Bajian Mountain Baolin Zen Temple Introduction
Songshan Village is located in the outskirts of Minxiong, with vast lands featuring mountains and water, and beautiful scenery. Former place names include Songzijiao, Songzijiao庄, and Houshanzi庄. The village has a vibrant religious activity, situated at the boundary of Houshanzi and Zhuqi Township, originally referred to by locals as Baxianshan. Baxianshan was once a barren mountain forest. During an early pilgrimage from north to south, Master Guanmiao (the founding abbot of Baolin Temple) made three bows every few steps and, upon passing by Jiangjiao Mountain in Dalin, Chiayi, it is said that a bodhisattva manifested itself. The devotees then guided him to the current site, and in the year 1960 (the 49th year of the Republic of China), a straw hut was first established. Due to his hard work and the assistance of Master Du Miao, along with the enthusiastic help of local villagers, everyone contributed money and effort, and a magnificent Baolin Temple was eventually built in this wild mountain area. Surrounded by mountains, this location offers beautiful scenery. Baolin Temple covers an area of approximately two hectares, with the main deity being Shakyamuni Buddha. The tranquil environment is home to about seven or eight residents, four of whom are monastics, all of whom are Bhikkhunis. The temple also provides elder care services, and those who are able to assist with miscellaneous tasks can reside here for free. Currently, Baolin Temple is hosted by Sister Xingding, a disciple of Master Guanmiao. Coming from a wealthy timber merchant family in Chiayi City, she has devoted much effort and hard work in expanding the temple's scale, attracting more devotees to come here to pay respects and walk the paths of worship.
