Qingshui (monk)

Zushi Temple in Taipei is dedicated to Qingshui.

Qingshui (Chinese: 清水; pinyin: Qīngshuǐ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Chheng-chúi; 1047-1101), also known as Chó͘-su-kong (Chinese: 祖師公; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Chó͘-su-kong), born Chen Zhaoyin (Chinese: 陳昭應; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tân Chiau-èng) was a Chan Buddhist monk during the Northern Song from Anxi County, Quanzhou. He was said to have gained supernatural powers gained through his skill in speaking the dharma and meditation.[1] Through this, he is said to have saved the town of Anxi during a period of drought, bringing rain as he went from place to place. In reverence, the villagers built shrines to him and hence became a deified person in Chinese folk religion.

Qingshui is also known by the following nicknames:[1]

Worship of Qingshui is especially popular in Taiwan, where he is worshiped by local villagers for protection and in overseas Hokkien-speaking communities. His birthday is celebrated on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month.

Life

Qingshui was born in 1047. He became a monk when he was young, and his early potential was recognized by the chief monk at the temple. When the chief monk died, Qingshui became the next chief monk at the temple. He is credited with many famous quotes made during his lifetime.

Achievements

Below listed his achievements:

Worship

It is stated that all the descendants would worship him using fruit, cakes and other vegetables as sacrificial items on his birthday every year to prove their loyalty to his teachings and their loves. And up till now, many people still visits his temple throughout the years to pray for his divine protections. Some also believes they will gain great luck for the rest of the year by paying their visits.

Temples dedicated to Qingshui

References

  1. 1 2 Tan, Chee Beng (2006). Southern Fujian: reproduction of traditions in Post-Mao China. Chinese University of Hong Kong. p. 125. ISBN 978-9629962333. Retrieved 2011.

Category:1047 births Category:1101 deaths Category:Chinese gods Category:Song Dynasty Buddhists

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