I. Introduction

Main Deity: Guanyin Bodhisattva

Founded: 1954

The Baozhu Canal area in Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, has a rich historical background that dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. During these periods, the area included several important villages such as Sankueicuo, Xindagang, Wanjinei, Baozhugou, Benguan, Shitou, and Fudingjin. Since the Japanese colonial era and the early years of the Republic of China, Sanmin District has grown to become the second-largest administrative district in Kaohsiung. Today, the Baozhu Canal area remains an area of frequent activities.

Yi Yong Temple is located in the area once surrounded by Baozhu Canal (now Jue Min Road) and is bordered by water on three sides. Back in the 1950s, this area was still on the outskirts of Kaohsiung City, surrounded by farmland. In 1954, Master Kai-Zheng（開證）, a monk from the Linji school of the Dagang Mountain Dharma lineage, established the temple to carry out the wish of the Founding Master Yi-Min（義敏） and his fellow monks, Master Yong-Ding（永定） and Yong-Jie（永傑）, who hoped to spread the teachings of Buddhism in Kaohsiung. With the help of supporters, Guo Ma（郭馬） and Long-Du Li（李龍都）, a temporary temple was set up. The name “Yi Yong Zen Temple（義永禪寺）” was chosen to honor the Founding Master Yi-Min, who revitalized the Dagangshan tradition, and the contributions of other key Buddhist elders like Master Yong-Da（永達）, Yong-Zhong（永忠）, Yong-Ren（永仁）, Yong-Ding（永定）, and Yong-Jie（永傑）.

In the early 1950s, Qing-Tai Lan（藍清泰） donated an old, run-down traditional house. The original “Yi Yong Zen Temple” (later renamed Yi Yong Temple) was established by renovating this house and was completed and inaugurated in 1954. Afterward, when Master Kai-Zheng left for further study, the temple’s leadership was transferred in 1955 to Ju Li (李菊, Aunt Ah Hao, Dharma name Kai-Jhong開種), a well-known figure in Kaohsiung, with Qing-Tai Lan’s help. After Master Kai-Zheng entrusted the management of Yi Yong Temple to Li Ju, in 1957, he went on to establish several other temples in the Kaohsiung city area, including Hongfa Temple and Cien Hall. Thus, Yi Yong Temple can be considered “the First Temple” to carry forward the Dagang Mountain Dharma lineage in the Kaohsiung urban area.

The exterior design of the Mahavira Hall at Yi Yong Temple is distinctive and stands out as one of the rare examples of “Tenjikuyō Buddhist architecture （Stupa）” in Taiwan. It shares this designation with other Buddhist buildings in Kaohsiung from the same period. The construction of the hall began in 1959 and was overseen by Kaohsiung’s mayor at the time, Wu-Zhang Chen（陳武璋）, who officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony. After 13 years of work, the hall was consecrated and opened for use in 1972. The design, architectural structure, and construction methods of the hall were at the forefront of the most advanced techniques available at the time.

Over the nearly 50 years since the completion of the main hall in 1972, in addition to regularly hosting Dharma services that draw numerous followers, the temple has also attracted a range of distinguished guests from politics, business, and the Buddhist community. These visitors have come to witness the contemporary history and modern development of both Kaohsiung City and its Sanmin District. Notable political figures include former President Teng-Hui Lee（李登輝）, as well as former mayors of Kaohsiung such as Chi-Chuan Chen（陳啟川）, Yu-Yun Wang（王玉雲）, Nan-Cheng Su（蘇南成）, and Dun-Yi Wu（吳敦義）. Business leaders like Yao-Ting Wu（吳耀庭） and Jiang-Zhang Chen（陳江章） have also visited. Those Buddhist leaders are Elder Bai Sheng（白聖長老）, Master Hsing Yun（星雲法師）, Elder Pu Miao（菩妙長老）, and Elder Jing Xin（淨心長老）. Other countless important people from all walks of life have come to visit the temple.

Yi Yong Temple is primarily dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the guardian deities, Skanda and Sangharama Bodhisattva, flanking them. The temple is modest, with no elaborate carvings or decorations, which gives a serene atmosphere that offers visitors a refreshing feeling. Although it is a Buddhist temple, under the careful management and development of Master Kai-Jhong, along with her dramatic life story and active involvement in public welfare, Yi Yong Temple is different from a typical religious temple. It can be said to be an important witness to the historical development of Kaohsiung City from the 1950s to the 1990s. Moreover, the temple also ran Yi-Min Kindergarten and fostered cultural exchanges with Buddhist communities in countries like Japan. These efforts made Yi Yong Temple an important center of faith in Kaohsiung’s Sanmin District.

In 1997, the Master, realizing her advancing age, noticed the need to make proper arrangements for the future management and operation of the temple. At this crucial time, his son-in-law, Mr. Jin-Hui Yen（顏金輝）, offered to help take over some of the temple’s responsibilities. He also expressed a commitment to continuing the Master’s mission of promoting Buddhist teachings and serving others, ensuring the temple’s ongoing work and legacy. As a result, a management committee was established. Since then, the temple has been managed by representatives elected by the congregation. Mr. Jin-Hui Yen initially served as the temple manager, followed by the current manager, Ms. Hui-Ying Yen（顏惠瑩）, who, along with the other representatives, continues to lead the temple, spreading the Buddhist teachings.

In recent years, Yi Yong Temple has been actively involved in preserving local cultural heritage, with the aim of rekindling the memories of Kaohsiung residents and those from the Sanmin District. The temple’s efforts focus on raising awareness about the preservation of historical buildings and on showcasing the distinct cultural and historical identity of Kaohsiung. Meanwhile, drawing inspiration from Japan’s approach to regional heritage conservation, Yi Yong Temple has worked to revitalize the local community by systematically organizing and researching valuable items left by past masters, including old photographs, books, and others. This initiative seeks not only to help locals better understand the history of Buddhism in Taiwan and Kaohsiung’s development, but also to emphasize the cultural and historical value that lies behind these preserved treasures.
 

II. Dharma Propagation Activities
 

• Dharma Service: Annual Dharma Service, Monthly Dharma Service, Dharma Service for consecrating and dedicating statues of guardian deities, The Enshrining Ritual, Emperor Liang Repentance Dharma Service.

• Buddhist Rituals: Delivering and Uplifting Souls, Zuo-xun (ritual performed for the deceased), the Rituals of Placing the remains in the stupa, Hundred Days Memorial, Annual Ancestral Offering Ritual, Hungry Ghost Festival Offering, Offering of Sweet Dew to Generate Merit