The process of Taoist ritual of fasting and offering sacrifices (Zhaijiao Keyi):
Taoist ritual of fasting and offering sacrifices is the general term for Taoist rituals, and its specific names and types are numerous, such as twenty-seven kinds of fasting methods such as the Golden Lu fasting and the Mingzhen fasting, and forty-two kinds of sacrificial rites such as the Three Emperors sacrifice, the Five Mountains sacrifice, and the Luo Tian sacrifice.
Since about the end of the Jin Dynasty, there have been cases of combining or connecting fasting and sacrifice together, such as the records in "The Supreme Cave Abyss Divine Incantation Scripture" like "performing fasting and setting up sacrifices without following the examination of ritual regulations" and "constructing fasting and sacrifice".
Although both sacrifice and fasting are major categories of Taoist rituals, they have different meanings and usages in the early Taoism. Fasting mainly focuses on purity and abstinence, while sacrifice is mainly in the sense of sacrificing to the gods. After the Song Dynasty, the fasting methods gradually declined and the sacrificial rites flourished, and the two gradually merged and were called "fasting and sacrifice", thereby generally referring to the ritual activities of Taoism.
The process of Zhaijiao Keyi may vary in different regions and Taoist temples. The following is a common process of Taoist Zhaijiao Keyi:
1. Setting up the altar: Before the ritual begins, a special altar field needs to be set up for holding the Zhaijiao Keyi. The altar field usually sets up statues of gods, offerings, ritual implements, etc.
2. Inviting the gods: Taoists will invite the gods to descend to the altar field through chanting scriptures and incantations, etc., to accept the offerings and prayers of believers.
3. Chanting scriptures: Taoists will chant Taoist classics such as "Tao Te Ching" and "Nan Hua Zhen Jing" to express respect and supplication to the gods.
4. Worshiping: Under the leadership of Taoists, believers will perform rituals to the statues of gods to express piety and respect to the gods.
5. Offering sacrifices: Believers will offer sacrifices such as flowers, fruits, incense candles, etc. to the gods to express gratitude and supplication.
6. Praying for blessings: Taoists will pray on behalf of believers for peace, health, happiness, etc., and also pray for the ancestors and relatives and friends of believers.
7. Sending off the gods: After the ritual ends, Taoists will send the gods back to the Heavenly Court through chanting scriptures and incantations.
The main functions of Taoist Zhaijiao Keyi are as follows:
1. Religious belief: Zhaijiao Keyi is an important part of Taoist belief. Through holding Zhaijiao Keyi, believers can express piety and respect to the gods, and at the same time can also obtain the protection and blessing of the gods.
2. Cultural inheritance: Zhaijiao Keyi is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Through holding Zhaijiao Keyi, Taoist culture can be inherited and developed.
3. Social integration: Zhaijiao Keyi is a kind of social activity. Through holding Zhaijiao Keyi, the connection and cohesion among believers can be enhanced, and at the same time it can also promote the harmony and stability of society.
4. Psychological adjustment: Zhaijiao Keyi is a way of psychological adjustment. Through holding Zhaijiao Keyi, believers can relieve stress, regulate emotions, and at the same time can also obtain inner peace and tranquility.
