Baolin Zen Temple of Baxian Mountain

Songshan Village is a suburban area of Minxiong, characterized by its vast land, mountains, water, and beautiful scenery. Its former names include Songzijiao, Songzaijiao Zhuang, and Houshanzai Zhuang. Religious activities are flourishing in the village. The temple is located at the intersection of Houshanzai, Baxianling, Songshan Village, and Zhuqi Township, and was originally called Baxian Mountain by locals. Baxian Mountain was once a desolate mountain forest. When Master Guanmiao (the founding abbot of Baolin Zen Temple) made his pilgrimage from north to south, taking three steps and one bow, and passed through Xiangjiaoshan in Dalin, Chiayi, it is said that a Bodhisattva manifested a spiritual sign. Devotees then pointed the way, guiding the master to the current site, where a simple hermitage was initially built in 1960 (the 49th year of the Republic of China). After his arduous efforts, with the assistance of Nun Dumo and the enthusiastic help of local villagers who contributed money and labor, a magnificent and grand Baolin Zen Temple was finally built in the desolate mountains. This area is surrounded by mountains on all four sides, offering beautiful scenery. Baolin Zen Temple covers an area of approximately two jia (about 4.8 acres) and primarily enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha. Nestled amidst the mountains, the environment is very quiet and serene. Currently, there are seven or eight permanent residents, four of whom are monastics, all of whom are bhikkhunis (Buddhist nuns). The temple also provides elder care services; those who are healthy enough to help with temple chores can reside here for free. Currently, Baolin Zen Temple is presided over by Master Xingding, a female disciple of Guanmiao. Hailing from a wealthy timber merchant family in Chiayi City, she has invested significant effort and resources to expand the temple's scale, attracting more devotees to worship Buddha and practice the Dharma here.