Renyi Lake + Gion Temple

May is the perfect time to visit Gion Temple near Renyi Lake in Chiayi. The road leading to the temple is lined with flamboyant trees, evoking memories of Lin Zhixuan's song "At the Crossroads of Blooming Phoenix Flowers." Every May, Gion Temple hosts the "Nyungne" Dharma Assembly. Nyungne refers to the Eight Precepts of Tibetan Buddhism, practiced through the fasting method of the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Avalokiteshvara to eliminate karmic obstacles and accumulate merits. It was my first time participating, and I heard the fasting rules were quite strict! On the first day, you can only eat breakfast and lunch, as no food is allowed after noon. On the second day, not only is fasting required, but you must also refrain from speaking and drinking water. Throughout these two days, participants must chant the Great Compassion Mantra and perform full prostrations from morning till night. Surprisingly, the experience was not as challenging as I had imagined. In fact, it was quite enjoyable. Performing full prostrations felt like a physical education class, chanting the mantra was akin to a music lesson, and fasting and refraining from drinking water resembled a weight-loss course. Plus, it helps eliminate karmic obstacles and accumulate merits—truly a win-win situation! After the Dharma Assembly concluded, a double rainbow appeared in the sky. You can also take a stroll around Renyi Lake and enjoy the beautiful sunset. I highly recommend experiencing the two-day, one-night Avalokiteshvara fasting retreat for yourself!