There were several altars in Lungshan Temple and at every altar there were people praying with their hands

People praying in Lungshan Temple
Shot at Lungshan Temple, a Chinese folk religious temple in Taipei, Taiwan
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The main deity of Lungshan Temple in Taipei is Guanyin Bodhisattva. Although it is a Buddhist temple, there are many other deities enshrined within its narrow precincts. This is a place where Buddhism and Taoism are combined with other indigenous religions. From the point of view of the visitors, it doesn't matter whether the deities are Buddhist or Taoist, as long as they are beneficial. It's a simple thing.

There were many altars here and there in the small precincts of Lungshan Temple, each enshrining a different deity. Each of them seemed to claim different benefits, and visitors would pay their respects in front of the deity that claimed the benefit they were seeking.

As I wandered around the temple grounds, I came to an altar where there were also worshippers paying their respects with their eyes closed. As I looked at the people praying earnestly, I couldn't help but wonder what they were praying for. Although each deity enshrined in the temple has different benefits, the benefits are not written on the altar. Therefore, it is difficult for a stranger to determine which god is claiming what kind of benefit. However, it seemed obvious to the locals, and the locals who came into the precincts seemed to go to the desired deity without hesitation.

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Nov 2019 PEOPLE TAIWAN

PHOTO DATA

No

11265

Shooting Date

Jul 2019

Posted On

November 4, 2019

Modified On

April 27, 2021

Place

Lungshan Temple, Taiwan

Genre

Street Photography

Camera

SONY ALPHA 7R II

Lens

ZEISS BATIS 1.8/85

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