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Published: January 22nd 2011
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Qingyanggong.
Another Daoist monk! I'm so mad right now! I just wrote about eight hundred words, and my internet failed...so I have to start over!!!
A couple of days ago, I visited the most famous Daoist temple in Chengdu (and, perhaps, in all of China): Qingyanggong. Qingyanggong, which literally translates to "Green Goat Temple," is named after Laozi's (the founder of Daoism) last words, "green goat."
And, I was the only one that went. Because apparently, I'm the only nerd in the apartments. Everyone else was being lame that day! Going to temples, to experience the culture...the sounds...the sights...the atmosphere...I love it and can't get enough. So, I took a rickshaw there!
Interestingly, the temple was adorned with the twelve zodiac animals. I wonder, have the zodiac signs always been linked to Daoism? What are the animals' role in its philophical ideas? Does anyone know?
The temple was simpy...
stunning. I've never seen anything so beautiful...so peaceful. For sure, it is my favorite place in Chengdu so far. The temple was so quiet, so serene...and during my visit, the most gentle snow fall added a mesmerizing affect to the already tranquil atmosphere. I remember staring at a tablet embelished with the zodiac
Qingyanggong.
Me in front of the Eight Trigram Pavilion. animals for quite a long time, in that cold yet comforting snowfall. It was freezing outside, yet I felt warm. I just stared, and thought of nothing. I was
justbreathing, in serenity.
And I couldn't ask for more.
The Daoist monks were
very nice. They wear their hair long and in buns, with old-fashioned style clothing. They looked so cool, that I couldn't help but take a couple pictures of them (don't worry, I did it from behind!). I bought a jade snake necklace from one of them, since I'm year of the snake. Not only is it beautiful, but it's become so special to me. When I wear it, I will always be reminded of the feeling I experienced at the temple.
The temple was huge...not as huge as Gugong, of course, but bigger than I thought it would be. The main temple is centered on the one containing a statue of Laozi (the founder of Daoism). You can call me crazy, but I think this is incredible: I
was the only one in all of China, no...the world, to have Laozi all to myself. I don't know why, but not many people came to the temple
Qingyanggong.
This tablet was supposedly owned by Laozi himself. that day...perhaps because of the snow? So, I experienced a possibly rare moment, when one can be at peace with a one-on-one...with Laozi. Isn't that
amazing? And, I "accidently" took a picture of him. Oops. I really couldn't help it.
I also "accidently" recorded monks paying homage to one of the Immortals. I know it's perhaps disrespectful to do so, but I made sure no one could see me doing it. I don't want to look like the "ignorant" American that takes other religions or philosophies as "attractions."
The thing is, this temple simply changed me! I feel I found a way of life I can incorporate into my daily living. Luckily, my Buddhism class will be going there for a fieldtrip later on, so I'll be able to visit it again. But, I know I'll be completely devestated at the same time, as it possibly might be the last time I'll ever see it.
That's why I took a ton of pictures! I always want to remember visiting Qingyanggong. I felt at home here.
And I know I've changed, just by that one visit.
Just by staring...
looking into myself...
thinking of nothing...
in
front of the tablet with the zodiac animals.
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