Contents. Page. Introduction Functions of A Tao Altar Benefits of Setting up A Tao Altar.. 5-6

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Contents Page Introduction. 1 1.0 Functions of A Tao Altar... 2-4 2.0 Benefits of Setting up A Tao Altar.. 5-6 3.

2 Contents Page Introduction Functions of A Tao Altar Benefits of Setting up A Tao Altar Pre-requisites of Tao Altar Host The Responsibilities of A Tao Altar Host The Requirement of Setting Up A Tao Altar Maintenance of Tao Altar

3 Introduction Under Master Peng & Master Tsai compassionate guidance, we are please to present you this small booklet that serves as an introduction manual on the setting up a family Tao Altar. In becoming a Tao Altar host is truly a remarkable accomplishment. This is the vow you made in Buddhaland that you wish to fulfill your responsibilities in helping to save the sentient beings from the suffering seas. Becoming a Tao Altar host is taking the first step to fulfill that vow. We are delirious for your total devotion and would like to congratulate on your decision in becoming a Tao Altar host. We hope the brief materials provided here will be of some use to your inquiries and knowledge. If they are inadequate, please let us know we would be pleased to attend your queries. 1

4 SETTING UP A FAMILY TAO ALTAR 1.0 Function of a Tao Altar You will find that the Tao Altar is different from those of common temples, churches and monasteries. The Tao Altar is a unique holy place set up to link to Buddhaland. Thus the Tao Altar is under Buddhaland s auspicious. It is the Creator s shrine on this earth. Being so, it is protected by Buddhas, Angles and Divine Spirits. The functions of Tao Altar or sometime refer as Tao centre, are categorized as follows: 1.1 Cater for Tao Propagation Tao Altar is considered as a Dharma Boat, ferrying sentient beings in the suffering seas towards the other shore that is bright and pure. Although the decorations of most Tao Altars are not grand but they all have one thing in common which is holy and solemn. The size of the Tao Altar is not important. What makes Tao Altar so dignified is that it has the Heritage of Tao and Buddhaland s authority. The performance of rituals can only be performed in the Tao Altar. It is an important place for rituals and a place of contact between saints and divine spirits. Hence it is no surprise that it is the place where sentient beings like to be in where we could embrace the Buddhaland blessings of our Holy Teachers and divine spirits. Tao Altar allows sentient beings to receive the precious Three Treasures and understand our true selves thus able to transcend the cycle of life and death. Lord Buddha once said: A Tao Altar in the physical world is a lotus in the Buddhaland. Hence, the more Tao Altars being set up in our world, the more lotuses would blossom in the Buddhaland. 2

5 1.2 The Place to Escape from Calamities A saint once said: Buddha only rescue those who help themselves and others. During one s cultivation, if one is sincere and diligent to improve oneself and help others, and with the practice of using the three treasures, one will be blessed by the divine spirits. For those who always participate in the centre, they ll be showered by the divine light. When a Tao Altar has been set up thus inviting the holy spirit of our Buddhaland to the home, the divine spirits will protect them in the event of calamity. 1.3 The Dharma Boat for Salvation A Tao Altar can be considered as a Dharma Boat, a boat of hope in the suffering seas, shelter for suffering sentient beings, the light in the darkness and the light tower for the souls. It is the place that provides serenity to the weary minds, right attitude towards life and purifies one s mind thus improving the wisdom. In the centre, many have found their direction in life, regain confidence and have repositioned themselves to achieve meaningful lives. The centre is open to all regardless of their status in the society. We can all achieve unison under the divine guidance from our Holy Teacher, Jigong Living Buddha despite the different backgrounds and family mindsets. 3

6 1.4 The Place for Spreading Dharma Majority of Tao relatives do not understand the Truth right after receiving Tao hence they must attend classes initiated by the Tao Centre to improve their Tao knowledge so that they will understand more about the Truth. With sincerity, Buddhaland will endow them with wisdom to better grasp the subtleness of the Truth. Through these various classes they will eventually understand and that they could ascertain their worthiness themselves, ascertain that the Tao that they receive is the Truth, the Principles is based on the Natural Truth and the Buddhalandly Decree is Authentic. 1.5 The Place for Learning The topics of the lectures held in the Tao Centre are based on the fundamentals of benevolence and trust, human virtues and the true purpose and meaning of life. From here, a lot of sentient beings have found their dignity and understand clearly the direction of their lives thus creating happiness in their families and society. The Tao Altar is considered the palace of our Buddhaland and home to us, the sentient beings. We should take care of it and put it in good use. This way, we could fulfill our vows thus allowing more sentient beings to find their roots, rid their bad habits, change their lives and also we can emulate the spirit of the Bodhisattvas to help others attain enlightenment. 4

7 2.0 Benefits of Setting up A Tao Altar The benefits of setting up a Tao Altar are: 2.1 Blessing From The Divine Spirit By installing a Tao Altar at home, is like an invisible bridge that links us with Buddhaland, so whatever Tao work we have accomplished, will be acknowledged by Buddhaland. If the family members practice and cultivate Tao sincerely, and according to Buddhaland s will, Buddhaland will give us blessings. Even the Buddhas and other spiritual beings will offer us their assistance. Cultivating Tao together in the family will improve the relationships between family members, can restore and unite a family together. The Tao Altar also serves a good avenue for the Altar host and family to render meritorious service, to propagate Tao and save mankind. 2.2 The Place for Tao Cultivation The Tao Altar is a place where we can daily cultivate; perform daily prayers, repentance and purification process. One could always remind oneself when looking at the solemn and compassionate Buddha image to emulate their spirits in rescuing sentient beings in this world from suffering and to remind oneself to be diligent in Tao cultivation. Only then, one s wisdom will be improved. It is also a solemn place where we can reflect and the centre can also be used to train people to attain excellent moral. It provides us the opportunity to accumulate Holy merits to nourish our virtues one of which is to learn to be humble and nurture other good mannerism. In the process, these actions help to cultivate fine personality and strong spirituality strength. The Holy merits can also be used to repay Karmic debts. 5

8 2.3 A Holy Position in Tao Propagation Being a Tao Altar host is like being a missionary executing Buddhaland duty. One has a greater chance to fulfill one s vows and accumulate merits, being a servant for the Buddhaland and spread the Dharma. This helps us to accomplish our Holy duties and fulfilling our Holy vows in propagating Tao. With the Buddhaland Decree, we are able to do Tao work and cultivate our virtue so that our Buddha Nature can be restored. 3.0 The Prerequisite of A Tao Altar Host To install a family Tao Altar, one member (usually the head of the family) of the family will be designated as a Tao Altar host and he or she must: 3.1 Vow to become a full time vegetarian. 3.2 Besides vowing to NOT eating animal meat for life, he or she must refrain from taking 5 pungent roots: onion, garlic, leek, chives and shallot. These 5 plants are believed to make one s mind crave even more for sensual pleasures. 3.3 Lifetime commitment to upkeep and maintain the Tao Altar. 3.4 To perform daily prayers and offerings. 6

9 4.0 The Responsibilities of A Tao Altar Host Being a Tao Altar host is like being the captain of a ship. The responsibilities of a Tao Altar host are detailed below: 4.1 Involve oneself in the Tao Propagation. 4.2 Encourage others like members of the family, relatives and friends to receive Tao. 4.3 Cultivate diligently and strive to improve one s Tao knowledge. 4.4 Be a role model cultivator and lead by example for others to follow. 4.5 Be familiar with the etiquettes, rituals, rules and regulation of Tao Centre. 4.6 Be initiative and self motivated to help in the centre. 4.7 Affirmation that Tao is the Truth, Principles is based on Natural Truth and Buddhaland Decree is Authentic. 4.8 Maintain cleanliness of the Tao Altar. 7

10 5.0 The Requirement of Setting Up A Tao Altar The following are the items required for setting up a Tao Altar: 5.1 Two (2) Tao Altar tables, one upper table and one lower table. 5.2 Three (3) Tao Altar lamps. 5.3 Two (2) vases for placing fresh flowers. 5.4 One (1) Buddha statue minimum placed on the upper table. 5.5 Three (3) tea cup sets for the Tao Altar table, two (1) for the central lamp and one (1) per Buddha statue. 5.6 Two (2) lanterns to be on all the time. 5.7 One (1) large urn for burning the incense. 5.8 Two (2) small urns to house sandal wood incense stick and sandal wood powder. 5.9 Plates for fruit offering. The number of plates for offering ranges from 5 to 15 plates depending upon the occasion and size of the altar table One (1) tray for carrying the tea or fruit for offering Praying cushion or mat of minimum ten (10) pieces Oil pot for refilling oil for the lamps Hand towels Oil, incense stick and powder and lighter. 8 8

1 Individual towel to clean the Buddha statue, tea cup set, lamp, Tao Altar

11 6.0 Maintenance of Tao Altar To maintain cleanliness of the Tao Altar the following items must be at hand: 6.1 Individual towel to clean the Buddha statue, tea cup set, lamp, Tao Altar table, urns and offering plates. 6.2 Brushes for cleaning the urns, Buddha statue and lamps. 6.3 To top up and refill the oil lamps. 9

Aug 3/4, 2002 Merciful Teachings of Venerable Subhuti

Aug 3/4, 2002 Merciful Teachings of Venerable Subhuti Thousands of miles taken to search for the Truth Seize well the precious affinity/ karma and cultivate with true heart Spread the gospel and follow