The Inauguration of the 'new' Zhaiming Monastery unveils a fresh outlook on humanism
On the morning of 2 August 2009, Zhaiming Monastery situated in Daxi Township, Taoyuan County, was ‘re-inaugurated’ following four years of reconstruction and remodeling work. The Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong presided at the inauguration ceremony.
Even before the ceremony began, over three hundred followers in Taoyuan County had gathered at the monastery in the early hours of the morning to celebrate the new beginning. The Magistrate of Taoyuan County, Li-Lun Chu, and local celebrities were also present to convey their warmest blessings.
The ceremony started with blessing rituals led by Venerables of the Dharma Drum Mountain Sangha Community. The Abbot President expressed his warmest gratitude in his speech and said that Zhaiming Monastery will continue to hold on to the spirit of Guanyin (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) to dedicate to the charities of Taoyuan County and to care for those in need.
The Abbot President Venerable Guo Dong specially expressed his sincerest appreciation to the five technicians whose bountiful experiences and adept skills in repairing, painting and remodeling Buddhist temples played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Zhaiming Monastery.
Without their generosity and dedication of time and effort, the 'new' Zhaiming Monastery would never have been achieved. Mr. Wen-Mi Liao, Mr. Qin-Hai Lai, Mr. Ming-He Hsu, Mr. Lung-Jin Tsai and Mr. Mu-Chuan Lin were recognized with great admiration.
Origin
Following years of erosion and exposure to inclement weather, as well as being affected by the "921" devastating earthquake, roof tiles had deteriorated and cracked causing leakage and staining of the walls. The wooden structure had also begun to rot and the brick walls were unsteady.
On 19 August 1985, the monastery was classified by the Ministry of Interior as a Grade three historic site that needed to be thoroughly renovated for the preservation of cultural assets and the continuation of Dharma propagation.
The authorities approved the monastery’s renovation plans under the Preservation of Cultural Property Law and thus, on 23 August 2005, the renovation project was initiated.
The exhibition room of the monastery will display valuable antiques and paintings, as well as welcome local artists to exhibit their precious works.
The restoration will enable visitors to experience the blissful ambiance of art and humanism, and truly appreciate the beauty of historic architecture.
(by Jin Yang/edited by DDM Australia Editing Team)
