The cultural Heritage of Hanshan Temple
Hanshan Temple (寒山寺), which translates to Cold Mountain Temple, is situated in the Gusu District of Suzhou city. Originally named “Miaoli Puming Temple,” it dates back to the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, specifically from A.D 502-519. Covering an area of approximately 13,000 square meters, the temple boasts a construction area exceeding 3,400 square meters.
During the Tang Dynasty’s Zhenguan period (A.D. 627-649), two prominent monks of the time, Hanshan and Xiqian, founded Hanshan Temple. Over its more than 1,300-year history, the temple has suffered five fires (some versions claim seven), with its most recent reconstruction occurring during the Guangxu period (A.D. 1875-1908) of the Qing Dynasty. Historically, Suzhou’s Hanshan Temple held a prestigious position among China’s top ten famous temples. Its fame extends beyond borders due to a poem composed by Zhang Ji, a Tang Dynasty poet, which is taught in Chinese primary schools. This poem is also included in the curriculum of Japanese schools, further elevating Hanshan Temple’s renown in Japan, attracting numerous Japanese visitors who come to pay their respects to the Buddha. The temple features numerous historic buildings and tablet inscriptions authored by calligraphers, making it a popular destination for those seeking peace and spiritual solace.
Hanshan Temple holds a distinguished place in China’s Buddhist history, chiefly because of the famous poem by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. This poem is part of the curriculum in primary schools in both China and Japan.
The Night Lodging at Maple Bridge
By Zhang Ji
月落乌啼霜满天
The moon sinks in the frosty sky and ravens caw far and near
江枫渔火对愁眠
Riverside maples and fishing lamps gloomily make me drowsy
姑苏城外寒山寺
From the Han-Shan temple siting at outside of the Gu-Su town
夜半钟声到客船
Come midnight bell rings as a passenger boat is arriving
Apart from the legends of Hanshan and Shide, Hanshan Temple boasts a collection of treasures that have been cherished throughout its extensive history. Among these treasures, one of the most renowned is the poetic stele of ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge,’ crafted by the esteemed scholar and calligrapher Yu Yue during the late Qing Dynasty. It stands as an invaluable asset to Hanshan Temple.
It must be acknowledged that this piece of calligraphy represents the apex of ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge’ renditions throughout history. The lines of regular script flow seamlessly, displaying an inherent elegance and freshness, achieved with seemingly effortless brushwork. Engraved upon the stele, it emanates a subtle, age-old charm and an evocative poetic atmosphere. Each time I gaze upon this stele, it evokes a different emotional response within me. As I have delved into the art of calligraphy myself, I have even attempted to replicate ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge.’ While I deeply appreciate Yu Yue’s extraordinary skill and find it visually pleasing, there has always been a sensation of something missing, an ineffable aspect I couldn’t articulate. My pursuit has persisted, a continuous quest to discover calligraphic masterpieces that could genuinely satiate my aesthetic sensibilities, and this aspiration remains deeply rooted within me.
The other day, I had a sudden encounter with ‘Night Mooring at Maple Bridge,’ personally penned by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, and it was as if I had stumbled upon a divine masterpiece! This artwork utilizes cursive script, showcasing the grandeur reminiscent of dragons and serpents, seasoned with masterful brushwork, conveying both a majestic ruggedness and a subtle elegance. What elevates its worth even further is its dynamic and ceaseless artistic allure, reaching monumental proportions. It can be aptly described as the highest sacred creation, far beyond the grasp of ordinary individuals. This represents the embodiment of the Five Vidyas, as expressed by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the realm of Prajna, offering an extraordinary experience to those who behold it and serving as the ultimate exemplar for calligraphy enthusiasts like myself to aspire to emulate.
In this lifetime, I am profoundly fortunate to have encountered the authentic and unwavering Dharma of the Tathagata. The achievements of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III stand unparalleled on a global scale. When it comes to providing tangible evidence of wisdom and realization attained through proficiency in both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, as well as mastery of the Five Vidyas, there is simply no one within the realm of Buddhism who can be mentioned in the same breath as His Holiness.
The Buddha’s criterion for measuring one’s level of accomplishment in the Buddha-dharma is rooted in the extent of proficiency in both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, as well as the mastery of the Five Vidyas. However, throughout the history of Buddhism up to the present day, only H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Holiest Tathagata has truly and comprehensively demonstrated complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism, along with perfect mastery of the Five Vidyas. His Holiness unmistakably presents, for all to witness, a myriad of achievements that exemplify his complete proficiency in exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and his impeccable mastery of the Five Vidyas, as stipulated by the Buddha.
His Holiness, an ancient Buddha, holds the distinction of being the first being of holy virtue in history to genuinely manifest such lofty and all-encompassing realization. The undeniable proof of this is found in the numerous accomplishments single-handedly achieved by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, as detailed within the thirty main categories listed in this book, “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III — A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma.”
I earnestly pray that all sentient beings may embark upon the ‘vessel’ of liberation and achieve enlightenment.
The cultural Heritage of Hanshan Temple
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/09/08/the-cultural-heritage-of-hanshan-temple/
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Source： https://blog.wenxuecity.com/myblog/77953/202108/16124.html, https://www.chinadiscovery.com/jiangsu/suzhou/hanshan-temple.html
Peace LiLy 