Daxi Zhaiming Temple Introduction
Zhaiming Temple, located in the culturally rich Daxi District of Taoyuan City, has a century-long history that began in 1873 when the first abbot, Master Xingyue, brought back a statue of Guanyin from Mount Putuo in the South Sea. He established a simple retreat in his hometown, marking the beginning of Zhaiming Temple's legacy. As the belief in the vegetarian religion thrived in Taiwan, the temple came under the care of its practitioners. In 1999, the sixth abbot, Layman Jiang Zhangren, entrusted the management of Zhaiming Temple to Dharma Drum Mountain, with Master Shengyen appointed as the seventh abbot, returning the temple to its Buddhist roots. Zhaiming Temple is a Minnan-style building with a single entrance and four guardian dragons, featuring red walls and dark tiles, adorned with painted beams, and a gracefully curved roof that blends into the lush courtyard, exuding tranquility and elegance. Due to its significant historical, cultural, and artistic preservation value, it has been designated as a national third-class historic site by the Ministry of the Interior and was selected as one of the "One Hundred Religious Scenic Spots in Taiwan" in 2013. The newly built meditation hall behind the temple was designed with minimalism and simplicity in mind, intentionally lowering the roofline to avoid obstructing the iconic eaves of Zhaiming Temple. Using elements such as fair-faced concrete and corridors, the new structure serves as a backdrop that highlights the historical beauty of the century-old temple. Additionally, the natural earthen mound and century-old camphor trees in front provide a harmonious blend, allowing the new and old buildings to coexist peacefully. In 2012, the temple received the first prize at the "Taiwan Architecture Award." Beyond its rich historical and cultural significance, Zhaiming Temple serves as a spiritual space that offers ceremonies, meditation, and educational functions. By organizing various guided tours, cultural courses, and meditation activities, Zhaiming Temple aims to connect more closely with the public's lives, becoming a sanctuary for the residents of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli seeking spiritual solace, continuing its compassionate mission into the next century. Source: Zhaiming Temple
