A thousand-year-old temple hidden deep within the mountains of Jiānshuǐ, this ancient temple was built into the hillside, with soaring eaves and ancient trees creating a harmonious scene. Within the temple, paved paths of blue stone wind and twist, and the sound of ancient bells penetrates the mist, blending Zen and nature. The main hall features three gilded Buddha statues with serene faces, their robes flowing in the wind. The walls are adorned with murals painted with mineral pigments, still vibrant after centuries of weathering. The Sutra Hall houses a Ming Dynasty printed copy of the “Southern Buddhism Sutras,” with dried Buddhist flowers tucked between the pages, releasing a subtle fragrance. At the foot of the temple, a listening pavilion offers a panoramic view, with inscriptions on the stone railings commemorating Zheng He’s stay. The temple was originally built during the Nan Zhao period and has survived numerous wars, becoming a crucial node for the spread of Buddhism in Yunnan. The Qing Dynasty writer Zhang Dai recorded the temple’s Zen rules and the transmission of incense. The “Zen Sound Inscription” records the stories of past monks, including a long poem by Shi Xinkong titled “One Thought Tranquil” – a treasure of Yunnan Buddhism. Occasionally, villagers offer incense in the mountains, and the smoke rises, connecting this ancient temple with the lives of the people.
