Growing up beside the Mazu temple in Beigang on the island of Taiwan, Tsai Fu-hsiung was immersed in the rich traditions surrounding the Chinese goddess of the sea. Mazu, revered by many, has her origins in Meizhou Island in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, across the Taiwan Strait.
In 1981, driven by a deep desire to connect with the roots of his faith, Tsai embarked on a journey to Meizhou Island. There, amidst the ancient halls of Mazu's ancestral temple, he met a fellow devotee who shared his profound respect and devotion to the goddess.
This chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong friendship, bridging the waters of the Taiwan Strait. For over 40 years, Tsai and his friend maintained close contact, their bond symbolizing the enduring connection between people on both sides of the strait, united by shared cultural heritage and beliefs.
The story of Tsai's journey and his enduring friendship highlights the powerful role that shared traditions and spiritual beliefs play in fostering understanding and unity across regions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com