The layout of Baoguang Temple
Baoguang Temple has the typical layout of Zen Buddhist temple in China, where the pagoda is part of, and in the center of the temple. The temple is magnificent in scale and is made up of a pagoda, five halls and 16 courtyards. Along the 100-meter-long axis are located the entrance gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Sarira Pagoda, Hall of Seven Buddhas, Hall of Sakyamuni Buddha and Scripture Tower. On both sides of the axis stand the bell tower, drum tower, Hall of Dharma Guardian, Guest’s Hall, Dining Hall, Hall of Happiness, Arhat Hall, the abbots’ rooms and other courtyards.
The gate of Baoguang Temple is impressive. A couple of stone lions crouch on each side of the entrance gate, adding solemnity to the temple. In the first hall, visitors can see the statues of the Buddha’s warrior attendants, the two ferocious guardians Heng and Ha standing on each side. However, the statues of Yang Sheng’an and his father Yang Tinghe are more outstanding because they are the only two mortals enshrined in the temple. The father is the Prime Minister and the son is the No.1 scholar in the imperial examination in the Ming Dynasty. They are not only the statesmen, but also the men of letters. In addition, they are the main donators who built Baoguang Temple. The statues of mortals enshrined in a Buddhist temple are unique, and therefore distinguish the temple from other monasteries in China.
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