Puzhao Temple in Taishan (an ancient temple from the Six Dynasties at the foot of Mount Tai)

Puzhao Temple in Taishan, located at the foot of Linghan Peak, is surrounded by beautiful mountains and hidden by green cypresses, presenting a majestic view.

The name 'Puzhao' means 'Buddha's light shines everywhere', and it is said to be an ancient temple from the Six Dynasties. According to 'Taishan Road Record' by Nie Jianguang in the Qing Dynasty, Puzhao Temple was an ancient temple in the Tang and Song Dynasties. In the fifth year of Dading in the Jin Dynasty (1165), it was rebuilt by imperial order and renamed 'Puzhao Zen Forest', with an imperial edict carved on the wall of the temple.

In the third year of Xuande in the Ming Dynasty (1428), a Korean monk named Manspace visited Taishan and the ancient temples. He stayed in Taishan for more than 20 years, rebuilt the Bamboo Forest Temple, revived Puzhao Temple, and attracted more than a thousand followers from all directions.

The existing 'Reopening Mountain Record Stele' from the sixteenth year of Zhengde in the Ming Dynasty records this event. In the early years of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, the famous monk Yuan Yu built a stone hall and held a ceremony to pass on the precepts on Buddha's birthday according to ancient customs. During the Daoguang period (1821-1850), a Buddha Pavilion (now Mosong Tower) was built. In the sixth year of Guangxu (1880), the main hall and the east and west side halls were renovated.

Puzhao Temple belongs to the Linji Sect of Zen Buddhism and is a famous forest in North China. The temple is centered around the Great Buddha Hall and Mosong Tower, forming a three-entry courtyard. On both sides are halls, Zen rooms, and gardens, covering an area of 6150 square meters, forming a complete architectural complex.

General Feng Yuxiang lived in seclusion in Taishan twice in 1932 and 1933. During his seclusion, he lived in a two-story building behind the main hall of Puzhao Temple. He left many memorable historical relics on Taishan.

Post by HARLAN MOODY | Feb 12, 2024