Zhongming Zen Temple Introduction
Zhaoming Temple (also known as Zhaoming Monastery or Lover's Temple) is located on the hillside in front of the Beitou Military Ship Rock, surrounded by mountains, offering a serene environment and a broad view. From this location, one can see the Guandu Plain, and gazing into the distance from here instantly uplifts the spirit and lightens the mood. The architecture here is quite distinctive, with the main temple resembling a spire, topped by a dragon that seems to exude vitality. The main deity of Zhaoming Temple is the "Four-faced Avalokiteshvara," who blesses health, marriage, brightness, and wealth. In the past, wax figures of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl were displayed here, which is why it is also called the "Lover's Temple"! Within the temple, there is a popular wishing area. Visitors write their wishes on paper and wooden plaques, then visit the Four-faced Avalokiteshvara and drop the paper into the wishing box beside the statue. Afterward, they can go to the wishing pond, which has six bowls, representing desires for love, health, wealth, and more. To request something, visitors can toss a few coins into the appropriate bowl and hang their wooden plaque in the nearby wishing pavilion as a testament. It is said to be very effective; those who pray will receive blessings! The wishing pavilion in the temple square bears the inscription "True feelings are unseen, false emotions are known to heaven" to remind all lovers in the world to cherish their emotions and avoid insincerity, hoping that all lovers can become a perfect match.
