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Xiu Yuan Zen Temple Introduction
Xiuyuan Zen Temple, located at 245-10 Liuguei Village in Yizhu Township, Chiayi County, is dedicated to the worship of the West Heaven Ji Gong Living Buddha. Ji Gong is the master of the Great Joy and Great Zen tradition and a Golden Buddha Arhat from the West Heaven, born in the 18th year of the Southern Song Dynasty (1148 AD) in Tiantai County, Zhejiang. In the past, a carpenter with the surname Yao from Hangzhou went to Singapore in search of a livelihood (exact date is unknown) and, seeking safety and prosperity, specially invited Ji Gong's golden body to Singapore for worship. Towards the end of World War II, four individuals, including Wang Rende from Xikang, Zhang Taofan from Huwei, and Weng Jintian and Weng Guojing from Yizhu, often visited the local Ji Gong altar to pray for protection and vowed that if they could safely return home, they would invite Ji Gong's golden body back to Taiwan for worship. In September 1945, after World War II ended, they welcomed Ji Gong back to Taiwan on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month of that year and temporarily housed him at Wang Rende's home. After several observations, Ji Gong guided Weng Yaobo to indicate the landing place with the character "井" (well), where the character's mouth represents the central point of Xikang, Yizhu, and Huwei. Thus, it was decided to land in Yizhu, and he instructed to name the altar with the vernacular name "Xiuyuan." It was also stipulated to hold a ceremony every year on the date of his arrival in Taiwan to pray for blessings and to resolve disasters. Xiuyuan Zen Temple has undergone several expansions to reach its current scale, occupying an area of 780 ping, featuring a Song Dynasty palace-style architecture, with a spacious and magnificent worship pavilion. The golden statue of Buddha is 7.8 inches tall and presents a solemn appearance. Having been in Taiwan for over 70 years, it has undergone changes, appearing lifelike, and is now enshrined in the inner hall. The temple also preserves many precious artifacts, and the county government will fully support the promotion of local religious and cultural activities, aiming to develop Yizhu Township into a national religious and cultural site akin to Mazu culture in Xinkang Township.
