Lingyin Temple

CCTV.COM (04.09 2003 15:20)

    Lingyin Temple�?or the Temple of Inspired Seclusion�?was founded in 326 AD by the Indian monk�?Hui Li. It once served as home to more than 3�?00 monks. During its turbulent history the temple has been destroyed and then restored no less than 16 times with the current structures dating to the late Qing dynasty �?644�?911�?

    Before reaching the temple�?you will pass a series of rock carvings.One of the most famous is that of the Laughing Buddha�?known as the Maitreya or the Buddha of the Future. Dedicated to him is a couplet which reads�?

    "His belly is big enough to contain all intolerable things in the world�?/i>

    His mouth is ever ready to laugh at all snobbish persons under heaven."

    It is believed that if you rub the belly of this Buddha�?he will be able to foretell your future and make your wishes come true."

Editor:Inner