Zhenru Temple, Buddhist temple on Mount Yunju, Yongxiu County, China
Zhenru Temple sits on the southwestern slope of Mount Yunju and displays traditional Chinese architecture with grey roof tiles and whitewashed walls spread across multiple levels. The complex includes numerous halls, with a memorial hall dedicated to Master Hsu Yun built in 1990.
The temple was founded between 806 and 810 during the Tang dynasty by monk Daorong as a center for Chan Buddhist teachings. This establishment made it an important site for the development of this school in China.
The temple serves as the main center of the Caodong school within Chinese Buddhism, where visitors can observe traditional scripture study and meditation practices that continue today.
The temple complex is best explored on foot, with visitors walking between different halls and navigating paved paths and stairs on the hillside. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the complex spans multiple levels and requires climbing.
The temple preserves a bronze statue of Rocana that survived the 1937 invasion, remaining the only original artwork from that period. This sculpture stands as a rare testament to the temple's resilience during a turbulent time in Chinese history.
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