Ten Thousand Buddhas Summit

Ten Thousand Buddhas Summit

Guide   Ten Thousand Buddhas Summit is the highest peak of Mount Emei, standing at an elevation of 3,099 meters. Its name carries the meaning of “where Samantabhadra resides, surrounded by ten thousand Buddhas.” It is part of Mount Emei’s pristine forest ecological tourism area, featuring attractions such as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion, alpine azalea forests, Black Bear Valley, and Immortal’s Second Glance.

Introduction   The Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion stands 21 meters tall, majestic and solemn, with the “Wishing Ancient Bell” hanging from its rooftop, exuding dignity and reverence. There is a special ritual for striking the bell at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion—it is traditionally struck 108 times. This involves ringing it once at dawn and once at dusk, with each session consisting of 18 fast strikes, 18 slow strikes, and 18 medium-paced strikes, repeated twice for a total of 108 strikes. This number corresponds to the 12 months of the year, the 24 solar terms, and the 72 pentads (a traditional division of time where every five days make up one pentad), which together add up to 108, symbolizing the cycle of a year, everlasting peace, and the invocation of national prosperity and human happiness. In Buddhism, it is also believed that striking the bell 108 times can dispel 108 kinds of worries and distractions. Ringing the bell at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion means standing atop the highest point of Mount Emei, facing the Universal Samantabhadra in all directions, using the bell’s sound to knock on the gates of the Pure Land and convey heartfelt wishes. The “Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage” vista, formed within the Ten Thousand Buddhas Summit scenic area, is one of the New Ten Scenic Spots of Mount Emei.

Sichuan Meishan