Kunzitang Introduction
The original site of Kun Zi Tang was a shrine located in the Dulan Village during the Japanese colonial period. After the end of Japanese rule in Taiwan, the Japanese returned the deities worshiped in the shrine back to Japan. The local residents then began to worship the Earth God at the original site of the shrine. In 1953 (the 42nd year of the Republic of China), the local devotees invited Mazu for worship; in 1958, the Yaochi Jinmu's banner was added for veneration. Kun Zi Tang is a public temple that mainly worships Yaochi Jinmu, but also honors Shakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Heavenly Mother, the Lady of Linshui, the Marshal of Zhongtan, and the Emperor Xuantian worshiped by residents who migrated from Changhua's Houliao. One of the most unique features of Kun Zi Tang is the ancient old Jackfruit tree and neem tree in front of the temple, both over 80 years old. Next to the tree stands the original Kun Zi Tang, which was once a Japanese shrine, serving as a gathering place for the villagers of Longtian to chat and socialize. Furthermore, in 1960 (the 49th year of the Republic of China), during the early days of Kun Zi Tang, the then-novice Master Cheng Yen stayed here to practice under his master's guidance and often discussed Buddhist teachings with the villagers under this tree, thus the members of Tzu Chi named it the "Tzu Chi Tree." Longtian Village is picturesque and full of rustic charm; cycling along the straight Green Tunnel on Guangrong Road offers an ecological journey, allowing you to experience the beautiful moments of life intertwined with nature.
