The History of Miaoyun Temple (1F)

Miaoyun Temple was founded by the eminent modern Buddhist master Yin Shun (1906–2005). In early autumn 1963, at the invitation of the Chiayi Buddhist Association, Master Yin Shun came to Chiayi to give a five-day series of Buddhist lectures. This visit planted the karmic conditions that led to his purchase of the land and the establishment of the Temple later that autumn.

Located on the outskirts of Chiayi City, the site has a long history as a place of retreat. During the Japanese colonial period, Master Yimin of the Dagangshan lineage chose this secluded spot as a refuge. Later, Japanese Zen Master Nantianmo, who came to Taiwan to propagate the Dharma at Tianlong Temple, also stayed here for a time. Although the site lacks majestic mountains or spectacular scenery, its simple, unpretentious character embodies the spirit of the saying, “Though this is a humble abode, my virtue makes it fragrant.”

On May 26, 1964, the Buddha’s Birthday, Master Yin Shun composed A Distant Offering from Retreat at the Temple, expressing his resolve to temporarily relinquish external involvements and devote himself to solitary spiritual retreat. Upon entering his retreat quarter, he began writing A Study of the Treatises and Treatise Masters of the Sarvastivada School, in which he proposed a periodization of Indian Buddhist history, with the Three Systems of Mahayana Buddhism forming the core of his discussion.

This book marked a pivotal point in Master Yin Shun’s lifelong study of Indian Buddhism. It was the beginning of a sustained period of major scholarship, during which he went on to produce a series of important works on the subject. His careful scholarship and penetrating insights were both rigorous and original. His years of retreat at Miaoyun Temple thus became a crucial period in the development of his research on Indian Buddhism after his arrival in Taiwan.

The following spring, Professor Chang Cheng-Ji brought Master Yin Shun an appointment letter from the College of Chinese Culture. After several conversations and much persuasion, the Master ultimately gave up his plan to remain in retreat until attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death and emerged from retreat to become Taiwan’s first Buddhist monk to hold a professorship.

Even after leaving retreat, however, he returned to Miaoyun Temple several times to continue his writing. Portions of the Miaoyun Collection, along with such major works as The Formation of the Original Buddhist Scriptures, A History of Chinese Chan Buddhism, A Study of Ancient Chinese Ethnic Myths and Culture, and his autobiography An Ordinary Life, were completed either during his retreat or during these later periods of return. In this sense, Miaoyun Temple holds profound historical significance in Master Yin Shun’s intellectual development as a place where he preserved and transmitted the wisdom of Prajna through the written word.

Miaoyun Temple is a tranquil and secluded place. Above the main entrance hangs a wooden plaque bearing the inscription “Miaoyun Temple,” written by the renowned calligrapher Yu Youren. The stone pillars on either side bear a couplet by Master Hong Yi: “A supreme and wondrous place, a pure and cool garden free from defilement.”

The retreat quarter where Master Yin Shun lived, along with many of his personal belongings, has been carefully preserved and restored. The silent teachings of this eminent Buddhist master live on here, inviting all who encounter them to reflect on his teachings, contemplate his life and legacy, and deepen their appreciation of his enduring contribution.

For nearly half a century after its founding, Miaoyun Temple was first overseen by Master Yin Shun and later by Venerable Hui-Li. Under the leadership of Venerable Hui-Li and Venerable Chang-Guang, a community of Buddhist nuns was established, along with Miaoyun Academy. They also established Miaoyun Lecture Hall and the Miaoyun Educational Affairs Foundation in central Chiayi. Through these efforts, they have carried forward Master Yin Shun’s spirit of “inner cultivation and outward propagation,” gradually promoting his vision of Humanistic Buddhism while emphasizing both understanding and practice and putting the Bodhisattva path of benefiting others into practice.

Following Master Yin Shun’s tradition of simplicity and restraint, the Temple for many years consisted of little more than simple buildings with metal roofs. The community endured decades of cold winters and hot summers, but as the monastic community grew, the facilities gradually became inadequate. Years of weathering and earthquake damage also left the buildings unsuitable for long-term habitation. With the long-term welfare of the monastic community in mind, Venerable Hui-Li and Venerable Chang-Guang decided to undertake an expansion project. At the same time, they took a far-sighted approach to preservation, ensuring that the original retreat quarters would be preserved to museum standards.

After an extensive search and many difficulties, adjacent land was finally acquired for the expansion. On November 30, 2003, Master Yin Shun himself presided over the groundbreaking ceremony. During construction, rising costs and financial difficulties placed a heavy burden on the project. Despite suffering from serious illnesses, the two venerables persevered, traveling extensively to raise funds and appeal for support. Their extraordinary determination and selfless dedication deeply moved their disciples and supporters, who came together to contribute what they could. Through the combined efforts of many, small contributions gradually grew into a major undertaking.

Construction officially began on September 7, 2005. The complex has a total floor area of more than 1,000 ping. The main hall, side buildings, and related structures occupy approximately 480 ping, with the main building comprising six floors above ground and one basement level. Designed to suit the site, the building has a distinctive semicircular form. The first through third floors comprise the lofty Main Buddha Hall; the fourth floor houses the Medicine Buddha Hall; and the sixth floor serves as a meditation hall. The fifth floor is dedicated to the Master Yin Shun Memorial Museum, which combines historical documents with digital technology and audiovisual presentations to present the story of the Master’s life and legacy. The building’s exterior conveys a sense of dignity and solemnity that inspires reverence and deepens faith, while its modern facilities and educational content encourage visitors to cultivate wholesome values and conduct. In this way, the vision of Humanistic Buddhism is given concrete expression.

Because of limited financial and material resources, the expansion of Miaoyun Temple was an exceptionally challenging undertaking. The generous support of Liao Nian-Ji and Lin Shu-Hua, a devoted lay Buddhist couple, provided crucial assistance with the construction and facilities. Over the course of a decade, monastics and lay supporters worked together with one heart and one mind, while donors and supporters from near and far offered generous assistance. Through their collective efforts, the expansion of the Temple was finally completed.

This account is respectfully recorded to commemorate the origins of the Temple’s expansion and to express enduring gratitude to all who contributed to its realization, both those who guided the project and those who have benefited from it.