Cih Shan Temple Introduction
Renowned throughout Taiwan, Taichung Charity Temple (台中慈善寺), formerly known as Charity Hall (慈善堂), 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 Taiwan's retrocession, Japanese Buddhist sects withdrew, and Buddhism from mainland China began to spread. This marked a new era for Buddhism in Taichung. In 1955, Charity Hall was renamed Charity Temple under the stewardship of various masters such as Shanzhi, Luhang, Guanghua, and Zhengguang, leading to the gradual flourishing of temple affairs. The temple has a long history, with Charity Hall established during the Japanese colonial period in the 5th year of the Republic of China by local figures including Lin Tong. After Taiwan's retrocession, Master Luhang took over to reorganize and establish a devout practice, focusing on the principles of precepts and the recitation of the Buddha's name, laying a solid foundation for the temple. In the 52nd year of the Republic of China, Master Zhengguang succeeded as the abbot, dedicating efforts to refurbish the old temple. Through extensive fundraising, he completed the construction of the Main Buddha Hall, nursing home, and Huazang Pagoda, giving Charity Temple its initial scale. In the 60th year of the Republic of China, the first National Protectorate Thousand Buddhas Precepts ceremony was held, a grand and solemn event in the Buddhist world. In the 73rd year, Charity Temple underwent another renovation, expanding the lecture hall, dining hall, and dormitories among other constructions. After twenty years of effort, Master Zhengguang's innovative initiatives helped the grand Charity Temple become a well-known sacred site in Taiwan. In the 80th year of the Republic of China, Master Huikong established the "Taichung Charity Temple Cultural and Educational Foundation," founding a Buddhist academy and the Taichung Guanyin Line, contributing to social services with a spirit of compassion. In the 87th year, the "Taichung Charity Temple Foundation" was established, with Master Hongcan taking over as chairman in the 90th year, promoting temple affairs and expanding charitable endeavors, while also promoting cultural and artistic activities in the lecture hall to engage with the community. The appearance of Charity Temple is grand and majestic, with a beautifully landscaped garden and serene environment, making it a popular destination for outings in the Beitun area. In recent years, under the leadership of Master Hongcan, the temple has actively engaged with the community, promoting courses in calligraphy, piano, and flower arranging, fostering connections with the public through social involvement.
