Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism Its mission is to deliver all from suffering, both the living and the dead, by pursuing the way of community service, rituals and ceremonies, and the cultivation of body and mind.  Statue of Guan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion, at the International Taoist Tai Chi Centre, Canada Fung Loy Kok was co founded by Master Moy Lin-shin and Mr. Mui Ming To in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong in 1968. The temple's teachings are deeply rooted in the ancient spiritual traditions and culture of China. Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism follows the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Its practices are based on Confucian propriety, Buddhist scriptures, and Taoist training methods. The principal teachings of these three schools, unified in the Tao, are the treasure of Chinese culture. In the early 20th century these teachings were made available for the first time outside of the Monasteries where they had remained for centuries. Master Moy Lin-shin and Mr. Mui Ming To founded Fung Loy Kok with a vision of making these methods available and helping to alleviate suffering throughout the world. In 1970, Master Moy Lin-shin immigrated to Canada, where he founded the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada and then, in 1981, opened a first Fung Loy Kok high shrine at the Society's Bathurst Street location in Toronto. Recently, construction was completed of the Quiet Cultivation Centre at our International Centre in Orangeville, Ontario, which is owned by the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism. The Institute jointly administers all Centre programs, as well as the Centre itself, in conjunction with the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada and the International Taoist Tai Chi Society. For more details about the philosophy of Taoist training and its relationship to the Quiet Cultivation Centre, please consult the following article: Quiet Cultivation Centre within the Taoist Tai Chi Centre: An Integral Path of Physical & Spiritual Development (HTML Version) Quiet Cultivation Centre within the Taoist Tai Chi Centre: An Integral Path of Physical & Spiritual Development (PDF Version) Teachings Over many centuries, the great teachings of Laozi, Buddha and Confucius shaped the spiritual and moral fabric of Chinese life. The traditions they founded, namely Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, are considered in Fung Loy Kok to be complementary paths to the same spiritual goal. Taoism teaches returning to our original nature and recovering the state of health and purity we have at birth by cultivating our intrinsic energy. Buddhism teaches returning to our original consciousness by emptying the mind of thoughts, freeing it from the distractions and anxieties caused by desires. Confucianism teaches returning to our original goodness by cultivating benevolence, righteousness and social propriety. Meditation Meditation restores the calmness and peace of mind, lost through the desires and anxieties of daily life. Meditation clears the mind and relieves tension in both mind and body to allow the proper circulation of qi or intrinsic energy. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the understanding that illness and aging are a result of blockages in the flow of qi throughout the body. Fung Loy Kok teaches meditation as a way of removing these blocks and "Returning to the Origin", to a state of health likened to that of a newborn child. Chanting  Taoist Chanting Ceremony Ceremonies & Festivals Fung Loy Kok offers chanting ceremonies on a regular basis and celebrates special festivals throughout the year. The largest of these, the All Souls Festival, takes place over several days each summer or fall. During this period, family and friends pay respects to their loved ones who have passed away and may arrange for memorial inscriptions honouring departed ancestors. Chanters seek to assure departed souls of a peaceful afterlife and to bring blessings to the living. At the family's request, temple members also chant for funerals and memorial services, and memorial plaques may be purchased at any time throughout the year. These plaques are permanently installed in the Fung Loy Kok Memorial Hall and receive perpetual care.  Community Service Charity within the community is a central objective of Fung Loy Kok, and to further this goal we rely on the volunteer work of our members. As a registered charitable organization, Fung Loy Kok offers such activities as weekly meals for the homeless, free English as a second language classes, assistance in preparing tax returns for low-income individuals as well as helping to facilitate other government and medical services. The D'Arcy Street Centre of Fung Loy Kok in Toronto, Canada also serves as headquarters for the Golden Age Division of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada and provides a friendly social environment for seniors and easy access to Tai Chi classes. International Scope The Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism has branches throughout Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. To promote Taoist learning, Fung Loy Kok also participates in exchanges with overseas Taoist organizations. Recent activities have included trips to and visits from many renowned Taoist temples and organizations in Hong Kong and China. Participation All are welcome to attend or participate in Fung Loy Kok events, regardless of religion. A variety of programs and activities in the Taoist arts are also available, including scripture study, lectures, chanting and meditation classes. Other Resources About Taoism For useful background and information about Taoism, see the Taoist Culture and Information Centre maintained by the Hong Kong Fung Ying Seen Koon Daoist Centre. |