讀後心得

The pilgrimage ceremony of the Dajia Zhenlan Temple in Taichung has officially commenced, attracting over 600,000 devotees to participate. Kuomintang legislator Fu Kun-chi and his wife, Hualien County Magistrate Xu Zhengwei, stood in the center to welcome Dajia Mazu. Fu stressed his hope that the goddess would bless Taiwan in facing tariff challenges. The green camp criticized him, suggesting that he was not sincerely worshiping and implying that he intended to conduct political maneuvering. The couple standing in the prominent position also aimed to avoid the embarrassment of being ignored by the Baishatun Mazu last year.

In Taichung, Dajia Zhenlan Temple is welcoming a 9-day, 8-night pilgrimage event, attracting over 600,000 devotees to witness the occasion. Kuomintang Legislative Yuan caucus leader Fu Kun-chi, along with his wife and the County Magistrate of Hualien, stand in the center to welcome Dajia Mazu. Fu Kun-chi stated that the blessings of the Mother Goddess are needed at this time to help Taiwan cope with the tariff war. Members of the green camp mock him, saying he is not a sincere believer but rather has ulterior motives.

With the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers, the Dajia Mazu sedan chair sets off at midnight, beginning the 9-day, 8-night pilgrimage. Besides the chairman of Zhenlan Temple, Yan Qingbiao, Fu Kun-chi and the couple from Hualien County also shared the main stage. Fu Kun-chi mentioned that yesterday's events started later than planned, and today he and his wife held hands while walking alongside Dajia Mazu, praying for peace. In a media interview, he expressed hope for cross-strait peace, emphasizing that Taiwan should not become the next Ukraine and mentioned the impact of the U.S. increasing tariffs to 32% on the economy, voicing disappointment with the government's performance and believing that the government is pushing people toward conflict.

As the firewood burned, Fu Kun-chi called for Taiwan to unite, requesting the Mother Goddess's protection to accelerate trade alliances with the global community, especially with countries outside of the United States.

Regarding Fu Kun-chi's actions, Democratic Progressive Party legislator Shen Bo-yang responded that it is worth observing whether he will take further actions after praying and worshipping. He pointed out that Fu Kun-chi is leveraging external circumstances for internal political maneuvers to divert attention from the issue of impeachment, and such behavior is undesirable. The Democratic Progressive Party also criticized Fu Kun-chi for seeking divine help only during the rising tide of impeachment sentiment.

Looking back at last year's pilgrimage of Baishatun Mazu, Fu Kun-chi and his wife had welcomed the procession by the tour bus but were embarrassed as the holy sedan did not stop and passed them by. This year, they chose to act from the starting point, evidently hoping to avoid a repeat of that awkward situation. A Taichung city councilor pointed out that Fu Kun-chi need not pretend to be a sincere believer, as he is fundamentally a person with intentions.

As for what the purpose of praying together with 600,000 followers is, only Fu Kun-chi himself knows best.