Chairman of Zhun_an Temple - Lin,Chao-Yang

1.Basic Information:

  (1).Name: Lin,Chao-Yang

  (2).Gender:Male

  (3).Service Units: Zhun’an Temple

  (4).Job Title: Chairman

2.Interview Questions:

Q1. Can you tell me about the history of the Yuanlin Zhun’an Temple? 

A1. According to historical research, the founding deity of the Zhun’an Temple in Dongshan, Yuanlin, was invited from Longtou Village, Pinghe County, Fujian Province, China, by the ancestor of the Lin family. In the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty, the 12th generation grandmother of the Lin family came to Taiwan by sea and brought the deity of the Mazu and the Zhongtan Yuen Shuai to seek protection. They settled in the northeast of the present-day Dongbei neighborhood of Yuanlin City, behind the Tudigong temple. Later, they moved to the bank of the canal, and the 16th generation Lin Yanzu moved into a three-courtyard house. When they entered the house, they invited the Holy Mother to bless it, then return home.. However, the Holy Mother indicated that she wanted to stay on the bank of the canal, so she was enshrined in the temple hall by Lin Yanzu. In 1953, the Holy Mother instructed the establishment of a health center. In the early days, Chinese medicine was used to treat children who were not feeling well, had a cold, or fever, as Western medicine was not widely available at that time. Therefore, the Holy Mother instructed the establishment of a health center, and in 1953, the Zhun’an Hall was established. At that time, whenever someone's child was sick or had a fever, they would come to seek the Holy Mother's guidance. Because of the healing and medical work that took place during the health center's establishment, the Zhun’an Temple became popular and well-known, especially the Mazu deity. During the health center's establishment, the City God, Guan Yin Bodhisattva, and Zhongtan Yuen Shuai also participated. Therefore, the early temple hall included the Mazu deity, Guan Yin Bodhisattva, and City God, and the health center continued for over a decade. Later, an imperial decree was issued, and the Zhun’an Hall was upgraded to a temple. After this upgrade, the current main hall was built, and in 1956, the temple was completed. From that time on, the temple has been known as the Zhun’an Temple. The faithful in the village have not forgotten the deities who have blessed them, and they continue to visit the Zhun’an Temple, which is why the temple's popularity continues to grow.

Q2. Is there a connection between the Yuanlin Zhun’an Temple and the Fongliyuan group?

A2. The Fongliyuan group was an early Beiguan troupe in  Dongshan Village. They were the local Beiguan troupe and some of them are already enshrined in the Shrine of the Deceased Ancestors. They also provided music for the chanting groups at the Zhun’an Temple. They played musical instruments such as the piano, the horn, and the lute. In the early days, the Zhun’an Temple had friendly exchanges with 40 or 50 other temples within and outside Changhua County, and Fongliyuan was known for its excellent music and was praised by many.

Q3. Does the Yuanlin Zhun’an Temple have any Beiguan musicians? (I’m assuming that’s the intended question based on the answer..)

A3. Currently, Zhun’an Temple does not have any members who play Beiguan music. In the early days, the Beiguan music played in Dongshan Village was part of Fongliyuan Beiguan and not Zhun’an Beiguan.  Fuzhenli  was a "xuan," while the Fongliyuan Beiguan was referred to as "yuan" by outsiders. This was the Beiguan music played in the early days of our community, but most of the xuan have since disbanded, and their members are now over 90 or even 100 years old. In the past, the xuan and yuan would compete against each other and have performances. They would face off against each other, with musicians from each group taking turns to play their instruments and showcase their skills. The Fongliyuan Beiguan was not the Beiguan of Zhun’an Temple but rather the Beiguan of the whole village.

Q4. Do you like Beiguan music, and what makes it special to you?

A4. I have always appreciated  Beiguan instruments since I was young. I am currently 80 years old, born in the year 1938. I learned Beiguan music myself when I was younger, but the old masters have all passed away. That's why the "yuan" in our village has not continued to practice. The Beiguan of Dongshan Vlilage and the Beiguan of Fuzhen Li are still performing in competitions, but we don't see the Beiguan of Fuzhen Li as much these days.

Q5. Do you have any other suggestions for us?

A5. I hope that you prioritize your studies and excel in school. We cultivate young Beiguan musicians at Dongshan Elementary School. If you have the time, please come and learn from us to inherit the skills of our Dongshan Fongliyuan musicians. These musicians are all very talented, and when they came to perform at Zhun’an Temple a few years ago, they were well-received. I look forward to seeing you all revive the style of the old musicians and continue to contribute to the Fongyuan of Dongshan Village and Zhun’an Temple.