Chinese Kung fu temples'destinations
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China.org.cn, January 19, 2011
Shaolin Temple embraces many excitiing attractions, such as The Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Center, etc. Travelers can follow the virtual guide about the Shaolin Temple. The First gate of Shaolin Temple is called Shanmen Hall. The hall enshrines the Maitreya Buddha. Two sides of the corridor behind the hall's gate are paved with inscriptions on stone steles made during several different dynasties, and lastly, the Hall of Heavenly Kings.
There are two figures depicting Vajra (Buddhist warrior attendants) standing on both sides. Inside the hall has figures of the Four Heavenly Kings who are responsible for inspecting peoples' behavior, helping the troubled, and blessing the people. Then you will arrive at the Mahavira Hall. The complex's center is right before your eyes. Both important celebrations and regular prayers are held here. 18 Buddhist Arhats stand along the eastern and the southern walls of the hall. The Pagoda Forest in Shaolin Temple is the largest of China's pagoda complexes in Shaolin Temple.
Inside Shaolin itself, Fangzhang Hall is the resting place for abbots. In 1750, Qing Emperor Qianlong lived in this hall during his visit to the temple. Afterwards, the temple was known as Long Ting, or Hall of the Dragon (due to the belief that the emperor is the son of the dragon). When entering the temple, one will first see a hall with double eaves with a Bell Tower and Drum Tower located nearby. Daxiongbaodian is the main hall of the temple, which was originally built in the Jin Dynasty but was destroyed in 1928.
In the middle of the hall, the Trinity Buddha is enshrined. Outside, you will see the two monasteries that were named: the Ancestor's Monastery and the Second Ancestor's Monastery. The first monastery was built by a Dharma's disciple to commemorate Dharma's nine years of meditation in a cave. The second monastery is a nursing home of the second ancestor Huike who cut his left arm in order to show his sincerity to the study of Buddhism from Dharma. The cave you see is the Dharma Cave. The cave is seven meters deep and three meters high. Many stone inscriptions are carved on both its sides.
In a word, Shaolin Temple is a good travel spot for visitors. You will have a better understanding of Chinese Buddhism and the martial arts in Shaolin Temple.
Information guide on "how to travel to Shaolin Temple":
Address: Dengfeng, Henan
Admission Fee: 110 yuan
Opening hours: 8:10 am-5:30 pm
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