Before the child pictured here is old enough to talk, its mother is teaching it prayerful gestures, during their morniing worship at the temple. Another woman kneels in the foreground holding her prayer sticks, each inscribed with a specific prayer message (such as "happy family," "world peace," or "good health'). Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon (Kowloon meaning "nine Dragons") is Hong Kong’s most famous Taoist temple. It is a revered place of worship for those with health or business problems or for those seeking to offer prayers or have their fortunes told. Taoism |ˈdouˌizəm; ˈtou-| noun a Chinese philosophy based on the writings of Lao-tzu ( fl. 6th century BC), advocating humility and religious piety. The central concept and goal is the Tao, and its most important text is the Tao-te-Ching. Taoism has both philosophical and a religious meanings. Philosophical Taoism emphasizes inner contemplation and mystical union with nature; wisdom, learning, and purposive action should be abandoned in favor of simplicity and wu-wei (nonaction, or letting things take their natural course). The religious aspect of Taoism evolved later, c. 3rd century ad, incorporating certain Buddhist features and developing a monastic system. Worshipers come to Wong Tai Sin in early morning, burning insense as they kneel and pray Between their quiet, private prayers, it's not uncommon to see friendly neighbors or strangers standing and exchanging jokes or gossip. They also leave edible offerings such as fruit for the Temple's Monks. Sidewalk vendors outside the gate peddle everything a worshiper might need inside. Kowloon, a ferry ride across the Bay from Hong Kong, is only a few square kilometers in size, but remains one of the world's most densely populated urban areas, including both residents and tourists. People from çhina's mainland came during the Qin (221 - 206BC) and Han (206BC - AD220) dynasties, to begin settling Hong Kong.

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