Linji Temple, Buddhist temple in Zhengding Town, China
Linji Temple is a Buddhist shrine in Zhengding with traditional Chinese architecture spanning multiple halls that house Buddhist statues, including the Mahavira Hall displaying figures of Shakyamuni and Kassapa Buddha. The complex also features gardens, a bell tower, and various buildings that reflect different historical periods.
The temple was founded in 540 during the Eastern Wei period and later became the birthplace of the Linji school under Master Linji Yixuan in 854. This school shaped Buddhist tradition for centuries to come.
This temple is where the Linji school of Buddhism began, a tradition that later reached Japan and shaped Buddhist practice across East Asia. Walking through its halls, you can sense how this teaching method continues to guide the monks and visitors who come here.
The temple is best visited early in the morning when the air is fresh and crowds are minimal. It helps to wear comfortable shoes, as the complex is large and requires walking between various halls and the bell tower.
The Chengling Stupa on the grounds preserves its original architectural features from the Liao and Jin dynasties between the 10th and 13th centuries. This structure shows how the temple underwent cycles of rebuilding and restoration across many generations.
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