Lu Fuzi Temple

Lu Fuzi Temple

Lu Fuzi Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Hubei Province.

Located at the eastern foot of Xiangshan Mountain, it was built to commemorate Lu Jiuyuan. Lu Jiuyuan (1139–1193) was a philosopher and educator of the Southern Song Dynasty. His courtesy name was Zijing, and his pseudonym was Cunzhai. He was a native of Jinxi, Fuzhou (now part of Jiangxi). In 1172, he passed the imperial examination. He once lectured at Xiangshan in Guixi and was referred to as Master Xiangshan. His philosophical propositions include ideas such as “the universe is my mind, and my mind is the universe.” In 1191, he was appointed to oversee Jingmen Military Command. He requested and was granted permission to build city walls, train troops, reform outdated practices, reduce taxes, and “establish the Xiangshan Academy, where he handled legal cases and gave lectures.” He achieved remarkable political accomplishments and was widely admired. During the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1488–1505), the academy was converted into a temple. It has since undergone multiple renovations. Covering an area of over 500 square meters, it features a traditional quadrangle layout with two courtyards, including a front hall, main hall, rear hall, side rooms, and wing rooms. The main hall is grand and imposing, with exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters, making it extraordinarily magnificent. The temple is adjacent to Wenming Lake to the north and the Martyrs' Cemetery to the south. In front of the temple is a stone bridge with carved railings, beneath which flows a murmuring stream, framed by willows and pines, giving it an elegant and unique charm.

Exemplar of “Practicing What One Preaches” — Lu Jiuyuan

Lu Jiuyuan (1139–1193), courtesy name Zijing, also known as Master Xiangshan after his pseudonym, was referred to as Lu Fuzi by the people of Jingmen. He was born in February 1139 (April 1139 AD) in Qingtianli, Yanfu Township, Jinxi County, Fuzhou (present-day Jinxi County, Fuzhou region, Jiangxi Province), during the Southern Song Dynasty under Emperor Gaozong. He passed away in January 1193 (December 1192 AD) while serving as the military administrator of Jingmen Commandery (present-day Jingmen City, Hubei Province). A renowned Neo-Confucian scholar and educator of the Southern Song Dynasty, he was as famous as Zhu Xi and was often mentioned alongside him as “Zhu and …” More details about Lu Jiuyuan ++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Hubei Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units