The spiritual side of Taiwan

Taiwan is unique in that it is highly diversified in terms of spirituality and religious faith, with no conflicts between people practicing various religions. On the contrary, the island is open to all types of religious thought from outside.

With this attitude, and due to the island’s history of occupation by various countries, you will find Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Mormonism, Islam, and Hinduism together in Taiwan, alongside native spiritual sects such as Yiguandao and others. Here is a brief overview of the island’s various belief systems so that you can get better acquainted with the spiritual side of Taiwan.

Most of the island’s places of worship combine elements from three major religions: Buddhism, Taoism and folk religions. Taoism is the native religion of China, and many of the gods and deities that are worshipped are actual figures in history who made important contributions to Chinese society. A classic example is Guangong the God of War, who is the deity of the famous general Guan Yu.

Taoism arrived in Taiwan in the 17th Century but with the arrival of the Japanese in from 1895 – 1945 the religion was suppressed, and followers of Taoism were forced to practice in secret in Buddhist temples. This explains the convergence of the two religions once the island was restored to Chinese rule.

One of the most prominent religions throughout Asia, Buddhism has for many centuries had a firm place in Taiwanese society. Approximately 15 percent of Taiwan’s population practice strict Buddhism, but a major part of the population integrate Buddhist teachings with local practices and traditional Chinese customs.

Another significant part of religion and spirituality in Taiwan is the followings of China’s most beloved and famous teacher, Confucius. Confucianism advocates the practice of rituals and the worship of ancestors, and many temples have been constructed as a mark of respect to the great teacher.

External religions such as Catholicism and Protestantism arrived in Taiwan in the 17th century with the Spanish and Dutch missionaries. The most prominent branch of Christianity in Taiwan is Presbyterianism.

For visitors to Taiwan, experiencing the religious side of the island can be a highlight and in itself a very spiritual experience. The island boasts over 16,000 temples and 108 meditation centers. Small red-roofed temples with golden Buddha statues are dotted throughout the island, perched on steep mountain slopes and hidden throughout cities and towns.

A highlight would have to be the impressive Chung Tai Chan monastery in the Puli Township in Nantou County. Head to the centre of the island and here you will find an enormous monastery and meditation centre that I home to about 1,600 monks and nuns. The Chung Tai Chan monastery is one of the biggest in Taiwan, complete with its own media centre, recording studios, grand kitchens and a beautiful park for Zen meditation.

Another popular place to visit is the Lotus Lake in Zuoying, a suburban district 5km north of the city of Kaohsiung. Here you will find endless temples and pagodas by the lake which can be easily visited by walking in at least one day. Start at the Dragon-Tiger Pavilion at the southwestern end of the pond and walk up to the Northern end where you will find the Confucius temple, the largest temple in Taiwan.

There are plenty of spiritual ceremonies and festivities throughout the year that blend modernity with traditional religious practices. A popular festival is the celebration of the birthday of Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea, which consists of lively temple and street festivities. The best-known Matsu temple is located in the south Taiwan town of Peikang in Yunlin County which attracts pilgrims from around the island for the yearly celebrations.

You can easily find more information about the temples, pagodas and important spiritual dates in Taiwan from your travel agent or tour operator, or from any guide book or internet resource. Getting to know the spiritual side of the island will enrich your experience of Taiwan, so be sure to include a spiritual tour of the island or even just of Taipei in your travel plans.