SanXia Temple, Taipei for Treasure Tuesday

 

Sanxia Temple, renowned for its devotion to the Three Pure Ones—the primordial deities of Daoism—stands as a revered site of worship and cultural heritage. This historic temple, nestled in the heart of Sanxia, Taipei, is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and deep spiritual significance.

At the time of my visit, the temple’s front entrance was undergoing renovation, a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve its architectural grandeur. Unfortunately, my time was limited, preventing me from fully capturing its beauty through photography. Nevertheless, I was able to take a few frames, offering a glimpse into this sacred and storied sanctuary.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

On my first day handling referrals within the community, I encountered six so-called urgent cases—none of which were true medical emergencies. Rather, the urgency stemmed from the desire to annul the legal autonomy of elderly nursing home residents, enabling their children to access their bank accounts and real estate. It was a stark reminder of the grotesque realities I have so often witnessed in the geriatric care industry. Genuine concern from family members is, more often than not, absent. Almost every elderly resident I spoke with shared the same lament: "I have not seen any of my grandchildren in years." Loneliness and isolation weigh heavily upon them all.

Late Cherry Blossom at Tian Yuan Temple in Taipei for Sunday Best

 

After an arduous and fatiguing journey home, I was able to secure only two hours of sleep in total. The upcoming weekend will require significant adjustment before I officially resume work.

February marks the season of cherry blossoms in Taiwan, with the Yoshino cherry (Prunus yedoensis) blooming slightly later. This exquisite variety, characterised by its pale pink petals that fade to white, is renowned for its delicate beauty and ephemeral nature, symbolising both renewal and the fleeting passage of time.

My visit to Wuji Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui, Taipei, was primarily to witness this floral spectacle. This revered temple, known for its magnificent five-story pagoda and serene atmosphere, becomes a favored destination during cherry blossom season. The harmonious blend of traditional architecture and cascading blooms transforms the temple grounds into an ethereal landscape, drawing visitors seeking both spiritual solace and natural splendor.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Lung Shan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan for Treasure Tuesday

 

Lungshan Temple, one of Taipei's most venerated and historic sanctuaries, still bears the vestiges of the recent Lantern Festival, with vibrant lanterns swaying gently in the breeze even as spring advances. Founded in 1738 during the Qing Dynasty by settlers from Fujian, this sacred site has long stood as a testament to the resilience and devotion of the local people, having endured earthquakes, fires, and even wartime bombardments.

In my younger days, I often wandered these hallowed grounds, capturing candid images of life unfolding amid the temple's intricate carvings and incense-laden air. These excursions were frequently shared with my friend Darren, a Canadian who, like me, found himself drawn time and again to the timeless atmosphere of Lungshan Temple. Together, we sought to preserve fleeting moments through the lens, amidst a setting where history, faith, and community converge.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Heavenly Queen Temple, Footscray for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Heavenly Queen Temple suffered damage during the flood two years prior. When we visited, the majority of the structures were still under construction. Situated on the bend of the Yarra River, just near the border of Melbourne City, the temple remains secluded from the surrounding urban environment.

Joel, desiring to sample the Pho in Footscray, selected this destination for us to explore with our prime lenses.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Treasure Tuesday 

Long Shan Temple Lantern Sign for Sign2

 

Long Shan Temple sign is so cultural 

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking to Tom's Sign2

Cherry Blossom in Kyoto, Japan

 

I just missed the cherry blossoms. 

Ninnaji Temple

Crowd is crazy

Taichi Sign - Sign2 event

 

Years ago, I visited the original site for Taichi Martial Arts. Chan family is one of the four fathers of this "hard" stream of Taichi. 

Fujifilm X Pro2 

16-55mm f2.8 

This is linking Tom's Sign2 Wednesday

Yun Yang Temple

From G9

Hase-dera temple Japan

Very beautiful cherry blossum in a "floral temple"

Emblem in Temple, Yarraville, Melbourne

The colour turned out very vividly. The place seemed very enriched with energy. The atmosphere was something mood lifting after entering into the place. As if the burden of the day was cleansed.

Taken by Pentax Fa 43mm ltd

Prayer

How often do we pray and we dont know we are being wishful thinking or just plain stupid?

After seeing some prayers at Rong Shang Temple, some faiths have their places in some people's hearts.

Buddha

Taken by Nokton 58mm f1.4

Tao Temple Ceiling

Temple via fish eye view

This is a high contrast image out of Voigtlander 12mm f5.6 which has that dramatic effect of wide perspective. The two people included in the image were my old photography pals. The image is a little desaturated to enhance that feeling of aged old look.

ONE in four Victorians think driving 10km over the speed limit in a 100km zone is socially acceptable.