Walking with Mazu_Artist Zhu Zhu’s practice of faith life

Faith can be a way of life and a life practice Dajia Mazu goes around the border to offer incense, Baishatun Mazu offers incense, walks around the island to all Mazu temples in Taiwan, Curating exhibitions of hand-painted Mazu in various villages, publishing the "Taiwan Mazu Calendar", inviting Mazu to visit Jiaming Lake and traveling around four countries road…… What Mazu taught me is not about worship, but about slowly experiencing and practicing the process of being a human being. We are children of the sea, riding the wind and waves along with the ocean currents, When you go to a place where milk and honey flow, don't forget the blue threads of our ancestors. I pray to you, and my prayer will be answered, Holy Mother Mazu! May the beautiful islands be free from environmental disasters and man-made disturbances. Zhu Zhu prayed to Mazu because she was confused about life in college. She felt that she received a response, so she began to follow Mazu around the country to offer incense, walk around Taiwan and worship Mazu temples in various places. She also painted images of Mazu, stayed in villages in various places, held Mazu art exhibitions, and published "Taiwan Mazu Calendar"; she also enshrined a kind and artistic Mazu and invited her to travel around Taiwan and visit Bhutan and Japan. With more than ten years of creation and local participation, I have traveled through the footprints of life centered on Mazu (temple). Through words, Zhu Zhu reorganizes the scenery he has seen while walking with Mazu in the past fifteen years, the land he has walked on, the people he has met, and the intertwined stories, demonstrating that faith can be a way of life and a life practice that stretches over time. solid. －－－－－ Recommended articles Yin Baoning/Professor and Director of the Institute of Arts Management and Cultural Policy, National Taiwan University of Arts Concentric recommendation Josie/Author of "Going Within" Yoshihiro Katakura/Writer living in Taiwan Yu Guoxin/Director General of Chiayi City Hongya Cultural Association and the owner of Hongya Study Room Li Qianlang/Professor, Institute of Arts Management and Cultural Policy, National Taiwan University of Arts Meimei Lin/Adjunct researcher at the Institute of Ethnology, Academia Sinica Xu Mingqian/Deputy CEO of Taiwan Thousand Mile Trail Association Susu/Huanghuang second-hand bookstore Chen Yuxiu/Honorary Chairman of Bailu Cultural and Educational Foundation Chen Bijun/Director of Yunlin County Culture and Tourism Department Cher/Traveler Writer Shan Yanbo/Founder of Chicken Coop Camino Yang Yaping/Meet the Bookstore Manager Zheng Yuzhan/Manager of Chan Chan's Travel Story (Sort by name strokes) Circumnavigating the environment, offering incense, performing ascetic practices around the island, making cross-border pilgrimages, traveling to four countries, creating in villages in various places, and holding many activities and performances... Zhu Zhu's journey with Mazu is not only a religious pursuit, but a step-by-step investigation like fieldwork. So delicate and detailed, faith has been internalized into a real way of life. The various reflections and insights in the process have strengthened the look up and tempered the inner being. It is humble, pious and pure and moving. After reading the book, I really want to set off to find Mazu immediately! ──Josie, author of "Going Within" Pilgrimage is to travel towards a holy place that is the spiritual destination in your heart, or to collect temples in the name of Mazu along the way. After setting off, you may experience various challenges, large and small, and all kinds of unspeakable opportunities along the way. To be able to complete the journey , needing to rely on the kindness of countless strangers. Following Mazu around the territory means starting from the holy land and patrolling the living space of the common people. Under the protection of the divine power, you can most intensively experience the gathering of good thoughts and good deeds, feel the power of compassion, and therefore be filled with joy in your heart. This book simply records Zhu Zhu’s travels in these two directions over the years, providing an additional imagination and perspective for various island hopping or long-distance hiking. ──Xu Mingqian, Deputy CEO of Taiwan Thousand Mile Trail Association The story of Zhu Zhu’s journey with Mazu has always been a special phenomenon in the field of long-distance hiking. Through Zhu Zhu’s descriptions of Mazu from various places in Taiwan, you can not only feel the power brought by religion, but also learn about Zhu Zhu’s past journey. After learning about the devout belief in Mazu from all over Taiwan, and knowing Zhu Zhu’s Mazu creations, now the walls of my studio are full of “Taiwan Mazu Calendar”, and I feel like I have always been protected by Mazu! ──Founder of Shan Yanbo Chicken Coop Camino Directing hand movements is the job of the brain, and Zhu Zhu’s pen is connected to the soul. After solid practice in drawing, in addition to the drawing in the mind, there is also the reflection of the hands and the memory of the body. Each stroke is the accumulated beauty and experience. It can be said that Mazu in Zhu Zhu's works is a product of spiritual connection, because if you look carefully, every frame of the work is like a guide, calling the lost people back to the road they should take, and is overflowing with blessings. ──Yang Yaping, manager of Bookstore After traveling thousands of miles, I will always remember it clearly when I look back. Because I have experienced all kinds of hardships and realized the preciousness of life, I turned my feelings into words and images as a medium to share the blessings. This book records Zhu Zhu’s hard journey and positive attitude towards life, an irreplaceable life story. ──Zheng Yuzhan, the host of Chan Chan's Travel Story －－－－－ About the Author Huang Zhuping (Zhu Zhu) A native of Taitung, Taiwan. I was inspired by a chance chat with Mazu after class in college, and then embarked on the road to follow Mazu's footsteps. In 2008, he began to participate in Mazu pilgrimage activities, which mainly involve hiking. After walking around Taiwan in 2010, he used line drawings to draw portraits of Mazu from various places. He has accumulated more than 200 works so far. In 2013, the "Follow Mazu Around the Island: Picture, Text, and Photography Exhibition" was held to tour various places, and a statue of "Ciyi Mazu" was enshrined. In 2014, "The Environment: Zhu Zhu's Notes on Hiking Around the Island" was published, which presented the journey of walking around the island in a illustrated way. In 2019, "Building a Human Boat: Zhu Zhu's Hand-painted Mazu Atlas" was published. The accumulated works of ten years were bound in folded pages and combined with the "The Queen of Heaven Leads, Art Around the Border" stamp collection event to create a blessing of Taiwan. Road around the island. Since 2020, the "Taiwan Mazu Calendar", which combines hand-painted Mazu images with stencil printing, has been released, listing Mazu activities as national and county folk cultural assets, bringing blessings from Mazu ladies from all over the country every year. As time went by, he migrated, and he worked in villages across Taiwan for a long time. During his travels, he realized that he was closely connected with the land and environment, and that they complemented each other. Therefore, he took folk culture and characters as the objects of his creations. Hand-drawn black and white line drawings and photography are combined with written travel footprints in various places to present the most intuitive and simple appearance, expressing the emotional exchange of time and space between people and the environment. Although he is not from a professional background, he has a unique personal style. These creations serve as teachers for her to find inner peace and practice life and creation. Fan Page｜Chu's studio Zhu Zhu Art Creation Studio －－－－－ Table of contents The recommendation sequence has started and we are on the way/Yin Baoning (Professor of the Institute of Arts Management and Cultural Policy, National Taiwan University of Arts) preface PART1Pursuit "Otherwise, I'll go with you to offer incense."──This is how it all started "I remember when we first met, you were twenty-five years old." - Dajia Mazu went around the country to offer incense "This is what my mother-in-law will give you to eat!"──Baishatun Mazu Beigang Jingxiang "Having taken the first step is half the battle."──Hiking Tour around the Mazu Temple in Taiwan "Mother Mazu, please take a seat!"──The fate and dream with Mazu PART2Creation "The pen is very powerful."──Hand-drawn Mazu, published "Making a Human Boat" collection "It's like Mazu came to my home!"──About the "Taiwan Mazu Calendar" project PART3 resident "Only my grandma can buy me a three-in-one coffee."──Resident of the Gold Museum in Ruifang, New Taipei "I knew it was you just by looking at your back!"──Yeliu, the second mother in Jinbaoli, was a guest "This is the first time I heard Shuwen recited in vernacular Taiwanese."──Lukang Resident and Jin Anwan want to come to worship God. "The gods also need the warmth of firelight."──Participating in the Mazu Lantern Festival and returning to the market at grandma's house "I feel like I am surrounded by Mazu, I am very touched..."──Penghu County Hongluo Village Resident "You're coming to Chiayi, really?"──Chiayi station, recalling Yushan Hotel PART4Travel far away "How should I call you?"──I enshrined a statue of "Ci Yi" Mazu "Have a heart, make a wish, and actually take action." - Respectfully invite Ciyi Mazu to visit Jiaming Lake "How does Mazu get on a plane?" - Ciyi Mazu visits Bhutan "We are on the same path!"──Five people traveling together, Ciyi Mazu’s journey through the four kingdoms postscript Taiwan Mazu Festival Zhu Zhu’s travel records in pursuit of Mazu Extended link －－－－－ Recommended order Set off, on the way Yin Baoning/Professor and Director of the Institute of Arts Management and Cultural Policy, National Taiwan University of Arts This is a recommended preface. Thank you for having the opportunity to read it first. After reading it for the first time, I was very moved, and my emotions were still lingering between the lines. I wanted to express many feelings, but I was obviously lost in such a rich life story. Speed is one of the biggest challenges facing the current generation. We are accustomed to all kinds of "no time difference", all kinds of "real-time", "online", and even require "advanced deployment". People are accustomed to and preset the speed of interaction and operation, including where the eyeballs and fingers reach, there should be no blank space for a moment. But this time, I get rid of the shackles of "immediateness" and "speed", and through reading, follow Zhu Zhu to fly through the accumulated memories of more than fifteen years of youth through words. Different from wandering on paper or traveling through time and space with your fingertips, Zhu Zhu's words and descriptions show that the journey advances step by step while walking. It is an exploration of life, and it also reveals the ups and downs of life, like runoff, quietly but full of energy. . It seems to be constantly changing and moving, but it has a more resolute and profound tranquility and fearlessness. There are many touching sentences in the book that lead readers to a safe road in life: "When you are most hungry and tired, the warmth from life is more profound and sonorous. My enlightenment may come from the attitude towards life. The moment I ran away was It started with Mazu taking me on a journey.” The "pilgrimage" journey in religion is essentially a physical practice, physical asceticism, and psychological practice. Through this walk with religious implications, it seems to confirm and appeal to one's own beliefs. In fact, it is about seeking inner peace and ease. In this book, starting from following Mazu’s incense procession in 2008, walking is Zhu Zhu’s process of thinking and seeking understanding. Walking is enlightenment. This seems to be a simple equal sign. In this world where speed is the goal and value, you can slow down, walk slowly, look carefully, interact with people, say hello, talk to people, share food, like Zhu Zhu. Traveling and settling down, feeling and appreciating the surrounding environment, solar terms and seasons, is happiness and blessing. Just like traveling through four countries, or traveling to Jiaming Lake and Bhutan, in this life trajectory that seems to follow the guidance of Mazu, through her experience, we can reimagine a time axis, a historical appearance, and a richer world. Survival world. Walking and traveling, continuously moving in space, Dajia Mazu goes around the border to offer incense, and Baishatun Mazu goes to Beigang to offer incense. This is a very familiar religious activity in Taiwanese society. However, following in the footsteps of Zhu Zhu, a variety of activities related to Mazu beliefs have been held across Taiwan, from art villages in various places, investigation and research projects, to exhibitions in various places, from Stone, Lukang, Penghu, Jinshan, Yehliu , Chiayi, and Matsu, we see spatial images beyond the linear timeline: these were originally set up as short-term stays for art. Pay close attention to Zhu Zhu’s stays everywhere, not as passers-by, but as he blends in and settles down as he goes. From her description, following Mazu's beliefs is actually the younger generation's internal exploration of their own culture and history, and they find their own cultural identity. For example, it describes many details of how every household in Lukang prepares for the traditional ceremony of "Tiangongsheng" on the ninth day of the first lunar month. Zhu Zhu and her friends decided to participate in the grand event, which reflects the process of passing on local memories to young generations: "Most of these offerings are purchased from old shops, handmade or self-grown local shops, using local products, from the place of origin to The table offering is particularly meaningful." This important worship ceremony ended with a Lukang proverb: "Three no-sees: no sky, no earth, no woman." Buildings cover the sky above, and roads in wealthy towns are paved. Not seeing the soil, "not seeing the sky, not seeing the ground", describes the hustle and bustle of the Lukang market; "not seeing the women" reveals the social landscape where women cannot leave the house or take a step forward. Zhu Zhu, who is always on the road, digs Cultural content, while learning from folk customs, also breaks through the traditional framework and limitations. Zhu Zhu seems to be finding answers to his life questions during his travels. But writing the text is more like asking questions and learning: there are many descriptions in the book about how life is born to learn, learning to accept separation and impermanence, learning to let go, learning one period at a time, and learning to feel. I like the four paragraphs of planning in this book. From the very beginning of my pursuit, I elaborated on my own creative energy, to the world I saw when I stayed and settled in various places, to my long journey with Ciyi Mazu. Starting from departure, on the way, returning, and looking at one's own life journey again. Readers are invited to let go of their hearts and find their own place to settle down and talk in the situations depicted in Zhu Zhu's pictures and texts during the wonderful journeys that sometimes move silently and then reflect deeply, with vivid human records and dialogues about the commonalities of life. It may be difficult to set life goals for yourself, and it is even more challenging to get up and practice them. Zhu Zhu's journey narrative teaches us that the most important thing is to set off and be on the road. －－－－－ preface The stories in this book span fifteen years. "Are you listening to me?" People would think that it is possible to live in isolation, and they can usually pretend to be very cold. However, as a human being, it is a lie to say that you are not listening to others! Maybe it’s not necessarily people who can hear my inner voice, but also “Mazu”! Unexpectedly, Mazu also heard my confession... There are many challenges on the road of life. Things that seem ordinary to others may carry a thousand pounds in my heart. I call them the "lessons" of life. When I was in college, I was worried about whether to continue my studies or find a job. The future was unknown and there were too many uncertain factors that made it difficult to make a choice. One day after class, I walked into the Mazu Temple in Xinzhuang Old Street. The peaceful atmosphere made me feel relieved of the weapons I was accustomed to. Even though the shrine was a long way away from me, the worship leader knelt down and murmured to Mazu: "I hope you can guide me through the clouds and lead the direction of my life." After I finished speaking, a warm breath gradually approached me from the shrine and embraced me. In an instant, it seemed as if the darkness of ignorance faded away and the key to my soul was unlocked. From then on, I embarked on the path of following Mazu’s footsteps. From 2008 to now (2023) when I write this article, I make sure to set aside time to walk with Mazu every year. When you step out of your "comfort zone", you realize that the world is vast. The spiritual inspiration of Mazu makes us move in the same direction regardless of who we are along the way. The human touch accumulated through every drop of dedication is regardless of region, race, or age. Many pilgrims work hard from all walks of life and meet each other on the road by chance. , share their experiences over the past year and take care of each other. After I started participating in the incense pilgrimage, I dreamed about Mazu several times, and then I had an idea and started painting portraits of Mazu. In the dream, He was a huge and shining golden man, towering into the clouds. I did not see His appearance clearly, leaving only a few words echoing in the empty valley. I think this is the opportunity that leads me to draw His ever-changing appearance. I am a person who likes to be alone. When I am alone, I avoid being behind closed doors, so I travel. Walking around the island is not just a walk around the island. To me, it is like the prelude to the journey and the starting point of broadening my horizons. During the journey, I meet different people from different places and work quietly for my ideals, just like the stars are not lonely. When hiking, I am panting in the rush and often too tired to see my feet clearly. With curiosity about the land, I began to spend more time in the villages, watering the land slowly, filling every chapter of my life with stories between people. Many people ask me: "How can I keep my heart full and not forget my original intention?" When life is faced with difficulties and there is no solution, religion to me is not just an object of worship, but also a process of observing and observing through the ritual process. Introspection and improvement are the lessons of life. If you don’t understand the changes in your own body and mind, let alone your surroundings and the world around you. How does it feel to invite Mazu to apply for an art residency? It seems very unusual. If it is not regarded as a religious act, it might be called "performance art"! In this way, I invited Mazu and traveled to various places in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Malaysia by plane, high-speed rail, Taiwan Railway, and shipping. Are there any inconveniences when traveling? I thought that Mazu must maintain a certain degree of solemnity when going out. Even with limited power, she should not be left alone in her seat. Before departure, she must be prepared to relax when she reaches her destination, such as going to the bathroom. With a sense of freshness and curiosity about unknown things, as well as a seemingly innate ability to adapt - "You seem to fit in easily with everyone." A friend once commented - just like this, you go on long trips again and again. I once carried Mazu on my back to the "Angel's Tears" Jiaming Lake, Xiangyang Mountain and Sancha Mountain among the hundreds of mountains. I flew as far as Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas, and as far north as Shikoku, Japan, following the footsteps of Master Kukai. Go on a self-guided trip that lasts nearly a month. The concept of traveling around Taiwan was inspired by the "Royal Crimson Seal" that traveled across the four countries, and was used in my Mazu picture book "Making a Human Boat". Mazu followed my creations and travel plans and traveled to many places. "Travel around the world!" A psychic teacher who met Mazu for the first time said this with a meaningful smile as his first words. Japan's perfection in narrating cultural paths and overall planning of activities has been passed down for thousands of years to this day. Mazu activities in Taiwan are closely related to local development and are listed in many national folk customs and intangible cultural assets. Starting in 2020, I will combine the Mazu images I drew with the lunar calendar dates of annual and regular events to set a theme and launch the "Taiwan Mazu Calendar". This not only urges me to create new works, but also continues to record the Mazu stories hidden in the streets and alleys. , they may not be well-known across the country, but they are representative of the guardian side, and their steps show the mark of Mazu that is unique to Taiwan. From the moment I felt His presence, until He showed me a path in life. In 2014, I self-published a travel diary around the island called "The Environment: Zhu Zhu's Notes on Hiking Around the Island", which described the story of following Mazu to go to incense and travel around the island. In the following years, I stayed in villages in different places according to the time sequence, and met more people and stories. In the blink of an eye, ten years passed, and I accumulated more energy. The longer my life was, the more I talked, and I chattered tens of thousands of words. I once felt that my state of mind was the same as before, but subtly, my thoughts became more thoughtful and my mentality became much more mature. One afternoon, I sent a message to my editor, Xiao Ou, mentioning the publication of this book. I got acquainted with Xiao Ou at a lecture for travelers. She followed the footsteps of Master Kukai all over Shikoku in Japan, and I was a hiker walking around Taiwan in search of Mazu’s sacred relics. Comparing Taiwan and Japan, people walking should have a clear understanding of each other, I thought in my mind. . The publishing plan was quickly agreed upon, but sorting out the emotional stories of the past fifteen years was the starting point of the distress. Looking back on many plots, it turns out that things that I didn't think about at the beginning have been completed step by step. I wrote this book "Walking with Mazu: Artist Zhu Zhu's Practice of Belief Life" in one go. I want to sort out the moments in the journey of life that left the claws of snow and mud, and ten or twenty years later, there will be A story worth chewing and recalling. From traveling with Mazu to traveling with Mazu and me, I have formed good connections in various places and accumulated a rich life depth, which I never expected when I was chatting with her about my thoughts. "Did you encounter some big setbacks and rely on your faith?" Someone once asked me this. Follow Mazu to walk and offer incense, then hike and travel around the world. In a way that combines knowledge and action, you will leave a record of your life history. It is not just about faith, but also about emotions for the ocean and the land. I look forward to forming good relationships and being knowledgeable. wide. But in fact, there are so many worldly worries. Sometimes as soon as the journey begins, I worry about where the money will come from. Only after suffering and pain can I know how to cherish. I am not alone on this road, and I have to keep moving forward even if it is hard. Yearn for an ideal country, go out and see the outside world, broaden your horizons, and you will no longer be fettered by the temporary difficulties of life. You can live a happy life, and although you are not rich and powerful, moving forward to the fullest is a kind of material and treasure. , stored in the bankbook of life. How far can a person go in his life? Thousands of miles away just to reach the end of the world. In the process of finding the path, you may not necessarily get the answer. Appreciating the scenery of being at peace with the situation and finding a new path may be an opportunity for sudden enlightenment. No coming, no going, no generation. Life is indeed a bit difficult. It takes time to learn how to let go of worries. It takes time to learn how to lift up and let go. The simplest answer is, "Follow Him and learn to let go of worries. With Mazu listening, I am willing to share my thoughts with Mazu." Life, my heart.” Someone asked me: "How can Mazu be called the Holy Mother if she has no children?" "Mazu is a collective noun that embodies compassion for everyone regardless of gender or age, whether as a priest or a believer." I said. "Those who receive much from others are grateful to Heaven." Thank you Mazu for guiding me on the path of life and being my "Heaven". Life is one period at a time. From longing for the beautiful scenery of foreign countries, to entering the cultural context of Taiwan, and murmuring the inner scenery, "Lingshan is only in your heart", it is here now, there is no need to search far away. I would like to dedicate this book to fathers, mothers, and men and women with a saving heart all over the world. －－－－－ ISBN: 9991130325013 Book Series: Mark Specifications: Paperback/272 pages/14.8 x 21 x 1.45 cm/General grade/Single color printing/First edition Place of publication: Taiwan