Dinghui Temple
Dinghui Temple (Chinese: 定慧寺; pinyin: Dìnghuì Sì) was built in 591 AD during the Sui dynasty. According to the Xugao Sengzhuan, written by a monk called Daoxuan during the Tang dynasty, the emperor Yang of Sui held a meeting involving thousands of monks in Yangzhou. During the meeting the founder of Tiantai Buddhism passed by and decided to build a temple in Rugao. He took apart many houses nearby and built the temple. An accompanying pagoda was built at the same time.[1]
Brief introduction
Dinghui Temple was seriously damaged due to a series of wars during the
Temple layout
Dinghui Temple covers an area of 16 mu and the whole layout presents a shape like the Chinese character “回”. House churches are outer ring and temples are inside. The gate of the temple faces north, which is rare in China. Daxiong Palace and Scripture Library are both at south facing north. Now, a river surrounds the temple and makes the temple more beautiful. In Jingang Palace, there are four statues representing the Four Heavenly Kings. Virūḍhaka carries a sharp sword with angry eyes. Dhṛtarāṣṭra holds a lute looking up with pretension. Vaiśravaṇa takes an umbrella with a hideous face. Virūpākṣa seizes a dragon by his strong muscles.
Location
Dinghui Temple is at 17 on Shuguang Road in southeast Rugao.
References
- ^ http://www.rugao.gov.cn/nantongrg/zfxxgk/showinfo.aspx?infoid=2924a1a4-c71d-4189-a2da-818f47929ff7[permanent dead link]
- ^ "江苏如皋定慧寺导游词". Archived from the original on 2012-04-25. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
External links