Chengdu Wenshu Monastery: A landmark carrying the millennium civilization of ancient Zen temples in the Yangtze River Basin of China

Chengdu Wenshu Monastery was originally named "Xinxiang Temple" and was built during the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty (605-617). It was rebuilt by Zen Master Ci Du during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Kangxi bestowed the plaque "Konglin" on it. Since then, it has become a major Buddhist town. In 1983, it was listed as a national key Buddhist temple in the Han area. It is still the top of the four major Zen temples in the Yangtze River Basin. Wenshu Monastery not only demonstrates the profound Buddhist cultural heritage and inherits the thousand-year Zen lineage, but also continues to promote the popularization and exchange of Buddhist education; great wisdom is practiced in public welfare and charity, embodying the core spirit of compassion and wisdom. As a spiritual home in the city, Wenshu Monastery provides a quiet and peaceful place in the bustling and noisy city, allowing people to cultivate their minds and return to their original appearance. It has become an important place for modern people to find spiritual settlement. The extremely precious and rare Buddha relics, the parietal relic of Master Xuanzang, collectively known as the "Two Saints of Konglin" (only open for viewing on certain holidays), Sichuan opera chants and Laba Festival temple fairs (intangible cultural heritage), "Eight Views of Konglin" and other sacred objects are all treasures here.

Our group of five walked slowly along the streets and alleys into the silent Wenshu Temple. A drizzle fell quietly, as if the sky had mercy and the nectar sprinkled the soul. The drizzle knocked off the green tiles, whispered between the cracks in the stone, and the mood gradually became clear. Prajna (wisdom) is quietly hidden in the corner and in the daily scenery. The troubles of the world are like floating clouds; a drizzle gently brushes the tiles and washes away the noise. We also found that believers often perform two indispensable rituals when worshiping Buddha in Wenshu Temple. The first is to touch the word "Fu" on the door railing of the main hall, which means to welcome blessings into the home and heart, and pray for blessings, good fortune, peace and health; the second is to touch the auspicious and gentle, round and full bronze statue of the Qilin in front of the Dharma Hall, to pray for wealth and a smooth life. Interestingly, because these two Qilins have been touched by countless believers for many years, their bronze surfaces have long been polished to a bright and transparent state, becoming the most popular "pets" of Wenshu Temple. They not only condense people's wishes for auspiciousness and Prajna, but also add a friendly atmosphere and a gathering of spiritual energy to the temple.

#Chengdu Wenshu Temple
#Konglin Ersheng
#Qilin Bronze Statue
#Xinxiang Temple
#Zen
#Spatial Art
#Spiritual Healing Attractions
#Buddhist Architectural Aesthetics

Post by 悦冬 | Jul 28, 2025