Tag: Buddhism Temple

Exploring the Timeless Charm of Pingyao Ancient City

linda chang1 Comment

Pingyao Ancient City – The Best-preserved Ancient City in China

Pingyao Ancient City, with over 2,700 years of history, remains one of China’s best-preserved ancient cities. Its authentic layout features long, ancient city walls, elegant residences, courtyards, and a maze of streets and alleys that evoke the bustling county life of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1997 alongside Shuanglin and Zhenguo Temples, Pingyao is one of the Four Most-Preserved Ancient Cities in China, making it a must-visit for those keen on history and culture.

A Journey Through Time

Pingyao was founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty in the 8th century BC, and it grew significantly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Unlike many ancient cities, it has survived wars and modernization, making it even older and more intact than famous counterparts like Lijiang Old Town, Huizhou Ancient City, and Langzhong Ancient City.

As the seat of county government since the Qin Dynasty (221 BC), Pingyao’s prominence only increased when its city walls were rebuilt and expanded in 1370. With over 400 ancient residential houses, government offices, shops, banks, and temples still standing, the city offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese life, commerce, and religion.

Pingyao’s Unique Architecture

The architecture of Pingyao is one of its greatest treasures. Beyond its famous city walls and financial institutions, the city’s homes and structures reveal traditional design principles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Constructed using ancient techniques and materials, Pingyao’s buildings retain exquisite details in layout, decorations, and craftsmanship. When viewed from above, the city’s layout resembles a turtle, with the Southern Gate as its head, the Northern Gate as its tail, and the east and west gates representing its limbs.

Must-See Highlights in Pingyao

Ancient City Wall
Built in 1370, Pingyao’s city walls stretch over 6,163 meters and are considered among the best-preserved in China. The walls stand 12 meters high, and at the top, you can explore 72 watchtowers, said to symbolize the 72 disciples of Confucius. Walking along the walls offers breathtaking views of the city below, the surrounding countryside, and the ancient military equipment once used to defend this historic town.

Rishengchang Former Bank
As China’s first modern bank, established in 1823, Rishengchang revolutionized financial operations in the Qing Dynasty. The museum here offers a fascinating look at China’s banking history, with exhibits on ancient financial tools, account books, and original working scenes.

North China First Escort Agency
Known for its armed escorts protecting valuables, this agency thrived during the Qing Dynasty. Today, it’s a museum that tells the history of these brave escorts, showcasing the tools and techniques they used to safeguard goods during China’s bustling commercial era.

Pingyao Ancient Government Office
Dating back over 600 years, this grand office complex served as the seat of government in feudal China. Visitors can tour its judicial halls, ancient jails, and living quarters, and even watch performances of ancient court proceedings.

Temple of the City God
One of the most well-preserved City God temples in China, this Ming Dynasty complex is located in the eastern part of the city. With stunning wooden architecture, colored glazes, and vibrant frescoes, it’s a peaceful spot to take in the spiritual atmosphere while admiring the craftsmanship of centuries past.

Exploring Beyond the City

Pingyao Ancient City is part of a UNESCO-listed trio that includes the nearby Shuanglin and Zhenguo Temples, each rich with history and cultural significance.

  • Zhenguo Temple
    Although less known, Zhenguo Temple is a hidden gem, offering an impressive array of ancient painted sculptures from the Five Dynasties period. The Ten Thousand Buddha Hall houses statues with a powerful presence, showcasing techniques that date back to the Tang Dynasty.

  • Shuanglin Temple
    Located just 6 kilometers from Pingyao, Shuanglin Temple is a masterpiece of Chinese painted sculpture, with over 2,000 Ming Dynasty statues that appear lifelike, capturing human emotions and worldly charm.

The Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara

A Culinary Adventure in Pingyao

Pingyao boasts 108 types of local snacks and dishes, with noodles being the star. The city’s famous Pingyao Beef is a must-try, thinly sliced and bursting with flavor. Another local favorite is Pingyao Wantuo, a buckwheat dish with a chewy texture that’s perfect for summer, known for its cooling and detoxifying properties.

The environment is also a quaint restaurant

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

Many tourist traps in Pingyao are located near the city’s outer entrances. Avoid being lured in by promotions outside and head straight into the ancient city for an authentic experience. Once inside, you can explore freely, with many areas open to the public.

  • Ancient City Pass: The ¥125 pass includes access to 22 attractions, such as the city walls, government offices, and temples. If you’re just looking to wander the streets and grab a bite, entry to the ancient city itself is free. The pass is valid for three days and can be purchased via the official “Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area” mini-program. Discounts are available for students, military personnel, and seniors.

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Pingyao

Staying inside the ancient city is the best way to fully immerse yourself in Pingyao’s charm. Not only is it convenient for sightseeing, but it also allows you to enjoy the beautiful night views and avoid the peak tourist times. Homestays within the city are affordable, ranging from ¥100-200+ per night, with some offering traditional heated beds that add a touch of historical authenticity to your stay.

However, be sure to check the reviews and photos before booking, as the quality of accommodations can vary. Some rooms may be small or lack private bathrooms, so it’s essential to do a little research beforehand.

Pingyao Ancient City is vast, so if your time is limited, focus on exploring the main attractions around South Street and East Street. For those staying longer, take the time to wander the quieter alleys to experience local life and discover hidden gems beyond the tourist hotspots.

Pingyao Ancient City offers a unique window into China’s rich history and cultural heritage. With its well-preserved architecture, vibrant temples, and fascinating museums, it’s a destination that promises to transport you back in time, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/09/20/exploring-the-timeless-charm-of-pingyao-ancient-city/

Source: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/shanxi/pingyao/pingyao-ancient-city.html, https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20210825A00UZJ00

A Close Look at Hua Zang Si

linda chang18 Comments

A Close Look at Hua Zang Si

Hua Zang Si is my favorite sacred spiritual worship place in the bay area. In there I find peace, relaxation, and harmony, and a home for my soul. I have gone there many times, to chant the sutra, join the meditation sessions, and participate in Dharma assemblies.

Hua Zang Si, an impressive-looking temple located in the center of the Mission District in San Francisco. The building was formerly the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, built in 1903, and has been repurposed as a Chinese temple. To me it is really a friendly symbol that different religions can coexist in harmony.

The large outside facade of the temple is painted red color, made the building a very outstanding and eye-catching landmark in the neighborhood. Red is a good color in Chinese culture that symbolizes auspiciousness and warding off evil spirits。

Once entering the temple, I feel like I am in another world. The marvelous statue at the entrance of the temple is an oversize representation of a jolly, laughing Buddha: Maitreya Bodhisattva (the next Buddha in this Saha world). It is such a warm welcoming sign. The big belly not only means jolly, it also means tolerating those intolerable things in the world. So when you look at the statue, you will start to feel that learning Buddhism is happy and kind.

The right line of the couplet is “da du neng rong tian xia shi he lai bu rong zhi rong.” As self-cultivators, we should be like the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. We should have a broad mind, open heart, and great tolerance.
The left line of the couplet is “ren ru ke na fa jie jing qi shi you na zhong na.” The first priority for one who learns Buddhism and cultivates himself is to be patient and forbearing under insult. The thought of patience or tolerance does not arise from his mind. Everything in all of the dharma realms can change from ordinary to holy. 

Walking inside, the first floor is Shakyamuni Buddha Hall. The golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is a very dignified-looking Buddhist statue. On the left side is the one thousand-armed and one thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva, an awe-inspiring statue. On the right side is Skanda Bodhisattva, a standing majestic full-body armored statue. With a sword in hand, Skanda Bodhisattva is a Buddha Dharma protector, and it is believed he can subjugate demons and evil spirits.

Shakyamuni Buddha
One thousand-armed and one thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva
Skanda Bodhisattva

The second floor is Amitabha Buddha Hall. The twenty-one-foot-high statue of Amitabha Buddha (designed by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) has been generally recognized as the most majestic Buddhist statue in the world. It is an extremely solemn sight. The color painted on the face is so lifelike, one feels like seeing the real Amitabha Buddha from western paradise. The Buddha’s eyes seem alive as well, looking down at all beings full of compassion and love. Every time when I look at the Buddha, I feel so moved and touched, tears fill my eyes. I can’t help but to kneel down and pray wholeheartedly: Please Buddha save me from the birth-death cycle, please take me to the western pure land. I feel my whole body melted into the compassionate gaze of the Buddha.

In the center of Amitabha Buddha hall, there is a large circular mandala on which a Yun sculpture (carved by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III) depicting Mt. Sumeru is placed. In that Yun sculpture are shariras (sacred relics) of the Shakyamuni Buddha for worshipping.

Directly facing the Amitabha Buddha is a tall Dharma altar, there is a huge blue Dorje Chang Buddha image. Dorje Chang Buddha is also called Buddha Vajradhara or Ruler of the Vajra Beings. In the entire universe, Dorje Chang Buddha is the first Buddha with form and is the highest Buddha. That is, the highest leader of Buddhism in the entire universe came into being in the form of Dorje Chang Buddha. It was Dorje Chang Buddha who began transmitting dharma and saving living beings in the dharmadhatu. As a result, Buddhism was born and the Buddha-dharma began spreading.

In front of the image of Dorje Chang Buddha are photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  Dorje Chang Buddha has come to this world twice. The first time was in the form of the holy and venerable Vimalakirti, who was Dorje Chang Buddha II. The second time was in the form of H.H. Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu, who is Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Dorje Chang Buddha III

These photos were true records of the holy miracle Buddha Dharma. On October 18, 2012, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III within ten minutes, reversed his appearance back to a youthful look. This incredible Buddha Dharma ever practiced successfully by Guru Rinpoche long time ago in Tibet.

A large Tibet thangkas hang on the north wall of the hall, it is about BRIEF BUDDHIST LINEAGE REFUGE TREE.

Hua Zang Si has many Holy Treasures , make sure you check them out at the corner of this hall as well.

The third floor contains a library of Buddhist scriptures.

The backyard — a city oasis in the shadow of surrounding Victorians — is home to a magnolia tree, which the faithful say rained nectar for three days, along with a miraculous lotus tub used in the bathing of the Buddha and heavenly beings.

Further back, there is Dharma protector pavilion, a statue of the Dharma Protecting Deity Guan Yu was installed inside.

Guan Yu took refuge in Master Zhiyi at Yuquan Hill. He then manifested great supernatural power and constructed the Yuquan Temple overnight on a barren lot, where he resolved to become a protector of Buddhism. That is why, upon the plea of many Buddhist practitioners, he was recommended to be the Dharma Protecting Deity of Hua Zang Si.

Hua Zang Si is different from other temples that propagate only one sect within Buddhism. It teaches all of the various sects within Buddhism. If you want to know and learn Buddhism, Hua Zang Si is the best place to start with.

Hua Zang Si has many Holy Treasures and Holy Manifestations, make it a very special and inspiring place worth visiting. Here is the website for details: http://huazangsi.org/en/home.php

Temple address is 3134 22nd St., phone: 415-920-9816.

A Close Look at Hua Zang Si

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2022/04/27/a-close-look-at-hua-zang-si/

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