Difference between revisions of "Yonghe Temple"
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[[File:Yonghe_Temple_entrance.jpg|thumb|250px|Yonghe Temple entrance]] | [[File:Yonghe_Temple_entrance.jpg|thumb|250px|Yonghe Temple entrance]] | ||
[[File:Yonghe_Temple.jpg|thumb|250px|The Yonghe Temple, informally known as "Lama Temple"]] | [[File:Yonghe_Temple.jpg|thumb|250px|The Yonghe Temple, informally known as "Lama Temple"]] | ||
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[[File:Yonghetemple1600x1200.jpg|thumb|250px|A close-up of the temple]] | [[File:Yonghetemple1600x1200.jpg|thumb|250px|A close-up of the temple]] | ||
The [[Yonghe Temple]] [[雍和宮]], also known as the "[[Palace of Peace and Harmony Lama Temple]]", the "[[Yonghe Lamasery]]", or - popularly - the "[[Lama Temple]]" is a [[temple]] and [[Monastery]] of [[The Geluk School]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] located in the northeastern part of {{Wiki|Beijing}}, [[China]]. It is one of the largest and most important [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monasteries]] in the [[World]]. The building and the artworks of the [[temple]] is a combination of {{Wiki|Han Chinese}} and [[Tibetan]] styles. | The [[Yonghe Temple]] [[雍和宮]], also known as the "[[Palace of Peace and Harmony Lama Temple]]", the "[[Yonghe Lamasery]]", or - popularly - the "[[Lama Temple]]" is a [[temple]] and [[Monastery]] of [[The Geluk School]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] located in the northeastern part of {{Wiki|Beijing}}, [[China]]. It is one of the largest and most important [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monasteries]] in the [[World]]. The building and the artworks of the [[temple]] is a combination of {{Wiki|Han Chinese}} and [[Tibetan]] styles. | ||
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Building work on the [[Yonghegong]] [[Temple]] started in 1694 during the {{Wiki|Qing Dynasty}}. It originally served as an official residence for court [[eunuchs]]. It was then converted into the court of the {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Yong]] ([[Yin Zhen]]), a son of the {{Wiki|Kangxi}} [[Emperor]] and himself the {{Wiki|future}} [[Yongzheng Emperor]]. After [[Yongzheng's]] ascension to the [[throne]] in 1722, half of the building was converted into a [[lamasery]], a [[Monastery]] for [[Monks]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. The other half remained an {{Wiki|imperial}} palace. | Building work on the [[Yonghegong]] [[Temple]] started in 1694 during the {{Wiki|Qing Dynasty}}. It originally served as an official residence for court [[eunuchs]]. It was then converted into the court of the {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Yong]] ([[Yin Zhen]]), a son of the {{Wiki|Kangxi}} [[Emperor]] and himself the {{Wiki|future}} [[Yongzheng Emperor]]. After [[Yongzheng's]] ascension to the [[throne]] in 1722, half of the building was converted into a [[lamasery]], a [[Monastery]] for [[Monks]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. The other half remained an {{Wiki|imperial}} palace. | ||
| − | After Yongzheng's [[Death]] in 1735, his coffin was placed in the [[temple]]. The {{Wiki|Qianlong Emperor}}, [[Yongzheng's]] successor, gave the [[temple]] {{Wiki|imperial}} {{Wiki|status}} signified by having its {{Wiki|turquoise}} tiles replaced with yellow tiles which were reserved for the [[emperor]]. Subsequently, the [[Monastery]] became a residence for large numbers of [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monks]] from [[Mongolia]] and [[Tibet]], and so the [[Yonghe Lamasery]] became the national centre of [[Lama]] administration. | + | After [[Yongzheng's]] [[Death]] in 1735, his coffin was placed in the [[temple]]. The {{Wiki|Qianlong Emperor}}, [[Yongzheng's]] successor, gave the [[temple]] {{Wiki|imperial}} {{Wiki|status}} signified by having its {{Wiki|turquoise}} tiles replaced with [[yellow]] tiles which were reserved for the [[emperor]]. Subsequently, the [[Monastery]] became a residence for large numbers of [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[Monks]] from [[Mongolia]] and [[Tibet]], and so the [[Yonghe Lamasery]] became the national centre of [[Lama]] administration. |
| − | The [[temple]] is said to have survived the {{Wiki|Cultural Revolution}} due to the intervention of Prime Minister {{Wiki|Zhou Enlai}}. It was reopened to the public in 1981. | + | The [[temple]] is said to have survived the {{Wiki|Cultural Revolution}} due to the intervention of [[Prime Minister]] {{Wiki|Zhou Enlai}}. It was reopened to the public in 1981. |
| − | == Architecture and artworks == | + | == [[Architecture]] and artworks == |
| − | The [[Yonghe Temple]] is arranged along a north-south central axis, which has a length of 480m. The main gate is at the southern end of this axis. Along the axis, there are five main halls which are separated by courtyards: the Hall of the [[Heavenly Kings]] ([[Tian Wang Dian]] or [[Devaraja]] Hall), the Hall of [[Harmony]] and [[Peace]] ([[Yonghegong]]), the Hall of Everlasting [[Protection]] (Yongyoudian), the Hall of the [[Wheel]] of the Law (Falundian), and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses (Wanfuge). | + | The [[Yonghe Temple]] is arranged along a north-south central axis, which has a length of 480m. The main gate is at the southern end of this axis. Along the axis, there are five main halls which are separated by courtyards: the Hall of the [[Heavenly Kings]] ([[Tian Wang Dian]] or [[Devaraja]] Hall), the Hall of [[Harmony]] and [[Peace]] ([[Yonghegong]]), the Hall of Everlasting [[Protection]] (Yongyoudian), the Hall of the [[Wheel]] of the Law (Falundian), and the [[Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses]] (Wanfuge). |
The Hall of the [[Heavenly Kings]] is the southernmost of the main halls, it served originally as the main entrance to the [[Monastery]]. In the center of the hall stands a statue of the [[Maitreya Buddha]], along the walls [[Statues]] of [[The Four Heavenly Kings]] are arranged. | The Hall of the [[Heavenly Kings]] is the southernmost of the main halls, it served originally as the main entrance to the [[Monastery]]. In the center of the hall stands a statue of the [[Maitreya Buddha]], along the walls [[Statues]] of [[The Four Heavenly Kings]] are arranged. | ||
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The Hall of Everlasting [[Protection]] was [[Emperor]] [[Yongzheng's]] living quarters as a {{Wiki|prince}} and the place where his coffin was placed after his [[Death]]. Today, a statue of the [[Bhaisajya-Guru]] ([[Healing Buddha]]) stands in this hall. | The Hall of Everlasting [[Protection]] was [[Emperor]] [[Yongzheng's]] living quarters as a {{Wiki|prince}} and the place where his coffin was placed after his [[Death]]. Today, a statue of the [[Bhaisajya-Guru]] ([[Healing Buddha]]) stands in this hall. | ||
| − | The Hall of the [[Wheel of the Law]] functions as a place for reading [[scriptures]] and conducting [[religious]] {{Wiki|ceremonies}}. It contains a large statue of [[Je Tsongkhapa]], founder of the [[Geluk School]]. The hall also contains the Five-Hundred-[[Arhat]]-Hill, a carving made of red [[sandalwood]] with [[Statues]] of the [[Arhats]] made from five different metals ({{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, {{Wiki|copper}}, {{Wiki|iron}}, and tin). | + | The Hall of the [[Wheel of the Law]] functions as a place for reading [[scriptures]] and conducting [[religious]] {{Wiki|ceremonies}}. It contains a large statue of [[Je Tsongkhapa]], founder of the [[Geluk School]]. The hall also contains the Five-Hundred-[[Arhat]]-[[Hill]], a carving made of [[red]] [[sandalwood]] with [[Statues]] of the [[Arhats]] made from five different metals ({{Wiki|gold}}, {{Wiki|silver}}, {{Wiki|copper}}, {{Wiki|iron}}, and tin). |
The [[Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses]] contains an 26m tall (18m above the ground and 8m underneath) statue of the [[Maitreya Buddha]] carved from a single piece of White [[Sandalwood]]. The statue is one of three artworks in the [[Temple]] which were included in the Guinness [[Book]] of Records in 1993. | The [[Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses]] contains an 26m tall (18m above the ground and 8m underneath) statue of the [[Maitreya Buddha]] carved from a single piece of White [[Sandalwood]]. The statue is one of three artworks in the [[Temple]] which were included in the Guinness [[Book]] of Records in 1993. | ||
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* three bronze [[Statues]] of the [[Buddhas]] of the Three Ages | * three bronze [[Statues]] of the [[Buddhas]] of the Three Ages | ||
| − | * Five-Hundred-[[Arhat]]-Hill | + | * Five-Hundred-[[Arhat]]-[[Hill]] |
* 26m tall White [[Sandalwood]] statue of the [[Maitreya Buddha]] | * 26m tall White [[Sandalwood]] statue of the [[Maitreya Buddha]] | ||
== Location == | == Location == | ||
| − | The [[Yonghe Temple]] is located in Beijing's Dongcheng District, near the northeastern corner of the Second Ring Road. Lines 2 and 5 of the {{Wiki|Beijing}} Subway both stop at [[Yonghegong]], as do a number of city buses. The postal address is: 12 [[Yonghegong]] Dajie, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District, {{Wiki|Beijing}}. | + | The [[Yonghe Temple]] is located in [[Beijing's]] [[Dongcheng District]], near the northeastern corner of the Second Ring Road. Lines 2 and 5 of the {{Wiki|Beijing}} Subway both stop at [[Yonghegong]], as do a number of city buses. The postal address is: 12 [[Yonghegong]] [[Dajie]], Beixinqiao, [[Dongcheng District]], {{Wiki|Beijing}}. |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
Latest revision as of 11:02, 15 March 2024
The Yonghe Temple 雍和宮, also known as the "Palace of Peace and Harmony Lama Temple", the "Yonghe Lamasery", or - popularly - the "Lama Temple" is a temple and Monastery of The Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism located in the northeastern part of Beijing, China. It is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in the World. The building and the artworks of the temple is a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.
History
Building work on the Yonghegong Temple started in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty. It originally served as an official residence for court eunuchs. It was then converted into the court of the Prince Yong (Yin Zhen), a son of the Kangxi Emperor and himself the future Yongzheng Emperor. After Yongzheng's ascension to the throne in 1722, half of the building was converted into a lamasery, a Monastery for Monks of Tibetan Buddhism. The other half remained an imperial palace.
After Yongzheng's Death in 1735, his coffin was placed in the temple. The Qianlong Emperor, Yongzheng's successor, gave the temple imperial status signified by having its turquoise tiles replaced with yellow tiles which were reserved for the emperor. Subsequently, the Monastery became a residence for large numbers of Tibetan Buddhist Monks from Mongolia and Tibet, and so the Yonghe Lamasery became the national centre of Lama administration.
The temple is said to have survived the Cultural Revolution due to the intervention of Prime Minister Zhou Enlai. It was reopened to the public in 1981.
Architecture and artworks
The Yonghe Temple is arranged along a north-south central axis, which has a length of 480m. The main gate is at the southern end of this axis. Along the axis, there are five main halls which are separated by courtyards: the Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tian Wang Dian or Devaraja Hall), the Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong), the Hall of Everlasting Protection (Yongyoudian), the Hall of the Wheel of the Law (Falundian), and the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses (Wanfuge).
The Hall of the Heavenly Kings is the southernmost of the main halls, it served originally as the main entrance to the Monastery. In the center of the hall stands a statue of the Maitreya Buddha, along the walls Statues of The Four Heavenly Kings are arranged.
The Hall of Harmony and Peace is the main building of the temple. It houses three bronze Statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages, the statue of the Gautama Buddha (Buddha of the Present) is in the center, it is flanked by the statue of Kasyapa Matanga (Buddha of the Past, Right) and the Maitreya Buddha (Buddha of the Future, left). Along the sides of the hall, the Statues of the 18 Arhats are placed. A mural in the hall shows the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
The Hall of Everlasting Protection was Emperor Yongzheng's living quarters as a prince and the place where his coffin was placed after his Death. Today, a statue of the Bhaisajya-Guru (Healing Buddha) stands in this hall.
The Hall of the Wheel of the Law functions as a place for reading scriptures and conducting religious ceremonies. It contains a large statue of Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Geluk School. The hall also contains the Five-Hundred-Arhat-Hill, a carving made of red sandalwood with Statues of the Arhats made from five different metals (gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin).
The Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses contains an 26m tall (18m above the ground and 8m underneath) statue of the Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of White Sandalwood. The statue is one of three artworks in the Temple which were included in the Guinness Book of Records in 1993.
Three fabulous artworks
- three bronze Statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages
- Five-Hundred-Arhat-Hill
- 26m tall White Sandalwood statue of the Maitreya Buddha
Location
The Yonghe Temple is located in Beijing's Dongcheng District, near the northeastern corner of the Second Ring Road. Lines 2 and 5 of the Beijing Subway both stop at Yonghegong, as do a number of city buses. The postal address is: 12 Yonghegong Dajie, Beixinqiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
