Imagine being asked by your boss to clean his car. He hands you no resources - no money, no detergent, no water - nothing. You might still take up the task, trying to clean the car with your bare hands, or perhaps finding a wet tissue to wipe the windows. Now picture another scenario: this time, your boss provides you with sufficient money to get the car professionally cleaned at a gas station. This difference encapsulates the essence of understanding and using gold and silver offerings in Taoist practices.
When you simply write a FU (a Taoist talisman) and request assistance from the gods, it can be likened to attempting to clean the car without any resources. Although it might work, it is certainly not the optimal way. Instead, consider the second scenario: when you write a FU and burn gold and silver offerings afterward, you are essentially providing the 'funds' that the celestial beings can use to assist you. This act of 'funding your troops' makes a world of difference in the effectiveness of your Taoist practices.
In Taoism, the gold and silver offering pages require a stamp from the Saam Law, connecting them to the Saam Law Palace. This is akin to the Celestial Treasure Court, our divine 'bank' within the Tin Law Hall. Once the pages are stamped, they are sanctified and bonded to the Saam Law Palace through specific rituals, which include the use of the Treasure Chick spell, Saam Law stage spell, and the RC TYHQ spell. These offerings are then consecrated, approved by the court, and transformed into celestial gold (Tian Gim) 天金 or long-life gold (Xiou Gim) 壽金. These are not ordinary offerings, they are considered celestial currencies, used for thanking the celestial beings and paying for their magical aid.
However, burning these celestial offerings involves more than simply setting them on fire. The correct method involves lighting them, circling the flame on top of the FU, and then tossing the burning page into the 'Hing' when it's nearly burned out. This practice ensures the 'funds' are properly transferred and received by the celestial beings without igniting the entire stack of FU.
In contrast, burning paper offerings of gold and silver without the Saam Law stamps serves a different purpose. This act draws energies from the practitioner, which are then given to the gods as a form of gratitude. This is typically done at the end of the month or case.
Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your Taoist practices. It’s like knowing how to properly clean a car. To delve deeper into these fascinating rituals, consider reading the eBook "Taoist Secrets of Gold and Silver Offerings." It promises to enrich your spiritual journey by unveiling the profound traditions and practical methods of Taoist offerings.
