A Thousand Years of Zen: Listening to the Morning Bells and Evening Drums of Guangxiao Temple

Stepping into Guangxiao Temple, it's as if time has been pulled back to the flourishing Tang Dynasty a thousand years ago. The ancient trees are lush, the temple is serene, and every brick and tile is imbued with the marks of time. The morning sunlight filters through the leaves of the Bodhi tree, casting dappled shadows and adding a layer of mysterious Zen to this millennia-old temple. As you enter the mountain gate, you are greeted by the solemn and majestic Mahavira Hall. Inside, the golden Buddha statues shine brightly, incense smoke curls, and devotees worship devoutly, whispering their prayers. Walking along the corridors, the sound of wooden fish and chanting fills the air, as if the world itself has fallen silent. The temple's treasures, the Sixth Patriarch Hall and the Forest of Steles, bear witness to Guangxiao Temple's significant place in the history of Chinese Buddhism. In the afternoon, sitting in a corner of the courtyard, quietly observing the beautiful scene of red walls and green tiles against the sky, it feels as if you have merged into this ancient and tranquil place. The morning bells and evening drums of Guangxiao Temple are not just sounds, but a force that calms the soul. As you leave, carrying a piece of peace in your heart, the lingering charm of this ancient temple stays with you for a long time.