庐山东林寺朝圣感言
[135] Reflections On Pilgrimage To Mount Lú’s Dōnglín Monastery
When we first heard about the trip to Dōnglín Monastery (东林寺), Leo and I were very excited. After all, we had heard and read so much about it since we started our weekly PPF (Pureland Practice Fellowship) sessions about four years ago. Thus, we registered for the trip immediately, without much hesitation.
However, when my 94-year-old father suddenly became weak in January, I began to worry. Would his condition deteriorate further, such that we could not go? Then I recalled what our teacher often reminds us…
Worrying (担心) does not create any meritorious virtues (功德) (i.e. benefits), while the best approach (i.e. after doing the necessary) to transform worries is to Niànfó (念佛) (i.e. be mindful of Āmítuófó’s name: 阿弥陀佛) sincerely.
I also bowed before Guānyīn Bodhisattva’s (观音菩萨) image at home, and sincerely requested for blessings to protect my parents. I am grateful that everything turned out well, and that we were able to go on the trip.
From the first day to the last, the journey was filled with joy. We learned together and enjoyed vegan meals as a group. As we usually have little time to interact before and after PPF sessions, this trip gave us opportunities to connect more deeply. Now, attending PPF sessions feels even more joyful with the stronger bonds formed.
The itinerary, thoughtfully planned by Sis. WY and teacher Shi’an, gave us ample time at each monastery. As I had joined the trip mainly to visit Dōnglín Monastery, visiting the Pure Land Tradition’s 13th Patriarch Great Master Yìnguāng’s (净土宗十三祖印光大师) room, the Pure Land Tradition’s 6th Patriarch Great Master Yǒngmíng’s (净土宗六祖永明大师) pagoda, and the Pure Land Tradition’s 8th Patriarch Great Master Liánchí’s (净土宗八祖莲池大师) pagoda felt like extra special blessings. Chanting together on the final day at the Pure Land Tradition’s 1st Patriarch Great Master Huìyuǎn’s (净土宗初祖慧远大师) Preaching Rock (讲经台: Sūtra-Teaching Platform) on Mount Lú (庐山) was also deeply memorable.
Our visit to Jìngcí Monastery (净慈寺) was another delightful surprise. As this was a pilgrimage, I did not expect to learn the background of the well-known Chinese song ‘Nánpíng Evening Bell’ (南屏晚钟), which I had long been familiar with. The mountain behind the temple is Mount Nánpíng (南屏山), with the temple’s great bell, form the inspiration for the song. I had never studied the lyrics closely before. With teacher pointing to the lyrics at the end, I gained a deeper understanding.
The song concludes beautifully with a sense of letting go and opening up. The stunning sunset we saw as we left the temple left a lasting impression. I am glad I can now share this song with non-Buddhist friends as a way to spark their interest in the Dharma. The line ‘相思有什么用’ (For yearning has what use?) resonated deeply with me, echoing the truth that ‘worrying has no use’. The next time I find myself worrying, I will replace that thought with Āmítuófó’s name.
When I first heard about the plan to practise three-step one-bow (三步一拜) ascent to the Big Buddha at the Pure Land Park (净土苑), I began training by climbing the 12 floors of my block daily. By calculation, I would need to complete about 5.5 rounds to match the height. With the need to prostrate, reaching the top seemed daunting. Yet, the experience turned out to be smooth and even blissful.
The weather was perfect, and as the Buddha gradually came into view, the ascent felt serene. I completed the climb without difficulty, and I was glad that all my classmates who embarked made their way up as well. We had ample time, not only to reach the Buddha, but also to explore the big hall below it, descend slowly, and appreciate the images in halls along the way. We even had time to visit the former residence of Elder Master Chuányìn (传印长老).
Mount Lú is a place I have heard about since young, through the poetry of Sū Dōngpō (苏东坡). I am grateful to have finally seen it in person, and to better appreciate the essence of his poem. With Dōnglín Monastery nestled in Mount Lú, I am certain I will return again.
Āmítuófó : Ang Shen
19 April 2026
