White Clouds Taoist Temple - Beijing China

Summary

The largest tower shrine in Beijing, founded in 739 AD, has been rebuilt several times and features impressive architecture, including a triple-gated entrance adorned with a lucky monkey carving. Visitors can participate in traditional rituals, such as chiming bells for good luck. The temple embodies the essence of Taoism, promoting right action and good karma, with various gods representing specific rewards. Rich carvings depict the life of the master Chi Chang Chung and his journey, along with representations of the Chinese zodiac. The White Clouds Temple serves as an active spiritual community, welcoming visitors to learn about its rich history and practices.

Takeaways

• 🏯 The White Clouds Temple is the largest shrine in Beijing, founded in 739 AD.
• 🔄 The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history.
• 🦁 An impressive triple-gated entrance features a carved monkey that brings happiness and good luck when rubbed.
• 🐒 There are two additional carved monkeys within the temple, each promising good fortune when touched.
• 🔔 Visitors can participate in the tradition of chiming bells using bronze coins thrown from a bridge.
• ✨ The temple embodies the essence of Taoism, emphasizing right action and good karma.
• 🙏 Different gods are worshipped in various courtyards, each associated with specific rewards like spiritual immortality or earthly riches.
• 🎨 The temple features exquisite carvings depicting the life of master Chi Chang Chung and his journey to meet Gengis Khan.
• 🐴 Statues include a beautiful bronze horse and carvings of the Chinese zodiac animals.
• 👨‍ monks actively live and worship at the temple, creating an open and friendly atmosphere for visitors.

Q & A

What is the significance of the tower Shrine in Beijing?

The tower Shrine in Beijing is the largest of its kind and has historical significance, having been founded in 739 AD. It has undergone several destructions and reconstructions over the years.

What unique feature can visitors find at the entrance of the temple?

At the entrance of the temple, there is a triple-gated pillow with a carved monkey. Rubbing this monkey until it warms up is believed to bring happiness and good luck.

Are there other lucky symbols within the temple?

Yes, there are two other little monkeys carved somewhere in the temple, which visitors can also rub for good luck.

What tradition can visitors participate in beneath the bridge?

Visitors can participate in the tradition of chiming the bells with bronze coins thrown from the edge of the bridge. Striking the 'eye of wisdom' is believed to bring great luck.

How is the temple structured?

The temple is based around a series of interconnecting courtyards that create a calm haven embodying the essence of Taoism, which focuses on right action and good karma.

What do worshippers seek when praying to the gods in the temple?

Worshippers pray to specific gods for rewards that can range from spiritual immortality to earthly riches.

What kind of artwork can be found in the temple?

The temple features fabulous carvings that depict the life of Master Chi Chang Chung, including his journey to meet Genghis Khan, along with statues of animals from the Chinese zodiac and a bronze horse.

What is the atmosphere like in the White Clouds Temple?

The White Clouds Temple has an air of peaceful calm, but it is also open and friendly, encouraging interaction among visitors and monks.

How many monks reside in the temple, and what is their role?

Over 30 monks live in the terrace housing of the temple, and they actively participate in worship, guiding visitors through the temple and sharing details about Taoism and rituals.

What can visitors learn about Taoism at the temple?

Visitors can learn about the history and details of Taoism, including its practices and the various rituals surrounding worship, while experiencing the temple's serene environment.