The Dharma and Sutra Hall

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on May 16, 2016.)

The Dharma Hall and Sutra Repository at Guiyuan Temple, Wuhan

In most smaller temples, the building behind the main hall is given over to learning. Specifically, it contains an area for preaching in the downstairs, called the "Dharma Hall," and a library of sutras upstairs.

The Qielan Hall

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 4, 2016.)

Guanyu/Qielan in three forms, Nangshan Cishou Temple, Putian, Fujian

We have talked before of the popular Daoist figure Guanyu, who has his own temples (one is located in Shenzhen's Xin'an Old City). We mentioned there that Buddhists know him as "Qielan." Here's his story.

Huineng's "Refuge Rock"

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 15, 2016.)

Marks in the niche in "Refuge Rock" said to be made by Huineng's robe

Including some areas to its north and south, Shaoguan in Guangdong is "Huineng Country." The Sixth Patriarch was born and died south of Zhaoqing, and was ordained at the Fifth Patriarch's temple in Huangmei County, Hubei. Shaoguan lies between the two.

Huineng and the Poetry Competition

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on April 17, 2017.)

The grand new gateway to the ancient Wuzu Temple, Huangmei, Hubei

Huineng, the Sixth Patriarch, was born, taught, and died within a relatively short distance of Guangzhou. In fact, only one major event of his life took place outside of Guangdong Province, and that was in the remote Huangmei Mountains of Hubei.