Ep. 118: Fayu Temple, Putuoshan
Fayu Temple was my favorite temple on the island of Putuoshan.
Over the bridge across the "free life" pond (where captive animals are released as an act of compassion), through a gate on the right side, into a courtyard between the screen wall with nine dragons (for supernatural protection) and the Four Heavenly Kings' Hall, past the Laughing Buddha and the exquisite guardian figures, and around the Jade Buddha Hall flanked by a drum and bell tower, I came at last to the jewel of this temple.
In 1699, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty donated a hall from the deserted imperial palace in Nanjing. It was moved here and became the Nine Dragon Hall, in the ceiling of which (you guessed it) nine dragons play with a golden pearl over a statue of Guanyin.
The emperor even contributed the temple's name: A signboard in his script on the building reads "Tian Hua Fa Yu," interpreted as "The Buddha's teaching rains down like flowers from heaven." Hence, Fa Yu (Dharma Rain) Temple.
Beyond this are other halls, including the Buddha Hall at the top, placed almost as an afterthought following the magnificent Nine Dragon Hall. Another hall has a Guanyin with a Thousand Hands and Eyes. As the Bodhisattva of Compassion, she is thus able to see who needs help, and come to their aid in myriad ways.
Leaving Fayu Temple, I returned to the dock area to see some of its attractions. We'll take a look next time.
--------
Until then, may you and your loved ones and all sentient beings be well and happy.
Adios, Amigos!
GET MORE:
Find this and all past issues of the Newsletter online at Substack.
The Shenzhen Daily article at the core of this Episode
You may unsubscribe to Temple Tales at any time by using the button at the bottom of this email, or by simply replying to this Newsletter and writing "Unsubscribe." You will receive one more letter as confirmation.
If you have any problems reading the Newsletter , please write to me at TheTempleGuy@GMail.com, and I'll help you in any way I can!