“Cloud of Compassion” seems to drift from this very temple. The Ciyun Temple stands before us a serene testament to Chongqing’s enduring Buddhist heritage. Are you ready to step back in time and uncover the stories held within these walls?
Ciyun Temple’s history stretches back to the Tang Dynasty. Imagine monks walking here over a thousand years ago. While the original structure has seen changes, its spirit remains. The temple was officially founded in 1757 during the Qing Dynasty. Back then it was known as the Temple of Guanyin. In 1927, Chan master Yunyan enlarged the temple and gave it the name Ciyun Temple.
This temple uniquely houses both monks and nuns. Monastics of both genders would arrive here on pilgrimage. The kind abbot welcomed them all establishing this tradition.
Look around. Most of the halls here retain the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. Notice how the temple rises vertically. This unique design is because of its location at the base of Lion Hill. The front halls have multiple stories and the rear halls climb the hill.
Inside the Mahavira Hall resides a treasure. It is a 1.87-metre jade statue of Sakyamuni. Weighing 1,500 kilograms it was purchased from Myanmar in 1931. This statue is one of China’s four largest jade Buddha statues. Take a moment to appreciate the statues of Eighteen Arhats lining the hall.
Designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in 1983 Ciyun Temple underwent restoration in 2016. The temple continues to be a place of peace. As we leave may you carry with you a sense of the compassion.