Daxi Zhaiming Temple Introduction
Zhaiming Temple, located in the exceptional Daxi District of Taoyuan City, has a history that dates back to the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. The first abbot, Master Xingyue, brought back a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva from Putuo Mountain in Nanhai and began his spiritual practice in his hometown, marking the beginning of Zhaiming Temple's century-long story. Due to the rising popularity of vegetarianism in Taiwan, the temple has been supported by followers of the vegetarian faith. In 1999, the sixth abbot, Layman Jiang Zhangren, commissioned Dharma Drum Mountain to take over the temple's administration, and Master Sheng Yen was appointed as the seventh abbot, returning the temple to its Buddhist roots. Zhaiming Temple is built in a Southern Min style featuring a single entrance and four protective dragons. Its red walls and dark tiles are complemented by elegant painted pillars and eaves, all set within a serene courtyard surrounded by lush greenery. The architectural layout holds significant historical, cultural, and artistic value, leading the Ministry of the Interior to designate it as a national third-class historic site. In 2013, it was also selected as one of the "One Hundred Scenic Religious Sites in Taiwan." The newly constructed meditation hall behind the temple was designed with simplicity and understated elegance, intentionally lowering the eaves to avoid obstructing the temple's striking silhouette. It incorporates elements like clear concrete and corridors, allowing the new structure to blend into the background and highlight the historical grandeur of the century-old temple. The natural earth mound and centennial camphor tree in front further harmonize the new and old architecture. In 2012, the temple was awarded the first prize at the "Taiwan Architecture Award." Beyond its rich historical and cultural significance, Zhaiming Temple serves as a space for ceremonies, meditation, and education. By hosting various tours, humanities courses, and meditation activities, Zhaiming Temple aims to bring itself closer to the public's lives and become a tranquil sanctuary for the residents of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli regions seeking inner peace, continuing its compassionate mission into the next century. Sources: Zhaiming Temple
