Bell tower (Chinese Buddhism)

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Bell tower
Bell Tower of Yunju Temple (20150223134805).JPG
The Bell tower at Yunju Temple, in Beijing.
Traditional Chinese 鐘樓
Simplified Chinese 钟楼
Literal meaningBell tower

The Bell tower is an important building in Han Chinese Buddhist temples. Together with Drum tower, they are usually placed on both sides of the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings. It is usually located on the left side while the Drum tower is usually located on the right side. It is general a three-storey pavilion with a large bell hung in it. The loud and melodious sound of the bell is often used to convene monks. In each morning and night, beating the bell 108 times symbolizes the relief of the 108 kinds of trouble in the human world. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Examples

Bell tower of Xiantong Temple

The Bell tower of Xiantong Temple was built in the Ming dynasty (13681644). A biggest copper bell is stored in the tower. It was cast between 1621 and 1627 during the Ming dynasty (13681644). Weighing 4,999.75 kilograms (11,022.6 lb), it sounds deep and sonorous when beaten, which can pass away for 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) and last for several minutes. [4] [5]

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Dharma Hall

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Xiantong Temple

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Wannian Temple (Mount Emei)

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Zhiyuan Temple (Mount Jiuhua)

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Dacien Temple Building in Shaanxi, China

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Meidaizhao Monastery

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Hall of Sangharama Palace

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The Arhat Hall is mainly for enshrining Arhat in Chinese Buddhist temples. Arhat is short for Arahant, meaning self-enlightened. In the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, Arhats rank the third position in Buddhism, only below the Buddha and Bodhisattva. In the Theravada tradition of Buddhism, Arhats rank the highest the Karma position. Buddhists believe that Arhats position means to free oneself from being troubled and from the circle of rebirth.

Free Life Pond

The Free Life Pond is an annex pond of the Han Chinese Buddhist temples. It is usually located in front of the Shanmen or the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings. The Free Life Pond embodies Buddhist thoughts of compassion and understanding of all living beings.

The Hall of Bhaisajyaguru is the hall to enshrine Bhaisajyaguru, who is also named "Yaoshifo" for short in Chinese Buddhism.

Drum tower (Chinese Buddhism)

The Drum tower is an important building in Han Chinese Buddhist temples. Together with Bell tower, they are usually placed on both sides of the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings. It is usually located on the right side while the Bell tower is usually located on the left side. It is general a three-storey pavilion with a big drum placed on it. When it is beaten, it sounds grandly and loudly. Buddhist temples set times to beat the drums to inform the time and also wake people up.

References

  1. Zi Yan 2012, p. 34.
  2. Wei Ran (2012-06-01). Buddhist Buildings. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press. ISBN   9787112142880.
  3. Han Xin (2006-04-01). Well-Known Temples of China. Shanghai: The Eastern Publishing Co. Ltd. ISBN   7506024772.
  4. Zi Yan 2012, p. 61.
  5. Wang Jia 2012, p. 97.

Bibliography

Further reading