Daxi Zhaiming Temple Introduction
Zhaiming Temple, located in the outstanding DaXi District of Taoyuan City, has a history spanning over a century since 1873 when the first abbot, Master Xingyue, brought back a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva from Mount Putuo in the South China Sea to practice in his hometown. Due to the growth of vegetarian faith in Taiwan, Zhaiming Temple has been supported by believers of this faith. In 1999, the sixth abbot, Layperson Jiang Zhangren, appointed Dharma Drum Mountain to take over the temple's affairs, with Master Sheng Yen appointed as the seventh abbot, thus returning to mainstream Buddhism. Zhaiming Temple is a Minnan-style building with a single entrance and four dragon guardians, characterized by red walls, dark tiles, and intricate paintings on the beams, with its eaves elegantly stretching against a backdrop of lush greenery, creating a serene and classical ambiance. Due to its historical, cultural, and artistic preservation value, it has been designated as a national third-class historical site by the Ministry of the Interior, and in 2013 it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Religious Scenic Spots in Taiwan." The newly constructed meditation hall at the back was designed with minimalism and simplicity in mind, intentionally lowering the eaves to avoid obstructing the temple’s elegant skyline. Elements such as fair-faced concrete and corridors allow the new structure to serve as a background that highlights the historical charm of the century-old temple. The natural earth mound and century-old camphor trees in front further enhance the harmony between the new and old structures. In 2012, it received the first prize at the Taiwan Architecture Award. In addition to its profound historical and cultural significance, Zhaiming Temple serves as a space for ceremonies, meditation, and education. Through various guided tours, cultural courses, and meditation activities, Zhaiming Temple aims to connect more closely with the lives of the public, becoming a pure land for the people of the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli regions seeking mental peace, and will continue to fulfill its compassionate mission in the next century. Source: Zhaiming Temple
