Growing up beside the Mazu Temple in Beigang on the island of Taiwan, Tsai Fu-hsiung was deeply influenced by the sea goddess Mazu from an early age. When he learned that Mazu's original temple was located on Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, across the Taiwan Strait, he felt a powerful urge to visit the ancestral shrine.
In 1981, Tsai embarked on a journey to Meizhou Island. There, he met a fellow devotee who shared his reverence for Mazu. This chance encounter blossomed into a friendship that has endured over four decades, transcending geographical boundaries and political divides.
Their bond not only highlights the shared cultural and spiritual heritage between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait but also symbolizes the enduring connections that transcend generations. The story of Tsai and his friend is a testament to the power of faith and friendship in bridging distances.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
