White Cloud Temple

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The archway in front of the entrance to the temple site

The White Cloud Temple (Simplified Chinese: 白云观; traditional Chinese: 白雲觀; pinyin: baiyun guan) of Beijing, China is located outside of the Xibianmen in Beijing. It is one of "The Three Great Ancestral Courts" of the Complete Perfection School of Taoism, and is titled "The First Temple under Heaven".

[edit] Significance

Traditional Daoist instrumental music and chants are performed at the temple^[1].

In the 8th century, the Tian Chang Temple was built in Beijing to house a statue of Lao Tzu. Although it burned down in 1202, the statue was saved . In 1224, Genghis Khan ordered the reconstruction of the temple. It came to be known as the White Cloud Temple. Today it is one of China's oldest and largest Taoist temples, housing the office of Taoist Association of China. In Chinese, Taoist temples are not actually called temples, but Guan. Guan means something like to look at or observe. This is a reflection of the Taoist belief that understanding the Tao comes from a direct observation of nature, rather than scholastic theological studies. The arches at the front have detailed traditional images including two hidden monkeys. Visitors believe it is lucky to find and touch them. Just inside the entrance is a bridge crossing over nothing in particular. Under the bridge are oversized Chinese coins with bells in the middle (right). For a couple of dollars you can buy a bunch of fake coins (sample below) to throw at the bells. It is said to be lucky if you can hit the bell with a coin throwing from either side. nside the Temple for the Immortal Qui is a detailed model of scenes from the life of this very impressive Taoist Ancient. Born to a good family in Shan Dong in 1148, Master Qui Chang Chun, () had an excellent memory and quick wit from an early age. He studied Taoism for many years and came to live in a cave in Shan Xi. He was nicknamed, Sir Palm Bark Raincoat, because of his habit of bringing a simple raincoat and bamboo hat wherever he went. after, his wisdom attracted invitations from powerful emperors. He turned down several invitations to accept the most inconvenient and dangerous of all: an audience with Genghis Khan. After journeying for two years with 18 disciples to meet the Khan, his reasons became apparent. The two got on very well. After a while Genghis Khan asked Qui's advice on ruling well. Qui counselled him to show restraint in killing. On the issue of longevity, he recommended easing the mind and avoiding excessive desires. It is said this meeting encouraged Khan to soften his brutal ways to the benefit of his subjects. Qui's journey had been worthwhile.

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[edit] Notable sites

[edit] Stone monkey

White Cloud Temple (Bai Yun Guan)

The arches at the front have detailed traditional images including two hidden monkeys. Visitors believe it is lucky to find and touch them. At busy times, there is actually a line of people waiting to touch them, which takes the fun out of finding them too. Here's one of the monkeys, made shiny with the finger grease of thousands of visitors.

[edit] Wofeng bridge

Wofeng bridge, or the Phoenix Nesting Bridge, is a dark stone bridge lies at the entrance of the main gate. Its body is made of dark stone and the railing is made of white marble with fine carvings. There is no water underneath. One of the different legends about this bridge is that it was built in memory of the founder of the Holistic Zhen Taoist School, Immortal Wang Chong-yang. The original bridge was built in 1706. Under the bridge two large, ancient, coin-models are hanging with two small bells in their holes. On the coins there are four words meaning; "When the bell rings it is the omen of happiness." People have been trying to throw coins through the holes to see if they can make the bells ring. This has become a custom in Beijing during the Spring Festival season.

[edit] The Temple of the Three Deities

The three statues of the Three Celestial Beings stand for the Earth, the Heaven, and Water. They are oriented from the earliest religion that worshipped nature. According to Taoist religion the three emperors during that remote period were Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, and Emperor Yu. They were also the three Celestial Beings who came to our planet to help and teach people. On their birthdays, January 15, July 15, and October 15, (the dates according to the Chinese traditional calendar) ceremonies are held in the Temple and many people attend.

[edit] The Temple of the Jade Emperor

There are two stone tablets given by the Emperor Qianlong in honor of the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor is the Superior Deity of Taoists. According to Taoist religion, he personally comes to earth on the 25th of December on an inspection trip. So at midnight of the 24th there will be a great ceremony in the Temple to welcome him. On the day of the 25th there is a ceremony for people to receive his bestowing of happiness. On the afternoon of January 9, his birthday, it is said all the celestial beings will gather on the earth to celebrate. Jade Emperor will return to heaven that afternoon.

[edit] The Temple for Immortal Qui

The Temple for Immortal Qiu is the center building of the Temple buildings. January 19 is Immortal Qiu’s birthday and there is a celebration ceremony in the Temple on that day. It is said that on this day he will appear as an ordinary person, such as a scholar or a Taoist, and that the lucky ones will meet him. On the walls is Tao De Jing in the ancient plum-style calligraphy written by the well-known calligrapher, Gao Wen-ju, during the Yuan Dynasty. Because Immortal Qiu became the Abbot of the White Cloud Temple in Yuan Dynasty, and died in the Temple, the White Cloud Temple has been considered by the Taoists as the original place of the Dragon Gate Taoist School.