5/31/2025 Day 13 –

TBA

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5/30/2025 Day 12 –

TBA

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5/29/2025 Day 11 – The Beauty and Burden of Being Human

Today, we visited the Kaohsiung National Museum of Fine Arts. The building is relatively new and quite magnificent. I loved how clean and spacious the interior felt. What impressed me most was how thoughtfully the lighting, layout, and display of the artworks were designed, each exhibition was arranged in a way that complemented the nature of the artifacts themselves, enhancing the visual experience for viewers.

The museum showcased a diverse range of themes and topics, and I appreciated them all. Not every exhibit was cheerful or optimistic; some explored very dark and unsettling subjects. On the third floor, I encountered a series of installations that told tragic stories of individuals who died in various ways, many of which were deeply tied to mental breakdowns and emotional distress. These stories included heartbreaking scenarios: people jumping from buildings or motorcycles, or using sharp objects to harm themselves due to unbearable psychological pressure or body image issues.

Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJyJ0ZuupKV/

Each narrative was accompanied by a small puppet placed inside a glass case, styled with makeup and clothing to depict the person after the event. I could not finish reading every single story, not because I found them too disturbing, but because I needed to head to the Kaohsiung American School to deliver my speech to high school students and their families. I did not want my mental state to remain entangled in those dark moments right before having to cheerfully promote Bucknell University.

Still, during the brief ten minutes I spent in that exhibit, whether the stories were real or fictional, I was struck by how fragile human beings can be. Our minds are incredibly complex and, at times, alarmingly vulnerable to abstract pressures that can result in real, tangible harm.

It reminded me: be kind to everyone around you. You never know what someone is going through, and even the smallest gesture could either save them or be the last straw. More importantly, be kind to yourself. Let go. Sometimes, events happen because the universe has its own way of moving things forward. Do not overly blame yourself. Trust that things unfold as they should. The more we resist or try to push things away, the more those things tend to return and haunt us.

As Master Sheng Yen said: 「面對煩惱時，要清楚辨知煩惱的緣起，然後面對它、接受它、處理它、放下它，這就是佛的智慧。」(“When facing afflictions, clearly understand their origins. Then face them, accept them, deal with them, and let them go. That is the wisdom of the Buddha.”)

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5/28/2025 Day 10 – Superstition, Spirituality, and Street Food

I am not sure if students have noticed this phenomenon: almost every temple we have visited, or will visit, tends to be surrounded by small businesses, shops, or eateries, forming a kind of symbiotic ecosystem. Temples in Taiwan are no longer just places of worship; they are vibrant community hubs where people gather for various purposes, including dining, shopping, and socializing.

In contrast, churches in the United States seem to me are often stand-alone buildings with few businesses nearby. This difference highlights how, in Taiwan, the line between religion and daily life is much more blurred. It is not necessary to be religious to participate in religious activities here. Many Taiwanese people casually engage in temple worship, often without knowing whether the temple is Taoist or Buddhist. Worship becomes part of everyday life, and because temples are so widespread, it is easy for people to make offerings or say a prayer during their daily routines.

To make worship more accessible, different deities are believed to oversee specific areas of life, such as real estate, business, academics, love, fortune, and more. The connection between religion and daily life even extends to business decisions and superstitions. For example, many hotels do not have a fourth floor because the word “four” sounds like “death” in Mandarin. Similarly, people avoid writing names in red ink, as folklore, rooted in Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation, suggests that spiritual officials in the underworld use red ink to record the names of those whose lives are ending.

The more temples we visit on this trip, the more I appreciate the deep-rooted religious nature of Taiwanese society. I used to be someone who did not care much about history or religion, and in hindsight, I realize how ignorant that perspective was. Thanks to this study abroad program, I am now enriching the humanistic side of my knowledge and learning to see and value things that were once invisible to me.

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5/27/2025 Day 9 –

TBA

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5/26/2025 Day 8 – When Prayers Shape Reality

Today, we visited 台北霞海城隍廟 (Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple), a site known for its spiritual influence in helping people find their future spouse and in supporting married couples to maintain a happy and lasting relationship. When we arrived, the temple was filled with worshippers, and the wife of the City God was especially revered at that time.

All the deity statues were beautifully crafted and covered in gold plating. The air was thick with the scent of incense, which created a sacred and distinctive atmosphere. The large number of incense sticks burning at once was a clear sign of the temple’s popularity and significance.

I took a moment to worship there, especially paying respects to the wife of the City God. Naturally, I prayed for a long-lasting, joyful marriage and the continued well-being of my family. As I stood in front of the temple altar, I found myself reflecting: Is it the mystical power of the universe that helps make these wishes come true as I express them in prayer, or is it the very act of worshiping, of pausing to articulate these hopes, that serves as a reminder to myself, which in turn influences my behaviors and decisions in a way that brings about the outcomes I seek?

Could this idea of worship as a form of internal reinforcement apply to other deities I have encountered during this study abroad experience? For example, Wenchang Wang (Wenchang Dijun), the Taoist God of Culture and Literature, is often worshiped by students or their parents who hope for good academic performance or admission into top schools. When people sincerely worship him, perhaps the ritual strengthens their internal motivation, making them more committed to studying, more focused, and thus more likely to succeed. In that sense, the prayer becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This study abroad program has given me space and time to reflect on questions I rarely have time to consider during the hectic semester. Religious studies are not only intellectually enriching but also deeply connected to every facet of human experience. On the surface, religion may appear to be just about belief systems, but in truth, it intersects with people, society, history, politics, economics, and more.

Religion is inseparable from humanity. Wherever we go in the world, we find religious practices, some visible, some subtle, but nearly always present.

Why don’t more undergraduates choose religious studies as a major or minor?

Religion studies offer one of the most powerful lenses through which we can understand how the world works, how societies function, how individuals behave, and how we make meaning in our lives. Studying religion is not merely academic; it is a journey toward deeper self-awareness and a more compassionate understanding of others.

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5/25/2025 Day 7 – Full Circle at the Royal Palm Boulevard

On May 25, the language and cultural exchange with the six students from National Taiwan University brought me back to my alma mater. We walked along the Royal Palm Boulevard from the main entrance toward the library, chatting about the university’s history and campus life. I used to ride my bike down that boulevard!

The six students were in their first year, and I was truly grateful for their willingness to spend a Sunday afternoon with us, especially since final exams were just a week away. We toured several buildings on campus, many of which hold vivid memories from my own college years.

Who would have thought that one day, I would be co-leading a student group back to this university 25 years later? Life really is a journey full of surprises.

When I was a college student, the idea of becoming a college professor never once crossed my mind. Yet here I am, watching my Bucknell students engage joyfully and curiously with students from NTU. I am honestly speechless.

I know that our students will learn a great deal through this kind of cultural exchange. They come from different parts of the world with different worldviews, and this experience allows them to grow in ways that no textbook ever could. Nothing beats this kind of experiential learning, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this trip.

I am proud to say that, while being a college professor may not be the most high-paying job, it is absolutely one of the most intrinsically rewarding.

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5/24/2025 Day 6 – Negotiating at the Taipei Jade Market

Visiting the jade market in Taipei is a unique cultural experience, especially for those interested in local craftsmanship, souvenir shopping, or practicing negotiation skills in a real-world setting. However, it is important to approach the market with informed expectations and an open mindset.

Understanding the Market

I am not sure the percentage of the items sold at the jade market are authentic, and how much are mass-produced by factories. unless you are an expert, it is hard for you to tell part high-quality authentic jade from mass-produced ones. In any case, these pieces are primarily decorative. As long as you think they are beautiful, that’s enough, and try not to pay premium just because the vendor tell you those are “real”.

Vendors usually have low procurement costs. Based on the items that I bought at the jade market, I later found that I can buy the same things online for less than 10% of their initial asking prices! With this in mind, you should not feel uncomfortable when bargaining. Negotiation is an expected and accepted part of the shopping experience in the market.

How to Bargain Effectively

Here are some practical strategies for successful negotiation at the Taipei jade market:

Show Interest Calmly
Begin by browsing quietly. When you see an item that you like, examine it carefully. Compliment the piece, mention its craftsmanship, color, or design. This helps establish rapport with the seller and shows genuine interest, which can make them more receptive to negotiation. Don’t ask a lot of questions on things you do not want to buy, avoiding wasting everyone’s time.

Make a Low Initial Offer
Sellers typically inflate their starting prices. A reasonable counteroffer might be no more than 50% of the asking price. Sometimes, lower offers are acceptable, depending on how determined the seller is to close the sale. Be respectful, but firm in your counter.

Use Silence and Walk-Away Power
If the seller does not meet your offer or come close, try stay silent for a while and see if the seller makes a better offer. If nothing happens after a while, then begin to walk away slowly. This is a classic tactic. Often, the vendor will call you back and make a better offer. If that happens, you are in a strong negotiating position, do not hesitate too long, as indecision can weaken your leverage.

Bundle for Better Deals
Another strategy is to ask, “What if I buy more?” Vendors frequently provide deeper discounts for bulk purchases. Even if you are only planning to buy one item, the response can give you insight into their bottom-line pricing. You can then use this information to negotiate a better price for a single item by offering slightly above that bulk rate.

Be Fair and Respectful
Remember, even though you may find similar items online for a fraction of the price, the jade market provides a unique shopping experience. Sellers incur costs for renting space, transporting goods, and engaging directly with customers. It is fair to offer a reasonable premium for the added value of human interaction, convenience, and immediacy.

Final Thoughts
Negotiating at the jade market is as much about cultural engagement as it is about making a purchase. Stay respectful, be prepared, and enjoy the experience. Whether or not you walk away with jade, you will leave with a deeper understanding of how informal markets operate, and maybe a story or two to share.

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5/23/2025 Day 5 –

TBA

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5/22/2025 Day 3 – A Journey of Spirit and Heritage: From Temples to Treasures

I really liked today’s itinerary. It felt like a spiritually enriching day in the program, and I have a feeling there will be many more like this.

In the morning, we visited 龍山寺 (Longshan Temple) and 行天宮 (Xingtian Temple). Longshan is rooted in Buddhism, while Xingtian is primarily a Daoist temple. Both places were filled with worshippers, some listening to lectures, others praying, making offerings, or simply sitting quietly in corners of the temple without appearing to do anything in particular. Students were asked to take notes and make direct observations about the architecture, the people, and their behaviors, and then compare and contrast the two temples. I was so glad to see every student fully engaged, frequently jotting down notes, asking thoughtful questions, and exploring the temples on their own. There is nothing better than this kind of immersive, experiential learning.

Although I grew up in Taipei and visited plenty of temples while I was living here, I usually just followed my family’s lead, doing whatever they asked or expected. I do not recall ever slowing down to observe people, architecture, or rituals with intention. I never stopped to ask why temples were designed a certain way. I certainly did not notice the differences between Buddhist and Daoist temples, nor did I even understand that they represented different religious traditions. Looking back, I realize how ignorant I was. Today, I am grateful for the local guide and for Professor Young, whose deep knowledge helped both the students and me gain a much richer understanding of these sacred places and their cultural significance.

In the afternoon, we moved on to the famous National Palace Museum. The collection there includes artifacts dating back thousands of years. By browsing through such a wide range of pieces, some artistic, some functional, we were able to trace the evolution of dynasties, shifting ideals of beauty (both in people and objects), and key historical events, all told through these well-preserved items.

All that fascinating history came to life behind glass displays. Can you believe that, in ancient times, porcelain was more valuable than gold? Or that someone managed to carve a piece of jade into interlocking chains? Or that there is an ivory carving with 21 layers—each able to move independently? You have to wonder how people accomplished these feats without modern technology. It is mind-blowing.

We wrapped up the tour with a short stop at the souvenir shop. The replicas of the ancient artifacts were all so cute and detailed. I did not buy anything; jet lag had kicked in by that time, and I was tired and ready to rest. But the students all looked cheerful and energetic. Maybe it is just me who is feeling the jet lag?

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5/21/2025 Day 2 – From Nervous Applicant to Proud Educator

This Bucknell in Taiwan program has been incredibly rewarding for me on many levels, even though it is only the second day.

In the morning, we visited the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and in the afternoon, we toured Supply Chain Management Solution and Celinius Co., Ltd. The afternoon company visits were joyful and fascinating, especially because the topics discussed closely aligned with my teaching and scholarship. The speakers not only shared well-prepared slide decks but also brought real parts and product samples for the students to touch and explore. It gave everyone a hands-on understanding of how their clients benefit from the manufacturing capabilities of Taiwan and other Asian countries.

For today’s reflection, though, I want to focus on our visit to AIT, because the experience was deeply personal and emotional for me.

More than 20 years ago, I began my journey toward the “American dream.” My first step was to pursue an MBA in the United States. As a Taiwanese citizen, I had to apply for a student visa through AIT. I still remember how nervous I was on the day of my interview. I was not confident in my English, and the entire process felt intimidating. AIT was a highly secure facility, and entering it required a full-body screening, just like going through TSA at the airport. No phones were allowed inside. Sitting in the waiting area, waiting to be called, I was nervous. I do not remember the details of the interview, but I remember the enormous relief when I was eventually notified that my F-1 visa had been approved.
Fast forward two decades: I never imagined I would one day return to AIT; not as a nervous applicant, but as a university professor leading a group of students on an educational visit. The institute is now in a new building in a different part of Taipei, but the strict security measures remain the same. What had changed profoundly was how I felt.

Walking through those same secure doors guarded by officers, I was no longer anxious. Instead, I felt a strong sense of pride. The officials we met were warm, engaging, and welcoming. In a bright, clean, and beautiful conference room, they delivered a thoughtful presentation on Taiwan’s economy and its strong trade relationship with the United States. I felt proud, proud of Taiwan’s growing role in global trade, proud that this is where I come from, and proud of my students for conducting themselves with such professionalism and curiosity. Most of all, I was proud to represent Bucknell in this moment.

Although I held my composure, I felt emotional inside. The last 20 years have not been easy, but sitting in that room today made me realize how far I have come. I am doing something deeply meaningful and rewarding, creating educational experiences for students that I could have only dreamed about two decades ago. And for that, I am so proud.

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5/20/2025 Day 1 – Returning to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Today, our group visited the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The 89 steps leading up to the main hall would not have been a challenge if it were not for the heat of our first day in Taiwan and the 16-hour intercontinental flight. Despite the bodily discomfort, the exciting experience set the tone for our journey.

Having grown up in Taiwan, this was not my first visit to the memorial. However, this time, I had the opportunity to explore the first floor of the building, a section I had not visited before. The air-conditioned space was to the rescue! This area has a collection of historical newspaper clippings, articles, and photographs. As I walked through the exhibits, memories from my upbringing surfaced vividly. Events that once felt nothing unusual now resonated with great significance.

With the insights provided by our local guide, Peter Lee, I began to understand the rationale behind many of these historical events, many of which were tragic. The clarity was both enlightening and, at times, shocking. It struck me deeply that these were not just chapters from a history book but moments from my own life. Living through an authoritarian regime and under martial law for much of my time in Taiwan has given me a unique perspective. Now, having spent nearly two decades in the United States, I find myself cherishing the freedoms and democratic values that both Taiwan and the U.S. uphold.

This visit has deepened my understanding of my culture and its history. The stories behind those old photos and news articles are complex and evoke emotions that words cannot fully capture. I am profoundly grateful for the Bucknell in Taiwan program. It has provided me with an opportunity to reconnect with my roots and reflect on the journey that has shaped who I am today.