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Daoist
Music
The Music of Morning Recitation of the Daily Recitations of
the Mysterious Gate (Orthodox Tunes of the Complete Perfection
)
Morning and evening recitations are everyday religious activities
in Taoist temples. This recitation tradition, legendarily
originated in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) when Wang Chongyang,
the patriarch of the Complete Perfection Tradition, founded
the Taoist temple system, has a history of over 800 years.
At the hour of Breaking the Quiet at 5 o'clock every morning,
temple-inhabiting Daoists get up and clean the courtyard and
halls. After washing up and breakfast, they assemble in the
hall and recite morning altar scriptures . After supper every
evening, on hearing the first drum calling to the altar ,
they again dress formally and assemble in the hall to recite
evening altar scriptures .
This happens every day throughout the whole year. Music is
performed in the Morning Recitation. It includes:
1. Pure and Clear Tune .
The Pure and Clear Tune is performed to accompany the scripture
recitation in the morning and evening. Its purpose is to purify
the mind in preparation for cultivation. It is frequently
performed in Taoist rituals.
2. Enticing the Heavenly Lord .
3. Diaogua.
4. Incense Offering .
5. Tigang.
6. Fan Batian.
7. Tigang.
8. Zhongtang Zan.
9. Minor Ode .
10. The Three Refuges .
Major Ode Tune
The
scriptures of the odes to heavenly deities are usually recited
to sing praises for such Daoist major deities as the Five
Patriarchs and the Seven Perfect Ones . At that time, Daoists
sing the Major Ode Tune to express their respect for the Immortals.
White Crane Flight
All Daoists reaching the realm of Immortality ascend to Heaven
on a crane. This piece of music expresses the transcendence
of Daoist freedom.
The Supreme Ultimate Tune (Orthodox Tunes of the Complete
Perfection )
The Supreme Ultimate being the symbol of Daoism, this scripture-reciting
tune expresses the utmost sincerity for the highest belief
in Daoism and people's profound contemplation of Dao.
Dark Hell Tune
Everyone has deceased ancestors living in the so-called Dark
Realm . This tune, sung at Salvation Rituals , prays to the
perfected spirits to help the soul in the dark to transcend
the underworld and enter sagethood or be reborn with new qualities.
Song of Joy in Clouds
It expresses the joy of serenity and freedom Immortals enjoy
in the heavenly court.
The Heavenly Lord Tune (Orthodox Tunes of the Complete
Perfection )
"Heavenly Lord" is the respectful name for Immortals.
This piece of music expresses the respect for all the lofty
deities of Daoism.
Joy of the Immortals
As the scripture-reciting tune in auspicious rituals, this
tune prays for the diminishing of disasters and wishes people
good luck and the joys of Immortals.
The Five Offerings
This piece of music describes the incense-offering and deity-worshiping
activities Hong Kong Daoism believers often hold. The melody
of the Five Offerings Ode , performed repeatedly, is very
fluent and beautiful. With rich Cantonese music features,
it pictures believers kowtowing with sincere piety. The stately
drums picture the prosperous field of people roaring with
songs and bustling with activities.
The Song of Repentance
Man living in the world unavoidably makes mistakes and errors.
The Daoist Book of Supreme Peace says, "The Heavenly
Dao has no affinity and comes to whoever is virtuous."
Since it's inevitable for man to make mistakes, it is important
for man to acknowledge his mistake and correct them. Only
when men treat each other with virtue, will they realize the
great harmony. This piece of music is also frequently performed
in all the Daoist temples in Hong Kong.
Ode of the Jade Platform
The Jade Platform, as a term of inner alchemy , refers the
sincerity and concentration required for cultivating spiritual
nature with the mind and attaining perfect spiritual fruit.
This piece of music describes the piety of Daoist practitioners.
Ode of Wishing for Longevity
This is a piece of music frequently performed in auspicious
rituals in Daoist temples in Hong Kong. One of the major aims
of Daoism is to achieve longevity and immortality and enjoy
limitless bliss. This piece of music is both an ode to deities
and an expression of best wishes for the common people
Translator: Luo Tongbing
Copy Editor: David Palmer
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