Gaoming Temple

Gaoming Temple
高明寺
The shanmen of Gaoming Temple.
Religion
Affiliation	Buddhism
Sect	Tiantai
Location
Location	Tiantai County, Zhejiang
Country	China
Shown within Zhejiang
Geographic coordinates	29°11′56″N 121°04′10″E / 29.198766°N 121.069377°E / 29.198766; 121.069377
Architecture
Style	Chinese architecture
Founder	Zhiyi
Date established	6th century
Completed	1980 (reconstruction)

Gaoming Temple (Chinese: 高明寺; pinyin: Gāomíng Sì) is a Buddhist temple located in Tiantai County, Zhejiang, China.^[1]

History

The temple traces its origins to the former "Youxi Daochang" (幽溪道场), founded by master Zhiyi in the 6th century, and would later become the "Gaoming Temple" (高明寺) in the Tianyou period (904–907) of the Tang dynasty (618–907).^[2][3]

In 936, in the 3rd year of Qingtai period (934–936) in the Later Tang dynasty (923–937), the temple was renamed "Zhizhe Youxi Tayuan" (智者幽溪塔院)

In 1008, in the 1st year of Dazhong Xiangfu period in the Song dynasty (960–1279), the name was changed into "Jingming Temple" (净名寺).

In 1606, in the reign of Wanli Emperor (1573–1620) in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), master Chuandeng (传灯) resided in the temple, where he disseminated Tiantai Buddhism. To commend his contribution, he had been honored as "Rebirth of Zhiyi".^[3]

In 1926, abbot Guantong (观通) restored the Hall of Ksitigarbha, Drum tower and Hall of Four Heavenly Kings.

The modern temple was founded in 1980. In 1981, under the support of overseas Chinese Xia Jingshan (夏荆山) and Zhou Qinli (周勤丽), abbot Juehui (觉慧) refurbished and redecorated the temple.

Gaoming Temple has been designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area by the State Council of China in 1983.

Architecture

Along the central axis are the Shanmen, Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall and Buddhist Texts Library. There are over eight halls and rooms on both sides, including Guru Hall, Drum tower, Abbot Hall, Monastic Dining Hall, Monastic Reception Hall and Meditation Hall.

Gallery

References