Bodhisattva Temple Introduction
Pusatsu Temple is located in Dali District, Taichung City. The exterior of the building does not exhibit the typical palace-style sloping roof and ornate decorations common in religious temples, but instead utilizes bare concrete as its architectural language, adhering to a simple and unadorned return to nature. The entrance follows the design concept of "retreat," allowing part of the building line to yield to a century-old plum tree, beneath which there is a stone for passing visitors to rest. The door features the words "Anju," inviting visitors to "return to the Bodhisattva's home" just as if they were "returning to their own home" to find peace. Entering the temple, the reminder "Take Care of Your Feet" is not only a caution but also signifies the Buddhist meaning of "being grounded and walking the right path." Crossing a small bridge leads to the "Other Shore of Pure Land," and the "Path of Seeking the Way" underfoot is the core concept of Pusatsu Temple's design, serving as the only route connecting the first to the third floor: one turn leads to the Bell Platform, two turns lead to the Bodhisattva Hall, and three turns look back on the path taken—illustrating the layers of the spiritual journey where every turn represents a decision and determination. Inside the courtyard, the flowing water and the sunlight create a dreamlike atmosphere; the lotus in the pond and the swimming fish embody vitality; the dappled shadows of the trees above contrast with the seated Buddha beneath, who is born to enlightenment, holding a flower with a smile. "The mind of Bodhi is the cause, great compassion is the root, and skillful means is the ultimate." Various Bodhisattvas with serene expressions are casually placed throughout the temple, representing the nature of all beings. Every space in Pusatsu Temple invites wind and light, with sounds and breezes flowing throughout. Stepping outside allows one to feel the changing weather; returning indoors resonates with the fluctuations of the heart—connecting people and nature, with both interweaving, overlapping, and conversing, listening to each other. Following the rhythms of the seasons, one can appreciate the dialogue between heaven and humanity, nurturing a harmonious balance between people and nature, architecture, and the environment. The interiors use warm wooden materials as the medium between "people" and "walls." The walls of the first floor are decorated with painted works reflecting the philosophy of Pusatsu Temple and the Buddhist saying "Taking refuge in oneself, taking refuge in the Dharma, do not take refuge in anything else." The Bodhisattva Hall on the second floor prominently displays an ancient Bodhisattva statue, with a large glass window behind it through which the old elm tree extends its branches, changing with the seasons. The left side of the third floor houses the monks' practice area, which is not open to the public; the right side contains tables and chairs, with heart sutras, blank papers, and pens provided for visitors to "slow down, breathe quietly, and write sutras." The intention to "write" rather than "copy" emphasizes the desire for visitors to let go of worldly matters and reflect thoughtfully; "the world of the heart is the greatest." Master Huiguang, the temple's abbot, advocates "practicing in life, without separation from life"—at Pusatsu Temple, the architecture is implicit, the space is minimalistic, and the environment is simple—"because simplicity brings richness." The architect notes, "All touching architecture has its age." In the cyclical passage of time at Pusatsu Temple, we settle our thoughts, quiet our minds, step into true presence, observe tranquility, and glimpse the arising of conditions in an instant.
