New Publication: Yilan County Buddhist Temples Gazetteer, Volume 2

• Chief Editor: Professor Cheng-tsung Kan

• Published by: Fo Guang Cultural Enterprise Co., Ltd. on June 30, 2024

• Description: The "Yilan County Buddhist Temples Gazetteer" was compiled with the coordination of the Yilan County Buddhist Association. Led by Professor Kan  from the Department of Buddhist Studies at Fo Guang University, the project involved nine postgraduate students conducting field research and oral interviews. The book is structured around natural geography, historical images, evolution, notable figures, architecture, and arts and culture, providing a comprehensive and well-organized account. It covers the following two temples:

1. Tou Cheng Kai Cheng Temple

• Built in the early Jiaqing period, this temple reflects a blend of Buddhist and Taoist beliefs and operates under a committee management system. Initially, it housed the "Black-faced Golden Bodhisattva" brought by the pioneer Wu Sha, and was known locally as the "Buddha Temple." The temple was relocated in 1865 after a flood and renamed Kai Cheng Temple. It is a key site for the traditional "Grab the Stele" event, a major folk Buddhist activity.

2. Jiaoxi Kai Cheng Temple

• Originally a site for the Longhua sect of vegetarian Buddhism, this temple was established in 1919 by businessman Xie Huo as a place for quiet cultivation. In 1935, Master Miaoyue took over and transitioned the faith from vegetarian Buddhism to orthodox Buddhism. Under Master Changtong's leadership, Pure Land practices were introduced, integrating the Peacock King Dharma into Pure Land teachings.