Page 145 - Popular Deities of Chinese Buddhism (Illustrated) and Symbols

to the position of reverence similar to that of Confucius, the

great Sage of China.

All these awards have helped the people to remember and wor-

ship Kuan Ti not only as a God of War but also as their God of

Chivalry and Prosperity. He is also regarded as the Guardian of

the Brave, Loyal and Righteous, and so on. However it must be

mentioned here that the manner of worship of Kuan Ti at his

temples are not necessarily a Buddhist practice, although he has

earned a place into the Chinese Pantheon. Buddhism may accept

and even encourages its followers to revere the Gods for their

virtues or pray to them for some protection or worldly boons, but

they must always be aware that Enlightenment cannot be won

by such practices and that their refuge should be sought in the

ree Jewels only.

As a Buddhist deity, Kuan Ti stands alone but as a Taoist deity

he is usually accompanied by two other companions. A young

looking man is always protrayed beside him holding his seal

while Chang Fei can be seen with his halberd which according

to tradition, the edge of it facing towards the direction of the

suspected danger from evil influence. For this reason he is often

depicted as standing behind Kuan Ti’s right so that his halberd

may face the other direction, if so required.

Kuan Ti’s anniversaries fall on the 13th day of the 2nd moon

and the 13th day of the 5th moon in Malaysia and Singapore

while Hong Kong celebrates it on the 24th day of the 6th moon.

It is also customary for the Chinese to make their way to Kuan

Ti temples at the start of the Chinese New Year to offer prayers

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