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)
