Search Buddhist Channel
Explore Emei Shan, one of the most sacred Buddhist Mountains
by Stephanie Sherrill, China Travel Examiner, August 31, 2009
Emei Shan, China -- Emei Shan is a beautiful weekend escape from city life. It is also considered the Western Sacred Buddhist Mountain and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural beauty and cultural relevance.
<< The Golden Buddha at Wainnain
Temple. Photo by S.Sherrill
Brief history: Originally a Taoist retreat, it became an important Buddhist mountain by the 3rd century. During the Ming and Qing dynasties over 70 monasteries were built along the mountain peaks. Most of the temples are associated with Puxian Buddhism. Puxian focuses on devotion to the Bodhisattva Puxian or Samantabhadra, which the 6-tusked elephant is a symbol.
Trails crisscross the mountain and temples are sprinkled throughout. Hiking is an unforgettable experience of non-stop, endless staircases. Hiking also allows you to experience the quiet, less-traveled sections of the mountain. There are several guesthouses and hotels to stay in at the bottom of the mountain in Baoguo village and even hot springs to enjoy. The hot springs at the bottom of Emei Shan are famous for being the largest outdoors radon hot springs in China and are quite lovely.
You can avoid the grueling hike and take busses to most of the main larger temples and monasteries. In addition, there are a few cable cars. Regardless, you will have to climb some steep stairs even after the cable car and/or bus. An alternative to walking is to pay the locals to carry you on their shoulders in lounger like chairs. The price all depends upon your negotiation skills.
The Four Wonders of Emei Shan can best be experienced from the summit, weather permitting.
- Buddha’s Halo – Rainbow-like rings that surround and move with your shadow especially after a rain or snow.
- Sea of Clouds – As you peer off the edge of the summit all you can see are a blanket of clouds below you.
- Holy Lamp (Divine Lights) – Visible only at night the cause of these millions of tiny twinkling lights is unknown.
- Golden Summit Sunrise – Weather permitting, the sunrise from the mountain is truly breath taking as it quickly jumps from below the horizon.
Cost: RMB120 (RMB60 students) cable cars are RMB30-60
Travel Tips
Emei Shan is located about 2 hours from Chengdu (150km) and less than 1 hour (28 km) from Leshan. Adding a 2- or 3-day outdoor trip to Emei Shan from Chengdu is highly recommended, especially when paired with a visit to the Giant Buddha in Leshan.
Buddhist AI Chat Bot NORBU!
(Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding)
For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:
Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118
Note: Please indicate your name in the payment slip. Thank you.
Dear Friends in the Dharma,
We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.
Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:
One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.
How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.
For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:
Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB
The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118
Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.
Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.
Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.
Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.
Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.
Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!
May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,
With deepest gratitude,
Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team
Note: To date, we have received the following contributions for NORBU:
US$ 75 from Gary Gach (Loan)
US$ 50 from Chong Sim Keong
MYR 300 from Wilson Tee
MYR 500 from Lim Yan Pok
MYR 50 from Oon Yeoh
MYR 200 from Ooi Poh Tin
MYR 300 from Lai Swee Pin
MYR 100 from Ong Hooi Sian
MYR 1,000 from Fam Sin Nin
MYR 500 from Oh teik Bin
MYR 300 from Yeoh Ai Guat
MYR 300 from Yong Lily
MYR 50 from Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
MYR 1,000 from Chiam Swee Ann
MYR 1,000 from Lye Veei Chiew
MYR 1,000 from Por Yong Tong
MYR 80 from Lee Wai Yee
MYR 500 from Pek Chee Hen
MYR 300 from Hor Tuck Loon
MYR 1,000 from Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn Bhd
MYR 200 from Teo Yen Hua
MYR 500 from Ng Wee Keat
MYR 10,000 from Chang Quai Hung, Jackie (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from K. C. Lim & Agnes (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from Juin & Jooky Tan (Loan)
MYR 100 from Poh Boon Fong (on behalf of SXI Buddhist Students Society)
MYR 10,000 from Fam Shan-Shan (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from John Fam (Loan)
MYR 500 from Phang Cheng Kar
MYR 100 from Lee Suat Yee
MYR 500 from Teo Chwee Hoon (on behalf of Lai Siow Kee)
MYR 200 from Mak Yuen Chau
We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.
If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv