Buddhist Architecture
Chinese Buddhist architecture consists of temple, pagoda and grotto.
Localization starts right after Buddhist architecture was introduced
into
China with Buddhism during the Han dynasty, interpreting Chinese
architectural aesthetics and culture.
Chinese Buddhist architecture follows symmetric style strictly. Usually
main buildings will be set on the central axis, facing the south.
Annexe
structures will be on the west and east flanks. Temple gate,
Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall and Sutra Library successively stands
on the axis.
Dorm, kitchen, dinning hall, storehouse and antechamber
usually cluster on the right side while left side remains for the
visitors.
Pagoda is also the main integrating part of the Buddhist architecture,
with varied styles and strong local flavours. Pagoda followed Buddhism
into
China around the first century, and developed into pavilion-like
pagoda on which one can view scenery after immediate combination with
traditional Chinese architecture.
Another Buddhist architecture is grotto complex which is caves hewn
on cliff walls, usually huge projects and with exquisite engravings.
It came
from India with Buddhism too and boomed during the Northern
and Southern dynasty. The famous Mogao Caves, Yungang Grottoes and
Longmen Grottoes were all carved then.
Taoist
Architecture
Taoist architecture includes various structures according to different
functions, categorized as palace for oblation and sacrifice, altar
for praying
and offering, cubby for religious service, residence
for Taoist abbes and garden for visitors.
In the former style, traditional architectural layout, which is
symmetric, will be applied. Main halls will be set up on the central
axis, while other
religious structures on the two sides. Usually,
on the northwest corner of the complex, Lucky Land to Meet God will
be located. Annexes like dining
hall and accommodation will locate
at the back or the flank of the complex.
The second is the Bagua style in which all structures surround the
Danlu (stove to make pills of immortality) in the center according
to Bagua's
position request. The center axis from the south to the
north is very long and structures flank the axis. The style reflects
Taoist philosophy that the
human cosmos follows the natural cosmos
to integrate energy, qi and spirit.
Most Taoist architectures resort to nature topography to build towers,
pavilions, lobbies and other garden structural units, decorated
with murals,
sculptures and steles to entertain people, fully interpreting
Taoist philosophy of nature.
Taoist architectural decoration reflects Taoist pursuit of luck
and fulfillment, long lifespan, and eclosion into the fairyland.
Taoist architectural
motifs are all meaningful. Celestial bodies
mean brightness shining everywhere while landscape and rocks immortality.
Folding fan, fish,
narcissus, bat and deer are used to imply beneficence,
wealth, celestial being, fortune and official position, while pine
and cypress stand for
affection, tortoise for longevity, crane for
man of honor. There are many other symbols very traditional and
Taoist decorations root deep in Chinese
folk residential houses
Chinese
Temple
It is difficult to estimate how many temples there are throughout
China. The word temple in English means: a building dedicated to
religious
ceremonies or worship. So, it included all religious buildings
which consisted of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam and other
religions
into Chinese Temples to write this article.
Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are three main religions in China.
Although they have never acquired such important roles to be
considered
to dominate the political system in China's history as Christianity
or Islam has done to some western countries. However, they do
have
deep influence on the development of China's politics, philosophy,
art and social cultures. Chinese temples, range
in size from back-alley
Taoist hut to magnificent Tibetan Buddhist Drepung Monastery, the
largest and richest monastery, which covers an area of
over 200
thousand square meters.
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