The Serene Realm of the Recumbent Ox

　　Because a “sleeping ox” resides peacefully within the temple, it came to be known as Recumbent Ox Temple. Situated in the northeastern part of Baoshan Basin, the temple nestles gently in the embrace of Daxi Mountain. Built against the mountain, Recumbent Ox Temple is divided into three courtyards—front, middle, and rear—from low to high. A flight of steps behind the parking lot winds upward, leading to the solemn mountain gate. Inside the gate, the main structure of the front courtyard is the uniquely designed Hall of Heavenly Kings, which is built on two levels following the terrain. On the upper floor of this hall, the majestic “Heavenly Kings” are enshrined. Behind the Hall of Heavenly Kings lies the middle courtyard, where the focal point is the Guanyin Hall. On the southern wall of the hall is inlaid a delicately carved stone stele featuring an image of Guanyin. This precious artifact infuses the temple with a profound sense of historical depth. Amidst the lingering gaze of Guanyin’s statue and Skanda Bodhisattva, the fragrant osmanthus-scented rear courtyard exudes an atmosphere of elegance and grace. This is the heart of the temple, where the resplendent Mahavira Hall stands tall atop layers of stone steps. Below the northern wing of the rear courtyard is another gate leading outside. A towering bodhi tree casts a broad shade over the spacious open area beyond the gate, and a path on the north side of the yard connects to the mountain road that leads to the summit.

　　The mid-slopes of Baoding Mountain are mostly rugged hills with sandy and rocky structures, making it difficult for lush forests to thrive under constant human exploitation. Perhaps to support the presence of a sacred temple, Daxi Mountain stands uniquely along the lower ridgeline of Baoding Mountain. A cross-section of the slope visible from the mountain road reveals deep soil layers capable of sustaining tree roots, allowing the mountain to flourish with dense, thriving woods. This has created the long-standing image of Daxi Mountain as an expanse of verdant forests and boundless greenery. It is said that during the Republican era, when constructing the Golden Rooster Bathhouse at the foot of the mountain, all beams and pillars were sourced from this very hill. Having endured the trials of steel production, copper smelting, and rapid population growth, surrounding hills have become sparse and bare, yet Daxi Mountain stands out, with trees reaching skyward. Nurtured by its abundant vitality, the mountain teems with lush vegetation and exudes an aura of auspicious energy. The temple nestled within this forest glows with spiritual radiance.

　　Recumbent Ox Temple was first built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, making it one of the more historically significant ancient temples in the region. Today, the wind chimes hanging from the upturned eaves of the main hall continue to ring melodiously, seemingly recounting a touching legend tied to the temple’s founding. Before the temple was established, the site was fertile farmland. A local villager surnamed Zhang, whose parents were advanced in age, his wife was ill, and his children were young, made a living farming this land. Tragically, despite his kind heart, Zhang contracted a dreaded terminal illness. He left the village and built a thatched hut by the field to tend to the land while he struggled with his illness. One night, unable to farm due to his weakened condition, he was astonished to see a green ox appear and begin plowing the field with its horns, furrowing and ridging the soil with vigorous effort for over an hour. When Zhang awoke, he had witnessed the entire scene. The next day, together with his family who came to visit, he cut fresh green grass by the stream and drew clear spring water in a clay basin, placing them where the ox had rested, hoping it would return. True to their hope, the ox returned that night and finished plowing the field before eating the grass and drinking the water. On the third night, the ox appeared in a dream to Zhang, saying that in return for the water and grass, it would grant him a powerful medicine on the condition that he take good care of his parents, wife, and children once recovered. When Zhang awoke, he saw a red snake crawling out of the clay basin, with a bright red snakeskin soaking in the spring water. After drinking the water infused with the snakeskin, Zhang’s illness was miraculously cured. From then on, he cared for the elderly, loved his family, and worked diligently in the fields while taking on extra work to earn money, gradually prospering. Later, following his mother’s instructions, he built a temple on the site of the hut and enshrined a statue of Guanyin. At the spot where the ox had rested, he erected a small pavilion with a sculpture of a recumbent ox. His mother then came to burn incense and chant sutras, giving thanks to the “deity” for protecting the Zhang family. Initially, the small shrine was called “Qiyun Hermitage,” but as visitors and worshippers grew more fascinated by the lifelike recumbent ox, the temple gradually became known as “Recumbent Ox Temple.” It seems the legend has transformed the temple into a place where kindness and karma are rewarded—a place where a good person received divine help and, in turn, respect is given to the divine. Though legends may not serve as proof, they embody traditional virtues of compassion, charity, and gratitude. With such a tale promoting these noble values, Recumbent Ox Temple offers solace to many kind and simple hearts.

　　Over 600 years, from the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty to the present, Recumbent Ox Temple has evolved from a humble thatched hut into today’s grand complex of three courtyards and halls. Perhaps this transformation is the result of the vibrant spiritual energy that Daxi Mountain, lush and bountiful, has nurtured and released. Today, the southern side of the Hall of Heavenly Kings in the front courtyard no longer features a clay ox. Instead, a white ox sculpted from fine white jade now rests there—a gift donated by devout patrons around the turn of the century. While the color of the ox has changed over time, more importantly, the profound folk cultural ethics it represents have greatly evolved. Throughout this process, the compassion, kindness, and even elevation of human nature advocated by civilized values have flourished. As a result, the splendid halls of Recumbent Ox Temple will stand even more majestically, the endless green forests of Daxi Mountain will grow ever denser, and the serene realm of the recumbent ox will remain forever radiant and harmonious.