Baling Temple, Baxianshan Introduction
Songshan Village is located in the outskirts of Minxiong, with vast land, mountains, and water, offering beautiful scenery. The old names include Songzikou, Songzi Jiao Zhuang, and Houshanzi Zhuang. The village is known for its vibrant religious activities, situated at the junction of Houshanzi and Zhuxi Township, originally referred to as Baxianshan by the locals. Baxianshan was originally a desolate forested mountain. It is said that when Master Guan Miao (the founding abbot of Baolin Zen Temple) was on a pilgrimage from north to south, he passed by Xiangjiao Mountain in Dalin, Chiayi. There, a bodhisattva reportedly manifested, leading the devotees to instruct him to the current location, where a thatched cottage was built in 1960. Through his tireless efforts and with the help of Master Du Miao and local villagers, who contributed both money and labor, a magnificent Baolin Zen Temple was finally constructed in the wilderness. Surrounded by mountains, the location offers beautiful scenery. Baolin Zen Temple covers an area of about two hectares and primarily worships Shakyamuni Buddha. The tranquil environment is home to seven or eight residents, four of whom are monastics, all being bhikkhunis. The temple also provides elderly care services; those who are healthy and can help with temple chores may reside here free of charge. Currently, Baolin Zen Temple is hosted by a disciple of Master Guan Miao, Bhikshuni Xingding, who, coming from a wealthy timber merchant family in Chiayi City, has dedicated much effort and hard work to expand the temple, attracting more devotees to come and pay their respects.
