Daxi Zhaiming Temple Introduction
Zhaiming Temple, located in the historical and culturally rich Daxi District of Taoyuan City, has a history that began in 1873 when the first abbot, Master Xingyue, brought back the statue of Guanyin from Mount Putuo in the South China Sea to practice in his hometown. As the belief in vegetarianism flourished in Taiwan, Zhaiming Temple became supported by devotees of this faith. In 1999, the sixth abbot, layperson Jiang Zhangren, commissioned Dharma Drum Mountain to manage the temple's affairs, and Master Sheng Yen was appointed as the seventh abbot, returning to the orthodox path of Buddhism. Zhaiming Temple is a Southern Fujian-style building with a single entrance and four dragon guards, featuring red walls and dark tiles, complemented by elegant eaves that rise gracefully, set amidst a tranquil courtyard filled with lush greenery, embodying simplicity and elegance. Due to its significant historical, cultural, and artistic value, the temple has been designated as a national third-grade historical site by the Ministry of the Interior and was selected as one of the "Top 100 Religious Sites in Taiwan" in 2013. The newly built meditation hall at the back was designed with a focus on simplicity and low profile, consciously lowering the eaves to avoid obstructing the temple's soaring eaves against the skyline. Using materials like fair-faced concrete and corridors, the new construction serves as a backdrop, highlighting the historical grandeur of the century-old temple. Moreover, the natural earthen mound and century-old camphor tree in front create a harmonious integration, allowing the new and old structures to coexist beautifully. In 2012, it was awarded the first prize of the "Taiwan Architecture Award." Zhaiming Temple, rich in historical and cultural significance, serves as a space for rituals, meditation, and education. By hosting various guided tours, cultural courses, and meditation activities, the temple becomes more accessible to the public, offering spiritual solace to the people of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli, and continuing its compassionate role in the next century. Source: Zhaiming Temple
