Cihsan Temple Introduction
The famous Buddhist temple in Taiwan - Taichung Compassion Temple, originally known as Compassion Hall, was established in the 18th year of the Guangxu era and is one of the Buddhist venues in Taichung City during the late Qing Dynasty. After the Restoration, Buddhism in Taichung saw a new phase as Japanese sects withdrew and Chinese Buddhism was introduced. In 1955, Compassion Hall was renamed Compassion Temple. Under the successive stewardship of Masters Shanzhi, Luhang, Guanghua, and Zhengguang, the temple's affairs gradually flourished. The establishment of the temple dates back to the fifth year of the Republic of China during the Japanese occupation when local figures like Lin Tong founded "Compassion Hall." After Taiwan's Restoration, Master Luhang took charge, organizing and establishing the temple's ethos with an emphasis on precepts and chanting, laying a solid foundation for Compassion Temple. In the 52nd year of the Republic, Master Zhengguang took over the leadership, committing to renovate the old temple and fundraising, completing projects like the Main Shrine, Elderly Care Home, and Huazang Pagoda, marking a significant expansion of Compassion Temple. The first National Guardian Shurangama Precepts ceremony took place in the 60th year of the Republic, a grand and solemn event in the Buddhist community. In the 73rd year, Compassion Temple underwent renovations again, expanding the lecture hall, dining hall, and dormitories. After twenty years of hard work, Master Zhengguang's innovative spirit helped to elevate Compassion Temple, which has now become a renowned Buddhist site in Taiwan. In the 80th year, Master Huikong established the "Taichung Compassion Temple Cultural and Educational Foundation," founding a Buddhist academy and the Taichung Guanyin Route, joining community services with a spirit of compassion. In the 87th year, the "Foundation of Taichung Compassion Temple in Taiwan Province" was established, and in the 90th year, Master Hongcan took over as chairman, promoting temple affairs and expanding charitable initiatives while encouraging cultural and artistic activities in the community. Compassion Temple has an imposing architecture, beautiful gardens, a serene environment, and has become a popular spot for leisure and sightseeing in the Beitun area. In recent years, under Master Hongcan's leadership, the temple has actively engaged with the community by promoting courses in calligraphy, piano, and flower arrangement, fostering connections with the public with an engaged spirit.
