Cihansi Temple Introduction
A famous Buddhist temple in Taiwan, Taichung Charity Temple, was originally established as Charity Hall in the 18th year of the Guangxu era. It is one of the Buddhist centers in Taichung during the late Qing Dynasty. After the recovery of Taiwan, Japanese sects withdrew, and Buddhism from mainland China was introduced, marking a new chapter for Buddhism in Taichung. In 1955, Charity Hall was renamed Charity Temple, and under the successive leadership of masters like Shanzhi, Luhang, Guanghua, and Zhengguang, temple affairs gradually flourished. With a long history of temple construction, in the 5th year of the Republic of China during the Japanese occupation, local figures like Lin Tong established "Charity Hall." After the restoration of Taiwan, Master Luhang took charge, reorganizing and establishing a Buddhist ethos focused on precepts and chanting, laying a solid foundation for Charity Temple. In the 52nd year of the Republic, Master Zhengguang took over and vowed to renovate the old temple. Through extensive fundraising efforts, he completed projects such as the Main Hall, Elderly Care Center, and Huazang Pagoda, giving initial scale to Charity Temple. In the 60th year of the Republic, the first National Celebration of the Thousand Buddhas' Ordination was held, marking an unprecedented grand event in Buddhism. In the 73rd year of the Republic, Charity Temple underwent another renovation, expanding lecture halls, dining halls, and dormitories. After twenty years of dedication, Master Zhengguang’s innovative efforts had made the grand Charity Temple one of the most renowned solemn Buddhist sites in Taiwan. In the 80th year, Master Huikong established the "Taichung Charity Temple Cultural and Educational Foundation," founding a Buddhist academy and the Taichung Guanyin Line, incorporating a spirit of compassion into social services. In the 87th year, the "Taichung Charity Temple Foundation of Taiwan Province" was established, and in the 90th year, Master Hongcan assumed the chairmanship, promoting temple affairs and expanding benevolence by fostering cultural and artistic activities in the community. The appearance of Charity Temple is spectacular and grand, with elegant gardens and serene surroundings, making it a popular destination for outings in the Beitun District. In recent years, under Master Hongcan’s leadership, the temple has actively engaged with the community, promoting courses in calligraphy, piano, flower arrangement, and fostering connections with the public through an engaged spirit.
