Taoism & Cultivation (cont'd)
Incense and Oil - Incense and oil is the term that is used to represent the support of the shrine. The shrine is a representation of the cosmic body, the incense is the breath, and the flame the spirit. Early shrines used oil lamps which were later often supplemented or replaced by candles. Oil is what is required for the flame in the lamp. In front of each shrine is found a box which pilgrims and supporters place contributions to pay for incense oil and other needs for the support and upkeep of the shrine and those who tend it.
Offerings - Offerings at a shrine include incense, fruit, and flowers. Offering are regularly placed before the shrine especially during festival days and the first and fifteenth of the lunar month (new and full moon).
Cultivation of Virtue - The cultivation of virtue is at the foundation of Taoist practice. Virtue, de (德), is cultivated through the sincere practice and acting with integrity throughout the actions of one's life whether in public or private. The cultivation of de is what creates the foundation, the frame upon which all other cultivation depends. Without de, true attainment is not possible.
Pantheon - Taoism is generally understood as a polytheistic religion having many gods. At the top of the pantheon are the three purities. Yu qing, Shang Qing, and Tai Qing. These represent the Tao itself in various aspects.
Shrine - A Taoist shrine is a qi node, a gate, an access point between the self-body and the Tao
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