Worship Etiquette

To perform the Taoist kneeling worship ritual, first lunge forward with the left foot, bending at the knee, bringing the right knee to the ground before lowering the left knee to a kneeling position in preparation to perform three kowtows. When kowtowing, place both hands with palms open on the prayer seat, with the backs of both hands facing upward and pressing the palms into the prayer seat. Touch your forehead to the surface of the prayer seat; alternatively, form the Taichi clasp with both hands and lay the hands on the prayer seat and touch your forehead to the cushion or on your clasped hands. Frequently performing the kneeling and kowtowing ritual not only shows devotion but also dispels the obstacles of sin, and increases blessings and wisdom.

 Offerings to the gods in Taoism follow the basic tenant of “tranquil clarity, inaction, according to nature, nonresistance”. These include the Four Joys, Five Fruits; and four, six, seven or ten offerings. The killing of pigs or cattle is not advocated. In Taoism, gifts for the gods include the six offerings of “incense, flowers, light, tea, fruit, and vegetables.” The basic concept and spirit are as follows: The incense, does nothing; the tea or water, clean; the flowers, natural; the fruit, whole and round; the lights, candle, or flames burn according to nature; the vegetables, nurture. 

Worshipping with incense is extremely important in expressing our devotion as well as conveying our pleas and prayers to the place of the gods. When worshipping using incense, stand with the feet together and the posture erect. Hold the incense in your right hand and wrap your left hand around your right. Bring the incense with both hands toward the center of your chest with the lit tip in-line with your upper lip rather than at eyebrow or forehead height.  Burning incense is for the purpose of reporting to, requesting, pleading, asking for advice, showing gratitude, and praying for blessings. Reverent and sincere prayers can then reach the heavens through the rising smoke that floats above the three realms, reaching the Heavenly Hall and revealing its solemnity.