Gaofeng Temple Ruins

Gaofeng Temple Ruins

The Gaofeng Temple Ruins is a cultural tourism attraction.

At the border between Taodian Village Reservoir in Xiannv Town and Dangyang County lies a towering hill, vast and majestic in scale. Standing atop it and gazing northward as far as the eye can see, one can faintly make out Fuchuan Mountain of Yuquan Temple in Dangyang; to the west, the ancient pine on Jiulongguan at Anfusi; and to the south, the Yangtze River stretching like silk and Majiadian Town. Atop the hill once stood a Buddhist temple, inscribed with the plaque “Gaofeng Temple.” The temple was very ancient, and even the elders in the village did not know when it was built. The high hill was covered with ancient and towering trees, many of which required four or five people holding hands to encircle. The temple was likely demolished around the time of the Cultural Revolution, with its bricks, stones, and ancient steles taken away to build Taodian Reservoir, and the iron statue of the bodhisattva melted down for steel. The ancient and famous trees in the surrounding area were also cut down almost entirely. The temple originally had two monks, a master and disciple—the master’s dharma name was “Renjintang,” and the disciple, whose surname was Lin, was commonly referred to by locals as “Little Monk Lin.” After the liberation, they both returned to secular life and came down from the mountain; presumably, they have since passed away.

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Reflections Upon Visiting the Gaofeng Temple Ruins From myriad peaks and valleys they surge southward, Their might outweighs the Five Sacred Mountains rising from Tiantai. A great virtuous one made ten thousand vows, And on Gaofeng Peak built a hut to plant the Bodhi seed. With staff in hand and alms bowl, he wandered near and far, Gathering donations to raise a monastery's roof. The rain of Dharma from the heavens nourishes all three realms, Bringing peace and freedom to faithful men and women. For a thousand years, the Three Jewels were upheld with offerings, Ensuring favorable weather and the land’s prosperity. But when power turned corrupt and the monks were scattered, It was a long time before the bodhisattva’s grace returned.