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

People praying in Lungshan Temple
People praying in Lungshan Temple
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The main deity of Lungshan Temple in Taipei is the Bodhisattva Guanyin, which means that it is a Buddhist temple. Although the temple is a Buddhist temple, there are also non-Buddhist deities enshrined within its narrow precincts. The temple is a combination of Buddhism and indigenous religions such as Taoism. The worshippers do not care whether the gods are Buddhist or Taoist, as long as they are beneficial to them. It's a cash game.

In the precincts of the not so spacious Lungshan Temple, altars are set up here and there, each enshrining a different deity, each claiming a different benefit. Visitors to the temple pray in front of the deity whose blessings they are seeking.

As I wandered around the temple grounds, I came to an altar where some worshippers were praying with their eyes closed. Seeing people praying earnestly, I wondered what they were praying for. Although each god enshrined at the shrine has its own special blessings, they are not written on the altar. Therefore, it is difficult for an outsider like me to judge which god has what kind of benefit. However, it seems to be self-evident to the locals, and they went to the desired god 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

October 10, 2023

Place

Taipei, Taiwan

Genre

Street Photography

Camera

SONY ALPHA 7R II

Lens

ZEISS BATIS 1.8/85

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