Ningbo Tiantong Temple: The Origin of Soto Zen in China and Japan

Ningbo Tiantong Temple is nestled at the foot of Mount Taibai, surrounded by peaks and lush forests. The serene mountain setting exudes a solemn Zen ambiance. This ancient temple dates back to 300 AD, boasting a history of over 1,700 years. It is not only one of the birthplaces of China's Soto Zen but also holds significance as the origin of Soto Zen in Japan, as the Japanese Zen master Dogen once studied and practiced here. The temple embodies the profound tradition of Soto Zen's "Silent Illumination" meditation method and showcases a unique Southeast Buddhist aesthetic through its harmonious integration of architecture and nature. It plays a pivotal role in the propagation of Buddhism. As a rare large-scale Buddhist monastic complex in the Jiangnan region, Tiantong Temple preserves numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, stone carvings, plaques, and Buddhist artifacts, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. It has also been included in the tentative list for the "Maritime Silk Road" World Cultural Heritage. On a summer afternoon, under the warm sunlight and gentle breeze, our group of five entered the scenic area of Ningbo Tiantong Temple. We strolled along the stone-paved incense path, passing through the three mountain gates (Fuhu Pavilion, Ancient Mountain Gate, and Jingqian Pavilion). Each gate seemed to guide travelers away from worldly clamor, gradually calming the mind and bringing a sense of peace and clarity. Along the way, we passed through the Tiantong Forest Park, where clusters of bamboo swayed gracefully. The forest breeze carried the earthy scent of moist soil and the fragrance of trees and grass, creating a tranquil world isolated from the hustle and bustle. The temple's architecture unfolds layer by layer along the mountain's contours. The inner and outer Wanggong Ponds shimmer with light, and the Seven Buddha Pagoda stands quietly amidst them. The inscription "Southeast Buddhist Kingdom" on the screen wall glistens under the sunlight. A vast pond opens up before us, its rippling surface reflecting the sky and clouds. Entering through the mountain gate, we passed the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Buddha Hall, the Dharma Hall, and finally reached the Arhat Hall. The buildings are symmetrically arranged along the central axis, progressing layer by layer with grandeur. The overall layout follows the Ming dynasty's reconstruction style, with corridors connecting the halls. These corridors not only provide shelter from wind and rain but also create a rhythmic spatial sequence. Walking through them feels like traversing a slowly unfolding Zen scroll. The temple's tranquility and the blessings it imparts seem endless. On this day, amidst silence, we glimpsed the true essence of all phenomena and found ourselves dwelling in a state of profound clarity. What we gained was not just the scenery but also an inner joy and freedom rooted in the Dharma.