Listen to Zen at Xiangjisi Temple (8)

Xiangjisi Temple is located in Chang'an County in the south of Xi'an. The temple was built in 706 A.D. by monk Huai Yun in honor of his master Shandao. After the completion, the temple became a center of Sukhavati Sect activities therefore the temple is considered the birthplace of the Sukhavati Sect.

Shandao was (613 –681A.D.) of the main founders of the Sukhavati Sect of Chinese Buddhism.

Shandao tower in the Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty in 680 AD. Xiangjisi Temple was very popular in the Tang Dynasty. Tang Emperor Li Zhi contributed a thousand Buddha's relics, as well as treasures, flowery banners to support the temple. Empress Wuzetian and his son often visited the temple and worshiped the Buddha.