Pingle Temple

　　Located beside the Bashong Road in Guangyuan, Yuanba Pingle Temple boasts a long history and rich culture. It is said that the temple was first built during the Shaoxing era (1131–1163 AD) of the Song Dynasty, with a history of over 860 years. Existing steles of the 36th and 37th patriarchs of the Linji school, as well as the founding inscription of Pingle Temple, all document this history. In former times, the temple was resplendent with halls, thriving with incense, a pure place of practice, and flourishing in Buddhist teachings. However, the temple suffered destruction later on. After the reform and opening up, to implement the Party’s religious policies and meet the spiritual needs of the people — especially those of Buddhist faith — the People’s Government, in 1993, approved the reconstruction of the temple on its original site, following an application submitted by the local county government and granted by the Guangyuan Municipal People’s Government.

　　To effectively carry out this reconstruction, the foremost task was to select a highly capable master — one who strictly upheld monastic discipline, emphasized both study and practice, and possessed expertise in ancient architecture design and construction. At the request of the government, recommended by the higher-level Buddhist association and after careful consideration, the final decision was made: Venerable Master Cheli was formally invited to lead the project, oversee all religious activities, and preside over the temple’s affairs.

　　Venerable Master Cheli is truly a distinguished lineage holder, a worthy figure in this Dharma-declining age, capable of revitalizing Buddhism and undertaking the responsibility of the Buddha’s teachings. As a child, Master Cheli studied Buddhism and martial arts under the renowned master and kung fu expert, Master Haideng. He later ordained at Zhongnan Mountain in Shaanxi, becoming a distinguished disciple of Master Jingtian, who was as renowned as Master Haideng. To further refine his practice, he also studied under the eminent Chinese monk Venerable Weixian (currently abbot of Ciyun Temple in Chongqing and president of the Chongqing Buddhist Association), devoting himself wholeheartedly to the Dharma and eventually achieving profound insight. For several years, the master fearlessly led over 40 disciples, overcoming numerous obstacles and hardships, driven by the boundless vow to propagate the Buddha’s teachings and benefit all sentient beings. Through perseverance and arduous endeavor, he established a solemn and dignified Buddhist sanctuary from what was once a completely ruined and barren site.

　　The temple now features a Heavenly King Hall, Guanyin Hall, Ten Kings of Hell Hall, Bell and Drum Towers, Dharma Lecture Hall, Tea and Recreation Courtyard, Jade Buddha Hall, and a Liberation Pond. In the Heavenly King Hall and Guanyin Hall, the various Buddhas and bodhisattvas display majestic and solemn expressions. The Ten Kings of Hell Hall presents a solemn scene of the underworld, deeply moving all who enter. The Bell and Drum Towers stand tall opposite each other, their morning bells and evening drums awakening the hearts of all. The Dharma Lecture Hall resonates continuously with the voice of the Dharma, echoing throughout the world. The Tea and Recreation Courtyard bustles with devout visitors. The Jade Buddha Hall houses a priceless, invaluable whole jade Buddha gifted by the Burmese overseas Chinese Buddhist community — a treasure of immense value. Outside the temple, Longshan Mountain encircles the grounds, shaded by lush greenery. In the Liberation Pond, lotus flowers reflect on the water while fish swim gracefully beneath the surface.

　　The temple fair days of Yuanba Pingle Temple are annually on March 19th, June 19th, and September 19th. On these occasions, throngs of devotees gather here to burn incense and worship the Buddha, presenting a scene of great prosperity.