A Day of Devotion
Zhizhe Temple was built in the 7th year of the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang (526 AD) during the Southern Dynasties. It was a royal temple built by Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, and has a history of nearly 1,500 years. As you enter Zhizhe Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the Taishan stone screen wall, which is 15.4 meters long and 3.9 meters high. It stands there quietly, as if telling the story of a thousand years of vicissitudes and changes.
Walking around the screen wall, you will come to the Lotus Square. On the square, you will see a number of pure lotus sculptures, which use the lotus as a metaphor for the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, making you feel a sense of solemnity and sanctity. I gently stepped onto the square, and every step seemed so solemn, as if I was in dialogue with history and resonating with the Buddha nature.
Walking along the square, you will come to the Mahavira Hall. This hall is the core building of Zhizhe Temple and one of the largest single buildings in Buddhist temples in China, with an area of 4,256 square meters. As you enter the hall, a solemn and solemn atmosphere greets you. The hall is dedicated to the Three Buddhas, and the Buddha's light shines on you, making you feel awe. I stood quietly in the center of the hall, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath, as if I could feel the power of the Buddha nature from a thousand years ago, slowly penetrating into my heart, making me calm and peaceful.
In addition to the Mahavira Hall, Zhizhe Temple has many other buildings and landscapes worth seeing. For example, the bell tower and drum tower, which are mainly in the Tang Dynasty style and are magnificent; for example, the Guanyin Hall, which is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Guanyin; for example, the Zhizhe Pagoda, which is named after the "Zhizhe". Each place is full of historical charm and cultural heritage, making you linger.