Gaogu Temple

　　Gaogu Temple is situated in Gaosi Village, Gaosi Township, Xiangcheng City. In ancient times, there were numerous burial mounds dotting the landscape, preserving remnants of primitive human settlements; temples stood in great numbers, with incense burning vibrantly for a time; the scenery of “Towering Green Gaogu” was picturesque and once ranked among the Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangcheng. Today, however, with the passage of time, the burial mounds have been destroyed and the temples collapsed, leaving behind only legends, historical accounts, and cultural relics in the long river of history. In recent years, through gathering and investigation, I hope to restore the historical grandeur of Gaogu Temple for readers.

　　Gaogu Temple is located in central China’s eastern Henan region. In ancient times, it was a hilly highland, backed by water (the Fen River) and facing the sun. Commonly referred to as Gaogu, it was an ideal place for early human settlements. Legend has it that Zhuanxu, one of the eight sons of the Yellow Emperor, chose to live here and was titled the Gaoyang Clan. It is also said that Yu the Great, after his successful flood control efforts, held a celebratory ceremony on this highland. Later poets wrote: “Its fame began in the Xia Dynasty; how many times have people climbed here to cherish the past.” One of the Seven Masters of Jian’an during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Ying Ta—who was known as the Talent of Dongyang and came from a prestigious Ying family—built many tombs on Gaogu. Hence, it was also called Gaoyang Tomb Hill. Taoism, a native Chinese religion originating from ancient shamanistic practices, flourished during the reign of Emperor Xuan of Han, while Buddhism was introduced to China from India during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han. By the Northern and Southern Dynasties, when the construction of temples flourished under the saying “Four hundred and eighty temples in the Southern Dynasties,” both religions built numerous temples on Gaogu, such as the Dongyue Temple (Buddhist) and Huilong Guan (Taoist) on Dragon-Tiger Mountain, about one li east of Gaogu, and Gugu An (Taoist) on Phoenix Ridge to the west of Gaogu. There was also a Buddhist temple built atop Gaogu itself, which led to it being called Gaogu Temple. It was later simply referred to as Gaosi.

　　Later, it became commonly known as Gaosi.

　　According to archaeological experts, artifacts collected from Gaosi were identified as belonging to the Longshan Culture site. The area is quite large, with thick cultural strata, making it of significant value for studying early to mid Longshan culture. As a result, it has been designated as a Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

　　Originally covering an area of 28,500 square meters and standing 50 meters high, Gaoceng Temple was indeed a towering hill. In my childhood, Gaogu Temple was a mysterious place. My home was eight li away from Gaogu Temple, and from afar, it appeared to tower into the clouds, with magnificent temples, swirling clouds, ancient cypresses, strong pines, and bamboo groves surrounding it—truly resembling a fairyland in the mist, stirring the heart and inspiring longing. When I grew a bit older and climbed the hill with my elders, I was immediately refreshed. Standing atop, gazing in all directions, my heart felt open and liberated. Looking down, I saw the Fen River winding around the hill, with rapid currents rushing beneath the stone bridge, and willows along the banks fresh and green. Not far to the east of the hill were Huilong Guan and Dongyue Temple, to the west was Gugu An, to the south were numerous Ying tombs—it was truly a delightful scenery that attracted many literati who left behind writings describing the beauty of Gaogu Temple. Wang Jing, the county magistrate of the Ming Dynasty, wrote the regulated verse “Towering Green Gaogu” after gazing from afar: “The wild view is vast and boundless; purple haze stretches far. The high hill seems to promise rain on a clear day; the green mountain turns poetic as clouds. Evening glow floats over Fushan boundary; autumn colors face the sunset. What do I recall in the wind? I take up my brush to write poetry.” This illustrates the scenic advantage of the Gaosi area: from a height, the fields are vast, the breeze is mild, the clouds and mist swirl, offering a refreshing and peaceful environment ideal for study. Every morning, at the break of dawn, the temple bell would ring loudly, echoing through the sky and awakening people in countless villages. The Qing Dynasty literatus Niu Xiu wrote “Inscription on Gaogu Temple”: “Morning bells ring from above, their clear sound falling through the pines, wafting over the stone bridge with the wind, waking the ospreys beyond the woods.” The evening scene at Gaosi was also quite enchanting. In 1944, Mr. Li Fabai, while teaching at Gaogu Temple, wrote “Evening View from Gaogu Temple”: “At dusk atop the terrace, the land stretches into view. Mist clears as the moon rises from the woods, the stream flows long beneath the bridge. Buddhist chants purify worldly hearts, the lotus breeze dispels the summer heat. Lost in thought, I sit for long, then hear a flute from the valley.” This describes the setting sun over Gaogu, the silence of all things, the lotus breeze on one’s face, the sudden dissipation of the summer heat, moon-gazing and listening to flutes, feeling refreshed and carefree, sitting deeply absorbed while enjoying the scenery of Gaosi. Zhang Jinfang, a local, wrote about the Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangcheng, including “Towering Green Gaogu” (a seven-character regulated verse), and also described the scenery of Gaogu Temple, including “Ancient Temple in Morning Haze,” with a short preface: “West of the bridge stands a very high hill, the tomb of the Ying family. There are many Ying tombs here, but this one is the largest, with a Buddhist temple built on top…” The seven-character regulated verse goes: “Spring sunlight connects various spots, temple breezes wrap half the woods in mist. Beaded curtains roll back morning rain, painted beams fly with sunset clouds. Fallen leaves shroud the red temple below, slanting sunlight shoots toward the emerald peak. Waterside villages and mountain towns shine bright as mirrors, as I gaze to the edge of the evening haze over Jiangnan.” There are many poems about Gaogu Temple, but unfortunately, with the temples gone, most verses have been lost. Still, from the fine lines of these poets, we can confirm the charm of “Towering Green Gaogu.” Though times have changed and its splendor faded, it has left an indelible echo of ancient civilization and the scenery of the Xiangcheng area.

　　From Buddhist Temple to Secular School

　　Gaogu Temple was a famous ancient temple in Xiangcheng, with flourishing incense offerings and a large number of monks throughout the dynasties. Its incense fields spanned dozens of mu. During temple fairs, worshippers came in an endless stream, and the temple’s monks and guests were quite numerous. Some unscrupulous monks indulged in food and drink, idling about and causing trouble in the village. In the third year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1887), due to the misbehavior of the monks, public anger arose, and villagers drove them out together. Soon after, with the approval of Magistrate Li, it was decreed: “Convert it into a free school, and never allow monks again.” A free school named “Wuqi Shanzhuang” (House of No Deceit) was established inside the temple. The successful candidate in the imperial examination Zhang Ruizhen (father of Zhang Zhenfang) donated an additional 20 mu of land on top of the original 100 mu of incense fields, totaling 120 mu, known as school fields. Meanwhile, the jinshi (advanced scholar) Yu Lian’e and the successful candidate Xia Yaorong also provided strong support. They hired Gu Yuan (successful candidate) and Han Xinzhai (student) to teach here for many years. According to Xia Yaorong’s preface: “Once the matter was settled, those involved felt the free school was too lonely, and believed adding strict exams and regular sessions would improve it further. But with limited land and resources, apart from the common expenses for hiring teachers, it was difficult to provide for everyone. So, they used their own funds, with scholars preparing for the metropolitan exams, students for the provincial exams, and children studying basic texts, each following their own rules diligently. In short, ‘No Deceit’ was the guiding principle.” At that time, people of all ages gathered here, dressed formally to show respect, paid homage to Confucius to honor the tradition, and observed age hierarchy to demonstrate courtesy. The atmosphere was refined and full of talent. From then on, scholars gathered here for study sessions, and dozens went on to achieve success in the imperial examinations. It’s clear that at that time, scholars studied together here, engaging in unprecedented scholarly exchange. Gaogu Temple was truly a paradise for learning.

　　Gaogu Temple, with its beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere, was indeed a wonderful place for study. From 1944 to 1945, during the War of Resistance, Xiangcheng Junior High School was temporarily relocated to Gaogu Temple. At that time, there were seven junior high classes, and many well-known educators gathered at this school. The principal Li Yousan (graduated from Beijing Normal University), director Zhou Zhilin (graduated from Tsinghua University), Li Fabai (graduated from Central University), Zhou Boji, Shao Zihou, Zhang Xixian, and many other notable scholars were all here. Although the facilities were poor, both teachers and students took teaching and learning seriously, especially emphasizing patriotic education. Many elderly people who studied here still fondly recall those days. Professor Li Fabai wrote a school song for Xiangcheng Junior High during his time teaching here: students sang it daily to inspire themselves. The lyrics were: “Looking across the land, a scene of sorrow, the rivers and mountains of our motherland, bleak and broken. A great building cannot be supported by a single pillar; educating people takes more than a hundred years of planning. Remember our hatred, hold back our blood, endure our bitter tears, swallow our grief, neither reckless nor resigned, cultivate virtue and study hard, spur ourselves on. Here, the Fen River winds, Gaogu stands tall and green, a grand painting of the landscape, with dancing clouds and singing winds, surging waves. In the future, when our studies are complete… we will emulate Dingyuan and Ban Chao… strike directly to the dragon’s lair, water our horses in Fusang.” This song greatly inspired and motivated the youth. Teachers and students encouraged each other, honing themselves day and night. Outside the temple, operas were performed, yet classes continued uninterrupted. This period marked the golden age of Xiangcheng Junior High, producing many accomplished students. After the victory in the war, the county middle school moved back to the old county town, and the temple became a primary school.

　　In the early years after liberation, the new Gaofeng District government was stationed on Gaogu Temple. After the district government moved, the temple still housed a school. In 1952, it was renamed the Gaosi Central Primary School of First District. On the temple platform, there were over 400 daytime students, and teachers also worked and lived there. At that time, it was a great place for children in the Gaosi area to study. After rain, teachers and students picked up stone axes, arrowheads, deer antlers, bone needles, and other relics from the platform to use as historical teaching aids. In 1969, Gaosi began offering middle school classes, and the primary and secondary schools expanded to 16 classes. The school site was later moved to Wangzhongzi, and Gaogu suffered a catastrophe. Villagers dug up the mound soil for fertilizer, leading to the destruction of the mound, and the once “Towering Green Gaogu” became a mere legend.

　　Recalling the many events of Gaogu, they remain vivid in my memory. The past is gone, but the future holds even greater splendor. The future of Gaogu awaits future generations to paint an even more beautiful picture.