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.
Nov 2019 PEOPLE TAIWAN | |
INCENSE STICK LUNGSHAN TEMPLE SERIOUSNESS TAIPEI TEMPLE WORSHIPER |
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