Taoist Dharma Utensils
The utensils required for Taoist fasting altars are called Dharma Utensils. They are generally used in conjunction with scripture rhymes and rituals at the altar, and some can also be used when specializing in magic. Taoist magic weapons can be used to summon gods and generals, and can exorcise evil spirits and eliminate demons, so there are many varieties. Wooden fish: also known as "wooden drum", commonly known as "caviar". It is round in shape and carved in the shape of a fish, so it is called wooden fish. Hollow out the middle and make a sound when struck. It is usually placed on the right hand side of the sutra case, and the wooden hammer held in the right hand is used to knock on it. When reciting sutras, use them in conjunction with sutra rhymes. Every word in the sutras must fall on the idea of ??the wooden fish. "The Supreme Secret": "The wooden fish clears the rock and awakens the world." Chime: There are two types. One is called the "round chime", which is round and hollow, made of copper or iron; the other is called the "flat chime", also called the "jade chime", which is shaped like a curved ruler with a 120° bend angle and is made of jade. The former type is often used in dojos and is usually placed on the left hand side of the sutra case. The main function of the chime is to inform the gods and to ward off disasters. Usually, when Taoists or pilgrims come to the temple to worship, the master of the temple will hit the chime when they raise their heads and stand up. When chanting sutras in the Taoist temple, in conjunction with rituals, the chime pan must also be struck. Yinqing: also known as "hand chime". It is as small as a bowl, made of copper, with a raised top at the bottom and a wooden handle for easy carrying. The wooden handle has a rope and is connected to an iron or copper rod. When the Taoist people worship at the altar or "turn to heaven", they hold it and call it to guide the Taoist people, so it is called "Yinqing". Bell: Generally made of copper or iron. There is no tongue in the bell, and it produces sound when struck. There are big bells and small bells. The big bell is used in Taoist temples in the morning and evening when it is quiet and quiet, and is used in conjunction with the big drum and drum. The small bell is used in the Taoist temple as a magical instrument, and is played in conjunction with the drum. "Tao Shu Yuan Shen Qi": "In ancient times, sacrificial music included bells and chimes, each with sixteen frames, in response to the twelve rhythms and the clear sounds of the four palaces. There were also special hanging bells and special hanging chimes. Those with special hangings hung alone. Also. The golden bells, jade chimes, and large bells on the cave table are all based on this. "Drum: cylindrical or oblate, with bulging sides, hollow, and covered with leather on both sides. Drums are divided into different sizes: the big drum is used in Taoist temples in the morning and evening when opening and stopping, and is used in conjunction with the big bell and board; the small drum is used as a ritual instrument in the Taoist temple, and is used in conjunction with the small bell. The sound of drums is believed to have the effect of enchanting spirits and warding off evil spirits. Taoism is very particular about drumming. It can simulate the sound of "storm, cloud, thunder and rain" and can match the rhyme of the scriptures, which is called "flower point". "The Supreme Being's Secret Key to Helping the Country and Saving the People" states: "Whenever you build a monastery to perform religious rituals, you must first sound the Dharma drum." Dang: Also known as "monophone", "bronze drum", etc., commonly known as "dangzi". It is a small gong fixed on a wooden frame with a long handle, and the sound is struck with a plectrum. If it is a small gong with ten sides fixed on the same wooden frame and a long handle, it is called "Yun Gong" or "Yun Ao". Cymbal: also known as "copper plate". Usually made of copper. The shape is a circular piece with a bulge in the center, with red cloth strips tied on the bulge. There are differences in size: the big ones are called "rao cymbals", "nao cymbals" or "big cymbals", and the small ones are called "chai" or "chaizi". When hitting, each hand holds a piece of cloth and hits it together to make a sound. Some people also put one piece on a round concave cloth pad and use the other piece to hit. In the dojo, it is usually used in conjunction with Dangzi. Bell: also known as "Sanqing Bell", "Rattle Bell", "Emperor Bell", "Fa Bell", "Fa Bell", etc. It is usually made of copper and has a handle. There is a tongue inside the bell, which can be shaken to produce sound. The upper end of the handle is in the shape of "mountain", which symbolizes the three pure gods believed in Taoism. Taoism believes that the magic bell has the function of subduing gods and exorcising demons. When used in the dojo, it must be held in one hand and shaken rhythmically to one side. "Shangqing Lingbao**": "Vibrate the Dharma bell, and the gods and ghosts will experience it." Wat: also known as "Gui Jian", "Chao Jian", "Chao Ban", "Xu Ban", "Jade Ban", " "Yuhu", "Shouban", etc. It was originally a tablet held by emperors and ministers in ancient times when they met at court. It could be used to write down things so as not to forget them. The emperor used jade, the princes used ivory, and the officials and scholars used bamboo. Taoism is not subject to this restriction and can be used according to conditions. During the Taoist ceremony, the high-ranking ministers ascended the altar, holding the wat in both hands, as if they were facing heaven. "Tao Shu Yuan Shen Qi": "In ancient times, the princes all held Gui. The Zhou rites included Huan Gui, Xin Gui, and Gong Gui. The Book of Rites: the scholars held fish whiskers, asparagus, bamboo slips, and the like." Ruyi: usually jade, Made of wood and bone. The shape is slightly curved like the word "heart", with three points: a cloud shape or a zigzag shape at the first and last ends, and a round point in the center. It symbolizes the meaning of "Tao transforms into three pure things", and also means respecting the three treasures (i.e. Tao treasure, Sutra treasure, and Master treasure) with one heart. "Tai Qing Jade Book": "Ruyi, the weapon made by the Yellow Emperor to fight Chi You, was changed into a bone flower in later generations, and Tianzhen held it to ward off the demons." "Shang Qing Jing": "Tianzun held Ruyi in his hand and preached the Jade Pivot Treasure Sutra . "The Taoist abbot also holds it when preaching scriptures or other solemn rituals. Dharma seal: usually made of wood, copper or jade. The seal is engraved with words with Taoist meanings, and some even have complete symbols engraved on it. The seals are usually of lions or other evil beasts. Since the founding master Zhang Daoling, the seal has been passed down to this day. : “Wherever the Dharma seal shines, evil spirits will perish. ” Magic sword: also known as “treasure sword”, “order sword”, and “seven-star sword”. On both sides of the steel-forged sword body, there are bronze patterns of the Big Dipper on each side, and there are patterns of dragons and talismans near the hilt. Taoism believes that the sword is a powerful weapon for slaying demons. Zhang Tianshi's family heirlooms are the sword and the Tianshi Seal. Usually, the seven-star sword with a thin blade is held in two hands. Sometimes it can be held in two hands, also known as the sword. "Double sword" or "combination sword". There is also a kind of wooden sword with talismans engraved on the sword, which is mostly carved from peach wood that can ward off evil spirits. It is also called "peach sword". Taoist priests also use kitchen knives instead when practicing. The swordsman.
Token: Also known as "Lei Ling" and "Five Thunder Cards". It is a wooden sign with a dome and a flat bottom. The name of Erbasu is engraved on the side panel. The shape above the circle and below symbolizes heaven and earth. The token is a sacred instrument used by Taoist priests to send gods. It has the function of warding off evil spirits and can also be used to send the God of Thunder. The shapes and patterns of the tokens are not exactly the same. Some are engraved with dragons or swords, and some are engraved with "Five Thunder Orders", "To Summon All Gods", etc. "Book of Taoism Supports the Gods": "In the Zhou Dynasty, Ya Zhang started the army. The top of the Han bronze tiger talisman is round and the bottom is engraved with five teeth in the shape of hanging down. The inscription on the back is in the shape of a sitting tiger. Next to it is the following inscription: Like an ancient tooth. Zhang makes a tiger talisman. This is the way to summon generals. "Manna bowl: also known as "water bowl", "water bowl" or "clear water bowl". It is used to hold Dharma water (also known as "nectar") in the dojo. In ancient times, they were made of bamboo, but today they are mostly made of brass. The vessel is shaped like a tea cup with a slightly larger mouth and "true shapes of the Five Mountains" painted around the cup. But there are also rice bowl-shaped water bowls with slightly narrow mouth. Masters in the dojo often hold a bowl in their left hand and a willow branch (or use a plastic branch instead) in their right hand, dip the holy water in the bowl, and spread it over the wine altar to show their purification. "Lingbao Jidu Golden Book": "The poplar branches sprinkle the karma and dirt, and remove the dust from the invisible." Sometimes it symbolizes the universal spread of nectar to save the souls of the dead. "Taishang Quanzhen Wantan Sutra": "The nectar flows and spreads all over the void, lifting up addiction and not stagnating. Hanyuan." Zhentan wood: also known as "Zhentan wood", "Fengzhi", "Jingban", etc. It is a slightly rectangular wooden block. The top surface is slightly raised and the bottom surface is flat, painted red. The four characters "All Gods Xian Ting" are engraved on the front, and the four hexagrams Qiankun and Kanli are engraved on both ends. During the process of the dojo, the altar wood is placed on the table and used by the master in conjunction with the rituals. When Taoist priests specialize in magic, they also use it to slap the table to intimidate evil spirits. Order flag: a flag used by high officials to issue orders at the altar. The flag is triangular, with a yellow surface, a tooth-shaped red edge, and a yellow-red edge ribbon. The flagpole is usually made of rattan. The flag has four words written on it: "To summon all the gods." Ruler: a long piece of wood. The shape is the same as the old-style ruler, with scales on both sides and carved with auspicious patterns such as gourds. It is usually painted red. In addition, there is also an iron ruler without scales and patterns. Taoism believes that measuring tools have the power to eliminate evil spirits, so the ruler is widely used as a magic weapon. Some of the statues of Marshal Zhao Gongming, one of the Taoist protectors, hold an iron ruler in their hands. Canopy Ruler: Also known as "Fa Ruler". It is a rectangular square log. The six sides are engraved with the names of the sun, the moon, and the twenty-eight constellations, as well as patterns such as the three stars, the Big Dipper, and the six southern stars, as well as the sacred name of the Tianpeng Yuanshi. In this way, the magical power of Marshal Tianpeng can be used to ward off evil spirits and eliminate evil spirits. "Book of Taoism Supports the Gods": "In ancient times, peach branches were used to remove bad luck. Hou Yi died with a peach stick, so later generations used it to drive away ghosts. Today, the peng ruler is of its kind." Dharma rope: also known as "whip", "whip" "Fashion whip", "Jing whip" or "Fasuo" etc. The wooden handle is carved with a snake head-like pattern, and underneath it is a rope body made of fibers such as hemp or palm. There is also an end at the end of the rope, making it look like a complete snake. The head of the snake is painted with vermilion lacquer and has Bagua patterns on it. In more sophisticated cases, there is even a human head protruding from the mouth of the snake. In addition, some use natural bent wood to represent the snake body. Taoism believes that the magic whip can whip demons and ward off evil spirits. Taoist priests often hold the snake's head tightly and beat it hard when performing magic. Master's Sword: The sword used by the mage. One is a short sword made of brass. The blade is very blunt, the front end is oval, and the handle is strung with copper coins or small iron rings. The shape is quite strange. The other is a sharp iron sword, also known as the "Witch Sword". Its shape is between a magic sword and a kitchen knife, with the holy name of Taishang Laojun engraved on it. Double Mace: It is a pair of quadrangular sticks with a slightly thin front end and a bronze body carved with knob-like nodules, which is equivalent to a weapon such as a whip. It is mostly used by red-headed Taoist priests in Taiwan. During the ritual of exorcising evil spirits, they hold two coppers and wave them in violent movements. Dragon horn: also known as "horn", "sea horn", "ling horn", "horn" or "horn flute". Mainland Taoist priests generally use conch, also known as "fa conch"; Taiwan's aconite Taoist priests use ox horn, and red-headed Taoist priests use tin The horns are usually painted vermilion inside and out, and some are engraved with the patterns of the Big Dipper and the South Dipper as well as the words sun and moon. Some are wrapped with red cloth or red rope around the mouth. The dragon horns are derived from war horns. Taoist priests use their sound to summon gods and get rid of evil spirits. Straw mats, umbrellas, brooms, and lanterns: the straw mats spread on the altar are used to indicate the scope of the sacred area. If the grass is rolled into a stick shape, it is also a symbol. A kind of tool to ward off evil spirits. When performing rituals of worship, the Wutou Taoist priests in Taiwan often hold an umbrella on the altar to block out the evil spirits and keep themselves clean. The broom is also a tool to eliminate evil spirits and is similar to a magic weapon. Function. Hanging lanterns on the altar has the meaning of inviting gods from all walks of life to come to the altar.