Daxi Zhaiming Temple Introduction
Zhaiming Temple, located in the picturesque Daxi District of Taoyuan City, has a rich history that began in 1873 when its first abbot, Master Xingyue, brought back a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva from Mount Putuo in the South China Sea to his hometown for meditation and cultivation, marking the start of a century-long history for Zhaiming Temple. As the belief in vegetarianism grew in Taiwan, the temple became supported by followers of vegetarian teachings. In 1999, the sixth generation abbot, layperson Jiang Zhangren, invited Dharma Drum Mountain to take over the temple's affairs, with Master Shengyan appointed as the seventh generation abbot, returning to orthodox Buddhism. Zhaiming Temple is a Minnan-style building featuring a single entrance with four guardian dragons, characterized by its red walls, black tiles, and decorative beams. The elegantly sloping roof is surrounded by lush greenery in the courtyard, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere. Due to its historical, cultural, and artistic significance, the Ministry of the Interior has designated it as a national class three historical monument, and in 2013, it was selected as one of Taiwan's top 100 religious sites. The newly constructed meditation hall at the rear was designed with simplicity and minimalism in mind, intentionally lowering the eaves to avoid obstructing the temple's iconic roofline. It incorporates elements such as exposed concrete and walkways, allowing the new architecture to serve as a backdrop that highlights the historical grandeur of the century-old temple. The natural earth mound and century-old camphor tree in front further enhance the harmonious coexistence of the new and old buildings. In 2012, it received the first prize at the Taiwan Architecture Awards. In addition to its rich historical and cultural significance, Zhaiming Temple serves as a practice space for rituals, meditation, and education. By offering various guided tours, cultural courses, and meditation activities, Zhaiming Temple aims to connect more deeply with people's lives and has become a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual stability in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli areas, continuing its mission of compassion for the next century. Source: Zhaiming Temple
