Hualien City Trip:

Tso Tasng Trail à meat buns in Street àChingszu TempleàDrove to Taroko

花蓮市左傖步道à公正街包子à靜思堂à開車到太魯閣

(PS. Don't feel frustrated when you see the main gate is closed, like me. Just go straight to the basement and you will find the entrance.)

Somehow, my stomach was screaming for hungry so I had to goodbye to Tso Tasng Trail. After eating lunch, I was ahead to Chingszu Temple, a temple founded by large charity group named”Tzu Chi.” Based the spirit of LOVE, they have been to numerous desperate nations attacked by disasters like earthquake, hurricanes, or wars. If spotting their footpath on the map, you may wonder whether they plant to travel around the world. Well, they did it not for entertainment but for spreading LOVE and giving their hands for tremendous needed people. All inspiring stories started from a great Buddhist master called “Zheng Yan.” It was the master who encouraged people and leaded the united group to build hospitals, organize volunteers, help people in need from all corners of world, practice the spirit of Buddhism, etc. For me, as a Taiwanese, “Tzu Chi” mixtures Buddhism and the power of unite perfectly. I wondered what kind of temple would be built from such refreshing charity group.

It was deeply impressing. As I stepped into the shrine, I naturally stop talking, felt the grandeur and almost kneed on the ground. It was simple but grand shrine with a huge crystal blue painting and a woodcarving shrine placing crystal sculptures in the front. Sunlight spread into the hall, few but perfectly enough to show one’s way. The holy atmosphere calm one down and make one meditate for a while easily, which wined its name. I sat on lotus chair, let thoughts freely go, and thanked to master “Zheng Yan” with all my heart.

For holding speeches or vital events, lines of special lotus chair were served for thousands of participants. According to my English-speaking tour guide, she introduced me how to utilize such useful chairs designed for all religions in this world. Cool, right? Try if you get the chance! Who designed it? Master “Zheng Yan,” who I honored as one of most respectful saint in 21th.

You can pray, knee, bow, read and ... ...

Just sit back on the chair behind you, everyone can listen to speeches in comfortable way! What a smart design it is! 

Luckily, I got English-speaking tour guide as I arrived. She have done great job, given me vivid images of “Tzu Chi” and specific introduction of Chingzsu Temple. She said reservation to guider would be great, through e-mail or phone.

As the sun sunk into the west, it’s time to drive to Taroko! Raced with clock!