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.