In its
whole layout, the Temple starts from the front entrance gate, stretching
north with four successive halls flanked by porches, side halls, parlors
and abbot's room, which together form three connected courtyards. The
main buildings from south to north are: Four Heavenly King's Hall, Three
Buddhas Hall and the Recumbent Buddha's Hall.
The
Recumbent Buddha's Hall is the most important hall in the Temple. The
present hall is the one built in the Jin Dynasty (1115A.D. - 1234A.D.).
The temple underwent further construction during the Yuan Dynasty (1271
A.D.- 1368A.D.). The recumbent Buddha inside the Hall is the statue
of Sakyamuni, which is five meters long and weighs 54 tons, was built
in 1321A.D. during the Yuan Dynasty. His left arm straightened and his
right arm turned to support the head. It was said that this pose is
that of Sakyamuni when he got nirvana ("nirvana" means the
ineffable ultimate in which one has attained disinterested wisdom and
compassion in Buddhism.). This bronze recumbent Buddha is the biggest
bronze recumbent Buddha in present China. Around this Buddha are twelve
other figures of Buddhas. This group of statues of Buddhas reflects
the scene that Sakyamuni tells his disciples what to do after his nirvana.
All twelve Buddhas are in deeply grieved expressions. The recumbent
Buddha is perfectly kept and reflects the high iron-melting techniques
in the Yuan Dynasty. The enormous statue exquisitely casted demonstrates
the pure, solemn, yet simple style of Buddhist.
Sacrifices
have been offered to three Buddhas inside the Three Buddhas Hall: Burning
Lamp Buddha, Sakyamuni and Maitreya. On both sides of the three Buddhas
are 18 color-clay-made Arhats. One of them is very special because he
wears his clothes just like the human beings who live on earth. However,
he is a false Arhat. Real Arhats who live in God's place wear special
dresses. A legend said that this false Arhat is Emperor Qianlong of
the Qing Dynasty (1644A.D. - 1911A.D.).
Inside
the Four Heavenly King's Hall, a sitting statue of Maitreya is offering
sacrifice in the middle area. Four heavenly kings are on the two sides
of Maitreya to bless the stability of the country and the happiness
of the common people.
In front
of the Three Buddhas Hall is an ancient tree planted, which was said
to be transplanted from India and symbolizes how Sakyamuni got nirvana.
To the
west of the Temple, there is a peony garden of an area of more than
ten thousand square meters. More than 2000 peonies are planted here.
Also, there is a bamboo garden outside the Temple.
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