Guangchang Tongxin White Lotus

Guangchang Tongxin White Lotus

　　Tongxin White Lotus refers to lotus seeds that have been shelled, had their tender skins removed, and the bitter lotus hearts taken out, then dried. Guangchang lotus seeds are white in color, large, plump, and sweetly fragrant. According to tests conducted by the Health Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, every 500 grams of tongxin white lotus contains 83.3 grams of protein, 1730 kilocalories of energy, 13.7 grams of crude fiber, as well as rich amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, B2, amino acids, and more. Regular consumption can strengthen the body, fortify bones and tendons, nourish kidneys, and benefit the heart and lungs. It is a treasured food and medicinal product.

　　Once upon a time, in Lingshijiao Village at the foot of Ling Mountain in Baishuizhai, Guangchang County, Jiangxi Province (now Chishui Dahuo Village), there lived a father and son surnamed He, who made a living by farming and chopping firewood. One night, Father He and his son He Yazi, carrying pine torches, went to the fields to spear fish when they suddenly saw the fields filled with lush green lotus leaves and bright red blossoms, giving off a refreshing fragrance. Then, a young maiden dressed in a green skirt and plain clothes emerged gracefully from a blooming lotus flower, repeatedly nodding to the father and son, and said: “I come from Yaochi Village far away. After enduring many hardships to seek refuge with distant relatives, I found they had already passed away. I humbly ask you to take me in!” Although Father He felt deep sympathy for the girl, his family was too poor to support her, so he had to politely refuse. The maiden continued: “I do not crave wealth or glory, I only wish for a place to stay and simple meals. As long as Uncle doesn’t mind, I am willing to call you my foster father.” Deeply moved, Father He took her in as his foster daughter, naming her Lianying, and she and He Yazi became brother and sister. Lianying bowed to the sky, and a colorful auspicious cloud appeared; she bowed to the fields, and they became covered with green lotuses and red flowers; she bowed to Father He, and his hair turned silvery but his face youthful; she bowed to He Yazi, and he became even more handsome and bright-eyed. From then on, the lotus maiden stayed with Father He and his son, planting lotuses and making a living, and she also taught the local farmers how to cultivate lotus seeds.

　　Three years passed as winter gave way to spring, and Lianying grew more and more beautiful. With the agreement of Lianying and He Yazi, Father He prepared to arrange their marriage. But a local wealthy landlord, who had long lusted after Lianying, sent his servants to forcibly “take her away” as a concubine. Lianying and He Yazi fled through the back door. Just as the servants were about to catch up, He Yazi and Lianying held hands and leapt into the pond. Moments later, an auspicious cloud rose from the pool. Lianying and He Yazi sat upon it and ascended to heaven. Soon after, a twin-lotus flower grew in the pond, bearing fragrant white lotus seeds. Thus, the monks built Dingxin Temple by the lotus pond, and hung a couplet at the temple gate: “Calm waters hold no waves, a new moon appears; the heart touches the Dharma realm, the wisdom sun shines bright.”

　　Since then, Guangchang has had a history of lotus cultivation.