Chaotian Temple Inspires Cross-Strait Voyage of Discovery
Chaotian Temple, located in Beigang Town on the island of Taiwan, is one of the oldest and most renowned temples dedicated to Mazu, the revered sea goddess. In the 1970s, Tsai Fu-hsiung, a resident who grew up beside the temple, embarked on a quest to delve into the legend of Mazu.
Motivated by a profound spiritual connection, Tsai's investigation led him across the Taiwan Strait to Meizhou Island in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, the celebrated birthplace of Mazu. His journey not only enriched his understanding of the goddess's origins but also highlighted the deep cultural and religious bonds that link communities across the strait.
Mazu, known as the protector of sailors and fishermen, serves as a unifying figure, fostering shared traditions and beliefs among people in the region. Tsai's voyage underscores the enduring ties and common heritage that transcend geographical divides, emphasizing the vibrant cultural landscape of the Asian maritime world.
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How a temple on the island of Taiwan inspired a voyage of discovery
cgtn.com
