Amitabha and the Lotus

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

Amitabha Buddha at Longhua Temple, Shanghai

In many temples, you'll find three Buddhas on the main altar: the historical Buddha Shakyamuni at the center; on our right the Medicine Buddha; and on our left the most popular Buddha in China, the Amitabha Buddha, called in Chinese Amitofo.

Guanyin and Amitabha

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on January 25, 2016.)

Head of Guanyin with Amitabha in headdress, Longhua Temple, Shanghai

Iconography is a key aspect of the study of any religion. This is the symbolism used to represent key figures, and help us identify one from the other. In Buddhism, for example, where all Buddhas mostly look alike, only certain gestures (called mudras), or implements (like a pagoda or a lotus), distinguish one from another.

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."

The Chan Hall

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on June 20, 2016.)

The Chan Hall at Guangxiao Temple, Guangzhou

Many temples have a chan tang (Japanese zendo) or Meditation Hall. Those temples that do not have a separate hall usually have benches around the sides of the main hall for sitting.