Lee Shih-tsung Visits Temple, Credits Faith for City's Greatness

Lee Shih-tsung, a candidate for New Taipei City mayor, visited the Jinshan Zen Temple in Zhonghe to participate in the Ullambana Festival and offer prayers. During his visit, he acknowledged the temple's significant contributions to public welfare and its role in strengthening the city.

Reflecting on his past involvement in the temple's reconstruction when he served as the Director of the Taipei County Public Works Bureau, Lee stated it was his duty. He emphasized that while engineers can build structures, it is the spiritual comfort and strength derived from faith that truly helps disaster victims return to normal life. He expressed his gratitude to the temple for its continuous support of the city government's efforts to care for the vulnerable and engage in public service, working together to make the city great.

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Building a house can only make a plot of land of 1 ping into a house of 5 ping, making the city bigger. Only the masters and benefactors present, the prayers at the dharma assembly, and the love shown in society can make this city great.

Lee, who has spent approximately 42 years in public service focused on construction and infrastructure, drew a parallel between building physical structures and fostering a city's greatness. He explained that while building a house can increase its size, it is the prayers and the love demonstrated by religious figures and devotees that truly elevate a city. He noted that his public career often involved responding to disasters, repairing damaged roads and bridges, and rebuilding collapsed houses.

However, Lee stressed that the psychological trauma experienced by disaster victims requires more than just physical reconstruction. He believes that only through the comforting power of religion and spiritual solace can individuals truly heal and rebuild their lives. He concluded by expressing his deep respect and highest regards for the religious community's dedication to the city's well-being.

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There is nothing that cannot be overcome, only things that cannot be let go of in the heart.