The Pagoda and the Body of the Buddha

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on October 19, 2015.)

The "Flowery Pagoda" at Liurong Temple, Guangzhou

The traditional building called the "pagoda" dates back to Buddhism's early days in India, where remains of the historical Buddha (and other significant figures) were placed in earthen mounds with a series of stylized concentric umbrellas on top, all on a single pole. (The umbrella was a symbol of royalty.)

Feilai Feng

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on March 14, 2016.)

Huili's Pagoda stands at the end of Hangzhou's Feilai Feng

Nearly 17 centuries ago, the legend says, an Indian monk came wandering into the vicinity of what is now Hangzhou. The name given to him in Chinese is Huili, meaning something like "wise essence." His Indian name is not known for certain, but may have been Matiyukti.

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.

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.

The Medicine Buddha

(This article was written for, but never published in, the Shenzhen Daily.)

The Medicine Buddha at Nanhua Temple, Shaoguan, Guangdong

In many temples, the Main Altar is graced by three Buddhas: the historic Shakyamuni Buddha in the center; the very popular Amitabha Buddha (Amito Fo) on the viewer's left; and the Medicine Buddha (Yaoshi Fo) on the right. Though certainly not as well known as the other two, this last has his own special cult of devotion.