Taoist priests gather together for morning and evening prayers
each day. They hold prayer rituals to give blessings on the
birthday of deities or on festivals, and conduct rituals to expiate
the sins of the dead on the Festival of Pure Brightness and the
Festival of Spirits of the Dead. Such rituals can also be held at
the request of followers. Unveiling ceremonies are held when a
monastery is completed. Taoist priests also hold large-scale
rituals, such as the Grand Universe Ceremony, to pray for
prosperity and peace in the nation, good weather for crops, and
world peace. Besides conducting rituals, Taoist priests are mainly
engaged in self-cultivation.
(China.org.cn April 20, 2007)
