The Mediums' Association in Taiwan

I’ve decided to choose specific topics within the article for today’s blog, which caught my attention. First is the idea that traditional religions becoming more popular than foreign religions. Secondly, subject talking about the levels of mediums within Taiwan and thirdly, speaking of Chinese emphasis within Taiwan. The article by Yi-jia Tsai, called The Writing of History: The Religious Practices of the Mediums’ Association in Taiwan (2004), explains much more towards this subject than what I will comment on. However, as mentioned, these topics were most interesting to me to discuss in a larger Taiwanese anthropology context.

Tsai (2004) mentions popular religion has risen compared to foreign religions, because of the increase in the numbers of mediums (46). I find this interesting to see this rise in these types of religions rather than foreign religions because globalization usually opens up ties and allows for a flow of more “modern” Western religions. Traditionalism usually contains the connotations of old and backward to some people. However, it seems there is a continuation of traditionalism within this modern country that is a key characteristic. I think it is best to note this increased localization that can be seen in Taiwan. However, it must be remembered that traditionalism within Taiwan usually refers to Chinese ways. 

This article also explains the three types of mediums in Taiwan, which I had never heard of before. The first is jitong, a medium who mediates through their body, while the second called shenji, mediates through their heart-mind (Tsai 2004: 46). Lastly, the third medium called lingji, mediates through their spirit and is a representative for traditional Taiwanese religions, as well as within the Mediums’ Association (Tsai 2004: 46). It is interesting to see mediumship through the body is classified as the lowest order compared to the other two (Tsai 2004: 46). This also makes me wonder, because mediums worldwide, are usually concerned with doing all three aspects of the mediums spoken of above (as I had learned this through other anthropology classes). Additionally, it is interesting to see that the manifestation of the body, jitong, is the lowest order because I would think that to be able to transcend through the body, would be more elaborate compared to the mind. My perception of this also comes from a viewpoint of the body and mind being together as one. However, I also see the mind having to be used in order for the body to be used, which would essentially incorporate more work than just mediums for the heart-mind or spirit. 

Tsai (2004) talks about the flag formation for the Mediums’ Association within Taiwan. However, I find it interesting that the flag’s explanation for symbolism only really relates to China. It explains entirely its connection to China through its various selected symbols, such as plums and the number five (Tsai 2004: 49). I find this intriguing as it is to be a Taiwanese Association, however it is based solely on Chinese characteristics. I understand that the Mediums’ Association focuses on a religious point, which is based on traditional Chinese religion. However, if advertised as a Taiwanese association, it must at least relate to Taiwanese characteristics as well. Furthermore, within the article, it states the Association’s flag is for nationalistic concerns (Tsai 2004: 49). Clearly, there is a Chinese nationalistic tone within the association only. Thus, it entirely ignores the diversity of Taiwan. 

References

Tsai, Yi-jia. 2004. “The Writing of History: The Religious Practices of the Medium’s Association in Taiwan.” Taiwan Journal of Anthropology 2 (2): 43-80.