Imagine my surprise to see school children practicing a traditional dance called the "Ya"Music Dance inside the Confucius temple compound! They will be entertaining the diplomats at a festival at the end of September. Julie was telling us that people will often come to the temple to ask for something- to do well in a test, a pass in their drivers licence or to have good health. Confucius was said to be a man of simple living and therefore the temple is simplistic- no icons or elaborate carvings. Interesting enough, I was interviewed by some exchange students on what I thought about the temple and my visit here.
The Bo'an Temple had a much more sacred feeling- there was a lot of praying going on! This archetectural masterpiece is recognized as Taiwan's most elaborate.
The main show at the Contemporary Museum of Art was called "Being" by Li Chen. His works are combinations of Buddhist and Daoist philosophy and creative elements from western sculpture. One of my favourite pieces was an interactive instillation. On entering the realm of "Existing" we came face to face with the storm and glittering light of the Holy Light- this enticed us to to ponder the state of our mind! We then moved through the cycle of Leaving, Arriving, Entering and Existing of Being which were fully expressed in the realm of space and emotions.
After we left the museum - we got lost in the underworld maze of Taipei. I felt like a cornered rat! ( and a bit grumpy because I was hungry and tired and could have really used a snickers bar!) Its's so hot outside, that everyone travels underground !