Free Life Pond

Type of Buddhist temple pond

A Free Life Pond is a type of pond at Han Chinese Buddhist temples.^[1] It is usually located in front of the Shanmen or the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings.^[1] The Free Life Pond embodies Buddhist thoughts of compassion and understanding of all living beings.^[1]

History

The Free Life Pond was firstly mentioned in the Great Treatise on the Perfection of Wisdom (大智度論), which read: "建德六年，齐地佛门遭劫。闻率僧众四十余循海路奔建康。辄遇大风波，楫折船沉。忽现巨龟，负众僧出水，须臾抵健康。闻口称南无阿弥陀佛。龟对曰：师父曾记否，吾乃海曲放生池之老龟也。闻恍然大悟。奏闻宣帝，帝大悦，敕建报恩寺，香火祀之。".^[1]

The Free Life Pond was originate erected by Zhiyi, founder of Tiantai school, in the Sui dynasty (589–618).^[1] In 759, Emperor Suzong of the Tang dynasty (618–907) ordered all Buddhist temples to set up Free Life Pond.^[1] According to Duo Po Ming Jing (多宝名经; 多寶名經), at that time, 81 Buddhist temples set up free life ponds under the emperor's command.^[1]

Function

The Free Life Pond can regulate the air, inhibit dust, but also has the role of fire prevention.^[1] If the Buddhist temple is on fire, the water in the pond can be used to fight the fire.^[1]

References

1. Zhang Yuhuan 2014, pp. 115–116.

Bibliography

• Zhang Yuhuan (2014-06-01). 《图解中国佛教建筑、寺院系列》 [Illustration of Chinese Buddhist Architecture and Temples] (in Chinese). Beijing: Contemporary China Publishing House. ISBN 9787515401188.

Further reading

• Zi Yan (2012). Famous Temples in China (in English and Chinese). Hefei, Anhui: Huangshan Publishing House. ISBN 978-7-5461-3146-7.
• Wang Jia (2012). Famous Mountains in China (in English and Chinese). Hefei, Anhui: Huangshan Publishing House. ISBN 978-7-5461-2704-0.
• Wang Guixiang (2016-06-17). 《中国汉传佛教建筑史——佛寺的建造、分布与寺院格局、建筑类型及其变迁》 [The History of Chinese Buddhist Temples] (in Chinese). Beijing: Tsinghua University Press. ISBN 9787302427056.