Joseph Rivera: Power and Transcendence in the Ma Tsu Pilgrimages of Taiwan

In Sagren’s article, Power and Transcendence in the Ma Tsu Pilgrimages of Taiwan he discusses how sacred places have some sort of transcendent power. This closely relates to Lane’s fourth axiom that the impulse of sacred place is both centripetal and centrifugal. Sagren goes on to explain that this transcendent power motivates people to travel and gives sacred power to these sacred sites. This is interesting to ponder, to actually think that there is a power physically drawing you to specific location. I do not necessarily agree with this though. I believe ultimately a person has to choose whether or not to make that commitment to make the pilgrimage. I think it is a part of the process and necessary to the pilgrimage. As far as what Sagren talks about I think it might refer to creating a deeper desire to travel. Something as a sort of motivating factor that helps push you out the door but does not actually do the work for you.