Yesterday Master Lee and his students celebrated Sifu Day. Sifu is the Chinese translation of “teacher”, in the sense of one who imparts knowledge and/or wisdom. Sifu day is a national holiday in China (and possibly else where) which takes place on the anniversary of the birthday of Guan Gong .
Guan Gong was honored for his integrity and sense of justice – admirable traits to be had in a teacher. He was a warrior, and any teaching he did was more by example than by rote. When he died he was deified.
We held a simple celebration, everyone lit incense for Guan Gong, and Master Lee said a brief Buddhist prayer. Then we had food, then (my favorite part) the picture-taking.