Buddhism is one of the major religions of Taiwan. Taiwanese people predominantly practice Mahayana Buddhism, Confucian principles, Taoist tradition and local practices. Roles for religious specialists from both Buddhist and Taoist traditions exist on special occasions such as for childbirth and funerals. Of these, a smaller number identify more specifically with Chinese Buddhist teachings and institutions, without necessarily eschewing practices from other Asian traditions. Around 35% of the population believes in Buddhism.
Taiwanese Buddhist monk with traditional robes and a bamboo hat
Linji Huguo Chan Temple is a Japanese Buddhist temple.
Main sanctuary of Fo Guang Shan Monastery near Kaohsiung
Main path at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Four Heavenly Kings (Taiwan)
The Four Heavenly Kings or Four Great Mountains 四大名山 of Taiwan refers to four Buddhist masters in Taiwanese Buddhism who each founded an influential Buddhist institution in the country. The term draws its name from the Four Heavenly Kings who each rule over one of the heavenly realms in Buddhist cosmology. Like the Four Heavenly Kings mythology, each Buddhist teacher corresponds to one cardinal direction, based on where their organization is located in Taiwan. The corresponding institutions of the masters are referred to as the "Four Great Mountains".
Master Chen Yen, the founder of the Tzu Chi Foundation.