Pingxing Temple

Pingxing Temple

Pingxing Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located at the foot of Pinggang Mountain, about 500 meters southeast of Mount Taimu in Fuding City, Fujian Province — known as the "Buddhist Sea and Sky" — Pingxing Temple was established during the Cultural Revolution by a dozen monks. In the distance, grotesque rocks rise amid embracing mountain ranges; nearby, pines and bamboos thrive in layers of lush greenery; winding paths lead to secluded spots, making it an ideal place for reclusive spiritual practice. Under the leadership of Venerable Jiezhen, the temple promotes the fine traditions of Buddhism. With the fundamental goal of universal salvation, it also contributes to charitable causes.

In 1966, at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, the Fuding County- department organized all monks in the county to establish a Buddhist tea farm under the leadership of Venerable Qingzang. A dozen monks built thatched huts here, cleared land for cultivation, and chanted daily morning and evening prayers without interruption. In 1977, Venerable Shixing was invited to relocate here and preside over the renovation of the local monastic site. Since it was built from flat land and flourished as a monastic ground, it was named "Pingxing Temple" (meaning "Flat Land Flourishing Temple"). In 1991, Venerable Jiezhen returned to the mountain to assist in expanding the site and refining the monastery’s regulations. That year, the main hall and monks' quarters were constructed. In 1992, the Puyin Academy was established, with the aims of teaching across various Buddhist schools, practicing in accordance with monastic discipline, and cultivating Pure Land rebirth. Monks from all directions flocked here to study and practice. Visitors seeking teachings increased daily, and housing and facilities became insufficient to accommodate everyone for spiritual practice. Thus, in 1998, further expansions included the Five Contemplations Hall, Pure Karma Hall, Cloud and Water Hall, and Guests Reception Hall.

In early 2000, to relieve elderly monks of their worries and allow them a peaceful retirement, and to temporarily accommodate monks suffering from illness to recuperate physically and mentally, the Wish-Fulfilling Infirmary, Amitabha Recitation Hall, and Meditation Huts were newly built to properly house elderly monks and those dedicated to intensive practice. Meanwhile, a grand four-story tower was erected, consisting of the Dharma Hall, Precepts Study Hall, Puyin Hall, and Scripture Depository — majestic and imposing in scale. In the same year, to meet the needs of monastic students studying, upholding, and receiving precepts in accordance with the rules, and based on the Vinaya Altar Diagram Sutra by Master Daoxuan, with a donation from Venerable Pufa, abbot of Yongquan Temple on Mount Drum, a precept altar was constructed in a serene part of the temple. The altar features three tiers surrounded by railings, along with 108 statues of guardian altar deities, all exquisitely carved and enshrined in accordance with the Dharma. Above the altar stands an octagonal double-eaved pavilion, towering into the clouds and shrouded in mist, resembling a heavenly realm. In front of the altar, a Seven Buddhas Pagoda was erected, standing about ten feet tall and arranged in orderly sequence. It is hoped that through this virtuous connection, all who ascend the altar may receive pure precept vows.

In conducting ordination ceremonies, Pingxing Temple generally adheres to the principles of the NanShan Vinaya school, and its rituals mostly follow the orthodox standards set by Master Dundi. Each of the Three Ordination Platforms is divided into preliminary repentance and formal ordination procedures. Before the formal ordination, it is essential to request the precepts, receive instruction, and confess transgressions. Beyond these mandatory rituals and instructional rites, the remaining time focuses on explaining the significance of receiving the precepts, the precept aspects, and the conduct to be followed afterward. Integrating the ordination methods of Master Daoxuan of NanShan and Master Dundi of Baohua Mountain, Pingxing Temple has written a new chapter in the methods of ordination for Chinese Buddhism in the new century.

Adhering closely to the traditions of the BaiZhang school and promoting the fine heritage of Buddhism, Pingxing Temple organizes daily activities through specialized divisions including the Operations Group, Karma Group, Dharma Ceremony Group, Academic Affairs Group, Q&A Advisory Group, Editorial Group, and Novice Training Group — all working collaboratively in an orderly fashion. Each year, it holds ordination ceremonies for laypeople’s Three Refuges, Five Precepts, Eight Precepts, and Bodhisattva Precepts, and lectures on various sutras and treatises to elucidate doctrinal principles. Additionally, the Three Practices Foundation was established to support the printing and distribution of scriptures, life liberation, and monastic medical care, among other initiatives. Modern technology is used to produce CDs and audio tapes for global distribution, spreading the spirit of the precepts in this degenerate age and promulgating the Dharma far and wide.

To enhance the faith and wisdom of Buddhists and embody the compassionate and worldly engagement of Buddhism, Pingxing Temple founded the "Three Practices Charity Foundation" to promote the printing and distribution of scriptures, life liberation, and monastic healthcare. Under the leadership of Venerable Jiezhen, the temple organizes devotees to provide funds, clothing, and stationery to schools and students in impoverished areas. The foundation also prepares printed vinaya texts for teaching purposes, publishes a variety of Buddhist books to popularize Buddhist knowledge, and guides more people toward right understanding and correct views, helping them become qualified and faithful Buddhists.

Mount Taimu

Guoxing Temple Scenic Area

Goddess Taimu Statue

Yipianwa Scenic Area

Fuding Xiangshan Temple Scenic Area

Liancheng Lingfeng of Mount Taimu

Yingxian Platform Scenic Area

Jiuli Peak Scenic Area

Hulu Cave Scenic Area