Ningbo Tiantong Temple: A Crucial Origin of Zen Practice for Chinese and Japanese Soto School

Nestled at the foot of Mount Taibai, surrounded by serene peaks and lush forests, Ningbo Tiantong Temple exudes a profound sense of Zen tranquility. This ancient temple dates back to the Yongkang era of the Western Jin Dynasty (300 AD), boasting a history of over 1,700 years. It is not only one of the birthplaces of the Chinese Soto School but also holds significance as the site where Japanese Zen master Dogen studied and practiced, making it the origin of Soto Zen in Japan. The temple embodies the deep tradition of the Soto School's "Silent Illumination Zen" practice and showcases a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, reflecting the unique Buddhist culture of southeastern China. As a rare large-scale Buddhist monastery in the Jiangnan region, Tiantong Temple preserves numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, stone carvings, plaques, and Buddhist artifacts, offering 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 gentle sunlight and a light breeze, our group of five entered the scenic area of Ningbo Tiantong Temple. Walking along the stone-scented path, we passed through three mountain gates (Fuhu Pavilion, Ancient Mountain Gate, and Jingqian Pavilion). Each gate seemed to guide travelers away from worldly noise, allowing the mind to gradually settle and achieve a state of clarity and peace. Along the way, we strolled 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 vegetation, creating a serene world detached from the hustle and bustle of life. The temple's architecture unfolds layer by layer along the mountain's contours. The shimmering waters of the Wan Gong Pond and the Seven Buddha Pagoda stand quietly amidst the temple grounds, while the "Southeastern Buddhist Kingdom" inscription on the screen wall glows 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, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere. The overall layout follows the Ming Dynasty's restoration design, with corridors connecting the halls, providing shelter from wind and rain while creating a rhythmic spatial sequence. Walking through these corridors feels like traversing a slowly unfolding scroll of Zen artistry, where the tranquil temple grounds inspire a sense of enduring wisdom and blessings. On this day, amidst silence, we glimpsed the true essence of all phenomena and found ourselves dwelling in a state of profound clarity and peace. What we gained was not just the scenery but also an inner sense of joy and freedom.