At the top of a meandering cobblestone path, a sacred shrine quietly hides itself in the deep forest. This is Guanyin Si. It has worshiped the Guanshiyin Bodhisattva for over 1000 years.
Guanyin Si, also known as Dabei Temple, offers a tranquil escape. Emperor Kangxi named the temple “Dabei.” It means “great compassion.” He had it inscribed on granite. This implied the Buddhist shrine’s royal connection.
Shanmen Hall is the front gate. It features colored bricks and grey tile roofs. The exterior wall was painted with a traditional Chinese pattern. It is called “100 birds paying homage to the phoenix.” The gate was carved with elephants, lions and dragons. A pair of flying goats also adorn it. The door-frame features three engraved gods. The one in the center has a human face with a beak. This corresponds with the roc in the Buddhist sutra. Stone windows feature mythological Kui dragons and honeysuckles.
Inside Shanmen Hall sits the Maitreya. He is regarded as a future Buddha. He has a big belly and a smiling face. The Maitreya is an emblem of happiness and tolerance. His guards are the four heavenly kings. They stand in armor with fierce faces. These five statues are contemporary works.
The Mahavira Hall is the main hall. It houses the Buddha of Trinity. Eighteen clay sculptures of arhats guard him. They attained the goal of religious life. Made in 1298, they show vivid postures and expressions. The arhats sit, stand, sleep or dance. Some smile, meditate or stare into the distance. Liu Yuan made the sculptures. He used powders of sandalwood and fragrant sand. This scented the sculptures.
The great master made clay and bronze sculptures in Beijing and Duolun City. Some Yuan Dynasty emperors praised his talents. They even granted two royal maids to Liu. After seven centuries, the sculptures still send off pleasant scents. Many old Buddha statues were destroyed in the Cultural Revolution. But the 18 arhats were surprisingly kept intact.
Lush green bamboos thrive in the courtyard. Vanilla and bonsai decorate it. The bamboos still grow in the snowy winter. This makes it a popular scenic spot. People enjoy the flourishing green view.
Behind the main hall stand two giant gingko trees. They are said to be 800 years old. It is a tradition to plant gingko trees in Buddhist temples. The tall tree symbolizes uprightness and dignity. Its golden leaves echo the monk’s robe.
The Dabei Hall was built in the Ming Dynasty. It worships the Guanyin. She is a motherly and compassionate Buddha.
The Yaoshi Hall was renovated a few years ago. Its layout follows the Qing Dynasty style. Yaoshi is the Buddha of good health. He can dispel illness. A dozen gods of medicine stand on two sides. They are made of camphorwood. Gold-foil covers their surface.
In the back of the temple is a shallow trench. Wild red begonia grows here. A story says this place was once a hot spring. Two golden mules came here to drink. A greedy farmer tried to catch them. He tied them with a rope. But the mules dragged him off the cliff to his death. Today, two big rocks shaped like mules lie in the valley. They silently remind us of the farmer’s greed.
Guanyin Si offers a blend of history art and nature. It is a place for reflection. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Remember the stories of compassion and serenity.