Jigong East Courtyard

Jigong East Courtyard

Jigong East Courtyard is located to the east of Jigong Courtyard, at the upper end of Shibapan on a three-way intersection. It houses the White Cloud Cave, is built along the mountain terrain, and covers an area of 1,704.7 square meters. There is also a gourd-shaped pond where moonlight shimmers on the water, creating the scenic view of “Moon Washing in the Gourd Pond.” Introduction

Introduction

Jigong East Courtyard is located on Chicheng Mountain, with its mountain gate opening to the southwest. Above the entrance hangs a plaque inscribed with “Jigong East Courtyard,” and a couplet reads: “Legendary tales passed down through generations; the spiritual beauty of Chicheng surpasses the southeast.” Inside the gate is the foyer, where pillars display a witty and lively couplet: “Up, up, winding up to the mountain gate facing—; Coming, going, through the paths of life guiding mortals.”

Upon entering the mountain gate, you’ll see only an open-air staircase. At the top of the stairs, a door bears a plaque reading “South Gate of Tiantai Mountain,” symbolizing Chicheng Mountain as the southern gateway to Tiantai Mountain, and marking the entrance to Jigong Hall. Stepping through this gate, the resplendent Jigong Hall comes into view.

Jigong Hall: Facing south, it has four bays and covers a construction area of 410 square meters. The main gate is adorned with a gleaming plaque inscribed with “Jigong Hall,” written by Mr. Quan Xijun, advisor to the China Calligraphers Association. The calligraphy is powerful, elegant, and free-flowing.

The platform in front of the hall spans nearly 100 square meters with a broad view, where mountain ranges are clearly visible. It serves as an ideal viewing spot for the “Moon Washing in the Gourd Pond” on moonlit nights. A couplet on the hall doors reads: “Gourd Pond washing moonlight, green trees swaying, clear night bells echoing across the universe; Stone cave greeting dawn, red clouds glowing brilliantly, auspicious morning ceremonies honoring the venerable monk.”

Upon entering Jigong Hall, you’re greeted by a majestic and benevolent 3.08-meter-tall golden statue of Jigong seated upright. Above the statue hangs a plaque inscribed with “Aid the Needy and Relieve the Distressed.” Beside it is a couplet: “Doubt gives rise to wisdom, cloud-sleeping and moon-contemplating, the temple in Xiacheng stands in honor of the noble sage; Renew the old and forge the new, practice chivalry and cultivate the heart, all of China sings praises of Jigong.”

The base of the Jigong statue has two tiers: the upper tier is octagonal, constructed from polished strip stones engraved with the “Eight Scenic Spots of Tiantai Mountain”; the lower tier is built with irregularly stacked rocks in a well-arranged, interconnected layout of eight veins—symbolizing Jigong seated upon Tiantai, his enlightened light shining upon the vast world.

White Cloud Cave: Behind Jigong Hall lies the White Cloud Cave, which is 8.5 meters high, 27 meters wide, and 10 meters deep. Inside are various statues depicting Jigong in his eccentric forms as he aids the world. Each statue tells a small story of Jigong helping those in need, punishing evil, and promoting good, provoking deep thought.

Hanging high above the cave are plaques inscribed with “Cloud-Parting Cave” and “Master Yuance.” On both sides is a couplet: “A hundred forms and three bodies dispel corruption and evil, uplifting righteousness; nine gates in one cave renew the old and surpass the past.”

Twin Pavilion: On the eastern and western sides of the White Cloud Cave are uniquely designed “Twin Pavilions.” With three levels, flying eaves, upturned corners, and connected corridors, they exude charm and delight. The left pavilion is called “Yongning Pavilion,” named after Jigong’s birthplace, symbolizing everlasting peace. The right is “Xinyuan Pavilion,” named after Jigong’s dharma name, conveying the meaning of lofty aspiration. The ingenious design of the creators is truly breathtaking.