Ancient Arhats of Zijin Temple

Ancient Arhats of Zijin Temple: Treasures of Buddhist Art

Buddhism, one of the world's three major religions, has deep historical roots in China. Located on Dongting East Mountain, one of the seventy-two peaks of Lake Tai, the serene and beautiful Zijin Temple is surrounded by lush greenery. The Arhat statues enshrined here are true treasures of Buddhist art.

The sixteen Arhat statues of Zijin Temple are said to be the work of Lei Chao and his wife, folk artists from the Southern Song Dynasty, and are about 800 years old. Each statue stands approximately 3.4 feet tall, with well-proportioned figures and meticulously detailed facial expressions, conveying rich human emotions.

For example, the "Dragon Taming" Arhat is majestic and powerful, with a purple face. Next to him, two other Arhats express admiration and disdain, creating a vivid scene. The "Tiger Subduing" Arhat, with a cheerful smile, stands with a tamed tiger at his feet, intricately detailed and lifelike.

The painted decorations on these statues are exceptionally fine, with flowing folds and vibrant colors. On the right wall, a celestial figure delicately holds up a scripture cover with three fingers, the folds naturally draping as if blown by the wind, truly impressive.

Past admirers have highly praised the artistic achievements of the Zijin Temple Arhats. Ming Dynasty monk Dadian described them as "majestic in form, with a blend of mercy and humor, astonishing in their craftsmanship." In the Qing Dynasty, Qiu Gengxi praised their "spirit that transcends, almost coming to life."

The ancient Arhats of Zijin Temple showcase the exceptional artistic talents of ancient Chinese craftsmen and are an invaluable part of Buddhist cultural heritage.

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿:¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿800¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

¿¿,"¿¿"¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿"¿¿"¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿"¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿",¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿"¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿"¿

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿