"If my personal hardships can bring peace and happiness for society and future generations, then I should be grateful to accept the hardships."
――Master Hsuan Kung
Founder: Master Hsuan Kung
Master Hsuan Kung (Mr. Huang Tsung, 1911–1970) was born in Shulin District, New Taipei City, working his way out of poverty to build a successful coal mining business. From 1956 to 1967, Master Hsuan Kung invested a large proportion of his personal wealth into building the main temple in downtown Taipei, and the other two satellite temples in the districts of Sanxia and Beitou, Master Hsuan Kung’s life vision was to create a sacred place that would provide spiritual support for people. It was through his tireless efforts and extraordinary determination and vision, that he realized his dream, all the while continuing with his work as a religious teacher.
Master Hsuan Kung wanted to exhort the faithful to do good deeds, be good people, and to show their respect for the gods by acting morally. He had an important message to share: “sins repented are better than an unblemished past.” As long as on regrets transgressions and resolves to do better, blessings await. A good heart will be rewarded by a good fate. To reach people and inspired their hearts, Master Hsuan Kung busily shuttled back and forth among the three temples to deliver sermons. He urged listeners to “show respect for the gods by cultivating a pure heart,” called on them to embrace “the Five Carinal Relationships and Eight Virtues,” and explained that “ the heart is the key to everything” if one is to cultivate virtue and improve one’s fate in life. He was tireless in his efforts to guide people toward goodness, and to lead by example. He has left a pricelessly instructive for legacy.
