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All existing things are created from the interaction of yin and yang.
 
Still, many people do not get its true meaning.   
 
If we all can realize our true nature,
 
World peace will be soon achieved.
 
---  Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu  ---


Elaborately designed by Grand Master Huen Yuan, Hsien Fo Temple is filled with many spectacular scenic spots based on the principles of I Ching and Feng Shui. By visiting each of the eye-catching areas, it will definitely put you in a state of ecstasy and serenity. This goes to show the practicality of the ancient Chinese art of arrangement.

 

 

 

When you arrive at the parking lot of the temple, there will be a stairway that gently leads you to the main gate of Hsien Fo Temple. On your way up, you will find several tall pine trees on both sides and a Jiadong tree which is over one hundred years old located at the top of stairs. Taking a few more steps up before reaching the main entrance, you will find a Lotus Pond surrounded by the statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva with their hands together welcoming you. The flow of water in this man-made landscape gently moves towards the main gate. The whole picturesque scene of flowing water, fishes and reflection of the blue sky in the pond symbolizes the devoutness of Buddhists from all places to Pure Land Buddhism.

 

Immediately after passing through the main entrance, Da Xueng Bao Shrine is situated right in front of you. Inside, followers worship Buddha Amitabha, Bodhisattva Wang Chan Lao Zu and Bodhisattva Guanyin for blessings. You may meditate in there and see if you can attain spiritual connections with Buddhas.

 

A Dragon Fountain is located on the left side of Da Xueng Bao Shrine. The water from the fountain is drinkable because it has the blessings from all Buddhas and deities at Hsien Fo Temple.
Behind Da Xueng Bao Shrine is Ji Le Dian where Buddha Amitabha, Bodhisattva Guanyin and Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta are worshipped. The small shrine is built against the steep face of a huge rock. From this hall, Jiou Jiou Mountain can be viewed at a distance. The location of Hsien Fo Temple can be depicted in a poem written by Master Liou Guo-Xuan from Ming Dynasty, describing the

 

 

 

striking of geographic features of Jiou Jiou Hua Mountain located in China.

 

Following the stairway down from Ji Le Dian, there is a sacred place named Kueng Que Kai Pieng. It literally means the overall view of this spot is like a peacock displaying its elongated tail.

To the right of Kueng Que Kai Pieng is Jieng Tu Guan, the building of I Ching University. The ground floor serves as a temporary office of I Ching University. The first underground floor is Qian Fo Da Chan Tang. It is a lecture hall for worshipping and learning of I Ching and Feng Shui. The second underground floor is a vegetarian cafeteria opened to everyone.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strolling down the lower path on the left of Da Xueng Bao Shrine, you will find the Library where you can relax yourself and enjoy reading a feng shui book. To the right of the path is Taiwan Zu Shi Memorial Pavilion. The pavilion was once destroyed during the 921 earthquake in 1999 and is now restored. On the side, there is a large stone-carved lotus with pebble flooring. From there, you will see many fish swimming vividly in the pond and perhaps some little tortoises resting on the rocks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lodge situates across from Taiwan Zu Shi Memorial Pavilion. Right in front of the lodge is another sacred spot called Bai He Xi Shui which literally means a white crane splashing in water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A quick walk away is Amitabha Lecture Hall and World Peace Bell Tower. The lecture hall is used to teach students advance knowledge of I Ching and Feng Shui.
 

The tall World Peace Bell Tower is laced with four colorful ribbons, flowing with the wind, on each corner as a symbol of the great strength and spirit of Hsien Fo Temple pursuing world peace.

There is an arched gate near Amitabha Lecture Hall. Once you pass it, Wei Xin Garden is seen with variety of well-cultivated flowers on a big grass field. This garden is a remarkable work done by the first alumni of I Ching Gardening College. To the right of Wei Xin Garden, there is a pond shaped like a bottle gourd, called Hu Lu Pond, with willow trees beside and an arched bridge crossing the middle.

Taking more steps ahead, the Four Heavenly Kings statues positioned on both sides of the path greet you before you come to the building of Cang Jieng Ge where precious documents and scriptures are stored. The slightly sharp corners of the roof of Cang Jieng Ge follow the contour of the mountain at the back. Across from the building, a huge Amitabha Buddha statue sits in the middle of Ru Lai Yuan surrounded by 500 arhats depicted with different facial expressions. You are allowed to touch each arhat's head. Perhaps, you will find something that might amuse you or give you a sudden realization of something.

        

 

A small stream called Jian Xieng He flows along a path between Wei Xin Garden and Ru Lai Yuan. Small fishes and mini shrimps are often spotted in the water. The scene might bring you the memories of the time you may have spent in the countryside when you were little.

This path will lead you back to Da Xueng Bao Shrine. On your way there, you will pass by Tian Tang with its door closed. You may just stand outside the building and pay your respect to the Buddhas worshipped inside. Since you are only few steps away from the Library, perhaps you would like to take a moment to read some books to get to know more about the concepts of I Ching and Feng Shui.
If you wish to drink the water from Dragon Fountain, you are welcome to do so as the holy water contains the blessing from Buddhas. At the left of Dragon Fountain, it is the building of Jieng Tu Men administration office.

Chan Chi Shan Hsien Fo Temple sincerely invites everybody to this picturesque and tranquil place. Put your mind in the things you see here, like Buddha statues, rocks, water, flowers and mountains, and see if you can come to a realization of the profound meaning behind each of them.

 

 

 

 

Chan Chi Shan Hsien Fo Temple has very beautiful eye-catching scenery. You are most welcome to visit, to worship and to admire this work of art !