Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery | 龙口南山香水庵
Located in China’s Shandong Province, the Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery was originally built during the Ming Dynasty from 1621-1627 A.D. It was badly damaged towards the end of the Qing Dynasty at the beginning of the 1900s. The nunnery was rebuilt in 1999 as part of the Longkou Nanshan Scenic Area development project.
Initially, it was called the Xiangshui (Water Burble) Nunnery (响水庵). It got its name from the sound of the steady burble of water flowing from the mouth of a carved dragon on a big stone wall that used to be next to the nunnery.
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Location of Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery in Longkou Scenic Area (click to enlarge)
Legend of Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery
Ming Emperor Mingxizong (1605－1627)
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During the Ming dynasty, a wealthy Han family lived in the area. They had a daughter named Qiaoyun (巧云). She was a bright girl and had a very good memory. She could remember everything that she learned without much effort.
At a very young age, Qiaoyun was already inclined towards Buddhism. When it was time for her to be married, she refused because she wanted only to study and practice the Dharma. Since she was quite adamant, her parents decided to build a nunnery for her. That way she could continue her practice in peace and her parents could visit her whenever they wished. Furthermore, there were not many nunneries in the area.
According to the locals, with her quick wit and bravery Qiaoyun had saved many lives in the village before she was ordained a nun. At one point, the village was used as a rebel base to train kidnapped men to overthrow the Emperor. The rebels started a ruse and said that the disappearances of the men were due to a curse on the village.
However, Qiaoyun saw through it and managed to disrupt the rebels’ insidious plan; thus, saving the villagers and the Ming Court. Since then, everyone in the area regarded Qiaoyun as the emanation of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy or also known as the Buddha of Compassion who took rebirth as a human returning to liberate people from suffering.
When the Nanshan Group rebuilt the nunnery on the same site in 1999, a fragrant scent dispersed from the old structure of the nunnery when it was pulled down. That was how the Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery derived its new name.
Currently, there are 4 nuns living in the nunnery who are also the care takers. They are under the administration of Nanshan Temple in Nanshan Scenic Area.
The Significance of Fragrant Scent in Buddhism
Xilin Monastery (西琳寺) built by Master Huiyong in year 377 in Lushan, Jiangxi Province
In Buddhist practice, a fragrant scent is often associated with Buddhist practitioners who are highly attained and hold their vows very strictly. During the Jin Dynasty (265-460 AD), a fragrant scent which lasted for 7 days lingered on after the passing of a Chinese monk called Master Huiyong (慧永大师) at the age of 83.
The mummified body of Master Wuji, currently housed in Soji-ji Temple in Yokohama, Japan (click to enlarge)
The stupa containing the holy body of Duldzin Drakpa Gyaltsen
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Chinese high monk, Master Wuji (无际大师)’s naturally mummified body as a result of self-preparation and meditation prior to death still disperses a fragrant scent after more than a thousand years. He passed away in 790 AD.
In Tibetan Buddhism, the fragrant scent is also related to pure moral discipline. A famous example is Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen (1619–1656), who was a close disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and well-known for holding his vows. After his passing in 1656, Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen’s body was placed in a stupa at Tsunmo Tsel Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. During renovations in the 1900s when his body was removed from the stupa, a fragrant scent permeated through the entire place as a sign of his pure moral discipline.
Hundred Children Prayer Hall （百子堂）
The entrance of the Hundred Children Prayer Hall
Inside Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery there is the main prayer hall, the Four Heavenly Kings Hall, the Sutra Library, Drum Tower, Hundred Children Prayer Hall, etc. Of the many halls in the nunnery, the most famous hall is the Hundred Children Prayer Hall.
The Guan Yin who grants children in Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery
Installed at the Hundred Children Prayer Hall is the form of Guan Yin (also known as the Goddess of Mercy or the Buddha of Compassion) who grants children. As the founder of the nunnery, Qiaoyun, is said to be the emanation of Guan Yin, the Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery is therefore, closely related to Guan Yin. The miracles people experienced here are also said to be miracles performed by Guan Yin. During the prayer festival in Longkou Scenic Area, many people come here to pray for children, and many have had their prayers answered.
Clay children statues in different styles and depictions in the Hundred Children Prayer Hall
There are 100 statues of children depicted in many forms in the Hundred Children Prayer Hall. After saying their prayers, worshippers will tie a red string around the neck of the clay child statue they have chosen with the hope that they will soon have a child. After their wishes are granted, they will return to the temple to make offerings to Guan Yin as a gesture of appreciation.
Guan Yin Tradition in China
Guan Yin’s veneration was introduced into China around the 2nd or 3rd century. There are at least seven Sutras that are related to Guan Yin (Avalokiteshvara), namely: (1) Amitayurdhyana Sutra; (2) Infinite Life Sutra; (3) Mahakarunikacitta Sutra; (4) Karandavyuha Sutra; (5) Heart Sutra; (6) Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara Heart Dharani Sutra; and (7) the Lotus Sutra.
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In the Lotus Sutra, it is said that there are 33 forms of Guan Yin, of which 7 are female manifestations. Apart from relieving the sufferings of all sentient beings, Guan Yin also has the power to grant children.
Originally, Guan Yin in China was depicted in a male form prior to the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). Later, Guan Yin was depicted in both genders in accordance with the Lotus Sutra. It was not until the 14th century that Guan Yin was presented in an all-female form, as compassion, Guan Yin’s main quality, is often associated with the female attribute in China. To further emphasise the power of granting children and motherly love, Guan Yin in China is often portrayed as a beautiful, white-robed woman holding an infant.
The representation of Guan Yin in male and female forms demonstrate to us that gender is not important as the ultimate reality is in emptiness. A Bodhisattva will manifest according to the need and situation in order to liberate all sentient beings from suffering.
The 33 Manifestations of Guan Yin
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How to get there
By air
From Beijing, Shanghai, Harbin, Wuhan to Yantai International Airport.
By Bus
Once in Yantai, you can take a coach from the coach station near Yantai Train Station to Longkou City. The journey will take less than two hours.
When you arrive in Longkou City, you can take bus number 5 or bus number 105 from Longkou Train Station or coach station to Longkou Scenic Area.
By Taxi
You can also take a taxi from Longkou City to Longkou Scenic Area easily.
Opening hours
7.30am – 6.00pm
Admission Fees
Adult: RMB120 (approximately USD18)
Children below 1.3 metre: Free admission
More Pictures
Maitreya Buddha
香水庵位于中国山东省的龙口南山风景区。原来的香水庵建于明朝天启年间（公元1621-1627年）。那时候的香水庵叫做响水庵，主要是因为寺院的旁边有个石壁，石壁上面刻了条巨龙，巨龙的口日夜都在流水，声响之大数里之外都可听到。可惜的是在明末由于战乱，寺破观残，只留下些残垣断壁。在1999年香水庵因为龙口风景区计划而进行重修。
香水庵的传说
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相传明朝时期这里有一韩姓大户, 家里有个女儿名巧云。巧云天生聪颖，学习诗书过目不忘并且自幼非常喜欢佛法。成年以后她坚持舍俗出家。由于当地的庙宇不多，父母因此自资建了香水庵好让女儿修行，同时也方便常去探望。
据当地人说，巧云在未出家前，村子的男丁被皇帝身边的宦官绑架，以便暗中训练造反军队。反军设计让村民以为村子被诅咒，幸好机智的巧云识破了反军的技俩救了村民们，也解除了朝廷的危难。自此之后，大家都说巧云是观音菩萨的化身。
1999年，在重修响水庵因拆除旧大殿时，一股香气扑鼻，响水庵因此改名为香水庵。
目前，香水庵内共有四名驻庵僧尼，负责打理庵内的大小事务。
香气在佛教的意义
慧永大师在公元377年于江西省庐山境内建立了西琳寺
香气在经典中常用来比喻修行者的修行和持戒之德。晋朝（公元265-460年）的慧永大师在83岁圆寂后一股香气持续了七天才散去。
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无际大师在公元790年圆寂。至今千余年后大师的肉身依然没有腐坏的迹象也还发出阵阵香气。
在藏传佛教中，香气与纯洁的德行息息相关。杜津扎巴坚赞是宗喀巴大师的其中一名很亲近的弟子，他严格持戒的德行最让人津津乐道。杜津扎巴坚赞于1656年圆寂，圣体就供在西藏拉萨市的尊木采寺内。上个世纪90年代，人们整修佛塔时将杜津扎巴坚赞圣体移出的瞬间，一股清新的戒香顿时弥漫着整个空间。
香水庵内神圣的百子堂
百子堂的入口处
香水庵内有大雄宝殿、天王殿、藏经阁、鼓楼、百子堂等。其中最为有名的是百子堂。
香水庵和大慈大悲的观音菩萨有着密切的关系。据说建立香水庵的巧云就是观音菩萨的化身，朝拜者也在香水庵感应到观音菩萨的帮助。
供奉在香水庵内的送子观音
供奉在香水庵内的就是在中国非常普遍的送子观音。龙口风景区每年的庙会都有许多人前来百子堂求子，其中有不少人如愿得子。
百子堂内各种风格与面貌的泥塑孩童
在送子观音身边围绕的是100尊造型各异的泥塑孩童。前来的信徒在许愿后会在选上的孩童颈上结上红绳等待愿望实现。得子后信徒们都会来此还愿以示感激。
中国的观音信仰
观音菩萨大概是在二或三世纪传入中国。在众多佛教经典中，最少有七部和观音有关。1）佛说观无量寿佛经；2）无量寿经；3）千手千眼观世音菩萨广大圆满无碍大悲心陀罗尼经；4）佛说大乘庄严宝王经；5）心经；6）佛说十一面观世音神咒经；7）妙法莲华经。
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妙法莲花经里讲述了观音有三十三法相，其中七个法相为女性。妙法莲华经中也提到观音救苦救难的大愿还有送子的能力。中国在宋朝以前（公元960-1279年）的观音都是以男相示现。之后就出现了男或女相。直到公元14世纪，中国的观音才完全以女相示现，其主要原因是在中华文化中，慈悲较常与女性特质联系。观音在中国常以温柔优雅、身穿白袍、手抱孩童的女相示现，强调观音送子的能力。
观音以男女法相示现的特质无疑是在告诉我们空性与证悟是超越性别的。为了救度众生，菩萨会依据情况所需而示现不同的身相。
观音三十三法相
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如何前往龙口南山风景区
飞机
从北京、上海、哈尔滨、武汉直飞到烟台国际机场
巴士
从烟台市，可到靠近烟台火车站的巴士站乘坐巴士到龙口市，路程不到两个小时。
抵达龙口市后，可在龙口火车站或客车站乘坐5号或10号公车到龙口南山风景区。
的士
从龙口市也可以乘坐的士到龙口南山风景区
开放时间
上午7时30分至下午5时
门票
成人：人民币120元（约18美元）
身高1.3米以下儿童：免费
更多的图片
弥勒佛
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Interesting read of this Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery with an interesting legend behind it. All about a wealthy Han family having a daughter named Qiaoyun. She was considered to be as the emanation of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy . As a young age, Qiaoyun was already inclined towards Buddhism, refusing arranged marriage as her interest is in Buddhism. Her life story tells all how she managed to save many lives in the village even before she was ordained a nun. Great explanation of the significance of fragrant scent in Buddhism and sharing of the 33 manifestations of Guan Yin . Loved those pictures of Quan Yin , beautiful indeed and seeing it is a blessing.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing .
Thank you so much! <3
This article is all about the Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery as known as the Xiangshui (Water Burble) Nunnery which is located in China’s Shandong Province where it was originally built during the Ming Dynasty.
Beautiful story of Qiaoyun who was considered as the emanation of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy to many who took rebirth as a human returning to release the suffering of people.Thank you so much for the informative article ad beautiful pictures.
Thank you for sharing with us the story of this temple and also the many forms of Kuan Yin. Buddhas sometimes appear in a human form to give us teachings and guide us in our spiritual practice. When we have faith in the Three Jewels, there will be hope and the suffering we are going through will become nothing.
In this story, Qiaoyun was born in a rich family but she gave up her comfort and choose to live simply and practice Dharma. In our modern time, we are so degenerate that we think people who choose to become ordained are people who are running away from their problems, who are losers in their lives.
The truth is, many ordained people are hight qualified people who are very successful in their secular lives. For example, Ven. Helmut Gassner, Ven. Dhammananda. It takes a lot of merits to be ordained, it is not as simple as just walk it and get your head shaved.
Thank you so much for this article.This article is all about the Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery as known as the Xiangshui (Water Burble) Nunnery which is located in China’s Shandong Province where it was originally built during the Ming Dynasty.
In Buddhist practice, a fragrant scent is often associated with Buddhist practitioners who are highly attained and hold their vows very strictly. Everyone is welcomed there. Thank you.
During the conservation cultures in the dynasties eras, it is not easy for a person to reject getting married and wanted to be ordained, being it male or female, every parents always wanted their children to get married and have a good family with lots of children, it is something crazy when a person say they don’t want to be married. Even in today world where the technology is so advance, parents still cannot accept their children wanted to get ordained, more over in the olden days. So Qiaoyun may have went through a lot of difficulties in order for her parents to agree to build a nunnery for her to practice Dharma.
I have heard Kuan Yin has many forms and Kuan Yin is not a stranger to us as most of us who lived in Malaysia has been taught about Kuan Yin from the many platforms as we grow up, but most of the forms mentioned here, it is the first time Im hearing these names. Indeed Kuan Yin is very compassionate, and he can manifest in any forms in order to educate the sentient beings and bring them to enlightenment, Kuan Yin is also known as Kuan Shi Yin, Kuan means observing / listening, Shi means all the sentient beings in Samsara, Yin means voices, so it means that Kuan Yin is always listening to the voices of the sentient beings and ever ready to help them to get enlightenment. From here, we can see how compassionate Kuan Yin is and how much he willing to do in order to teach us Dharma, hence, he will manifest different forms and many forms according to the time and situation that is needed.
Interesting article on Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery and having a legend and history behind it. The courageous Qiaoyun (巧云) had saved many lives in the village before she was ordained a nun. Beautiful story of Qiaoyun who was considered as the emanation of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy to many who took rebirth as a human returning to release the suffering of people.
Good sharing and informative of the significance of fragrant scent in Buddhism. Beautiful pictures of Guan Yin which I truly loved it.
Thank you Rinpoche and writers team for this sharing.
for the part of another form of Guan Yin. there is some mistaken part. first of all, it is the four great bodhisattvas in Mahayana tradition which symbolized the four qualities which are compassion, wisdom, great vows, and great deeds. the one who sits on the lion with the jade RU YI is Manjushri. The one sitting on a white elephant with the lotus is Samantabhadra. the one wearing the monk robes sitting beside Guan Yin is Ksitigarbha. Secondly, for the Tian Wang part. It is actually called Wei Tuo Bodhisattva. Not Tian Wang. Tian Wang refers to the four heavenly kings only. Thank you!
I really enjoyed reading about the history of this Xiangshui (Perfume) Nunnery. Didn’t know there are 33 Manifestations of Guan Yin. And the mummified body of Master Wuji, currently housed in Soji-ji Temple in Yokohama. Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for sharing such interesting history and pcitures of this Buddhist temple.?????
In China, there are many stories of Buddha such as Guan Yin and Manjushri who often emanate themselves among us to help us and give us Dharma. Throughout the ancient history, many people converted to Buddhism or their faith in Dharma became stronger because of the miracles or the good deeds performed by the Buddhas.
There was another story of Guan Yin emanating as Princess Miaoshan who was the daughter of King Miaozhuang in ancient China. She sacrificed her eye and arm in order to cure her father’s disease and then she died as a result of it. Because of her selfless act, she immediately became the Thousand-Arm and Thousand-Eye Guan Yin.
Guan Yin is the most popular Bodhisattva worshipped by people in the Mahayana tradition. She is also very popular among Taoists. In Malaysia and Singapore, when a child is always sick, the parents will bring the child to a Guan Yin temple and made her the godmother of the child. Miraculously, the health condition of the child will improve after that.