Xiuyuan Zen Temple

Xiuyuan Zen Temple, located at 245-10 Liugui Village in Yizhu Township, Chiayi County, primarily enshrines the Living Buddha Ji Gong from the Western Heaven. The Living Buddha Ji Gong from the Western Heaven is Namo Daxi Dachan Ji Gong Ben Shi (Original Teacher), a golden-bodied Arhat from the "Western Heaven," who was born in Tiantai County, Zhejiang province, in the 18th year of Shaoxing, Southern Song Dynasty (1148 AD). In the past, a carpenter surnamed Yao from Hangzhou went to Singapore in Nanyang to make a living (the exact year is unknown due to the passage of time). To ensure peace and prosperity, he respectfully brought a golden statue of Ji Gong to Singapore to establish an altar for worship. Towards the end of World War II, four individuals — Wang Rende from Xigang, Zhang Taofan from Huwei, Weng Jintian, and Weng Guojing from Yizhu — who were conscripted by Japan to serve as military laborers in Singapore, frequently visited the local Ji Gong altar to worship and pray for blessings. They vowed that if they could safely return home, they would bring the golden statue of Ji Gong back to Taiwan for worship. After World War II ended in September 1945 (the 34th year of the Republic of China), they respectfully brought Ji Gong back to Taiwan on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month of the same year, temporarily enshrining the statue in Wang Rende's home. After several spirit medium sessions, Ji Gong, through the medium Weng Yaobo, clearly indicated the character "井" (jǐng, meaning 'well') as the landing spot. The character "口" (kǒu, meaning 'mouth') within "井" symbolized the central point of Xigang, Yizhu, and Huwei. Therefore, it was decided that Ji Gong would settle in Yizhu. The deity also instructed that the temple be named "Xiuyuan" (cultivating good karma/affinity) and decreed that a Dharma assembly be held annually on the date of his arrival in Taiwan, to bless devotees, provide spiritual guidance, and resolve disasters and difficulties. Xiuyuan Zen Temple has undergone several expansions, eventually reaching its current scale. The temple covers an area of 780 ping (approximately 2,574 square meters or 27,700 sq ft) and features architecture inspired by Song Dynasty palaces. The worship hall is spacious and magnificent. Inside, the golden statue of the Buddha, measuring seven cun and eight fen (approximately 26 cm or 10.2 inches), has a solemn appearance. Having been in Taiwan for over 70 years, its changing expression is lifelike. It is currently enshrined in the main hall's niche. The temple also preserves many precious cultural relics. The county government will fully support and promote local religious and cultural activities, aiming to develop Yizhu Township into a national religious and cultural landmark, similar to the Mazu culture in Xingang Township.