Kaishanyuan Introduction
Located between the Visitor Center and Lingyun Zen Temple, this tranquil and elegant environment features an ancient two-story stone building constructed by Master Benyuan in 1925 (the 14th year of the Republic of China). It serves as a place for elderly monks to find peace and practice the teachings of Buddhism. The building's two stories are primarily made of stones from Guanyin Mountain, and its dome-like architecture may draw inspiration from ancient Indian Buddhist structures. The square structure resembles a European-style building, but the second-floor window sills are all arched, creating a blend of Minnan-style Chinese architecture and Western styles. This small Buddhist institute illustrates how its construction was influenced by the Westernized Japanese architectural style prevalent at the time. Inside the premises, there is a lifelike stone sculpture of a Buddhist figure wearing a robe and holding a begging bowl, with the inscription "Huashan Institute Dharma Emperor" on its base. In 1926 (the 15th year of the Taisho era in Japan), devotees from the Kansai region donated 33 stone-carved Guanyin statues to establish the Taipei Xiguo 33 Guanyin Sacred Sites on Guanyin Mountain. These signify the 33 manifestations of Guanyin Bodhisattva in the human realm, which may appear as male, female, old, or young. According to the Japanese tradition of the "Xiguo 33 Sacred Sites," an additional statue of a monk clad in robes and holding a begging bowl is included to represent the advocate of the "33 Sacred Sites" faith, namely, the monk Huashan Dharma Emperor. The Kaishan Institute is located not far from Luan Yan Pavilion, and both are places for the dissemination of teachings and spiritual cultivation, hence the nickname "Mother and Child Institute." Currently, due to private ownership by the temple, it is not open to the public.
