Quick understanding
- Which principal figures are venerated at Donglin's ancestral temple?
The main hall honours Shakyamuni, Amitabha and the Medicine Buddha. Qinglian Chanting Hall has the Western Triad of Amitabha, Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta; Heavenly Kings Hall separately has Maitreya and guardians.
- Are Donglin Temple Ancestral Temple and Donglin Buddha exactly the same place?
The Ancestral Court and the Pure Land Garden are related to each other and belong to different places. An itinerary targeting Donglin Buddha cannot automatically be regarded as having arranged all the halls of the ancestral temple. The specific location must be confirmed when entrusting.
- Is Huiyuan a Buddha in the main hall?
Huiyuan is a historical eminent monk in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and an important ancestor of the Lotus Sect; he should be recognized separately from the Buddha statue in the main hall, the Western Three Saints and the Dharma Protector.
- Location
- Jiujiang, Jiangxi·Ancestral Courtyard at the Western Foot of Mount Lushan
- Important inheritance
- Huiyuan and the Pure Land Culture of the Lotus Sect
- Salute combination
- Three Buddhas and the Western Three Saints Theme
- Everyday culture
- Lotus pond, chanting Buddha’s name and studying sutras
In Donglin Temple, put the things you care about
The Pure Land Ancestral Court, Huiyuan and common practice at Lushan Donglin Temple can make the heart have something to rely on, remember the ancestors and family members, and have a stable cultural background. First distinguish between the ancestral court and the Pure Land Garden, and then sort out the people you really care about.
In memory of ancestors and unfinished gratitude
From the theme of pure land and compassion, organize thoughts, peace and mutual support of family members.
Continue to learn →Distinguish between the Three Buddhas and the Three Saints of the West
The main hall and the Qinglian Nianfo Hall each have their own combinations, and Huiyuan belongs to the historical eminent monk.
Continue to learn →Compare Shanghai Longhua Pure Land Theme
Both have Pure Land worship, but the location, hall and original vows of each temple are still different.
Continue to learn →Huiyuan and Lotus Society gave the Pure Land inheritance a concrete place to live.
The history of Donglin Temple is closely connected with Huiyuan of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The construction of temples in the mountains and forests, the study of monks and the memory of the Lotus Society have made this place an important ancestral court of Pure Land culture. Early historical events, narrations from past dynasties and today's courtyard should be understood separately.
The Pure Land tradition emphasizes Amitabha Buddha and Western Pure Land themes, and the lotus flower provides a distinct image of purity and shared practice. The lotus pond is not only a scenery, but also enters poetry, communication and daily life in the temple, giving abstract culture a space to feel.
The exchange of scriptures, commentaries and poems throughout the ages has made Donglin more than just a closed mountain temple. Inheritance continues through teaching, copying, publishing, communication and practical practice; for today's readers, it can also mean being willing to continue learning, practice patiently, and treat people around you gently.
Follow history and understand Donglin Temple
- Eastern Jin Dynasty
Huiyuan and the Early Ancestral Court
The construction of temples, propagation of Dharma and the memory of Lotus Shrine form an important starting point for the Pure Land inheritance.
- Tang Dynasty
Sutra buildings and cultural relics
Clues such as the Zunsheng Dharani Sutra Pillar from the Tang Dynasty bear witness to the different historical levels of the ancient temple.
- Yuan Dynasty
Overseas exchange of Pure Land culture
Donglin Lotus Society communicated with Japanese Buddhism and became part of the inherited memory.
- 1983
Listed as a national key temple
The restoration of the ancestral court and the continued development of cultural exchanges with foreign countries.
- 1992
Rebuilding the Heavenly King’s Hall
The modern restoration project continues the tradition of worshiping the space and protecting the statues when entering the temple.
- 2013
The statue of Jodowon forms a new landmark
The related Pure Land culture developed in another place, and the location was confirmed separately from the ancestral court.
The three Buddhas in the main hall and the three saints in the West, the specific differences in the theme of reciting the Buddha's name
The historical name of the main hall, Shenyun Hall, is related to the legend of the temple's construction. The existing hall has been restored in modern times and imitated the Song Dynasty. The story continues the local memory of the ancestral temple, and the construction and restoration allow the worship to continue to have a specific space; both contents have their own cultural value, and together they help to understand today's Donglin Temple.
Shakyamuni, Amitabha and the Medicine Buddha in the main hall connect with awakening, the Pure Land and wellbeing. In Qinglian Chanting Hall, Amitabha is accompanied by Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta as the Western Triad, presenting compassion, wisdom and shared Pure Land practice. Keep the groups and spaces distinct.
The Nianbutsu Hall reflects the life of joint study, and the Heavenly King Hall presents the theme of peace and protection with Maitreya and Dharma protectors. When understanding and paying respects, first distinguish between Buddha, Bodhisattva, Patriarch and Protector, and then write down your own understanding. It will be clearer than searching for the only answer by a wish label.
The restoration of the ancestral court and the development of the Pure Land Garden each have their own place
Modern restoration has enabled the Donglin Ancestral Court to continue worship and study, and the Tianwang Hall, Arhat Hall and other spaces have been preserved and rebuilt in different periods. The origins of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and today's architecture are interconnected. On the one hand, it continues the inheritance of the Pure Land, and on the other hand, it records the maintenance work of future generations, allowing the public to see how the ancient temple continues to be used despite continuous restoration.
The Pure Land Garden and the Donglin Buddha are another important places of related inheritance, echoing each other with the ancestral court. The image of the Big Buddha, the main hall of the ancestral court, and the Qinglian Buddha Hall need to be marked separately according to the actual location; a commission should also first confirm the specific temple space and the theme it hopes to express.
Here you can write down your thoughts for the stability of your relatives and friends, your ancestors or your own continuous practice. You can keep plain language. I hope to be settled, and I am also willing to contact my family seriously, share life, and complete daily exercises, so that my wishes can exist together with the actions I can take.
In the Pure Land Ancestral Court, you can settle your mind and continue your daily care.
This page is the ancestral temple of Donglin Temple at the western foot of Mount Lu in Jiangxi Province. The memories of Huiyuan and Lian Zong allow the Pure Land inheritance to be settled at a specific location. The main hall of the ancestral court, the Qinglian Chanting Hall and the Pure Land Garden where the Donglin Buddha is located each have their own spaces. They should not be automatically regarded as the same service location just by the word "Donglin".
The main hall's Three Buddhas and the chanting hall's Western Triad are distinct groups. Amitabha's Pure Land, Guanyin's compassion and Mahasthamaprapta's wisdom give settings for family wellbeing, remembrance and sustained practice. Huiyuan is a historical monk: gratitude towards a patriarch and respect for Buddhas and bodhisattvas are connected but distinct.
To express remembrance, use the deceased person's familiar name, recall help they gave and share gentle wishes for the family. To give thanks, identify the original place, wish and promise. Seven-day Amitabha retreats, assisted chanting and other special activities are not automatically included in a basic visit.
Understanding the halls and the figures within them
| Palace or space | Figures and cultural roles |
|---|---|
| Main Hall·Shenyun Hall Historical Theme | Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, the Medicine Buddha |
| Qinglian Buddhist Chanting Hall | Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva |
| Tianwang Palace | Maitreya, Skanda and the Four Heavenly Kings |
Main Hall·Shenyun Hall Historical Theme
Principal figures: Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, the Medicine Buddha
Shakyamuni, the Medicine Buddha and Amitabha Buddha respectively unfold the teachings of the Buddha and the clues of belief in the Oriental Glazed Pure Land and the Western Pure Land of Bliss. Shakyamuni connects enlightenment and wisdom, Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha)'s twelve great wishes care about suffering and life needs, and Amitabha Buddha's infinite light and infinite life express light, peace and refuge. The three statues are juxtaposed, making peace, blessing, wisdom and care for life interconnected.
The main hall of Donglin Temple continues the historical theme of Shenyun Temple with a modern restored Song Dynasty-style architecture. Three Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and arhat statues jointly carry out education, compassion, and practice. The name of divine destiny preserves the traditional narrative, and today's temples have their own construction levels. Paying homage to the three Buddhas in the ancestral court gives relatives and friends a clear sense of well-being, inner clarity, and grateful remembrance.
Associated wishes: It can express your feelings for the stability, study and life direction of your relatives and friends, and explain the people and situations you care about most. If living abroad makes your family miss you, you can also take care of the good relationship and be understood by each other, so that the blessings can retain the actual relationship and warmth.
Qinglian Buddhist Chanting Hall
Principal figures: Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva
Amitabha Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva are collectively known as the Three Saints of the West. Amitabha Buddha is the main deity of Pure Land belief, and his name is associated with infinite light and infinite life; Guanyin responds to suffering with compassion, and is respected for his wisdom and power. The main Buddha and the two attendants jointly express the yearning for light, peace and happiness, and practice, so they always carry the thoughts of peace, support and gratitude for the deceased, relatives and friends.
Donglin Temple Qinglian Buddha Hall presents the theme of common practice and worship with the seated statues of the Three Saints of the West. Pure Land beliefs are here to connect continuous Buddha chanting with the heart. The modern Buddhist chanting hall, the main hall of the ancestral court, and the Jodoen Buddha each have their own locations and shapes. When visiting, you can first identify the specific spaces. May the peace of mind, peace of relatives and friends, and perseverance in practice be developed through this Pure Land culture. The combination of the Western Three Saints and the Three Buddhas of Sakyamuni, Medicine Master and Amitabha in the main hall is different; the ancestral hall for chanting Buddha’s name and the Pure Land Garden should also retain their respective locations.
Associated wishes: You can express your wishes for peace of mind, the well-being of your family, and gratitude for your deceased friends. You can also pray that you remain patient and cherish your teachings. If you wish to participate in the training specifically or involve a certain place of worship, you can explain your needs and then confirm the on-site arrangements. Missing old friends, providing stability for loved ones, and wishing for one's own support can be written clearly in paragraphs to avoid squeezing different objects into one general wish.
Tianwang Palace
Principal figures: Maitreya, Skanda and the Four Heavenly Kings
Maitreya, free translation of Cishi, is the future Buddha in Buddhism. The familiar image of joy is associated with generosity, good deeds and future harmony. Wei Tuo is the heavenly general who protects the Dharma and the temple; the Four Heavenly Kings, Zhi Guo, Zeng Zeng, Guang Mu, and Duo Wen respectively contact the guardians of the four directions. Maitreya's compassion and the solemnity of the protector together form the theme of welcome and protection, giving cultural suspense to the new stage of auspiciousness, family harmony and safe entry and exit.
Donglin Temple The Heavenly King's Hall was rebuilt in 1992. The image of Maitreya, together with Wei Tuo and the Heavenly King, welcomed and protected it. Modern architecture and the origin of the ancestral court of the Eastern Jin Dynasty preserve the history respectively, allowing people to understand how the tradition continues through restoration. Compassion and support in the front also provide a specific cultural background for family harmony, safe travels, and keeping trust.
Associated wishes: It can be used to wish for long journeys, daily stability and getting along with relatives and friends, indicating the thing that you most hope to be understood. If you are facing a new stage, you may also want to be calm, kind and patient, and let your hope for the future take care of those who are traveling with you.
Write down the concerns in culture as your own wishes
I hope that my relatives and friends will be safe, and I hope that my concern will be responded to.
Main Hall·Three Buddhas Care Theme
The Medicine Buddha's Twelve Great Vows concern suffering and daily well-being, and Guanyin's compassion and emphasis on responding to different needs. Donglin Temple pays homage to the Three Buddhas and the Three Saints of the West, allowing relatives and friends to have a stable mind through physical and mental care, as well as peace of mind and understanding. The care of families in the two places can be concretely expressed by these cultures, and they cherish the tenderness that can still be given to each other.
You can write down the recent situation and support needed by relatives and friends, and pray for good health and smooth care. You can also thank those who continue to help, and wish to provide the same stability to those who care, so that the blessings from afar can hear the true needs and daily efforts.
Example of wish expression
May the people you care about be safe, understood, and properly cared for. May I contact you seriously and not be absent easily where I can share the burden.
Express gratitude to ancestors and let goodwill continue to remain in life
The Three Saints of the West·Pure Land and Gratitude Theme
Amitabha Buddha's infinite light, infinite life and guidance to the Pure Land always carry the thoughts of peace, gratitude and remembrance. Donglin Temple is the ancestral temple of the Pure Land, and the Three Saints of the West in Qinglian Nianfo Hall are accompanied by compassion and wisdom, so that the memory of the deceased can retain gentleness and refuge, and hope that goodwill will continue to remain among family members. The longing for not being able to say goodbye in person can also be expressed solemnly. You can also miss the family members you left behind: I hope each other is willing to listen and have someone to take care of you every day, so that the goodwill in the past can continue to accompany you in life.
Begin with the deceased person's familiar name and a memory of gratitude, then share gentle wishes for your family and yourself. To give thanks after a wish comes true, add the original place and promise.
Example of wish expression
I wish you peace, and thank you for the care and warmth you left us; I hope that my family will support each other and have someone to take care of me every day. I will also slowly settle my mind and turn my nostalgia into a heart of cherishing the people around me.
Let your mind settle down and keep practicing
Qinglian Nianfo Hall·Continuous Practice Theme
The Western Triad and shared practice at Qinglian Chanting Hall connect Pure Land traditions with inner support and perseverance. Amitabha, Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta represent wellbeing, compassion and wisdom, providing a setting for wishes for steadiness, continued practice and care for yourself and others.
It can describe the kind of study or practice that you most want to continue, praying for patience, clear guidance and physical and mental stability. If you have been feeling busy lately, you can also write down the support you need most, hoping that you can maintain a sustainable rhythm and good relationships in your responsibilities.
Example of wish expression
I wish I would set aside some quiet time every day and not be in a hurry to deny myself; continue to practice what I can and take care of real life seriously.
Be kind to others and appreciate those who are willing to teach.
The Heavenly King’s Hall and the Ancestral Court Study and Cultivating·Kuanhe Inheritance Theme
Maitreya's kindness and hope for the future give him a close image of being harmonious, and his studies in the ancestral home rely on the teaching and continuous support of his teachers and friends. Donglin Temple thus connects gratitude with being generous to others: Cherish the teachings you have received, be patient when facing different experiences, and let kindness continue to support those you get along with. Studying and living abroad can also be expressed in this way.
Thank you for your patient guidance or help, and wish the people involved good health. If you hope to improve a relationship, you can also express your willingness to understand and communicate seriously first, so that Kuan He can not only remember the care he has received, but also cherish the support he can give today.
Example of wish expression
Thanks to those who are willing to patiently teach and support me. I wish I would listen more, ask for advice seriously, and try my best to help others when they need it.
In the image, continue to get to know each other Donglin Temple
"Zonggangguang" is grandly launched | Lushan Donglin Temple's latest image film
Learn about the ancestral temple and Pure Land culture of the Eastern Jin Dynasty from the video released by Donglin Temple in Lushan Mountain.
江西庐山东林寺 · Bilibili · in Bilibili Watch original video
The video was released by the Donglin Temple account in Lushan, Jiangxi, and revolves around the history and continuation of Zuting Chongguang. The Ancestral Court and the Pure Land Garden at another location belong to different spaces. Traditional dedications and prayers are understood by faith and culture and are not a guarantee of actual results.
If playback is restricted by the network or platform, the original video entrance can be used.
Commissioned services and fees
$220 USD · Basic service fee
In the Donglin Ancestral Courtyard, make vows for stability, gratitude and continuous practice
The basic commission includes tickets, incense, Buddha worship and making wishes; pictures and video visit records correspond to the specific temple, the selected offerings and this commission, and are delivered privately.
You can also entrust your family together. It is recommended that there be no more than 3 people per order, so that you can express your feelings one by one.
A private visit record will be provided 1-2 working days after the service is completed.
Anxin provides entrusted services independently and does not represent the temple. The itinerary of the Pure Land Garden, the Seventh Form of Buddha Dharma, and the special chanting assistance and teaching projects are not automatically included in the basic commission of the ancestral court.
Select your wish, desired date and offerings and submit the request, then add official customer service for verification. Submission does not mean successful reservation, payment or seat reservation.
Yes Submit request and confirm with our team . There is no need to log in for consultation; the appointment has not been successful after submission.
About Donglin Temple , you may also want to know
Is this page Donglin Temple in Lushan, Jiangxi?
Yes. This page refers to the Donglin Ancestral Temple at the western foot of Mount Lu in Jiujiang, and is not to be confused with the temples of the same name in Shanghai or Taiwan.
Are the Ancestral Court and the Pure Land Garden where Donglin Buddha is located in the same place?
They are related to inheritance, but belong to different places; please indicate whether you want to arrange the ancestral court or the Pure Land Garden. Automatic replacement by name cannot be done.
What is the difference between the Three Buddhas in the main hall and the Three Saints in the West in the Nianfo Hall?
The main hall is the three Buddhas Shakyamuni, Amitabha and Medicine Master; the three saints in the west are Amitabha Buddha and Guanyin, Mahasthamaprapta, with different combinations.
Is Huiyuan another name for Amitabha Buddha?
No. Huiyuan is a historical eminent monk in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and an important ancestor of the Lotus Sect lineage. He is acquainted with Amitabha Buddha separately.
Does the name Shen Yun Temple mean that today’s building was built overnight by divine power?
The name of divine luck is linked to the traditional narrative of temple construction. Today, the main hall retains modern restoration and imitation of Song Dynasty construction, so that the ancestral worship continues.
Does the basic commission include the entire itinerary of Seven Buddhas, Assisting Mindfulness, or Pure Land Garden?
Not included automatically. Specific religious activities, recommendations, studies and itineraries to different locations must be explained in advance and confirmed according to actual arrangements.
Lushan Donglin Temple Ancestral Court and the Pure Land Garden where the Donglin Buddha is located, how to choose?
First confirm the exact location where you made your original wish or want to pay respects. This page describes the ancestral temple. The Pure Land Garden is a separate site. Specify your chosen place; a shared name does not mean all locations are included.
When remembering your loved ones, can you also write that you hope you can slowly settle down?
Yes. First express your gratitude and best wishes for peace to your old friend, and then write about your family’s support for each other and your cherished daily thoughts. Missing and continuing to live can be carried gently at the same time.
