In this part, we will visit Lingyin temple scenic area, one of the best scenic areas in West lake, Hangzhou. It is like a dense forest. Even on a hot sunny afternoon, when we were there, the weather was pleasant in this area. Thanks to the centuries old tall trees and the cool springs flowing from the mountain slopes.
One falls in love with the this scenic area immediately, can be said as love at first sight/site! It has something to do with the tranquility and serenity of the place, you just travel a few centuries back in few steps. Aptly meaning of the name of the temple is, 'temple of the soul's retreat'.
This Lingyin temple is a Buddhist Monastery of Chan sect. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in China. Even when, all the ties with history and culture were getting destroyed by Red Army in Cultural Revolution, this place could escape with only few deep bruises. But many structures could be saved due to special protection from high rank believers.
It was founded in 4th century by an Indian monk named Hui Li. This was his Chinese name, but the original Indian name was Mati yukti. (Ref. 1.Himalaya Calling - The Origins of China and India- Chung Tan. Chung Tan is a scholar, historian, writer specializing in Chinese history and Sino Indian relations. He was awarded Padmbhushan in 2010. 2. Shodhganga )
When Matiyukti came to this beautiful place he saw a limestone mountain peak which was different than other peaks. He was pleasantly surprised, because the peak was very much similar to one peak from his motherland Bharat- India. This peak was like Grudhrakuta Peak in Madhya Bharat and so the name of the peak became Feilai Feng - the peak which flew here from India. The Grudharakuta peak appears many times in Buddhist literature and is said to be in Rajgir, Bihar, India.
The temple is situated between two mountains. There are more than 70 caves in this area. Hundreds of Buddha statues can be seen in them. As you enter the campus, on left hand side you will see a pagoda, nearly 8 mt. tall. This pagoda is having 7 sections and 6 sides with inscriptions and Buddha images on it. This pagoda was built to commemorate the Indian monk Hui Li/ Matiyukti. This pagoda is also known as Ling Jiu Pagoda where ashes of Master Li are buried. It was rebuilt in the year 975 and then again in 1590.
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Li Hui/ Matiyukti Pagoda
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Near to the pagoda we can see Sanskrit words inscribed on the rock wall, Om mani padme hum! This is a Buddhist chant. Seeing this centuries old inscription in Sanskrit is really exciting.
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Om Mani Padme Ham - Sanskrit inscription
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Along the course of many centuries, different Buddha statues were carved in the caves at different times. You can see the difference in their style of carving.
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The different Hast mudras- Hand gestures of Buddha.
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The Li gong cave is also named as Tigers cave as the entrance resembles to Tiger's mouth. It has 178 Buddha statues from 10 th century. Some of the statues are having inscriptions with them.
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Tiger cave
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18 Arhats Staues
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The statues of three saints from Huayan or the West are important because they are the earliest statues with inscriptions. In ancient times, in China, West means India. So were they Indian monks? I don't know, but most probably they are Indian monks.
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Three Saint Statue With inscription
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There are many caves scattered in the mountain peaks.
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Inside the cave.
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Amitabh buddha
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See the plates on his clothing
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In Guanyin Cave there is a small opening in the shaft in a corner. From that opening you can see the silver skylight which is said to be silver thread to the skies. Name of the cave denotes cave leading to heaven.
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Silver thread of sky
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In another cave, there are stories in the carvings. One of the stories is said to be from 1 st century. It is of Indian monks Matang and Dharmratna. A white horse is carrying Buddhist Sutras from India to China.
There is also a story of Zhu Shixing who had traveled west for Buddhist scriptures and copied the Sanskrit version of Sutras. Sadly I don't have photographs of both carvings.
The largest of all carvings is Maitreya Buddha statue. He is also known as Fat belly Buddha or Laughing Buddha. He is having 18 arhats with him.
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Maitreya Buddha
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Steps going to some more caves
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On the road to the Ling yin temple, you will see some springs of crystal clear water. Their freshness, the calming gentle sound of the flowing water surely add to the scenic beauty of the place.
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Pavilion for enjoying the springs
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The Ling Yin Temple is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China since ancient times. It contains many halls, pagodas, libraries. Thousand of Buddhist monks stay here to study the Sutras. In the cultural revolution period this was the refugee place for Buddhist monks.
While entering the Buddhist temples you will see incense burners at the entrance. The devotees feel that the smoke has healing properties and cleanses the body.
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Large incense Burners
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There are two Sutra pillars in the temple. Sutras are written on these pillars. Both of them are octagonal with double layered base. The pillars consist of three parts, top, body and base. Sutras or mantras are written on body of the pillars. Interestingly these pillars were erected at Fengxian temple in 969. When that temple collapsed, these pillars were moved to Ling yin temple in 1053.
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Sutra Pillar
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Burning Of incense sticks- an important ritual
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Initially there were four stone pagodas in the temple. now only two are remaining. These pagodas were set up in the year 960 and are one of the most ancient stone pagodas in China.
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Ancient Stone Pagodas
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In front of the temple halls
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Hall of medicine Buddha
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Decorated wall
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Buddha idols
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Hui Li/ Matiyukti?? well..may be! I can't read Chinese script
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Snowball flowers
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With this I complete the West Lake- Hangzhou post. The leisurely strolls on the causeways of West lake or sitting in the Lingyin pavilion and watching the play of shadows of trees with the background music of flowing stream are surely unforgettable moments in one's life.
The scenic beauty of this area pleases your body, mind and soul. So surely one has to admit that this area is Paradise in China.
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#SuHang
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