Lingyin Temple | A sanctuary for the celestial and reclusive
Lingyin Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple in China, also known as Yunlin Temple, is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, backed by Beigao Peak and facing Feilai Peak.
It was founded in the first year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 AD), and the founding patriarch of Lingyin Temple was the Western Indian monk Huili.
During the Southern Dynasties, Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty granted land and expanded the temple. During the Five Dynasties, King Qian Lou of Wuyue commanded the invitation of Master Yongming Yanshou to revive and expand the temple, and bestowed the name Lingyin Xin Temple.
In the Jiading era of Emperor Ningzong of the Song Dynasty, Lingyin Temple was acclaimed as one of the 'Five Mountains' of Chan Buddhism in the south of the Yangtze River. During the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, the Chan Buddhism master Ju De lived in Lingyin and raised funds for reconstruction.
Lingyin Temple is one of the earliest existing Buddhist temples in Hangzhou, and there is a saying among the people:
One must visit West Lake when coming to Hangzhou, and one must go to Lingyin when visiting West Lake, and one cannot miss the Lingjiu Peak (Feilai Peak) when at Lingyin.
This is because the origin of this Buddhist country in the southeast, which has continued for more than 1600 years, is Lingjiu Peak, which is said to have flown from distant India.
According to records, in 326 AD, the first year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, an ancient Indian monk came to Hangzhou. When he reached the Wulin Mountains west of West Lake, he pointed to a small mountain and exclaimed: This is a ridge of our Indian Lingjiu Mountain, I wonder when it flew here, and said, during the Buddha's lifetime, this ridge was a place where celestial beings lived in seclusion, I wonder if it is still the same now.
The ancient Indian monk was named Huili, historically known as the Indian monk, and the ridge where the celestial beings lived in seclusion that Huili spoke of is today's Lingjiu Peak of Lingyin Temple, also known as Feilai Peak.
In the Buddhist scriptures, Lingjiu Mountain is a sacred place where the Buddha often gathered disciples for cultivation and preached in his later years.
Regarding the arrival of Lingjiu Mountain, Master Ju De, a patriarch of Lingyin Temple from the late Ming to early Qing dynasty, once said: The World-Honored One preached for 49 years, discussed the scriptures in more than 330 meetings, and at the end, in the assembly at Vulture Peak, in front of a million followers, he entrusted the Flower Sermon to Venerable Kashyapa, who smiled in transmission, and the great Dharma came eastward, thus this mountain had come to the land of Zhen Dan in anticipation.
Thus, the arrival of Feilai Peak is indeed not without reason. This is the Western Paradise, and the Western Paradise is here. Perhaps this is the origin of the phrase 'a stone's throw to the Western Paradise'.
It is said that after Master Huili discovered Feilai Peak, he stayed and often practiced at Yan Zuo Rock (Li Gong Rock), and soon after, Master Huili built 5 temples along the banks of Wulin Water near Feilai Peak.
One of them was named Lingyin, indicating that there were celestial beings living in seclusion here. According to records, after the construction of the 5 temples, Master Huili retreated into the deep mountains and never left Wulin for the rest of his life.
To visit Lingyin Temple, you need to purchase two separate tickets: one for the Feilai Peak Scenic Area and another for the Lingyin Temple itself. However, on certain occasions like the Buddha Bathing Festival, entry to the Lingyin Temple is free. It's best to follow their official social media channels for updates on such events.The opening hours are from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It's advisable to arrive early, as entering too late in the day is a waste
This is one of the best temples I have ever visited. At first I thought it was one building with beautiful statues but there are so many more hidden behind, and it goes higher and higher up the mountain. The top has some of the most impressive Buddha statues I've ever seen
The Oriental Pearl is the core scenic spot in Shanghai. It is a must-go and must-check in. There is also Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street nearby. It is a place worth visiting. On the Oriental Pearl, you can overlook the panoramic view of Shanghai. The night view is better.
Superb scenic spot, when I went there was just a working day, there were not many people, please explain at the door, take us to the side throughout the whole process, and the price is very cheap, parking is very convenient, buy a bracelet, Hangzhou must go to the attractions.
Lingyin Temple has received a high rating among tourists and is known as one of the most worthwhile temples in Hangzhou. This temple is not only admired by tourists for its long history and spectacular Buddha statues, but also for its location in a picturesque forest, providing a calm and tranquil environment. Visitors generally reflect that although many steps are required to climb, the beautiful temples and surrounding parks are definitely worth a visit. In addition, the natural scenery around Lingyin Temple, including Buddhist stone sculptures on the Feilai Peak, also provides a tranquil refuge for tourists, making the whole experience more unique and memorable.
Today, the first day to Hangzhou, straight to Lingyin Temple, today the fifth day, worship the god of wealth people are much older, fortunately we left early in the morning. The Lingyin Temple first went to and then the Fortune Temple on foot. It was really tired. When I went down the mountain, I saw the people who took pictures at the entrance of Lingyin Temple. I was really glad that I went out early. I went back and paralyzed on the bed. I planned to go to see the West Lake music fountain at night. When I arrived at the ground, that person, I was afraid that I would be trampled on. Decidably choose to go back to the hotel to sleep and rest.