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Putuo, the Buddhist Fairyland on the Sea
It is said that even an Emperor was kept outside of the gate when he tried to
make a private visit in disguise, because according to Buddhist rules, the main
gate only opens when a new abbot assumes his seat or when the first of the 10
Heavenly Stems and the first of the 12 Earthly Branches meet again after 60
years. At about 9 o'clock the long-closed main gate finally opened in the
resounding sound of firecrackers. The pious and celebrating masses, following
Master Jieren, crossed the threshold of the gate and joyfully stroked the
various steles behind the gate as if they wanted to hold fast in their hands the
fortune that had been gathered behind the gate for so long. Coincidently, the
sky over Putuoshan cleared up after several days of rain and the sun shined. The
whole ceremony lasted for more than three hours. It is such a wonderful
experience that it's really an eye-opener.
Old Temple, New
Abbot
Buddhist doctrines are rich and sophisticated. In the
more than 2000 years since its introduction into China, Buddhism, with its
immortal wisdom, merciful spirit and peaceful way of preaching, has integrated
with the intrinsic culture of China and become a wonder flower in the garden of
Chinese traditional culture.
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