On 28 May, 29 devotees followed DKBS’s founder and spiritual advisor, Ven. K. Rathanasara on a trip to Chengdu, China, led by DKBS’s founder and spiritual advisor, Ven. K. Rathanasara. The highlight of the trip was the visit to Mt. Emei, where the participants were captivated by the awe-inspiring presence of the Leshan Giant Buddha and the majestic Golden Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Follow us as we recount our unforgettable journey.
Sanxingdui is a significant archaeological site in the modern region of Guanghan, Sichuan.
Location: Sanxingui
Location: Sanxingui
Sanxingui is renowned for being a central hub of Bronze Age culture. It contains valuable artefacts and provides insight into an ancient civilisation.
Location: Sanxingui
Location: Sanxingui
Carved into a red sandstone cliff during the 8th century, the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha gazes over the merging waters of three rivers. Towering at a majestic height of 71 meters, it proudly holds the world's largest stone Buddha Statue title.
Location: Leshan Giant Buddha
Location: Leshan Giant Buddha
Boarding the ferry to see the Leshan Giant Buddha.
The Golden Summit is the primary peak at the majestic Mt. Emei, nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan. Perched atop this summit is the Buddhist Huazang Temple, accompanied by a stupa dedicated to the Ten-faced Puxian Bodhisattva (Samantabhadra). Making the ascent to the summit and being greeted by the magnificent golden Samantabhadra Bodhisattva was awe-inspiring. Our delegation reverently circumambulated around the Bodhisattva, chanting homage to the Buddha with sunflowers, as we expressed our aspirations with deep respect and unwavering faith.
Location: Mount Emei
Location: Mount Emei
A statue of Maitreya Buddha sits inside the Ten-faced Puxian stupa.
Location: Puxian stupa
Location: Puxian stupa
The delegation members are showing their reverence and homage to the Maitreya Buddha.
Paying homage to the Maitreya Buddha.
One of the awe-inspiring natural phenomena at Jinding is the breathtaking "Sea of Clouds," which is just one of the four wonders that also include the stunning sunrise, the mesmerizing "Buddhist halo," and the ethereal "divine light."
Location: Jinding
Location: Jinding
Meditating in one of the Halls of the Baoguang Temple.
Location: Baoguang Temple
Location: Baoguang Temple
After a period of deep meditation, Ven. K. Rathanasara, shared a rich and captivating account of the historical significance of Baoguang Temple. This temple, nestled at the base of Mt. Emei, is a sprawling complex adorned with numerous ornate halls and revered Buddhist relics. Originating in the illustrious Tang dynasty, it is now a paramount National Cultural Heritage Conservation Unit. Interestingly, the Baoguang Temple's past saw it honour not only Buddhism but also Taoism and Confucianism before transitioning to its current location.
Location: Baoguang Temple
Location: Baoguang Temple
The Maiwa Tibetan Buddhist Temple has a 350-year history.
Location: Maiwa Tibetan Buddhist Temple
Location: Maiwa Tibetan Buddhist Temple
During the Maiwa Tibetan Buddhist Temple visit, delegation members participate in a profoundly symbolic ritual by wearing the Khata. This unique silk fabric scarf holds profound significance in the traditional customs of the Tibetan people, symbolising goodwill, auspiciousness, and deep respect for the spirituality enshrined within the temple's hallowed halls.
Location: Maiwa Tibetan Buddhist Temple
Location: Maiwa Tibetan Buddhist Temple
At 3,800 meters above sea level, Huanglong, which translates to "Yellow Dragon," is a breathtaking site characterized by a multitude of dazzling ponds, cascading waterfalls, and enigmatic caves. The source of this mesmerising water spectacle can be traced back to an ancient Buddhist temple situated at the summit of the valley.
Location: Huanglong
Location: Huanglong
Nestled at an impressive 1800m above sea level, Jiuzhai Valley National Park, also known as Jiazhaigou, is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site. This natural wonderland is home to diverse forest systems, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Location: Jiuzhai Valley National Park
Location: Jiuzhai Valley National Park
Location: Jiuzhai Valley National Park
Location: Multicolour Pool
The "multicolour pool" lives up to its name. The water shimmers in a mesmerising array of colours, including shades of blue, orange, sky blue, and olive green.
Location: Multicolour Pool
Location: Multicolour Pool
Jiuzhaigou was named after the 9 Tibetan settlements along its length.
Location: Jiuzhaigou
Location: Jiuzhaigou
Wenshu Yuan Monastery, a historical treasure from the 6th century, is the most impeccably preserved monastery in Chengdu. Notably, it is home to the revered Buddha's finger bone relic and the parietal bone relic of Venerable Xuanzang, making it an essential site for spiritual and historical significance.
Location: Wenshu Yuan Monastery
Location: Wenshu Yuan Monastery
The last stop of the pilgrimage was the picturesque Jinli Street, which has been a bustling commercial area since the Qin Dynasty.
Location: Jinli Street
Location: Jinli Street
Location: Jinli Street