Buddhas Scattered All Over the Ground: The Mysterious Buddhist Legends and Revelations of Mount Emei · Part Two

Author: Xu Shan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: On the bustling Mount Emei, there is a tranquil and even somewhat secluded place, little known to many, yet filled with blessings left by the Buddha—Wanfo Peak. At an altitude of 3,099 meters, it is the highest peak of Mount Emei, 22 meters taller than the well-known Jinding. Mount Emei is a Buddhist sacred site, with 30 existing temples, but it once had over 200. In the past, magnificent temples stood atop Wanfo Peak, with incense smoke billowing, where numerous believers gathered to listen to eminent monks preach and were inspired to embrace Buddhism. At that time, the peak was bathed in Buddhist radiance, with countless auspicious clouds, and the eminent monks finally transformed into a beam of light and vanished into the heavens. To this day, one can still see the giant stone "Immortal Turning Back" and the overgrown "Release Pool" on the summit. The Wanfo Peak Temple was later destroyed by fire, and the former glory now lies in ruins. Compared to the modern bustle, the tranquility here is filled with depth and the mystery of Buddhism. Compared to the rebuilt, renovated, and repainted temples, it better reflects the profound and turbulent history. At Wanfo Peak, visitors can not only marvel at the unique sea of clouds, the thrilling sunrise, the auspicious Buddha light, the pure moonlight, but also strike the massive, 3-ton wishing bell, sending their good wishes to the Buddhist paradise with the sound of the bell. Legend has it that visiting Mount Emei for pilgrimage and worship is only considered complete if one reaches Wanfo Peak.