aeeble

The Pu Sa Temple is located in the Dali District of Taichung City. The exterior of the building does not feature the traditional palace-style roof, intricately carved beams, or glazed tiles commonly seen in religious temples. Instead, it adopts a simple and unadorned architectural style, adhering to a return to simplicity and naturalness. The main entrance is designed with the concept of "retreat," yielding to the path and allowing space for an old plum tree. Under the tree is a stone where passersby can rest. The gate features the characters "An Ju," which translates to "peaceful dwelling," inviting visitors to return to the temple as if they were coming home. Upon entering, the phrase "take care of your steps" serves as a reminder, echoing the Buddhist teaching of walking the path well. Crossing a small bridge leads to the "Paradise," with the "Path of Seeking Enlightenment" being the central concept of the temple's design. This path connects the first to the third floor, consisting of a series of turns: the first turn leads to a platform for ringing a bell, the second turn leads to the Bodhisattva Hall, and the third turn offers a view back to the path taken. These turns represent the layers of mental states in the process of seeking enlightenment, with each turn symbolizing a decision and determination. The interior courtyard features flowing water and sunlight, creating an ethereal ambiance. The pond is home to sleeping lotus flowers and swimming fish, embodying vitality. The trees above cast dappled shadows, under which the Buddha sits in meditation, born and awakened, smiling subtly. The temple embodies the Buddhist teachings: "Bodhi mind is the cause, great compassion is the root, and expedient means are the ultimate." Throughout the temple, various statues of Bodhisattvas are placed in natural and unrestrained poses, reflecting the diversity of sentient beings. In the Pu Sa Temple, every space is infused with wind and light. Sounds and breezes flow freely through the spaces. Stepping outside, one can feel the changing weather; returning indoors, one can sense the fluctuations of the mind. The interior and exterior are connected, linking humanity with nature. The two interweave, intersect, and converse, listening to each other and moving in rhythm with the seasonal cycles. Throughout the dawn and dusk, and the transitions of the four seasons, one can appreciate the dialogue between heaven and humanity, nurturing a harmonious balance between people, nature, and the environment. Inside, warm wood is used as a medium between humans and walls. The first floor features murals illustrating the temple's concepts, along with Buddhist teachings such as "Rely on yourself, rely on the Dharma, do not rely on other refuges." The Bodhisattva Hall on the second floor houses simple statues and large glass windows, through which an old elm tree extends its branches, changing with the seasons. The third floor is partially reserved for monastic practice and is not open to the public, while the other side offers tables, chairs, and materials for visitors to "slow down, breathe, and write sutras." The use of "writing" instead of "copying" encourages visitors to let go of worldly matters and cultivate mindfulness, emphasizing that "the world of the mind is the greatest." The host of Pu Sa Temple, Master Hui Guang, advocates for "practicing in daily life, without separating practice from life." In the temple, architecture is subtle, space is simple, and the environment is plain. "Because simplicity leads to richness." The architect notes, "All moving architecture has its seasons." In the cycles of time at Pu Sa Temple, we precipitate our thoughts, calm our minds, stand firmly in the present, observe freedom, and see the interconnectedness of all things.