Yesterday, I wrote about Buddhism. Today I would like to add one of my experiences to this. In 2010 I went to Taiwan. It was also my first time in Asia. Although the many differences with western countries, I was most overwhelmed with the beauty of the many temples. One of the temples I visited, was the Longshan (Lungshan) Temple, which is also known as the Dragon Mountain. The temple is remarkable because of its bright colors.
The story of this temple dates back to 1738 when someone left an amulet of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) hanging on a tree on the site of the present temple. The amulet shone unnatural, but brightly, meaning the site was blessed. Nowadays, the temple still conveys some kind of warmth.
The temple has been devoted to the Goddess of Mercy, but it is also possible to worship many other deities. The temple is often seen as the meeting place of all the gods. People come to the temple for their prayers in the hope that their wishes will be granted. Examples of other Gods that can be worshipped in the Longshan Temple are the God of Sea (for protection by traveling over sea), the god of War, the God of Love and Marriage, the God of Medicine, the God of Money, the Baby God (for fertility) and the God of Literature and Examination. The latter God seems to be very popular. The table is full of food that students have offered while praying. Students pray in front of the God. In answering to their prayers and offers, students hope that the God of Literature and Examination (Wenchang) will bless them with the intelligence to pass a certain test or exam. In the picture a person has offered the God some spring onions in the hope to pass his driving license. Spring onions are a symbol of good luck, prosperity and intelligence in Taiwan.
Cross-Cultural Hope 