Dongshan Temple Introduction
During World War II, the Japanese military transformed Dagang Mountain in Kaohsiung into a military fortress, and the nearby Longhu Temple was not spared. The monk Yuanrong, who practiced there, subsequently moved to Baihe Daxian Temple. Soon after, he was invited to serve as the abbot of Dongshan Zen Temple in Pingtung City. Under the leadership of Monk Yuanrong, who established strict regulations, and with the efforts of his disciple Tianji, the Zen temple has been developed into its present form. The predecessor of Dongshan Zen Temple was the "Pingtung Buddhist Rinzai Sect Missionary Center," established in 1924 during the Japanese occupation, with the first abbot being the Japanese monk Higashi Kai. This ties the temple closely to Japanese Buddhism, which can be seen in its architectural style. Additionally, it is renowned as the most famous "nunnery" in Pingtung City, nurturing many outstanding female Buddhist talents over the years. The temple covers a vast area, including the Mahavira Hall, Anle Pagoda, Guihun Hall, library, and worship pavilions, along with the attached Dongshan Kindergarten. The temple boasts a tranquil environment and a uniquely renowned garden scenery, earning the title of the first garden temple in Kunshan. Important ceremonies are held regularly, with the Huayan Dharma Assembly in the third lunar month being the longest.
