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This study explores the multiple meanings of sacred space in Taiwan's Mazu belief from the perspective of Weixin Shengjiao's I Ching Heart Dharma, using Puzi Pei Tian Temple as a case study. The analysis examines how Mazu belief manifests its sacredness and cultural influence in contemporary society through three dimensions: architectural space, spiritual space, and communal space.
The research employs literature analysis, fieldwork investigation, and case study methods. At the architectural space level, Puzi Pei Tian Temple adopts a "囬-shaped" (square courtyard) layout, embodying cosmic order and sacred symbolism through axially symmetrical and progressively deeper spatial arrangements that combine feng shui concepts with decorative craftsmanship. The temple utilizes dragon columns, dougong brackets, stone lions, and other architectural elements, applying the "ornamentation" concept from the I Ching hexagram "山火賁Mountain Fire Bi" to materialize abstract faith into visual vocabulary.
At the spiritual space level, this study uses Grand Master Hunyuan Chanshi's I Ching Heart Dharma as an interpretive framework, constructing a seven-hexagram cyclical system: "坤為地 (Kun, Earth)、震為雷 (Zhen, Thunder)、巽為風 (Xun, Wind)、艮為山 (Gen, Mountain)、地雷復 (Fu, Earth Thunder Return)、雷水解 (Jie, Thunder Water Deliverance)、離為火 (Li, Fire)," corresponding to believers' complete transformative journey of Mazu faith:"tolerance—awakening—education—tranquility—restoration—liberation—sublimation." Through field interviews, the study finds that contemporary Mazu belief participation presents diverse patterns—from family cultural influence participation, curiosity-driven experiences, long-term service dedication, to passive observational identification—all of which can find corresponding spiritual states within this seven-hexagram system.
At the communal space level, Pei Tian Temple extends sacredness from the fixed temple structure to dynamic social networks through activities such as imperial-bestowed lantern flowers, Mazu processions, and Puzi artistic floats. The procession activities embody the collective spirit of the I Ching hexagram "地水師Earth Water Shi" ("Shi means multitude"), forming orderly collective action, while gathering places like temple courtyards and old streets correspond to the convergence meaning of the "澤地萃Lake Earth Cui" hexagram, becoming integrated spaces for faith, culture, and community cohesion.
In summary, the sacred space of Mazu belief possesses characteristics of dynamism, multi-layering, and inclusiveness. Tangible temple architecture carries cosmological views and cultural symbols; intangible spiritual space provides believers with a complete process of spiritual transformation; and dynamic communal space promotes social interaction and cultural transmission. These three dimensions interweave with each other, enabling Mazu belief to continuously demonstrate its adaptability and vitality in contemporary society, providing modern people with important spaces for spiritual settlement and community identity.
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