Donglin Buddha, Bronze statue at Donglin Temple, Jiujiang, China
The Donglin Buddha is a colossal bronze figure with a gold-plated surface that rises on the northwestern slope of Mount Lushan, dominating the landscape of Jiujiang. This monumental statue anchors the Donglin Temple complex and is visible from many vantage points across the region.
The statue was completed in 2013 and constructed through collaborative efforts of craftspeople and supporters from around the world who contributed to its realization. Its creation represented a major undertaking in continuing the temple's long tradition as a center of Buddhist practice dating back over a thousand years.
The statue embodies Buddhist reverence for Amitabha and connects to the temple's centuries-old tradition as a pilgrimage site for devotees seeking spiritual meaning. Visitors can observe how the figure remains central to the daily prayers and meditations of worshippers who come to the complex.
The best time to view the statue is in early morning or late afternoon when the light catches the gold surface beautifully. The temple grounds are accessible on foot, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes and move carefully on the sloped terrain.
Local craftspeople applied a remarkable amount of gold leaf during the final finishing phase to create the statue's distinctive appearance. This extensive work was necessary both to protect the structure and to achieve the glowing aesthetic that makes the figure stand out across the landscape.
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