Zhinan Temple

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Yesterday was a beautiful day and my friends, Jessica and Steven, treated Chiu-Jhin and I to a terrific home-cooked Italian meal. They live in the San Francisco area of Taiwan. I think of it that way because of the way the buildings are built into the sides of the mountainous terrain.

After lunch we walked up along a wonderful mountain road with streams and waterfalls to the awesome mountain temple of Zhinan. Check my flicker account to see an unusual fern tree. The fern top dies at the end of the season, leaving a tall trunk that has a cool oval pattern. A new fern grows from the top of the trunk in the new season.

The temple is a beautiful example of the architectural style that combines northern, Chinese and southern Taiwanese ideas, creating a uniquely Taiwanese structure. The structure was built in 1890 and can be reached from a stairway of 1200 curved steps. The religion at this temple is Taoism. There are many registered religions in Taiwan. The most popular one is Buddhism and the second most popular is Taoism. Over 4.5 million Taiwanese follow this religion. The religion evolved from the teachings of Lao Tsu, who lived during the 6th Century BC. Taoists believe that religion is the fulfillment of divinity. Taoists use incense and food offerings for prayer and worshop. There are many Taoist temples throughout Taiwan and most of them are distinguished with a colorful, sculptured roofline. One must enter the temple on the right and exit it on the left-side. The temple's surfaces are filled with colorful and historical images that relate stories. People line up to be doused in incense from head to toes as volunteers wave large incense sticks over every person.

Just inside each entrance stands a large cauldron where people like their incense sticks, leaving them there to honor the god of the sky. When incense sticks are lit up, the person holding them bows towards the god or altar three times in quick succession. Leaving offerings such as religious paper money and various kinds of fresh and packaged foods is common. Plus there are large glass cabinets for donating bills and coins as well as for making larger donations. Zhinan Temple honors one of the eight immortals, Lu Dongbun. Folklore has it that he is jealous of young lovers, so couples who are unmarried do not go to this temple alone, for fear that he will cause them to break-up.

Surrounding the temple are many gardens and pathways through the landscaped walkways that are both traditional and totally gorgeous. The Taoist Institute of China is connected to the Zhilan Temple. I was fortunate to hear a performance of the monks. It was another one for the memory books. The views were spectacular. It was great to be in the sweet, fresh air and enjoy the peaceful gardens and fresh spring blooms.