Dongshan Temple Introduction
During World War II, the Japanese military established a military fortress at Dagang Mountain in Kaohsiung, and nearby Longhu An was inevitably affected. The master Yuanrong, who was practicing here, relocated to Baihe Daxian Temple. Soon after, he was invited to become the abbot of Dongshan Zen Temple in Pingtung City. Master Yuanrong established strict regulations, and together with his disciple Tianji, they transformed the Zen temple into its present form. Dongshan Zen Temple's predecessor was the "Pingtung Buddhist Rinzai Sect Propagation Site" established during the Japanese occupation in 1924, with the first abbot being the Japanese monk Donghai Yicheng, which gives it deep ties to Japanese Buddhism, as can be seen in the architectural style of the temple. In addition, this temple is the most famous "Nunnery" in Pingtung City, nurturing many outstanding female Buddhist talents over the years. The temple covers a vast area, including the Hall of Great Hero, Anle Pagoda, Return the Soul Hall, Library, and Worship Pavilion, along with the Dongshan Kindergarten. The temple has a tranquil environment, with a uniquely beautiful garden landscape, earning the reputation of being the first garden Buddhist temple in Kunshan. Important ceremonies are held regularly, with the Huayan Dharma Assembly in the third lunar month lasting the longest.
