Baling Temple, Baxianshan Introduction
Songshan Village is located in the outskirts of Minxiong, characterized by its vast land, mountains, and water, with beautiful scenery. The old names of the area include Songzi Jiao, Songzai Jiao Zhuang, and Houshanzi Zhuang. Religious activities in the village are thriving, situated at the junction of the eight neighborhoods of Houshanzi in Songshan Village and Zhuqi Township, originally known as Baxianshan by local residents. Baxianshan was once a barren mountain forest. One day, Master Guan Miao, the founding abbot of Baolin Zen Temple, made a pilgrimage from north to south with ritualistic prostrations. When he passed through the mountainous area of Xiangjiao Mountain in Dalin, Chiayi, it is said that a bodhisattva manifested a miracle. The devotees pointed the way, guiding the master to the present site, where a thatched hut was built in 1960 (the 49th year of the Republic of China). After much effort and with the assistance of Nun Dou Miao and the enthusiastic support of local villagers, they pooled their resources and labor to finally construct the magnificent Baolin Zen Temple in the once barren mountain. This site is surrounded by mountains, creating a serene and beautiful environment. Baolin Zen Temple covers an area of about 2 hectares, primarily enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha, nestled in a tranquil mountainous setting. Currently, there are seven or eight residents, of which four are ordained nuns. The temple also offers elder care services, allowing those who are able to assist with temple chores to reside here for free. Now, Baolin Zen Temple is hosted by Master Xing Ding, a disciple of Guan Miao, who hails from a wealthy timber merchant family in Chiayi City. She has devoted much effort and dedication to expand the scale of the temple, attracting more devotees to come and worship.
