Growing up beside the revered Mazu Temple in Beigang on the island of Taiwan, Tsai Fu-hsiung's life was deeply intertwined with the sea goddess Mazu. The temple, a beacon of faith for many residents, inspired Tsai from a young age.
When Tsai discovered that Mazu's origins trace back to Meizhou Island in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, just across the Taiwan Strait, he felt a profound calling to visit the goddess's ancestral temple. In 1981, driven by devotion and curiosity, Tsai embarked on a journey that would change his life.
Upon reaching Meizhou Island, Tsai met a fellow Mazu devotee who shared his deep reverence for the goddess. What began as a shared faith blossomed into a lasting friendship between their families, bridging the Taiwan Strait and enduring over four decades.
Their story is a testament to the power of cultural and spiritual ties that transcend geographical boundaries and political divides. The enduring bond between Tsai's family and his friend from Meizhou Island reflects the shared heritage and deep-rooted traditions that connect people across the Taiwan Strait.
This remarkable journey of faith and friendship highlights the unifying force of cultural heritage and the ways in which it can foster understanding and camaraderie among people of different regions.
As cross-strait relations continue to evolve, stories like Tsai's serve as reminders of the shared history and connections that bind communities together, offering hope for continued dialogue and mutual respect.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
