The context of blessing under the bells of ancient temples: exploring the blessing culture of Chinese temples
In the vast land of China, temples are like cultural coordinates scattered around the world, carrying the heavy sedimentation of thousands of years of blessing culture. Stepping into the vermilion mountain gate is like walking into a corridor of time, encountering the blessing customs passed down from generation to generation.
Temples are often located in quiet mountains and forests with gurgling water. The ancients believed that such Feng Shui treasures gathered the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and were ideal stations connecting the secular world and the gods. From the White Horse Temple, which was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty, to the Baoguo Temple hidden in the beautiful scenery of Mount Emei, the architectural layout is exquisite. The mountain gate is a barrier to isolate the worldly disturbances; the main hall is located in the center, solemn and majestic, and the Buddha statue looks down with compassion, accepting the worship of believers from all directions. The corridors and side halls each have their own functions, creating a regular and mysterious atmosphere. Praying in such an atmosphere, people naturally feel awe, consciously lighten their steps, calm down, and start a dialogue with faith.
There are many ways to pray, the most common of which is to burn incense. Holding a wisp of sandalwood in your hand, close your eyes and clasp your hands in the rising smoke, and silently recite your wishes. This incense is a messenger, bringing the charisma of mortals to a lofty and mysterious realm. Ringing bells to pray for blessings is also a long-lasting practice. The majestic bells break the silence, and the sound waves come from all directions. Every sound seems to ask the sky and dispel the haze, with a kind of shock and cleansing that goes straight into the heart. On auspicious days such as the Buddha’s birthday and the day of Guanyin Bodhisattva’s enlightenment, temples will also hold ceremonies. The monks chant sutras like a tide, and the believers are in the middle of it, following the chanting, praying that through this grand and solemn ceremony, their wishes can take root deeper and are more likely to be blessed by the Buddha.
People’s wishes are also rich and varied. Seeking peace is an eternal theme. In this world full of uncertainty, people hope that their family will be free from disasters and diseases; those who wish for a smooth career hope to gain a firm foothold in the officialdom and rise step by step; those who seek to study pray for academic success and breakthroughs; and couples in love will tie a love lock and let the matchmaker hold the red string tightly, so that their love is stronger than gold. Temples are like spiritual tree holes, accepting the dreams of all living beings, big and small, and giving comfort and hope.
In essence, the culture of praying in temples is a safe haven for the Chinese people’s spiritual world. When life pressures pile up and the road ahead is uncertain, the temples, as a pure land, provide a place for the soul to rest, allowing people to regain the courage and strength to face life, sort out their inner desires in the process of praying, and then return to their daily lives with the faith of praying. It is not only a folk treasure, but also a spiritual nutrient that nourishes the national soul and lasts forever.
