by Rose
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.
The Migration Journey of Tzu Chi Temple and Zuoying's Old Town
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!
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.
The Precarious Feng Shui
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!
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.
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.
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.
The Dragon and Tiger Pagoda: Rescuing People from plight
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.
Bao Sheng Da Di and His Dragon Tiger Generals
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reference：
