/R E P E A T -- Colourful lion dance opens unique Taoist temple/

Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi™

2015 Grand Opening of Wong Dai Sin Taoist Temple

MARKHAM, ON, Aug. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - The grand opening of the Wong Dai Sin Taoist Temple, designed by an award-winning Toronto architect, will take place on Saturday August 8, 2015 from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm at 378 Steeles Ave. E in Markham. The grand opening coincides with the 45^th anniversary of the introduction of the Taoist arts in Canada.

A colourful lion dance will be performed and robed Taoist chanters will conduct rarely-seen ceremonies during the official opening activities. Photographers and videographers are welcome.

Tradition and modern architecture meet in this visually striking Taoist temple built by Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism (FLK). Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Brigitte Shim, the elevated one-story, flat-roof temple, liberally clad in rusted red steel, is supported by seven sets of columns to allow for parking spaces and circulation beneath the structure. Inside the building large geometric lights shine down on the traditional fixtures of an ancient Chinese temple tradition.

Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi (FLKTTC) intends the temple to be a place for all who wish to benefit from the practice of the Taoist arts. International president, Marsha Eberhardt, says: "We are thrilled as an organization to open this location which represents the heart and soul of our Taoist practice."

Wong Dai Sin is a Taoist immortal who was, according to legend, a simple shepherd boy who displayed great virtue and who was able to cultivate immortality by practising the Taoist arts. He later became known for helping all and promoting goodness. With this temple, FLKTTC hopes to help spread Wong Dai Sin's spirit of compassion, sincerity, and perseverance.

FLK is a unique Taoist organization that engages its practitioners in cultivating the transformation of one's entire being. Its prime mission is to alleviate suffering. Master Moy Lin Shin, a Taoist monk, began introducing the Taoist arts in Toronto 45 years ago in 1970. The many volunteer, accredited instructors and leaders around the world have continued to carry his vision forward to be able to offer these arts in 26 countries to more than 40,000 participants. 

People of all backgrounds and religions are welcome to visit the facility and take part in any of the offered activities. Come and meet some of the local and international participants of this very special organization on Saturday, August 8^th at 10:00 a.m.

For further information, visit http://www.taoist.org, call [phone] or e-mail [email protected].

SOURCE Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism

Image with caption: "Taoist rituals and ceremonies will take place regularly at Wong Dai Sin Taoist Temple. (CNW Group/Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150808_C7953_PHOTO_EN_471890.jpg

Image with caption: "Tradition and modern architecture meet in this visually striking Wong Dai Sin Taoist temple designed by internationally acclaimed architect Brigitte Shim. (CNW Group/Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150808_C7953_PHOTO_EN_471888.jpg

Image with caption: "Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism (CNW Group/Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150808_C7953_PHOTO_EN_471613.jpg

Sylvia Goodeve, [email protected], [phone]