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Cihua Temple

2021-07-20
886-5-3412204
Six Guì Village’s Cihua Temple enshrines Master Dong Gong Zhenren. Master Dong Gong Zhenren is the patron deity of the Weng family clan of Yìzhú Township. He is recorded as one of the guardian spirits who accompanied the Weng family from Anxi, Fujian, to settle the village of Èizhū Wéi Zhuang during the late reign of Emperor Kangxi. He was born at the end of the Sui dynasty and raised in Jiangnan. When he was young, he was naturally perceptive and, amid the turmoil of the times, viewed wealth and fame as fleeting clouds. He therefore resolved to pursue a refined and secluded life, living in the tiger’s hideout at Huxi, cultivating himself on Jiuling Mountain, attaining sudden insight in Minnan, and becoming fully enlightened on the eastern slopes. He traced the Buddha’s path in Anxi’s Kēbǎng and manifested divine marvels in Tongcheng. Master Dong Gong Zhenren originally dwelt in the Western Paradise; as an ancient Buddha, he descended to the eastern lands to serve as a high monk. He quickly attained the Chan insight, deeply studied the profound mysteries, and mastered the subtle and exquisite teachings. He embodied a complete, enlightened nature, with one Buddha’s heart calm and still. His virtue nurtured the body, subduing all demons, purifying distant realms, constantly opening practical doctrines, rescuing the world, and explaining the path for future generations. Thus he was honored as the jade‑enclosed, compassionate savior of the moral heavens. Later, due to his fame in Anxi’s Kēbǎng’s Jìn Bǎodài, his spirit was manifested within Cihua Temple. He is also known as the Elder Ancestor, and he is revered alongside seven other real deities: Dong, Xu, Yang, Xu, Wu, Xue, and Zhao. Since most members of the Weng clan in Yìzhú Township trace their ancestry back to settlers from Anxi’s Kēbǎng, spanning nine generations, Master Dong Gong Zhenren’s protective spirit is deeply revered. In the late Qing, the descendants of the noble families of Gùxī and Bīnxi were successively enshrined. Today, there are two statues of Master Dong Gong Zhenren—one titled Da Dong and the other San Dong—currently enshrined in Yìzhú Cihua Temple, while Da Dong is also enshrined in the Bìxīng Palace in Yìzhú Village. It is understood that, in the late reign of Kangxi, Master Dong Gong Zhenren was initially offered a public office-style worship in Yìzhú. Later, as the descendants of the noble families of Gùxī and Bīnxi prospered and established clan shrines, they were able to enshrine him within those shrines. The construction of Cihua Temple was prompted by Master Dong Gong Zhenren’s miraculous manifestation and compassionate salvation. With the support and faith of many virtuous persons, the community decided to build the temple. Mr. Weng Xintai, the first provincial councilor, donated the land. Local believers Weng Tianhua, Weng Guojing, and others initiated the design plan, adopting a Song‑style palace architecture. Thanks to the sincere donations from all sides, on May 1, 1973 (the 62nd year of the Republic), a fitting day was chosen for the completion ceremony, the setting of the hearth, and the official naming as Cihua Temple. Each year, the 27th day of the lunar month of November is observed as Master Dong Gong Zhenren’s birthday. A stage was built in front of the temple square, and the left wing was expanded for future use, providing space for meetings and hospitality for worshippers.
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