Baxian Mountain Baolin Temple Introduction
Songshan Village is located in the outskirts of Minxiong, with vast land, mountains, and water, offering beautiful scenery. Former place names include Songzikou, Songzijiao, and Houshanzi. The village is known for its vibrant religious activities, situated at the border of the Houshanzi neighborhood of Songshan Village and Zhuqi Township, originally referred to as Baoshan Mountain by the locals. Baoshan Mountain was once a desolate forested area. During the time when Master Guan Miao (the founding abbot of Baolin Zen Temple) was making a pilgrimage from north to south, he passed by Xiangjiao Mountain in Dalin, Chiayi. It is said that a Bodhisattva manifested a miraculous sign there, prompting the believers to guide him to the current site, where a thatched hut was built in 1960. Thanks to his diligent efforts, along with the assistance of Master Du Miao and the enthusiastic support of local villagers who contributed both financially and physically, a magnificent Baolin Zen Temple was finally constructed in this desolate mountain. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the scenery is beautiful. Baolin Zen Temple occupies an area of about two hectares and is primarily dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha. The tranquil environment is currently home to seven or eight residents, four of whom are nuns. The temple also offers elderly care services, and those who are healthy enough to assist with temple chores can live here for free. Currently, Baolin Zen Temple is hosted by Master Xing Ding, a female disciple of Master Guan Miao. Coming from a family of timber merchants in Chiayi City, she has invested a lot of effort and sweat into expanding the temple, attracting more devotees to come here to pay respects and participate in worship.
