Linji Huguo Zen Temple Introduction
Linji Huguo Zen Temple is an extension of the Huguo Temple of the Linji School located at the foothills of Nanshan, established during the Japanese colonial period. Its mountain gate and the Main Hall are typical architectural styles of Japanese Edo period temples. Linji Huguo Zen Temple was founded in 1900 and completed in 1911. It was built by the Japanese monk Master Genxiu Gan'an, who was invited by the fourth Governor-General of Taiwan, Gentarō Kodama, to come to Taiwan for the propagation of Buddhism. The Linji School is a distinct sect of Buddhism, different from the Soto School. The temple is situated near the river, with the Keelung River meandering by. The site is quite spacious and well-organized, originally including the mountain gate, Dharma Hall, Main Hall, and the abbot’s room. To this day, the Main Hall is well-preserved, constructed entirely of timber in a hip-and-gable roof style. The mountain gate reflects the architectural style of the Japanese Edo period. Additionally, the large grinding stone in front of the temple and the mausoleum of the founding master behind the temple, along with stone sculptures of Buddha, also hold historical and cultural value. Due to its historical, cultural, and artistic significance, Linji Huguo Zen Temple was designated as a municipal historical monument in 1998 in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act. (Source: Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)
