Shenguang Ridge

Shenguang Ridge

Passing through Shangchantang and Jinshiquan, you will reach Shenguang Ridge. At the summit of the ridge stand the Summer Pagoda of Jin Qiaojue and the flesh-body treasure hall. It is said that when the tomb pagoda for Jin Qiaojue was being built, the ridge emitted a "fire-like glow" at night, hence the name "Shenguang Ridge" (Sacred Light Ridge). Ascending to Shenguang Ridge from Jiuhua Street via stone steps, you’ll pass by a complex of nunnery buildings, including Jingtuzhan, Jingjie Jingshe, Guangji Maopeng, Wuliang Temple, Changshou An, Long An, and Xinlong An. These contrast with the larger temples in the street area, offering a refreshing and serene atmosphere.

Jingtuzhan is located above Baimating on the western side of Jiuhua Street. Originally built in the late Qing Dynasty, it was later converted into residential use. The temple features a three-courtyard layout with two side wings, and at the back stands a观音殿 (Guanyin Hall) with upturned eaves. In front of the mountain gate stands a not-so-tall screen wall inscribed with Master Hanshan’s “Awakening of the World” (Xing Shi Wen), which many visitors pause to read. You can also admire this “Awakening of the World” text and “take it as a lesson.” As you ascend from Jingtuzhan, you’ll walk on stone steps engraved with lotus and coin patterns, evoking a sense of wonder. Why these two patterns? The lotus symbolizes purity and sacredness in Buddhism—emerging unstained from the mud. Its design is inspired by the story of the deer girl from the “Miscellaneous Treasury Sutra,” who left a lotus imprint with every step she took. Later, the deer girl married King Banyu and gave birth to a thousand-petaled lotus, with a child on each petal—totaling one thousand sons. According to the “History of the Southern Dynasties,” Emperor Xiao Baojuan of the Southern Qi Dynasty, notorious for his extravagance, imitated the deer girl legend by laying gold-leaf lotuses on the palace floor for his favorite concubine Pan Yuer to walk on, calling her “lotus-stepper.” Since then, the phrase has described a graceful gait. Here on Jiuhua, the lotus patterns signify “blooming with every step.” The coin patterns represent charity and the planting of “fields of merit,” implying “wealth with every step.” Both the lotus and the merit field are revered as sacred symbols in Buddhism.

Jingjie Jingshe is a nunnery rebuilt by Chan Master Changjie on the site of the ancient Baizitang. In 1943, it was overseen by Monk Liaochen. From 1949 to 1953, it was led by Monk Wu’an before falling into disrepair. In 1985, Nun Changjie raised funds to rebuild the temple on the old foundation and renamed it “Jingjie Jingshe,” with a construction area of 140 square meters. In 1995, it was expanded into a main hall facing south, designed in a residential style. The hall is 11 meters high, 14 meters long, and 8 meters wide, covering 224 square meters. The central shrine houses the Three Saints of the West; the right side enshrines the Three Saints of Huayan; the left displays a full array of small Buddha statues. In 1996, a Hall for Skanda was added in front of the main hall, and monk dormitories and dining halls were built on both sides, bringing the total area to 316 square meters. Chan Master Changjie, now nearly eighty years old, came to Jiuhua Mountain fifty years ago with her elder sister, fellow nun Changjing. The nunnery’s name uses the last character of both their Dharma names to commemorate her late sister. Jingjie Jingshe is known for its cleanliness—the interior is spotless, and the surroundings are immaculate. The semicircular terrace in front of the mountain gate is exquisitely designed, tucked among ancient trees, offering a place to rest, lean on the railing, and enjoy the view of Jiuhua Street.

Changshou An, Long An, and Xinlong An are all Qing Dynasty structures, built in a residential style and neatly arranged. A long courtyard wall separates them from the bustling streets, ensuring tranquility. In 1998, Nun Guode built a new mountain gate hall in front of the nunnery, followed by a seven-story Thousand Buddha Bronze Pagoda, adding splendor to the ancient temple. Outside the courtyard walls of the three nunneries lies an old, simple street about 50 meters long and less than 2 meters wide. The street is lined with two-story residences, with flagstone paving down the middle, narrow alleys, ancient wells, and wooden doors—all preserving an old-world charm. Exiting this old street and ascending the stone steps will take you to Shenguang Ridge, where “sacred light once shone.”

Southeast of Jingjie Jingshe are Guangji Maopeng and Wuliang Temple. Though modest in size, they are uniquely charming. Guangji Maopeng was first built during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. In 1933, it was supervised by Monk Longhai. In 1935, under the patronage of lay supporter Xia Yongde and others, Monk Hui Zhen oversaw its reconstruction, which was later expanded. Designed in a residential style, it has two floors with a total of 12 rooms, including a gatehouse, main hall, guest hall, monks' quarters, and kitchen, covering 480 square meters. From 1935 to 1962, it was led by Monk Hui Zhen. It underwent renovation in 1984. In 1995, Nun Zhihua demolished the old hall and rebuilt the main hall, which faces north, is two stories tall, and built with brick and wood. It is 11 meters high, 16.5 meters long, and 10 meters wide, with a floor area of 330 square meters. In 1997, a Hall for Skanda was built north of the main hall. It is single-story, wooden, and covers 50 square meters. A kitchen and dining hall were also added on the south side of the main hall, spanning 35 square meters. The current abbess is Nun Changming.

Each of these nunneries is home to a master and her disciple, relying on each other for survival. They practice diligently, maintaining daily morning and evening rituals; they work hard, tending vegetables or cleaning whenever they can. They sustain themselves on sporadic incense offerings, live frugally, and donate all savings to the temple. “We love the leisurely days in the mountains, feeling the cool breeze brings peace.” Here, you can experience the contemplative and serene life of these nuns—a sight that inspires awe and admiration.