Introduction

Howdydoo!

To see a complete listing of all posts in this blog, click "Guide to Blog Posts" at the top of any page. Or feel free to browse on down!

James Baquet, AKA The Temple Guy!

Birth of the Buddha

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 15, 2015.)

Nine dragons bathe the Baby Buddha in front of Dongshan Temple, Dapeng, Shenzhen

The story of Buddhism begins with the historic Buddha, sometimes known in China as "Ben Shi" (本师)--"Original Teacher" or "Founder." And of course, his story begins with his birth.

Jivaka, the Open-Hearted Arhat

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 22, 2015.)

A statue of Jivaka the Arhat at Xichan Temple, Fuzhou

In the main hall of many temples, one can see a collection of 18 statues, nine on a side, facing toward the main altar. These are the Eighteen Arhats (Chinese 罗汉, luohan), enlightened disciples of the Buddha. In the tradition of Southern Buddhism they are sometimes called sravakas or "hearers"--hence their attitude of harkening to the Buddha.

Mazu's Consorts

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 29, 2015.)

Mazu's consorts at the Tianhou Temple in Chiwan, Shenzhen

One of the most popular folk figures in South China and its environs is Mazu, goddess of the sea. She is also popularly called "Tianhou" or "Empress of Heaven," a title given by the "Central Board of Rites" in 1720.

The Red-Faced Guan Yu

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 6, 2015.)

Guan Yu (center) and his sworn friends at Guan Di Temple, Shenzhen

Even if you've never visited a temple, you may have encountered a red-faced military figure with a long, side-swept black beard. He's commonly seen in shops and restaurants, as well as in different kinds of temples--Buddhist, Taoist, and folk.

The Pilgrim Xuanzang

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on Monday, July 13, 2015.)

Statue of Xuanzang with his "backpack" at Xingjiao Temple, Xi'an

At some temples, the observant visitor may notice an unusual figure. A monk in antique clothing is carrying something on his back that seems a cross between a backpack and a wooden shrine cabinet.

Buddhas of the Three Times

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 20, 2015.)

Buddhas of the Three Times at Liurong Temple, Guangzhou

The main hall of some temples is called the "Precious Hall of the Great Hero," which refers to Shakyamuni, the historic Buddha. He is usually seated with figures on either side of him--bodhisattvas, or other Buddhas.