Emperor Kangxi | 康熙皇帝
（译文请往下阅读）
Kangxi was known to be a benevolent emperor who ruled fairly and with compassion. During his reign, which was marked by peace and prosperity, the fields of literature, arts, dance, culture and religion would flourish throughout the empire. (click to enlarge)
I have always held a deep appreciation for Chinese culture. I find it fascinating that one nation can have such a large influence in the world and that until today, it has given rise to so many powerful leaders and thinkers. If you look at its neighbouring countries like Korea, Japan and Vietnam, you will see there is a strong Chinese influence in their food, architecture, clothing and even their language. When Chinese migrate all over the world, they carry their beautiful Chinese culture with them and they keep the traditions alive no matter where they are. To me this is an indication of a strong group of people who are very proud of their history and traditions.
Chinese history itself is very vast, complex and interesting. To study it can take a whole lifetime because it spans thousands of years. As a result, many dynasties and different types of emperors have emerged over the years to rule this vast empire. Some have faded into obscurity, some were tyrants, some had reigns which were rocked by scandal or other less-than-positive reasons. But one of the most famous emperors in Chinese history is Emperor Kangxi whose reign was characterised by stability, progress and development.
Emperor Kangxi (or K’ang-hsi) is known as one of China’s most benevolent rulers who is known and loved by the Chinese people until today. Unlike other emperors who are usually painted in military uniform, Kangxi is usually depicted as a scholar with a gentle expression and surrounded by books, or at a desk or holding a pen. Kangxi sponsored many literary works, monasteries, monks and teachers all over China, Tibet and Mongolia and he was considered extremely modern for his day because he also gave religious freedom to all religions. Kangxi is known to have given permission for Christian missionaries to carry out their activities in China. Given the scope of his works, I dare say he can be considered a kind of Dharma king.
I had my students do some research into Emperor Kangxi’s life which I wish to share with all of you here. As you can see, many of the monasteries that Kangxi built continue to exist today. Have you visited these places? Do you wish to go in the future? What do you think about Kangxi’s life? Please do let me know in the comments below.
Tsem Rinpoche
我一向来对中国文化都有着浓厚的兴趣。一个国家在这个世界上能有如此大的影响力,所以引起我对它的关注。它曾创造了无数强大的领导人和思想家。如果你看其邻近国家，如韩国、日本和越南，你会看到他们的饮食、建筑、服装、甚至他们的语言都显示中华文化强大的影响力。当中国人迁移到世界各地时，他们携带着他们美丽的中国文化，不管在哪里， 他们都继续保留这个文化传统。对我来说，这代表这一群人们对自己的历史和传统感到非常自豪。
中国历史本身博大精深、令人感兴趣。要认真学习它，可以花一辈子，因为它跨越了几千年的时间。因此，中国经历了许多朝代，并有不同的皇帝在史上统治过这个庞大的帝国。有些皇帝在人们的记忆中消失了，有些皇帝是暴君，有些皇帝是因丑闻或其他不太正面的原因而被绊倒。然而，中国历史上最著名的帝王之一，就是康熙皇帝，康熙朝代的稳定、进步和发展众人皆知。
康熙皇帝被称为中国其中一位最仁慈的统治者，直到今天仍深受中国人民的爱戴。不像其他在肖像中身穿军事制服的皇帝，康熙通常被描绘为拥有温和的表情，周围都是书籍，或在书桌，或持着笔的学者。康熙在中国、西藏和蒙古赞助了许多文学作品、寺院、僧侣和老师，他在当代被认为是非常的时髦摩登，因为所有的宗教他都给了宗教自由。大众皆知，康熙允许基督教传教士在其帝国开展活动。鉴于他的事业的范围，我敢说，他可以被认为是佛法皇帝之一。
我让我的弟子们做了一些研究，我希望与大家分享关于康熙皇帝的生平。正如你所看到的，许多康熙建立的寺院，至今依然存在。你参观过这些地方吗？你想以后去参观吗？你对康熙的生平有什么看法？请在下面的评论中让我知道。
詹杜固仁波切
BACKGROUND
Born to Emperor Shunzhi, Emperor Kangxi was the second and longest reigning emperor of China’s Qing Dynasty. He was instrumental in developing China after the war against the Ming Dynasty, and was very well known by all his subjects to be a humble and hardworking emperor. It was recorded that Emperor Kangxi would spend many hours during the day dispatching orders to his subjects to further improve the country and would work into the late hours of the night to make sure that the documents which needed his approval could be dispatched the next morning. As Emperor Kangxi spent less time on himself, he had fewer concubines compared with the other Qing Emperors.
Emperor Shunzhi, who was Kangxi’s father (click to enlarge)
Although not recorded in history, Emperor Kangxi’s father, Emperor Shunzhi had deep inclinations for the Dharma and planned to leave his throne shortly after Emperor Kangxi’s birth. He wanted to become a monk in Wutaishan to make up for the wrong deeds he did in the past. Fearing disgrace would befall the young Qing Dynasty, the Empress announced the sudden and unfortunate death of her husband. Thereafter it was announced that Emperor Kangxi was to take over Emperor Shunzhi’s throne at the tender age of seven. As the second Qing monarch was still young, a regent helped rule the country until the young emperor came of age.
After years of war and chaos, Kangxi’s reign brought long-term stability and wealth throughout China. Masterful in uniting the Court to minimize plotting and unrest, Emperor Kangxi encouraged the Mandarins to focus on literary works, for example compiling information into vast encyclopedias and into the Kangxi Chinese dictionary. When dealing with his army, Emperor Kangxi was said to have shown care to his rank soldiers and yet exhibited masterful command of his generals in his self-reflection during his military campaigns.
Not only was he an astute politician and accomplished scholar, but Kangxi was also known to be a good military leader. (click to enlarge)
Emperor Kangxi was known to be a great patron of the Buddhadharma and was not only a sponsor of the teachings, but had a personal interest in them too. Due to his early exposure to Buddhism from his elders, Emperor Kangxi was fascinated with the Buddha’s teachings especially that of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. He exhibited an instinctual compassion for all living beings he encountered and when interacting with his subjects, never carried himself with the arrogance of an emperor. As a result, he became the emperor of all of China both in position and in spirit.
It is said that Kangxi visited Wu Tai Shan and its Gelug temples for a record six times. He sponsored the writing of the Dragon Sutra using gold ink, which documented the concise Prajnaparamita teachings and which is still preserved today. Emperor Kangxi was also a sponsor of H.H. the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso’s entrance into Kumbum Monastery and bestowed the golden seal of authority upon him.
Kangxi travelled throughout his kingdom, and often went on pilgrimages to Buddhist holy sites. (click to enlarge)
Given his benevolent nature, generous sponsorship, unceasing patronage and personal interest in Buddhism, it is no surprise that many luminaries and Buddhist masters recognised Kangxi to be more than just a secular Emperor. It was Lobsang Tamdin who first determined Kangxi’s connection with Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Manjushri when he wrote in his bebum (collected works on a subject) about a vision he had of Jamgon Sakya Pandita, Lama Tsongkhapa and Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen.
In the vision, Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen made a prophecy which Lobsang Tamdin took to mean that as soon as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen passed away, the Emperor of China would be born. This was later confirmed by an entry in Sumpa Khenpo’s Chronology of Tibet for the Wood Sheep year (1655-1656). The entry, which is preceded by a symbol denoting an entry for a person’s birth, states that “The Kangxi Emperor [is born and] becomes famous as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.”
Lobsang Tamdin believed Kangxi to be the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri, something which has been confirmed by many other masters. In the preface of one of the largest projects sponsored by Kangxi, the Mongolian Red Kangyur (1718-1720), it is stated: “The Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, transformed himself into the occupant of the “Fearless Lion Throne of Gold” to appear as none other than the sublime ‘Kangxi-Manjushri.’”
The Kangxi Chinese dictionary which consists of six volumes. (click to enlarge)
The Chinese dictionary created by Kangxi
CONTRIBUTION TO BUDDHISM
Known to be an accomplished scholar himself, Emperor Kangxi’s reign saw the promotion of the Buddha’s teachings throughout China. During his reign, the Tibetan scriptural canon, the Kangyur, was published from woodblocks, first in Tibetan and then in Mongolian (1718-1720).
The Dragon Sutra sponsored by Kangxi (click to enlarge)
In 1669, Kangxi sponsored the Tibetan Dragon Sutra, and commissioned for this text to be hand-written in gold ink. The Dragon Sutra is a Tibetan translation of all “teachings” and “laws” by Shakyamuni himself, and known as the Bkav vgyur (Translation of the world) portion of the Tibetan Tripitaka. It consists of six divisions, namely Rgyud (esoteric teachings), Sher phyin (perfection of wisdom), Dkon brtsegs (collected Mahāyāna sutras), Phal chen (flower-garland), Mdo sna tshogs (collected sutras), and Vdul ba (monastic discipline).
With more than 50,000 leaves in 108 cases, this voluminous collection of manuscripts was written in standard Tibetan script with saturated gold pigment on made-to-order cobalt-blue stationery. The front and back boards were decorated with 756 Buddhas, gorgeously and solemnly painted in colors. The front and back sutra boards are decorated with 756 color-painted Buddhas and inlaid with jewelry, covered by sutra screens embroidered in five colors – red, blue, green, white, and yellow – for protection.
In 1683 itself, Kangxi went on two pilgrimages to Wutaishan. In the spring, he sponsored the first of many ceremonies dedicated to the longevity of the Imperial Family. Upon his return in the fall, he again made offerings for prayers dedicated to the Grand Empress Dowager’s longevity. The latter ceremony was the most commonly listed ritual sponsored by the Imperial Family during the Kangxi reign. It is Emperor Kangxi who started the tradition for Tibetan Lamas to engage in pujas in order to lengthen the lives of our loved ones, and also for the flourishing of his kingdom.
MONASTERIES BUILT BY KANGXI
As one of Dharma’s great patrons in China, Kangxi was also responsible for the establishment, preservation and restoration of many important Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage in China, Tibet and Mongolia, many of which exist until today.
Guangren Lamasery
Location: Wutaishan, Xi’an, China
Click to enlarge
Guangren Lama Temple, located in the north-west City Wall of Xian, is the only Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Shaanxi Province. Built in 1705 when the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) patrolled to Shaanxi, this temple was a Xanadu for the Grand Lama of the Northwest and Tibet when he passed through Shaanxi along the road to Beijing to meet with the Emperor. It is a witness to Tibetan and Han nationality’s cultural communication and national solidification.
Guangren Lama Temple was first rebuilt in 1952. After that, its main architecture, including the Mahavira Hall, the Sutras Keeping Hall and the Bodhisattva Hall among others, were brand new. In 1983, it was cited as a National Key Buddhist Monastery in the Han nationality region by the State Council. In 2006, Guangren Lama Temple once again underwent extensive repairs and during this time, it expanded to the large scale that it is at present.
The whole temple covers an area of 2.6 acres. Upon entering the temple, the main architectural features fall into place from south to north as follows: the Mountain Gate, the Devaraja Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the One Thousand Buddha Halls and the Sutra Keeping Hall, while on both sides there are flanking halls, wing-rooms and cross-yards.
Inside the Guangren Lamasery built by Kangxi. Notice that Lama Tsongkhapa and his sons form the central image on the altar. (click to enlarge)
The original Mountain Gate had already been destroyed before the restoration. Carved with beams and beautiful paintings, the new gate looks magnificent. As the main entrance door is closed, visitors should enter the temple from the small eastern wicket. Inside the Mountain Gate, there is a Zhao Bi (a stone wall) engraved with the embossments of Buddha and the eighteen arhats. It is a grand brick-carved piece of architecture. Across the Zhao Bi, you will see a tall hexagonal pavilion with an imperial stele of ‘The Guangren Lama Temple Stele Erected under the Imperial Order’ written by Emperor Kangxi who erected it. There are wells with stone rails on both sides of the stele.
Eight Treasures in the Temple
- The Guangren Lama Temple Stele Erected under the Imperial Order’ written by Emperor Kangxi
- The original stone sculpture of ‘The Guangren Lama Temple Stele Erected under the Imperial Order’
- The Ming versions of ‘The Heart of Prajna Paraminta Sutra’ in 6,600 volumes
- The marble lotus vat bestowed by Emperor Qianlong
- The lotus throne of the Tang Dynasty for the statue of 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni
- A pair of nanmu dragon lanterns awarded by the Empress Dowager Cixi
- A sandalwood throne of the Qing Dynasty in the Grand Hall
- A hand-engraved gold Manda from Nepal
Ganden Sumtseling
Location: Zhongdian, Yunnan, China
Ganden Sumtseling is an active and functioning monastery up until today (click to enlarge)
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery was built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama in the year 1679, during the reign of the famous Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi, who would frequently visit to oversee the construction of the monastery. It is said that the Great 5th Dalai Lama decided upon the location of the monastery through divination and gave it the name Ganden Sumtseling. “Ganden” indicated that this monastery would inherit the same pure doctrine of Ganden Monastery which was founded by Lama Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), the founder of the Gelug tradition.
The monastery quickly became one of the most important Gelugpa monasteries and as such, it was also a monastery that practices Dorje Shugden, which all Gelugpas acknowledged as the supreme protector of the Yellow Hat teachings.
Ganden Sumtseling bears a striking resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The main prayer hall of Ganden Sumtseling can accommodate more than 1,500 monks. (click to enlarge)
Although designed to look similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, due to the absence of certain parts of the Potala Palace’s blueprints, Sumtseling does not exactly resemble the actual Potala Palace, as it should. There are six main structures, which include eight monastic colleges. The main gompa (prayer hall) is a five-storey Tibetan-style building with the capacity to house more than 1500 monks. It is accessed through a 146-step staircase that connects to the entrance gate.
Within the gompa stands a golden eight-meter tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue. On the main altar, butterlamp offerings are lit all year round. Sumtseling Monastery has two main lamaseries, Jikang and Zhacang, both of which appear as Tibetan-style watch towers and are surrounded by eight sub-lamaseries and dormitories for resident lamas and monks.
Lama Tsongkhapa in Gaden Sumtseling. Although Kangxi was equal in his treatment of all religions and allowed them to be practised freely in China, his personal practice and faith lay in Tibetan Buddhism. (click to enlarge)
The rich history of Sumtseling Monastery is depicted in the many Buddhist treasures that are stored in this monastery. Many rare Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves and also scriptures that were used by the great Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas of the past are still preserved in Sumtseling. It seems only fitting that Emperor Kangxi, who was known to be a scholar, would play such a significant role in the physical preservation of significant and precious Buddhist texts.
Click to enlarge
One of the most famous Buddhist treasures at Sumtseling is the eight gold-covered sculptures of Shakyamuni, which were made during the time of the 5th and 7th Dalai Lamas.
Up until today, Kangxi’s sponsorship of Sumtseling continues to have an effect on the preservation of the Dharma. Instead of being another tourist destination, Ganden Sumtseling continues to be an active Buddhist monastery and the study and practice of Dharma remains strong there to this day. Pilgrims will see many study rooms which are designed for young monks from the age of five years old, studying the Buddhist canons and philosophies.
For more information about Ganden Sumtseling, please click here.
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The main entrance of Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (click to enlarge)
Ganden Sumtseling has, in recent times, seen a resurgence in support and sponsorship which has allowed them to restore and maintain their many prayer halls. (click to enlarge)
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Location: Mount Büren-Khaan, Selenge Province, Northern Mongolia
Amarbayasgalant Monastery, sponsored by Kangxi as the final resting place for one of his teachers, the Jetsundamba Khutuktu. (click to enlarge)
In his will, Kangxi bequeathed 3,860 kilograms of silver with instructions to his successor that it be used to construct a monastery as a final resting place for Zanabazar (1635-1723). Zanabazar was a spiritual mentor to Kangxi and also the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, or spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism for the Khalkha in Outer Mongolia. Thus, with this silver, Amarbayasgalant was established and sponsored by Kangxi’s successor, the Manchu Emperor Yongzheng and later completed under his successor the Qianlong Emperor.
Tradition holds that while searching for an appropriate site to build the monastery, the exploratory group came across two young boys, Amur and Bayasqulangtu, playing on the steppe. They were inspired to build the monastery on that very spot and to name it after the two children, Amur-Bayasqulangtu. More likely, the location was chosen because it stood at the place where the lama’s traveling Da Khuree (his mobile monastery and prime residence) was encamped at the moment of his death. Construction took place between 1727 and 1736 and Zanabazar’s remains were transferred there in 1779.
Amarbayasgalant as it stands today, seen from a distance (click to enlarge)
Amarbayasgalant Monastery is dedicated to Zanabazar’s main tutelary deity, Maitreya. Unlike Erdene Zuu Monastery, which is an ensemble of temple halls of different styles, Amarbayasgalant shows great stylistic unity. The overriding style is Chinese, with some Mongol and Tibetan influence. The monastery resembles Yongzheng’s own palace Yonghegong in Beijing, later converted by his son the Qianlong Emperor into a Buddhist monastery. Originally consisting of over 40 temples, Amarbayasgalant was laid out in a symmetrical pattern, with the main buildings succeeding one another along a North-South axis, while the secondary buildings are laid out on parallel sides.
Amarbayasgalant was one of the very few monasteries to have partly escaped destruction during the Stalinist purges of 1937, after which only the buildings of the central section remained. Many of the monks were executed by the country’s Communist regime and the monastery’s artefacts, including thangkas, statues, and manuscripts were looted, although some were hidden until more fortunate times.
Today, only 28 temples remain. Restoration work began in 1988 with funds provided by UNESCO and private sources and some of the new statuary was commissioned in New Delhi, India.
Inside the main prayer hall of Amarbayasgalant (click to enlarge)
Butterlamp offerings to Lama Tsongkhapa inside the main temple (click to enlarge)
Inscription over the main prayer hall of Amarbayasgalant in Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese, reflecting the monastery’s historical ties (click to enlarge)
A large statue of Lama Tsongkhapa towers over the monastery and surrounding environment
Lama Tsongkhapa blesses the environment around the monastery (click to enlarge)
Pule Temple (Temple of Universal Joy)
Location: Chengde, Hebei, China
Pule Temple, founded by Emperor Kangxi in 1766 (click to enlarge)
When the Kangxi Emperor discovered the site that would become Chengde in the early 18th century, the most notable natural feature was an odd phallus-shaped rock that came to be known as Qingchui Peak. Visible for many miles around, the peak invited easy comparison with Mount Sumeru of Buddhist cosmology, which is considered to be the axis mundi of the Buddhist world. The presence of a nearby substitute for Mount Sumeru may have played a critical role in Kangxi’s decision to set up a hill station in what would become Chengde. However, the most suitable region for an encampment in the area lay in a wide valley several kilometres to the southwest of Qingchui Peak. This did not deter Kangxi, who established a symbolic connection to Qingchui by creating the artificial Jinshan hill at the centre of his encampment. The temple on Jinshan peak, filling in as an artificial Mount Sumeru / Qingchui peak, formed an adequate substitute around which a summer palace and several prominent temples were constructed by the time of Kangxi’s death.
3D Mandala in Pule Temple (click to enlarge)
As Philippe Foret points out in his book “Mapping Chengde”, the orientation of the Kangxi-era temples was cosmologically defective in that they were not arranged around the Jinshan axis. Perhaps to compensate for this, Emperor Qianlong decided to construct a new temple exactly along the axis linking Jinshan and Qingchui Peak. A suitable site that fit the criteria lay midway between Puren Temple (built by Kangxi) and An Yuan Temple, built in 1764 by Qianlong. Work on Pule Temple began in 1766 at Qianlong’s request.
The temple is constructed in the form of a Tibetan mandala built upon three square platforms. The mandala design was likely chosen for several reasons. First, it was a symbol familiar both architecturally and spiritually to the Mongol tribes whose visit to Chengde the temple was intended to commemorate. Secondly, it was a sensible design for marking a point along the axis defined by Jinshan Temple and Qingchui Peak, since the entire world was often depicted as a mandala form with its central axis around Mount Sumeru. In this case, Pule Temple created a third and central axis mundi at Chengde and reoriented the entire landscape around it. Qingchui Peak, Jinshan Temple, and the other outer temples became satellites in Pule Temple’s orbit.
A statue of Heruka in union with his consort Vajrayogini inside Pule Temple. (click to enlarge)
The mandala symbolism extends to the superstructure of the temple. The three square bases are surmounted by a double-tiered conical roof that mimics the form of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Within the circular structure is a wooden mandala shrine, within which the god Samvara stands in sexual union with Vajravarahi, symbolizing the intimate connection between wisdom and compassion. The ceiling of the structure above the mandala is decorated with a dragon figure representative of the Emperor, signifying Qianlong’s ambition to establish himself as the centre of the Buddhist world. Qianlong’s Manchu ancestors had long aspired to a prominent position in the Buddhist pantheon, with the first leader of the Manchus, Nurhachi, declaring himself to be an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Manjushri (from which the word Manchu may have been derived). Qianlong continued this tradition by publically declaring himself to be a reincarnation of Manjushri. This enabled him to exert the spiritual authority necessary to depict himself as a dragon overarching the Buddhist world, while allowing him the temporal authority to claim suzerainty over the Tibetan Buddhists tribes at the western limits of his empire – the very subjects Pule Temple was intended to placate.
Fayu Temple
Location: Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
Fayu Temple which was restored by the Emperor Kangxi (click to enlarge)
Fayu Temple, also called Stone Temple, is one of three major temples in Mount Putuo. Mount Putuo is an island southeast of Shanghai, in Zhoushan prefecture of Zhejiang province, China. It is a renowned site in Chinese Buddhism, and is considered the bodhimanda of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin), a revered Bodhisattva in many parts of East Asia.
Fayu is the second largest temple on the island, with Puji Temple being the largest. This temple is famous for its ancient architecture, delicate wood carvings and inscribed calligraphy by ancient emperors. It is located on the left top of the Baihua Hill, close to 1000-Pace Beach. You can go there with the cableway or walk up the hill.
Its history reportedly goes back to 1580, during the Ming Dynasty. As a monk, Da Chi prayed to Guanyin at the Cave of Tidal Sound, and envisioned that a large bamboo had washed ashore on the 1000-Pace Beach. Soon afterward, he built a hut on the beach and named it the ‘Sea Tide Nunnery’ (Haichao Nunnery). Many faithful adherents contributed to expanding the modest temple through the years.
In 1699, Emperor Kangxi decreed that the deserted Imperial Palace in what is now Nanjing should be moved to Putuoshan to enshrine Guanyin. The palace building which was moved is known as Yuantong Hall today. The main hall was added and Emperor Kangxi bestowed a horizontal tablet inscribed with four characters of “Tian Hua Fa Yu”, which has been interpreted to mean that the Buddhist doctrines are like rain and flowers from heaven. Thence, the Fayu Temple got its name.
Thanks to Kangxi’s patronage and restoration works, statues like this Guanyin were preserved to bless visitors for hundreds of years to come. (click to enlarge)
There are now 294 halls and rooms, occupying a floor space of 8800 square meters. The whole temple is arranged on a six-layer mound which starts ascending from the temple gate. A miniature golden pagoda stands between the Nine-dragon wall and the first of the temple’s several halls, where visitors can toss coins through five tiers of windows for good luck. The main hall is called Jiulongdian and was built during the Qing dynasty. The ceiling is concave and in the middle of it are nine dragons hanging, playing with a pearl of gold. There is also a statue of Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Guanyin and in the back of the hall there is a great piece of art called Haidao Guanyin. It is a painted sculpture of Guanyin surrounded by 53 important Buddhist figures.
CONCLUSION
Kangxi’s tomb which continues to be a pilgrimage site for many Buddhist faithful who respect the benevolent Emperor’s great patronage of the Dharma. (click to enlarge)
Having ruled the Land of the Dragon for 61 years, Emperor Kangxi was laid to rest in the Eastern Qing tombs located 127km northwest from China’s capital, Beijing. In keeping with the manner in which he lived his life, he decreed that his tomb should be similarly humble and simple. Within the walls of the tomb were carved images of the 35 Confession Buddhas and other Buddhist deities, a testament of the Emperor’s enduring faith and love for the Buddhist religion.
The inscription on Kangxi’s tomb (click to enlarge)
Emperor Kangxi lived a life focusing on the welfare of his country, and ensured that his subjects were treated well and with dignity and great care. The peace, harmony and prosperity during his reign, the likes of which have rarely been seen in the world since, can be accredited to his wise ruling and hard work. Forward-thinking and exposed, Kangxi gave every ethnic group their freedom to practise their own faith freely without infringing on others, and even gave Christian missionaries permission to build churches and propagate their religion. Everyone who lived during the time of Emperor Kangxi would credit their ruler in their writings, poetry, stories and innumerable folk lore which was passed down through the generations.
Kangxi’s tomb. Note the khata offerings draped on top of the tomb, in front of his portrait.
Emperor Kangxi was a ruler who lived and ruled by the Buddhist teachings of kindness and discipline without the mention of the word Buddhism. His reign saw the flourishing of literature, art, science, culture and religion throughout China. It is a testament to his scholarship, political astuteness and selfless behaviour that hundreds of years later, the Chinese people continue to know him as one of the greatest emperors to ever rule.
Faithful until the end, the 35 Confessional Buddhas are just some of the Buddhist images and deities carved into the walls of Kangxi’s tomb.
Another image of Kangxi’s tomb. To this day, Kangxi is so revered for his patronage of the Dharma that visitors continue to offer khatas in front of his portrait.
Chinese Translation
背景
顺治皇帝之子 ，康熙是中国清朝第二位皇帝，并为清皇中统治中国最久的一位皇帝。他对中国在明朝战后的发展和建设贡献甚大，人民百姓皆知他是一位谦虚和勤奋的皇帝。据记载，康熙皇帝日理万机，白天大部分时间上朝理政，慎重决策关系国计民生的大事，晚上又连夜批奏，以确保硃批的檔案可以在隔天早上被发送。
顺治皇帝，康熙之父（点击放大）
虽然历史上没有记载，康熙的父亲顺治皇帝对佛法有很大的兴趣，并计划在康熙出生后不久就卸下他的王位。他想到五台山出家，以弥补过去所做的伤天害理的事迹。由于担心创朝初期的清朝会失势，皇后宣布了皇上突然不幸驾崩的消息。之后，并宣布帝位由年仅7岁的康熙接管。由于这位清入关后的第二位皇帝还年轻，顺治在遗诏中已作安排四臣辅政，直到年轻的皇帝年长亲政。
他不仅是一个精明的政治家和成就的学者，而且康熙也被称为是一个很好的军事领导人。 （点击放大）
经过多年的战争和混乱，康熙的统治带给了中国长期的安稳和财富。康熙皇帝励精图治，使得朝廷内部减少斗争动荡。康熙皇帝也鼓励臣子们关注文学作品，例如编译浩瀚的百科全书和康熙词典。在处理他的军队，皇帝康熙以宽仁、真挚关爱和呵护他的士兵, 以德服人令名将顺服来经营他的军事活动。
康熙皇帝是伟大的佛法的护法，不仅是赞助弘法的功德主，但在他个人对佛法也相当感兴趣。由于他早年接触佛教，皇帝对佛陀的教导，特别是藏传佛教的信仰非常感兴趣。他对他所有遇见的众生和臣民都表现出本能的同情，从来没有一位皇帝的傲慢。结果，他在地位和精神上都成了中国的皇帝。
据说，康熙曾六次访问五台山和其格鲁派寺庙。他赞助了以金墨书写的龙藏经，其中记载简明般若教诲，这经文至今仍然被保留。康熙皇帝还赞助由第七世达赖喇嘛格桑嘉措驻入塔尔寺仪式并赐予金印。
康熙走遍了他的王国，并经常去朝拜的佛教圣地。（点击放大）
鉴于他乐善好施的本性，慷慨赞助佛法事业，和本人对佛教的兴趣，许多名人和佛教大师都认为康熙不仅仅是一位世俗的皇帝。蒙古大学者洛桑丹玎是首位先确认康熙与活佛扎巴坚赞、及文殊菩萨的关联，他的bebum（关于一个主题的文集）中写道关于他观修时见到萨迦班智达、宗喀巴大师和班禅洛桑他赞的一个景象。
在他观修的意境中，班禅洛桑他赞给了预言。洛桑丹玎认为那意味着一旦活佛扎巴坚赞去世，中国的皇帝就会出世。这是后来孙巴堪布木羊年西藏历表（1655-1656）所证实。这里记录道：“康熙皇帝出世，并且为活佛扎巴坚赞的转世而成名。”
洛桑丹玎相信康熙是活佛扎巴坚赞、文殊菩萨的化身，这已被许多其他高僧大德证实。在康熙皇帝赞助的其中一个项目，蒙古红甘珠尔（1718-1720），序文中提到：“智慧文殊菩萨转化为“无畏狮子金宝座”的主人， 化现为崇高的‘康熙-文殊菩萨’。”
由六卷组成的康熙汉语词典。（点击放大）
康熙所创的汉语词典
对佛教的贡献
皇帝康熙为一个有成就的学者，在他统治期间是中国佛教盛期。康熙皇帝藏文圣经的正典其一，大藏经甘珠尔木刻印刷版在康熙上任期间出版，先以藏文后以蒙古文（1718-1720）出版。
由康熙皇帝赞助的龙藏经（点击放大）
1669、康熙赞助西藏龙藏经，并指示该文本以金墨手写。龙藏经是一个经藏族翻译所有佛陀的“教诲”和“戒律”，并称为藏文大藏经甘珠尔（佛陀开示翻译）的部分。甘珠尔都分为律、般若、华严、宝积、诸经、秘密等六部。
超过50000叶108函，这大量的手稿以藏文泥金书写在特制的磁青笺上，上下经板彩绘七百五十六尊诸佛造像，饰以各式镶嵌珠宝，再以黄、红、绿、蓝、白五色丝绣经帘保护。
1683年，康熙两次到五台山朝圣。在春天，他赞助了许多法会仪式，回向给皇室成员的延寿。在秋天他再次到访，为祈愿太皇太后福棋衍茂圣寿无疆的法会做准备。这项法会是康熙统治时期为皇室最常赞助的仪式。康熙帝开始了让西藏喇嘛进行法会为亲人延年益寿的传统，也为他的王国的兴盛祈福。
康熙皇帝所建造的寺院
作为中国伟大佛教功德主之一的康熙建立、保存和恢复在中国、西藏和蒙古的许多重要佛教寺庙和圣地，其中许多都到今天为止仍然屹立存在。
广仁寺
地点: 五台山，西安，中国
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广仁寺，位于西安西北部的古城墙，是陕西省唯一的藏传佛教寺院。建于1705年，当时康熙皇帝（1644-1911）正巡逻到陕西，建立了这个世外桃源，主要是为了方便西北西藏大喇嘛沿陕西路到北京去见皇帝。它是藏族和汉族的文化交流和民族和谐的见证。
广仁寺在1952第一次被重建。之后，它的主要建筑，包括大雄宝殿，佛经大殿和菩萨殿，都是全新的。在1983，被国务院定为国家重点寺院。2006年，广仁寺再次重修，扩大至目前的大规模。
整座寺院占地2.6英亩。进入寺庙，主要建筑从南到北依次为：山门，天王殿，大雄宝殿，一千佛殿、藏经殿，而两侧有侧翼的大厅，厢房和庭园。
由康熙帝所创建的广仁寺。宗喀巴大师与心子为佛坛的中央的佛像。（点击放大）
原本已经破损的山门已被修复。美丽画雕修饰的新门，看起来非常宏伟。主要的入口大门长期保持关闭，所以游客们必须从东部的小门进入寺院。山门内，有一个照壁（石头墙），照壁上刻有佛陀和十八罗汉的浮雕。这是一个宏伟的砖砌建筑。照壁的对面，你会看到一座六角亭，亭里可以看到康熙皇帝亲笔书写的《御制广仁寺碑》 。在石碑两侧有石栏围着的井。
八圣殿里的宝物
- 康熙皇帝亲笔《御制广仁寺碑》
- 《御制广仁寺碑》碑文手稿真迹原件
- 明版《大般若波罗蜜多经》6600
- 清代乾隆皇帝御赐汉白玉莲花缸
- 佛祖十二岁等身像承坐的唐代莲花宝座
- 慈禧太后西行时赏给广仁寺楠木龙灯一对
- 清代珍贵檀香木供座
- 手刻金造尼泊尔曼荼罗
噶丹松赞林
地点: 中甸，云南，中国
噶丹松赞林寺是一个直到今天仍然活跃的寺院（点击放大）
噶丹松赞林寺是在1679年由第五世达赖喇嘛所建，在清代康熙皇帝在位期间，经常会亲自监督建寺。据说，第五世达赖喇嘛通过占卜决定寺院的位置，给它起名为噶丹松赞林。“噶丹”表明该寺将继承格鲁派创始人甘丹寺宗喀巴（1357-1419）所创立的理论和传统。
噶丹松赞林很快地成为一所格鲁派的重点寺院，因此，这所寺院也是修行多杰雄登的众多寺院之一。 多杰雄登护法为所有格鲁派公认的黄帽教诲(格鲁派)最殊胜的护法。
噶丹松赞林和坐落在拉萨的布达拉宫有惊人的相似之处。噶丹松赞林的大殿可容纳1500多名僧侣。（点击放大）
虽然起建筑设计看起来很像拉萨的布达拉宫，由于当时布达拉宫蓝图有某些部分的缺失，松赞林并不完全和布达拉宫完全相似。松赞林有六个主要的结构，其中包括八个僧侣学院。主寺（礼拜殿）是一五层藏式建筑， 可容纳1500多名僧人。它是通过一个146步楼梯连接到入口门。
在寺院有一八米高的金色释迦牟尼佛雕像。在主佛坛，酥油灯全年不熄。松赞林寺有两个主要的寺院，记康和扎仓，两者都是藏族风格的塔楼，周围的八个寺院和常住喇嘛和僧侣的宿舍所围绕。
宗喀巴大师在噶丹松赞林。康熙虽然在中国提倡宗教平等和宗教自由，但他个人的信仰却是藏传佛教。（点击放大）
对噶丹松赞林历史丰富，并藏有许多佛教珍宝。许多棕榈叶珍贵经文，曾被达赖喇嘛和班禅喇嘛用过的经文仍保存噶丹松赞林。被公认为学者的康熙皇帝，在保护这些重要和珍贵的佛教文本作出巨大的贡献。
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在噶丹松赞林最著名的佛教珍品中包括八个镀金释迦牟尼佛像，为第五和第七世达赖喇嘛时期所造。
直到今天，康熙皇帝所赞助的噶丹松赞林继续对佛法弘扬起很大的作用。噶丹松赞林至今仍然是一个佛法研读和修行的活跃寺院， 而不只是另一个旅游目的地。朝圣者会看到许多小房间，是专为从五岁起的年轻僧侣们所学习佛教经典和哲学之处。
想知道关于噶丹松赞林的更多信息，请点击这里。
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噶丹松赞林主要入口 （点击放大）
噶丹松赞林，在近期出现了回潮的支持和赞助，进行了许多复修和维持大殿的工作。（点击放大）
庆宁寺
位置: 北蒙古色楞格省
庆宁寺，康熙皇帝为他的上师，哲布尊丹巴呼图克图所创建的最后安息的地方。（点击放大）
康熙在其遗嘱中把3860公斤的银子给了他的继任者雍正皇帝，以便可以用来建造作为札纳巴扎（1635-1723）的最后安息之地。札纳巴扎是康熙皇帝的精神导师/上师，也是第一世哲布尊丹巴呼图克图，或外蒙古喀尔喀的藏传佛教精神领袖。因此，以这些银子，庆宁寺在康熙的赞助下得以成立，后来雍正皇帝他的继任者乾隆皇帝期间终于完工。
据说在寻找适合建立寺院地点时，探索队遇到了两个年轻的男孩，分别名为Amur 和Bayasqulangtu，在草原上嬉戏。由于这个启发，最后寺院就建在这个地方，并命名为Amarbayasgalant (庆宁寺)。更可能的是，选择这个位置，是因为这个地点为札纳巴扎圆寂时其旅游大库伦（他的移动寺院和官邸）的地点所在处。施工始于1727和1736年之间，札纳巴扎的遗体则在1779之间转移庆宁寺。
从远处观看现在的庆宁寺（点击放大）
庆宁寺主要供奉弥勒佛。不同于额尔德尼召寺 ，庆宁寺的建筑是以几种建筑风格的影响下所建造。然而，庆宁寺却能巧妙地统一和融合了这些建筑的风格。最主要的建筑风格是中式，并融入一些蒙古和西藏的影响。庆宁寺也和雍正帝在北京的雍王府非常相似。这座雍王府（雍和宫）之后由他的儿子乾隆皇帝改为藏传佛教寺庙。最初由40多个寺庙组成，庆宁寺奠定了一个对称的图案，与主体建筑随后沿南北中轴线，而次要的建筑物布置在平行边。
在1937年，庆宁寺是逃过斯大林毁灭的极少数寺院之一，虽然仅建筑中央部分仍然屹立。当时许多僧侣们被杀害，寺院的文物包括唐卡、佛像、和手稿等被洗劫一空，荣幸的是，当时有些文物被隐藏了起来。
今天，只有28个寺庙仍然屹立。1988年，在联合国教科文组织和私人资金的赞助下，庆宁寺开始了修复工作。庆宁寺也引进了一些印度新德里所制造的新雕像。
庆宁寺大殿内（点击放大）
在主寺供养宗喀巴大师的酥油灯（点击放大）
庆宁寺大殿上蒙古文、藏文和中文的题字，反映了寺院的历史联系（点击放大）
耸立在寺庙的宗喀巴大师佛像
宗喀巴大师加持寺院及周围环境（点击放大）
普乐寺
地点: 承德，河北，中国
康熙皇帝创立于1766年的普乐寺（点击放大）
当康熙皇帝在第十八世纪发现了将被命名为承德的地点，那里最显著的自然特征是阳具形岩石，现为磬棰峰。从远处就可以见到的磬棰峰，许多人都将此峰与佛经里所提到的世界之轴————须弥山相比。主决康熙在承德开始大型建设的关键点，可能就是因为这个须弥山的替代就在附近。然而，在该地区最合建设的区域却是距离磬棰峰西南部的一个宽阔山谷中。这并没有阻止康熙皇帝，他在谷中建立了虚幻的金山。在康熙皇帝圆寂时，作为代表须弥山/ 磬棰峰的金山峰寺已被几个著名的寺庙和夏宫围绕着。
普乐寺三维曼荼罗（点击放大）
正如菲利普（Philippe Foret ）在他的书“映象承德”中所细述，康熙时代的寺庙方向是有缺陷的，因为他们没有安排在金山轴。也许是为了弥补这一点，乾隆皇帝决定在沿着这金山轴和磬棰峰建立一所新的寺庙。普仁寺（由康熙所建）和元寺之间找到了一个合适的地点，普乐寺的建设工作在乾隆的指示下于1766开始。
该寺是一个在三个方形平台上建成的藏式曼荼罗。选择这个坛城设计可能始于几种原因。首先，它是一种象征蒙古部落所熟悉的建筑格式和精神象征。其次，它是用于标记在金山寺和磬棰峰主轴点的明智设计，因为在佛教经典中，整个世界是以弥山王曼荼罗为中心的曼荼罗。在这种情况下，普乐寺创建第三和在承德的中心轴，调整了整个周边景观。磬棰峰、金山寺、和其他寺庙成为普乐寺外围的轨道。
普乐寺中的一尊喜乐金刚与其明妃金刚瑜伽母。（点击放大）
曼荼罗的象征延伸到寺庙的上层建筑。三个方形的基础上有双层锥形屋顶，模仿在北京的天坛形式。在循环结构中有着木造的曼陀罗，其中喜乐金刚与其明妃金刚瑜伽母的结合像，象征着智慧与慈悲的密切关系。曼陀罗上面的天花板有一个代表皇帝的龙，标志着乾隆想成为佛教世界中心的野心。乾隆的满族的祖先渴望可以在佛教历史中有地位。满族第一位领导努尔哈赤，他宣称自己是文殊菩萨的化身（“满族”这词，可能是从“manju” (文殊）名字取得）。 乾隆继续了这个传统，公开宣称自己是文殊菩萨的转世。这使他有必要把自己描述成一个在佛教世界中有权威的龙首，同时让他对中国西方藏传佛教支派有主权–普乐寺的建设是为了讨好这些藏传佛教支派。
法雨寺
地点: 舟山，浙江，中国
法雨寺是由康熙皇帝修复（点击放大）
法雨寺，也称石寺，是普陀山三大寺院。普陀山是浙江东南的一个岛屿，位于中国舟山省上海市。它是中国佛教的著名朝圣地，被公认为观音菩萨的道场，一尊在东亚许多地方被供奉的菩萨。
法雨寺是岛上第二大的寺庙，普济寺是岛上最大的。这座寺庙以其古老的建筑，精致的木雕和古代帝王的书法而闻名。它位于百花山的左上方。
据报道，它的历史可以追溯到明代1580年。一位和尚，大池在山洞里的观音祈愿，并且在观修意境中看到一个大竹子冲上岸。不久，他在沙滩上建立了一所命名为“海潮庵”的尼姑庵。许多忠实的信徒对寺院的扩建多年来贡献良多。
1699年，康熙皇帝下令把废弃的皇宫（现南京）移到普陀山供奉观音。被移动的宫殿建筑今被称为圆通殿。主殿为康熙皇帝所添加，并授予一个刻有”天花法雨“的横向碑，这已被释为佛教教义像雨和花从天而降。
感谢康熙的恩惠和修复工作，像这样的观音雕像可以被保存下来，为在数百年后的游客们加持。（点击放大）
现在有294个大堂和房间，占地8800平方米的楼面面积，整座庙宇坐落于一座六层的山上。 一座小型的金黄色的塔矗立在九龙壁和庙宇的第一间殿堂之间。游客可以通过五层窗户为好运气掷硬币。九龙大殿为主殿，建于清朝。天花板是凹的，中间有九条戏珠。也有一尊千手千眼观音，在大堂的后面有一尊庄严的海岛观音。它是一个由53位重要的佛教人物中所围绕的观音佛像。
结论
康熙的坟墓，它继续成为许多佛教信徒向仁慈伟大的皇帝护法致敬的佛教圣地。（点击放大）
康熙皇帝执政中国六十一年，享年六十八岁。康熙帝的遗体埋葬于清东陵顺治帝王右方之处，象征着安息在父亲怀里。康熙帝生前造陵时他下令皇陵应该以最谦卑的和简约的方式来完成。陵内的石壁有三十五佛等佛菩萨的浮雕以及许多藏文和梵文经典。这是表为着康熙帝对佛教的敬仰。
康熙墓上的景陵说明（点击放大）
康熙皇帝一生专注于热爱自己的国家，并确保他的臣民治疗好，有尊严和伟大的关怀，为国家的福利。中国在康熙帝的英明统治和努力执政之下保证了国家太平，经济昌隆贫民安居乐业。康熙帝给了各民族的自由实践自己的信仰自由，而不侵犯他人。康熙帝甚至给了基督教传教士允许建教堂和宣传他们宗教的自由。每个人都在康熙朝代会在他们的著作、诗歌、故事、流传多代无数的民间传说中提及康熙。
康熙陵墓。注意在墓顶上，在他的肖像前的哈达。
康熙是一位秉持佛教理念，恩慈和均有纪律的统治者，同时也没有过度炫耀自己的信仰。他努力、全力以赴地统治国家。康熙的一生，至今仍被后代赞扬，作为佛陀伟大慈悲的证明。
忠诚直到最后，这三十五佛是康熙墓墙众多佛像雕刻之一。
康熙陵墓的另一张照片。 直到今天，康熙赞助佛法的功德继续受人敬仰，游客继续在他的肖像前献哈达。
For more interesting information:
- Magadha Sangmo | 须摩提女
- Ra Lotsawa Dorje Drakpa: Master of the Vajrabhairava Tantra
- The Most Illustrious Panchen Sonam Drakpa
- Virupa – Lord of Miracles
- Thonmi Sambhota – The Inventor of the Tibetan Script
- Trisong Detsen, the Great Dharma King of Tibet
- Mahasiddha Naropa: The Indomitable Disciple
- Great Disciples of Atisha: Khuton Choje and Pandita Akaramati
- Lotsawa Loden Sherab – the Great Translator
- Khyungpo Neljor – The Yogin of the Garuda Clan
- The Vinaya Holder Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
- Sonam Yeshe Wangpo
- Shakyashri Bhadra: The Last Abbot of Nalanda
- Kunkhyen Choku Ozer – Master of the Kalachakra and Guhyasamaja Tantras
- Great Savant of Tibet: Buton Rinchen Drub
- Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen
- Tsarchen Losal Gyatso: Lineage Holder of Vajrayogini’s Tantra
- Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen?
- Gedun Nyedrak: An Abbot of Gaden
- Kentrul Thubten Lamsang
- H.E. the 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche’s Biography
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The Kangxi Emperor was the third emperor of the Qing dynasty. He is considered by historians to be one of the greatest emperors in the history of China. Having ruled China over 61 years, he was the longest-reigning Chinese emperors in dynastic history. He was thought of as one of the greatest emperors because, under his rule, the Qing empire started to prosper, dynastic succession was stabilized, and he was comparatively benevolent. He was also highly educated and was known as a hardworking emperor who ruled diligently. His rule was a period of expansion, stability, and prosperity for the Chinese Empire. Kangxi gave religious freedom to all religions and had sponsored many literary works, monasteries, monks and teachers all over China, Tibet and Mongolia. He was considered an extremely modern Emperor at that time whom was loved by many. He was said to be the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri as recorded in the ancient scriptures.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting sharing.
The Kangxi Emperor was the fourth Emperor of the Qing dynasty, and the second Qing emperor. He is considered one of China’s greatest emperors, been the longest reigning emperor in the history of China. His brilliant legacy lies in reunifying a vast empire and had contribute much to cultural and economic development to China. His reign led to a long period of peace and prosperity in China. Throughout his life time, he continuously pursed and promoted Tibetan Buddhism, ancient teachings, music, calligraphy and so forth. He brought Buddha ‘s teaching to China and built many monasteries which many still exist till today. Many great masters confirmed that Kangxi to be the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri. Interesting read of the life of a great Emperor.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Meu irmão sugerido eu poderia assim site .
Ele era totalmente certo. Este post na verdade fez
o meu dia. Você não pode imaginar simplesmente quanto tempo tinha passado por isto informação!
Obrigado!
Emperor Kangxi was the second emperor of the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. Kangxi, born Xuanye, was one of the longest-reigning emperors in dynastic history. He was one of the greatest Chinese emperors as under his rule, the Qing empire started to prosper, dynastic. He has brought about long-term stability and relative wealth after years of war and chaos. Emperor Kangxi lived a life focusing on the welfare of his country, allowed religious freedom and built many monasteries which many still exist till today. It was Emperor Kangxi that brought the Buddha’s teachings to China and then spreading throughout China.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers for this wonderful article .
Emperor Kangxi is said by Mongolian scholar Lobsang Tamdin in his “bebum”(collected works)to be the immediate emanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen after he passed away (and arose as supramandane Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden to protect and spread the teachings of second Buddha Je Tsongkhapa, especially his unexcelled wisdom teachings on Nagarjuna’s Correct Middle View of Emptiness, so vital for this degenerate age).
Thus was Emperor Kangxi, emanation of Manjushri too, one of the rarest of enlightened Emperors of China. His rule was the Golden Age for China. Unusual for an Emperor, he exhibited great “instinctual” compassion for all living beings he encountered and towards all his subjects with whom he came into contact. There was also an air of rare humility about him. He lived a life focused on “the welfare of his country, and ensured that his subjects were treated well and with dignity and great care. The peace, harmony and prosperity during his reign, the likes of which have rarely been seen in the world since, can be accredited to his wise ruling and hard work”.
He was a modernist in his liberal attitude toward religion. Emperor Kangxi gave freedom of religion to all his subjects. “Kangxi gave every ethnic group their freedom to practise their own faith freely without infringing on others, and even gave Christian missionaries permission to build churches and propagate their religion”.
Emperor Kangxi was a great patron of the Buddhadharma and displayed personal interest in the Dharma. He showed special interest in Tibetan Buddhism.It is said that he visited Wu Tai Shan and the Gelug temples there for a record six times!
“Kangxi was also responsible for the establishment, preservation and restoration of many important Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage in China, Tibet and Mongolia, many of which exist until today”. One of the notable monasteries that bear his strong mark is the Ganden Sumteling Monastery. While the Fifth Dalai Lama had established it, it was Emperor Kangxi who patronised its development.Sumteling is still a great Monastery today. It has several chapels and shrines to Dorje Shugden, as several Khangstens have chosen Dorje Shugden as their main Dharma Protector.
Emperor Kangxi is one of the most illustrious emperors of China whose reign was more than 60 years and rule his country and subjects with compassion and kindness, using Buddhist teachings. China was prosperous during his reign.
It was notable that Emperor Kangxi is the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen as recorded in the scriptures. Also Emperor Kangxi expanded Tibetan Buddhist practices throughout the country like pujas to lengthen lives especially for Emperess Dowager. His majesty also built so many monasteries in China which are still so well preserved till this day. This generation can surely learn a lot from China’s history with it’s Emperors drive and believe to rule the kingdom with Buddhist principles.
Emperor Kangxi is one of the greatest emperor in Chinese history. His reign lasted for over 60 years. During his ruling, China was very prosperous, peaceful and harmony. He has introduced Buddhism to the people, he has built many monasteries and temples. Even though he was not of Han ethnic, he had fully embraced Chinese culture and language. This showed how rich and important Chinese culture was at that time.
Emperor Kangxi had left behind many precious things for us, for example the Kangyur text, Kangxi Dictionary, temples and monasteries.
It is probably because of Dharma, Emperor Kangxi was able to rule China so well and thus so well-respected by the people. Religion cannot mix with politics, however the good virtues we learn from religion can be used to build the basic values we need to rule a country.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article. China is very rich of their history, and it’s one of the countries that has the oldest history. I always like to read and fascinated about China history and their emperors in all the dynasty. And, Kangxi is one of the famous Emperors in Qing Dynasty. He has ruled Qing Dynasty for 61 years, the longest years of all the other emperors. The things that he had done, despite his humble personality as an emperor, he sponsored monasteries, monks and teachers made him the greatest emperor in the China history. On top of that, Kangxi was one of reincarnations of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen, that not only put a mark in China history, but also Tibet and Gelug history. This is a really beautiful article. thank you again Rinpoche. With folded hands _/\_
Three sources established that Emperor Kiangxi was the incarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen:
1) Lobsang Tamdrin wrote about a vision in which Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen made a prophecy which Lobsang Tamdin took to mean that as soon as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen passed away, the Emperor of China would be born.
2)An entry in Sumpa Khenpo’s Chronology of Tibet for the Wood Sheep year which states that “The Kangxi Emperor [is born and] becomes famous as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.“
3)In the preface of one of the largest projects sponsored by Kangxi, the Mongolian Red Kangyur (1718-1720), it is stated: “The Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, transformed himself into the occupant of the “Fearless Lion Throne of Gold” to appear as none other than the sublime ‘Kangxi-Manjushri.’“
A gentle and quiet scholar, Emperor Kangxi was known to be a great patron of the Buddhadharma and was not only a sponsor of the teachings, but had a personal interest in them too. He had an instinctual compassion for every liivng being he met. He was humble with his subjects.
Emperor Kiangxi’s contribution to the spread of Buddhism:
His reign saw the promotion of Buddhism throughout the entire country of China.
He had the scriptures -the Kangyur – published in woodblocks in Tibetan and in Mongolian
He sponsored the Tibetan Dragon Sutra , a Tibetan translation of all “teachings” and “laws” by Shakyamuni himself. He commisioned it to be hand-written in gold ink. The front and back boards were decorated with 756 Buddhas, gorgeously and solemnly painted in colors. The front and back sutra boards are decorated with 756 color-painted Buddhas and inlaid with jewelry.
He also sponsored the 7th Dalai Lama’s entrance to the Kumbum Monastery.
He made two pilgrmages to Wu Tai Shan and made offerings and prayers for the longevity of the IMperial Family members. In the records, it is stated that he visited WuTai Shan and the Gelug temples six times.
Emperor Kangxi was also responsible for the establishment, preservation and restoration of many important Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage in China, Tibet and Mongolia, many of which exist until today – chief of which is the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery.
Emperor Kangxi lived a life focusing on the welfare of his country, and ensured that his subjects were treated well and with dignity and great care. The peace, harmony and prosperity during his reign, such as has rarely been seen in the world since.
Forward-thinking and exposed, Kangxi gave every ethnic group their freedom to practise their own faith freely without infringing on others. Emperor Kangxi was a ruler who lived and ruled by the Buddhist teachings of kindness and discipline. His reign saw the flourishing of literature, art, science, culture and religion throughout China. It is a testament to his scholarship, political astuteness and selflesness that hundreds of years later people continue to see him as one of the greatest emperors to ever rule.
When he died after a 61 year reign, he decreed that his tomb be made along simple lines. However, within the walls of his tomb were carved images of the 35 Confession Buddhas and other Buddhist deities, a testament of the Emperor’s enduring faith and love for the Buddhist religion.
This is an interesting story about Emperor Kangxi, who was a ruler but lived and ruled by the Buddhist teachings of kindness and discipline without the mention of the word Buddhism. Emperor Kangxi put great emphasis on welfare of his country, and ensured the peace, harmony and prosperity during his reign.
Emperor Kangxi was fascinated with the Buddha’s teachings and contributed very much in dharma works. However, he also gave religious freedom to all religions by giving permission for Christian missionaries to carry out their activities in China. In my opinion, a country leader should has this kind of qualities for the benefits of the people.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interesting story of Emperor Kangxi.
Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this impressive and meaningful history of Emperor Kangxi._//\_. Here is a summary that i found interesting about Emperor Kangxi.
“Emperor Kangxi was known to be a great patron of the Buddhadharma and was not only a sponsor of the teachings, but had a personal interest in them too. Due to his early exposure to Buddhism from his elders, Emperor Kangxi was fascinated with the Buddha’s teachings especially that of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. He exhibited an instinctual compassion for all living beings he encountered and when interacting with his subjects, never carried himself with the arrogance of an emperor. As a result, he became the emperor of all of China both in position and in spirit.”
“It is said that Kangxi visited Wu Tai Shan and its Gelug temples for a record six times. He sponsored the writing of the Dragon Sutra using gold ink, which documented the concise Prajnaparamita teachings and which is still preserved today. Emperor Kangxi was also a sponsor of H.H. the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso’s entrance into Kumbum Monastery and bestowed the golden seal of authority upon him.”
“Given his benevolent nature, generous sponsorship, unceasing patronage and personal interest in Buddhism, it is no surprise that many luminaries and Buddhist masters recognised Kangxi to be more than just a secular Emperor. It was Lobsang Tamdin who first determined Kangxi’s connection with Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Manjushri when he wrote in his bebum (collected works on a subject) about a vision he had of Jamgon Sakya Pandita, Lama Tsongkhapa and Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen.”
“In the vision, Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen made a prophecy which Lobsang Tamdin took to mean that as soon as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen passed away, the Emperor of China would be born. This was later confirmed by an entry in Sumpa Khenpo’s Chronology of Tibet for the Wood Sheep year (1655-1656). The entry, which is preceded by a symbol denoting an entry for a person’s birth, states that “The Kangxi Emperor [is born and] becomes famous as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.“
“Lobsang Tamdin believed Kangxi to be the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri, something which has been confirmed by many other masters. In the preface of one of the largest projects sponsored by Kangxi, the Mongolian Red Kangyur (1718-1720), it is stated: “The Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, transformed himself into the occupant of the “Fearless Lion Throne of Gold” to appear as none other than the sublime ‘Kangxi-Manjushri.’“
“Emperor Kangxi lived a life focusing on the welfare of his country, and ensured that his subjects were treated well and with dignity and great care. The peace, harmony and prosperity during his reign, the likes of which have rarely been seen in the world since, can be accredited to his wise ruling and hard work. Forward-thinking and exposed, Kangxi gave every ethnic group their freedom to practise their own faith freely without infringing on others, and even gave Christian missionaries permission to build churches and propagate their religion. Everyone who lived during the time of Emperor Kangxi would credit their ruler in their writings, poetry, stories and innumerable folk lore which was passed down through the generations.”
“Emperor Kangxi was a ruler who lived and ruled by the Buddhist teachings of kindness and discipline without the mention of the word Buddhism. His reign saw the flourishing of literature, art, science, culture and religion throughout China. It is a testament to his scholarship, political astuteness and selfless behaviour that hundreds of years later, the Chinese people continue to know him as one of the greatest emperors to ever rule.”
It is interesting to know that emperor Kangxi is the reincarnation of Dorje Shugden an emanation of wisdom buddha in wrathful form.He ruled His country with wisdom and compassion. He sponsored monasteries, monks and teachers all over China, and buddhism flourished far and wide during His reign. He also created Chinese dictionaries.Emperor Kangxi has brought peace, prosperity and stability in the country. He was well loved and well respected by his subjects. He ruled China for 61 year, the longest reigning emperor.
Really enjoyed reading about Kangxi and all he has done for his people and also contribution towards Buddhism. He remained one of the those enlightened leaders who had a deep appreciation for Buddhism.
The Emperor in China held much authority and power of life and death in China, seeing that so many Emperors just indulged in sensual pleasures, Kangxi certainly stands out as an exception to the rule.
We really need more people like Emperor Kang Xi now.
Nowadays we have many incidents of places not allowing religious freedom, one such place is in India, just because some people practice the so called evil spirit Dorje Shugden, they are ostracized and mistreated. Emperor Kangxi allowed Christians to do as they wished, since a Buddhist can give freedom for people from another religion why can’t the Buddhist give freedom for people in it’s own religion?
Emperor Kangxi did great things to benefit his own people and also others.
His character clearly shows that he is no ordinary being, and some say that he is a reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.
If more people become wise and kind like emperor Kangxi, it could have a big impact on the world which is currently full of turmoil.
I believe that sometime soon, someone who has the wise and kind character will rise to power, to educate the world about religious freedom and kindness.
A big Thank you to the writers Rinpoche for publishing this article.
I am very excited to know that The Emperor Kangxi being recognised as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri, something which has been confirmed by many other masters. He is considered one of China’s greatest emperors.
He took over the throne and rule the country from the age of 6, showed his ability of an extra ordinary being. Although He was young at that time but blessed with wisdom and compassion. During his ruling time he built many important temples to provide the conditions for the Tibetan Buddhism to spread widely in China.
He also improved the map of china by using science and equipments from the west. Emperor Kangxi was first to make tax remissions, then in 1712 to freeze the land tax and corvée altogether. He was also actively participated and showed himself an effective military commander. He created the harmony among Ming and Qing by encouraged Confucian learning. He personally sponsored the writing of the Ming Official History, the Kangxi Dictionary, a phrase-dictionary, a vast encyclopedia and an even vaster compilation of Chinese literature. He was very kind and lower himself in order to come close to the people where they can actually see him in person which none of the emperors had done that before. During the Beijing drought, Kangxi built depot, transferred and raised lots of fund and food for drought relief. A lot of hungers migrated into Beijing city, Kangxi fed the hungers and skilfully placed them to jobs in Beijing city so that they can settle themselves down and also contributed to the city.
What Emperor Kangxi had done at that time we can still see and continued to benefit countless people especially the Chinese today. His personality can obviously still be seen and so real in front of us in this incarnation, H.E. The 25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche. This is truly showed that what an enlightened being wishes to do life after life is just to spread and protect the Dharma and benefits all sentient beings.
After reading the article, I realized how special Emperor Kangxi was. He wasn’t building temples all over China because of his fanaticism to Buddhism. He was supporting the sangha and preserving Buddhism. The temples and monasteries that Emperor Kangxi sponsored and built are still important for the preservation and growth of Buddhism to this day.
Not only does the Emperor preserve and promote Buddhism like writing the Dragon Sutra in gold, he also exemplifies his Buddhist practice with his humility, religious freedom in the country and treating everyone fairly and without bias. He was the people’s Emperor and China flourished during his reign. Looking at the results that Emperor Kangxi created, the Emperor was a very wise person who’s focus was to benefit the country and his citizens.
I believe, if heads of States nowadays are to study Emperor Kangxi’s method of ruling and his emphasis on education, peace and harmony, their country would have a better chance of having a better livelihood and general wellbeing.
When Buddhadharma was infused in leadership, many would benefit. This was clearly demonstrated in the reign of Emperor Kangxi. All Emperor Kangxi’s subject benefited from his wise ruling and hardwork. Many monasteries were built, preserved and restored to facilitate the spread of Buddhadharma. We also see his generous sponsorship to publish the Kanggur and the Dragon Sutra be written in gold ink. These helped promote Buddha’s teaching through out China. What made Emperor Kangxi even more special is the confirmation of him being the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. It was Lobsang Tamdin who first determined Kangxi’s connection with Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and Manjushri when he wrote in his bebum (collected works on a subject) about a vision he had of Jamgon Sakya Pandita, Lama Tsongkhapa and Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen. This was later confirmed by an entry in Sumpa Khenpo’s Chronology of Tibet for the Wood Sheep year (1655-1656).
I am very fortunate to be shared with this wonderful and well researched blogpost on Emperor Kangxi. I have learnt a lot. Thank you very much, Rinpoche and writers team.
Humbly, bowing down,
Stella Cheang
感谢仁波切对康熙皇帝的分享。
我对中国历史不了解？看来这篇文章，也找康熙皇帝一些有关于康熙皇帝的故事，康熙皇是一位最仁慈的统治者。
他8岁登基，14岁亲政。在位61年，是中国历史上在位时间最长的皇帝。他是中国统一的多民族国家的捍卫者，奠定了清朝兴盛的根基，开创出康乾盛世的大局面。谥号合天弘运文武睿哲恭俭宽裕孝敬诚信功德大成仁皇帝。
这里也写到(他不仅是一个精明的政治家和成就的学者，而且康熙也被称为是一个很好的军事领导人) 文武双全，也很喜欢帮助佛寺重修，对佛法也非常有兴趣。
这位康熙皇帝果然与众不同。
康熙是中国历史上在位时间最长的皇帝。他是中国多民族国家的捍卫者，奠下了清朝兴盛的根基，开创出康乾盛世局面。
统治期间，解决了长达8年的吴三桂等三藩的分裂战争，收复了被郑经割据多年的台湾，驱逐了占据我国黑龙江地区的沙俄势力，签订《中俄尼布楚条约》，确定中俄东段边界；同时，又以出征蒙藏，平定准噶尔部蒙古贵族分裂势力的动乱，建立会盟制度和避暑山庄外藩朝觐制等，加强了多民族国家的稳定。这些在位期间的主要成就，大多数人都知道。 最有特色的是他本人对西方科技的学习，他是中国古代唯一懂得天文、数学、地理等自然科学的皇帝。
然而， 并不是很多人知道这位皇帝对佛教的敬仰并贡献良多， 比如赞助西藏龙藏经， 以及创建许多至今仍存在的寺院。 很希望有一天可以到这些寺院参观、祈愿。
我本身很钦佩康熙帝超凡脫俗的品格和个人素质， 这可以从康熙帝生前下令他的皇陵以最谦卑简约的方式来完成中看得出。陵内的石壁有三十五佛等佛菩萨的浮雕以及许多藏文和梵文经典非常明显地表为着康熙帝对佛教的敬仰。
我深信这一切和蒙古大学着洛桑丹玎及许多其他高僧大德证实的一样，相信康熙是活佛扎巴坚赞、文殊菩萨的化身。谢谢仁波切与我们分享这一篇康熙-文殊菩萨的文章。
I’ve always liked China histories compared to the others from various countries. It’s very interesting to read about what emperor Kangxi did for his country and people while he was the ruler of that time. What I read about him during history classes in school is, he was a very generous and kind emperor, he treated his people very equally and that he had enormous love and support from them. He’s not like any other emperor who abused their position and authorities to get what they themselves want, but not for their people. Emperor Kangxi brought Buddhism into China and it is a well-known fact, his people were certainly very fortunate to have read or even heard about the Buddha Dharma. I love reading about emperor Kangxi, every time I grab a history book, I’d always turn to his chapter first and start reading. Everytime I read about him, there’s always something new or interesting to learn. He’s indeed a very influential and compassionate king.
Emperor Kangxi is one of the most well known emperor, where the people loves and support him very much. He is never arrogant, kind hearted, hard working and has made the country very strong and rich during his era. Im happy to know that Kangxi is an emanation of Manjushri and reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. There are many temples built by Kangxi all over in China, one of the most famous and well preserves temple is Yong He Gong located in Beijing. Because of his kindness and effort, Buddhism was well spread in China during Kangxi’s time. Manjushri has manifested as Emperor Kangxi spreading Buddhism far and wide in China. The Buddha will always work in a way benefiting the peoples and all sentient beings.
Dear Rinpoche,
I have always been interested about Emperor Kangxi. He is an Emperor who have brought China into another stage of progress – The unite of Han and Manchuria and also Taiwan and other state of China which at that time, they are separated from China.
Emperor Kangxi was name as Emperor of 1000 years. He becomes an Emperor in the age of 8 years old. Emperor Kangxi knew well on military strategy, knowledge on Chinese ancient text, he also knew about medicine. He is a very highly self-discipline person.
During his ruling, The Qing Dynasty is the country that has the world most wide extended territory, huge population, strong military and strong asset.
Amongst the Emperor of Qing Dynasty. Emperor Kangxi have strongly support dharma in building the monasteries and also printed Buddhism’s scripture.
It is said that Emperor Kangxi is the incarnation of Dorje Shugden. Many reincarnation of Dorje Shugden have contributed vastly to the progress of Buddhism. Emperor Kangxi as the emanation of Dorje Shugden have did the same. Buddhism; especially Lama Tsongkhapa lineage have spread widely thorough and prolong. Many of the scripture that Emperor Kangxi have in still kept until today. The monastery that Emperor Kangxi build have stayed until today.
I am having a thought that, Kechara Forest Retreat now is build up by the King Of Dharma. Kechara Forest Retreat definitely will not be something small and short term. But, it is going to be a place to spread Buddhism especially on Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage to be huge, wide and for very long term. How lucky we are to be part of building Kechara Forest Retreat.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.
With Folded hand,
Freon
It is a known fact that Emperor Kangxi, was considered as China’s most benevolent and extraordinary modern rulers and is well-loved and admired by all Chinese people until today. An accomplished scholar, he is said to have sponsored many literary works, monasteries and teachers all over China, Tibet and Mongolia.He is also a King of Dharma, because he gave religious freedom to all religions in China during his Reign! He lived and ruled by Buddhist teachings, discipline and compassion, through the dissemination of literature, Art, science, culture and successful flourishing religious teachings throughout China. Even today, most Chinese still continue to acknowledge him as one of the greatest emperor ever to rule China! Having rule for 61 years in the land of the Dragon, Emperor Kangxi was laid to rest in the Eastern Qing Tomb’s located 127km North, from China’s Capital, Beijing. Till today, he is still revered for his patronage of the Dharma. Thanks to Kangxi’s patronage and restoration works, statues like Guanyin Pusa were preserved to bless visitors for hundreds of years to come. The carved images of the 35 confession Buddhas and other Buddhist Dieties, is a testament that speaks well for the Emperor’s enduring faith and love for the BUDDHIST RELIGION! Om Mani Padme Hung.
Thank you, Rinpoche!
As the head of China, Emperor Kangxi his accomplishments are worth remembering because it benefited the people during his rule and the many generations to come.
* The greatest gift is the Dharma and Emperor Kangxi has done so much with his power and fortune to spread the Dharma by building monasteries, and commissioned the translation of the Buddha teachings.
* He was generous with material wealth. I think this is one of the reason China has prospered under his rule. If a ruler is greedy, levy heavy taxes or take control of people’s resources by force then the country would become unstable and economically it would not prosper.
* I observed that Emperor Kangxi has good diplomatic ties with Tibet and Mongolia as he sponsored the building of monasteries in those two countries.
* What was also outstanding that he allowed the freedom of religion. People can practice their faith freely. This was uncommon in the past eras.
* Outwardly others may think Emperor Kangxi is a very capable ruler if we measured a country by economic progress alone. I think it is hard to be good ruler with all the worldly trappings. The fact that Emperor Kangxi has able to proliferate the Dharma teachings in China showed that he is exceptional from the rest, similar to the Dharma Kings in Tibet from the past.
感谢仁波切对康熙皇帝的分享。
再经过查阅，我也更进一步的认识康熙皇帝的伟绩：
康熙可说是与众不同的皇帝，他秉持文可治国 武可安邦的信念治国
康熙帝信奉佛法，康熙帝的父亲顺治帝就是在康熙不满六岁时在五台山出家。五台山建有清朝皇家寺庙。康熙帝一生精研佛法，经常教导皇子皇孙修行佛法。
迎请高僧，重振佛教：康熙皇帝在位六十年，将隐于山林的高僧一一延请至京师，使明末以来衰微的佛教，重现生机。他振兴佛教，出版藏经(于康熙五年，即西元一六六六年，开版《续藏》二三七部、《又续藏》一八九部，至康熙十五年，全藏始完成)，并拨款重修普陀山普济寺、金山寺、天竺碑文等。他曾说：“能仁之量，等于好生;佛道之成，关乎民隐。将使般若之门，随方而启;仁寿之域，举世咸登。”自谦弱冠之时，研诵经史，未暇读览金经贝叶，尊崇佛教之风，油然可见。
以康熙皇帝的历史事迹来看，康熙皇帝尤其尊奉藏传佛教，对达赖、班禅、章嘉等活佛多有敕封赏赐。二世章嘉阿旺洛桑却丹更是以国师之尊，出入皇宫，奔走边关，极得康熙宠幸。
Wow… Emperor Kangxi is definitely a Dharma King as he has built so many temples and also spread Buddhism to his people. Also the writing of many Buddhist texts which is preserved till today. No wonder his reign is peaceful and growth is tremendous. An emperor who is about benefitting his subjects and not only about gaining power. It is interesting to note that Emperor Kangxi is the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who is none other than Manjushri.
I hear Emperor Kangxi name, but didn’t really read his background. Thank you Rinpoche for the sharing.
From here I learn
1. Emperor Kangxi is recognized to be connected with Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Buddha Manjushri.
2. Emperor Kangxi use the Buddha teaching 宽仁, 真挚关爱, 呵护to run his military activities.
3. He was interested in the Buddhadharma, especially Tibetan Buddhism, and sponsored many teachings.
Dearest Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this article and the team for doing such a good job in the research on Kangxi Emperor.
Through this article, I have learnt,
1. Emperor Kangxi is one of the most well loved rulers of China due to his way of ruling which is according to dharma. This shows that dharma is applicable to everyone and even secular things such as how to run a country. Dharma is not just for those who wish to lead a spiritual life. Dharma is the way of life.
2. Emperor Kangxi is recognized to be connected with Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and Buddha Manjushri. Great beings like them will benefit the people around them with Dharma and accomplish amazing tasks such as building temples and monasteries. Emporor Kangxi had built, preserve and restore many important Buddhist temples and sites of pilgrimage in China and the surrounding countries.
3. Emporor Kangxi is a generous man. He sponsored the Tibetan Dragon Sutra and to have the text to be written in gold ink.
4. Emperor Kangxi is the one who started the tradition for Tibetan Lamas to engage in pujas to lengthen the lives of our dear ones and also for the flourishing of his kingdom.
5. Kangxi is considered to be a Dharma king. During his reign, peace, harmony, and prosperity flourish and it is a rare sight even in today’s world. This is because he lived and ruled with Buddhist teachings of kindness and discipline without even mentioning the word Buddhism.
Thank you.
Chris
Emperor Kangxi was one of the most illustrious emperor of China. As the seat and administration of the Qing Dynasty just began, the young Kangxi’s father, Emperor Shunzhi had very deep engagement with Buddhism. Emperor Shunzhi would spend most of his time reading, debating on buddhist subjects and meditating. Emperor Shunzhi realized that his life should be more than governing a kingdom as he saw how much suffering surrounded him. Turning to the Three Jewels, the Emperor Shunzhi groomed Emperor Kangxi to become the next emperor. At the young age of 8, Kangxi was enthroned while his father became a monk. Though in official records, it is said that Emperor Shunzhi died an early death, it was the Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang’s skillful means to pacify the situation in the budding years of the Qing Dynasty.
Living up to his father’s hopes, Emperor Kangxi ruled China with much advancement in both secular means and spirituality. This is also credited to the emperor’s grandmother, Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang’s guidance and tutelage to the young emperor as well. Empress Xiao Zhuang was very instrumental in bringing up the young Emperor Kangxi to become an excellent ruler infused with Buddhist principals and influence. Because of their closeness, the emperor took one year from his official residence and returned to his ailing grand mother to take care of her personally while attending to court daily until her death.
Emperor Kangxi had alot of foresight to what might happen and would act and accord his orders with his wisdom. He is much loved as one of the best ruling emperors of China and forefathers of the Qing Dynasty.
Thank you Rinpoche for having this post available so that we can understand better how the leaders of our ancestors were so deeply infused in the dharma centuries ago 🙂
读中国历史，都看到皇帝不容易做， 更何况是做个仁慈皇帝还能把国家统治的稳定、进步和发展。
“康熙皇帝在处理他的军队，康熙皇帝以宽仁、真挚关爱和呵护他的士兵, 以德服人令名将顺服来经营他的军事活动。”这一点告诉我们，康熙皇帝是真正的佛教实践者，他告诉了世人菩萨的精神如宽仁、真挚关爱等是能把国家统治的好。
康熙皇帝对佛教的支持及实践，证明了佛法能辅助治好国家， 从这一点让我们更要去相信佛法能带给个人及家庭更多好处和快乐。
Emperor Kangxi had all the qualities of a Dharma King. During his reign, China became a stable and prosperous country. Kangxi was not only a compassionate and benevolent ruler, he was also an accomplished scholar, an astute politician and a good military leader. But what struck me most was his humanity and wisdom. He was not an arrogant ruler and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his subjects. He must have been well-liked by the Chinese people. It is not surprising that he was recognised as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. This explains the fact that Emperor Kangxi was more than a secular ruler. He was interested in the Buddhadharma, especially Tibetan Buddhism, and sponsored many
teachings. Everything about him seemed to be larger than life. After all, he was an emanation of Manjushri! The life of this Qing Dynasty emperor is fascinating and I hope more research will be done on his life and work, especially his contribution to the spread of Buddhism in China.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing with us about this great being, I personally love to read Chinese history especially about the life of the emperor, when I was young I always wonder is nice to be a emperor because we can have everything we want , as time go I thing be a great leader their is a price to be paid a great leader must be selfless then he or she will be able to benefits his or her country, not just material gain for yourself.
谢谢仁波切的分享。
看了这篇文章让我大吃一惊， 忍不住在 facebook 分享出去。 原来我们中国的皇朝里有一位历代皇上是文殊菩萨的化身！ 敬佩敬佩。
在这里我们看一看到康熙皇修行佛法，以菩萨一般的心去管理国家，让人名国泰民安。
其实我对中国历史文化都不大感兴趣。但是自从看了仁波切的部落格之后，我也慢慢的去了解。再加上康熙皇帝是文殊菩萨的化身让我更想深一层了解。谢谢仁波切。
其实我也是。
就是因为仁波切的分享， 得益增加的历史知识。
我们一起加油！