The term “Zhai Ri” refers to specific days during the fasting period, such as the birthdays of Taoist ancestors or the days designated for fasting and ritual ceremonies. On these days, Taoists are required to strictly follow the prescribed religious conduct according to Taoist rituals.
In addition to establishing precepts, Taoism has specifically designated fasting days, which are the days within each lunar month when fasting and precepts should be observed. On these days, practitioners must strictly adhere to Taoist precepts to ensure divine protection during ceremonies, making their prayers effective and their spiritual connection responsive.
The Taoist fasting days include the following (all dates are based on the Chinese lunar calendar):
- Ten Fixed Fasting Days: These occur on the 1st, 8th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, and the 10th day of the 10th lunar month (or the 27th for months with 29 days).
- Eight Seasonal Fasting Days: These correspond to the solar terms, namely the beginning of spring (Li Chun), the spring equinox (Chun Fen), the beginning of summer (Li Xia), the summer solstice (Xia Zhi), the beginning of autumn (Li Qiu), the autumn equinox (Qiu Fen), the beginning of winter (Li Dong), and the winter solstice (Dong Zhi).
- Three Yuan Fasting Days: These are the 15th day of the first lunar month (the Lantern Festival), the 15th day of the seventh lunar month (the Ghost Festival), and the 15th day of the tenth lunar month.
- Four Beginning Fasting Days: These occur on the 1st day of the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth lunar months.
- Three Gathering Fasting Days: These are the 7th day of the first lunar month, the 7th day of the seventh lunar month, and the 5th day of the tenth lunar month.
These fasting days are specific times set aside for observing precepts and performing rituals. During these days, practitioners must strictly adhere to the precepts and maintain purity in order to serve as a model for others and spiritually purify the world.
Penalties for Violating Precepts: Violation of precepts refers to Taoist priests failing to follow the rules they have received. Breaking the precepts refers to a Taoist priest who, after having received the precepts, repeatedly violates them. There are established penalties for such violations, originally set forth in the canonical texts. In modern times, punishment is based on temple regulations and usually involves corrective education. In severe cases, the offender may be expelled from the community.
Current Main Fasting Days: Today, the fasting days observed in Taoist temples of the Quanzhen sect (Complete Reality School) may vary slightly from the traditional practices. The most commonly observed fasting days are the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, as well as the birthdays of Taoist ancestors. In temples with specific lineages, traditional fasting days are still primarily observed.