“Founded in 1852” echoes through the ages. This is the Jue Miao Jing Yuan. It began as the Li family’s ancestral home. Imagine a modest 160 square meters. It was a simple residential house. Back then it was named Sheng Le An.
Over time Jue Miao Jing Yuan saw six abbots. The winds of change swept through in the 1960s. Dilapidation led to its destruction.
But the story doesn’t end there. From 1986 to 1990 a rebirth occurred. Overseas Chinese from Hong Kong and Macau joined mainland benefactors. They raised funds to rebuild Jue Miao Jing Yuan on its original site.
Expansion followed in 1997. With approval from higher authorities the temple grew. A scripture hall Shijia hall and Guanyin pavilion were added. Also a Dizang hall ancestral hall and merit hall were constructed. Today Jue Miao Jing Yuan covers about 6000 square meters. The construction area is 3000 square meters.
Let’s explore the name change. Jing Yuan reveals the concept of two enlightenments in Buddhist temples. These are equal enlightenment and wonderful enlightenment. Equal enlightenment refers to a Bodhisattva’s ultimate position. Wonderful enlightenment refers to the Buddha.
Look closely at the gate’s couplet. It reflects this idea. Enlightenment is the Tathagata. The wonderful Dharma saves all beings. The enlightened one is the Buddha. The Tathagata is also the Buddha. The wonderful Dharma is another name for the Buddha’s teachings.
The couplet suggests a shift. It moves from the self-salvation of Theravada. It goes toward the universal salvation of Mahayana. This represents a self-revolutionary process within Buddhism.
Consider the Lotus Pond Guanyin’s gate couplet. “Realizing the two truths is all-encompassing”. This refers to the truth of sainthood and the truth of the secular world. The secular truth is understanding that existence is emptiness. The sacred truth is understanding that emptiness is existence. Understanding nature and the material world differs. Hence the distinction between the two truths.
Jue Miao Jing Yuan stands as a testament to faith. It shows resilience and transformation. From a family home to a significant temple it embodies Buddhist principles. It developed through the donations of those from Hong Kong and Macau.