Embrace Serenity at Faxi Temple: The Buddha's Blessing Awaits
Since ancient times, Hangzhou has been known for its numerous temples. The most famous among them is Lingyin Temple (灵隐寺), which not only received its name from Emperor Kangxi but also gained widespread fame through the story of Ji Gong. Today, however, let’s talk about another temple that rivals Lingyin—Faxi Temple (法喜寺).
🌳🌄 Nestled in the Tianzhu Mountains (天竺山) are three renowned temples, historically known as the “Three Tianzhu Temples” (天竺三寺), commonly referred to as Upper Tianzhu Temple, Middle Tianzhu Temple, and Lower Tianzhu Temple. 🏯 Lower Tianzhu was established first over 1,600 years ago, while Upper Tianzhu, the most recent, has a history of over a thousand years. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong named the three temples as Faxi Temple (法喜寺), Fajing Temple (法净寺), and Fajing Temple (法镜寺), personally inscribing the temple plaques. Historically, these temples were collectively known as the “Buddhist Kingdom of Tianzhu” (天竺佛国).
The Three Tianzhu Temples are hidden deep within forested valleys 🌿🌳, with magnificent architecture and serene scenery. Starting from Lingyin Temple, you can reach these temples via the Tianzhu Pedestrian Street (天竺步行街) 🚶♂️🚶♀️, or take a shuttle bus for the journey 🚌. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by blue skies, white clouds, and lush greenery 🌳🌞, creating a picturesque landscape.
🚶♀️ As you reach the top at Upper Tianzhu, you’ll find yourself at the entrance of Faxi Temple. Let’s briefly introduce Faxi Temple:
📍 Location: No. 338, Tianzhu Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou (杭州市西湖区天竺路338号).
🎫 Ticket Price: 10 RMB.
💳 How to Purchase Tickets:
- Buy at the window 🪟.
- Scan the QR code via Alipay 📱.
🚶♂️ Entering Faxi Temple: Upon entering the courtyard, you’ll find the dining hall on your right 🍲. If you’re there during lunchtime, you can enjoy a vegetarian meal for just 5 RMB—yes, just 5 RMB! 🤑 The meal includes a dish of vegetables and a bowl of rice, with free refills of both rice and soup. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly affordable 💰.
🙏 Inside the Temple: As you walk along the main path, you’ll encounter various Buddha statues carved into the stone 🗿. The walls are inscribed with Buddhist scriptures 📜. One of the arches bears the phrase “Samadhi” (三摩地), a term used in Buddhism. In Buddhism, Samadhi is part of the Noble Eightfold Path and is often associated with the development of mindfulness and concentration leading to the attainment of Nirvana. Crossing the threshold of the temple brings a moment of peace, away from the mundane world 🍃.
🏯 Temple Architecture: Faxi Temple, like many ancient Chinese structures, is built along a central axis. The temple has five main halls 🏯. Upon entering the first gate, you’ll be greeted by the Maitreya Buddha, known for his large, welcoming smile 😄. There’s a saying: “A big belly can tolerate the intolerable, and a smile can laugh at the laughable.” Behind the Maitreya is the Weituo Bodhisattva, whose primary role in Buddhism is to protect the Dharma. Surrounding them are the Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of peace in all directions.
🕯️ Main Halls: As you proceed to the second and third halls, you’ll find the main shrine dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni 🙏. Here, visitors are offered three sticks of incense to light and make wishes 🌸.
📚 Sutra Library: Further back is the Sutra Library. Unlike other temples, Faxi Temple has wooden staircases on either side, allowing visitors to ascend to the upper floors 🪜. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view that soothes the soul 🌅. The walls are adorned with stories carved into the wood, and benches are available for those who wish to rest 🛋️.
🚪 Finishing the Visit: After your tour, you’ll exit the temple 🚶♂️. Here’s an important note: Faxi Temple is reputed to be highly effective in granting wishes ✨. You can also purchase an omamori (御守), a charm for protection 🧿. As society has evolved, these charms have come to hold various meanings. One of the most popular is the “Buddha bless you” charm, which is in high demand 🛍️.
Finally, after choosing a charm that suits you, your visit to Faxi Temple concludes 🌸. Until next time!
