The memorial ceremony for Elder Yuanzong, an eminent monk of the Dagangshan School of Buddhism, was held this morning at Tianliao Sun Moon Temple.

(Photo by reporter Su Funan)

[Reporter Su Funan/Kaohsiung Report] One of the four major sects of Buddhism in Taiwan, the eminent monk of the Dagang Mountain School, the founder of the Tianliao Sun Moon Temple in Kaohsiung and the founding abbot of the Miaoyuan Temple in Changhua, Yuanzong Elder, passed away today. A memorial service (farewell ceremony) was held today. The Presidential Palace issued a commendation order, and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Qimai also issued an "Outstanding Citizen" on behalf of Elder Yuan Zong for his contribution to the country and society during his lifetime.

The elder Yuanzong, whose common name is Li Zhengyi and whose Dharma name is "Legal", was born in Tianliao Township, Kaohsiung County in 1938. When he was young, he was ordained as a monk under the monk Xinbo of Chaofeng Temple in Dagang Mountain. Under the elder's school, he was taught the 42nd lineage of Linji's authentic lineage, and his lifelong ambition is to spread the precepts.

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From 1971 to 1981, Elder Yuan Zong established two Taoist temples, Kaohsiung Tianliao Sun Moon Temple and Changhua Miaoyuan Temple. , preaching precepts and other positions, there are more than tens of thousands of precepts (monks who participated in the three altars and received precepts) all over the world, and have successively served as the vice president of the World Buddhist Sangha Association, the chairman of the Chinese Buddhist Association, and the Kaohsiung and Changhua County Buddhist Associations The chairman of the board and the chairman of the Dagangshan Yiyong Famai Friendship Association are highly respected and can be regarded as a representative figure of the Dagangshan Dharma School. He passed away on the 25th of last month (December) at the age of 86.

Elder Yuan Zong's memorial service was held this morning in Tianliao Sun Moon Temple, including Supervisor Chen Ju, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Qimai, Legislator Qiu Yiying, Director of Civil Affairs Lu Qingyuan of the Ministry of the Interior, and abbots from major temples in China all went to Shangxiang to say goodbye.

On behalf of the Presidential Palace, Lu Qingyuan issued a commendation decree, and Chen Qimai also issued an "outstanding citizen" on behalf of him. The Changhua County government sent officials to present a certificate of appreciation. And the contribution of the religious circles, the scene is extremely honorable.

Lu Qingyuan (left), Director of Civil Affairs of the Ministry of the Interior, issued a commendation order on behalf of the Presidential Palace.

(Photo by reporter Su Funan)

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Qimai (left) presented the "Outstanding Citizen" on behalf of him.

(Photo by reporter Su Funan)

The Buddhist Association of China presented a commendation form and respected the religious flag on the coffin, in recognition of Yuanzong's contribution to the country, society and the religious circle during his lifetime. The scene was extremely honorable.

(Photo by reporter Su Funan)

Elder Ben Jing (2nd from right) recalled the life of Elder Yuanzong during the memorial service, and a disciple couldn't help crying.

(Photo by reporter Su Funan)