK All Souls Festival chanting ceremonies will take place virtually this year.  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 […]

All Souls Festival is one of the most important times of year in the Taoist calendar. It provides an opportunity for the living to honour those who have passed away. Volunteers prepare paper offerings for the souls of the departed in the Realm of Yin.  FLK All Souls Festival chanting ceremonies will take place virtually this […]

FLK held virtual All Souls chanting ceremonies online this year. In Chinese culture the All Souls Festival is one of the most important festivals of the year.  The All Souls Festival gives souls a chance to listen to the wisdom of the sutras chanted during the days of the festival and become free by resolving any […]

Last Saturday, the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism  offered an opportunity to observe and or participate in the All Souls Festival in a live online format following the weekly chanting opportunity.  Being familiar with some other traditions for the deceased, I was intrigued and curious but intended to just ” stay for awhile”.  Long […]

  Throughout the period of All Souls Festivals we have offered chanting opportunities and held two day events to align with each of the three Festivals held at the International Centre, Wong Dai Seen Temple and at D’Arcy Street this month.  Joining with others around the world we came together to provide help to those […]