The Imperial Tomb of Emperor Kangxi
The imperial tomb of Emperor Kangxi, located in the Eastern Qing Tombs, has become a place of pilgrimage for many people
Emperor Kangxi (1654 – 1722), also known as Emperor Kang Hsi, is one of the most beloved of China’s historic leaders. In fact, he is renowned for his benevolent reign of the country, which was marked by stability, progress and development, both culturally and in terms of his people’s welfare.
In stark contrast to other emperors who are depicted as warriors in military uniforms or armour, Emperor Kangxi is most commonly depicted in a gentler, scholarly manner. His love for the literary arts and his devotion to the Buddhist faith inspired him to sponsor many written works, temples, and monasteries throughout China, Tibet and Mongolia, including several temples on the holy mountain of Wu Tai Shan dedicated to Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom.
The People’s Emperor
A depiction of Emperor Shunzhi
Emperor Kangxi, the son of Emperor Shunzhi (1638 – 1661), was the second and longest reigning emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912), also known as the Manchu Dynasty of China. Having survived a war with the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi became central to rebuilding and development efforts throughout China. His determination and humility highlighted his real love for the subjects of his empire.
In fact, it has been recorded that he would spend hours and hours each day sending orders all over his territory to guarantee the improvement of his empire, even working late into the night so that his instructions could be sent off the next morning.
Having ascended the Dragon Throne at the tender age of six, he was assisted by regents until he came of age. By the time he finally assumed his rightful place as emperor, Kangxi was well-versed in court politics, having grown up in the imperial court.
Emperor Kangxi successfully minimised unrest and nefarious plots internally within his court and throughout the country as a whole. He then turned the attention of his people to the development of literary works such as the compilation of enormous encyclopaedias and the Kangxi dictionary. On a military level, he exerted powerful command over his generals and at the same time, showed care towards the ordinary soldiers.
Inspired by and drawing strength from the Buddhist faith, he showed compassion for all living beings that he came across. The Kangxi Emperor is said to have been extremely humble when he interacted with his subjects. His works, attitude and compassionate behaviour earned him the position of emperor both physically and also in the hearts and minds of his people.
The Emanation of Wisdom
Emperor Kangxi was beloved by all his subjects, including those of the Christian faith, who portrayed him in a saintly manner.
A devoted Buddhist, the Kangxi Emperor was considered progressive in his day as he gave everyone the right to freedom of religion. He is even famously remembered to have given permission for Christian missionaries to carry out their religious activities in China. He was beloved and admired by all and there are even Christian depictions of Emperor Kangxi with a saintly halo.
Most incredibly, Buddhist masters have recognised Emperor Kangxi as the reincarnation of the great holy lama Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and as an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Many considered him to be a special being due to his compassionate nature towards all, his determination to ensure the stability and growth of Buddhism as well as his own personal Buddhist practice. It was Lobsang Tamdin who first recorded this divine connection in his bebum (collected works), where he wrote about a vision he had had of Sakya Pandita, Lama Tsongkhapa and Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen.
It was in this vision that Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyaltsen gave a prophecy which Lobsang Tamdin interpreted to mean that as soon as Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen passed away, an emperor of China would be born. This prophecy was later corroborated by an entry in Sumpa Khenpo’s Chronology of Tibet. Preceded by a marking denoting a birth, the entry reads,
“The Kangxi Emperor [is born and] becomes famous as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.”
So, both Lobsang Tamdin and Sumpa Khenpo believed that Emperor Kangxi was the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri. What’s more, they were not the only ones. In the preface to the Mongolian Red Kangyur (1718 – 1720), a work sponsored by Emperor Kangxi, it states
“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 was known to be the reincarnation of the great holy master Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom.
Amongst countless examples of his faith, the most memorable are his five visits to the sacred mountain Wu Tai Shan and its Gelug temples. He also sponsored His Holiness the 7th Dalai Lama Kelzang Gyatso’s entrance into Kumbum Monastery, and even bestowed the golden seal of authority upon him. Out of the many written works he sponsored, a copy of the Dragon Sutra written with gold ink, documenting the concise Prajnaparamita teachings, is still preserved today.
Of the temples and monasteries Emperor Kangxi established, preserved or restored, many still exist and are sacred sites of pilgrimage today. These include:
CHINA: Guangren Lamasery with its eight special treasures; Ganden Sumtseling, built by the Great 5th Dalai Lama during Kangxi’s reign, which houses eight gold-covered sculptures of Buddha Shakyamuni; Pule Temple, which is known as the Temple of Universal Joy; and Fayu Temple on Mount Putuo, a sacred site associated with Chenrezig.
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
MONGOLIA: Amarbayasgalant Monastery, the final resting place of Emperor Kangxi’s spiritual mentor Zanabazar (1635 – 1723), who was the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu – the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism amongst the Khalkha in Outer Mongolia.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
The Emperor’s Last Act
As per Imperial Chinese tradition, Emperor Kangxi had many sons in order to continue his bloodline. However, this created a prolonged struggle between the various princes in regards to who should inherit the Dragon Throne and rule over the vast Qing Empire.
Kangxi had originally named Prince Yinreng (1674 – 1725) his heir and crown prince when Yinreng was just two years old. He showered his affection on Yinreng and took great pains to groom him for his future role as emperor. However, Yinreng was eventually disavowed the position after many instances of immoral behaviour and for planning a coup d’etat, after which he was placed under house arrest.
A copper statue of Kangxi. He is still highly revered by the people of China.
Following these events, the remaining imperial princes were divided into roughly two camps. Some supported the 4th prince, Yinzhen (1678 – 1735), and were known as the Fourth Lord Party. The others supported the 14th prince, Yinti (1688 – 1756), and were known as the Eighth Lord Party, since Yinti was the eighth of the royal princes to have been awarded an imperial title.
Worried that the issues of succession would destroy not only the imperial court but divide the country as well, Emperor Kangxi instituted a series of reforms that drastically changed the political workings of the empire. Of his 24 sons, some were stripped of their titles, others placed under house arrest, and those who were considered capable were sent on military campaigns to ease political conflict.
Rather than name a successor before his passing, Emperor Kangxi declared that he would instead place his instructions inside a box within the Palace of Heavenly Purity in the Forbidden City, which was only to be opened after his death. After having ruled the Qing Empire for 61 years, Emperor Kangxi passed away and was laid to rest in the Eastern Qing Tombs.
The Imperial Eastern Qing Tombs
An aerial view of the Imperial Eastern Qing Tombs
Located in Zunhua, Hebei Province in China, the Eastern Qing Tombs are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 125 kilometres (78 miles) northeast of Beijing, the tombs are known to be the biggest, most complete and best preserved of all existing mausoleum complexes in China today.
Covering 80 square kilometres (31 square miles) and surrounded by the Changrul, Jinxing, Huanghua, and Yingfei Daoyang Mountains, the complex includes the tombs of:
- Emperor Shunzhi (1638 – 1661), the 3rd Qing Emperor
- Emperor Kangxi (1654 – 1722), the 4th Qing Emperor
- Emperor Qianlong (1711 – 1799), the 5th Qing Emperor
- Emperor Xiafeng (1831 – 1861) the 9th Qing Emperor
- Emperor Tongzhi (1856 – 1875) the 10th Qing Emperor
- 15 empresses
- 136 imperial concubines
- Three princes
- Two princesses
A map depicting the Imperial Eastern Qing Tombs. Click to enlarge.
An ancient stone arch structure
Xiaoling: The Tomb of Emperor Shunzhi
The tomb at the centre of the complex is known as Xiaoling, the first tomb to be built here. This is where Emperor Shunzhi is buried, together with Empress Xiao Kang Zhang (the mother of Emperor Kangxi), and Imperial Noble Donggo (consort of Emperor Shunzhi, who was posthumously bestowed the title of Empress).
The other tombs within the complex mirror the pattern laid out by the central Xiaoling tomb. This layout consists of a spirit road (an ornate road leading to the tomb, with statues and pillars along its route), palaces and offering kitchens. The spirit road at Xiaoling is the most elaborate and includes archways, decorative gates, halls, statues and various bridges, carved with dragon and phoenix designs. The palace section includes halls of various sizes, areas for court officials, various government buildings, ornate gates, memorial towers, stone altar pieces, a precious citadel and even an underground palace. The offerings kitchen, located to the left of the palace section, consists of kitchens where sacrificial food was cooked, and warehouses to store the offerings.
A stone carving on the tomb wall
Yuling: The Tomb of Emperor Qianlong
The tomb of Emperor Qianlong is perhaps the most beautiful of all imperial tombs throughout Chinese history, and includes a series of nine vaults that are separated by four solid marble doors. The marble gates, walls and vaulted ceilings are all carved or painted with Buddhist images such as the 24 Buddhas, the Eight Bodhisattvas, the Four Heavenly Kings, and more than 30,000 words of Tibetan and Sanskrit scripture. The solid marble doors, themselves carved with reliefs of various Bodhisattvas and the Four Heavenly Kings, weigh a staggering 3-tonnes each.
An aerial view of Yuling, The Tomb of Emperor Qianlong
Entrance to the Tomb of Emperor Qianlong and the spirit road lined with statues leading to the tomb
Ding Dongling: The Tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi
One of the most luxuriously decorated, this tomb includes numerous halls, three of which are embellished with gold-coloured paintings, gilded dragons and carved stone rails. All over the exterior are reminders of the Forbidden City, including corner spouts on the terrace carved as dragons. The interior features are painted in gold on dark wood, in remembrance of the building in which the Empress Dowager spent the last years of her life.
An aerial view of Ding Dongling, The Tomb of Empress Dowager Cixi
A view of one of the many courtyard buildings at the tomb
A detailed stone carving of Vaishravana, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, surrounded by Tibetan prayers on the doors in the tomb
This tomb is known for its terraced roofs
Zhaoxiling: The Tomb of Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang
Located to the east of the spirit road leading to Emperor Shunzhi’s final resting place, this tomb houses the remains of his mother. The Empress Dowager was thought to have played a key role in consolidating authority during the early Qing Dynasty. At first, the tomb was constructed as a resting hall under the direction of Emperor Kangxi, who was her grandson. But Emperor Yongzheng had it converted into a mausoleum in 1725.
Statues line the spirit road
The spirit road is an important feature throughout all the tombs
Close up of a stone elephant statue on the spirit road
Jingling: The Tomb of Emperor Kangxi
Although Emperor Kangxi is possibly the greatest of the Qing emperors, his tomb is surprisingly modest. However, when considering his character, this is very much in keeping with his humble attitude. He did, in fact, decree that his tomb should be humble and simple.
The spirit road, one of the most significant features of Jingling, contains a graceful five-arch bridge and there are guardian figures close to the tomb itself, which are more decorated than those of the earlier tombs in the area. Emperor Kangxi’s tomb also mirrors his deep faith in the Buddhas and Buddhist teachings. The walls of his tomb are carved with images of the 35 Confessional Buddhas and other Buddhist deities.
The construction of Jingling began in 1676 and ended in 1681. Emperor Kangxi had set strict rules for how the tomb should be built and used. This included the proclamation that if the empress died before he did, that she would be buried first but that the door of the underground palace would remain open until the emperor himself was buried. This was in contrast to the usual procedure which would ensure that the doors of the tomb would be shut as soon as the intended occupant was interred.
Emperor Kangxi’s tomb has since become a pilgrimage site for practitioners of the Buddhist faith, owing to his great patronage of the Dharma and the fact that he is considered to be an emanation of Manjushri and a reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. Up to this day, offerings of khatas can be seen draped over his tomb in front of his portrait.
The layout of Jingling mainly consists of a few structures, including:
- Stele pavilion
- Five arch bridge
- Stone statues
- Ornamental pillar
Tomb inscription in the Chinese language
A description of Jingling
A map showing the locations of the various tombs. Jingling lies on the right.
A map of the tombs. The tomb of Emperor Kangxi is highlighted in red.
The layout of the tomb
An aerial view of Jingling taken using laser camera technology
These ornamental pillars are located outside Jingling Tomb
The tomb of Kangxi’s concubines
An old picture of the five arch bridge leading to Kangxi’s tomb
The famed five arch bridge in Jingling taken using laser camera technology
While so many other rulers throughout history have only thought of themselves, Emperor Kangxi lived his life focused on the welfare of his country. During his reign, peace, harmony, prosperity, literary development and patronage of the Dharma was outstanding, the likes of which have rarely been seen in the world since.
His achievements stem from his expert rule of the country, his compassionate attitude and his hard work ethic. He was so beloved by his people that those who lived during his time credited the Kangxi Emperor in their stories, writings, poetry and folk lore, which has since been passed down through the generations.
All in all, Emperor Kangxi ruled according to the Buddhist teachings of love, kindness, tolerance, wisdom and hard work. It was during his reign that religion, art, literature, culture and science flourished throughout the Qing Empire. And it is a testament of his political astuteness, scholarship and selflessness that even until the present day, the people of China still continue to regard him as one of the greatest emperors to have ever ruled China.
For more interesting information:
- Emperor Kangxi | 康熙皇帝
- Empress Xiaozhuang Wen: Kangxi’s Mongolian Grandmother
- Ganden Sumtseling Monastery the beautiful
- Information about Manjushri on my blog
- All About Manjushri | 关于文殊菩萨
- Mount Wutai – The Earthly Abode of Lord Manjushri
- Praise to Manjusri Explanation by Geshe Rabten
- Dorje Shugden – The Protector of Our Time
- Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen?
- Glenn Mullin on Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen
- Comparison between the Shamarpa and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen
- Becoming Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
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
Looking at those pictures in the post tells us more, it is a final resting place of all Emperors, Empress, and so forth of the Qing dynasty. Amazing each tomb was constructed facing different direction. The imperial tomb of Emperor Kangxi, located in the Eastern Qing Tombs. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the mausoleum offers a more expansive view and now a place of pilgrimage for locals and tourist visiting these place full of historic views. The Eastern Qing Tombs are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tombs are known to be the biggest and best preserved of all existing mausoleum complexes in China.
Emperor Kangxi one of China’s greatest emperors was the third Emperor of the Qing dynasty. Having ruled China for 61 years that makes him the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history . During his reign, he brought about long-term stability and relative wealth after years of war and chaos. Emperor Kangxi was a great consolidator of the Qing dynasty. Many Buddhist temples and monasteries were established, preserved or restored during his reign.
Interesting read and looking at the pictures , one could see the beauty of this place.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this write-up of a GREAT Emperor.
The imperial tomb of Emperor Kangxi, located in the Eastern Qing Tombs, a place worth visiting ….with an interesting history and story behind it. Amazing it is surrounded by mountains, the two magnificent imperial tomb complexes are the largest and best preserved Qing Dynasty mausoleums in China. It has become a place of pilgrimage for many people. The Kangxi Emperor is considered one of China’s greatest emperors and the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese dynastic history . He had brought magnificent changes to China. Under his rule, the Qing empire started to prosper, dynastic succession was stabilized, and he was comparatively benevolent. What he did was incredible having modernized the Chinese empire. He was the most accomplished of all Chinese Emperor. Looking at all pictures tells all , that he was well remembered.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Niral for this sharing.
One the simplest way to promote a product on the online market place would be
Strategic Web site. The search engines don’t acquire the patience
to think about that far and a four-way link can certainly natural.
After learned about what Emperor Kang Xi has done during his ruling time, i would consider him as Dharma King who worked selflessly for the benefits of the people of China by not only providing a better living condition to the people but also preserving their individual culture (not trying to change them to his own culture but he himself adapted to the people’s culture) and bringing them Dharma.
He is not an ordinary emperor. He’s truly a people’s emperor who love and care of his people welfare. Hence his tomb is being consider as one of the pilgrimage places in China.
Emperor Kangxi is one of great king to promote buddhism in China. Untill now still have many temple still remain in China build by Kangxi Emperor. Personal i like his non sectarian , accept different religion belieave and allow religion practice freedom in China. Another great remark is he united people from Qing and Han and make China peace and no war frighting. That prove how compassion and kind as the Emperor to love his people in the China.
Kangxi, Yongzheng & Qianlong are the 3 greatest emperor of Qing dynasty. During their reign, it is also the most peaceful period until the later stage of Qianlong, the imperial administration get corrupted, riot started again.
Kangxi Emperor is considered one of China’s greatest emperors. He suppressed the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, forced the Kingdom of Tungning in Taiwan and assorted Mongol rebels in the North and Northwest to submit to Qing rule, and blocked Tsarist Russia on the Amur River, retaining Outer Manchuria and Outer Northwest China.
The Kangxi Emperor’s reign brought about long-term stability and relative wealth after years of war and chaos. He initiated the period known as the “Prosperous Era of Kangxi, which lasted for several generations after his death. His court also accomplished such literary feats as the compilation of the Kangxi Dictionary.
曾经有一段时期迷恋康熙戏剧，喜欢看他的智慧和仁慈统治中国，是一位精細的管理者，身为皇帝的他經常外出巡行，會見地位低下的勞工和農夫，聆聽民間疾苦，這使他深得人心。他有很多管理的技巧是的值得我们去学习。在他统治期间是中国佛教盛期，康熙赞助西藏龙藏经，也赞助了许多法会和寺院，很多寺院至今还存在，这是康熙对佛教的贡献。
China is filled with renowned rulers across its 5 000 years of history. Emperor KangXi is one of it. Very interesting article and makes people wonder what flaw did he had done during his lifetime. Perhaps he was more famed for his contribution to the people of China during his tme.
Of all the dynasties in China, I personally find that Qing Dynasty was the most fascinating. It is because it has total of 13 emperors in the dynasty. Every emperor had their own fascinating stories. And of all the 13 emperors, there were some dictator, some wasted their life, some womanizer, only Kang Xi emperor was the one that developed and brought up Qing Dynasty to another level, and only him, that practice dharma so well. Through this article, we can tell from their tomb, what kind of emperor they were when they were alive. Those who didn’t practice Dharma and didn’t understand Dharma at all, wanted everything they had when they died. And wasted millions of dollar where it could be used to benefit the people. Only Emperor Kang Xi, who practiced Dharma so well, his tomb is the simplest one, but even have 35 confession Buddha on the wall. This truly teaches us, what kind person we were, will leave either good name or bad name to the generations after us. Even generations after generations, they are still people talking about them.
If it’s not about this article, I’ll not know about part of the China’s history. Now, I’m interested to look into Emperor Kang Xi’s stories.
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/art-architecture/emperor-kangxi.html
Based on the article, Emperor Kangxi is a humble person as you can see from his tomb and he is an Emperor who was loved by his people as he is compassionate to allow his people to practice any religion they want. I guess every country wants a ruler who is nice and humble so that everyone can live in peace and harmony.
The Kangxi Emperor was the great consolidator of the Qing dynasty. Knowing Emperor Kangxi is the emanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and as an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom there’s no doubt by seeing his compassionate action during his ruling period. Emperor Kangxi is one of the many rare one that able to bring long-term stability and relative wealth after years of war and chaos and at the same time preserve and promote Buddha’s teaching to his people. His true compassionate action has also brought peaceful times of China, it would be so vital and extremely beneficial that such peace reenacts again with the flourishing of Buddhism practice at this time. With China as an influential nation that promotes peace over war, there is a high possibility for peace to spread to other parts of the world.
Even though Emperor Kangxi ordered executions of people during his reign, his biography shows that not only was he a wise man but he was also scholarly, spiritual, compassionate, hardworking, fair; also far visioned – like he could see into the future what held best for his empire and subjects. No wonder he was much loved and highly revered by his people during his reign and even after centuries have passed by. With the power he had, he could have ruled with an iron fist, yet he did not. This shows that Emperor Kangxi was not an ordinary human being but one with great compassion and great wisdom, like a bodhisattva.
Basically, I got to know story of Emperor Kangxi was thru drama series and shared stories by friend fancy of China history. The outstanding ruling of Emperor Kangxi gives much inspiration to many people until today. His compassion towards his people, modest thought, accepting other cultures during his reign are very much appreciated, respected and remembered. His establishments on temples, monasteries proves of his devotion on Buddhism and more incredibly, he was reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyelsen as recognized by many Buddhist masters. This is really interesting.
Although I don’t know much but I am always fascinated with the dynasties of China. Read stories read here and there of how cruel or beneficial the kings were.
Most important is how the king ensure peace and unity among its people. No point going to war for the sake of ego because at the end of it the people are the ones who suffer. Reading about Emperor Kangxi show how kind and compassionate he was during his reign which lasted for quite some time due to his faith in Buddhism. Ruled with much wisdom and performed many deeds, and I truly believe it was Manjushri’s emanation.
The emperor of China is indeed a very powerful position where the rule can either be of benefit or sufferings to the subjects of the land.
Emperor Kangxi was the epitome of keeping peace and empowering his subjects to the improvement of their minds simultaneously to their physical well being. In doing so, Emperor Kangxi had a good control over his commanding generals and also look into the welfare of the lowly soldiers. Such an intention will mean less call on wars and vicious expeditions of border expansions with less cost to lives.
At the same time, Emperor Kangxi created prosperity and “learnings” for his country and subjects. Improvement of the minds through arts, literature and buddhism.
From historical accounts, it was a great 61 years of reign.
Histoy also affirms the fulfilling of the prophecy that Emperor Kangxi is the reincarnation of the great master Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen due to his strong imprint of Buddhism and his devotion to the Dharma as TDG been throughout his lineage.
I couldn’t recall if I’ve been to this site as I remembered I’ve been to a few tombs. We were asked to be polite and followed certain steps on how we should pay proper respect to them. It was a solemn procession.
Looking at those pictures, suddenly I remembered how we were first brought to that place. The journey was long, few kilometres away from the gate to a tomb and to another. I remember many plants were planted at the surrounding area but because I visited that place during winter, hence it looked more like a bare root trees/plants. I wish I could remember to whom I have paid my respect to.
Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Yongzhen, both were so famous. There were dramas about their lives. I admire Emperor Kangxi more now when I found out that He was one the previous lives of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.
Really really thankful that we have Rinpoche, the blog team and those who have contributed to this blog. It saves us (especially me) many hours of researching the accurate info.
Emperor Kangxi is indeed a very popular emperor of China. Many movies have been made in Hong Kong and China to recount the greatness and achievements of this emperor. As an incarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, it is no wonder that Emperor Kangxi was a staunch Buddhist practitioner. His compassion and selflessness were manifested in his contribution towards Buddhism, arts, culture, peace, interfaith harmony, technology advancement, language and so on. He did everything he could to improve the wellbeing of his people both spiritually and economically.
This is the only time I believe that politics and religion combined worked well. This is because Emperor Kangxi embodied the teachings of compassion and being in service to others as taught in Buddhism instead of just preaching and using religion as a political tool to divide and rule.
Emperor Kangxi is known to be the most hardworking emperor in the entire China.
The aerial view of Jingling looks like the mandala of Dorje Shugden. The stone cravings of 35 Confessional Buddha is so beautiful and in details. I guess this is the first emperor who builds his tomb with many Buddha’s images. Other emperor like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, he build his tomb and crave many soldier to protect him. Other emperor will buried many gold and treasures items in their tomb. But, Emperor Kangxi is so different, he crave many Buddha’s images. Thus, people who visited his tomb are like visit to a temple to pray to Buddha. Emperor Kangxi is truly the emanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the dharma lineage holder.
Reading about Kang Xi, one can help but feel admiration for this great personage. He worked really hard to better the lives of his people, he was courageous to protect China from invaders and such.
Usually invaders don’t make very good administrators, but not Kang Xi, with his deep spiritual principles and ability to govern and improve on current conditions. He could have enjoyed all the palatial pleasure but rather he chose a life of service to the nation and people.
Reading about his sons, it could not have been an easy decision for him to exile some of them, punish them and putting them under house arrests and so forth, as some of his sone were just wild and not very ethical. Such was the quality of Kang Xi.
Emperor Kangxi is one of king of China history I have admired and respected; he was humble, kind, tolerant, wisdom and hard working.I read a few books about him during my school time and I know he was king who was more prone to Buddhism but I did not know he was reincarnation of the great holy lama Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and as an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. I would say Qing Dynasty has reached peak during his reigns. To me, he is legend.
Emperor Kangxi has put a lot of effect to flourish Dharma during his reigns. The marvelous monasteries built in Wu Tai Shan are strong evidences of that. In fact, he is one of my favorite emperor of Qing Dynasty, another one is his son, Yongzheng Emperor. One is focus on building, whereas, another one focus on sustaining or reinstalling the glorious of dynasty. Thank You Rinpoche for sharing it to us.
Beautiful and very detailed of this historic emperor whom many admired . Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Kangxi as the reincarnation of the great holy lama Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and as an emanation of Manjushri, the Buddha of Wisdom. He has a beautiful Chinese history through out his reign and very much by his people. Ruled according to the Buddhist teachings of love, kindness, tolerance, wisdom and hard work. I love the beautiful and interesting pictures in this article. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing this wonderful post with sincere appreciation ??
Throughout history great kings and emperors were renowned for the expansion of their empires through war, cunning schemes and bloodshed. Especially during the early centuries in history China was plagued wth wars and intrigue that causes disruption to good rules and progress.
Indeed, Emperor Kangxi was an exception as he ruled within the tenets of Buddhism of love, compassion, care and kindness. As such all memories of Emperor Kangxi are not that of a warrior king but a gentle and scholarly emperor who gave great peace and prosperity to his subjects.
From his gentle and kind conduct as an almighty ruler, it is not a surprise to be documented that Emperor Kangxi was the reincarnation of the Great Tibetan Lama, Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and an emanation of Wisdom Manjushri.
It was his care for his empire and his subjects that he would eliminate his heirs if deemed unfit and leave his succession secret until death, to prevent fights and jealousy. Another point that impacted me with Emperor Kangxi’s humility was that he would permit his empress to be buried in his tomb should she have died before him.
China had some great emperors, but kind and compassionate ones were few and Emperor Kangxi stands out first among them.
Emperor Kangxi wa one of the greatest emperors of China. Renowned for his benevolence, compassion and selflessness and strict work ethics, his reign was the golden era when art, writing, culture and religion flourished. Being an emperor of great wisdom, far in advance of the age he lived in, he allowed freedom of religion. Because of this, he was so well-respected that even the Christians in their art depicted him with a halo like a Christian saint!
He lived his life focused on the welfare of his country and his people. As head of his army, he displayed firm control of his general, and yet was compassionate with the ordinary soldiers. Indeed, he was renowned for his compassion towards his people and all living beings. He thus won over the hearts and minds of his people.
He was an emanation of Manjushri the Buddha of wisdom. Indeed, two great Masters and scholars have recorded in their works that Emperor Kangxi is an emanation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen. Lobsang Tamdin had this recorded in his ‘Bebum’. In Sumpa Khenpo’s ‘Chronology of Tibet’, he wrote that “The Kangxi Emperor [is born and] becomes famous as the reincarnation of Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen.”!
He was a devout Buddhist practitioner, being the only Emperor who made five pilgrimages to Wu Tai Shan!. He was a great patron of Dharma, sponsoring the establishment, preservation and restoration of temples and monasteries. One of the most famous of this is the Gaden Sumsteling, built by the 5th Dalai Lama, which has many monks and draws crowds of pilgrims. This monastery has several Dorje Shugden chapels as the monks of these khangstens had chosen Dorje Shugden as their Protector. Emperor Kangxi also sponsored a precious Dharma text, the Dragon Sutra, written in gold ink ,documenting the concise Prajnaparamita teachings!
In keeping with his humility, he had chosen to have a simple and modest tomb built for himself. Still pilgrims flock to this tomb to pay their respects to a great emperor, who had selflessly put his people’s welfare before everything else, and who had been so compassionate and benevolent towards all , and who ruled China so wisely and so well .A distinguishing feature within his tomb were the carvings of the 35 Confessional Buddhas – a clear sign of his being a devout practitioner.
I believe he will go down in history as one of the very few heads of nations who had been able to combine spirituality and the secular so harmoniously.
Beautiful and very details of these historic emperor whom many admired . Emperor Kangxi. As he was one compassionate Emperor who cares for the welfare of his country man. He was one of the longest-reigning emperors in dynastic history. He was thought of as one of the greatest emperors because, under his rule, the Qing empire started to prosperous and stabilised.
Emperor Kangxi was recognised to be the reincarnation of the great holy lama Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen and as an emanation of Manjushri by many High Lama. He has a beautiful Chinese history through out his reign and very much by his people. Ruled according to the Buddhist teachings of love, kindness, tolerance, wisdom and hard work.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing these interesting article with beautiful pictures of varies tombs of Emperors and Empress.
The beautiful and extensive tombs reflect the reverence the Chinese held for their Emperor Kangxi. He was a great emperor who brought a semblance of stability and wealth to the country, a prosperity that lasted several generations.
He was shrewd and intelligent but with his interest in Buddhism, was kind and compassionate, the factors that led to his greatness.
Thank you for sharing this tribute and background to a great emperor and his accomplishments.