Lingyin Monastery (Temple of the Soul That Flew Here) is not just a complex of ancient buildings near Feilaifeng Mountain in Zhejiang Province. It is a grand architectural symbol of the Buddhist path, embodied in wood, stone, and rock. Located southwest of the famous West Lake in Hangzhou, the monastery is one of the most revered and unique pilgrimage sites in China.
Structure and Architectural Concept
The grandeur of Lingyin lies in its deeply symbolic structure. The entire complex consists of several main halls that sequentially rise up the slope of Lingjiu Peak. This name means "Peak of the Sacred Vulture." This name references the Indian roots of Buddhism. The other sacred mountain, Feilaifeng, is located opposite.
This architectural solution is not accidental; it symbolizes the spiritual ascent of the believer from worldly vanity to enlightenment.
Description of the Buildings, Their Sculptures, and the Ascent
1. Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian). The first large building at the entrance to the monastery.
Dimensions and Structure: A classic pavilion with a massive gabled roof supported by powerful columns. Brightly painted eaves and sculptures of dragons.
Sculpture: In the center of the hall is a sculpture of Maitreya (the Future Buddha) — the Buddha who will come to our world next. He is depicted smiling and with a full belly, symbolizing joy, well-being, and hospitality. Behind Maitreya, facing the main halls, stands a sculpture of Weituo — the bodhisattva protector of the Dharma and monastery possessions. In the four corners of the hall are huge statues of the Four Heavenly Kings.
2. Hall of the Great Hero (Daxiong Baodian). The second main hall, located further up the slope behind the Hall of the Heavenly Kings.
Dimensions and Structure: This is the largest and central building of any Chinese Buddhist monastery. Its architecture is impressive in its scale: high roofs, a spacious interior designed for gatherings of monks and believers.
Sculpture: In the center of the hall, on a lotus throne, sits Shakyamuni — the historical Buddha, founder of the teaching. His posture and mudra (hand gesture) symbolize peace and the preaching of the Dharma.
3. Hall of the Bodhisattva (Guanyindian). The next hall, rising even higher.
Dimensions and Structure: A less large-scale but cozier hall, intended for deep meditation and personal appeal to the bodhisattva.
Sculpture: The main object of veneration here is Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) — the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. The sculpture may depict him with many arms and eyes, symbolizing his ability to see all suffering in the world and help all beings.
4. Hall of the Three Saints of the Western Paradise (Sanshengdian). The uppermost building.
Location: It crowns the entire ensemble, located at the highest point of the monastery complex. It may be smaller in area, but its location and spiritual significance make it the culmination of the entire pilgrimage.
Sculptures: Here are three majestic sculptures representing the triad of the Buddhist teaching about the Western Paradise (Pure Land):
• Amitabha (Chin. Amituofo) — the Buddha of Infinite Light with a swastika on his chest. He is the lord of the Western Paradise, where believers who recite his name can be reborn.
• Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) — stands to the left of Amitabha, embodying his compassion.
• Mahasthamaprapta (Chin. Dashizhi) — stands to the right of Amitabha, embodying his power.
The Buddha of Infinite Light with a Swastika on His Chest
The swastika (卐) is an ancient and universal symbol that existed for thousands of years before it was distorted in the 20th century. In Buddhism, it is known as "vajra" or "the sign of the Buddha`s heart." In Sanskrit, the word "swastika" means "well-being," "prosperity," and "good fortune."
On the chest of a Buddha statue (most often it is a statue of Amitabha or Shakyamuni), this sign symbolizes the boundless virtuous merit of the Buddha, his all-encompassing love and wisdom, which extends to all four directions of the world. It is not a religious or cultural symbol in the narrow sense, but a cosmic sign of harmony, the turning of the Wheel of Dharma, and eternal prosperity. It can be facing both left and right, and both variants are ancient and auspicious.
The Legend of the Soul That Flew Here
The very name of the monastery — "Temple of the Soul That Flew Here" — is associated with a beautiful legend. The Indian monk Huili, traveling through China, saw Feilaifeng Mountain and with surprise recognized it as a mountain from his homeland — India. He said: "This mountain was in India. When and how did it manage to fly here?"
The local people did not believe him, to which the monk replied: "In this mountain there is a cave where two arhats sit. They remained there since the time I left India. If the mountain did not fly here, where did they go?" When the cave was opened, two stone figures were indeed found inside. So the mountain got the name "Feilaifeng" (The Peak That Flew Here), and the monastery at its foot — the name "Lingyinsi" (Temple of the Soul That Flew Here).
The Spiritual Significance of Lingyin Monastery
Lingyinsi is a powerful center of strength and pilgrimage for several reasons:
• Symbol of the path: its structure is a visual map of spiritual progress from the worldly to the enlightened.
• Treasury of art: over 340 stone sculptures from the era of the Five Dynasties and the Northern Song (10th-13th centuries), carved in the caves and niches of Feilaifeng, make it a living museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Center of the Pure Land: The cult of Amitabha and the presence of the Hall of the Three Saints make it a key place for followers of the Pure Land school, who believe in rebirth in the Western Paradise.
History of Lingyin Monastery
Foundation: 328 AD (Eastern Jin Dynasty): The monastery was founded by the Indian monk Huili on the slope of Lingjiu Peak. Initially, it was small and called "Monastery of Strength" (Lishensi).
First Flourishing: 5th century (Era of the Southern and Northern Dynasties): The monastery becomes a large and famous center of Buddhism. Its patron is the powerful Wuyue kingdom.
Golden Age and Construction of the Main Relics: 10th century (Era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms): The rulers of the Wuyue kingdom actively develop the monastery. During this period, the main mass of stone sculptures (approx. 340 statues) on Feilaifeng Mountain opposite the monastery is carved.
13th-14th centuries (Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties): New sculptures are added in the caves of Feilaifeng, including the famous statue of the smiling Buddha Maitreya.
Destructions and Restorations: The monastery was repeatedly destroyed by fires and during wars, but each time it was restored. The most significant destructions occurred in 845 (during the Tang Dynasty during the persecution of Buddhism) and in the 15th century (during the Ming Dynasty). Serious damage was also inflicted during the War with Japan (1937-1945).
Modern Appearance: Late 19th - 20th century (Qing Dynasty and later): Most of the buildings we see today were restored in the late Qing Dynasty and in the following years. They are not the original structures from the Jin or Song eras, but they accurately reproduce the traditional architectural style and layout.
