In Luoyang, the same area as Longmen Grottoes (blog from two weeks ago), is an almost 2,000 year old Buddhist Temple. In the Han Dynasty (64 AD), the emperor sent a delegation to study Buddhism. They brought back two Indian monks with a white horse carrying Buddhist sutras. This was the first time Buddhism was brought to China. To express his thanks, the emperor ordered that a monastery and temple be built. This area became known as the 'cradle of Buddhism' in China.
The Chinese characters are 白马寺, literally 'white horse temple.' The grounds are immaculate, best seen in spring or fall. There is a strong sense of peace and tranquility at the temple, heightened by the chanting of the monks. I look forward to returning there with a future group of travelers.
The Chinese characters are 白马寺, literally 'white horse temple.' The grounds are immaculate, best seen in spring or fall. There is a strong sense of peace and tranquility at the temple, heightened by the chanting of the monks. I look forward to returning there with a future group of travelers.
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