In Quan Am Temple stood a large incense burner, and a woman was lighting an unusually long stick of incense — the kind rarely seen in Japan. Both Buddhism and Taoism use incense in their rituals, so from that alone, it was hard to tell whether this was a Buddhist or Taoist temple.
A bit of research revealed that this was technically a Taoist temple. Originally, it was dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess from China's Fujian Province. Later on, Guanyin, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, was also enshrined here. As a result, the temple is commonly referred to as the “Guanyin Temple,” a name that naturally gives off a Buddhist impression. Yet within its walls, one can find a whole pantheon of Taoist deities as well.
In the end, perhaps it doesn’t matter whom you’re praying to — as long as your prayers are heard.
Jun 2009 IN THE CITY VIETNAM | |
HO CHI MINH CITY INCENSE BURNER INCENSE STICK SHADOW TEMPLE WOMAN |
No
2860
Shooting Date
Mar 2009
Posted On
June 5, 2009
Modified On
June 16, 2025
Place
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
CANON EOS 1V
Lens
EF85MM F1.2L II USM