Hi all
Over the weekend, I was in China, Xiamen. Visited 2 temples there.
Following is a brief description of a Temple at Putien. Guang Hua Shi.
This is an old Buddhist temple whereby monks lived there. What shocked me were 2 things I discovered during my visit. Sorry no pictures taken.
1) Just like the army days, when we are short of uniform and any army necessities we visited Beach Road hawker to get our items. Over there, just outside the temple, there are about 5 shops set up to supply Monks' necessities such as robes, gongs, mats and so forth. And there is demand...cause I witness a few monks making purchase.
2)The temple lay out...cause I normally visit Ti Kong Beo in Singapore. So when I first entered Guang Hua Shi, Mi Le Fo (Laughing Buddha) is the first direct statue. <<<Of course you are greeted with Door Guardians by the side at the main entrance>>>.
Behind Laughing Buddha is Wei Tuo Buddha. Wei Tuo Buddha is facing the 3 Main Buddhas..only can remember Si Jia Mo Ni Buddha....
I am wondering how come the layout is similar...esp Laughing Buddha, Wei Tuo Buddha and Main Hall Buddhas...
Anyway so much about my shock discoveries.
If you guys have visited Tan Gah Beo at Bukit Purmei, you will notice 2 very nice balck urns outside ((for you to place joss sticks)). There are 3 actually...one on the far right side...it is covered with silver pagoda shelter. Over at Guang Hua Shi, outside the main hall, a similar black polish urn is also placed. Being Kay Po. I took a peek to see what is inside..well it is filled with burnt charred papers. My point is to a certain extent, the devotees also burn joss papers. So let us not be quick to comment, burning of joss papers is strongly discourage.
The temple also has a very tall Goddess of Mercy. Maybe Bukit Batok size...never take a close look at BB....just happened to drive past. Goddess of Mercy is housed in a temple. The whole temple is well maintained although it is old. Dun expect Singapore Bright Hill Temple standard. Again the feeling is good after the worship.
Their statues are big ones....maybe I can explain...I passed Fu Zhou and there are many many stone cravers shops there. The statues are big.Will share my visit to An Xi Cheng Huang Miao next...
Cheers!
Raymond
| QUOTE (350raymond @ Jun 20 2006, 01:27 PM) |
Hi all
Over the weekend, I was in China, Xiamen. Visited 2 temples there.
Following is a brief description of a Temple at Putien. Guang Hua Shi.
This is an old Buddhist temple whereby monks lived there. What shocked me were 2 things I discovered during my visit. Sorry no pictures taken.
1) Just like the army days, when we are short of uniform and any army necessities we visited Beach Road hawker to get our items. Over there, just outside the temple, there are about 5 shops set up to supply Monks' necessities such as robes, gongs, mats and so forth. And there is demand...cause I witness a few monks making purchase.
2)The temple lay out...cause I normally visit Ti Kong Beo in Singapore. So when I first entered Guang Hua Shi, Mi Le Fo (Laughing Buddha) is the first direct statue. <<<Of course you are greeted with Door Guardians by the side at the main entrance>>>.
Behind Laughing Buddha is Wei Tuo Buddha. Wei Tuo Buddha is facing the 3 Main Buddhas..only can remember Si Jia Mo Ni Buddha....
I am wondering how come the layout is similar...esp Laughing Buddha, Wei Tuo Buddha and Main Hall Buddhas...
Anyway so much about my shock discoveries.
If you guys have visited Tan Gah Beo at Bukit Purmei, you will notice 2 very nice balck urns outside ((for you to place joss sticks)). There are 3 actually...one on the far right side...it is covered with silver pagoda shelter. Over at Guang Hua Shi, outside the main hall, a similar black polish urn is also placed. Being Kay Po. I took a peek to see what is inside..well it is filled with burnt charred papers. My point is to a certain extent, the devotees also burn joss papers. So let us not be quick to comment, burning of joss papers is strongly discourage.
The temple also has a very tall Goddess of Mercy. Maybe Bukit Batok size...never take a close look at BB....just happened to drive past. Goddess of Mercy is housed in a temple. The whole temple is well maintained although it is old. Dun expect Singapore Bright Hill Temple standard. Again the feeling is good after the worship.
Their statues are big ones....maybe I can explain...I passed Fu Zhou and there are many many stone cravers shops there. The statues are big.Will share my visit to An Xi Cheng Huang Miao next...
Cheers!
Raymond |
hi Raymond,
Wow! interesting. did you visit Hong San Si, the mother temple to Kong Teik Choon Ong? its in Xiamen too, at Shishan.
regards,
CT
Hi CT
Never go there...next time if I have the chance.
Hi Sht
Your photoskills posted i n your site is superb. Hence I did not take any pics at ChengHuang Temple.
Rgds
Raymond