Association Française Taoïste / Wuming Gong法国道教协会与无名宫
- Type
- Overseas Daoist Temples
- Location
- France · France · France · Wuming Gong is the Association's own temple; no reliable public record gives its precise address
- First built
- Association founded in 2001; the Wuming Gong consecrated in May 2017 · Founded by Dr. Karine Martin (Daoist name Jingxiu). The correct name is 'Association Française Taoïste,' not 'Association Taoïste de France'
Overview
The Association Française Taoïste was founded in 2001 by Dr. Karine Martin (Daoist name Jingxiu), the leading Daoist organization in France. The Association has long engaged in the French translation of Daoist classics, the teaching of doctrine, and ritual practice, and maintains exchange with the Daoist community in China. In May 2017 it opened its own temple, Wuming Gong (the 'Palace of No Name'), making France one of the few countries in Europe to have a physical Daoist temple — most European Daoist organizations exist as associations without a temple, so the establishment of Wuming Gong marks a milestone in the institutionalization of Daoism in Europe. The temple's name, 'no name,' takes its meaning from the Daodejing's statement that 'the constant Dao is nameless.' Note on the name: the commonly seen 'Association Taoïste de France' is a mistaken form. Temples serving Paris's Chinese community are unrelated to this Association and belong to a separate system of popular religion. No independently reliable source gives the precise address, coordinates, or registration details of the Association and Wuming Gong.
Highlights
- France's leading Daoist organization (2001)
- Consecration of Wuming Gong (2017)
- French translation of Daoist classics
- Karine Martin (Jingxiu)