Pilgrimage to Mount Wutai
1846 Mount Wutai map with description on top left. Rubin Museum of Art Collection
Mount Wutai, better known as Wutaishan or Five Peaked Mountain, is a sacred Buddhist mountain located in Shanxi Province, China. Mount Wutai is identified by its five flat-topped peaks which are strongly believed to be the earthly abodes of Lord Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Each peak is inhabited by a different form of Manjushri.
On the south peak resides the white form of Manjushri called Jvanasattva（智慧文殊菩萨）. On the peak itself, there is a temple called Puji Temple (普济寺) where they house the Jvanasattva statue. On the West Peak there is Falei Temple (法雷寺) where Vādisiṁha（狮子吼文殊菩萨), Manjushri seated on a lion, resides. On the Central peak resides a form of Manjushri wielding a sword called Manjushri Natha（孺童文殊菩萨）, and Yanjiao Temple（演教寺）is located on this peak. Then, on the North peak resides a form of Manjushri called Vimala（无垢文殊菩萨）. The North peak is the highest peak among all five peaks, towering at a height of 3,058 metres above sea level. Ling Ying temple（灵应寺）is located on this peak and houses a statue depicting Manjushri in this form. Finally, on the East peak resides Four-Armed Manjushri called Manjughosa Tiksna（聪明文殊菩萨）, and the East peak is where Wanghai temple is located.
On Mount Wutai, there are over 53 sacred Buddhist monasteries and among them, the Chinese temples outnumber the Tibetan and Mongolian temples. Throughout history, there has been much recorded Tibetan involvement with the mountain. The famous Tibetan scholar Buton Rinchen Drub in his writings Bde gshegs bstan pa’i gsal byed chos kyi ’byung gnas, stated that the first Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo went to Mount Wutai and built 108 temples there while another Tibet king, Trisong Detsen, himself came to be considered as an emanation of Manjushri. In depictions of Trisong Detsen, we can clearly see the inclusion of Manjushri’s implements, the book and the sword, above his shoulders. Trisong Detsen’s most significant work was to build the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, as a great contribution to the flourishing of Buddhism in his country.
The famous white stupa in the middle of Mount Wutai
The Tibetans believe that Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen was another Manjushri emanation on earth who also visited Mount Wutai during his time. According to Tibetan history, a miniature Mount Wutai was recreated in Phari. The site, complete with five peaks, was located just south of Liangzhou, Gansu Province where Sakya Pandita passed away. Sakya Pandita built and founded the monastery Drakgön Chokga Ling in 1246 on this site, praising the location as being as beautiful as Mount Wutai. He even described the site as being a branch of Wutai.
Mount Wutai is also closely connected with one of China’s most benevolent rulers, Emperor Kangxi himself. Kangxi, who sponsored the Mongolian translation of the Kangyur (1718 – 1720), is referred to as an emanation of Manjushri in the preface of the translation:
“Then Mañjuśrī, the savior of all living forms, [with the] intellect of all the Buddhas, was transformed into human form, and ascended the Fearless Lion Throne of gold; and this was none other than the sublime Emperor Kangxi-Mañjuśrī who assisted and brought joy to the entire vast world…”
Emperor Kangxi personally visited Mount Wutai at least five times, an extraordinary number for an emperor. His frequent visits to Mount Wutai reflected the close relationship that existed between the new Manchu sovereigns and Manjushri. In pictorial records of Kangxi’s trips to Mount Wutai, depictions of Kangxi and Manjushri are subtly conflated. In the image below for example, the act of the Emperor slaying a tiger is equated with Manjushri’s subjugation of poisonous dragons in subduing the land.
The act of the Emperor Kangxi slaying a tiger is equated with Manjushri’s subjugation of poisonous dragons in subduing the land
The above are just a few examples of how important Tibetan figures have had a connection with Mount Wutai over the centuries.
Recently Julia Tan and I had the great opportunity to visit Mount Wutai. Although it was a short one-day visit, we were grateful to have the opportunity. Due to time restrictions, we were only able to visit a few Gelug monasteries such as Luohou Temple, Guang Ren Monastery (Lamasery), Pusa Ding (Pusa Temple) and Puji Temple. We recount some of them below for you and hope you will enjoy reading about them, and perhaps even be inspired to visit them. With so many holy sites dedicated to Manjushri, Mount Wutai is a definitely must-visit holy site for all Buddhists who wish to plant the seeds to develop wisdom.
Tsem Rinpoche and Karen Chong
Luohou Temple
Built during Tang Dynasty, Luohou Temple was initially a Chinese temple. It was not until the Qing Dynasty when it was converted into a Gelug monastery, making Luohou Temple one of the 10 famous Gelug monasteries on Mount Wutai. Since ancient times, Luohou Temple has been known for being one of the more well-kept monasteries and is a must-visit temple for pilgrims travelling to Mount Wutai.
The entrance of Luohou Temple
The signage in the temple directing visitors to different chapels
Manjushri Stupa at Luohou Temple
Guang Ren Monastery
Guang Ren Monastery is just right next to Luohou Temple. Although this monastery is smaller in scale compared to many other monasteries, they have quite complete facilities. For example, Guang Ren Monastery has an art department and a department dedicated to Tibetan medicine, as well as a hostel for tourists or practitioners who wish to stay over in Mount Wutai.
In Guang Ren Monastery, the precious Kangyur (the spoken words of the Buddha) can be found taking pride of place in their Manjushri Chapel.
During the time of Emperor Kangxi, it was said that Kangxi visited Mount Wutai at least five times. This monastery existed during his time, having first been built in 1705 and later rebuilt and restored in 1952.
According to a resident Buddhist teacher, there are two summer palaces specially built for His Holiness the Panchen Lama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama located on the left and right side of the building. Many of the sangha in Guang Ren Monastery come from Labrang Monastery, one of the largest and most influential monasteries in Amdo, Tibet.
Pusa Ding Monastery
Pusa Ding, which is the largest and most complete Gelug monastery on Mount Wutai, sits at the highest point of Central Peak, better known as Vulture Peak. The most glorious period of the monastery was during the Qing dynasty when it was converted into a Tibetan monastery (lamasery) by Emperor Shunzi in 1656. In order to gain the faith of Tibetan and Mongolian sangha and practitioners, Emperor Kangxi bestowed the title of “Provincial Commander-in-chief” to the monastery’s senior lama and ordered the whole state of Shanxi to allocate contributions to the monastery. All lama temples then came under the influence of Pusa Ding, because the Imperial authority had given them the highest leading position of the region.
Over the centuries, the monastery has provided accommodation for Qing Emperors, Mongolian warlords and Tibetan lamas whenever they have travelled to Mount Wutai for pilgrimage. Whenever His Holiness the Panchen Lama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited Mount Wutai, they would stop by here to give Buddhist discourses. One such example was in 1980, when the 10th Panchen Lama gave a teaching here.
South Peak – Puji Temple
Puji Temple is the main temple on this plateau. It houses the white form of Manjushri Jvanasattva. The temple is made of stone, surrounded by prayer flags and wild flowers in the meadows.
Reference:
- Wutai shan: Pilgrimage to Five-Peak Mountain by Karl Debreczeny
For more interesting information:
- Emperor Kangxi / 康熙皇帝
- Excellent Travelogue of holy places in Tibet
- Nepal Pilgrimage full videos
- Why Visit Holy Pilgrimages?
- David’s Pilgrimage to India
- Making Offerings to Shar Gaden Monastery
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Reading this post reminds me of my first pilgrimage trip to Wu Tai San . Went with my Kecharians brothers and sisters few years back. Great memories indeed, we are so fortunate given the opportunity to visit such holy site of Lord Manjushri and more it’s a pilgrimage.
Mount Wutai is a sacred mountain, one of the Four Sacred Mountains in Chinese Buddhism. Mount Wutai, known as ‘the five terrace mountain’, is the highest in Northern China believed to be the earthly abodes of Lord Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Great ….Each peak is inhabited by a different form of Manjushri. Its five main peaks, positioned east, south, west, north, and in the middle, embrace one another with broad and plain . From the 1st century AD to the early 20th century many temples have been built on the steep slopes . Besides the religious aspect, the beauty of rising and falling ridges of mountains, exotic rocks, are really amazing. The beautiful scenery there is a masterpiece of exquisite acts of nature, predominantly visible over the five main peaks. What really important is that Mount Wutai have a connection and vast history with many Tibetan lamas. From Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen to China’s most benevolent rulers, Emperor Kangxi .
Looking through those beautiful pictures tell us all.
Thank you Rinpoche and Karen for this wonderful sharing.
Dear All
I would like to share with you the sacred prayer of Manjushri – A Concert Names of Manjushri (’Jam-dpal mtshan-brjod, Skt. Mañjuśrī-namasamgiti), which consists of 160 verses and mantra sentences. One version is translated by Alexander Berzin, a scholar, translator, and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, and the other one is from FPMT.
Valentina
Wutai Shan sounds like so mysterious and has so many places to explore. Dorje Shugden’s abode one of them is at Wu Tai Shan. Would love to visit this place if given a chance.
小时候就从武侠里听闻五台山，学佛后对五台山的认识就超越了武侠世界。因为特喜欢文殊菩萨，所以对五台山这个文殊菩萨的道场也有份特殊的感觉。感谢Karen的分享，特别让读者了解了历代西藏统治者跟文殊菩萨或五台山的密切缘分。
祈愿有一天能到五台山朝圣，祈愿更多人获得文殊菩萨的加持和祝福，增长智慧 🙂
The photos taken in Mount Wutai are very beautiful, especially the famous white stupa in the middle of Mount Wutai and the crafted Manjushri . The famous Buddha in the wooden lotus-shaped flower is very special and magnificent. I wish one day I can visit Mount Wutai. Thank You Rinpoche for introducing Manjushri abode and thank you Karen for sharing this article.
Thank you Karen for this blog post… especially the many blessed images and pictures of this sacred abode of Manjushri. To be honest I have never been attracted to visit China one bit until I heard of this place called WuTai San from Rinpoche. From what and how Rinpoche explained about it being the abode of the great Wisdom Buddha Manjushri and that this is one of the places where Dorje Shugden also come forth as he is Manjushri, I grew to appreciate it, with an interest to maybe one day be able to have the privilege to visit it.
The cave looks mystical and imbued with great energy. Very apt of you to do your Gangloma in there! How truly meritorious indeed. Definitely worth climbing those 108 stairs to pay homage to our lineage Buddhas. Thank you again for this lovely blog post!
Thank you very much Rinpoche and Karen for sharing these beautiful pictures and write up about Mount Pilgrimage to Mount Wutai. This is really an eye opener for me and my mum about the history and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in Mount Wutai,China. Really love the beautiful temples and statues. Truly a sacred and holy site that people should try to visit. Very inspiring place!
Very happy to read that there are over 53 sacred Buddhist monasteries on Mount Wutai. While the ratio between Chinese temples, Tibetan temples and Mongolian temples are unequal, it still goes to show the significant of Mount Wutai as a sacred holy place. As it is, Mount Wutai, located in Shanxi Province, China is identified by its five flat-topped peaks which are strongly believed to be the earthly abodes of Lord Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Each peak is inhabited by a different form of Manjushri. Such richness in religious and cultural elements must not be missed by spiritual aspirants. Thank you Karen for sharing this article and the many nice pictures.
Thank you Karen for sharing this article to readers and of course with some beautifully taken photos on Mount Wutai and surrounding temples. I rejoice for you and Julia having the opportunity to visit such holy site of Lord Manjushri. I would love to visit Mount Wutai soon!
I was quite surprised that there are so many Gelug temples given the fact that Mount Wutai is located in China! it is nice to see the marriage of 2/3 different cultures and tradition through Buddhism. And we don’t see conflict or whatsoever, just pure dharma – nice! Really love to see Chinese oriental ancient architecture infused with Tibetan elements, mystical yet elegant!
Wow wow wow….what an eye opener! Such a wonder and holy place to do pilgrimage. I heard of WuTaiShan few years back. The story behind its amazing as the 5Mount Wutai is identified by its five flat-topped peaks which are strongly believed to be the earthly abodes of Lord Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Each peak is inhabited by a different form of Manjushri.
I love the buildings, Monastery and the mixture of tibetan and chinese style. Very unique and beautiful. I really wish to visit someday.
Thank you for sharing Rinpoche.
Wu Tai San is well-known as a most popular and one of the most holy places of Chinese Buddhism. A sacred buddhist mountain located in North-East China in Shanxi Province, it is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and is said to be standing at a height of 3,058 meters. It is believed that on each of the 4 sacred mountains, there is a residing Boddhisattva, and they all have, it seems manifested on these mountains before. It was said that “Wu Tai San” or the Five peak mountains became officially listed as “UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE” in 2009! Wu Tai San is also closely linked to China’s most benevolent ruller, Emperor Kangxi himself, who it seemed had visited Mount Wutai for at least five times. May all have the good fortune and blessings to be able to visit and see this sacred place at least once in our lifetime!!! Thank you graciously Karen for the kind sharing and enlightening!
Mount Wutai, is one of the Four Sacred Mountains in Chinese Buddhism.
Apparently the association of Mañjuśrī with Wutai (Wu-t’ai) Shan in north China was known in classical times in India itself, identified by Chinese scholars with the mountain in the ‘north-east’ (when seen from India or Central Asia) referred to as the abode of Mañjuśrī in the Avataṃsaka Sūtra. There are said to have been pilgrimages from India and other Asian countries to Wutai Shan by the seventh century.
Tibetan interest in Wutai shan was expressed as early as the Tibetan imperial period (seventh-ninth century), when Tibet arose as one of the greatest military powers of Asia and the first significant cultural interactions between Tibet and China were recorded. According to one early Tibetan historical source, theTestament of Ba (Bazhé), Tibetan envoys returning from China circa 755 made a long detour in order to return via Wutai shan.
In view of the high altitude, the best time to visit Wutai Mountain should be in summer from July to August, the average temperature of that time is only around 18 C (64.4 F)
Source:
1) http://www.easytourchina.com/idea-v1068-sacred-wutai-mountain-wutaishan–for-chinese-buddhists
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wutai
3)http://www.thlib.org/collections/texts/jiats/#!jiats=/06/debreczeny/b5/#ixzz4OycvPtDq
Thank you Karen and Julia for sharing this pilgrimage to Mount Wutai. Rejoice for being able to visit Mount Wutai.
Regards
Freon
Thank you Karen for sharing with us your trip to Wu Tai Shan (5-peaked mountain). This is definitely a very holy place otherwise there won’t be so many temples in this area. The statues are very beautiful and temples are very well maintained. The Gelug monasteries architecture is a mixture of Tibetan style and Chinese style, this is pretty unique. It shows the integration and tolerance of two different cultures.
If you have only 1 day to visit Wu Tai Shan, this is definitely a good guide of which site or temple to visit.
Thank you Karen for this great sharing about Wu Tai Shan. Definitely this is a holy place that all of us should visit one day. It is just such a beautiful place to even have a look at. I really hope that one day I will be able to visit Wu Tai Shan as well.
Just taking a look at the overall map, there is so many holy places to visit. I do believe that with the day trip that both you had, it was not enough time to cover everything.
With these 4 monasteries/temples that you have shared, I can tell that definitely that this trip is something that have changed your perspective towards what is going on in your life. They are not only places that are nice to visit, but also places that can help us in our practice.
I will like to thank Karen again for sharing her experience with all of us here.
Mount Wutai is a sacred place with temples and beautiful statues dedicated to Manjushri. I hope to visit this holy place in the near future.
五台山为中国四大佛教名山之一。自幼就听闻其大名，但不知道原来它就是文殊菩萨的道场！一直到对藏传佛教有更深入的见解，详读它的历史背景之后，才明白它为什么这么有名。自古以来，多位鼎鼎有名，成就非凡的佛教大师，僧侣及各代皇帝都与五台山有挂钩。其中康熙皇帝五次亲访五台山，还设立了广仁寺等在这殊胜的地方留下痕迹。”康熙皇帝赋诗赞曰：“絕磴摩群峭，高寒逼斗宮。鐘鳴千嶂外，人語九霄中。朔雪晴猶積，春冰暖未融。憑虛看陸海，此地即方蓬。” 赞颂北台之美。
其实五台山意指五座高峰，各峰代表着不同化身的文殊菩萨。到了五台山不攻顶，就不算是到达五台山。如果真想攻五个山顶，就得花上至少两天的时间。台怀镇上
酒店旅馆到处都是，素食馆也不难找，非常方便。希望明年我们克切拉能够举办五台山朝圣团。朝圣意义非凡，能够到达文殊菩萨的道场做供养及朝拜，功德无量。
This is definitely one of the places i would like to visit. After reading this article, it makes me want to visit even more. Visiting holy sites not only bless our dharma practice, it also opens our mind to receive more Dharma. From just looking at the pictures, I can feel the serenity of the place and the energy it exudes, more so from this holy mountains which is the abode of Manjushri and established by Emperors of China centuries ago.
Let’s hope Kechara will organise a pilgirmage trip soon. 🙂
感谢您的分享那么多的资讯与美丽的照片，
文殊菩萨道场五台山，是我们一直向往抵达的朝圣地之一，能够看见如此满满地庄严宏伟的寺院，并且五台山是中国唯一一个青庙（汉传佛教）黄庙（藏传佛教）交相辉映的佛教道场，点缀出那份浓浓特有的文化，彰显出文殊菩萨（妙吉祥）的智慧与德才超群。
能够朝圣在五台山中，被所有的文殊菩萨寺院包围着，仿佛就被如同文殊菩萨心咒 ：嗡 阿 若 巴 佳 呐 地 包围着一样，增长我们的福德、智慧，记忆力，辩才无碍。并消除我们的愚痴，让我们明瞭诸法实相。
希望我们都能有这样的机会与功德，到五台山朝圣
谢谢
Jerry Sito
Thank you Karen for sharing the information this awe inspiring Mount Wutai, which is one of the seats of Buddha Manjushri. The place certainly looked mystical and would love to visit on pilgrimage to such a holy place. I love the pictures of the Monasteries that you and Julia had visited. I spotted a picture of our own Guru in Guang Ren Monastery. How blessed we are! Our Guru who is of the same mindstream as Buddha Manjushri must have very strong connections with Wutai Shan and I read that in Phari, a seat of Rinpoche’s past incarnation also had a replica of Wutai Shan. Now if you look at Kechara Forest Retreat, you too can see the 5 peaks. May we always be blessed by Buddha Manjushri’s wisdom.
There are 5 peaks in KFR too? Mmmm…. interesting.
Looks like there’s no better place than being in KFR alone. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu
By the way, thanks Karen for the write-up.
It had always been inspiring to me that beautiful temples were built to be places of worship in the moments of history. And till this day serves to remind us of the various ways of preserving the Dharma. Temples and monasteries are places where the monastic orders live and study so that the Dharma can be perpetuated.
It is such a blessing to see these photos of the temples and Manjushri images in Wutaishan.
As a Buddhist of the Gelug tradition, it is also rewarding to know that Tibetan buddhism also manifested in China by the emanation Manjushri Emperor Kiangxi who visited Wutaishan 5 times during his time.
I hope that one day, I can visit Wutaishan.
Definitely the most holiest place on earth where we can feel the immense presence of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. The preciousness of the dharma & traditions of buddhism is very much alive in every photos & places that are presented in the article.
Especially the beautiful statue of Lama Tsongkhapa, founder of Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism who is emanation of Avalokiteśvara, Manjushri & Vajrapani.
Thank you Karen & Julia for sharing this extraordinary spiritual journey.
Rejoice to Karen and Julia have the opportunity to this holy place of Manjushri, Mount Wutai.
As per record and photos showed, there are not only Chinese temples in Mount Wutai, but also Tibetan and Mongolian temples and most significant is Lord Tsongkhapa statue in Louhou Temple. Besides, His Holiness the 10th Panchen Lama’s throne can be seen in Guang Ren Monastery.
Thank you Rinpoche, Karen and Julia for this nice sharing about Mount Wutai. For those have faith in Manjushri may consider to visit this sacred Mount Wutai.
Thank you Ms Karen and Ms Julia for your generous sharing of your trip to Mount Wutai.Your photos of your visit at the holy sites are stunning and memorable.You are very informative on the origin of these historical and holy site .
We were glad to know on how Tibetan buddhism get to influence Chinese buddhism through history and support of great Emperors from the past with their deep imprints they left behind.
In the book of “Tibetan Buddhists in the Making of Modern China” mentioned the Kangxi emperor and his son, the future Yonzhong emperor, came to Mount Wutai to set up regular long-life prayer at the mountain on the full and new moon of each month. Mount Wutai is considered special for Manjushri. This is one of them reflected the close relationship Kangxi emperor and Manjushri .
Mout Wutai also prove that long time ago Tibetan Buddhism already playing important role in China Buddhism. As a Buddhist, I believe this is a place worth to visit for not only getting blessing for this holy place but the spiritual grow.
Mount Wutai is really amazing and hallmark of Manjushri. Over 100 of temples located on Mount Wutai.Many forms of Manjushri can be found on Mount Wutai.
There are few Gelug monasteries must visit such as Luohou Temples,Guang Ren monastery,Pusa Temple and Puja Temple.
Pilgrimage to Mount Wutai will trigger pilgrims imprint from previous life and this will give advantages to their spiritual path.
Karen and Julia are awesome.Thanks so much.Your write-up really make me eye-opener
Jason
Thank you for sharing with us Karen, these beautiful pictures and clear accounts of where and what you and Julia been through in this holy place. It is wonderful to know there are actually so many temples in one site and what more that tthi mountain has 5 peaks. Now that i saw the photos, it makes me want to go there as well. I see so many Tibetan figures in Mount Wutai and it is wonderful to know it flourishes notably during the Qing Dynasty era.
Thank you Karen for this vivid account of your pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, and the lovely pictures accompanying your account. From your description and account, one can feel the powerful and pervasive presence of Manjushri ,the Buddha of Wisdom, in all the 5 peaks and the temples and monasteries here. Even in the smallest temple in this account -the Puji Temple on the South Peak, there is a Manjushri Cave next to the temple. How beautiful an experience it must have been for you to recite Gangloma in this cave!
There are so many interesting, sacred features in each of the temples/monasteries in your account. Besides the beautiful and splendid images of Manjushri in each of them, in Luhou Temple there are a huge Manjushri Stupa, a Medicine Buddha chapel, a splendid-looking Kalachakra Mandala and Medicine Buddha Mandala, and the famous Buddha in a wooden lotus. In Guang Ren Monastery, there is a department for Tibetan Medicine and a Tibetan Medicine clinic, the precious Kangyur(Mongolian translation)and Kangyur Library in the Manjushri Chapel, and two summer palaces for the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. In the Pusa Ding, the biggest and most complete Gelug Monastery here,with 108 steps leading to the entrance, there are a Grand Manjushri Hall and a Shakyamuni Hall; there is also a lovely Manjushri Wall Painting and a splendid Guru Tree Thangka!
I would love to visit the Puji Temple with a Manjushri Cave next to it, and wild flowers and flying prayer flags in the surroundings. Great for contemplation and retreat and to recite the Gangloma there!
Emperor Kiangxi must have left his ‘mark’ everywhere in Mount Wutai Imagine how skilfully artists have conflated the depictions of Emperor Kiangxi(an emanation of Manjushri ) and Manjushri himself here in Wu Tai Shan! Manjushri is depicted as riding on a lion. So does Dorje Shugden, an emanation of Manjushri, ride on a snow lion!
Thank you for this lovely write up Karen, filled with beautiful pictures of all of the sacred Buddha statues there. How blessed that you and Julia made this pilgramage to Mount Wutai, a place that I was not aware of, as a place of pilgrammage. It’s was interesting to know the history behind it and how Emperor Kangxi, Manjushri himself, came to establish these sites to bring peace and joy to the area.
I hope that one day, I would have the merits to be able to visit such a place of pilgrammage.
The pictures followed by the detailed write-up are wonderful. No wonder Mount Wutai has been named as one of the most holy land of Buddhism. Just could not imagine the peaceful sensation standing on the ground of South Peak-Puji temple with the strong wind blowing across the mountain range with the combination of the prayer flags flattering sound.
So happy for both Karen and Julia to have this blessed opportunity to visit Mount Wutai together and I would like to make a request and appointment with my Dharma brothers and sisters to mark this place for our next pilgrimage.
Thank you Rinpoche and Karen Chong for all these photo and the brief introduction on Mount Wutai. It is really eye opening to look at all these grand Manjushri statutes and I wonder how do those day the maker of the statute who can craft such a beautiful statutes with their hands it is so amazing it really take a lot of hard work to make such a magnificent Buddha statutes.
The architecture of the temples are so very Chinese but the statues and altars have very strong Tibetan influence. Such a very beautiful marriage of 2 cultures for 1 religion. It must have been very awe inspiring visiting those temples.
So blessed to visit Manjushri’s abode on Earth to connect with Manjushri.
Thank you for bringing the energy of Wu Tai Shan to us via your stories and pictures.
Thank you Karen Chong for sharing all the beautiful pictures taken from Mount Wutai with good write-ups about the Mount Wutai and the four Gelug monasteries. From the pictures as observed, the temples in Mount Wutai are neatly arranged, beautifully crafted and well maintained for many Sangha members and Buddhist practitioners to stay there and perform prayers during their pilgrimage.
I am always attracted to Mount Wutai whenever I hear or see anything that relates to Mount Wutai in China. May all of us have many opportunities to participate in the pilgrimage tour at Mount Wutai.
With folded hands,
kin hoe
Thank you Karen Chong for sharing these beautiful post.Nice and beautiful pictures ….i have not been there ,i will hope i could some day make a pilgrimage to see it with my own eyes. There is about 53 sacred beautiful and unique Buddhist monasteries at Mount Wutai. All the temples and monasteries have had a long history .
May those who visited Mount Wutai be blessed with all the goodness.
Thank you for this write-up, Karen. Happy that you and Julia made this pilgrimage. Wutai Shan is one of the places I would love to visit one day. I particularly like the unique image of the blackish Manjushri at Pusa Ding Monastery.
I have seen a number of stupas but this is the first time am seeing a Manjushri Stupa which is located at Luohou Temple. Definitely would like this see this for myself, and do prayers there.
May we all be blessed with the opportunity to do a pilgrimage to this sacred abode of Wisdom Buddha Manjushri one day soon.
Wow, thank you for the article. Trust you both had a meaningful and enjoyable trip. The pictures are beautiful. I hope to go there one day. Pilgrimages are very beneficial. Visiting holy Buddhist places, besides making connections, plants seeds of enlightenment in our mindstreams. May Buddhism, especially Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and practice, thrive in China and beyond.
Thank you Karen for writing the article. There’s an airport which is only 2 hours drive away from Mount Wutai. Hence is really convenient. to visit all the temples and all the 5 peaks, you probably need 4-5 days. September and October is a good time to visit.
I was very excited when we arrived. I have never seen so many temples in one place before. They are basically very close to each other. Some are even back to back. Imagine you entering a village of temples. Due to the limited time we have, we only visited the Gelug temples. Fortunately those temples that we visited are very close to each other. We also managed to do our sadhana at Guang Ren monastry.
I would like visit Wutai Shan again and spend more time there in the near future. I think it would be nice to come with a group of Dharma brothers and sisters.
谢谢仁波切的分享。
好多五台山的照片， 也有好多文殊菩萨像！！！ 实在太庄严了！！
照片中除了文殊菩萨， 五台山也有不少宗喀巴大师像！ 还有不少格鲁传承的寺院。
五台山也被誉为是文殊菩萨的道场， 也是文殊菩萨的圣地。 文殊菩萨和观音菩萨一样， 与中国人乃至华人都有特殊的因缘。
希望大家在未来可以有机会前往五台山朝圣。
谢谢