Sixth Patriarch Temple

Sixth Patriarch Temple

The Sixth Patriarch Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Sixth Patriarch Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty and has a history of over 1,300 years. When it was renovated in the 14th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, the temple covered a construction area of more than 600 square meters, with a structure made of lime-sand rammed walls, fir wood, and tiled roofs. The overall layout follows a central axis, consisting of the main gate, front hall, rear hall, as well as side rooms, corridors, and lanes on both sides, forming an integrated complex. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the temple is nestled in a picturesque landscape of rugged and scenic peaks. Nearby, there are several place names and mountain names related to the activities of the Sixth Patriarch, including “Sixth Patriarch Pool,” “Buddha Hall Summit,” “Immortal’s Path,” and “Tattered Cloth Robe.” Since its establishment in the Tang Dynasty, the temple has attracted numerous devotees. During festivals, the temple is thronged with worshippers, and incense burning is especially bustling. Visitors include not only local believers but also many from the Pearl River Delta region who come here specifically to pay their respects.

Historical Legend: As the initiator of Buddhism in Lingnan, why did the Sixth Patriarch Huineng seek refuge and hide in Sihui? It is said that after Huineng became a disciple of the Fifth Patriarch Hongren at Dongshan Temple (now the Fifth Patriarch Temple) in Huangmei, Hubei, he impressed Hongren with his gatha. Hongren then secretly passed on the Dharma teachings and bestowed upon him the kasaya and alms bowl, making him the Sixth Patriarch Huineng. However, Hongren’s senior disciple Shenxiu, who failed to receive the Dharma transmission, was very displeased. He gathered a group of followers and plotted to harm Huineng and seize the kasaya and alms bowl. Seeing this threat, Hongren instructed Huineng to quickly head south, telling him before departure, “Stop when you reach Huai, and hide when you reach Hui” (Huai refers to present-day Huaiji County, about 140 kilometers from Sihui; Hui refers to Sihui City). Huineng then hurried southward with the kasaya and alms bowl. Shenxiu sent people to track him, and pursuers followed him as far as Shaoguan (now Shaoguan City). After returning to Guangdong, recalling his master’s instructions and aiming to evade his enemies, Huineng went to Sihui. When he reached Longtou Puzilin, he found the area surrounded by high mountains and dense forests, secluded and scenic, with villagers making a living through farming and hunting. He thought hunters, whose livelihood involved taking life and who often stayed deep in the forests, would be the best people to help him avoid detection. Thus, he stayed with a hunter surnamed Ye. At that time, Huineng was still a young man in his twenties. Through years of hiding and close interaction with ordinary people at the grassroots level, Huineng’s later religious philosophy was greatly influenced. For instance, he advocated that “if the mind is peaceful, why bother with precepts? If conduct is upright, why practice meditation?” This means there is no need to recite scriptures or undergo lifetimes of cultivation—simply laying down the butcher’s knife can lead one to instant enlightenment. Huineng also believed that “even the lowliest have supreme wisdom.” His Buddhist theories reflect unique insights rooted in China’s own religious philosophy.

It is said that in Sihui, there has long been a legend about how the Sixth Patriarch Huineng enlightened Saint Monk Ruan Ziyu, who later in turn enlightened Saint Monk Liang Cinao, leading them both to become Buddhas. Sihui also has the ancient Baolin Temple and Baosheng Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, which were dedicated to the worship of Saint Monks Liang and Ruan.

The new Sixth Patriarch Temple was founded and reconstructed in March 1997. The project took four years to complete. The temple complex spans over 60,000 square meters, with a constructed area of more than 5,000 square meters. It includes the Sixth Patriarch Avenue, memorial archway, wind-and-rain pavilion, liberation pond, mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Sixth Patriarch Hall, scripture depository, bell tower, drum tower, merit hall, memorial hall, Guanyin Hall, and Arhat Hall. Each hall enshrines golden statues of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The golden statue of the Sixth Patriarch, with a kind and venerable expression, sits solemnly in the hall, blessing the world with favorable weather, peace under heaven, and prosperity for the people. In addition, the temple complex also features dining halls, auxiliary halls, guest rooms, the abbot’s quarters, monks’ dormitories, as well as a plaza and parking lot. All buildings follow a traditional classical design with white walls, green tiles, and red pillars, presenting a magnificent sight. It is said to be the largest, most splendid, solemn, and uniquely named “Sixth Patriarch Temple” among the many such temples dedicated to the Sixth Patriarch Huineng across the country.