My humble hotel is situated down the road from this Buddhist temple. When the streets become too chaotic, I head inside this sanctuary for peace and space. A national treasure and protected by the Chinese government, beautiful Wenshu Monastery is your escape in Chengdu.
Brief History
Located in the Wenshufang neighbourhood, the original temple dates from the 7th century. During each dynasty, the name changed, buildings were added, and some removed. In the Ming Dynasty, a great fire destroyed all buildings, sparing only ten iron Buddha statues and the 2,000 year old fir trees.
During the Qing Dynasty, structures were rebuilt and the monastery re-opened in 1706. The name Wenshu was given at that time and it still holds today. More halls were constructed in the early 1800’s, these account for the majority of the buildings on the site currently.
Halls
The beautiful old walled monastery contains five Buddhist Halls, a large garden space, tea house, pagoda, pavilions, library, housing, cafeteria and place to shop. Each hall houses different statues and plays a unique roll. The Hall of Heavenly Kings is just past the entrance and was constructed in 1706. It is currently shrouded in tarps and walls, but visitors can enter the structure to see each of those kings sitting in the corners.
The Hall of Three Saints, built in 1886, contains these three figures made of wood. Mahavira Hall is the main hall in Chinese monasteries and dictates the architectural style for the rest of the temple. It is where the monks practice and congregate. The Darma Hall is used for lectures and events and houses the bells and drums.
And Manjushri Hall, the newest one, built in 1999 is four floors and of such spectacular architecture. Each one of these halls plays an important roll for Buddhists who visit Wenshu.
Thousand Buddha Pagoda
One of the first things visitors will see is this tall slim pagoda reaching up to the heavens. Surrounding it is an intricately decorated wall, the ledges of which are spread daily, with bird seed, rice, peanuts and candy. Worshippers walk around this central pagoda in a clockwise pattern to keep the sacred structure always on their right side. It is a form of moving meditation, honors the Buddha’s teachings and provides spiritual energy.
Gardens & Tea House
The large green space is quite expansive and full of paved paths that take one around, past a fountain and through rocky displays. At one side find the tea house, very large with loads of outdoor seating. Near the entrance, not far from the tea house, is the shopping area too. It is forbidden for any vendor to try and entice you to buy things, resulting in a lovely experience. To be able to walk peacefully and look at the various jewellery, beads and treasure that they have on offer is lovely.
The Sweetest Encounter
I go into this monastery almost daily. It provides a peaceful respite to escape to, when the streets become crowded or overwhelming for me. One day, I was standing and admiring the newest hall, the Manjushri. The exquisite detail on this building is mesmerizing. A monk approached me, perhaps around my age, lovely face and smiling gently.
He stopped before me and held out his hand speaking some words in Chinese. I took his hand and said ‘ni hao’ with a big grin. He spoke for perhaps a few minutes and then made that universal motion of placing his two hands beside his leaning head, letting me know he was going for a nap? 😊 He pointed to his little bag and then to the dormitories at the end of the garden.
Taking my hand again he spoke a little more, I uttered quiet ‘she she’s’ a few times, saying ‘thank you’. Just as abruptly as he had arrived, he turned and left. There were a few other people around, one lady placed her hand over her mouth as he passed by, almost in shock? Having no idea what he said, I was left with the most amazing lightness in my body and could not wipe the grin from my face. I felt like I had been blessed or enchanted by a magical being. I will never know what he said, or why he stopped and spoke to me, but I am forever grateful for it.
Wenshu Monastery is an historical sanctuary in Chengdu and a national treasure. A sacred space that welcomes visitors both local and foreign. A safe place, full of peace and beauty, nature and spirituality. What a gem and pure luck that I have this haven just down the street from me.
