Bajian Mountain Baolin Zen Temple Introduction
Songshan Village is located in the rural area of Minxiong, featuring vast lands with mountains and water, offering beautiful scenery. The old names include Songzijiao, Songzaijiao Zhuang, and Houshanzi Zhuang. The village is known for its active religious activities, situated at the boundary between the back mountain of Songshan Village and Zhuqi Township, originally referred to as Baoshanshan by the locals. Baoshanshan was once a barren mountain forest. It is said that when Master Guanmiao (the founding abbot of Baolin Zen Temple) was making a pilgrimage from north to south, he passed through Jiangjiao Mountain in Dalin, Chiayi, and experienced a miraculous appearance of a bodhisattva. The devotees guided him to the current site. In 1960, a thatched hut was initially established. With his tireless efforts and the assistance of Master Duxue, along with the enthusiastic help of local villagers, they pooled their resources and built the magnificent Baolin Zen Temple in the barren mountains. Surrounded by mountains, the location boasts beautiful scenery. Baolin Zen Temple covers an area of approximately two hectares, primarily enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha, and currently houses about seven or eight residents, four of whom are ordained nuns. The temple also offers elder care services, allowing those who can help with temple chores to live there for free. Currently, Baolin Zen Temple is presided over by Master Xingding, a disciple of Master Guanmiao, who hails from a wealthy timber family in Chiayi City. She has dedicated a lot of effort and resources into expanding the temple, attracting more believers to come and worship.
