A Visit to Ashrams of Chinese Religion

这篇essay描述了，在美国唐人街很多人会到两个典型的中国宗教-道教和女神妈祖这里祈祷或烧香。道教是一个本机多神论的宗教,寻找人类的不道德的方法。它的产生源于春秋时期，其创始人老子是中国历史上最重要的哲学家。道教在塑造中国传统文化和国家的特征发挥了至关重要的作用。与道教相比,妈祖女神在中国东南部产生了深远的影响,因为这一地区毗邻大海,视女神妈祖为保护者。作为中国宗教为数不多的女神,马祖是被赋予了更多的女性特征,以她的善良,谦虚,对普通人的同情。

I have paid a visit to ashrams of two typical Chinese religions in Chinatown, one is Taoism and the other is the Goddess Matsu. A lot of people come here to pray or to burn incense. The ashrams are fraught with the swirling incense smoke and mysterious religious melodies. The general decorations of the ashrams are still in a traditional Chinese way. However, some English expressions suddenly appear from time to time always brought me an illusion. A heap of tributes such as flowers, evergreen plants and fruits are piled in front of the statues of those god or goddess. What constitute a strong contrast are the advanced electric appliances such as fans or lamps just beside the ancient Chinese-style furniture, which remind me of the earthly life. Interestingly, in the ashram of Taoism, I even found the statues of gods from Buddhism and Hinduism. For example, Quong Ming Jade Emperor Palace is a special to propitiate Jade Emperor who actually is the god of gods in Chinese folk tales and has nothing to do with Taoism or Goddess of Matsu. Thus, this gathering seems more like a mixture of different religions.

Taoism is a of native polytheism religion and in search of the method of immorality of human beings. It is generated from an important school of thoughts in the period of Spring and Autumn and its founder Lao Tzu is the most significant philosopher in Chinese history. The highest principle of it is Tao which is considered the very origin of everything in the world. Without exaggeration, Taoism has played a vital role in shaping Chinese traditional culture and the nation’s characteristics. Compared with Taoism, Goddess of Matsu has exerted a profound influence on the southeastern China because this region is adjacent to sea and regards Goddess of Matsu of the guardian and protector. As one of the few goddesses in Chinese religion, Matsu is bestowed with more female features and is famous for her kindness, modesty and sympathy for the ordinary people.

This visit reminds me of the importance of religion which can provide people with a kind of soothing shelter for spirit and a landmark for nostalgia. People from various places come together and pray for a better life and good luck. As is known, religions in China have long been entangled with pragmatic intentions or purposes. Therefore, people from other parts of the world usually criticize that Chinese people have no pure religious belief. I can find this hint in the ashrams in the Chinatown. People here more often than not pray for making more money or living a healthy life or having a harmonious family. The spiritual contents are really the minority. The entire atmosphere is not holy, quiet, solemn or sacred like that of Christian churches but rather noisy, casual and easy. Those comers seem just to pass by and fulfill a vow by burning incense when they are on the way to market. Maybe this phenomenon stems from their innate perception of religion and of the relation of religion and real life.