Ji Gong (Mad Monk)

Introduction

Ji Gong is Taiwan's most 'down-to-earth' deity — a mad monk who broke every monastic rule yet saved countless lives. His image of a ragged, wine-drinking eccentric challenged stereotypes about enlightened monks, embodying the wisdom that 'Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but Buddha remains in the heart.'

His domain centers on saving people, exorcising demons, and championing the weak. In Taiwan, Ji Gong worship often connects with spirit medium culture.

His iconic appearance — broken hat, broken fan, broken shoes, tattered robe, plus a wine gourd — symbolizes breaking through superficial formality to reveal true inner nature.

Though originally a Chan Buddhist figure, in Taiwan he's fully integrated into Taoist and folk religion, beloved especially by blue-collar workers and business people for his egalitarian, no-nonsense character.

Legend & Origin

Ji Gong was born Li Xiuyuan in 1148 in Zhejiang Province to a scholarly family. Brilliant but unconventional, he became a monk at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, receiving the dharma name 'Daoji.'

Monk Daoji broke every rule — drinking, eating meat, speaking outrageously. Fellow monks called him 'Ji the Madman.' Yet behind his madness lay miraculous powers: healing with scraps of his robe, predicting the future, and moving mountains.

The most famous legend is 'Flying Peak': Ji Gong foresaw a mountain peak about to crush a village. When no one believed his warnings, he grabbed a bride from a wedding and ran. Villagers chased him, inadvertently evacuating. The peak then crashed into the empty village.

He passed away at Jingci Temple in 1204, leaving the verse: 'Sixty years of chaos, crashing wall to wall; Now gathered and returned, the waters still meet the boundless sky.'

Worship Guide

Uniquely, Ji Gong accepts wine and meat as offerings — a contrast to most deities. Common offerings include rice wine, stewed chicken, braised dishes, and fruit. Spirit mediums channeling Ji Gong may drink and eat during rituals, recreating his eccentric style. Sincerity matters more than formality.

Festivals

His birthday falls on the 2nd of the 2nd lunar month (some temples celebrate on the 3rd of the 10th month). Temple festivals feature spirit medium sessions where mediums channel Ji Gong's eccentric behavior — a highly entertaining spectacle.

Famous Temples

⛩️ Yilan Sanqing Temple Details →

Yilan County

Set in a serene landscape. As a major Taoist temple, it also enshrines Ji Gong and is a must-visit for spiritual cultivators.