Puji Temple: Witnessing the Historical Trajectory and Spiritual Symbol of Mount Putuo's Main Monastery

In the sacred and spiritually rich realm of Mount Putuo in Zhejiang, if you could only choose one temple to visit, the top choice would undoubtedly be "Puji Temple." This temple was built during the reign of Emperor Yizong of the Tang Dynasty (approximately 860 to 874 AD). According to legend, a Japanese monk named Hui'e traveled across the seas to China in search of Buddhist teachings. During his pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, he encountered a revered statue of Guanyin and felt deep admiration. He decided to bring the statue back to Japan for worship. However, on his return journey, he repeatedly encountered obstacles in the form of iron lotus flowers blocking his way in the waters near Mount Putuo. Unable to take the statue away, Hui'e realized that Guanyin did not wish to leave. Thus, he built a shrine on Mount Putuo to enshrine the statue, marking the origin of the Guanyin sanctuary. Today, Puji Temple has become the largest ancient monastery on Mount Putuo and the central site of Guanyin worship in China, as well as a hub for Buddhist activities. Located on the southern side of Mount Putuo's main peak, Foding Mountain, at the foot of Lingjiu Peak, Puji Temple occupies relatively flat and open terrain. Its layout, facing the sea and backed by mountains, is considered a model of Chinese Buddhist temple architecture, blending the official architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Arriving at Mount Putuo's oldest main monastery near dusk, the sunlight cast a golden glow on the weathered walls of Puji Temple, immersing the entire temple in a rhythm of another time and space. Stepping into this Guanyin sanctuary, the serene and spiritually charged environment felt like entering a sacred misty realm among twilight mountains. White clouds gently encircled the area, light and shadow intertwined, and the mind mirrored the ripples in the Haiyin Pool, expanding inward in quiet circles. It seemed tranquil yet held infinite awareness. Our group of five wandered through various sites such as Xilai Zen Courtyard, Xilin Hall, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Pumen Hall, and the Great Hall of Perfect Enlightenment. We sensed that this architectural complex was not only a physical manifestation of an ancient monastery but also a long-lost echo of the soul. It felt like a spiritual symbol where Zen aesthetics and architectural beauty merged seamlessly. In this sacred mountain sanctuary, our body, mind, and spirit intertwined with the holy atmosphere. Being here meant truly being present; no concern for worldly matters, no use of phones, no checking messages, no responding to noise—just a moment of silence for oneself, enjoying the tranquil Zen ambiance and the harmony of nature.