Chongsheng Temple (Fujian)
Chongsheng Temple, originally known as Yingtian Xuefeng Chan Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Xuefeng in Fujian, China. Founded in 870 by Chan master Yicun, it became a crucial center for Chan Buddhism, with disciples establishing influential schools. The temple has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions throughout its history, most recently in 1979 following a period of damage.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 870 CE by Chan master Yicun during the Tang dynasty.
- ›Originally named Yingtian Xuefeng Chan Temple.
- ›Renamed Xuefeng Chongsheng Chan Temple by Emperor Taizong of the Song dynasty in 978.
- ›Two ancient Tamarix chinensis trees, over 1000 years old, are among the oldest features, believed to be planted by Yicun and Wang Shenzhi.
- ›Disciples of Yicun, Yunmen Wenyan and Fayan Shibei, founded the Yunmen and Fayan schools of Chan Buddhism, respectively.
- ›Designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area by the State Council of China in 1983.
Important Relationships
- Yicun (founding master)
- Wang Shenzhi
- Yunmen Wenyan (disciple)
- Fayan Shibei (disciple)
- Emperor Taizong (Song dynasty)
- Yuan Ying (abbot)
Two 1000-Year-Old Tamarix Chinensis Trees, Mahavira Hall, Hall of Four Heavenly Kings, Hall of Guanyin, Bell Tower, Drum Tower
- Founding As Yingtian Xuefeng Chan Temple In 870.
- Renaming To Xuefeng Chongsheng Chan Temple By Emperor Taizong In 978.
- Renovations In 1404 and 1887 .
- Reconstruction Supervised By Yuan Ying In 1928.
- Bombardment During the Second Sino-Japanese War.
- Restoration and Rebuilding In 1979.
- Designation As A National Key Buddhist Temple In 1983.
Chinese Buddhist Temple Architecture
About Chongsheng Temple (Fujian)
Chongsheng Temple, located at the foot of Mount Xuefeng in Dahu Township, Minhou County, Fujian, China, is a historically significant Buddhist temple with deep roots in Chan Buddhism. Originally established in 870 CE as "Yingtian Xuefeng Chan Temple" by the Chan master Yicun during the Tang dynasty, it quickly became a prominent center for Buddhist learning and practice.
Founding and Early Development
The temple's founding master, Yicun (822–908), was a pivotal figure whose disciples, Yunmen Wenyan and Fayan Shibei, would go on to establish the influential Yunmen and Fayan schools of Chan Buddhism, respectively. These schools played a crucial role in shaping the development of Buddhism in China. Among the oldest surviving elements of the temple are two Tamarix chinensis trees, believed to be over a thousand years old and planted by Yicun and Wang Shenzhi, attesting to the temple's ancient origins.
Imperial Recognition and Renovations
In 978, during the Song dynasty, Emperor Taizong bestowed upon the temple the honored name "Xuefeng Chongsheng Chan Temple," which it has retained to this day. The temple has undergone several significant renovations throughout its long history, including major refurbishments in 1404 during the Ming dynasty under abbot Fa'an and in 1887 during the Qing dynasty under abbot Daben. In 1928, the renowned monk Yuan Ying was chosen as abbot and supervised further reconstruction efforts.
Modern History and Significance
Chongsheng Temple faced damage during the tumultuous period of the Second Sino-Japanese War, with instances of bombardment in 1937. Following a period of renewed religious freedom in China, the local government undertook a comprehensive restoration and rebuilding of the temple on its original site in 1979. Recognizing its historical and religious importance, the State Council of China designated Chongsheng Temple as a National Key Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area in 1983. The temple complex includes various halls such as the Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, Hall of Four Heavenly Kings, and Hall of Guanyin, alongside towers and other functional buildings, making it a vital center for Buddhist worship and heritage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chongsheng Temple founded?
Chongsheng Temple was originally built in 870 CE under the Tang dynasty by Chan master Yicun.
What is the significance of the ancient trees at Chongsheng Temple?
The two ancient Tamarix chinensis trees at Chongsheng Temple are over 1000 years old and are considered the oldest elements of the temple. They are believed to have been planted by the founding master Yicun and Wang Shenzhi.
What schools of Buddhism originated from Chongsheng Temple?
Disciples of the founding master Yicun, specifically Yunmen Wenyan and Fayan Shibei, went on to found the influential Yunmen school and Fayan school of Chan Buddhism, respectively.
Has Chongsheng Temple been damaged by war?
Yes, Chongsheng Temple was subjected to bombardment during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which broke out in 1937 after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. The temple was later restored and rebuilt in 1979.
What is the current status of Chongsheng Temple?
Chongsheng Temple was restored and rebuilt in 1979 and has been designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area. It is an active religious site.
Related Buddhist Temples
Cishou Temple
Cishou Temple, also known as Nangshan Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple located on Mount Nang in Putian, Fujian, China. Founded in the Tang dynasty, it has undergone numerous expansions, destructions, and reconstructions throughout its history, reflecting periods of imperial patronage, religious persecution, and eventual revival. The temple is recognized as a National Key Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area.
Chung Tai Chan Monastery
Chung Tai Chan Monastery, located in Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan, serves as the global headquarters for the Chung Tai Shan Chan Buddhist order. Completed in 2001, it is renowned as an architectural masterpiece and was once the world's tallest Buddhist building, standing at 136 meters. The monastery is a significant center for Chan Buddhism, second only to Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan for its size and number of ordained disciples.
Baoguo Temple
Baoguo Temple, originally known as Lingshan Temple, is a significant Chinese Buddhist temple located north of Ningbo City in Zhejiang Province. It is renowned for its main hall, dating back to 1013 AD during the Northern Song dynasty, which stands as one of the oldest and most well-preserved completely wooden structures in southern China.