Bulletin No. 1, 2010

14  Chinese University Bulletin No. 1, 2010  Tracing the Way of the Dao Centre for the Studies of Daoist Culture D aoist priests preside over the majority of funeral rites in Hong Kong. Tai Ping Qing Jiao Festival ( 太平清醮 ), including the famous Bun Festival in Cheung Chau, has roots in Daoist ceremonies. About two million people pay their respects to Daoist temples throughout the territory between the first and the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. Whe t he r we know i t o r not, Daoism is very much a p a r t o f o u r l i v e s . Yet it is arguably the least studied major religion in Hong Kong—a fact that makes the Centre for the Studies of Daoist Culture at CUHK truly unique. ‘Daoism is an indigenous Chinese religion, though it was never declared a national religion. But we know it thrived from the Tang to the Ming Dynasties. That’s why it is present in all aspects of life in China. Understanding Daoism enhances understanding of Chinese societ y and culture. Western scholars are interested in the Daoist view of the universe that emphasizes harmony with nature, so Daoist studies also helps to promote Chinese culture in non-