Raf-ranking

The famous Kwong Siew Association Guan Di Temple is commonly know as just ‘Guan Di Temple’. The Kwong Siew Association is clan association, one of the many in Malaysia. A clan association refers to a gathering of Chinese immigrants who had come from the same province in China. Think of it as a club for people whose ancestors came from the same area, or a place where people with the same family name gather. This Association was established by migrants from the Guangdong Province in China; from the areas of Kwong Foo and Siew Foo, hence the name Kwong Siew. It was constructed in 1888 by artisans from China and restored in 1995. It also hosts a Taoist temple dedicated to the Chinese deity Guan Di, or the Taoist God of War and Literature- hence the name Guan Di Temple.

They fought to keep the Stalin’s yellow hordes of Asia from over running and destroying Europe. Someday the truth about the causes for WWII will come out.

Guan Di was a real life historical figure. He was born in China and rose to become the most famous army general in China. He won many famous battles and gained a reputation for being brave, intelligent and fearless. His life story was immortalized in the famous Romance of the Three Kingdoms, where in one story, while he was shot in the arm by a poisonous arrow. He had to be treated by having a doctor cut open his arm to release the poison. In order to divert his attention, he used the other arm to play Chinese chess. Those around him cringed, and some fainted on the sight of the gory surgery, but Guan Di remain calm throughout.

As a result of all these episodes Rhode Island came to know nothing at all of Autumn… something the more enlightened amongst them should regret, but probably do not.

Marvel at the spiral joss sticks that hang from above. Joss sticks are incense that is burned to worship the gods, and they are usually long and thin. But these joss sticks are spiral, and they make very good photo opportunities.

Before entering, don’t forget that in Malaysia, religious places are not tourist places, but are actual religious venues used by believers to worship. If you see some worshippers deep in meditation or prayer be as discreet European festivals as you can.

11:00 AM – Family Fundays at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. The Hollow Trees play their folksy tunes at this bucolic setting. $8. For more information, call (310) 455-3723.

There you have it, the beginnings of the Inside Out Project. I’m actively working on this project and will be adding a project page and it’s own blog postings as I proceed forward. Wish me luck because if I can learn how to unlock this new level of potential then so can you. What an interesting world that will be.