Nanjing Jiming Temple hot search "unlucky"? Understand the correct way to open a temple.

These days, the Jiming Temple in Nanjing suddenly went on a hot search.

Click in and have a look. It turned out that netizens spoke about their magical experience of going to Jiming Temple-some said it was effective, and they said that they would come true after going to the temple for sincere worship.

Others spit out their bad experiences. After coming out of Jiming Temple, not only did his wish not come true, but he was "unlucky".

In the heated discussion of netizens, Xiaoyi saw a strange angle of Weibo at a glance:

Is it because of this that "bad luck" is caused? Yi doesn't know either. However, the architecture of Buddhist temples has been passed down for thousands of years, and different temples also have their own stresses. A friend complained about this: "When I went to the temple, I didn't know anything. No one knows where to go. "

To this end, we have prepared such a simple guide to visit Buddhist temples. Taking Baima Temple, the first ancient temple in China, as an example, combined with other Buddhist temples in Han Dynasty, this paper shows you the typical configuration of Buddhist temples in Han Dynasty and teaches you how to visit a temple correctly.

Of course, since it is a typical configuration, it cannot be generalized. There are thousands of temples and customs. Although certain standards have been formed, the standards of each temple have their own characteristics, which are limited by different regions, ancestors and operating conditions of each temple.

0 1

The basic structure of Buddhist temples: Seven Great Halls in Galand.

At the earliest time, as the incarnation of Buddha, stupa was a sacred place for Buddhists. So the early temple buildings were all centered on the tower. However, with the development of the times, the architecture of Buddhist temples is deeply influenced by the local architectural schools in China, and gradually develops from tower-centered to temple-centered.

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, the flourishing Buddhist belief ushered in the climax of a wave of temple construction, and gradually developed a standardized architectural form-the Seven Great Halls in Galand. However, this is not a norm that must be followed. The composition of the seven halls will vary according to the sects respected by Buddhist temples.

In general, the Seven Great Halls in Galand mainly refer to the mountain gate, Buddhist temple, Buddhist temple, abbot, study, bathroom and East Hall (namely toilet). Among them, Buddhist temples are generally referred to, and different temples are distinguished according to the Buddha statues or bodhisattvas enshrined in them. Galand Qidian Temple is generally centered on the temple, and the main buildings run through the whole temple with the central axis, which is symmetrical from left to right.

However, it does not mean that these buildings are the only ones in the temple. The buildings such as the mountain gate, the Heavenly King Hall and the Ursa Major Hall are the basic configurations. If it is further reduced, like some small temples with only one main hall and people living in the left and right halls, it can only be regarded as "temples".

In addition to the basic configuration, a temple will also include stupas, stupas, Buddhist scriptures and other buildings, interspersed with archways, incense burners, cloisters and so on. In short, the important buildings of Buddhist temples are arranged in a straight line in the central part of the temple, while the affiliated halls and other ancillary facilities are arranged on both sides of the central axis.

02

How to visit Buddhist temples

Enter the first stop of the temple-the mountain gate

King Kong Lux Buddha protector

When you visit a temple, you'd better visit it from front to back. When we approached a temple, the first thing we saw was the mountain gate.

The mountain gate is the facade of a temple, which consists of three doors, one in the middle and two small doors on both sides. Buddhism calls this gate "three-liberation gate", that is, the middle gate is "empty gate", the east gate is "non-phase gate" and the west gate is "reactive gate", which means the inner three liberation. Some temples have only one door, which can also be called "three doors".

These three doors are often built into a hall. If there is not enough space, at least the middle room should be built into a hall. It is called "Shanmen Temple" or "Sanmen Temple". When you walk in, the first thing you see is the statue of King Kong Lux.

According to Buddhist legend, King Kong Lux is the dharma protector who holds a diamond pestle to protect Buddhism. At first, there was only one statue. However, influenced by China's traditional thought of symmetry, King Kong Lux was split in two and protected in Shanmen Temple.

Since it is the protector, the expression of the statue of Lux cannot be too gentle, and it often looks ferocious and scowls. The left side looks like an angry mouth, and the right side looks like an angry mouth. According to their mouth, the people also call them "two generals."

Tips:

When you enter a Buddhist temple, you are usually very careful not to go through the middle door. This is similar to our request to enter the ancestral temple to show humility. However, some people say that the middle gate is an empty gate, and only monks who become monks can pass through it.

As for the emphasis that the threshold cannot be stepped on, it is also related to convention. There is a saying in the Book of Rites: "Doctoral scholars, who enter and leave the military gate, do not practice their threshold." It means to be a guest in other people's homes, and never step on their threshold with your feet. After all, it's made of wood. It's too easy to break when you step on it.

Bell tower and drum tower

The sound of bells and drums is endless.

Entering the mountain gate, you will see the bell tower and drum tower on both sides, the bell tower on the left and the drum tower on the right. The largest bell and drum in the temple is here.

The temple pays attention to "morning bell and evening drum", that is, ringing the bell first in the morning and echoing the drum; Play drums first at night and answer with a clock. Ring the bell and drum on time, 108 in the morning and 108 in the evening, tell the time and alert the monks.

Tips:

Don't knock the bell and drum in the temple casually, because every time the temple rings the bell, it represents a certain meaning. Knocking will not only damage temple property, but also affect monks' practice.

Hall of Heavenly Kings

Maitreya entered, Wei Tuo left, and the four heavenly kings were in Fangzhen.

Tianwang Temple of Baima Temple is located between the main entrance and Ursa Major Hall, where Maitreya Buddha statue, clay sculpture statue of four heavenly kings and Wei Tuo statue of Ming Dynasty are enshrined. This is also the general configuration of Tianwangtang.

Our common Maitreya is the image of bare-chested and bare-bellied, holding a cloth bag. We are used to calling him Maitreya. But you know what? The Maitreya Buddha in Tianwang Temple is actually not a Buddha.

Although Maitreya Buddha is called Maitreya Buddha, in fact, in Buddhist teachings, Maitreya Buddha is only the fruit of Bodhisattva and can only appear as the Buddha of the III Buddha.

Therefore, the Maitreya Buddha in Tianwang Temple is still a bodhisattva, and if dressed as a bodhisattva, it is the "Maitreya Buddha with a crown of heaven". Our common "Maitreya Buddha with a big belly" actually originated from an epileptic monk in the Five Dynasties, and it didn't become popular until the Song and Yuan Dynasties, so it can be regarded as a very China Maitreya Buddha.

Bypassing Maitreya and looking back, you can see this Wei Tuo Bodhisattva standing opposite Maitreya. Wei Tuotian is a famous Buddhist protector, wearing golden armor, crown and pestle, facing Mahayana Hall, subduing evil spirits and protecting Buddhism.

On both sides of Tianwang Temple, there are four heavenly kings. The images and meanings of the early four heavenly kings have changed greatly through the evolution of past dynasties.

Tips:

Some small temple fairs combine Shanmen Temple and Tianwang Temple into one. At this time, four statues of heavenly kings may be offered together with the statue of King Kong Lux. However, Maitreya and Wei Tuo, who are enshrined in the middle, have been established.

Worship Maitreya Bodhisattva before entering the door, seeking family peace; Finally, I went out to worship Bodhisattva Wei Tuo, and sought peace and safety in my home.

The Heavenly King, who has heard a lot in the north, is the earliest "God of Wealth" in Buddhism and also the father of Nezha in Buddhist legend.

Hall (in a palace or Buddhist temple)

The Buddha sat in the middle.

In the main hall, the most common is the Ursa Major Hall.

As the most important building in Buddhist architecture at present, Daxiong Hall is generally the largest building in the whole temple, and all kinds of furniture in the hall are also the most magnificent and solemn, with all kinds of treasures, treasures and flags available. There are various offerings before the Buddha to support the Buddha and Bodhisattva.

With the development of the times and different sects, the number of gods in Buddhist temples has also changed, including one, three, five and seven.

A Buddha

For a Buddha, most of them are Sakyamuni, two disciples Ananda Ye Jia, or two bodhisattvas Manjushri Pu Xian. The White Horse Temple Buddha Hall is dedicated to Sakyamuni, and there are statues of Manjusri, Pu Xian, Ye Jia and Ananda.

Three buddhas

It is the main statue of three buddhas, and it is called one hall and three buddhas. There are three main types of buddhas: horizontal buddhas, vertical buddhas and three dharma bodies. Other arrangements are rare, so I won't go into details.

"Constant III Buddha", also known as "Trilateral Buddha", is divided by space, which means that the three buddhas live in three different space worlds, and are composed of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha and pharmacist Buddha. Among them, Sakyamuni Buddha has his hands on his back, his palms flat in front of his abdomen, the pharmacist Buddha holds a tower or pill, and Amitabha Buddha holds a lotus flower. The main hall of Baima Temple is the Buddha statue of Heng III.

The other is the vertical III Buddha, also known as the "Three-time Buddha", which reflects the inheritance relationship of the deity in time and is the secular Buddha, namely the Buddha of Sakyamuni; On the left is the past Buddha, which is the burning Buddha, and on the right is the future Buddha, which is the Maitreya Buddha.

Five buddhas

Five monks living in the same room are more common in Buddhist temples in the Song and Liao Dynasties, and developed from tantric Buddhism. Among the five giant buddhas, the Dharma Buddha Piluchana Buddha is enshrined in the middle, which is translated as Tathagata in Chinese and is the highest god of Tantric Buddhism. Arranged on both sides, the Buddha in the oriental fragrance world, the Buddha in the southern joy world, the Buddha in the western bliss world and the Buddha in the northern lotus world are in turn.

Seven buddha

Some monasteries used to worship seven buddha, that is, Vipo's corpse Buddha, Vishe's floating Buddha, Sun's stranded Buddha, Nahan's stranded Buddha, Kaye's Buddha and Sakyamuni's Buddha, which is the closest to the present seven buddha.

In addition to the Buddha statue, there are 18 arhats or 20 celestial statues on the left and right walls of the Ursa Major Hall to show the grand occasion of the Buddha's lecture. There are bodhisattvas behind the altar, mostly Guanyin or Manjusri.

Tips:

The Buddhist temple is a place where the Buddha is enshrined, and it requires the most. To sum up, there are probably the following points:

(1) Pay attention to dress neatly and don't make noise.

(2) Don't move the fruits and candles on the altar, and don't put personal belongings on them.

(3) It is disrespectful for some lay people to look directly at the Buddha statue in a Buddhist temple, so they can look outside the temple.

(4) Some temples are not allowed to take photos. Pay attention to whether there are signs or ask the mage before taking pictures. Even if allowed, be careful not to turn on the flash.

Annex hall and front and rear hall

Other buddhas and bodhisattvas

Generally speaking, you can see the main hall when you leave the king's hall. However, according to the theme of the temple, there will be special halls in the left and right attached halls or small courtyards on the side, such as Guanyin Hall, Manjusri Hall, Dizang Hall and THE TEMPLE OF JIALAN Hall. Among them, the Galapagos Temple is dedicated to people who have "great merits" in the history of Buddhist development. Ancestral temples are common in Zen Buddhism, and they are used to worship their ancestors.

Before and after the Daxiong Hall, other halls will be set up to worship other Buddha statues according to the needs of the temple. After the White Horse Temple Daxiong Hall, there are other halls such as Jieyin Temple and Piluge.

In these halls, the Pure Land Sect will serve the three saints in the west, that is, Amitabha holds a lotus flower or a spell, threatening to serve the Bodhisattva and Guanyin Bodhisattva; Hua Yanzong worships the three saints of Hua Yan, Manjusri Pu Xian is the left and right attendants, and the main Buddha statue is replaced by Pilu to cover the Buddha and wear Pilu hat; There are also three saints in the East. The main Buddha statue is the oriental glazed pharmacist Wang Buddha, who holds the pagoda and is threatened by the sun bodhisattva and the moon bodhisattva.

Jingzhuang, stupa and Tallinn

Different from other Buddhist buildings, the stupa is located behind the Buddhist temple, or just behind the mountain. The Yun Qi Pagoda of Baima Temple is located on the right side of Ursa Major Hall, and is called Sakyamuni Pagoda, Jinfang Pagoda and Baimata Pagoda. It is the earliest existing ancient building on the ground in Luoyang and one of the few architectural remains of the Jin Dynasty in the Central Plains.

Pagoda, originally produced in India, is a Buddhist building. After the death of Buddha Sakyamuni, his disciples built towers to preserve or bury his "relics" in memory of him. In other words, at the earliest time, this tower belonged to the nature of a tomb. When there were no Buddha statues in the early days, Buddhists often practiced clockwise around the tower. Therefore, the early Buddhist architecture was centered on the tower.

After the tower was introduced into China, it has undergone great changes and development in combination with China's inherent architectural form and national culture. No matter whether there are relics buried in the tower, it is called stupa. The center of the Buddhist temple has also changed from a tower to a palace. However, the original nature of the tower has not changed. Tallinn in many temples is the cemetery of monks. In order to improve the atmosphere in the film, monks are often asked to lead the enemy into Tallinn and fly up and down, which is ridiculous and generous.

Jingzhuang is one of the Buddhist stone carvings. In the mid-Tang Dynasty, Tantric Buddhism was introduced to China. At first, monks wrote Buddhist scriptures or Buddha statues on banners, and later carved them on stone pillars to keep them from being destroyed for a long time. Because the Dalagni Sutra is mainly carved, it is called a classic building.

Tips:

It is advisable to circle the pagoda clockwise and right, that is, the pagoda is always on its right side. This is a tribute to the Buddha.

Fatang Tibetan sutra pavilion

As the name implies, the Dharma Hall is the place where Buddhism lectures, which is equivalent to the lecture hall. Generally located behind the Buddhist temple and in front of the abbot. It generally appears in Zen temples, which shows its purpose of "spreading dharma". The sutra depository is a place for storing Buddhist classics, which is located at the last side of the whole Buddhist architecture system.

The Tibetan Classics Pavilion in Baima Temple is dedicated to the ancient Buddha of China presented to Baima Temple by the Buddhist circles in Thailand. There are more than 0 kinds of Tibetan Classics, such as Long Tibetan Classics, Han Tibetan Classics, Japanese Tibetan Classics, Tibetan Classics and Dunhuang Tibetan Classics.

Tips:

If you happen to meet a master speaking in the Dharma Hall, you must remember to keep quiet, don't shuttle around and take pictures everywhere. This is very disrespectful.

For some large-scale temples, there are also some buildings, such as the monk's hut, the sacred altar and the abbot's hall. Except that some temples are located on the central axis, other buildings are located on both sides of the temple or outside the temple, which is not easy to enter, so I won't go into details.

A winding path leads to a hidden place, and the Buddhist temple is surrounded by branches and flowers.

The Buddhist temple located between the mountains and the old forest has overlapping courtyards, which not only condenses time, but also spreads the meaningful Zen meaning on the mountains under the cover of the jungle. Therefore, visiting temples is also a great choice for many people in their leisure time.

We might as well take this guide with us when we go to the temple to pay homage. We must know better how to visit temples.

References:

Albino. China Buddhism and Buddhist temples. Beijing publishing house.

Zhou Siyao. Research on the central axis design of Buddhist cultural space [D]. Southeast University, 20 17.

Chen Chi. The formation of four famous Buddhist mountains in Ming and Qing Dynasties and the historical changes of temples [D]. Tsinghua University, 20 14.

Cao ruji Architectural layout and spatial organization of Wutai Mountain Temple in Shanxi [D]. Taiyuan University of Technology, 2005.

Li guihong A Preliminary Study on the Temple Architecture in the Han nationality Buddhism, China and the Spread of Buddhism [J]. Journal of Southwest University for Nationalities (Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition), 2002(S4):235-237.

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