Jianzhen, Missionary to Japan

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 3, 2015.)

The statue of Jianzhen at Daming Temple, Yangzhou, a gift from the Japanese

In some temples you will find images of great monks from Chinese tradition. We have already discussed Xuanzang, who went "west." Today let's look at Jianzhen, who went "east."

Outside the Main Courtyard

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on May 30, 2016.)

An island in the West Garden's small lake, Daming Temple, Yangzhou

Outside of the temple's main compound there are other features. Many temples have a West Garden, an earthly representation of the Amitabha Buddha's Western Pure Land.

The Three Sages of the West

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 13, 2016.)

This ornate set of the Three Sages stands in a side hall at Linggu Temple, Nanjing

A temple visitor might encounter a set of three figures in its own hall outside of the main compound. These are the "Three Sages of the West," alternately called "Saints" instead of "Sages."

Qixia Temple's Ancient Remnants

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 1, 2016.)

Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Qixia Temple, Nanjing

Although Qixia Temple in Nanjing was first built in 489 CE, it has undergone many renovations, and its buildings are primarily Qing-era architecture. Two elements of the temple are significantly older, however. Its Buddha's Relics Pagoda was built in 601; destroyed in the Tang Dynasty; and rebuilt in 945. Located in the southeast quarter of the temple grounds, its five stories stand 18 meters high, with eight sides and a two-story base.

Lingshan Scenic Area, Wuxi

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on Oct 10, 2016.)

The Great Buddha at Lingshan Scenic Area

In January of 2012 I was privileged to be invited to speak at the installation of the new abbot at Kaiyuan Temple in Wuxi. He had formerly been my student at a Buddhist academy, and wanted international representatives on his Big Day.

At the Feet of Master Ji Qun

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 26, 2017.)

Master Ji Qun goes over notes outside a hermitage near Huayan Temple, Ningde, Fujian

In the summer of 2006, I had the extraordinary opportunity to spend a week in a remote mountain temple, teaching Buddhism in English to about 100 kids. There I met a great Master who also joined us in teaching the students.

More Wisdom from Master Ji Qun

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 3, 2017.)

Master Ji Qun leaving the hermitage near Huayan Temple, Ningde, Fujian

Last time I talked about meeting Master Ji Qun, Abbot of the Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou. We met in a mountain hermitage near Huayan Temple on Zhiti Mountain, where I had been teaching English to about 100 kids, and he was there sharing his deep wisdom.

Royal Ease

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 24, 2017.)

Guanyin in the Royal Ease posture, Longchang Temple, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu

There is a posture found among some Buddhist figures that is commonly called "Royal Ease."

The First Five Monks

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on July 31, 2017.)

The five monks listen to the Buddha's teaching in a bas relief at Longchang Temple, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu

When Prince Gautama, the Buddha-to-be, left home to seek enlightenment, the forests of northern India were filled with religious seekers, and with teachers ready to share their wisdom.  The young ascetic studied with two such teachers--Alara Kalama and Uddaka--and soon equaled each in his understanding.

The Brahma Palace at Wuxi

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 14, 2017.)

The dome of the Brahma Palace in Wuxi

Few people can say they have been to Heaven--but I have!

Wenchang Pavilion, Yangzhou

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 21, 2017.)

Wenchang Pavilion in Yangzhou, Jiangsu

When visiting a modern Chinese city, I often marvel at the way today accommodates yesterday--how the needs of people living there now are met while maintaining the past. Xi'an's Bell Tower, surrounded by a traffic circle, comes to mind. But the same effort has been made in other cities, albeit on much humbler scales.