Ceremonial Events

The 28th day of the first lunar month marks the birthday of Patriarch Xu Tianshi, the Jingming ancestor. To celebrate this sacred occasion and pray for blessings and disaster relief, the Yangzhu Taoist Association of America will hold a special prayer ceremony following orthodox ritual protocols.

Date

March 15, 2026 (Sunday)

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Coinciding with the 28th of the 1st lunar month

Venue

28-35 45th St, 3A

Astoria, NY 11103

Devotees are welcome to participate in the prayer ceremony. Please provide your name and date of birth. You may also submit individual prayer petitions. Attendees are welcome to bring fresh flowers and fruit offerings.

Prayer petitions may include:

Disaster Relief

Longevity & Blessings

Well-being

Career Success

Financial Prosperity

Family Harmony

Auspiciousness

This ceremony will be presided over by President Ji Faxin, the 26th generation successor of the Jingming lineage. All devotees and initiated laypeople are warmly welcome to attend, celebrating the sacred birthday and sharing in divine blessings. Photos and videos of the ceremony will be provided for those unable to attend in person.

On the 19th day of the 1st lunar month of the Bingwu year, President Ji Faxin of the Yangzhu Taoist Association of America joyfully accepted Hu Yuanming (Jacob M. Bressman) as the 27th generation disciple of the Jingming Zhongxiao Dao lineage. As the first American Jingming disciple, the master-disciple lineage has been formally established, witnessed by both humans and deities.

On January 11, 2026, the Yangzhu Taoist Association of America held a Zhengyi Taoist Initiation Ceremony, following orthodox ritual protocols including the proclamation of precepts, bestowing of Taoist names, and the submission of ceremonial memorials to the heavens. The ceremony was conducted with solemnity and reverence, reaching a successful completion. The initiation ceremony is an important rite marking the formal entry of devotees into the Taoist faith, symbolizing the establishment of their spiritual direction and the beginning of their cultivation path. Through traditional rituals, participants made their vows before heaven, earth, and the divine spirits, becoming officially initiated Taoist laypeople. This ceremony attracted participants from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, including not only Chinese devotees but also individuals from the United States, Australia, and other countries who formally converted to Taoism. This demonstrates the continued spread and broad appeal of Taoist culture in contemporary international society, reflecting the vitality and practical value of traditional religion in cross-cultural contexts. The Yangzhu Taoist Association of America will continue to uphold the principles of orthodox transmission and standardized development, promoting the steady growth and deeper exchange of Taoist culture in the international community.

Conducted traditional Taoist consecration rituals to bless Taoist ritual implements and talismans, promoting authentic Taoist ceremonial traditions.

Held year-end prayer and divine thanksgiving ceremonies to express gratitude for divine protection and pray for peace and prosperity in the new year, embodying Taoist traditions of gratitude and aspiration.