Qinglian Temple Introduction
Ching Lian Temple is the center of faith in Ruisui. In response to the needs of local believers, today's Ching Lian Temple not only enshrines the main deity, Gautama Buddha, but also shares worship with Taoist deities such as Guandi, Mazu, Tudi Gong, and Zhening Niangniang, allowing local worshippers to pray and seek blessings while embracing folk beliefs. As a result, Ching Lian Temple has developed a unique form that combines both Buddhism and Taoism among the many temples in Taiwan. This century-old temple is also home to its own unique legends and stories. Inside the temple, there is a pair of bamboo baskets that seem ordinary but actually have a history of over a hundred years. According to legend, during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, an old man left a pair of bamboo baskets at Dama Yan (now Ruisui North) but did not return to claim them after a long time. When the locals opened the baskets, they discovered that they contained a pair of Buddha statues. Furthermore, a paper inside indicated that one statue was to guard Shuiwei (Ruisui), while the other was to guard Mataian Community (Guangfu). This is the origin of the two brother temples today. In 1972, Hualien experienced a major earthquake that even destroyed Ching Lian Temple, yet the statues and bamboo baskets inside remained undamaged, prompting local residents to believe they possessed spiritual energy and exhibited miracles. Even today, this pair of bamboo baskets remains the treasured relic of Ching Lian Temple! The temple's exterior walls and interior floors are made from the local serpentinite stone abundant in Ruisui, and the overall architecture exudes the local flavor. With a well-structured management system, the temple is well-lit, and the atmosphere is solemn yet welcoming. Many devotees from both the local area and beyond visit, making Ching Lian Temple a focal point for the spiritual and faith life of the people in Ruisui.
