Bodhisattva Temple Introduction
Pusas Temple is located in Dali District, Taichung City. The architectural appearance does not feature the palace-style hip roofs and ornamental decorations typical of religious temples, but instead uses raw concrete as its architectural vocabulary, adhering to a simplistic and unadorned return to innocence. The concept of the main entrance is designed around the word "retreat," allowing the building line to recede slightly from the road and placing an old plum tree, with stones beneath it for visitors to rest; above the door is the inscription "Anju," inviting visitors to "return to the Bodhisattva's home," akin to "returning to one's own home" to settle peacefully. Upon entering, the phrase "Take care of your steps" by the path 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 ultimate bliss," while the "Path of Seeking" beneath your feet is the core design concept of Pusas Temple, connecting the first and third floors with one continuous route: a platform turning, the Bodhisattva Hall bending, and a reflection on the path traveled—each turn symbolizes a decision and determination in the pursuit of enlightenment. The flowing water in the courtyard reflects the sky, like a dreamy illusion; the pond with sleeping lilies and swimming fish embodies vitality. Above, the shadows of trees dance while below, the Buddha sits quietly, embodying the moment of enlightenment, smiling as he holds a flower. "Bodhicitta as the cause, Great Compassion as the root, and Expedient Means as the ultimate"—within Pusas Temple, various Bodhisattvas are casually placed, each carrying a dignified appearance representative of sentient beings. Pusas Temple "brings in wind and light into every space," with sounds and breezes flowing throughout. Stepping outside allows one to feel the changes in weather; returning indoors responds to the fluctuations of the mind—linking people with nature as they weave, intertwine, and converse, listening to one another while moving in rhythm with the seasons, experiencing the dialogue of life between heaven and humanity, nurturing a harmonious balance between humans and nature, and architecture and environment. The interior, characterized by warm wood as a medium between "people" and "walls," features painted works illustrating the ideas of Pusas Temple on the first floor, alongside the Buddhist quote "Relying on oneself, relying on the Dharma, do not rely on anything else"; the second floor houses the Bodhisattva Hall, showcasing an ancient Bodhisattva statue and a large glass window behind it, with an old elm tree extending its branches, changing with the seasons; the left side of the third floor is a training area for monks, which is not open to the public, while the right side contains tables and chairs with heart sutras, blank papers, and pens provided for visitors to "slow down, meditate, and write the sutras." The act of "writing" rather than "copying" is meant to encourage visitors to not only put down worldly affairs but to reflect mindfully, as "the world of the heart is the greatest." The abbot, Master Huiguang, advocates for "practicing in life, and not separating practice from life"—at Pusas Temple, the architecture is subtle, the spaces are minimalist, and the environment is simple—"because of simplicity, it is rich." The architect states, "All moving architecture has the passage of time," and within Pusas Temple's passing seasons, we settle our thoughts, quiet our hearts, stepping into the present and observing the essence of existence in a moment of awakening. (Textual data reference: Banmutang official website, Pusas Temple fan page)
