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.

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.

Maba Man and Zhaoyin Temple

(This article was published in the Shenzhen Daily on August 22, 2016.)

The interior of Maba Cave contains statues of a supposed Maba-era community.

In 1958, local farmers in the area of Maba--near Shaoguan in northern Guangdong--entered one of the many karst caves around, this one located directly underneath the local landmark shaped like a lion's head and thus called "Lion Rock."

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.

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!