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WUTAISHAN
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Mt.Wutai is located
in the north-east of Shanxi,240 Kilometres from the
capital of Taiyuan,and is one of the sacred Buddhist
of China.The area's biggest attractions are the numerous
Buddhist temples.Mt.Wutai contains some of the most
imposing structures and huge variety of well-preserved
Buddhist art works including painted sculptures,frescoes
and carvings.It is therefore not an exaggeration to
the area as "a treasure trove of art".
Of the four major Buddhist Mountains in China,Mt.Wutai
has the longest and most prestigious history.The mountain
is actually a cluster of five terrace-like peaks,hence
the name Wutai(Five Terraces).Its cool and pleasant
summer climate has also given rise to another name:Qingliang(Cool
and Pleasant)Mountain.
Mt.Wutai is believed to be the place where Manjusri
lived and preached and so most of the statues found
here are in his image.The temples still serve as places
of worship and Buddhist monks and nuns can be seen conducting
their routine,and grand,religious ceremonies.In addition,the
cool mountain climate makes it an ideal summer resort.For
hundreds of years,Mt.Wutai has been China's most sacred
Buddhist ground mainly because it was where the highly
revered Manjusri,the Bodhisattva of wisdom,once lived
and taught Buddhism.
As the most trusted aide of Sakyamuni,the founder
of Buddhism,he drew emperors from various dynasties
here on pilgrimage,adding more significance to the mountain.
Furthermore,Mt.Wutai is China'only holy mountain where
both Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Lamaism are practised.Dalai
Lamas,Panchen Lamas and Lcangskyahothogthu (a Living
Buddha)have visited and preached here,some are even
buried here.
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