A Brief History of the Tzu Chi Temple in Zuoying City
文 / 蔡子容
在繁華喧囂的街道上，車輛穿流不息，匆匆忙忙地經過那座見證百年歷史的廟宇。位於左營舊城城牆外的慈濟宮；深根於鳳山舊城的「老祖廟」，無論在日治時期、民國初年，抑或是近代社會...這座主祀保生大帝的傳統廟宇，都代表著民眾深深的信仰，以及見證這片土地歷史的演變。本篇將翻轉沙漏，帶您飛越洪流，一起回顧高雄左營舊城與慈濟宮的發展史...
In the bustling streets filled with the constant flow of vehicles, hurriedly passing by stands a temple that has witnessed a century of history. The Tzu Chi Temple, located outside the town walls of Zuoying's old town, rooted deeply in the 'Laozu Temple' of Fengshan's old town, has been a beacon of faith for the people, spanning from the Japanese colonial period to the early years of the Republic of China and into modern times. This traditional temple, dedicated to Bao Sheng Da Di (保生大帝), represents the profound beliefs of the community and bears witness to the historical evolution of this land. In this article, we will flip the hourglass, taking you on a journey across the currents, to revisit the development history of Zuoying's old town and the Tzu Chi Temple.
慈濟宮與左營舊城的遷徙之旅
The Migration Journey of Tzu Chi Temple and Zuoying's Old Town
在談到慈濟宮之前，我們必須先了解為什麼高雄有兩個「鳳山」。這兩個「鳳山」之間究竟有何區別呢？一般當人們提到「鳳山」時，通常指的是高雄的鳳山行政區（下埤頭區）；而另一個鳳山指的是「鳳山舊城」（左營區）。這兩個鳳山之所以存在，是因為早期的鳳山縣政治中心位於左營區域（又稱為興隆庄）。然而，由於城牆在林爽文事件中被起事的人民攻破，官署遂遷址至埤頭街，如今成為現今的鳳山行政區。為了能夠清楚辨認兩者，遷城之前的區域就被稱作「鳳山舊城」，這種「一縣雙縣城」的奇特現象在高雄才能見到！
Before delving into the history of Tzu Chi Temple, we must first understand why there are two 'Fengshan' in Kaohsiung. What exactly distinguishes the two 'Fengshan'? Typically, when people mention 'Fengshan,' they are referring to the Fengshan administrative district (Xiaopitou District) in Kaohsiung. The other 'Fengshan' is the 'Fengshan Old Town' (Zuoying District). The existence of these two Fengshan is rooted in the early days when Fengshan County's political center was situated in the Zuoying area, also known as (Xinglong Village). However, due to the breaching of the town walls during the Lin Shuang-wen Rebellion, the government offices were relocated to Pito Street, now forming the present Fengshan administrative district. To distinguish the two, the area before the relocation became known as 'Fengshan Old Town,' creating the unique phenomenon of 'a county with two county seats' seen in Kaohsiung!
談回慈濟宮，左營慈濟宮又被稱為城邑慈濟宮，「城邑」代表著它原本是位於縣城內的廟宇。在日治時期，日本軍官發現了左營作為軍港的潛力，但同時擔心有心人士可能從龜山山頂偷窺軍事重地的機密，因此強迫所有居住在鳳山舊城內的居民搬遷。座落於舊城內的保生大帝便隨著人民的遷徙，先後搬到了內惟鎮安宮、黃宅、埤子頭陳宅，最終才遷至蓮潭路九號。在當地士紳的集資重建後，人民才歡迎保生大帝的金身回來供奉，城邑的名號也因此深植大家心中，成為那根定海神針。
Returning to Tzu Chi Temple, Zuoying Tzu Chi Temple is also known as Chengyi Tzu Chi Temple, with 'Chengyi' indicating that it was originally a temple located within the county seat. During the Japanese colonial period, Japanese military officials recognized the potential of Zuoying as a naval base. Simultaneously, they were concerned that individuals might spy on military secrets from the hilltops of Gushan. Consequently, all residents within Fengshan Old Town were forced to relocate. Bao Sheng Da Di, originally situated in the old town, moved successively to Neiwei Zhen'an Temple, Huang's Residence, Pizitou Chen's Residence, and eventually settled at No. 9 Liantan Road. After a fundraising effort by local gentry for reconstruction, the people welcomed back the sacred statue of Bao Sheng Da Di for worship. The name 'Chengyi' thus became deeply embedded in everyone's hearts, becoming a constant and reliable Dinghai needle.
岌岌可危的風水
The Precarious Feng Shui
由慈濟宮與舊城的遷徙之旅中便可以知道百年前無論是清領、日治又或是民國初期，台灣社會都是很動蕩不安的。在人心惶惶的年代，能安穩民心的傳統信仰便尤為重要，與人身氣運息息相關的「風水」一直都在居民的心中佔有重要地位。然而，提到左營的風水概況，早些年間可說是人見人怕，其主要原因只有一個，那便是此地的風水早已因政府政策而被破壞殆盡了！
The migration journey of Tzu Chi Temple and the old town reveals that Taiwan's society, whether during the Qing Dynasty, Japanese colonial period, or the early years of the Republic of China, experienced considerable turmoil. In times of uncertainty, traditional beliefs that could stabilize people's minds were particularly crucial. Feng Shui, closely tied to personal Qi and fortunes, has always held a significant place in the hearts of residents. However, when it comes to the Feng Shui situation in Zuoying, it can be said that in earlier years, it instilled fear in the hearts of the people, and the primary reason was that Feng Shui in this area had been largely destroyed due to government policies!
其一，在林爽文事件過後，舊城被民軍從蛇山上繞道潛入城內攻破，原本的土牆也被推倒，完全無法發揮保護城池功用，因此在這次民變過後，官署便依傍著龜山並放棄蛇山，建立了新的咕咾石牆，此「圍龜放蛇」將整個龜山包進了城牆內，雖加強安防，但卻阻擋了龜仙喝水解渴的道路，此為第一個不吉。
Firstly, after the Lin Shuang-wen Rebellion, the old town was infiltrated by the civilian army from Snake Mountain, bypassing the original earth walls, which were completely demolished. Unable to serve its defensive purpose, the government, after the rebellion, relocated to the vicinity of Turtle Mountain, abandoning Snake Mountain and constructing new stone walls. This 'encircling the turtle and releasing the snake' enclosed the entire Turtle Mountain within the town walls, enhancing security but blocking the path for the Turtle Deity to drink water, the first ominous one.
其二，在日治時期開闢出來的勝利路將龜山的仙人「屍首分離」，被分成了大小龜山，烏龜不僅喝不到水，還被切斷脖子，此為第二個不吉。
Secondly, during the Japanese colonial period, the newly opened Shengli Road separated the Immortals of Turtle Mountain, dividing them into Small and Large Turtle Mountains. Not only could the turtle not drink water, but its neck was also severed - the second ominous sign.
其三，當年桂永清將軍拓寬勝利路，為高雄基礎建設盡上一份心力，因此在他辭世後，居民便在小龜山上蓋了一座紀念塔緬懷將軍的付出。可此作為便是在龜首上插了一根針，龜仙又怎麼能安寧呢？此為第三個不吉。
Thirdly, when General Gui Yongqing widened Shengli Road to contribute to Kaohsiung's infrastructure, residents built a memorial tower on Small Turtle Mountain to commemorate the general's efforts after his passing. However, this act was akin to inserting a needle into the turtle's head – how could the Turtle Deity find peace? This marks the third ominous sign.
救民於水火的龍虎塔
The Dragon and Tiger Pagoda: Rescuing People from plight
因為建設而被破壞的風水並沒有因為時間的流逝而所有好轉，即使後來拆除了永清塔，情況依舊令人憂心。據當地耆老所述，在八零年代末，慈濟宮內主祀的保生大帝聽見了民眾的心聲，便降旨指示居民建立龍虎塔以消災解厄，只要「入龍喉，出虎口」，大家遇事便能化險為夷，受到庇護。
The disrupted Feng Shui caused by construction did not improve over time. Even after the removal of the Yongqing Tower, concerns persisted. According to local elders, in the late 1980s, Bao Sheng Da Di, the main deity enshrined in Tzu Chi Temple, heard the voices of the people. In response, he decreed that residents should construct the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda to dispel calamities. As long as one 'enters the dragon's throat and exits the tiger's mouth,' individuals could turn dangers into safety and find protection.
保生大帝與他的龍虎之將
Bao Sheng Da Di and His Dragon Tiger Generals
現在問題來了：為什麼出入口必須是神龍與老虎的模樣呢？其實，這設計是將保生大帝的軼事具象化，重現醫神的神蹟。
Now, the question arises: Why must the entrance and exit be in the likeness of a divine dragon and a tiger? In fact, this design is the embodiment of the anecdotes of Bao Sheng Da Di, recreating the miracles of the healing god.
保生大帝原名吳夲，無論大家是稱呼他為「吳濤」亦是「吳本」，都是在指那位生於一千多年前宋代的神醫。相傳，吳夲的醫術在世上無人能及，甚至能從閻羅中搶人，達到使亡者復生的境界。
Bao Sheng Da Di, originally named Wu Tao, whether referred to as 'Wu Tao' or 'Wu Ben,' all point to the legendary divine physician born over a thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty. It is said that Wu Tao's medical skills were unparalleled, to the extent that he could snatch people from the king of Yama, achieving the realm of reviving the deceased.
在吳夲尚未成仙之前，他已在民間享有盛名，許多人都會依循著傳聞來找他治病、驅除兇惡。某天，當吳夲在山上採藥時，一隻氣喘吁吁的老虎緩緩朝他走來，只見老虎並沒有攻擊的意思，甚至順服地趴在地上張大嘴巴，似乎在暗示著什麼，心懷慈悲之心的吳夲在經過檢查後，發現老虎的喉嚨裡卡著一根髮簪，牠只好承認牠是因爲吞食了一名女子才導致喉嚨卡住，吳夲雖對其心生憐憫，卻也為無辜的人民擔憂，他便要老虎向他承諾永不以人為食才會為牠醫治，老虎答應後，吳夲便徒手將手臂伸進老虎的喉嚨裡取出髮簪，醫治牠的傷口，老虎也信守諾言，從此以後不再吃人。
Before Wu Fei ascended to immortality, he was already renowned among the common people, known for his miraculous healing abilities and the expulsion of evil. One day, while Wu Fei was gathering herbs in the mountains, a wheezing tiger approached him. Surprisingly, the tiger showed no signs of aggression and even obediently lay down, opening its mouth wide, as if implying something. With a compassionate heart, Wu Tao examined the tiger and found a hairpin stuck in its throat. The tiger admitted to swallowing a woman, leading to the obstruction. Although Wu Fei felt pity, he also worried for the innocent people. He made a deal with the tiger: it must promise never to prey on humans, and only then would he provide treatment. After the tiger agreed, Wu Tao reached into its throat with his bare hands, removed the hairpin, and healed the wound. The tiger, true to its promise, never consumed humans again.
吳夲的醫術可說是越發精湛，不只是一般的平民百姓或動物，甚至是神獸都有所耳聞！有一天，一隻龍因為眼部被嚴重感染而找上門來，吳夲一口就和破了牠偽裝成凡人的假象並慷慨地提供幫助，用草藥將他的眼睛醫治好。為了感念吳夲的無私，老虎與龍都不約而同地留在他身邊，陪同他一起行善積德，救助蒼生。這便是著名的「醫虎喉，點龍眼」的由來，也是為何龍虎塔是「龍」、「虎」塔的原因。
Wu Fei's medical skills became even more profound, gaining recognition not only among ordinary people and animals but even among mythical creatures. One day, a dragon with a severe eye infection sought his help. Wu Tao easily saw through the dragon's disguise as a mortal and generously offered assistance, using herbs to heal its eyes. In gratitude, both the tiger and the dragon chose to stay by his side, accompanying him in doing good deeds and aiding the suffering. This is the origin of the famous phrase 'Curing the tiger's throat, Pointing the dragon's eye,' and the reason why the Dragon Tiger Pagoda features both a 'Dragon' and a 'Tiger.
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