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Does Wang Liping teach regular seminars in China? I noticed he taught a seminar at Jinhua last year, but I didn't see anything for this year.

"Fenxiang means to divide the incense.".......???

 

奉香（Fenxiang） means place burning incense on the altar in the morning and evening to show respect to the Taoist deities.

Haha, no that's 分香 not 焚香. Thanks for clarifying, I'll include Chinese next time.

PS sorry for highjacking the thread with my philosophical vs. religious Daoism comment. Although an altar is for more then worshipping deities from the perspective of many Daoists.

My sense is if you feel the need to have an altar then go for it, don't let anyone here question that.

A teacher told me that the intention in wanting and setting up an altar outweighs many other considerations against not having it. In other words just the fact that you want one and are setting one up in your home is beneficial.

Here are some things that I learnt that might interest you.

First, in terms of location be mindful of what is on the floor above the altar. It's not good to have people walking over the head of whoever you have installed. As for more detailed placement, fengshui will be a consideration, and as someone mentioned above that gets complex. One way to think of it is treat the deity of the altar as an honoured guest. Where would you put an honoured guest in your home. Where do you feel he or she would be most comfortable.

Second, many Daoist altars follow the fenxiang system. Fenxiang means to divide the incense. When a new altar was opened the burner on the new altar used incense ash from an established altar, thus creating a system of relationships between various altars. Following this in your altar might not be workable but its good to keep in mind.

Third, if possible try to have the image and other items on the altar enlivened (kaiguang). Check at a local temple.

But at the end of the day just follow what makes sense to you, and be open to learning as you go. I am always surprised where knowledge comes from. Also Taomeow's point above about the need for protection makes sense, you are inviting certain things into your home. My experience is that it can only be harmful over a long sustained period if something isn't right, so pay attention to how you feel and your dreams etc. You'll know.

PS I think it's odd that the religious vs. philosophical Daoism distinction still has so much traction. But I guess that's a topic for another thread.

Nice to find such a large gathering of people interested in the Dao.

I'm from Vancouver, Canada, and have been interested in Daoist practice for a number of years. My main vehicle to follow the Dao is tai chi. Also interested in academic study of Daoism.