Daxi Zhaiming Temple Introduction
Zhaiming Temple is located in the historic Daxi District of Taoyuan City. During the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang period, the first abbot, Master Xingyue, brought back a statue of Guanyin from Putuo Mountain in the South China Sea and began a hundred-year legacy of Zhaiming Temple in his hometown. With the rise of vegetarianism in Taiwan, the temple was later supported by followers of vegetarianism. In 1999, the sixth abbot, Layman Jiang Zhangren, invited Dharmadharama to take over the temple's operations, with Master Sheng-yen appointed as the seventh abbot, returning to the orthodox practices of Buddhism. Zhaiming Temple is built in a Hokkien-style architecture with a single hall and four protective dragons. It features red walls, dark green tiles, and beautifully painted columns, with elegant eaves rising gently, surrounded by lush gardens that create a serene and ancient atmosphere. Due to its significant historical, cultural, and artistic value, it was officially classified as a national third-grade historic site by the Ministry of the Interior, and in 2013, it was selected as one of the "One Hundred Scenes of Religion in Taiwan." The newly built meditation hall behind the temple was designed with a minimalist, understated approach, deliberately lowering the eaves to avoid obstructing the skyline of Zhaiming Temple's flying eaves. Utilizing elements such as fair-faced concrete and corridors, the new structure serves as a backdrop that highlights the historical grandeur of the century-old temple. The natural earthen mound and century-old camphor tree in front enhance the harmony between the old and new buildings. In 2012, it received the first prize at the "Taiwan Architecture Award." In addition to its deep historical and cultural significance, Zhaiming Temple serves as a space for ceremonies, meditation, and education. By hosting various guided tours, cultural courses, and meditation activities, Zhaiming Temple brings itself closer to the lives of the public, becoming a pure land for the residents of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli regions seeking spiritual tranquility, continuing its compassionate role in the next hundred years. Source: Zhaiming Temple
