Zixia Zen Temple: Finding a spiritual home in history and Zen

The moment you step into Zixia Zen Temple, the hustle and bustle of the world seems to be isolated by an invisible barrier, and your heart is instantly enveloped by a sense of tranquility and solemnity. This ancient temple, located at the foot of Anziling on the south side of Shiziling in Cai Lun Bamboo Sea in Leiyang, Hengyang City, is like a wise man hidden in the depths of time, quietly telling stories of the past.

Zixia Zen Temple was first built in the Yi-Hai Year of the Chongzhen Period of the Ming Dynasty by Master Shi Huiji. After hundreds of years of ups and downs, it still exudes a unique charm. The temple is surrounded by green mountains, lush bamboo forests and gurgling mountain springs, as if nature is playing an eternal piece of music for this ancient temple. The Tiger Mountain in front of the temple and the Lion Hill behind the temple are like two loyal guards, silently guarding this pure land.

Walking along the winding stone road, the first thing that comes into view is the front hall. Inside the hall, the statue of Maitreya Buddha is smiling, as if he is embracing all the troubles in the world with his open mind. The Four Heavenly Kings stand on both sides, they are wearing colorful golden armor, holding magical instruments, with their eyes wide open, so lifelike that people can't help but feel awe.

After passing the front hall, you will reach the majestic Main Hall. Inside the hall, three statues of Tathagata Buddha sit upright on lotus thrones, their golden bodies shining brightly, their wisdom eyes slightly open, looking down at all living beings with compassion. The Eighteen Arhats on both sides have different shapes, some look serene, some are thoughtful, and some are glaring. Each one seems to be given life and is vivid. At this time, the hall was filled with the curling smoke and the sound of Buddhist scriptures, which gave people a deep baptism of the soul.

At Zixia Zen Temple, I not only felt the strong Buddhist cultural atmosphere, but also learned about its magnificent red history. During the revolutionary war years, this ancient temple was the headquarters of the Southern Hunan Guerrillas. The monks in the temple, filled with patriotic enthusiasm, actively devoted themselves to the revolutionary cause and made outstanding contributions to posting slogans, collecting intelligence, covering transfers and other tasks. With their fearless courage and firm belief, they have composed magnificent heroic hymns on this land. Today, strolling in the temple, one can still seem to see the busy figures of the revolutionary predecessors and hear their firm and powerful vows.

The architectural style of Zixia Temple is simple and elegant, with flying eaves, brackets, carved beams and painted buildings, which all demonstrate the exquisite skills of ancient craftsmen. The murals on the walls are brightly colored and are still clearly visible despite years of erosion. They vividly depict Buddhist stories and historical legends, making people marvel at the wisdom and creativity of the ancients.

In the temple, I met several monks. They were dressed in plain robes, holding rosaries, and looked peaceful. Talking with them, I felt an otherworldly tranquility and wisdom. I am deeply inspired by their profound understanding of Buddhism and their nonchalant attitude towards life. In this fast-paced modern society, we always lose ourselves in the busyness, but they can maintain their inner peace and pursue spiritual enrichment in this pure land of method.

When leaving Zixia Temple, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the red walls and green tiles of the temple, outlining a dreamlike picture. Looking back, this ancient temple appears even more solemn and majestic against the backdrop of green mountains and bamboos. This trip to Zixia Temple not only allowed me to appreciate its natural scenery and historical culture, but also allowed me to find inner peace and strength in this peaceful land. It is like a shining pearl, inlaid in the beautiful land of Cai Lun Bamboo Sea, emitting eternal light and attracting people to explore its mysteries.

Post by Joseph~Wright-William | Feb 23, 2025