Taiwan Impressions

One of my most admired ancient Chinese philosophers, the founder of philosophical Taoism - Laozi, said it well - " A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving."

So I would like to borrow a quote from one of the greatest photographers in our time, and a dear friend of mine, Steve Mccurry: "My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport."

This image blog, "Taiwan Impressions", is a collection of random images I took in Taiwan, where I was born and raised.

Alishan, the moment before sunrise, Chiayi, Taiwan 2017

Nanfanao, Yilan, Taiwan October 2012

Tainan, Taiwan November 2012

Nanfanao, Yilan, Taiwan October 2012

Sun shades of the Pintong Coffee Nursery, Pintong, Taiwan October 2015

Mother and her baby, Indigenous settlement, Pingtung, Taiwan June 2017

Jessie Fan 樊潔兮 "Memory" Tamsui, New Taipei City, Taiwan October 2022

Yangming Mountain, Taipei, Taiwan June 2023

Fish bone, Yehliu, New Taipei City, Taiwan June 2023

Jessie Fan, pose in front of Ko's sculpture at her Tamsui residence, New Taipei City, Taiwan April 2024

A young lady in Ximending, Taipei, dressed in an elaborate Halloween costume resembling a tattered wedding dress. The dramatic makeup and accessories highlight the festive spirit of the approaching Halloween. It's a playful contrast that, despite the effort put into her disguise, she still enjoys a refreshing iced bubble tea - an essential treat in Taiwanese culture. Ximending, known for its vibrant atmosphere and youth culture, provides an ideal backdrop for such creative expressions during the Halloween season.

The bubble tea spirit! Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan October 28, 2024

Buddhist culture in Taiwan is multifaceted, deeply woven into the everyday lives of its people. Many individuals turn to the divine for answers, seeking solace and guidance. This profound connection often transcends intellectual enlightenment, focusing instead on harmonizing personal struggles and alleviating fears. The practice of Buddhism in Taiwan is characterized by a heartfelt devotion that resonates with the everyday experiences of the community.

Longshan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan August 2025

At Longshan Temple, one of the most visited temples in Taipei, worshippers gather on weekdays to participate in the singing of praises and the recitation of the names of the Buddhas three times. The main ritual follows an "odd day Amitabha, even day repentance" format: on odd days of the lunar calendar, the "Amitabha Sutra" is recited to guide practitioners toward the Pure Land, while on even days, the "Great Repentance Text" is chanted for reflection and atonement, followed by the recitation of the "Heart Sutra."

Praises to Amitabha Buddha are sung, followed by the recitation of Amitabha's holy name. The names of Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta, and the Pure Sea of Bodhisattvas are then chanted. The "Great Compassion Bodhisattva Aspiration Verse" or the "Pure Land Aspiration Verse of the Compassion Cloud" is recited for blessings and dedication. The "Universal Worthy’s Vigilant Verse" serves as a reminder to strive diligently, followed by the Three Refuges. The session concludes with praises to the Dharma Protectors and the Holy Beings.