Fo Guang Shan confirms Tsai Pi-ju's monastic retreat; emphasizes equal treatment

Former Taiwanese legislator Tsai Pi-ju has entered a period of temporary monastic seclusion at the Fo Guang Shan monastery, a move confirmed by the Buddhist order's Deputy Abbot, Venerable Hui Chuan. The announcement follows Tsai's own social media post about taking time to "quiet down" and embark on a spiritual journey.

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People's steps sometimes need to move forward bravely, and sometimes they need to quiet down.

Venerable Hui Chuan stated that many individuals seek spiritual peace through temporary monastic stays at Fo Guang Shan. He stressed the principle of equality among practitioners, noting that Tsai Pi-ju will not receive special treatment. Participants in the program are required to surrender their mobile phones and refrain from interviews during their stay.

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Everyone cultivates together, there is no special treatment.

Tsai Pi-ju, who recently sought but did not secure a nomination for Changhua County magistrate, announced her intention to run for a legislative seat in Taichung in 2028. In her Facebook post, she expressed a desire to "temporarily put aside busy work and disturbances" to "settle the mind before the Buddha" and find tranquility. She anticipates gaining insights and looks forward to reconnecting with the public on August 2nd, after her spiritual practice concludes.

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I hope to temporarily put aside busy work and disturbances, settle the mind before the Buddha, and find peace and ease. I believe I will have many insights and gains during this time, and I look forward to meeting everyone again on August 2nd after the practice is completed.