Yuan Tong Zen Temple (Yuan Tong Temple) Introduction
The Yuantong Zen Temple in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, was founded in the 15th year of the Republic of China, taking 51 years to complete. In the 13th year, Master Miaoqing traveled from Hsinchu to Zhonghe with the intention of establishing a monastery. After two years of searching for land, she chose the current site which overlooks the majestic Guanyin Mountain in Wugu. Construction began in the 15th year, starting with the Merit Hall. The foundation was built using stones from the mountain, mixed with gravel and sand as building materials. After decades of effort, the Mahavira Hall was completed. Unfortunately, due to long-term exhaustion, Master Miaoqing passed away in the 44th year of the Republic of China at the age of 55. The second abbot, Master Dachan, passed away in the 65th year. The third abbot, Master Dajing, along with Director Master Dasheng, planned to complete the unfinished projects within the temple and continued the construction, which was finally finished in the 66th year, holding the completion ceremony in the same year. The construction of Yuantong Temple took a total of 51 years and involved two generations and three abbots, which is quite remarkable. The fourth abbot, Master Ruhui, was ordained by Master Miaoqing in the 42nd year and graduated from the Chinese Buddhist Tripitaka Academy. In addition to her studies, she enjoyed painting and calligraphy. To fulfill the wish of her teacher to build a scripture library for Buddhist studies, the Yuantong Temple Library was completed in the 71st year. The current abbot, Master Xinghong, assumed the position in the 105th year of the Republic of China (2016). Yuantong Zen Temple features a purely Buddhist architectural style, utilizing stone and sand from the mountain, allowing the stone temple to blend seamlessly with the surrounding area while exuding a grand atmosphere. At the entrance of the temple, there are stone sculptures of a giant lion and an elephant on both sides, creating a solemn atmosphere. As one ascends the steps through the mountain gate, the main hall of Yuantong Temple comes into view. Due to the prolonged construction time, the temple integrates multiple architectural styles, fundamentally resembling Tang-style but also exhibiting some Japanese influences, reflecting Taiwan's history and culture.
