The Gold Goodness Temple - Jindeyuan

Seng Hong Ya - God of City Protector

In the people’s heart, Seng Hong Ya is a court official in the hereafter (afterlife), who can fill up the court weakness in the world, so that Seng Hong Ya is considerably respected by common people. Belief in Seng Hong Ya was originating from worship to 水庸神 Shui Yong Shen (God of Drainage Ditch Supervisor), namely one of Ba Zha Shen (God of Crops consisting of 8 Deities).

In the belief of Chinese people, Seng Hong Ya is the only God having difference of level (social level). Person who heads up the whole country is called 天下都城隍 Thian Xia Dou Cheng Huang. Person who administers a province is called 都城隍 Dou Cheng Huang. Person who administers a regent was 府城隍 Fu Cheng Huang.

城隍爺 Cheng Huang Ye {Hok Kian = Seng Hong Ya } is God of City Protector. Literally Cheng Huang means Protective Ditch of City Fortress (城 Cheng = city wall. 隍 Huang = dry ditch outside city wall).

Worship ceremony to respect Ba Zha Shen was started by Emperor Yao [B.C. 2357– 2258]. Shui Yong Shen as one of Ba Zha Shen occupied the most important position among those eight gods. Gradually the meaning of ditch was broadened including ditch or fortress protecting ditch which was called Cheng Huang.

During San Guo {Sam Kok = Three Kingdom} era [A.D. 221– 265] in Wu {Gouw} country, Cheng Huang was begun being respected separately, apart from Ba Zha Shen. In the year A.D. 239 was established a temple of 城隍廟 Cheng Huang Miao {Seng Hong Bio}, namely the first Seng Hong temple.

During Tang Dynasty era [A.D. 618 907] in each provincial capital were many temples being established to respect Seng Hong. Ever since Seng Hong was officially has come God of City Protector, with common call Cheng Huang Lao Ye {Seng Hong Lo Ya} or Cheng Huang Ye {Seng Hong Ya}.

After 明太祖 Ming Tai Zu {Beng Thai Cou} – 朱元璋 Zu Yuan Zhang the first Emperor of Ming Dynasty was in command, he was then appointed Cheng Huang in the State Capital (then in Nan Jing) as Tian Xia Dou Cheng Huang meaning God of State Capital Protector with the title of Ming Ling Wang. After that, all Cheng Huang from each provincial capital was appointed as Du Cheng Huang meaning God of Capital Protector. Then Cheng Huang of each Regency capital was awarded the title of Wei Ling Gong. Whereas in regency level was awarded a title of Ling Ying Hou and title of Xian You Bo in sub-district level. For that reason, Cheng Huang Ye has typical regional characteristics.

During this Emperor Ming Tai Zu era, the temples to do homage to Seng Hong Ya in China, their types resemble offices of government official & their rank level were also following sequence line of promotion of government officials.

During Qing Dynasty era [1644 - 1911] each government office, both military and civil, was required to establish to adore Cheng Huang next to him, as a symbol of Yang (real government, government offices) and Yin (the government by spirit, in the form of Cheng Huang temple). The officials on duty there were required to worship in each Ce It & Cap Go (the firsts and the fifteenth day of Chinese Calendar) in the said Cheng Huang temple, as a homage to the ruler from that afterlife.
Many people believe that the dead person, his departed spirit will be brought to the presence of Seng Hong Ya to be examined, then decided it will enter the heavens or hell. Seng Hong Ya had many subordinates, they among others are 文武判官 Wen Wu Pan Guan {Bun Bu Pwan Kwan} namely a civil& military prosecutor, 牛頭馬面 Niu Tou Ma Mian {Gu Thou Be Bin} namely Cow head & Horse face man, Qi Ye Ba Ye also called 大爺二爺 Da Ye Er Ye (also see article on Da Ye Er Ye – Tall & Short God– Archive of March 2008), then there are other 24 officials called Er Shi Si Si {Ji Cap Si Su}.

Cheng Huang Ye was a ruler from the hereafter but his power also included in the world. He was adored as model of an ideal and honest high-rank official. If there were two parties in dispute, they would go to Cheng Huang Temple to swear each other. In the anniversary his birthday was held Gotong Toa Pe Kong ceremony with the theme of Cheng Huang Ye Inspects his people.

There were several Cheng Huang temples that had direct connection to Dong Yue Miao (temple of the place to worship Dong Yue Da Di, Gods of the Ruler of East Mountain). In addition to, Dong Yue Da Di, it was sculpted 10 King of the Hereafter and 18-level of Hell. It described that in the hereafter there will be any sequences of investigation. After being investigated carefully in Cheng Huang location, the spirit would be brought to the presence of Dong Yue Da Di, and carried on to the site of King of Hell, Yan Luo Wang { Hok Kian = Giam Lo Ong } to be imprisoned to the Hell.

Beliefs in Seng Hong Ya were spread from generation to generation in the circle of people. The people believed that the killing heroes, good people or people who have been deserved well for the society, would be appointed become Seng Hong Ya. Consequently, in a range of cities respected Seng Hong Ya was different. For instance, in Hang Zhou city, capital of Zhe Jiang province, prominent figure considered as Seng Hong Ya was Zhou Xin. Zhou Xin was a description of an honest & emphatic court official in his effort to uphold the justice, non bribable and unafraid of being threatened, even by the very authoritative person indeed. In Gun Ming city, a capital of Yun Nan province, person who was appointed as Seng Hong Ya was Yu Qian, a prominent figure during Ming Dynasty era who had ever become a prime minister.

Atmosphere of Cheng Huang temple is usually majestic. There is a big plank inscribed with: You will also be here if your time is coming. It is also equipped with a big abacus, stating that the angles here were honest, non bribable. What you have done during your life in the world, it will be reckoned accurately.

Temple for the worship of Cheng Huang Ye is one of the big temples and widely spread in China. Nearly in each big and small city there are Cheng Huang Miao.

In Tainan, Taiwan there are 3 Cheng Huang Miao. Cities in Southeast Asia there are also many temples that worship Cheng Huang Ye. They among others are in Singapore, adoration to Cheng Huang Ye is in Kelenteng Hong San Si Temple in Sultan Muhammad Road.

Such was the origin of worship to Seng Hong Ya has been started since more than 4,300 years ago!!!

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The Origins of Eating Bacang

端午節 Duan Wu Jie is one of 3 Big Festivals which is commemorated by Chinese people. [2 other festivals are春節 Chun Jie (Festival for welcoming the Spring - Chinese New Year) &中秋節 Zhong Qiu Jie (Tiong Ciu Festival – in the middle of fall).]

Even though according to a legend there are 3 origins of Duan Wu Jie [ 2 other are to commemorate Devoted Princess曹娥 Chao E during East Han Dynasty era (A.D. 25 – 220) who was killed after jumped down to the river due to mourning for his father’s death& to commemorate the death day of伍子胥 Wu Zi Xu from Chu country who lived during Chun Qiu era (B.C. 770 – 476 SM) ], but the origins of a very well known Duan Wu Jie Festival & commemorated in China, Taiwan, etc are based on the death of Qu Yuan who passed away after jumped down to Mi Luo river. In Taiwan, Qu Yuan is also honored as Shui Xian Zhun Wang (the most Respectful Good of Water).

Duan Wu Jie {Twan Ngo Ciap} Festival or sometimes also called Peh Cunis is commemorated annually at Go Gwe Cwe Go (the 5^th day of 5^th month of Chinese Calendar). On the said day, Chinese people usually present bacang (Chinese delicacy made from rice or glutinous rice, wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with meat and steamed) and kue cang for worship. Where does bacang originate? Duan Wu Jie Festival is to commemorate a holy figure Qu Yuan in which with his loyalty he sacrificed for people and country. It was told as follows:

Zhou Dynasty during battle era in China + 2,400 years ago (B.C. 475-221) divided into 7 (seven) Countries. Qin Country was the strongest and aggressive, often attacked (conduct military aggression) against other six countries. Qu Yuan was a Great and loyal Minister from Chu Country (one of six countries which was attacked by Qin Country). He was a figure who successfully united the six countries to confront aggression of Qin Country, so that his name was highly respected in Qin country.

Qu Yuan had ever hampered King Chu, Huai Wang to fulfill an invitation of King of Qin country to come to its capital city. But unfortunately King Chu Huai Wang, at that time, had been influenced by ram fight tactic from Qin Country, his relations with Qu Yuan broken and unwilling to trust his suggestion any longer.

Finally King Chu Huai Wang was deceived by the promises King Qin to come to its capital city, and then imprisoned there, until he finally died in Qin Country.

After King Xiang Wang took the throne to replace King Chu Huai Wang, he was not only thinking to revenge, even the other way making King Qin as his father! Moreover, there were some ministers who obtained advantages from Qin Country, unpredictably he in fact suggested King Chu Xiang Wang to surrender to Qin Country.

Qu Yuan tried to oppose this matter, debated with King Chu Xiang Wang so that it resulted in him angry very much, then dismissed Qu Yuan who had dedicated for years in Chu Country, and expelled him from Chu Country.

Qu Yuan who spent his life as an escapee for 9 years, has undergone tragic days in which his country was destroyed, and his family was broken, and finally committed suicide by jumping down into Mi Luo River (in Hu Nan Province). Some people who knew the incident tried to help him, but failed. Even his body was not found. Qu Yuan passed away in the 5^th day of 5^th month of Chinese Calendar in the age of 62 years.

Chu Country’s people grieved after they knew that Qu Yuan, their minister who loved his Country very much was dead, and then they went to the brink of the river expressing their deepest sympathies over the death of Qu Yuan.

Soon after, people in the country held a ceremony to commemorate Qu Yuan, considering that the spirit of love of country of Qu Yuan was really lofty.

After Qu Yuan jumped down to Mi Luo River, there was a person from Chu Country who met with the soul of Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan informed this person, people who honored Qu Yuan by throwing food into the river–all foods were all over being fought by fish & shrimps. Then Qu Yuan gave message to the said person to deliver to the public in order that the foods being offered to be wrapped with bamboo leaves & offered in the 5^th day of the 5^th month of Chinese Calendar 5. It is the origins of eating bacang in Duan Wu Jie Festival.

Since Qu Yuan had written so many articles similar to poem, to express the sense of respect and love of Qu Yuan to the Country, then in the 5^th day of 5^th month (Chine Calendar) also constituted Poet Festival in China.

Organization of Dragon Boat competition in Duan Wu Jie Festival, is to remind the effort to seek for body of Qu Yuan who jumped down into the river. Because, in addition to row a boat, it also beats a drum, able to expel fish and shrimp, then they could help Qu Yuan.

Nowadays, at the Duan Wu Festival, in many places are held Dragon Boat Competition, firstly to commemorate Qu Yuan, developing the spirit of love of Country; secondly to promote sports, then with health body is able to protect the Country. In addition to, one family gets together while eat bacang, can also enjoy family happiness.

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Sakyamuni Buddha - The Pioneer of Buddhism

In Chinese language, 如來佛Ru Lai Fo
{Hok Kian = Ji Lay Hud } is a honorary term of address for Buddha Sakyamuni. The term of address Ru Lai is the translation from Sanskrit, Tathagata, meaning He who is coming (Ia Yang Datang).

Buddha Sakyamuni is the Pioneer of Buddhism which is one of 3 (three) big religions in the world with the followers reaching billions of people. Buddha Sakyamuni is a great & noble master of religion, as well as wise and discreet holy man & recognized worldwide.

Ideology & civilization (culture) of Buddhism ordered by Buddha Sakyamuni, was transmitted from a generation to generation, has long been become the important & primary aspect that provides various colors nuance of Eastern World, and has also left perfect and abundant worthy culture for the world history.

釋迦牟尼佛Buddha Sakyamuni was born in the year of 623 B.C. in a country named Kapilavastu (nearby Nepal) with the name of Sidharta Gautama. Sidharta means: “Someone who succeeds achieving his goal”. Sidharta’s father is King Sudhodana who came from Sakya ethnic group. Because he comes from Sakya ethnic group then he was called a Buddha Sakyamuni. His mother is Queen Mahamaya. Before giving birth of Sidharta, Goddess Mahamaya dreamt of seeing a white elephant entering her uterus. Before he was born as Prince Sidharta, he was actually Maha Bodhisatva who came from the Heaven of Tusita.

The birthday of Buddha Sakyamuni is commemorated in every the 15^th day of the 4^th month of Chinese Calendar. But in temples, it is commemorated at the 8^th day of 4^th month of Chinese Calendar.

When he was born, there was any miracle like recorded in Sakyamuni Buddha Book: at the time of the said baby was born, he walked 7 (seven) steps. Red & golden yellow lotus came out from the earth every time he stepped his feet. In the last step, with his right hand pointed to the heavens & the left hand pointed out to the earth, such baby echoed his voice clearly audible: “It’s me the Greatest in between heavens & earth. I come from the Heavens of Tusita. I come to set forth the secrets of universe & the truth of life, in order to free the creature from the suffering. It is my latest birth in this world!”

That was a Great Bodhisatva has been born through the uterus of kind-hearted and glorious goodness Queen Maha Maya. A week after giving birth the Prince Sidharta, his mother passed away. He was then brought up by his aunt Mahaprajapati.

Prince Sidharta has been married in the age of 16 years with his sister-in-law Princess Yasodhara. They were blessed with a son named Rahula, meaning shackle.

As a Prince, Sidharta enjoyed comfortable, luxury & good life of Palace. King Sudhodana hoped him to take the throne & replace his father as a King. But Prince Sidharta was not accustomed to such kind of luxurious, happy & and high established life.

In the age of 29 years old, he saw 4 matters that then changed his course of life. Firstly, he saw an old person who walked unsteadily by leaning on his stick. Secondly, he saw someone suffering a serious illness. Thirdly, he saw someone to have passed away. Fourthly, he saw a Buddhist monk wearing a yellow robe walked calmly with the face full of serenity. The first three items made the Princes realized the natural law that definitely will be experienced by everybody regardless who they are. The fourth matter indicated the way to overcome world suffering & reached peaceful life.

Such was Prince Sidharta left the palace in the age of 29 years & developed himself with full of sufferings in Uruvela Forest. For six years he developed himself to life as a hermit. Finally, under a Bodhi tree, he obtained a Perfect Explanation in the age of 35 years & from that period he has been called as Buddha Gautama. The day he成道 reached a perfect Explanation is commemorated in every the 8^th day of 12^th month of Chinese Calendar year.

Then he set forth Dharma for 45 years to his uncountable amount & established Sangha (a holy brotherhood of Buddhist Monks). He was died in the age of 80 years.

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