Bodhisattva Temple Introduction
The Bodhisattva Temple is located in Dali District, Taichung City. Its architectural exterior does not feature the palace-style roof, intricate carvings, or glazed tiles typical of religious temples, but instead, it uses raw concrete as its architectural language, adhering to a simple and unadorned philosophy of authenticity. The main entrance is designed with the concept of "retreat," allowing the building line to recede slightly from the road to accommodate an old plum tree, with a stone underneath for passersby to rest. Above the door, the inscription reads "Anju," suggesting visitors to "return home to the Bodhisattva" just like "returning to one’s own home" for comfort and peace. Upon entering, the phrase "Take care of your feet" serves not only as a reminder but also embodies the Buddhist meaning of "being grounded and walking the right path." Crossing a small bridge leads to "the other shore of bliss"; the "path to seeking enlightenment" is the core design concept of the Bodhisattva Temple, connecting the first and third floors with a single pathway: first a platform with a bell, second the Bodhisattva Hall, and third a retrospective glance at the journey taken—interpreting the step-by-step mindset in the quest for enlightenment, where every turn signifies a decision and determination. In the courtyard, flowing water and light create a dreamy illusion; a pond with sleeping lotuses and swimming fish embodies vitality; dappled shadows from the trees above surround a seated Buddha, capturing the moment of enlightenment with a subtle smile. "The aspiration for enlightenment is the cause, great compassion is the root, and skillful means are the ultimate," various Bodhisattvas with relaxed but dignified appearances are casually placed within the temple, echoing the forms of sentient beings. The Bodhisattva Temple "invites wind and light into every space," where sounds and breezes flow throughout the area. Stepping outside allows one to feel the changes in weather; returning indoors resonates with the fluctuations of the heart—connecting the internal and external realms of human and nature, intertwining, overlapping, and dialoguing, listening to each other, flowing in rhythm with the seasons, experiencing the life dialogue between heaven and humanity amidst the transitions of dawn, dusk, and the four seasons, nurturing a harmonious balance between humans and nature, architecture and the environment. The interior uses warm wood as the medium between "people" and "walls." The first-floor walls are adorned with painted works that embody the philosophy of the Bodhisattva Temple, along with the Buddhist phrase "Self-reliance, reliance on the Dharma, do not rely on anything else"; the second-floor Bodhisattva Hall features ancient Bodhisattva sculptures and large glass windows behind them, through which an old elm tree stretches its branches and changes with the seasons; the left side of the third floor is designated for monks' practice and is not open to the public. The right side has tables and chairs, equipped with heart sutras, blank paper, and pens for visitors to "slow down, breathe quietly" and "write sutras"; the intention of "writing" rather than "copying" is to encourage visitors not only to let go of mundane affairs but also to engage in deep reflection, with the belief that "the world of the heart is the largest." The head monk of the Bodhisattva Temple, Master Huiguang, advocates "practicing in life, and life does not separate from practice"—within the Bodhisattva Temple, the architecture is reserved, the space is minimalist, and the environment is simple—"because it is simple, it is rich." The architect states, "All moving architecture has time." Within the passage of time at the Bodhisattva Temple, we settle our thoughts, find tranquility, and gain clarity, achieving truth with each step and observing liberation with each glance, recognizing the arising of conditions in every moment.
