Reverence for ancestral spirits and immortals is common in popular Taoism. Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Dàoshi) view as debased. This is the reason why photography is disallowed in their prayer halls because it signifies disrespect to the spirits. Taoist philosophy is deeply rooted in contemporary China, and is an unavoidable part of modern Chinese life. This should be a reason why, in the Philippines, a Catholic Chinese is also a practicing Taoist; and having two religious traditions to speak of make for an interesting lifestyle.
Cebu's Taoist Temple is located in the heart of Beverly Hills Subdivision, a residential complex for the city's well heeled. It is also a rarity of its kind in a country that's mostly Catholic. In terms of tourism, the temple is one of the city's most visited sites.
Phu Sian Temple is seen from the Taoist Temple, but is not open for tourist visits.
Mactan Island and the Visayas Seas at the background.
Replica of the Great Walls of china.
The huge red pagoda is the entrance to the temple's parking.
Isn't that a huge "bagwa"? A piece hanging in a house is supposed to drive away bad spirits, analogous to the "dreamcatchers" found in North America. Dreamcatchers are handmade objects based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. It's of pan-Indian origin, particularly that of the Ojibwa tribes. Here's how it looks - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Dreamcatcher.jpg
This is the Eye in the Sky!
Phu Sian Temple is seen from the Taoist Temple, but is not open for tourist visits.
Mactan Island and the Visayas Seas at the background.
Replica of the Great Walls of china.
The huge red pagoda is the entrance to the temple's parking.
Isn't that a huge "bagwa"? A piece hanging in a house is supposed to drive away bad spirits, analogous to the "dreamcatchers" found in North America. Dreamcatchers are handmade objects based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. It's of pan-Indian origin, particularly that of the Ojibwa tribes. Here's how it looks - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/Dreamcatcher.jpg
N.B.
Please read our previous post for more photos, more information on transport and a little bit of history. - http://eye-in-the-blue-sky.blogspot.com/2011/12/cebu-taoist-temple-01-little.html
Hiking up Woolbright Drive in Beverly Hills.
A deserted playground.
Walking along Woolbright Drive.
Canyon Road leads to the exit/guard house.
Guard house of Beverly Hills.
Motorcycle taxis await for customers (P15 to 20 takes you to the guard house of the village). They don't have to wait for you. There are several motorbikes there waiting for tourists coming out of the temple.
Hiking up Woolbright Drive in Beverly Hills.
A deserted playground.
Walking along Woolbright Drive.
Canyon Road leads to the exit/guard house.
Guard house of Beverly Hills.
Motorcycle taxis await for customers (P15 to 20 takes you to the guard house of the village). They don't have to wait for you. There are several motorbikes there waiting for tourists coming out of the temple.
Excellent pictures. And the temple looks very interesting. Not been to this when I visited Philippines last.
ReplyDeleteSo I have a reason to visit the country again. :)
Thanks, Nisha. It is a nice place to visit; very relaxing, especially when you're not in a hurried pace.
ReplyDelete