Xiangji Temple

Chinese people have the custom to go to Temples with their families to pray for good luck and health in on the 15^th of the first month in lunar calendar, which is not only a ritual activity, but also a good start of the year. And on that day there will be thousands of people crowding at the Xiangji Temple in south skirt of Xian. Its name “Xiangji” is derived from an ancient Buddhist scripture called Vimalakirti-nirdesa-sutra, which is on the purpose to convey the Buddhist’s thought that “benefiting others is benefiting oneself” to every corner of the world. Xiangji Temple is birthplace of Jingtu Sect, one of the eight Buddhism sects in China. In 681AD during the reign of Tang Gaozong the monk called Shandao was died, and his disciple called Huaidan built the Xiangji Temple for the commemoration of Shandao, making it the first Bodhimanda after the official establishment of Jingshi sect. Now, it has been repaired for many times, but it is still of great importance in Buddhism.

 

It is known to us all that the Buddhism prevailed in Tang Dynasty, and Xiangji Temple is particularly of high popularity. After Tang Dynasty, Xiangji Temple had its second prosperity as the history recorded. From Song Dynasty to Ming and Qing Dynasties, Jingshi sect was the most thriving and prosperous sect, which made Xiangji Temple the most popular temple in Xian. Xiangji Temple has always been protected from the war, but the top of its 13-layer Shandao pagoda was destroyed by years of neglect, leaving 11 layers now. Be that as it may, its grandness still leaves us a heart quake. Monks in plain clothes often chant scriptures and piously look up at the tower to express their respect to the Buddhism.

The previous generations always say that young people today lack religious belief. To be honest, we live in the society of numerous information, we have no certain beliefs. But, following the Buddhism, we will have an inner peace wherever we are. In China, we have the saying that “An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening, and a year’s plan starts withspring”. We all wish to have a good start every year at the moment when burning incense and ask for blessings. On the variegated wall, some exuberant cirrus is rising with strong beliefs and has never forgotten their original intention. Entering the temple, a tree with yellow flowers blossoming stands at the yard and a fragrant scent of the flowers pervading in the air.

Monks in different frocks are talking about the Buddhism excitedly, which is a partition of their life. In Buddhism, it is believed that “Exterior environment depends on internal thinking. Therefore, a person who gives a childlike smile to others must have a pure and happy mind inside. The temple is a place which gives people inner peace, and on the other side of the door, four Chinese characteristics called “Jingtu Zuting” is carved, which actually is the symbol of its status. And you will see that when you turn around, which means “The sea of suffering is boundless, yet a turn of the gear is the other shore.” Actually, we always caught in good luck when we put down some persistence of wrong intention and turn around.

Address: Guodu Town, Changan District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province.

No tickets fee and incenses are provided without charging fee.

Opening Hours: 8:30-18:00