Bailin Temple (Beijing)

Bailin Temple (柏林寺; Bǎilín Sì), translating to 'Monastery of the Cypress Grove,' is a historic 14th-century Tibetan Buddhist temple situated in Beijing, China. Established in 1347 during the Yuan Dynasty, it was initially a significant center for the Sakya school, which held considerable influence under the Mongol emperors. The temple's history is marked by periods of decline and extensive renovations, particularly under the Ming and Qing dynasties, with notable refurbishment efforts supervised by imperial figures.

History and Development

The temple's construction began in 1347 in the capital city of Dadu. Its early fortunes were tied to the Sakya school, but a shift in power in Tibet and the fall of the Yuan Dynasty in 1368 led to its disrepair. Despite the Ming Dynasty's relocation of the capital to Beijing in 1421, Bailin Temple remained neglected until the Zhengtong Emperor ordered its renovation in 1447. The temple largely survived subsequent conflicts, including the rebel army takeovers of Beijing in 1644. A significant period of revival occurred in the early 18th century when Prince Yong, later Emperor Yongzheng, became a patron. He oversaw a major renovation in 1713, coinciding with his father Emperor Kangxi's 60th birthday. The subsequent rise of the Yonghegong Lamasery, also patronized by royalty, led to a relative decline in Bailin Temple's prominence, though it was maintained.

During the Warlord era, Tibetan Buddhism was viewed with less favor, and temples faced challenges. In 1929, Abbot Taiyuan established a Buddhist academy within the temple, which played a role in advancing Buddhist studies in Beijing, though it closed in 1932 due to financial instability. The modern era saw further difficulties, with the temple being attacked by Red Guards in 1966 and subsequent alterations to its structures. A government-funded renovation in 1992 restored the original buildings, and the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Centre (CHP) has since established its headquarters there.

Architecture and Relics

The temple's layout follows a central axis with five main structures: the main gate, the Devaraja Hall, the Hall of Attaining Perfection, the Mahavira Hall, and the Vimalakirti Hall. The Mahavira Hall features a plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi and houses statues of the Buddhas of the Three Worlds. Adjacent is the Hall of Vimalakirti, containing Ming Dynasty Buddha images. Notable among the temple's treasures is a complete set of 7,240 printing blocks for the Tripitaka, carved in pear wood during the early 18th century. These blocks, originally stored in the Palace Museum, are now under the care of the Beijing Library and represent a significant contribution to Buddhist textual preservation.