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✦ Master Xuanzang — A Journey Across Thousands of Miles in Search of the Dharma

In the history of Chinese Buddhism, Master Xuanzang is one of the most revered eminent monks. In search of more complete and accurate Buddhist scriptures, he embarked on a long journey to India, crossing deserts, mountains, and foreign lands while enduring countless hardships along the way. 

After returning to China, he devoted tremendous effort to translating Buddhist scriptures and organizing Buddhist teachings, allowing many precious texts to be preserved and widely transmitted. His translations became an important part of the development of Chinese Buddhism.

His life was more than a historical journey in search of the Dharma. It was also a remarkable story of faith, wisdom, scholarship, and perseverance—a journey across thousands of miles in pursuit of knowledge and truth.

📜 History — The Traces Left by Time, and the Road Humanity Has Traveled

History has never been merely a collection of dates, figures, and wars found in textbooks. It is also a mirror reflecting the development of human civilization. From ancient tribes to modern cities, from the rise and fall of dynasties to technological revolutions, every era has left behind its own choices and stories.

Understanding history is not simply about remembering what happened in the past. It is also about learning to understand why people made the choices they did, and how the events that once unfolded gradually shaped the world we live in today.

🔥 Spirit Mediums — At the Intersection of Faith, Responsibility, and the Human Spirit

Spirit Mediums — At the Intersection of Faith, Responsibility, and the Human Spirit

In Taiwanese folk religion, spirit mediums known as jitong (乩童) represent a distinctive religious and cultural phenomenon. From beliefs in deities and spirit-possession rituals to temple festivals and worshippers seeking blessings, guidance, or answers to their concerns, spirit mediums embody far more than an aura of mystery. They are also connected to local history, community relationships, and the continuation of traditional cultural practices. 

When we look beyond the surface of mystery and legend and approach jitong from cultural and religious perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of how Taiwanese folk beliefs have continued through generations. In this context, the spirit medium can be understood as a cultural and religious intermediary through whom believers perceive a connection between the human and divine worlds—a bridge not only between people and deities, but also between people and the communities they share. 

🪷 The Buddha — From Prince Siddhartha to the Enlightened One: A Life Journey That Changed the World 

The Buddha was not someone who was destined to be regarded as a Buddha from the very beginning. He was once a person who lived in the world, reflecting deeply on the meaning of life. From Prince Siddhartha in the royal palace, to a seeker who renounced worldly luxury in pursuit of truth, and finally to the Buddha who attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, his life was not merely an important chapter in religious history. It was also a profound exploration of birth, aging, illness, and death; suffering, compassion, wisdom, and liberation.

🪷 Buddhist Philosophy — Learning to See Ourselves and the World in a Single Moment of Awareness

Buddhist philosophy is not merely about scriptures found in temples, nor is it simply a belief in the afterlife and karma. Rather, it can be seen as a path leading inward—a journey that begins with suffering, impermanence, attachment, and compassion, allowing us to better understand ourselves and see life from a different perspective.

When we learn to observe our thoughts, accept change, and gradually let go of unnecessary attachments, we may discover a sense of inner peace that does not depend entirely on external circumstances.

Cultural Memories Between Mountains and Sea — A Closer Look at Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples

The story of an island has never been told through a single voice. Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples possess rich and diverse cultural traditions, with each community having its own language, history, way of life, and worldview. From the mountains and forests to the ocean, and from traditional songs to exquisite craftsmanship, culture is not merely a memory preserved from the past. It is a living heritage that continues to breathe, evolve, and flourish in the modern world. To understand Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples is also to rediscover this land and the profound connection between humanity and nature.

IKU Workshop — Teacher Yigu specializes in yarn knitting, crochet, and a wide variety of handmade crafts. We are now launching a brand-new collection of knitting projects and hands-on craft courses, and registration is officially open!

If you love yarn knitting, handmade creations, or simply want to create a one-of-a-kind piece with your own hands, you are warmly invited to join Yigu IKU Workshop.

Follow Teacher Yigu and start learning from the basics. Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of crafting, take your time with every stitch, and experience the simple joy of watching a unique creation gradually come to life, one step at a time.....