Renwang Huguo Chan Temple

Renwang Huguo Chan Temple

Renwang Huguo Chan Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

According to the "Wucheng County Annals" and Buddhist publications, the "Huguo Renwang Monastery" was first built during the Zhide to Xiantong eras of the Tang Dynasty (756–876 AD), located at the southern foot of Phoenix Mountain (i.e., the southern foot of Renhuang Mountain). The renowned Tang Dynasty monk Master Wenshi was the founding abbot, and in the Buddhist world, it served as a sacred site for Manjushri Bodhisattva. The "Renwang Huguo Chan Temple" derived its name during the reign of Emperor Yizong of Tang, inspired both by a local shrine dedicated to King Xiang on the mountain and by the Buddhist scripture *Renwang Huguo Prajna Paramita Sutra*. "Renwang Huguo" refers to the compassionate act of a benevolent king who, moved by the suffering of sentient beings, uses his power to protect them. "Prajna Paramita" is one of the Six Perfections, guiding beings from the shore of suffering to the shore of nirvana. Prajna is the secret, essential teaching that can enlighten and protect the nation—acting as a vessel of wisdom that safely transports all beings to the other shore, where they attain everlasting bliss.

Over the dynasties, Renwang Huguo Chan Temple has had significant influence in the Buddhist community. Eminent monks from the Yunmen School during the Song Dynasty, such as Masters Congli, Youcong, and Ande, as well as Linji School masters Deheng and Deliang, successively served as abbots and helped revive the temple. Monk Renyue Jingjue of the Tiantai School’s Shanwai faction resided at Huguo Renwang Temple after leaving the Four Ming Temple and authored commentaries on the *Shurangama*, *Diamond*, and *Amitabha* sutras. During the Yuan Dynasty, disciple Ketao of Linji School Master Yuejiang presided over the temple and spread the Dharma. In the Qing Dynasty, during the Shunzhi era, Master Yujue restored the temple once again. In 2004, the Huzhou Municipal Bureau of Ethnic and Religious Affairs approved Renhuang Temple as an official site open to the public. Currently, simple halls have been constructed, and regular religious activities are held.

To meet the needs of Buddhist devotees, the recently reconstructed "Renwang Huguo Chan Temple" features an architectural style inspired by the Tang Dynasty. The temple complex is divided into three main sections: the Main Hall Complex, the Monastic Quarters Area, and the Manjushri Courtyard Complex. The buildings are situated along the mountain terrain, blending harmoniously into the forested landscape with appropriately scaled structures that complement the existing topography and the nearby Renhuang Pavilion. Drawing upon the legend of founding abbot Master Wenshi, who is said to have personally witnessed the manifestation of Manjushri Bodhisattva on Mount Wutai, and the Buddhist tradition that reveres Master Wenshi as an incarnation of Manjushri, Renwang Huguo Chan Temple has been developed as a sacred site for Manjushri, aiming to become the “Little Wutai of the South.” Additionally, the temple includes a planned exhibition center for Huzhou’s Buddhist culture. A Huzhou Buddhist History Exhibition Hall will be established within the Manjushri Courtyard, systematically showcasing famous temples, eminent monks, notable figures, and significant works in Huzhou’s Buddhist heritage. The display will primarily use images, text, and modern lighting technology, while also collecting physical artifacts where possible, striving to create a new cultural highlight for Huzhou.

Source: Huzhou Municipal People's Government