Tomb of Monk Mingshi

Tomb of Monk Mingshi

The Tomb of Monk Mingshi is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

The tomb of Monk Mingshi has an overall length of 9 meters and a width of 5 meters. Facing south, it features a stupa in the domed style. The stupa consists of three parts: the top, the body, and the base. The base of the stupa has a diameter of 3.2 meters and is about 4 meters high, with a lotus-shaped top.

Inside the stupa is a smaller stupa, which is 50 centimeters in diameter and 1.5 meters high. The small stupa bears the inscription “Tomb Stupa of Monk Mingshi.” The outer side of the stupa is built with bluestone in a semicircular shape, with four stone carvings embedded on the left and right sides, each depicting scenes of a farmer plowing, a monk meditating, an official, and a lotus pattern. One meter in front of the stupa is a tomb stele inscribed with the words “Tomb of Monk Mingshi.” One meter in front of the stele is a stone arch offering table, the upper part of which is carved with vases, candleholders, and an incense burner. The incense burner is engraved with the characters “Fu Shou” (Fortune and Longevity), and below it is a design of two lions playing with a ball. On either side of the stele are two more stone carvings, both featuring auspicious beast motifs. According to reports, this tomb is quite rare, and the style of the carvings on the stele suggests that it dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The discovery of the Tomb of Monk Mingshi not only provides physical evidence for the study of Buddhist culture but also reflects the flourishing state of Buddhist culture in De’an at that time.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province