The Siraya “Plum Good Concert” – A Harmonious Blend of Blessings, Music, and Coffee Aroma

Since the summer vacation, the Siraya National Scenic Area Administration has planned a variety of activities in conjunction with scenic spots within the area, taking visitors on a journey from “Siraya Water Fun” all the way to “Erliao Welcoming the Sunrise.” This year, for the first time, they have partnered with the Kagyu Kargyu Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in Zuozhen, to launch a blessing prelude. Collaborating with local coffee businesses, they will host the “Plum Good Concert” on four consecutive Saturdays starting in December, featuring diverse musical performances to create a unique musical feast before the Buddha.

The Siraya Administration stated that the Kagyu Kargyu Monastery’s architecture beautifully blends Han and Tibetan styles, exuding solemnity and splendor. The monastery houses treasures of Tibetan tantric art known as the “Three Wonders”: the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha expounding the Dharma, stone carvings of the Seven Buddhas, and a wooden mandala of the Great Buddha’s Crown Ornament. Visitors can experience the wonder of music in the serene grounds of this sacred Buddhist site, which promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The Siraya “Plum Good Concert” features pink plum blossom-shaped blessing cards adorning the plum trees within the monastery, complemented by surrounding decorations to create a romantic atmosphere. Starting in December, different types of musicians will be invited to perform each week, including traditional Chinese instrumentalists, Western musicians, unplugged live singers, and even rock bands, offering a rich variety. Local coffee shops will also serve freshly brewed coffee, filling the air with rich aromas to deliver a “Plum Good” feast for the eyes, ears, nose, and taste buds.

In conjunction with the concert, the Kagyu Kargyu Monastery will also display the only “Three-Dimensional Mandala of the Hundred Peaceful and Wrathful Deities” exhibition in Taiwan during the event period. The colorful three-dimensional mandala features over a hundred Buddha statues, meticulously handcrafted by master artisans from India and Bhutan. Each statue carries its own unique story and symbolic meaning. Monastery staff will provide on-site explanations to help visitors uncover the mysteries of the mandala. In the evening, Rinpoche Lodro Tenzin Rinpoche will teach meditation, guiding participants on a spiritual journey.