Growing up beside the Mazu Temple in Beigang, a town on the island of Taiwan, a young devotee was immersed in the rich traditions of Mazu worship from an early age. Mazu, revered as the Chinese goddess of the sea, has been a guiding spirit for countless believers navigating the ebbs and flows of life.
In 1981, he discovered that Mazu's origins trace back to Meizhou Island in Fujian Province, across the Taiwan Strait. This revelation stirred a deep longing within him to embark on a pilgrimage to her ancestral temple. Driven by faith and curiosity, he set out on a journey that would transcend borders and forge lifelong bonds.
Upon arriving on Meizhou Island, he met a fellow devotee who shared his reverence for Mazu. Despite the physical distance and the complexities of cross-strait relations, the two formed an immediate connection rooted in shared beliefs and cultural heritage. Over the past four decades, this connection has blossomed into an enduring friendship, symbolizing the unifying power of shared traditions and faith.
Their story is a testament to the deep cultural ties that link people across the Taiwan Strait. It highlights how spiritual journeys and personal relationships can bridge geographical divides, fostering understanding and mutual respect between communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
