Yuan Zhao Temple is located at Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City. Originally named Yuan Jue Temple, it was established by Master Kai Can of Da Xian Temple in 1948 and has had the history of seventy-one years. Master Jing Xin and Master Zhu Yun served as the seventh and the eighth abbot respectively as the scale gradually formed. Master Jing Ding became the abbot of the temple in 1984, turning the name from Yuan Jue Temple to Yuan Zhao Temple to highlight “Yuan,” the soundness of the Buddhist virtues and “Zhao,” the Buddhist glory, the Buddhist merciful spirits to enlighten and help take away people’s sufferings. At present, Yuan Zhao Temple mainly aims to promote Earth-Treasure (Kṣitigarbha) Bodhisattva. However, Master Jing Ding had experience in learning Zen, and used to receive the teachings of Qita Sect of Linji Lineage.Qita Sect of Linji Lineague originated from Master Linye Tongqi in Ming Dynasty, and at the end of Qing Dynasty Master Ci Yun contributed substantially in preaching the Buddhism and had a number of disciples, and Master Yuan Ying was one of the most prestigious one. Master Yuan Ying passed the torch down to Master Master Pai Sheng and Master Jie Zong, which became the two cornerstones of Qita Sect of Linji Lineage in Taiwan.In 1974, Master Jing Ding inherited Qita Sect, Linji Lineage, from Linye Tongqi to Master Jie Zong and became the forty-second generation. Master Xuan Hui, and Master Hung Zun along with other six Masters inherited from Master Jing Ding in 2001 and 2011, respectively. Master Jing Ding led Yuan Zhao Temple in preaching Buddhism and benefiting the public using innovative and multi-faceted ways. Therefore, the temple belongs to the important rites of Qita Sect, Linji Lineage, in the Buddhist circle of Taiwan.
