Saturday, we worked at the office from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Then we visited the Taoist Temple.
It was pretty amazing, and we enjoyed our time there.
The gate to the Taoist Temple parking lot.
It felt like we were back in China again.
As we were driving up to the gate, we realized that
the Family History missionary couple, Elder and Sister Wieland, were also there.
When we met up inside, we took pictures of each other.
Obviously we had already changed our clothes. Only missionary badges identify us.
However, we still met members there from Balamban who recognized us.
Storks on a lower level.
The buildings are build in tiers:
Dragons were everywhere.
Notice the dragons on the corners of the roof.
And on the top.
The bell to call worshippers to services.
In this building were statues that were not to be photographed.
We could walk in and look around - just not take pictures.
This is a special service that takes place in this room.
This is in a foyer area.
And this is an activity that sometimes takes place there.
A shrine on the top level.
There is a sign at the Taoist Temple with the following information.
We are NOT mocking this philosophy, but we did get a good laugh out of it.
Phil. Taoist Temple Inc.
Taoism procedures by using a pair of kidney shape wooden blocks
for a medium to communicate with God for your question, problem or wish:
(the wooden blocks are flat on one side and rounded not the other side)
1. Wash you hands - representing Cleanliness!
2. Light a Joss stick, then kneel down by holding the Joss stick with both hands, and pray for guidance to enlighten you problem or wish.
3. Hold a pair of blessed wooden blocks, flat side 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 to the floor, and your answer will be according to its positions:
Means NO Means MAYBE Means YES
Both round sides are up both flat sides are up One round side is up,
one flat side is up
Remember:
A. Before asking your question, problem, or wish you need to request permission whether God is ready to accept enlightening your question. (follow procedure #5)
B. If the answer is YES, then start asking question, problem, or wish.
C. If the answer is NO, then you have to come back some other day and ask again or consult our temple attendant for assistance.
D. If the answer is MAYBE, then your question, problem, or wish is not very clear. Simplify your question and ask again, or consult our temple attendant.
E. 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.
In the distance, you can see The Heavenly Temple.
This is also the view of Cebu from the top of the Taoist Temple.
The Taoist Temple is built in the area of the city called "Beverly Hills."
There are many large, beautiful homes in this area,
which is quite a contrast to what we usually see in the city.
After leaving the temple, we drove around looking at homes
and stumbled upon the Boy Scout Camp in Cebu.
You can see everything here - you just need to know where to look!
