In the heart of Beigang Town on the island of Taiwan stands Chaotian Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess worshipped by many along the southeast coast of China and in Taiwan.
In the 1970s, a young man named Tsai Fu-hsiung, who grew up in the shadows of Chaotian Temple, became captivated by the legends surrounding Mazu. His curiosity sparked a lifelong journey to uncover the origins and stories of the goddess who had been a central figure in his community's spiritual life.
Tsai's research led him across the Taiwan Strait to Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, believed to be the birthplace of Mazu. There, he delved deeper into the rich traditions and historical narratives that connected both sides of the strait through shared faith and cultural heritage.
This voyage of discovery not only deepened Tsai's understanding of Mazu but also highlighted the profound spiritual and cultural links between the residents of Taiwan and those in Fujian Province. The shared veneration of the sea goddess continues to serve as a bridge, fostering connections and mutual appreciation across the strait.
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How a temple on the island of Taiwan inspired a voyage of discovery
cgtn.com
