Taoist and Phu Sian Temple

by - March 17, 2012

DAY 3 October 27 (Friday)

Destination no. 1
Taoist and Phu Sian Temple
Taoist Temple was built in 1972 and is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, Philippines. The temple was built by Cebu's substantial Chinese community. With an elevation of 300 meters above sea level, the temple is a towering, multi-tiered, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes.

You are entering a Taoist Sanctuary for Prayers and Meditation. Please observe silence, solemnity and follow the rules while inside. Meditate-Pray while you go up to the Main Altar.
The temple is the center of worship for Taoism, the religion which follows the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tze.  

Another ritual among Taoist devotees, which is done during Wednesdays and Sundays, is the climbing of its 81 steps (representing the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures) to light joss sticks and have their fortune read by the monks.


 The Main Chapel where worshiper and non-worshiper from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can offer prayers to the God's to grant their wishes and ask for answers to both minor and major decisions in life. Visitors can ask for wishes and answers if the Head or the Temple Attendant is there. It is elevated over 270 meters above the sea level.



Jiaobei blocks or moon blocks are wooden divination tools originating from China, which are used in pairs and thrown to answer a yes or no question. They are made out of wood or bamboo and carved into a crescent shape. Each block is round on one side (known as the yin side) and flat on the other (known as the yang side). It is one of the more commonly used items found in Chinese traditional religion and are used in temples and home shrines along with fortune sticks, both of which are often used together when requesting an answer from the gods.



Here are the procedure in communicating with God in the Taoist temple using the Kau Cim (incense stick) and Jiaobei or moon blocks:
  1. Wash your hands representing cleanliness.
  2. Light a joss stick, then kneel down by holding the joss stick with both hands and pray for guidance to enlightened your problem or wish.
  3. Hold a pair of blessed wooden blocks flatside up with both hands.
  4. Ask your question, problem or wish in a simple manner. (one question at a time)
  5. Drop the wooden blocks gently on the floor and your answer will be according to its positions:
Photo from www.markmaranga.com.
Reminders:
  • Before asking your questions, problems or wish you have to request permission whether God is ready to accept enlightening your question in mind
  • If the answer is YES, then start asking question, problem or wish
  • If the answer is NO, then you have to come back some other day and ask again or consult the temple attendant for assistance.
  • If the answer is MAYBE, then your question, problem or wish is not very clear. Simplify your question and ask again or consult the temple attendant
  • After all your question , problem  or wish have been answered, please kneel down and express your thanks to God and ask for his blessings and graces in life.  



 A mural showing the over all view of Philippine Taoist Temple


 Pictures displayed on corners inside the Philippine Taoist Temple


 Souvenir Shop


 Picture of how Taoist Temple was built in Philippines by group of Chinese


 Oriental Architecture thru the designs of temples, balconies, rugged steps, mini libraries, manuscripts, dragons and replica of great wall of china.


 The spacious balconies offer a scenic view of the downtown Cebu.

The Main Chapel
The other Chapel where different God's housed.
You will see a signage at the front of every chapel that says: 
picture taking of the Gods and inside the prayer rooms are strictly prohibited.


Phu Sian Templenis a Buddhist temple and the third Chinese temple built on top of a  sacred hill from which sacred waters flow beneath. The waters are believed to have therapeutic effects. The temple was built by Dharma Master Weichi, a Buddhist from China, in 1979 and was inaugurated the following year. As of today, the temple is the only kind to have been established in the Philippines and is operated by seven Buddhist monks, most of whom are of Chinese descent. 
Phu Sian Temple is a place of reverence for Chinese Cebuanos where they re-energize their spirit through meditation.

Not so much in  here unlike in Taoist Temple so we decided to leave and head straight to Ayala Mall Cebu.

How to Get to Taoist and Phu Sian Temple, Cebu

a. The most ideal mode of transport to the Taoist Temple is by private vehicle.

b. Take a jeepney to J.Y. Square Mall in Lahug, if your budget does not stretch that far. Make sure you tell the driver that you want to go to the Taoist Temple, the driver will then take you to Sudlon.

c. From there, you have the choice to walk for about 15 minutes or ride a motorcycle called habal- habal.



Sources: www.wikipedia.com
             www.markmaranga.com





Read more about this trip! CEBU

    • Grand Tierra Suites
    • Joven's Grill and Seafoods
    • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
    • Magellan's Cross
    • Fort San Pedro
    • Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
    • Larsian sa Fuente
    • Cnt Lechon
    • The Tops
    • Asia Town I.T. Park
    • Body and Sole
    • Spaghetti Factory
    • Taboan Market




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