Cihua Temple Introduction
Liugui Village's Cihua Temple enshrines Dong Gong Zhen Ren, who is considered the Buddhist protector of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township. Historical records indicate that he was one of the guardian deities when the Weng clan from Anxi, Fujian, settled in the Erzhuwai Village during the late Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty. Born at the end of the Sui Dynasty and raised in the Jiangnan area, Dong Gong Zhen Ren was known for his exceptional intelligence from a young age. During a chaotic historical period, he regarded wealth and status as fleeting and thus sought a life of tranquility and self-cultivation. He retreated to the Tiger Stream, refined himself at Eagle Ridge, gained enlightenment in Southern Fujian, and ultimately manifested his insights in Tongcheng. Originally a figure from the Western heavens, Dong Gong Zhen Ren is venerated as an ancient Buddha who descended to the East, becoming a high monk with profound Zen insights and extensive knowledge of Daoism. He is renowned for his spiritual clarity and subtle understanding, leading to a return to tranquility through the unification of Buddha's heart. With his moral teachings, he subdued evil spirits and opened paths for devotees, contributing to their salvation and spiritual elevation. For his achievements, he was honored as the Heavenly Venerable of Compassion and Salvation. His legacy became prominent in the Anxi, Fujian region, where he is also known as the Old Ancestor, along with six other esteemed figures: Dong, Xu, Yang, Xu, Wu, Xue, and Zhao. The Weng clan in Yizhu Township, which mainly descended from the Anxi region, has thrived for nine generations. The divine presence of Dong Gong Zhen Ren provides protection to the Weng clan of Yizhu, a truth universally acknowledged. During the late Qing dynasty, the descendants of Weng Guixi Gong and Weng Binkui Gong took turns offering worship. Currently, two statues of Dong Gong Zhen Ren, referred to as Da Dong and San Dong, are enshrined in the Cihua Temple, while the statue of Er Dong is located in the Bixing Palace of Yizhu Village. It is understood that at the end of the Kangxi period, when Dong Gong Zhen Ren was first worshiped in Yizhu, he was honored in a public hall format. Later, as the descendants of Weng Guixi Gong and Weng Binkui Gong succeeded in their endeavors and established clan temples, worship within the temple became rooted there. The construction of Cihua Temple was inspired by the miraculous manifestations of Dong Gong Zhen Ren's compassion and the enthusiasm of various dedicated believers who wished to build a temple. Mr. Weng Xintai (the first provincial council member) donated the land, and local believers such as Weng Tianhua and Weng Guojing initiated the planning and design, adopting a Song-style palace architecture. With generous donations from all walks of life, a grand opening ceremony was held on an auspicious date in May of 1973, officially naming it Cihua Temple. The temple celebrates the birthday of Dong Gong Zhen Ren every year on the 27th day of the 11th lunar month. A performance stage has been constructed in the temple square, while the left wing has been extended for meetings and hospitality purposes for devotees.
