Behold, the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat, Lingyin Temple. It stands nestled in a valley between Fei Lai Feng and North Peak. Have you ever wondered how this temple got its name?
Lingyin Temple is one of China’s most important Buddhist temples. Its history stretches back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty, 317 to 420 AD. Legend says an Indian monk named Huili arrived here. The nature captivated him. He established the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat. Even today, visitors find tranquility here.
During the Five Dynasties period, a king expanded Lingyin Temple as a sign of devotion to Buddha. At that time, Lingyin Temple included 9 buildings. It also featured 18 pavilions and 77 palaces and halls. More than 13000 rooms housed about 3000 monks. Its immense scale is rare. Its survival through centuries of change makes it even more remarkable.
The main temple you see today is from 1974 renovations. In the first hall, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, find a tablet. Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty inscribed it. He loved the temple so much that he called it Cloud Forest Buddhist Temple.
Inside the hall, the Four Heavenly Kings stand beside a laughing Buddha. He brims with joy for all who enter. The hall is painted with phoenixes and dragons.
Across the courtyard stands the Hall of the Great Hero. It is a single-story building with double eaves. It stands 33.6 meters tall. This makes it one of the tallest of its kind in China. Inside, find a statue of Sakyamuni, also known as Buddha. It is made of 24 sections of camphor wood. The statue is as tall as about 15 humans. Gold leaf covers it. Twenty saints, protectors of justice, surround Sakyamuni.
Don’t miss the Grand Hall of the Great Sage. Explore the Hall of the Medicine Buddha. Visit the Sutra Library built between 2000 and 2002. Discover the Huayan Hall. Step into the Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats. Its floor layout is shaped like a Buddhist swastika. Five hundred arhats line the hall.
Today, Lingyin Temple remains a refuge and a tourist destination. The Wuling Mountains enhance its beauty. The scenic area includes historic constructions. Admire the artwork, pagodas, pavilions, bridges, and statues. Nearby are the Feilai Feng grottoes. Buddhist carvings and statues are carved into the rocks here.
As you leave Lingyin Temple, remember its history. Remember its beauty. Carry its tranquility within you.