Every 9^th day of 1^st month of Chinese New Year (Imlek), Chinese people, particularly Hok Kian people, hold prayer ceremony of敬天公 Jing Tian Gong {Hok Kian = King Thi Kong}, meaning prayer to God the Almighty. In the circle of 華僑 Hua Qiao {Hok Kian = Hwa Kiao = Chinese people overseas} in Indonesia, this prayer is known as Prayer of God which is performed with full of respect. This prayer ceremony is included one of series of ceremony in the festivity in welcoming the Chinese New Year / Spring that takes place for 15 days; from 1^st day to 15^th day of 1^st month of Chinese Calendar.

In福建Fu Jian {Hok Kian}Province&臺灣Taiwan came out a very popular term, namely初九天公生Chu Jiu Tian Gong Sheng, meaning that in Cia Gwe Cwe Kao (9^th day of 1^st month of Chinese Calendar) is Tian Gong Birthday. So that the people of Hok Kian Province & Taiwan hold a special prayer to honor Thi Kong (God the Almighty).

As we know, the term of 上帝 Shang Di (God the Almighty) in the circle of the followers of Chinese Religions善男信女 (Buddha, Taoism, & Confucianism) called天Tian {Thian}, which is then in more friendly manner called 天公Tian Gong {Hok Kian =Thi Kong}. Pray to Thi Kong has expanded to the lowest class of society, such as farmers, merchants and so on.

In this 9^th day of 1^st month of Chinese Calendar, King Thi Kong prayer Ceremony is performed starting from the high class to the poor. The poor has just placed a small Hiolo (Censer = vessel for burning incense) hung in front of their house’s door and burn hio (incense) from morning to midnight continuously.

For the haves, this prayer ceremony is the most luxurious and reverent matter. A big table with four of its legs is placed on 2 long benches. Then, on such table is arranged 3 units of 神位Shen Wei (Place of God) made of colorful paper that are stuck one into another. After that in the front of Shen Wei is displayed 3 small cups containing tea & 3 bowls containing misoa which are tied with red paper. Subsequently, 五果六菜Wu Guo Liu Cai {Hok Kian = Go Ko Lak Chai} is arranged in the front part. Wu Guo Liu Cai means 5 kinds of fruit & 6 kinds of vegetarian food; it is become the main principle in the arrangement of goods to be offered for Chinese people’s prayer ceremony. In the most front part (the left & right sides) is installed a couple of candle (2 bars ).

A day before prayer ceremony (Cia Gwe Cwe Pe = 8^th day of 1^st month of (Chinese calendar) begins, all occupants of house take a shower by shampooing & substitute the dress. Prayer is performed at 12.00 o’clock sharp at midnight, begun with the oldest family member in sequence of his generation. All perform三跪九叩San Gui Jiu Kou {Hok Kian = Sam Kwi Kiu Kho} namely 3 X kneeling & 9 X touch the head to the earth. After finish then golden paper specially made is burnt together with Shen Wei that made of colorful paper. Afterward, fire-crackers are burnt to accompany the departure of escorting angles. King Thi Kong prayer ceremony in the circle of Indonesia Hoa Qiao known as the title “Prayer of God”.

It is uncertain when society in Hok Kian Province & Taiwan started this King Thi Kong. A source stated that King Thi Kong has just begun to be performed in Qing Dynasty era. As we know that Hok Kian is the latest basis of the opposition from the rest of troops that were still loyal to Ming Empire. When Qing (Man Zhu) troops entered to Hok Kian, they faced with persevering resistance from local people & the rest of Ming troops. After the resistance was conquered with full of cruelty, eventually the whole HokKian Province was occupied by Qing. During the war & disorder, many people who hid out in sugar cane plantation that grew there. It was inside the roots of sugar cane they passed the night & day of Chinese calendar. After the situation was secure, at Cia Gwe Cwe Kaw (the 9^th day of 1^st month of Chinese calendar) morning they were in crowds went out & came to their respective houses. To express the sense of thanks to God since they kept away from terrible calamity of war, they held King Thi Kong prayer ceremony at 9^th day of 1^st month of Chinese calendar as an expression of thanks to Thi Kong for His protection.

At this 9^th day of 1^st month of Chinese calendar, coincided with the Birthday of the Supreme God玉皇上帝Yu Huang Shang Di {Hok Kian = Giok Hong Siong Tee = the Supreme God Kumala Raja},namelythe Supreme Deitywhoruns the government of universe and assisted by other deities. Therefore, then Chinese people consider Giok Hong Siong Tee as a reincarnation of Tian (God the Almighty). Cap It Gwe Cwe Lak (the 6^th day of 11^th month of Chinese New Year) is a Giok Hong Siong Tee day to reach the perfection.

From the story above, it is certain that Chinese people believe in God who is called as Tian or Tian Gong {Thi Kong}, but the concept is different from other uhreligion. For Chinese (religious) people, God has assistants that consist of a number of deities with certain positions & regions and have the duty of controlling human actions within their respective authority & region environment.

So, if any Chinese people who worship in China temple, it is NOT because of believing inSUPERSTITION, but because they wish to appear before one of so many God’s assistants (that is: the deity) in the world for certain requisites (for example: work, business, career, marriage partner, etc), or just to share his/her problems.

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Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

Asal Mula King Thi Kong – Sembahyang Tuhan Allah

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(23 Jan 2012- 9 Feb 2013)

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Advise you to do important things first.

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Ciamsi 2012

On January 23, 2012 we will celebrate the 2563^rd Chinese New Year. From the meaning of this 2563 number, not many people who know it. At the time of celebrating Chinese New Year, most of Chinese people whose in the age of balita (under fifty years old) only know: 恭喜發財 Kiong Hi Hoat Chai, receiving angpao/gift of money in a red envelope  (for unmarried person), eating年糕 Nian Gao (basket cake), attraction of barongsai (lion dance), etc. But, do we know that Chinese New Year has a very long history, not less than 4,700 years???

We know various calendar systems. Christian Calendar (Kalender Masehi) of the year 2012, uses solar system, which is calculated based on the duration of earth circle the Sun during 365.25 days. Its first year referred to the year of Jesus Christ birth. Islamic Calendar on the year 1433 H, uses a lunar system, referring to period of moon orbit circle the Earth during 354 days, or any difference of 11 days compared to solar system. Its first year is calculated since the Prophet Muhammad SAW evacuated from Mecca to Medina.

陰曆 Chine Calendar is the combination of both solar & lunar systems. Calculation its day per month refers to a lunar system. But the difference of 11 days per year is adjusted to solar system through mechanism of insertion of the 13^th month of 7 (seven) times within period of 19 years. This correction or insertion makes the beginning of Chinese New Year always falls on the time span between January 21 and February 19, unchanged and goes forward like Idul Fitri Feast of Hegira New year (the year 2000 Moslems celebrated Idul Fitri Feast two times (2X), namely on January 8, 2000 & December 27, 2000).

Through month insertion mechanism or what we call Lun, then in certain years sometimes have double months. For example Lun Ji Gwe (the second month), Lun Cit Gwe (the seventh month), etc.

Chinese Calendar has been existed since皇帝 Huang Di Emperor era [2,696 – 2598 BC]. But it was officially used by Xia Dynasty [2,205 – 1.766 BC], namely 4,217 years ago! On January 23, 2012, we celebrate 2563^rd Chinese New Year. Then from where this 2,563 number? It is calculated from the birth of Prophet孔子 Kong Zi {Hok Kian = Khong Cu} or Confucius who was born in the year 551 BC. 2563 number is the totaling of 551 and 2012. But it doesn’t mean the age of Chinese calendar equal to the age of Kong Zi. In reality, Chinese Calendar has been used long before, precisely since Huang Di Emperor era, namely in 2,696 BC. Therefore, Chinese Calendar has been in the age of 4,708 years!!!

Of course there is a question arising, why does the first year of Chinese Calendar is counted since the birth of Prophet Kong Zi? Its history is too long. Chinese Calendar was officially used by 夏 Xia Dynasty [2,205 – 1,766 BC. Xia Dynasty only had the power until 1,766 BC and then superseded by 商 Shang Dynasty [1,766 – 1,122 BC].

During Shang Dynasty era, Chinese Calendar that we know presently, was modified by being moved forward the determination of the beginning of its new year about one month. As a result, the beginning of New Year that initially fell on the beginning of spring, shifted to winter. Similarly the calculation of the beginning of the year, was counted since Shang Dynasty has the power.

When Shang Dynasty and Zhou Dynasty [1,122 – 255 BC],calculation of the beginning of its new year was moved forwarded again, coincided with冬至Dong Zi, peak of winter about December 22, precisely when the Sun is at 23.5^o South Latitude. Calculation of the beginning of the year was started since the establishment of Zhou Dynasty.

Prophet Kong Zi, Confusius [551 – 479 BC] lived during Zhou Dynasty era. Kong Zi had ever reminded that a calendar system should be made by considering the interest of the public. A good calendar must be Guidance for people who use it. Meanwhile Zhou Dynasty calendar used during Kong Zi lived was considered very inappropriate to be used as guidance for people that in majority lived from agriculture sector, since the determination of the beginning its new year was coincided with the winter. When a new year fall in the winter, it is difficult to be made guidance for the people to start a new work. On grounds this thought, Kong Zi suggested to Zhou Emperor in order to reuse Xia Dynasty calendar, in which the beginning of New Year was coincided with the beginning of spring, so that it can be made guidance for people that are majority the farmers to start new works. But this Kong Zi’s suggestion was not responded by Zhou then.

When Zhou Dynasty was succeeded by 秦 Qin Dynasty [255 – 202 BC], Kong Zi’s advice remained being ignored. At that time, the Emperor kept following the previous tradition, tried to strength power legitimation with various manners, including making new calendar. Whether such calendar is appropriate or not with the necessity of his people, was not much considered.

Thus, when Shang Dynasty superseded by Zhou Dynasty, and then succeeded by Qin Dynasty [225 – 202 BC], calendar system being used also continuously changed, pursuant to ruler’s wish.

Qin Dynasty didn’t last longer, succeeded by 漢 Han Dynasty [202 BC – 206 AD] which was established by Lu Bang. This first Emperor didn’t have time to think about the change of calendar. And when漢武帝 Han Wu Di has the authority; he followed instruction of Kong Zi and announced the imposition Xia Calendar again. As a high respect to the Prophet Kong Zi, the determination of calculation of the beginning of Xia Calendar year that currently we know as Chinese calendar was counted since the birth year of Kong Zi, 551 BC.

This Han Wu Di policy was unending; it was proved the succeeding emperors, both from Han Dynasty and the following dynasties kept using Xia Calendar. Thus, even though emperor continuously changed, dynasty continuously changed; there is no longer change of calendar. All use calendars inherited from Xia Dynasty, with the beginning of the year referring to the year of Kong Zi’s birth. Moreover, in Han Dynasty era, Confucianism was then determined as a State religion, even it lasted until Qing Dynasty. Kong Zi teachings also become the main guidance for those who want to achieve title in college/ university.

Chinese calendar is appropriate to be used as guidance for people that majority live from agricultural sector, so that it often called農曆 Nong Li (Farmer’s Calendar). Many people also called Kong Zi {Khong Cu Lek} calendar, so that its New Year is called Khong Zi New Year. This call is usually used in the circle of Confucianism followers in Indonesia, and in several countries that their society adhere Confucianism.

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Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

Sin Cia 2012 - Sejarah Panjang Tahun Baru Imlek

SIN CIA (Lunar New Year)

Day / Date: Monday, January 23, 2012.

I m l e k: 2563 Cia Gwe 1

Direction & Time Welcoming the Gods:

* God of Happiness: Southeast

* Savior Gods: the East

Time:

- Pk. 23:00 to 1:00 pm

- Pk. 3:00 a.m. to 09:00 pm

Best Time Out House:

- Pk. 3:00 to 13:00 pm

LI CHUN

Day / Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012.

I m l e k: 2563 Cia Gwe 13

Time : Pk. 18:23 hrs.

Meaning of Li Chun

立春 Li Chun is the Beginning of Spring, the first of 24 节气 Jie Qi (one day stating a part of the 24 parts of the Sun in the calendar Chinese / Lunar New Year).

Li Chun is beneficial to the general public to determine Shio Birth Right for someone. So far, people assume a person is based on the Shio Born Shio period at the turn of the Lunar New Year.

However based on Ancient Chinese Astrology Science more could be accounted for, change the period of Shio carried out based on the cycles of the Sun, when entered into a period of Li Chun (Early Spring). Li Chun 2012 is celebrated on February 4, 2012, exactly pk. 18:23 hrs.

So Shio turnover occurs at the time of birth rather than celebration 阴历 新年 Yin Li Xin Nian (Chinese New Year), but at the time of Li Chun, the beginning of the spring cycle.Thus using the calendar system 夏 Xia calendar system that has been used since more than 4,200 (four thousand two hundred) years ago, precisely in 2205 BC. Xia calendar month cycle is make adjustments with the Solar System / Sun to the Earth, resulting in a more accurate analysis.

Example:

Babies who are born on January 31, 2012 15:00 pm pk still belonging to zodiac Rabbit, although the celebration of Lunar New Year has started on January 23, 2012!
Children born on February 4, 2012 after a pk. 18:23 pm The new belonged to zodiac Dragon.

The 2012 Water Dragon – Chinese New Year 2563 – Ren Chen Nian

Year 2012 or referred to as the Year of the Dragon Shio 壬辰 年 Nian Chen Ren element of Water or Dragon Water which is the quality called 长 流水 Water Flowing Up The Long, with analysis & details are as follows:

Ren is the Ninth cycle of formulation 天干 Gan Tian (Sky Bar), representing the element Water and Positive.
Chen is the fifth cycle of formula 地支 In Zi (Earthly Branches), representing the Land of positive elements, or often symbolized as a dragon.

Based on the concept of Feng Shui 风水 Hong Sui} {classical formulation summarized in 六十 化 甲 Liu Hua Shi Jia (60 Concept In Merger & Gan Tian Zi) which has been used since the time of the Xia Dynasty (2205 BC – 1766 BC), then the combined Ren which element Positive Water Land & Chen who’s element is Positive result of natural elements it should, namely water. So according to Chinese Astrology Science, Year 2012 is the Year of the Dragon Water. For quality nature of birth, in 2012 called 行 雨 之 龙 Dragon Welcoming Rain that has hard-working nature, do not like silent idle, youth full of struggle, and have the good old days.

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Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

Sin Cia & Li Chun 2012

2012 ANNIVERSARY

Buddhist Temple Jindeyuan Jakarta

HARI-HARI RAYA DI TAHUN 2012

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 15th day of the 4th month of Chinese Calendar. But in temples, it is commemorated at the 8th day of 4th 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 8th day of 12th 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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Ji Lay Hud – Perintis Agama Buddha

Formerly, China was an agrarian country, namely most of its population are farmers. When they planted agricultural crops, they ought to take into account and understand the climate change. Thereby they could understand when they should plant a type of agricultural plant, so that it could produce good harvest.

In the past, people in China divided 1 year into 24 節氣 Jie Qi (a day stating a part of 24 parts of Solar Year in Chinese calendar /Imlek). Based on each Jie Qi, to plant a type of agricultural crops, so that such crops could grow luxuriantly, then it produced produces. Then, farmers’ family greatly prioritized this Jie Qi.

The origin of 冬至Dong Zhi {Hok Kian =Tang Ce, the 22^nd of 24 Jie Qi. Literal meaning = the peak of Winter} was as follows:

An early part of half month was大雪 Da Xue (the 21^st of 24 Jie Qi, literal meaning = Big Snow), then the last past of half month was 小寒 Xiao Han (the 23^rd of 24 Jie Qi, literal meaning = Small/Light Cold). Dong Zhi Day fell on the 11^th month of Chinese calendar (Imlek), but there was no definite date on it. Sometimes fell in the 10 first days in the 11^th month of Chinese calendar, sometimes on the last 10 days in this 11^th month (Chinese calendar). But based on calculation of almanac, Dong Zhi was usually fell on the 21^st day or the 22^nd day of December Anno Domini.

Based on explanation of Astronomy, the revolution of Sun when it reached this Dong Zhi period, accidentally passed 冬至點Dong Zhi Dian (Peak Point of Winter). Then, Northern Hemisphere & Southern Hemisphere had a very great different; in Northern Hemisphere daylight was shorter than nighttime, while in the Southern Hemisphere daylight was longer than night.

There was an ancient Chinese Book entitles周禮Zhou Li, whose contents were written: [at the time of Dong Zhi; daylight = 40 Lou Khe, nighttime = 60 Lou Khe , while at the time of 夏至 Xia Zhi (Peak of Suimmer), 春分Chun Fen (Spring), 秋分Qiu Fen (autumn), are otherwise, namely daylight = nighttime = 50 Lou Khe ].

In the past, Lou Khe counted his time by using a device (Klepsidra = a time measuring tool pursuant to the fall of the flow of water) that was perhaps invested by Emperor 黃帝 Huang Di.

Lou Khe was to use a copper kettle containing with water, in the bottom was made a tiny hole, when in the kettle was put an arrow, on the arrow was engraved (cut) number of degree; flowing water was getting lower and lower, number of degree also decreased, on the arrow amounting to 100 Khe, water clock precisely indicated 1 period of daylight and & nighttime, the time is so accurate.

1 (one) Khe is equal to 15 minutes in current time. In the past, 1 (one) Khe was 14 minutes and 24 second. It is the difference between Solar Calendar (Christian Calendar) and Chinese Calendar/Imlek (Chinese traditional calendar that sometime is also called Farmer’s Calendar).

Most of employees & students use Christian Calendar, only farmers who still use Chinese calendar. But, Chinese people in performing marriage ceremony or mourning ceremony, still often seek for Good Day of Chinese calendar.

In this Dong Zhi day, Chinese people make onde-onde (round fried cake made of glutinous rice with/without stuffing inside which is eaten/ served with dressing) for worshipping to the ancestors. In addition to, considering after eating onde-onde, meaning that to have included passing 1 year, and everyone has had age for 1 year.

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Asal Usul Tang Ce 冬至

(Kam Sia Praying)

Date : 1 s/d 21 December 2011

Imlek : 2561 Cap It Gwe 7 – Cap It Gwe 27

* Ciong Thai Swe : Rabbit Zodiac, Rooster Zodiac, Horse Zodiac, Rat Zodiac; please bring: 3 kinds of fruits & 3 kinds of cakes

* Ciong Pe Ho (White Tiger) : Pig Zodiac, please bring : Tofu, Egg, and Samcan.

* Ciong Go Kwi (Ta Ye Er Ye) : Goat Zodiac, please bring : 5 kinds of fruits.

* Ciong Thien Kauw : Ox Zodiac, please bring 3 kinds of fruits.

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Pengumuman Sembahyang Wan Hok

The Jade Emperor (玉皇上帝Yu Huang Shang Di or 玉皇大帝Yu Huang Da Dì, Hokkian: Giok Hong Siong Te / Giok Hong Tay Te) is the Supreme Ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell according to Chinese mythology. He is one of the most important gods in the Chinese belief. The Sun Deity, Star Deity, Thunder Deity, and Wind Deity are some of His assistants.

Origin

It was said that the Jade Emperor was the son of Emperor 淨德國王Jing De and Empress 寳月光皇后Bao Yue Guang of Guang Yan Miao Le, kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments. At birth he emitted a wondrous light that filled the entire kingdom. When he was young, he was kind, intelligent and wise. He devoted his entire childhood to helping the needy (the poor and suffering, the deserted and single, the hungry and disabled). Furthermore, he showed respect and benevolence to both men and creatures. After his father died, he ascended the throne. He made sure that everyone in his kingdom found peace and contentment. After that, he told his ministers that he wished to cultivate Tao on the Bright and Fragrant Cliff. After 1,550 kalpas, each kalpa lasting for 129,600 years, he attained Golden Immortality. After another one hundred million years of cultivation, he finally became the Jade Emperor, residing on the summit of the 33-Heaven in a palace called Ling Xiao Bao Dian.

In ancient time, only emperors and his royal family could worship the Jade Emperor for they believed that Shang Di was their ancestor who granted them the sovereignty to rule their kingdom. The commoner were forbidden to worship the Jade Emperor for by doing so, could disregard and disrespect the royal status, and was punishable by death.

The ritual was conducted only by the royal family, with the emperor as the supreme priest, and his family members and high officials as his helpers. Tian Tan or The Temple of Heaven, situated in Beijing, was the venue, with characters Huang Tian Shang Di engraved at the summit of the temple which still remain until now.

The commoners carried out their worship of the Jade Emperor at their homes; by the front door or side walks. By simply offering incense and candles, they prostrated to Heaven. It was only after the Song Dynasty that emperors’ reigns ease the law against commoners worshipping Jade Emperor. The Hokkian, especially, regard Jade Emperor as God Almighty for He is the ruler of the entire universe.

In modern temples, statue (arca) or picture of Jade Emperor is rarely found because in making offerings of incense and candles, one simply prostrates to Heaven, and stick the incense in the Tian Gong Lu / Hiolo Thi Kong situated in the main hall of the temple. Prostration and offering are first made to Jade Emperor prior to others deities in the temple in regard that Tian or Heaven will provide guidance through the deities in resolving a matter or granting wishes.

There are some temples that only worship Jade Emperor as the main deity, with picture resembling an emperor in ancient robe, holding a Hu or talisman, an object made from tusk used by ancient high officials in attending a royal court, on one hand.

Jade Emperor is the Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth, representing God in ruling the universe, holding a Hu used during a heavenly ceremonial event in meeting with His superior, God Almighty.

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Giok Hong Tay Te – Maha Dewa Pelaksana Pemerintahan Alam Semesta

Chanting or reciting of Amitabha Buddha’s name, 阿彌陀佛 A Mi Tuo Fo (Hokkian: O Mi To Hud), is a very common practice among the Buddhist. In fact, it would be odd for one who is not familiar with it. Most could even recite quickly and smoothly. However, only minority understand the real meaning of the name A Mi Tuo Fo.

A Mi Tuo Fo reigns over a Buddha land in the West called The Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In Sanskrit, A Mi Tuo Fo literally means Buddha of Infinite Light and Boundless Life, which is referred to Wu Liang Guang Fo (Buddha of Infinite Light) and Wu Shu Shou Fo (Buddha of Boundless Life). Amitabha Buddha’s birthday falls on the 17^th of 11^th month of lunar calendar.

In most Buddhist temple like 金德院 Jin De Yuan {Kim Tek Ie}, Amitabha Buddha is seen seated next to Sakyamuni Buddha (釋迦牟尼佛Shi Jia Mou Ni Fo, Hokkian: Sek Ka Mo Ni Hud), and Bhaisajya Guru – Buddha or Medicine Buddha (藥師佛Yao Shi Fo, Hokkian: Yok Su Hud). Hence, they are popularly known as the Three Precious Buddhas, 三寶佛 San Bao Fo (Sam Po Hud) or Tri Ratna Buddha.

As we have known that the Threefold Refuge in Buddhism are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Buddha is a one that has attained Perfect Enlightenment, Dharma is the Buddha’s precious teaching, and Sangha is the holy brotherhood or relationship that bonds fellow Buddhist monks. In Mandarin, the Buddha is referred as 佛寳Fo Bao, the Dharma as 法寶Fa Bao, and the Sangha as 僧寳Seng Bao. All Three are known as 三寶San Bao (Sanskrit: Tri Ratna). This San Bao is also categorized with Sakyamuni Budhha as Fo Bao, Amitabha Buddha as Fa Bao, and Baisajya Guru Buddha as Seng Bao.

It is recorded in a Buddhist script that many kalpas ago, a King by the name of Fa Chang Bi Qiu renounced his throne, and became a monk named Dharmakarsa, upon receiving spiritual guidance from the Buddha at that time, Lokesvaraja Buddha, who expounded the Perfect Enlighten Path since ages ago. Dharmakarsa then took and upheld the 48 vows to deliver beings from their sufferings. After 5 kalpas of lifetime, Dharmakarsa finally attained Perfect Enlightenment, and became Amitabha Buddha.

Upon attaining Buddhahood, Amitabha Buddha created a Western Pure Land called the Land of Ultimate Bliss where all suffering beings who sincerely recite南無阿彌陀佛 Nan Wu A Mi Duo Fo (Sanskrit: Namo Amitabha Buddha) which means “I sincerely take refuge in Amitabha Buddha”, will all be delivered to and gain rebirth in His Pure Land.

However, it takes more than just reciting and praying to the Buddha to be reborn in His Pure Land. It is written in Amitabha Sutra (A Mi Tuo Jing) that if one does not have a kind and compassionate heart in helping others or involve much in charitable act, no matter how many times he/she recite or pray will not guarantee a rebirth in the Western Pure Land. What matters most are how sincere and often we pray to the Buddha, and the kind deeds that we perform in accordance to our limitation.

Along side with 觀世音菩薩 Guan Shi Yin Phu Sa and 大勢至菩薩 Da Shi Zhi Pu Sa, representing compassion and wisdom, they are famously known as 西方三聖 Xi Fang San Sheng, the Three Gems/Jewels from the West.

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O Mi To Hud – Buddha Dengan Terang Tiada Tara