Photo Essay - The White Horse Temple in Luoyang
Photo Essay - The White Horse Temple in Luoyang
I visited the White Horse Temple near the ancient Dynasty Capital of Luoyang twice, once about 11 years ago, and again about 5 years ago. It's called White Horse Temple because it's where in ancient times Buddhist monks from India came on two white horses to Luoyang, then the capital of China, carrying the tomes of Buddhism to teach Buddhism to the Chinese. The Emperor was impressed by them, and gave them a 32 acre plot of land to build the first Buddhist Temple in China.
This photo of the main entrance is not mine, but is from the internet. All other photos were taken by me, or if of me, with my camera.
From Wikipedia:
White Horse Temple is, according to tradition, the first Buddhist temple in China, established in 68 AD under the patronage of Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han dynasty capital Luoyang. The site is just outside the walls of the ancient Eastern Han capital, some 12–13 kilometres east of Luoyang in Henan Province. The temple, although small in comparison to many others in China, is considered by most believers as "the cradle of Chinese Buddhism".
1. This horse wasn't there on my first visit - but as indicated by the two white horse statues at the entrance, horses are relevant to this particular temple.
2. It's hard to tell that's me.
3. In front of the 'Reclining Buddha' is a picture of the Temple that was constructed on the site by India as a gift to China. It was built in 2008.
4. Not sure what the monks are doing.
5. There are many Buddhas there. I'm a little puzzled in that this one is holding a sword, which is more appropriate to represent the Warrior Buddha of Taoism.
6. If I could have spoken Chinese, I would have asked him if he knew who Ringo was.
7. My wife touches the tripod urn for good luck.
8. Another Buddha
9. A meditating monk - one of my favourite photos. I call it 'Primary Colours'.
10. The temple constructed by India as a gift to China.
11. My wife and I (wearing my Blue Jays cap for the benefit of A.Mac) standing in front of the Buddha inside the Indian gifted temple.
12. Yet another Buddha, in a different building.
13. I think this statue is of the first head monk of the temple.
14. Joss sticks (incense) burning in front of a temple - I'm not absolutely certain this one was at White Horse or elsewhere.
15. My wife holds up her lit joss sticks in prayer, before planting them in the sandbox - it's her religion.
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Yet to come, in the Luoyang vicinity - the Peony Festival, King Park, the Yellow River, and the Geological Park.
Keep 'em coming, Buzz...
They're a very nice vicarious stroll!
Maybe some of the "progressive" members would have been interested had I misspelled the title and made it:
"Photo Essay - The White HOUSE Temple..."
LOL
Nah...
It's the alt-right that worships at the White House....
But the most of the critics are crickets when it comes to art.
Sad but true...
Another great photo series Buzz..
Thanks for the tour.
Dear Friend Buzz: #4. What are the monks doing?
Maybe reclining at a Passover Seder?
One of my favorite things about Pesach was that I would put my elbows on the table and not get scolded for it.
By contrast, one of the things that one of my Aunts couldn't wait for was the end of the second Seder.
That was she could yell, "Sit up straight when you eat at my table"!
Freedom is an elusive term to define.
Could this Monk be Orthodox?
Was the sculptor Frum?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Smiles.
Enoch.
Good one Mac!
Dear Friend AMac: The Buddha Mikveh.
Talk about a transcendental experience!
Heard the one about the Buddhist Monk who goes to a hot dog vendor?
Vendor asks, "What is your pleasure Sir"?
Reply: "Make me at one with everything".
Smiles.
E.
In fact, it looks like one of them is getting into it. LOL
Funny. They don't LOOK Jewish.
And yet, on Christmas Eve, the only places to get something to eat in China …
… are Kosher delis.
Dear Friends Buzz and AMac: Just showed the back and forth to Mrs. E.
She cracked up!
Good ones, dear friends.
E.
Not so, A.Mac. The Chinese aren't hypocrites - to them Christmas is just another commercial promotion. However, what you wrote may well be true in America.
I love your photo essays Buzz, since I am not sure when I will get to China. They make me feel like I would know these places if I saw them.
As I said above, I have more to post just about Luoyang, but there's much more to come.
keep them coming