Zhu Rongbin (朱榮斌), born in Xianyou, Putian, in Fujian Province, China, was deeply influenced by Mazu culture from an early age. As a young man aspiring to become a doctor, he not only used his medical skills to help others but also harbored a dream of promoting Chinese culture worldwide. In 1989, carrying with him the faith of his hometown and his passion for medicine, he made his way to the United States to pursue a path of integrating medicine and culture.
He achieved remarkable success in the medical field, with over 40 years of experience, developing a unique approach that blends traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Specializing in the treatment of heart attacks, strokes, tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, and cervical spondylosis, his methods focus on manual therapy, dietary adjustments, and exercise, supplemented with simple Chinese herbal remedies. This combination of traditional and modern techniques has played a crucial role in the recovery of numerous patients.
His medical ethics are equally admirable. Zhu Rongbin is not only a skilled physician but also a compassionate person. He often offers free treatment to elderly patients and those in financial difficulty, giving hope to those in need. He has healed several serious cases, including a chronic shoulder condition of a former German foreign minister, a recovery that was even covered by major American news outlets. For Dr. Zhu Rongbin, healing is not just a skill but an act of devotion to treat each life with care and sincerity.
Beyond his medical practice, Zhu Rongbin has a greater vision: to spread the Mazu culture, which has been ingrained in him since childhood, around the world. Bringing the Mazu culture to the United States was no easy task. New York, a city bustling with diverse cultures and beliefs, posed significant challenges in establishing the roots of Mazu culture in a foreign land.
It was a time filled with challenges. To bring the statue of Mazu from the Ancestral Temple in Meizhou, China, to the United States, Zhu Rongbin tirelessly traveled between the two countries, coordinating resources and raising funds. He worked day and night, visiting members of the community to personally explain the profound meaning of Mazu’s culture. Despite countless setbacks, his faith only grew stronger. He firmly believed that Mazu’s spirit — “virtue, kindness, and great love” — would benefit not only the Chinese community but also transcend cultural boundaries, providing spiritual comfort and strength to many others.
Bringing Mazu Culture to America: A Legacy of Perseverance and Faith
The process of introducing Mazu culture to the United States was neither swift nor easy. In the fall of 2014, Flushing, New York — a neighborhood with a large Chinese population — became the “home base” for Zhu Rongbin’s efforts. He understood that transmitting culture required not only devotion but also the ability to overcome geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers. Zhu Rongbin (Rongbin Zhu) led his team, working closely with the local community, and overcame numerous financial, logistical, and time-related challenges until the spirit of Mazu finally took root in New York.
The most difficult moments arose when he faced repeated financial shortages, logistical delays, and even skepticism about cultural differences. Nevertheless, Zhu Rongbin never gave up. His calm yet determined attitude moved everyone around him. He often said, “Mazu’s spirit is kindness and great love. I believe that, no matter how difficult it may be, this spirit will touch the hearts of many.” His perseverance inspired many, and local Chinese associations and believers reached out to support him in this monumental cultural endeavor.
In 2014, a grand and solemn Mazu temple was established in Flushing. This marked a significant event for the Chinese community in New York, as Mazu culture took root in a foreign land for the first time. Tears welled in Zhu Rongbin’s eyes as he realized that this temple was not just a building but a spiritual haven for generations of Chinese immigrants, a bridge connecting Chinese culture with American society. Every spring and autumn, Mazu ceremonies attract thousands of worshippers who gather to pray for health and peace. The grand procession of Mazu through the streets has become one of the most iconic events in New York’s Chinese community.
Zhu Rongbin did not stop there. He organized regular seminars on Mazu culture and worked with organizations like the World Mazu Cultural Alliance to host charitable activities. He also participates personally in free medical seminars and clinics for the community, helping the most vulnerable. During hot summers, the temple provides free cooling tea to the community, offering a tangible sense of warmth and care from the Mazu culture.
Through the years, Zhu Rongbin has brought more than just the image of Mazu to the United States; he has brought the “great love” that transcends borders and is deeply rooted in Mazu culture. To him, culture is not just a belief but a way of life — an expression of humanity’s most precious virtues. And he is a true messenger of these virtues.
As President of the American Mazu Foundation, Zhu Rongbin is not only dedicated to promoting Mazu culture globally but is also actively working to establish a grand “World Peace Mazu Goddess Statue” and a “World Mazu Museum” at the United Nations headquarters in New York. This monumental project aims to promote peace and understanding worldwide through Mazu’s compassionate spirit. However, despite the sacredness of this mission, funding and resources remain limited. We sincerely call on charitable organizations and individuals worldwide to join this historic charitable effort and help build world peace together.
Every contribution is a step toward global harmony and the well-being of humanity. If you are inspired by Chairman Zhu Rongbin’s vision, please share this article and help spread the word about this great mission, so that together we can bring hope and peace to the world’s future.
This article is copyrighted by the World Mazu Cultural Alliance. Edited by Lin Bingbin. Please include this information when sharing or quoting this article.
