When is comes to Asian countries, although Christianity is expanding Buddhist temples are still a part of the history of the country.
When visiting Kaohsiung, we stopped at the Sanfong Temple near the Kaohsiung Main Station.
Nothing moved me more than following the journey of a young lady that seemed to be going through her first prayer. She walked in purchased her incenses and started asking questions.
Being in Korea I have learned a lot about the Buddha but not really the practices that take place inside the temple. I really grew an appreciation for the Taiwan practices being able to witness her go through the temple. Unfortunately because of the language barrier we were not able to communicate with her but she had this look of desperation that will never leave our hearts and we hope the best for this young lady.
When you enter a Buddhist temple there are three doors. Enter on the right, the middle is for the ancestors and you exit on the left. In Taiwan they have the Dragon-Tiger temple and you can see that theme carryover at the Sanfong temple. Enter at the Dragon, exit at the Tiger and you will have good luck.
The rich colors that originally inhabited this temple have since been faded by the sun which really gives you a gauge on the age of the temple. The monks walking around taking care of the regular upkeep and cleanliness allows you to see how this is a functioning temple and not just preserved for show.
There is a strange sense of calm you gain when just walking though the temple, the smell of the incense burning hitting your nose draws you to explore more. The people praying and seeing that hope brings the temple to life.
Is it just me or is there a certain serenity that comes over you when you come to these places of worship?