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| Travel in China > City Tour > Shanghai |
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Jade Buddha Temple In front of the hall, in the middle of the open space, stands a precious tripod. There are stone tablets of 18 arhats located on the eastern and western walls outside the hall. The wall of the eastern corridor is embedded with stone tablets containing 32 incarnations of Avalokitesvara created by famous painters throughout the ages. Along the wall of the western corridor are embedded stone tablets recounting the important events in the life of Sakyamuni, "The Story of Sakyamuni's Enlightenment in Eight Drawings". ** The Kwan-yin Hall, Teahouse and Vegetarian Restaurant There is a 2-meter-high bronze Kwan-yin sculpture located in Kwan-yin Hall made in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Since Avalokitesvara has always been the Bodhisattva frequently worshipped by Chinese Buddhist disciples, it is known as one of the main places of worship. The usual portrait of Kwan-yin is that of a beautiful figure with womanly features and a flower garland on his head, wearing bright and colorful clothing, like an ancient Chinese lady. However, according to legend, Avalokitesvara is male, and people often question Kwan-yin's actual gender. According to Buddhist principles, Bodhisattva is a saint with no "leaks" (ie, with a pure and passionless wisdom), and a great Dharma body, with no gender distinctions. In order to help people, the Bodhisattva can appear in various forms. The teahouse on the side of the hall is a place for tourists and worshippers to enjoy a cup of tea and take a break. The Vegetarian Restaurant provides vegetarian food for pilgrims and visitors from home and abroad. Usually, it features such dishes as noodles and cakes. The vegetarian food at the Jade Buddha Temple, with its varied presentation and cooking techniques, attracts customers from near and far, and boasts a long history. During the Autumn Festival, the restaurant also provides vegetarian moon cakes . Due to the delicacy's exquisite flavors and choice ingredients, the treat has been in great demand in recent years. ** The Hall of the Four Deva Kings The first hall of the Jade Buddha Temple is the Hall of the Four Deva Kings -- a two-storied hall with its gate facing southeast. The three front hall gates also serve as the temple gates.
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