Fo Guang Shan Hui Zhong Temple Introduction
The traditional temples are often hidden in the mountains and forests, seeking tranquility and peace. In contrast, Huizhong Temple showcases a modern appearance of "great seclusion in the city," standing solemnly in the seventh phase redevelopment area of Taichung City, becoming a spiritual sanctuary amidst urban life. When Master Hsing Yun first came to Taiwan, he resided at the Leyin Temple in Yilan. In 1965, he founded Shoushan Buddhist Academy in Kaohsiung, and in 1967, he purchased land in Dashi Township, Kaohsiung, marking the establishment of Fo Guang Shan. In 1992, the Eastern Taiwan Buddhist Center was set up to serve the devotees of Taichung City, and in 1996, the "Guangming Academy" was established to promote cultural and educational development. After more than a decade of dedicated efforts by the Fo Guang community, the number of devotees in Taichung surged, leading to a space shortage. After extensive searches, in August 2004, Master Hsing Yun and senior monks inspected the Formosa Restaurant located on Huizhong Road. The Fo Guang Shan Administrative Committee decided to transform it into a comprehensive, diversified modern Buddhist and cultural education center, naming it Huizhong Temple. Huizhong Temple boasts five stories with a total floor area of over 3,000 ping, containing numerous rooms of various sizes. Upholding the spirit of the original building, Huizhong Temple, under the wise guidance of the Master, chose to preserve the original layout, making it distinct from traditional temples adorned with carvings and paintings. The exterior maintains the appearance and layout of the original restaurant, reflecting European Baroque style. The abbot, Master Jue Ju, remarked, "It's quite clever that the restaurant is decorated with elephants; in Buddhism, elephants symbolize great conduct, perhaps this place has always had a connection to Buddhism." Although the temple and restaurant were initially unrelated, it is surprising how the restaurant space was only slightly modified to become an elegant venue for practice. A professor from National Cheng Kung University who visited remarked, "This is an astonishing successful transformation in architecture." In 2007, monks from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand visited the temple. Upon stepping off the tour bus, they were immediately captivated by Huizhong Temple, with wide eyes filled with admiration; the first question during their discussion was, "Do all Fo Guang Shan temples look like this?" Transforming a restaurant into a temple, blooming a pure white elegant lotus from the dust of the world, how could it be done without "magic"? It is said, "Where there is Dharma, there is a way." Thus, private rooms became classrooms and dormitories, while the grand banquet hall on the third floor turned into the main Buddha hall. The circular roof creates excellent acoustics, amplifying the chanting during ceremonies, rendering it melodious and continuous. Standing in front of Huizhong Temple, you will notice several large glass doors in the center that are always open, welcoming those with affinity. Upon entering, there are two spiraling staircases, favorites for newlyweds taking wedding photos. The roof features a high glass atrium, and whenever sunlight pours in, the shimmering golden light resembles a world of seven treasures. The grand courtyard embodies elegance and solemnity intertwined with cultural atmosphere. The service desk in the circular space to the west of the entrance is dedicated to serving visiting devotees. Feel free to visit Huizhong Temple; its diverse and rich aspects are sure to provide you with a unique new experience!