Kaisan Temple Introduction
Located along the route from the Visitor Center to Lingyun Zen Temple, this tranquil and elegant environment features a rustic stone-built two-story structure. It was established by Master Benyuan in 1925 as a place for meditation and the transmission of Buddhist teachings. Most of the building is made of stones from Guanyin Mountain, and its dome-shaped design may be modeled after ancient Indian Buddhist architecture. The square structure is reminiscent of European-style buildings, with arched windows on the second floor, showcasing a blend of Southern Fujian architectural style and Western architecture, reflecting the deep influence of Japanese Western-style architecture during the time of construction. Inside the courtyard stands a lifelike stone sculpture of Buddha, draped in a robe and holding a begging bowl, with the name "Huashan Yuan Dharma Emperor" inscribed on the base. In 1926, during the 15th year of the Taisho era in Japan, devotees from the Kansai region donated 33 stone-carved Guanyin statues, establishing the Taipei Western 33 Guanyin Sacred Grounds on Guanyin Mountain, which refer to the 33 manifestations of Guanyin Bodhisattva in the human world, appearing as male, female, old, or young. Following the Japanese tradition of "Western 33," an additional statue of a high monk draped in a robe and holding a begging bowl is included, symbolizing the monk Huashan Dharma Emperor, who advocates the "33 places" faith. The Kaishanyuan is not far from the Lengyan Pavilion, and both are places for teaching and meditation, hence they are referred to as "Mother and Child Temples." Currently, it is privately owned by the temple and not open to the public.
