Taiwanese temples are where most travellers will get their first exposure to Taiwan's rich religious heritage. The amazing craftsmansh...
Taiwanese temples are where most travellers will get their first exposure to Taiwan's rich religious heritage. The amazing craftsmanship found in temples is a science in itself. The shape of the roof, the placement of the beams and columns and the location of deities are all dictated by the use of feng shui, a complex cosmological system designed to create harmonious surroundings in accordance with the natural laws of the universe.
To the untrained eye, Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian temples look similar, but the three are actually quite distinct. Buddhist temples have fewer images, except for statues of the Buddha seated in the middle of the temple on an altar. Guanyin is the next most common deity you'll see, sometimes accompanied by other Bodhisattvas.
Taoist and folk temples are the gaudiest of three, featuring brightly painted statues of deities, colourful murals of scenes from Chinese mythology, and a main altar with the temple's principal deity (often flanked by lesser of the temple, something you won't see at a Buddhist temple.
Confucian temples are the most sedate and lack the colour and noise of Taoist or Buddhist temples. Confucius was a studious sort, so his temples are generally located in park-like settings, or other locales that are well suited for study, contemplation, or other academic pursuits. About the only time you'll find a serious ruckus at a Confucian temple is on the sage's birthday.
Taoist and folk temples are the gaudiest of three, featuring brightly painted statues of deities, colourful murals of scenes from Chinese mythology, and a main altar with the temple's principal deity (often flanked by lesser of the temple, something you won't see at a Buddhist temple.
Confucian temples are the most sedate and lack the colour and noise of Taoist or Buddhist temples. Confucius was a studious sort, so his temples are generally located in park-like settings, or other locales that are well suited for study, contemplation, or other academic pursuits. About the only time you'll find a serious ruckus at a Confucian temple is on the sage's birthday.
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