Xiangji Temple in Xi'an: An Ancient Temple and the Cradle of the Pure Land School

Xiangji Temple is the ancestral home of the Pure Land School of Buddhism. It's the very place mentioned in Wang Wei's poem "Passing Xiangji Temple" and the site of the Battle of Xiangji Temple during the An Lushan Rebellion. Inside, there's a great exhibition hall introducing the Pure Land School.

Xiangji Temple, a sacred ancient temple located south of the ancient city of Chang'an, has stood for thousands of years, still exuding an aura of tranquility and peace. As the ancestral home of the Pure Land School of Buddhism, it is not only a holy place for believers but also an excellent destination for tourists to experience Buddhist culture and find inner peace.

Xiangji Temple was first built in 681 AD during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. The temple's name comes from the Buddhist scripture, "Tianzhu has a land of many fragrances, and the Buddha's name is Xiangji," implying that the Buddha's teachings are like fragrance, universally benefiting all beings. The eminent Tang Dynasty monk, Master Shandao, promoted the Pure Land teachings here, making Xiangji Temple the birthplace of the Pure Land School and giving it a significant place in the history of Chinese Buddhism.

Post by Rogers Christopher Chris | Mar 10, 2025