Respect at the Gates of Chines

Respect at the Gates of Chinese Temples | The Blessings of the Earth God and Earth Goddess

At the entrance of many Chinese temples, you'll often see a pair of statues of the Earth God and Earth Goddess. While they may not be as majestic and imposing as the deities in the main hall, they are often the first objects of worship for pilgrims upon entering.

This tradition of "respecting the land first" carries a profound cultural spirit. The Earth God and Earth Goddess symbolize the guardians of the place, overseeing the mountains, rivers, and fields, and caring for the people. Burning incense and paying respect to them before entering the temple is a gesture of respect and acknowledgement of the local environment: telling the guardian deities, "We come with sincerity."

This reverence is more than just a formality; it is a spiritual act. It reminds us that no matter how lofty the gods or Buddhas we worship, we must never forget the land beneath our feet. No matter how profound our spiritual practice, we must begin by respecting the foundations of our immediate environment.

Thus, the Earth God and Earth Goddess are not only guardians; they are also the "gateway to the sacred realm." Under their benevolent gaze, the pilgrims walked step by step towards the main hall, their state of mind gradually changing from the mundane to the pious.

Post by 諸文武 | Sep 18, 2025